The Last Blog Post...

Sadly, my time here in Ireland has come to an end. I have loved living the Irish life style for the past three months and getting acquainted with the wonderful town of Maynooth. I have learned so much about myself this past semester than I have learned in the 20 years of my life. The friends, American and Irish, that I have made here will always have a special place in my heart. From traveling to new cities on the weekends to interacting with people who can't speak a lick of English to seeing the beauty of the world. The experiences I have had will always be with me as I have grown and learned from them. Ireland, you have my heart forever and I will be back soon so don't you miss me too much!

Here is just a simple list of the things that Ireland has taught me:

• I love Guinness. 
• I love anybody with an accent. 
• There is nothing wrong with having a night to yourself... And a tub of ice cream. 
• Sometimes you just gotta dance it out. Especially with your girls right next to you. 
• I have the most supportive family and friends. 
• There is nothing like the Irish Smick Sisterhood. 
• Studying abroad is life changing and everybody should experience living in a foreign country for an extended period of time. 
• Europe is beautiful and no city is the same. 
• I love a good adventure. 
• It is okay to get lost, because not all who wander are lost. 
• "I was finding myself and I didn't know I was lost. 
• Work hard, play hard. 
• The Irish love to drink and know how to party. 
• There is nothing like drinking a Bulmers in an Irish pub listening to live music. 
• It is okay to be homesick at time and want your mom. 
• When someone/thing is bothering you, be honest. Communication is the key to a good relationship no matter who it is with. 
• I am proud to be Chicagoian, A Smick, American, and Catholic. 
• Singing at the top of your lungs with your friends is necessary at least once a week. 
• I have mastered the art of grilled cheese and PB & J. 
• Sleep isn't necessary... Well, it kind of is. But on Mantra Mondays, it's not a priority. 
• I am a hopeless romantic and am always ready for a good Rom Com. 
• Sometimes it's okay to make decisions without thinking, it's the best way to learn. Mistakes are okay to make, learn from them and don't make the same decision twice. 
• There is nothing that beats the green scenery that is Ireland. 
• It's okay to lay in bed and have a good cry. It's actually really healthy. 
• There is no way I can hide being American and I can NOT fake an Irish accent for the life of me. 
• The Irish swear a lot, and I mean A LOT! 
• It is always a good time for Guinness. Hey, it's 5:00 somewhere! 
• Maximus chips are necessary after The Roost on Thursday, no ifs ands or buts. 
• Never have an Irish coffee in a place other than Ireland. 

So I leave you with this Irish blessing; 

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back 

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

the rain fall softly on your fields. 

And until we meet again, my friend 

May God hold you in the palm of his hand. 

Erin go Bragh, Ireland forever! <3 

Slainte for the last time, 

Libby