Ireland

Flying into Shannon, I realized this trip was going to be an amazing vacation for many reasons - I didn't have to rush back to work, it was going to be the longest vacation I'd had since college, and because it was going to be the exact opposite of what I imagine India will be like:

Lots of green, lots of space, not very many people (population peaked in 1850 with 8M and now there are 6M), cool weather, and lots of Guinness... It was an amazing time to read and relax. We stayed in Fanore for a week- visiting a few other places in County Clare. Then 3 nights in Killarney and our last night near Bunratty Castle. 


It was glorious. And now I am back in Atlanta wondering if 2 weeks is going to be enough to get everything done... It is nice to be at home with my family- thankful my sisters are also here for the summer! And there is plenty of time, I know, but it'd be nice to have some actual days filled with nothing before leaving July 12th. 


Excited about what is to come and about my roommates in Hyderabad. Anxious to get started on everything - I keep thinking about how it will feel come Sept. 1st, when I might have some kind of routine and work life there... : ) 

Visa and Passport

Huge relief, my passport has landed in Atlanta with the Visa! Which means I am going to Ireland on Friday and don't have to worry about applying for the visa again... Great to mark one thing off the list!

Last day of work tomorrow. Silent Auction for the Fugees Thursday. Moving out of my apartment Friday morning and then flying to Shannon, Ireland Friday evening. So so so many moving pieces, I am so thankful for such a wide support network.

Really, standing on the shoulders of giants. In the sense that I have some amazing people supporting me and allowing me to do this.

My amazing friend and coworker, Laura, threw me a going away party at work... The following is from the invite she sent out (as well as the picture):

Thursday, June 2nd 2011

As you know, our free-spirited Grace is leaving us for a while to hang out with some Indians (see picture).

In order to commemorate the beginning of her journey,

we'd like to invite you to hang out, drink some adult beverages, and play corn hole in the park.

She even brought Kingfisher beer. Glad to know I don't have to really say bye, since she is stuck with me forever regardless of where our respective cubes may be found (insert dancing picture of self for LR here).

Carried Away

exactly how i feel, i love david wilcox's trembling with joy

The great sea has set me in motion
Set me adrift, adrift on the sea
moving me like a reed in a river, moving me.

The sky and the strong wind
have moved the spirit inside me
'till I am carried away trembling with joy
carried away.

http://davidwilcox.com/index.php?page=songs&display=2083&category=Musical_Medicine