until we meet again...

Hello, everyone!

Right now, I am sitting at the Daily Grind, the local coffee shop in downtown Marshall, making final preparations for my semester abroad in Ireland. I am cleaning up my inbox, double-checking my flight information, and making sure everything is ready to go. I leave for Ireland tomorrow at 1:10pm from the Minneapolis airport. I can't believe the time has come! I started preparing for this almost a year ago, attending information sessions on the application process as I whittled down my destination options. Once I chose Ireland, I had to fill out an application, write a personal statement, get letters of recommendation, and go through an interview process. I received news of my acceptance on February 13, 2008, and ever since all of my plans and thoughts have focused around this trip. Now, I am actually going to leave! I can't wait!

I am pretty much packed, although you wouldn't be able to tell from the mess in my bedroom. I have been working with the logistics of packing everything I will need for an entire semester in two suitcases, taking care to follow the rules on weight limit and dimensions. It has gone quite smoothly. Luckily, I started all of the packing well in advance (which is very unlike me - I am the ultimate procrastinator!). Now, I am just final additions and adjustments.

I will arrive in Shannon on Thursday morning at 6am, if everything goes according to plan. After that, I will fly to Paris for five days of adventure with a couple of friends. I will be back in Ireland on September 9, when my semester abroad officially begins. I will do my best to update this regularly - maybe one or two posts a week. I won't have my computer in Paris, so be prepared for a long entry when I get to Ireland!

As always, take care, and please keep in touch! I would love to hear from you about the things you are doing. Feel free to leave comments or send me e-mails, and I will do my best to respond.

Au revoir!