Guys tomorrow is my last day in my native country for a year.
I have been abroad before but as a tourist and not for such a long time. Yes I am little nervous. But more excited. I love Ireland. I love wandering.
Bottom line I know this is the right thing to do for me now. I have no idea what it will actually be like to live in Ireland as an American. But I have not felt so good about an opportunity in a long time. And I have this theory that things don't really fall into place. If something pretty crazy just works out there is a reason behind it.

I am going to miss my family-- immediate and otherwise. I will miss a couple friends. And I am sure I will miss much more when I get there. 

But here are a couple notes:

1. I am not stupid. Yes I am twenty something, fresh out of school and moving to a foreign country. I have done stupid things in my life, but please, I am mature enough to consider the pros and cons of a major life choice and not just jump in head first. However I am a just immature enough that if you bring up possible down falls in my plan, that yes I have thought of, in a "I'm an older-person listen to me" voice I will zone out and disregard your well-meant but annoying lecture.





2. Taken is not a documentary.  It was a blockbuster film. Yes stuff like that happens. It does. It is sad beyond my ability to express that innocent helpless people are victimized everyday.

But I am so sick of the conversation that goes like this

Me: "I'm moving to Ireland." 
Other member of conversation in concerned boarder-line panic voice: "Have you seen Taken?"








Okay guys. That's like me saying "I'm visiting Washington/ Virginia." and someone saying "Have you seen 'Bones'?!" Yeah not really a huge crossover.






3. Just because I am willingly going out of the USA does not mean I am signing my own death warrant.
 I've  lived in Orlando, Florida and all sorts of murders and crimes happened while is was there. But when I told people I was planning on moving there no one batted an eye. I am not saying I regret Florida or ever felt very threatened there. My point is that the USA does not have a corner on the market for safety and everywhere else is  HERE THERE BE MONSTERS.

Okay done with the rant. You will think that everyone I encounter is not supportive. My friends and family were more supportive than I could have imagined and gave me help and tips I am really grateful for.

Yep, here's hoping tomorrow is something to remember the USA by. 

 (Note this was published May 30th but written the night of May 16th)

Ok so I am not a Gypsy in Ireland yet. But I decided to start this blog early. 
I went to Ireland two years ago and have been fighting tooth and nail to get back. Now I'm going back!!! I'm going to live there for a year.

I am a wanderer. Probably the only kid who called her mom into her room to ask her mom if we could move again. Yep. Did that. The problem was a few weeks later my parents announced that we were in fact moving from Colorado to Massachusetts I started sobbing on the spot. I realized that night that the idea of moving is fun and adventurous. But the reality is complicated.

I am so excited for Ireland. It's like I've been pulled for two years and I get to finally follow that pull.


But tonight I said good-bye to my brother. We are both staying with my grandparents currently. I until I get my visa, then I will go visit my immediate family then IRELAND. Jake is leaving tomorrow to see his girlfriend. When he gets back I will be gone.

My brother is one of the best people on earth. He is certainly one of my favorites. I'm not actually sure how much older I am than him... I think it's a little under eighteen months. But we have always been close. Even when we drive each other nuts. Tonight we were hugging good bye and he said "Why you gotta move half way across the world? Stupid!" This might sound cruel but its just sibling code. I got all choked up and I realized I didn't know when I was going to see him again.

I can't wait to go to Ireland. But tonight was the first time I got a good look at how hard this immigration would be. I am leaving people behind who I care so deeply about having no idea when I will see them again. I will do things without them, they will do things without me. We will be connected by emotional ties but no longer my common experience.


But hey, who said leaps of faith were supposed to be easy? That's right. No one.