Thursday, January 13, 2011

One year later

It has officially been one year since the plane touched down in Dublin, and I miss Ireland today more than ever. A lot has changed in a year. I spent time in six different countries in 2010. Six! While being home has been a great comfort, I almost feel like someone has clipped my wings. I just need to get back on a plane and go somewhere, anywhere! Even a crowded hostel has started to look tempting.

But while the nostalgia stings like a fresh cut, I'm overwhelmingly grateful for the time I spent abroad. It has given me this itch to travel and try new things. I want to see the world, and try all of the cuisine along the way! And I have made some amazing friends who I know I will be in touch with for years and years to come.

If I am sure of anything, it is that I will return. There is so much I have yet to see and appreciate and I'm excited to explore new cities and countries. So I'll raise a glass with a Slainte! and cross my fingers that it will be soon.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Smooth Operator

Not being able to chew has its perks after all. Turns out, smoothies are delicious and much more filling than I thought. Mom has been combining strawberries, bananas, raspberry sorbet, ice and some fat free milk for me to drink while my wisdom teeth still limit what I can eat. They're so tasty and nutritious, that I'll definitely be incorporating smoothies into my everyday diet and exercise routine...that is, whenever I can find a way off this couch.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

New Year, Fresh Start

Happy 2011!

It's been months since I last blogged, so I decided the start of the new year was as appropriate a time as ever to get back into writing. So why not update the blog design a bit? After returning from Ireland, I felt that nothing was worth writing about, no story worth telling. I still miss my semester abroad as much as the day I left, but it's time to get back to the present. It's time to start celebrating the little gifts of everyday life, which was the purpose of this blog from the beginning.

So here's to a new year! With graduation a mere five (!!!) months away, job hunting and perhaps a trip back to Europe on the horizon, I have a lot to look forward to. That being said, I've resolved to be healthier. That means more regular workouts, more nutrient-rich meals and a more balanced lifestyle. I've subscribed to Women's Health magazine and updated my bookmarks toolbar to include more health and fitness blogs. Plus, all of my Christmas candy is gone at this point, so I might as well start eating more veggies.

Well, that is, after my mouth heals. See, the most recent little gift I've received is having my wisdom teeth out. Ok, well maybe that's not exactly a gift (I look like Mrs. Potato Head), but I am enjoying the relaxing couch time and seemingly endless marathon of Law & Order: SVU episodes. But all this lounging around has me itching to get started on my resolutions, and even get back to Boston. I've got a full schedule of journalism classes, as well as an internship at STUFF magazine! I'm so excited to get started with everything!

Now if I could just get over this pesky swelling...