Why yes, I'm still alive and kicking, although I can understand the doubt. After all, five months is a long time, and I believe the longest time I went without posting any news. What can I say, it's been quiet over here. Well... maybe that's not entirely true.
My sister graduated from college in May, so for the first time since my departure a year ago, I got to go home. It was amazing to feel like I belonged again, to be surrounded by my family. I'm really glad it went to well, especially considering all the trouble I had getting there. You see, my first flight was one hour and twenty minutes late, which means I missed my connections. After going in circles for three hours in the London airport, I finally found the right counter, where they told me I was just short of an hour late to catch the next flight. And so, they sent me to a hotel where I spent the night, waiting for my new flight the following afternoon (without my luggage, of course, which at that point I had no idea where it was). But wait, it doesn't stop there! When I arrived the next day (five hours early, mind you), I was told that I had not been properly booked the previous day, and that the flight was now full. I was going to have to take an earlier flight that day, with an extra stop in Toronto. Well let me tell you, I ran like hell in Toronto to catch my flight, but I finally made it, 24 hours later than planned.
Luckily, I met a very nice lady at the London airport, who graciously freshened my face and made me look like my luggage had always been with me. I was also greeted at the airport by my parents, my sister, and a wonderfully still warm poutine. The time in Canada was wonderful though, and I can't wait to go back and see my family again.
Since then (and also previously to that), I have successfully survived the launch of the game I work for. Yes it was hectic, yes we were running around everywhere, but we made it! We even dressed up for the occasion. :) Naturally, now that launch has ended, we don't need as many people. But lucky me, I have made through the cuts, and still have a job! Until July 6th, anyway, which is when my contract expires. I do hope it gets renewed, as I still have a year to go on my visa and I would love to spend it there. Keep your fingers crossed!
Asides from work, I have been my most rebellious self so far this year. On my birthday this past February, I ignore the advice put in last year's birthday card from my parents, and went under the needle. I got my very first tattoo, a little design I did myself to commemorate my time in Ireland, the ups and downs. (Picture below!) Although it hurt quite a lot, I felt extremely proud of myself when it was over. I had conquered one of my fears and I was exhilarated.
I have also celebrated my first Saint Patrick's Day in it's home country, Ireland. I'll be honest, I was expecting a little bit more. Especially that evening in the pubs. I was told however that most Irish people start drinking early on that day, so everyone's in bed by 6pm. Fine by me, more room for us tourists! I had a blast that night, even checked off an item on my bucket list: hear the song Galway Girl live in a pub in Galway.
Now for pictures! :)
A cathedral in Galway city center
A couple horses from the day I spent at the stable
Work hard, play hard. This is me and my work colleagues on our day off, enjoying some paintball
The two beautiful bouquets of flowers I got for my birthday
And my tattoo! The shamrock to represent Ireland and the triskellion to represent moving forward (it's on my right ankle)
Keep smiling, love bugs!
Christine
