These Things Do Change

So it's been a few of those days that have been insanely busy and yet nothing seems to happen. You know how those go? You rush, rush, rush, are absolutely exhausted, then you look back and it seems like nothing has been done. Yep. It's been some of those days. Life sure doesn't stop for you when you're sick. There's still studying to do, errands to be run, and people to see.

The service for my uncle was delayed till next weekend due to the ground being frozen solid! However, my granny still wants to get home. With my parents working and me in school there really wasn't much in the way of being able to get her home when she wanted (which happens to be only 4 days before we are making the 5 hour journey). My other grandmother being the generous person she is drove 5 hours with her friend to come and get my granny and take her home. So kind. At this point though it makes me quite worried. My granny has been great to have around this winter, but it is still very stressful since she is mostly immobile. I don't want my grandmother to be rushing to take care of my granny since they live so close. It's not something she should have to do even though they get along so well. On a similar note, I found out today I only get 4 tickets for graduation since they have such a large number of graduates this spring. Now I'm trying to find someone with an extra so my parents, grandparents, and granny can all attend. Life. What are ya gonna do about it?

What do you do when you fight with your best friends? Not me, no...not me. But a friend of mine. She's having a tough time and without knowing the specifics I don't know what to say to comfort, help, or advise her. I wish I knew what to tell her. Things change, life changes, we change. People grow together and apart, and back together again. My best friend and I fought horribly for well over a year. There was tension, animosity, and a feeling of discontent every time we spoke. So much so that for a time, we didn't talk for months. I even resented her when she forgot my birthday. I though, did not forget hers and made sure to call then, Christmas, and other important times. Just to let her know I still cared and wanted her as a friend. It wasn't easy that's for sure. But now we are still greatest of friends and I'd say closer than before even though we still live a distance apart. Can't wait for this fall when we'll at least be in the same city and maybe even at the same school. That one's my 2nd choice though, so we'll see. Hey, this is the same friend who showed up at the concert wearing a Guinness shirt. Guess who now has the same Guinness shirt?! And for 8 bucks too! Fun stuff. Anyhow, the point of this story was that change happens. It is the natural order of things, and while it is never free of pain, trials, or tribulations, one thing is certain. We will make it out the other side. We may be a different person than when we began the journey, but we will survive. It is the time during the change that truly defines who we are. Not that which comes after.

Do you ever wonder what makes us do some of the crazy things that we do? Like me cutting class and traveling all over the continent...I think it is part of this never ending change. I hit a spot in life where significant change occurred and I was really truly happy again. Now I seek out that thing which makes me happy. Travel and Celtic Thunder. I'm looking forward more than ever to getting to see the friends I have made through this wonderful group. They truly are a new kind of family to me. Sure, some may not be as close as others and we may have our disagreements, but in the end we all come back together for the love of the music and the love of our friendships. It even seems many times that we Thunderheads have this odd and inexplicable connection. I tell you it's borderline creepy at times. But for now we are all quite excited as the lads are once again Stateside for PBS promotions! It's going to be so much fun to see them up to their antics joking with the PBS people and each other. This will be my 1st promo tour as a Thunderhead. I can't wait! Although I do think it will break my bank. One of my besties (there are many) wants to do Pre-show M&G. Well, they've been running $500 a pair and she wants me to front the money! Oh dear, oh dear. Oh mom! lol! Ultimately it's okay though since we don't have to pay for lodging. The best of craic it will be!

Anyhow, I've now written a novel about basically nothing. Here's to old friends, new friends, and friends who are only in our life when they are supposed to be.

Peace,
Elina

Enjoy the photo. It's from this past Christmastime in Derry.