You'd Better Hope You're Not Alone

Today is one of those days that reminds you exactly why you love living where you live. It's sunny but not too bright, warm (nearly 70° F, with an almost warm southwest breeze. The type of day that you put Jack Johnson on the speakers (no, no CT today. Sorry!), and anticipate his summer tour & new album. Classes were canceled, and there's not seminar this weekend so a 4 day weekend it is. Should be getting a lot done, but alas I am not. Instead I decided today was perfect for busting out the plethora of stunt kites we own. Arriving at the beach I find that the wind is too high for most of the kites. Grabbing the 2 appropriate ones I set off to the beach and pray that it's low tide. With all the beach erosion (coupled with a SW wind), one mistake and your (rather expensive) stunt kite(s) end up in the ocean! As time progressed the wind picked up and was too strong for the smaller kite. Time to bring out the high wind Prism E2! Yeeehoooo! This kite is large (an 88" wingspan), has a special extra-strong extra-slick line, and reinforced carbon fiber framework. It's a thrill to fly and can literally take you for a ride if the wind is strong enough. The challenge I was going to face was that I had longer lines than there was beach. Oh boy! The anticipation was great. I get about 1/2 way setting up my E2 and what do I find? the last time I flew I flew too hard and broke one of my lower spreaders! A tapered piece of carbon fiber that is a special order part. Absolutely heartbreaking.

The kite flying today (as opposed to jumping into the homework like I should) was for a good reason. Stress relief, and to give time to think. Some of you know what my life was like before I found Celtic Thunder (and in doing so, the Thunderheads), (if you don't well, maybe I'll choose one day to share it here. I don't know.), this person was a huge part of the state I was in. But anyway, there is this girl in my class who is just an unpleasant person. We all know someone like this. She's the person who when she walks into a room the comfortable feeling disappears, her voice also puts everyone on edge, people begin to keep their eyes down and keep to themselves, or you just don't talk at all in fear of being verbally attacked or put down. Yes, this grown adult is acting like a 4th grade bully. She puts other people down in order to feel better about herself, and does it in a way that the person in her line of attack can say/do almost nothing back without looking like the "bad guy" or the rude on in the situation. She is one of those people that needs to feel like she has some small margin of power over others to feel better about herself. Unfortunately, not only is this girl (she doesn't act mature enough to be called a woman or lady) well practiced at being a brutish tormenter, but she is also the Student Government President. What a great person they chose to represent the college eh? She's also one of those bullies who likes to cause a scene to make the person she's tormenting feel as if they've made a fool of themselves.

I serve in an official position for the college that this girl held last year, which pays for my education. I am not sure if she is jealous she did not get the position, or if it the cause is something else. She however, attempted to get me to make a scene in front of not only the donors who pay for my education, but also the President of the entire college, while I was serving in my official capacity. I was having a discussion with the President about a current economic [situation] we are facing here on the beach. This just so happens to be the exact career path which not one, but both of my parents have worked in. My father has been in the business for well over 20 years, and my mother recently in the past 5 years or so. This [work] is the topic of every dinner table discussion, nearly every conversation, and every waking moment in my house. It's something I'm well knowledgeable on. Perhaps not in extreme detail, but enough that I can hold my own in an intelligent discussion. This girl must have been eavesdropping on my conversation with the President, because not 1/2 a minute after finishing my discussion, she and a cohort of hers are up in my face telling me how I don't know what I'm talking about, that I sounded "really stupid", and asking me how I was qualified to discuss such topics. There was more, but I do not wish to go into detail. This was not by-far the first time I had received such treatment from this girl. I am a nonviolent, non confrontational person the majority of the time. Never before had I been as angry as this time though. I felt ready to cry out of anger and frustration, and just wanted to smack this girl. Of course I did not (remember the big wigs being around and all), as this is not a kind thing that I do normally. So I took a deep breath, explained why precisely I was able to be knowledgeable on such topics, then walked away and took my place sitting on the opposite side of the room. I was not going to give this girl the satisfaction of showing just how much she'd hurt me by causing a scene. I was the bigger person, and walked away. Why? In the words of Izzy Stevens, "Because it's what Jesus would freaking do!"

There have been countless other times I've either personally experienced, or personally witnessed this same person misrepresenting her position at the college through her actions. The fact that we have a history from serving on the Student Government together seems to make my complaints to the administration fall of deaf ears. But you know, these things she harasses folks about, many of them wouldn't actually be bad if she rephrased her words. Have you ever heard, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it,"? Apparently this girl has not. Many times I feel sorry for people who are so unhappy and insecure in their own world that they must act out to feel better. In this situation I simply can not. The people she has hurt, the way she treats people as if they are dirt (when she is truly no better than what she thinks of them), it is simply inexcusable. Unfortunately I do not know what to do more than has already been tried. It is simply not worth the energy, or my time. She and I have not spoken one word to each other since the exchange I recounted above. Of course this is not the way to walk through life, ignoring your problems. But this seems to be the only way to deal with her. Not only did I serve on the Student Government with her, but she has been in many of my classes (hazards of a small school), and now she will graduate with me as well! It seems that sometimes you can't just catch a break. I've been surrounding myself with positive people, positive activities, and things I love. Yet every time I see her I can't help but remember the times life was bleak. Very bleak. It makes staying happy so difficult at times. Thank you to all of you who help me hang on to that sunny part of life. You know who you are, and you are all my saving grace.

Let us hope that one day this girl will see there is more to life than being a tormenter. That she can finally be happy and stop using other people to find her cheep thrills. This type of victorious feeling does not last, which is why she does it again, and again.

Oh! A quick (and random) happy-type thought. I think that Keith needs to go kite boarding if he hasn't already. If I had the money for the equipment I'd have been on the water today. The wind is great and there are no waves for surfing (which is sad). Fabulous kiteboarding weather! Well, dad's just texted and is putting me to work. Another day then. Don't worry, I still haven't forgotten the QVC review!

Peace,
Elina

I'm not sure where in Ireland this picture is from, but if you look real close in the right hand side you can see a speck of red. That's someone with a power kite, which is what you use to train for kiteboarding.

The Island We Know & Love

So I promised a review of QVC....well...this isn't it! Sorry. It is on the way though. I have the 1st day all written up but need to work on the 2nd. It's going to take a while. So for now I'll be continuing my posts as usual. This past week we heard about bomb scares in Derry from Damian. Some folks have been saying that the IRA is claiming responsibility, but when trying to find any information on the subject it's a tough search. Even checking the major international media outlets has proved a bust for me. It would be interesting to hear which faction of the IRA (if that's who the attacks are really by) is claiming responsibility. I've been reading a nonpartisan book on The Troubles and there were many cases of the 'left hand not knowing what the right is doing' within larger organizations involved.

It baffles me how in modern day society, in a westernized culture no less, that we see such travesties. As long as there are humans, as long as we all believe in different things, and hold different values there will be violence. It seems rare these days that we fight over land like in days gone by. Now we fight for principals, different viewpoints, and goods (oil, gold, wood). The latter is thereby also fighting for wealth. Interesting how we spend money to fight for something to turn a profit. Seems a bit counterintuitive to me.

Anyhow, on to better topics than the state of the world! Returning home on Thursday (yes, I skipped 3 days of class out of 4 last week), I found a green envelope waiting for me. One of the lovely Angels had sent out St. Patrick's Day cards! It sure brought a smile to my face. I'm very bummed that meeting up with the Angels in Denver this fall tour will not be possible. One can only do so much though with 4 other shows, college to save up for, gas to pay for, and other expenses (and eventual plans of course!). Speaking of money it looks like a job may be in the works. The position is temporary (just 8-10 weeks), but the pay is better than anything you'll get around here, and (I've been told) the hours are particularly flexible. This is important as a full-time college student. On this beach you don't find employers who are willing to make exceptions for, or help out students. It's quite sad. So here's hoping this will work out!

Today I had to take the exam I missed while in West Chester. I'd heard it was difficult and that the study guides weren't much help, but I didn't realize just how little help they really were! It was a doozy. I mean, I'm a good student for the most part. I get good - and even great - grades, study, go to class all the time (except for some CT exceptions), and participate/ask questions. Alas, this semester has been difficult. Being sure I keep my GPA is going to be resulting in less online time.

But this will also give me a chance to enjoy these beautiful days we are having. Sometimes living here can get annoying. It's cold in the winter, with icy northeast winds that bite to the bones, and cold rain that lashes down to sting your face. But it's the days we get now, sunny, mild temperatures, and a sweet breeze that makes you realize why you live here. These are the days we locals get to enjoy before the tourists get here for the season. Although that's already starting to gear up! Easter is the unofficial kickoff to the 2010 season and that's actually not too far away. It's also Bike Week and Spring Break. The island is going to be packed!

Oh my look at the time! It's off to cardio class. Gotta get me bum in shape for summer (89 days!) and graduation (50 days!). Be good now, and don't do anything I wouldn't do. ;)

Peace,
Elina

The photo is overlooking a beach (I think they call them a "strand" in Irealand) named Mizzen Head in County Cork. At least I think that's the name of the beach. :)

And I Would Walk...em...Drive 500 Miles

So the cat is out of the bag. I'm up in Pennsylvania today! It's very funny driving on the roads up here. Everyone drives in the right lane, and if they need to pass someone (or a line of cars) they get in the left lane, then move back over as soon as possible between each car. So close at times, that the car passed must hit their brakes. What is the rush to get back over people?! That's okay though, because you see, on the beach we actually, you know...use the left lane to drive in. So I've no issue taking full advantage of its emptiness. Overall, the trip up was relatively uneventful other than it raining the entire 410 miles. By the time we reach the QVC studios I'll have traveled 500 miles to see them! :D As of right now, I'm waiting patiently - or not so patiently - in the library at my friend's college, for us to make our way to QVC for the St. Patrick's day festivities with the six Celtic Thunder lads. I can't wait! There's going to be five of us from all over the country (In my group. Don't know the total attending), some meeting for the first time ever, others reuniting.

Let me tell you, it was beyond difficult to think of a gift to bring! Nothing too big if you want the possibility of them taking it home, yet nothing so odd it would be discarded anyway. After much debating back and forth, an offhand comment brought me my gift idea. A bottle of Grey Goose vodka, and a shot glass each. Yes, yes, even for Damo. He's very nearly old enough back home anyway. I'm particularly fond of Sharon's which reads, "Women who behave rarely make history." Of course you can't just bring gifts for the guys and not your fellow Thunderhead companions. One was given last night, and I'm really hoping that the other 3 go over just as well. It's always great to get together with fellow Thunderheads. Just a look, a word, or a photograph can start the kind of gut-busting, tears-streaming-down-your-face, bordering-on-hysteria laughter that still makes you giggle when you think of it days later.

About 1 1/2 weeks ago, I purchased a new, smaller, point & shoot camera since my regular (and very nice one) just doesn't fit in my purse. It's just too bit with the lens! Tonight is my first "official event" with it and I'm so nervous something will go wrong or it won't do what I want it to do. Ah well, we'll sure see won't we? I've a good feeling at the same time though since it's a Nikon. Test pictures so far have been fairly decent.

I stayed with my friend last night about 1 1/2 hours away from the QVC studios. I've never before slept in a house that old, nor with that many people. 12 total in the family! We had the best of craic staying up till nearly half-two trying to pick out Celtic Thunder pics, and watching Celtic Thunder videos. Or rather trying on the latter, but failing, as her internet is evil incarnate. Walmart run was a must to print some lovely photos and pick up a few last minute items. Silver Sharpie replacements anybody? They're an absolute requirement.

Anyhow, I'm off to get my little toeses all pained up for tonight. You don't think it's an odd thing to do in the library do you?

I'll be back with a full report in...well....I don't know when. But I will be. Someone hold me to it this time please? Keep 'er lit y'all!

Peace,
Elina

Today's picture...well, it has to be of the lads with the green background! I don't think anything else would fit this post.

Singing Songs From Different Times

Okay, so that was the "philosophical" update. Now for one on life in general. The funeral was, as expected, horrible. The nicest people in attendance were my uncle's coworkers and my mom's family members that attended. They didn't have to do that, but it was very kind of them to be there to support my mom, who has been supporting my granny. Overall this has not been easy. Not that it has been sad. In fact, I had to ask for the condolences to stop. There was nothing sad about this funeral for me. My uncle was in much pain for many years and it is a relief that he is no longer.

But depressing topics aside! I got an extremely early birthday prezzie from my mom...M&G tickets for a Celtic Thunder show this fall tour!! I can't wait! 2 shows in just over a week. This is going to be insane...I must be insane! No, no. I am perfectly normal and very, very happy. That my dear, is the part that matters. Not the absolutely insane amount of money I'll have spent, or the number of friends who give me the "oh-brother-here-we-go-again" looks when I start up about Celtic Thunder/Ireland/the lads/etc. I'm happy in this little world with my fellow Thunderheads. Here's to many more years of the same.

Today has been a quiet but productive day. I was up early to see the lads on the CBS Morning Show. What is wrong with these people up at 6 in the morning on a Saturday?! And a right goodly one to sleep in at that being all rainy and such. I have a feeling the lads had just as much objection with their lobby call at 5:30. Seems that one hour of sleep was in order for them according to Keith & Ryan. Poor lads. The interview was hilarious! It was awesome that we Thunderheads got to ask questions. It avoided all the mundane questions that newbies tend to ask. Not that newbies aren't great, it's just nice to get in some questions that really get the ribbing going! Ryan, oh dear, sweet Ryan. He still seems so nervous and shy at times. I realized this morning just how much he fidgets! I swear the lad is almost, but not quite, as bad as me on that account.

My goodness this has been the longest week in existence I swear! This past weekend (March 5-7) dragged on with the funeral. I'd planed to visit the bestie about 1 hour away, but the folks said the funeral was not an optional event. Then oh my oh but was Monday fun! I drove to the nearest "city" and let's admit here, it's not really a city by today's standards except by name. But that's where the bestie was and it was a nice visit including IHOP. Yes, to quote Keith (kinda), "IHOP + Erin = Happy Erin!!!" lol! It was, get this, blueberry pancakes, topped with more blueberries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. *giggles* Oh yes, it was divine. Tuesday brought about an It's Entertainment viewing party among great friends who had never before seen Celtic Thunder (the horror I know!!). We made all Irish food, so naturally there were potatoes in, and along with, everything. Corned beef & cabbage with potatoes & carrots, potato soup, Guinness stew (compliments of moi, and yes, including potatoes), then there were desserts galore. My one friend even made an apple pie with the woven top, and made little shamrocks to put on top of the weaving. Fabulous! Neil was adorable as usual (but I miss his piercings) and Keith, well...Keith looked hungover and pissed off. Probably that he was just 30 min from the beach and couldn't go surfing. Poor lad! And before you ask, no, no. We couldn't resist! The show is right before a special date, so I've an early birthday prezzie! The same as our dear friend Tangy got. :) Love you mom! We're such suckers for each other. We really, really are.
Wednesday brought even more craic watching It's Entertainment on the local PBS with the bestie. Love it! We watched the 1st and 2nd broadcasts. Keith looked better, and Neil still looked adorable.

After that, time has just drug endlessly on. Mundane tasks and such today. Laundry, cleaning, laundry, ignoring homework, more laundry. All to prep for skipping (joyfully) out on some classes next week (including an exam!) to see some great friends. I can't wait! It's going to be the best of craic! Plus I've a borrowed GPS which is absolutely lovely. No getting lost for me this time! Hey! That's what happens when where you live you drive east & hit water, drive west & hit water. Anyhow...the clocks change tonight and I've training with Sensei in attendance in the morning so it is time for sleep. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and as good a next week as I am anticipating for myself. It's time for St. Patrick's Day!! Keep 'er lit!
Sláinte!
Oh, and the famous stout. Keith may keep it. Some nasty, vile stuff that is.

Peace,
Elina

The picture is of Kylemore Abbey in County Galway. It makes me think of St. Patrick's day. Not all this commercialized, stereotype stuff we have here in the States.

Also enjoy the vid of today's interview!
Sorry it's so tiny. It cut off part of Ryan otherwise and that's just tragic.

All We Are Saying is Give Peace A Chance

It's been quite a while since my last post. Today I've decided to post twice. I've begun an online religion class under distance education to fulfill some credits. The 1st assignment was by no means difficult, but the same thing that happens on this blog happened on there. I meant to wright just a little, and wrote a whole lot! I've edited the post a bit for information purposes, but I hope you enjoy my thoughts none the less.

Here is the assignment:
Tell us a little about yourself in the description area. Why study religion? Who are you? What do you think about? Who is your family? Who are your loved ones? What are you studying? Why are Catholic Christians and Protestant Christians in conflict? Hindus battling Muslims? Buddhists battling Hindus? Muslims at war against Christians? Jews struggling with Muslims?

Below is my response:

My feeling is that I can not necessarily classify myself with a religion. While baptized and confirmed Catholic, my family no longer attends mass and we do not observe religious holidays (such as the Feast of St. Stephen, Ash Wednesday, etc.) or many traditions. I am very interested in studying other religions simply to understand why others feel the way they do. Our beliefs may differ, yet we all believe them for some reason that is important and dear to us as individuals. I am the person who has visited the Catholic cathedrals in Washington D.C. and Chartres, France. The person who has meditated at the Buddhist temples, and been blessed at the Shinto shrines in Kyoto & Osaka, Japan. Religion may give some direction in life, but not me. I am not religious, perhaps spiritual though. I would prefer to take a walk on the beach at sunset to enjoy the beauty, then sit in a service (of any belief system) and listen.

Now that I have already written well too much I will say that I do not mind responses of any kind to my posts. These posts are simply my own thoughts and feelings on a topic. This is the beauty of different beliefs, the fact that we do not all share the same opinion. The world would be a quite boring place if we all thought and felt the same way! I am not one to get upset or angry. When presented with a different side of a subject I try my best to understand why he/she may feel that way. Although I may not necessarily agree, it is always good to know why someone feels the way they do before jumping to rash conclusions.

The questions, oh the questions! I presume I should begin to answer some of them.

As previously stated, I study religion to gain a better understanding of the would around me from another's point of belief. But I suppose my family is quite open to such ideas. While we used to attend mass when I was young, we do no longer. Both parents work 7 days a week, 14-16 hours a day. We very rarely see each other, and meals together are a rare occurrence. Your loved ones however, do not necessarily have to be confined to your family. Dear friends and even those you do not know as well can be your loved ones. Those who are there for us in times of need, whether we ask assistance or no, can be our loved ones. These individuals can even be people we may have never met. They can even become a whole new kind of family, complete with love, support, trials & tribulations, disagreements, and inside jokes. These are people who will be there for you through the laughter, tears, and joys in life, whether by blood or choice.

As for the subject of conflict between various religions, can we ever truly pinpoint one specific reason for which they are at odds? Is it due to a difference in who/what is worshiped? Is it a specific practice of that system of faith? Is religion being used as an excuse for a deeper conflict, such of that as borders or wealth? Such disputes can be discussed until exhausted and no resolution may be found. Looking from the outside in, how can one ever truly understand who is "right" and who is "wrong", or be able to take a side without experiencing the conflict first hand. Much of that which we see in the media can be skewed or biased, telling only part or one side of the story.

Take for instance, The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The United States holds many more immigrants from the Republic of Ireland, then from Northern Ireland. For this reason, delving into U.S. media archives, you will find much more support for the IRA and the struggle to unite the island as one nation (Northern Ireland is part of the UK while the Republic is and independent country and part of the EU). This conflict is mostly known as a fight between Protestants who wanted NI to remain part of the UK, and Catholics who wanted the island united as one. There were people of both religions on each side of the conflict, one just happened to be more prominent than the other.
The Good Friday agreement was signed effectively ending the Troubles. However there is still fear of violence and a reoccurrence in the level of religiously fueled violence. As you are all aware I'm sure, we just had a shift in the balance of power within our government. Earlier this year, NI was prepping for much of a similar shift. Unlike the U.S. however, the lawmakers remained in closed chambers until the small hours of the morning when they could finally come to an agreement of how the country was to be run. This dedication was largely in fear of an outbreak of religiously fueled violence.

Many times when we think of such violence we think of poor or undeveloped countries. Yet here is a westernized society who have been squabbling for decades, centuries really if you wish to go that far back, over such a thing as religion. Why? That is the question we strive to understand. Part of this may have to do with the fact that we are simply human and no more. We like being told we are right and like to believe that we are right. We will tirelessly argue that we are right even if we eventually realize that we are not. Apologizing to someone, or admitting we are wrong is a very difficult thing to do in life.

Sadly, I know very little of any of the conflicts posed in the instructions for this board. This is one of the reasons this class captured my interest. To better understand that which is occurring in the rest of the world.

No matter the reason for such conflicts, the results for those involved and the residents of such torn areas is heartbreaking. One of my greatest passions is that of music. Music is universal. It can express things that we can not put into words. Recently I happened across an artist by the name of Mickey Coleman from Northern Ireland. On his newest album there is a song titled "Mother's Lullaby" which deals with what is happening on the Gaza strip. I wish to share this song with you. It is particularly powerful when coupled with imagery from Gaza itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2HzAhjn9ec
What the photographs capture are some very distressing images. If you do not wish to see as such, you can still hear the song here on his official MySpace page. http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

If you have made it reading this far, thank you. I look forward to getting to hear everyone's views on the different topics we will be covering in this short span of time!

Peace,
Elina

This photo is from Belfast in County Antrim.

Now's The Only Time I Know

Conundrum solved. So I've decided to not get Meet & Greets for the 2nd show. Although the money is there, I've decided against being a selfish, greedy person this time since I have obtained Meet & Greets for a different show. Hopefully someone will really enjoy getting to meet the lads with the 2 tickets I was considering purchasing. For those of you know know what my intentions were though, it sure would have been a wicked surprise wouldn't it? Ah well. Another time. I was fortunate to meet most of the lads & band in Toronto in an extremely casual situation which was fabulously special. I wouldn't trade those few days for the world!

At this moment I'm supposed to be traveling up north a ways to my uncle's funeral. But life being life, the parents got insanely busy so we leave first thing in the morning. But after today I understand! It's been a busy one for us all. Anatomy & Physiology test this morning, appointment directly after, down to the parent's office for some things, back to a hair appointment...! It just never stopped. All this running around in the car gave me time to think. So many of us lead such busy lives that we never stop for a moment to appreciate the things around us. I can't remember the last time I went to the beach just to look at the ocean, or go fly a stunt kite up on the dunes just for fun. It's school, homework, training, homework, sleep, school, repeat. Sometimes though, we get special moments that we must take in quickly because that is all we get when they are so brief. Sometimes we don't get to take pictures. Sometimes we get nothing but our memories. These are most precious, most treasured.

My second trip to Japan was just one week long including travel days. I took well over 1,000 photos to remember the time by. As the plane wheels touched American soil, I accidently reformatted my memory card and permanently lost every picture from my trip. In Toronto I was having too much of a good time to even remember to break out my camera! I have no photographic evidence of getting a famous "George hug" (at 2:45 in the morning no less!) as so many others do. Instead there are only my memories of slightly embarrassing myself. So through experience I tell you, capture every moment like it is special. Time while given, is fleeting. How we spend it is up to us. We can be morose and mope around, or we can seize opportunity and take chances. We might get hurt along the way, but there will be friends and family to pick us back up and make us laugh along the way.

Thanks to my friends there are many things that will never be the same again. Showers, microphones, playing cards, spoons, and pancakes just to name a few. Seemingly quite random I know! This is what friends are for. Those little things that you see when you are having a bad day that never fail make you laugh. There's nothing like it!

Peace,
Elina

The picture is of the Temple Bar in Dublin. You can see The long exposure helps create the feel of life passing by in a blur.

Somethin' Special

So it was a 4 day weekend and I've very little to report on account of being sick! Yes, what a way to spend an extra long weekend. But if I'm gonna be sick, I suppose now would be the time and not in a few weeks here. I'll be too busy then to be sick! Why? For it's now the month of March which means....St. Patrick's Day!!! Not like I'll be home for the parade, but still!

So while sitting at home feeling under the weather, the excitement remains high for the beginning of the promo tour for It's Entertainment! Our PBS will be hosting Neil & Keith next week and the bestie will be home from university on spring break. Can anyone say "viewing party"?!?! It's sure to be great craic! This airing of the show of course is for the pledge drive, but that is of no matter as we already have our Meet & Greet tickets!!!!! They were quite the pretty penny, but are going to be quite worth the cost. I want to get Meet & Greets for another show but am facing a conundrum which at the moment, I don't know how to solve. I'm thinking I've about less than 24 hours to solve it as well. Ah well. Tis life.

So the day turned out to be quite swankaliscious after all! Meet & Greet tickets, Skyping with amazing friends, and lovely stories from even lovelier friends. All this excitement....I'm not sure my wee heart can take much more!

It's nearly time for midterms, so after this week life kicks into even higher gear. Ready, steady, go!

Peace,
Elina

This posts' picture is from Dublin City.