playing ketchup.

slide. slip. boom. crack. ouch.

That was the sound of me slipping on the ice. Twice. It's cold in Ireland and everything is frozen; my toes, and the sidewalk. I fell twice and nearly 100 other times. Luckily, Luke was holding me for one of the occurrences but the other, I was ALL alone on my way to work. It was one of those tumbles that you cannot recover, although, I still tried. Have you ever had one of those that you are so embarrassed that you try and immediately stand up and play it cool? Well, it's not so simple on ICE. The slip happened so fast, but the recovery felt eternal. Of course, it had to be when people were around! Why!? The poor mom walking her dog did a double take when she heard me shriek, "aahhhhhhhhhhhhh", as I was trying to prevent a bellyflop. Did I mention she was across the road and apparently still heard my boots shifting on the road like ice skates? She kindly eased her way the the other sidewalk and managed to shout across traffic, "Sweetie, are you okay?". I was as red as a ripe tomato, my ears grew hot, and I embarrassingly enough felt the lump in my throat and petite tears were starting to surface. I waved from the ground to signal I was okay. What I really wanted to say was, "Yes LADY, I'm fine! Now keep walking like you never saw it!" And, I wanted to give her a different hand gesture, but I refrained. It wasn't her fault, but at that moment, she annoyed me. Sorry nice lady...

Anyway, I stood up, and gathered my composure. I attempted to neglect the throb in my tailbone, the sharp pain in my shoulder, and most of all, the pure embarrassment that made me hot. Then I was off to teach pimply teenagers.

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Thanksgiving: Ireland Style

Thanksgiving was eventful and abundant. We were delighted to share this special day with Luke's parents who so generously flew out here to visit, and Amy (the other student teacher). The entire time Luke's parents were here felt like a vacation for us, too! I wonder how many times I said thank you? A LOT.

While Luke's parents were here we did so much chatting, guinness gulping, and card playing. It was 10 perfect days; adventurous, relaxing, and most of all, loving. Hugging them this time was different; it was permanent and parental. THANKS MARK AND ROXY FOR LOVING ME.

(and Luke, too)

I hope everyone had a perky day of thanks, as well.

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Transitions: hmmmph.

Okay, here's the gist. We've been characters in a fairy tale and the fable is almost coming to an end. Except, this is no fiction. It's been pure reality; a real dream come true. I wish I could say I don't want to wake up, but I'm already awake, alive, and alert, to my surroundings; it's simple, I don't want it to end. The expiration date it approaching and I'm flooded with internal commotion. hmmmph.

I'll do my best to help you understand but, I'm having difficulty even verbalizing it. I've got one foot in and one foot out. I'm living in the past, and in the future. I'm happy and sad. I'm anxious and calm. I'm just one big fat oxymoron. Hmmmph.

We left Las Vegas August 5th. December 21st we arrive again. We leave Galway, Ireland December 12th. One week, and one day. I say goodbye to my students and staff on the 10th. I graduate college on the 14th. Then we're off to London and Berlin. Then we get married July 15, 2011. Jobs, accommodation, birthdays, weddings, babies, and goodbyes. I'm struggling to digest the commotion. Hmmmph.

This classic short story has been a fantasy; it's created a melodramatic cliffhanger for the rest of our adventures to come.

Stick around for the next 80 years to read the whole saga!

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A quick visual recap of our travels thus far.

One last week. One London Trip. One Berlin trip.

More to come.

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wrap it up.

I had full intentions of writing much much more but I want to keep some discreet. Today, after eating our usual curry at the market, Luke went to work. I picked up some goodies for our last week at the store, and set sail for home. The day was beautiful: brisk, clear, and peaceful. I took the oceanside walk and turned up my IPOD. I didn't want to choose who to listen to, so I let shuffle decide for me. As I was walking, I was so happy and so sad. It goes back to my transition post (you know, the whole oxymoron thing). I was feeling; feeling all sorts of things. But for the most part, I was feeling happy. I approached "the rock", the spot Luke proposed at. It's a beautiful spot and seemed so fitting to my mood to go sit on the bench. So, groceries in hand, I sat on the bench, let shuffle make my decisions for me,

and I wept.

My heart was overwhelmed with gratitude and Jesus knew it.

It was my savior and me, and so much more.

<3

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my treasure!

Ok. We weren't going to buy my ring in Ireland because the exchange rate sucks booty. However, I stumbled upon this beauty unexpectantely at a darling vintage store and I just knew I couldn't leave with out it. I sadly parted with my temporary ring but excitedly bonded with my new vintage treasure. Thank you thank you love!

I took these on the bench today.

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peace and love from the Galway Bay,

katie