New Year, New You? Meh.

I’ve learned a long time ago that resolutions do not have to be made on the start of the New Year. What is so special about this particular day? For me it’s always been a halfway point rather than a new beginning- school and whatnot. Furthermore, if I am making any resolutions, I always make sure to make them realistic.

In the past I have done:

• ·      Make new friends and keep better contact with the old
• ·      Graduate
• ·      Smile or laugh everyday
• ·      Take time for myself

New Year's Eve Crew

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Although I have had varying success, for the most part I am happy with what I accomplished. This year I want to take more photos- I apologize in advance to all my friends- and I would like to get my MA.

This year I got to spend it with new friends, and am excited to see what 2016 will hold.

Now that that’s out of the way, it is time to backtrack.

The beginning of the feast.

Christmas Eve was spent making my very first mince pies- as Chris’ mother said, “rustic but delicious”- and trying to do some last minute shopping. We ended up going out to spoons for the night where I got to met all of his old secondary friends and they were all so lovely. We stayed out in town way longer than intended and I hate to admit I was a little hungover from the night before- although not as bad as Chris ;)

Christmas day was spent doing absolutely nothing besides enjoying family time and watching Love Actually, and the Queen’s speech. At the end of the night the entire family ended up playing a few games and it was all just so relaxing.

For Boxing Day, Chris, his brother Michael, and myself decided to go ice skating while their parents braved the crowds to take advantage of sales. Being from a place ice skating is second nature, I was surprised at how rusty I was at it. And boy, what a difference it makes to have your own skates. I asked at the counter how often they sharpened them and was appalled that the answer was every two weeks!

Rushmere Country Park

The next day was my Birthday and I was surprised upon receiving more gifts from Chris and his family. We went out for a walk a nature park and then I went out to dinner with Michael, Chris, and Sara- a girl whom I met Christmas Eve. A few of Michael’s friends showed up later on and treated us with a few jäger bombs. I went home at a decent time and had a wonderful night sleep.

Monday was my last day in England and the entire family and myself went for a long, but rather enjoyable, walk around the Tring reservoirs which showcased the incredible English countryside. I was able to see some canal boats and a few swans before I packed up and flew back to Ireland.

Bulbourne

Tring Reservoir.

One of the many canal boats

It was a strange sensation stepping back on Irish ground.

I felt as if I was coming home, and as I opened my door to my apartment I felt like I could breath and relax again.

I am so lucky to be where I am, and maybe this year’s resolution should be to try and cherish every moment I am here.

Xx kim

PS

I would also like to dedicate this entry to the man that nicknamed me "the blueberry-eyed baby." You were such a big part of my life and graced this earth for the past nine decades with smiles and perseverance. I'm glad you are no longer in pain

 <3

A Very English Christmas

This isn't the first time I've spent my Christmas holidays abroad, however the last time was in Australia and I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.... This year it feels more odd since it's cooler and it actually feels like Christmas time.

I've come over to England- just north of London- to spend the holidays with one of my good friends that I met in Australia. I hadn't seen Chris or his family in nearly 18 months and I was hit with a boatfull of nostalgia when he and his brother picked me up at the airport.

The family home is just far out enough on the countryside that it almost reminds me of where I live back home in the States. I haven't felt as home here as I have in quite some time. It's amazing how open families can be, and at Chris' home everyone has been so welcoming.

Since Monday, I saw an English pantomime and spent the day in London.
I had no idea what a pantomime was besides the fact that it usually consists of cross dressers... Boy it was quite an experience. The theme this year was Aladdin, and Priscilla Presley was the Genie. There was so much audience interaction and jokes for both the children and adults attending. I was so proud that i understood the majority of the jokes referenced even though they were mostly about English pop culture.

Before going to the theatre, we went to the Milton Keynes shopping center and it was huge. Unlike most of the malls in America, this center was all one story so it seemed to go on for ages.

The Theater at Milton Keynes

Today, Wednesday, Chris and I made the journey into London to go up the shard and do other tourist stuff- like see Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. We ended our day in the winter wonderland in Hyde Park. It was very much like a fair or carnival back home but loaded with stalls offering mulled wine and hot cider. I was lucky enough to meet with Allie once again and Nick- another friend that I met whilst in Australia. We stayed in the Bavarian Village for the majority of the night listening to live music's and catching up since it's been so long since we've all been together. Our meeting was to brief but I hope I'll see them again in the future.

All in all a very good break so far. I still can't believe it's been three months since I left. Time is going back quicker and quicker.

Xx kim

PS
I arrived on Monday no problem from Dublin, and the day was very nice and relaxing. Chris brought me up to me up to Dunstable downs- I know confusing, right?- and we experienced some of the most intense wind gusts I've experienced for some time.

Still, the view was pretty spectacular.

Pictures will be pretty sparse this week, because I'm only using phone photos and none from my camera since I don't have access to my laptop.
So long until next time and happy holidays!