I don't know how it happened.
I was in my room in Needham Massachusetts coming up with creative ways to procrastinate packing at three in the morning. I blinked and had this indescribably incredible dream; suddenly the calendar is telling me it's four months later, and I am procrastinating the dreaded packing again in Dublin. This time, though, I'm avoiding it because it makes my departure a reality. As soon as I see empty drawers and closet space, it is real.
All week I worked on my portfolio, the 27 page long analysis of my internship at Starcom. Handing that in today was epic. It was a huge relief; the work is done, but now, so is the adventure. The program hosted a delicious luncheon for us as a farewell, handed out our DCU sweatshirts, and little green teddy bears that say I <3 Ireland. It was so, so cute. I reluctantly handed back my bodhran, and quite delightedly gave back all of the textbooks. It really is over.
Yesterday at Starcom everyone was absolutely incredible. I am going to miss them so much, and they made me feel like I was going to be missed as well, which was huge for me. My main goal was to contribute something to the company, to leave it better than I found it, in whatever small way, and I feel like I did that. As a very generous leaving present, they got me a gorgeous Newbridge Silverware bracelet that I haven't taken off since, a box of sinfully delicious Butler's chocolates, and adorable business cards with the Starcom logo that say Eileen O'Hara, Media Intern. I will most definitely be handing those out to friends and family. We went out for drinks and said our goodbyes; I know they have temporary employees come and go, but this was my first real desk job, therefore quite memorable, and it was hard to say goodbye.
Let me think of what else I can say to put off the packing.
To be true to my melodramatic self, I must admit; I feel heartbroken. It has been the most incredible experience being here, and it actually hurts to think that I won't be living this life anymore. I know I am blessed to have an amazing family, friends, etc etc, and I wouldn't trade those for anything. I have a wonderful home. But a part of me feels like this is home too, and it always has. Who knows what the future brings. If I am so fortunate to grow old and retire someday, it will certainly be in Ireland. Hopefully a portion of my young life can be here as well.
For now, I have so much to look forward to when my plane lands, so that is what I'm trying to focus on. All of us that have become so close in the program are spending our last night packing and being together. I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry.
Now the only question is-- what do I do with my blog??
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Eileen
I forgot to mention something so cool that happened in Galway the other weekend. On the Sunday that we walked around the city shopping for gifts, we found ourselves strolling through a small street filled with vendors, mostly selling crafts. Some of the jewelry was pretty awful, but one booth caught our eye; the stone and beadwork was just beautiful, and there was a huge array of styles. Bingo.
"Eileen, try this one on," one of my friends said.
"Which one of you is Eileen?" we heard a voice say. I stepped back to see the middle-aged woman sitting next to the table smiling up at us. "That's my name!"
Now, my excitement at this news may have seemed excessive, but I haven't met another Eileen my entire time here, and she agreed she didn't get to meet too many. As we all chatted with her, we learned that she made all of this jewelry herself, but hadn't been out to sell it in a couple months. She has a daughter who went away to college but transferred back to Dublin because, as she put it, "You don't appreciate where you're from until you leave it for a while." That hit home for us. As amazing as traveling has been, we're all missing the good ol' US of A. Boston in particular. Oh, I love that dirty water.
Eileen also told me that our name means "peace". This is utterly false. Eileen means "light" or "brightness", and I have known this since I can remember, ask any baby names website! I didn't correct her though; she was pretty keen on giving me an Eileen-discount on the absolutely gorgeous ring I got for my friend, so I say let her think it means peace!
Every Irish person I have met here has shown some form of approval upon learning my name, from airport employees to friends. I've always loved my name, but here it's like a get-out-of-jail-free card, somehow. They also pronounce it differently, emphasizing the EI rather than the LEEN. I guess I owe my parents a thank you for that; thanks for not naming me anything else!
After a few snippets of life advice, we purchased our jewelry and were on our way. She thanked us for bringing her such wonderful luck; after months of being away, she was nervous about not making any sales her first day back, but she said we made her feel great about her merchandise again. I think that should have been worth a free pair of earrings, personally.
"Eileen, try this one on," one of my friends said.
"Which one of you is Eileen?" we heard a voice say. I stepped back to see the middle-aged woman sitting next to the table smiling up at us. "That's my name!"
Now, my excitement at this news may have seemed excessive, but I haven't met another Eileen my entire time here, and she agreed she didn't get to meet too many. As we all chatted with her, we learned that she made all of this jewelry herself, but hadn't been out to sell it in a couple months. She has a daughter who went away to college but transferred back to Dublin because, as she put it, "You don't appreciate where you're from until you leave it for a while." That hit home for us. As amazing as traveling has been, we're all missing the good ol' US of A. Boston in particular. Oh, I love that dirty water.
Eileen also told me that our name means "peace". This is utterly false. Eileen means "light" or "brightness", and I have known this since I can remember, ask any baby names website! I didn't correct her though; she was pretty keen on giving me an Eileen-discount on the absolutely gorgeous ring I got for my friend, so I say let her think it means peace!
Every Irish person I have met here has shown some form of approval upon learning my name, from airport employees to friends. I've always loved my name, but here it's like a get-out-of-jail-free card, somehow. They also pronounce it differently, emphasizing the EI rather than the LEEN. I guess I owe my parents a thank you for that; thanks for not naming me anything else!
After a few snippets of life advice, we purchased our jewelry and were on our way. She thanked us for bringing her such wonderful luck; after months of being away, she was nervous about not making any sales her first day back, but she said we made her feel great about her merchandise again. I think that should have been worth a free pair of earrings, personally.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Party in the USA
Alright... it's only fair now I talk about things I'm excited to get back to in the US, since all I'm thinking and talking about is what I'm going to miss here.
Goes without saying, I am beyond excited to see everyone I've been missing for the past few months. Family and Friends are the number one thing I am so, so thrilled to return to. Even with my family's visit, I'm still anxious to get back to them.
Aside from the obvious, in no particular order:
Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee (Medium French Vanilla with skim milk and two splenda. I know... I know... splenda is chemicals. But it tastes better than sugar.)
Regular exercise -Fitrec, walking, and hopefully-- IRISHSTEP!
Singing with AFix. It will will have to wait until September, but I am so, so excited to start up again. I miss my girls and I MISS singing so much it hurts.
Music- I feel so behind with new music coming out. Can't wait to catch up on the country music I've been missing, since most chart music has traveled across the pond, but country wouldn't.
Driving. No I don't do it often, but I do enjoy doing it, and this summer may be spent driving a lot!
The dollar. Not having to think to myself during every tiny purchase, "How much is this actually costing me?"
GLEE. Watching it when it's actually on, and not online the day after.
Hulu and other websites that dont' work here
My cell phone. Texting my friends at random points during the day.
Having time to sit and read a book; here, I feel like I should be out doing things, seeing things... I miss feeling relaxed, like I have time.
WORKING. I miss my job at SMG Catering, and knowing that I am putting money into my account, not just watching it drain.
My mom's cooking. Separate from missing my mom, of course. But not separate from missing her buying the groceries, and not me. I'm just being honest! :)
Going to the movies
SUNSET NACHOS. Those are very close behind friends and family.
Painting. No space or money or time to do it here, so hopefully getting a few pieces in over the summer.
No more time difference!!
This has proved to be an incredibly hard list to make, since my thoughts keep drifting off to what I love and am going to miss about here. Which is just everything.
Goes without saying, I am beyond excited to see everyone I've been missing for the past few months. Family and Friends are the number one thing I am so, so thrilled to return to. Even with my family's visit, I'm still anxious to get back to them.
Aside from the obvious, in no particular order:
Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee (Medium French Vanilla with skim milk and two splenda. I know... I know... splenda is chemicals. But it tastes better than sugar.)
Regular exercise -Fitrec, walking, and hopefully-- IRISHSTEP!
Singing with AFix. It will will have to wait until September, but I am so, so excited to start up again. I miss my girls and I MISS singing so much it hurts.
Music- I feel so behind with new music coming out. Can't wait to catch up on the country music I've been missing, since most chart music has traveled across the pond, but country wouldn't.
Driving. No I don't do it often, but I do enjoy doing it, and this summer may be spent driving a lot!
The dollar. Not having to think to myself during every tiny purchase, "How much is this actually costing me?"
GLEE. Watching it when it's actually on, and not online the day after.
Hulu and other websites that dont' work here
My cell phone. Texting my friends at random points during the day.
Having time to sit and read a book; here, I feel like I should be out doing things, seeing things... I miss feeling relaxed, like I have time.
WORKING. I miss my job at SMG Catering, and knowing that I am putting money into my account, not just watching it drain.
My mom's cooking. Separate from missing my mom, of course. But not separate from missing her buying the groceries, and not me. I'm just being honest! :)
Going to the movies
SUNSET NACHOS. Those are very close behind friends and family.
Painting. No space or money or time to do it here, so hopefully getting a few pieces in over the summer.
No more time difference!!
This has proved to be an incredibly hard list to make, since my thoughts keep drifting off to what I love and am going to miss about here. Which is just everything.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Ch-ch-cha Changes
Observations about minor changes I've gone through in the past few months.
Due to the utter lack of decent coffee available to me, I have become an avid tea drinker. Now, I prefer it. It is far to much fun to say you want a "cuppa". I have also put myself on Diet Coke Detox.
Hersheys has been replaced as my #1 chocolate. Now, it is Cadbury. Particularly, Twirl bars. They are bliss.
Eggs over easy, instead of scrambled.
The poor student version of a pasta dish- bowl of pasta with tomato sauce and a cheese single on top. I know Nick would shake his head in shame at the lack of creativity there, but it is easy and cheap.
I also developed an obsession with yogurt and granola.
Apart from food...
I can distinguish not only between the accents originating from different counties but now from different parts of Dublin.
Lingo that slips out: I vow that none of these will come back to the US with me.
That's deadly! (US insert: awesome, great)
Calling the US "The States".
I'll give you a ring. (call)
Putting "like" after a casual sentence rather than in the middle.
"Do you want to catch the bus or, catch a cab, like?" as opposed to, "... or, like, catch a cab?"
Saying brilliant. Particularly combining it with the above. "It was brilliant, like."
And of course... great craic. Particularly people and venues can be described as "good craic". Means fun. But kind of adds a little kick.
Before this past Christmas, I had never had any interest in owning a camera. Now, I absolutely LOVE taking pictures. I can't believe my camera clonked out when it did. I regret so much not being able to take pictures of Paris, Spain, the rest of Ireland. I would have documented everything. Soon as I get it fixed, my camera will never leave my purse.
Oh, last minor change... I will never like an American boy again. If he isn't Irish, I'm not interested. :) Not that that's much of a change, to be honest!
Due to the utter lack of decent coffee available to me, I have become an avid tea drinker. Now, I prefer it. It is far to much fun to say you want a "cuppa". I have also put myself on Diet Coke Detox.
Hersheys has been replaced as my #1 chocolate. Now, it is Cadbury. Particularly, Twirl bars. They are bliss.
Eggs over easy, instead of scrambled.
The poor student version of a pasta dish- bowl of pasta with tomato sauce and a cheese single on top. I know Nick would shake his head in shame at the lack of creativity there, but it is easy and cheap.
I also developed an obsession with yogurt and granola.
Apart from food...
I can distinguish not only between the accents originating from different counties but now from different parts of Dublin.
Lingo that slips out: I vow that none of these will come back to the US with me.
That's deadly! (US insert: awesome, great)
Calling the US "The States".
I'll give you a ring. (call)
Putting "like" after a casual sentence rather than in the middle.
"Do you want to catch the bus or, catch a cab, like?" as opposed to, "... or, like, catch a cab?"
Saying brilliant. Particularly combining it with the above. "It was brilliant, like."
And of course... great craic. Particularly people and venues can be described as "good craic". Means fun. But kind of adds a little kick.
Before this past Christmas, I had never had any interest in owning a camera. Now, I absolutely LOVE taking pictures. I can't believe my camera clonked out when it did. I regret so much not being able to take pictures of Paris, Spain, the rest of Ireland. I would have documented everything. Soon as I get it fixed, my camera will never leave my purse.
Oh, last minor change... I will never like an American boy again. If he isn't Irish, I'm not interested. :) Not that that's much of a change, to be honest!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Starcom
I've been interning at Starcom Advertising Agency since the middle of March Monday through Thursday. It replaces the courses of Irish History and Contemporary Irish Society which ended before spring break, while the Arts in Ireland course resumes on Fridays. On top of working the internship, because it is an academic course we have to compile a portfolio documenting everything we do on a day to day basis. I have a log starting from my first hours in the agency detailing everything I do. As you can imagine, they are each 5-6 pages. The minimum is two.
Starcom is a media planning and buying agency. In other words, it is exactly the type of agency I thought I would drown in. The nitty gritty, meticulous planning, number-crunching-practical-thinking atmosphere that I always assumed was a 180 degree from what I wanted to be doing- the creative, the ideas, the art. Looking back on the last six weeks of working at Starcom, I can't believe how wrong I was. I've certainly learned a lot. I've learned what I don't see myself doing in the future, but more importantly, that I AM capable of doing what does not come easily. And I really enjoy working hard!
The people are by FAR the most amazing part of this job. I laugh my way through the day amongst the cheerfulness, sarcasm, slagging, and generally fun attitude of everyone in the office. I'm surrounded by my favorite accents; the Managing Director is Scottish, the guy at the desk next to me is Australian, and everyone else is a rainbow of my favorite Irish accents. Sometimes I'm so fixated on the way they speak, I have to ask them to repeat themselves to listen to what they're actually saying.
They have been nicer than I could have ever asked for. I'm always included in conversations, jokes, lunch excursions, nights out. Everyone has shown such an interest in my life when I'm so much more interested in them, how they got to where they are, whether they have other plans for the future.
My favorite part of the internship has been sitting in on client meetings. I've been able to shadow someone multiple times, and I feel so privileged every time. Other than that I've learned the basics for the media world, placing ads, using archives, documenting trancerts, invoices, and most definitely learning my way around Excel Spreadsheet.
It just so happened that my first day was the beginning of a VERY busy time for the office. The beginning of two important pitches. I was handed two briefs first thing, and reading through them, I immediately felt like I was in over my head. But my supervisor and everyone else in the office definitely helped me out more than I could have hoped for.
After a month and a half of research, clue hunting, hunching, opportunity, themes, and ideas, we narrowed down the pitch ideas to 6 main statements. I illustrated the six ideas for the second pitch that happened this past week.
The final product!
So much meticulous work went into the research. Why not display it for the client to see?
I got to watch a lot of the real work go into it, but I know that there were even more hours of toil that went into this one presentation, competing for the business of these two companies. I hope I made a difference helping out; that was my main goal coming into this internship. I have one week left there; I'm going to miss it so much! The people better stay in touch!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Weekend of a Lifetime
Relaying events in their proper order is predictable. Far more exciting and interesting is to go backwards. At least that is the excuse I'm sticking with.
This past weekend was absolutely fantastic. Thursday night, I was invited to go to a party for work thrown by Sunday World. It was 70's and 80's themed, and while I was not cool enough to wear a costume, most people did. Everyone was so creative. From the Jackson 5 to Madonna to a Rubix Cube to Hulk Hogan, I was so impressed with how into it everyone was. I have never been to anything like it; open bar, food everywhere, and of course- the celebrity appearance.
If anyone caught these guys on Ellen Degeneres on St. Patty's day, you'll know just how ridiculous it is that I got to meet them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XXuRHq15o
Check it out first. They are outrageous. Goofy and cheesy, and yet incredibly fun and full of energy. Bit of a running joke amongst Irish people who are mortified that they were on Ellen. I missed the performance, unfortunately, as I showed up a bit late, but I got to meet all three of them later on. I chatted with the Mom for a solid twenty minutes. They are just as wholesome and sugary sweet as they seem on TV. It was bizarre seeing them up close. I also had a fantastic time with my coworkers who were introducing me to everyone and constantly making sure I was having a great time.
Friday, I was treated to my very first rugby game, Leinster v the Ospreys (Wales). The O'Keane family, friends of my dad, have been absolutely fantastic about showing me everything about Dublin. They have season tickets to Leinster rugby and were generous enough to bring me to a game.
The rules flew over my head, of course, but Eoghan O'Keane was great about filling me in on the basics. It is one of the coolest games I've ever watched. I can see how it's easy to get addicted; by the end of it, I had a good idea of what was going on, picked my favorite player, and was cheering as loud as everyone else. Leinster won 20-16. It was certainly a game I'll remember, a great first rugby experience.
The next day, I met my friends in Galway. They were able to go to the Aran Islands; due to the rugby game I had to miss out on that (save it for the next time I'm in Ireland!) but met up in Galway that afternoon.
It was so nice to see that city again. It brought a feeling of closure to my experience here, remembering a few months ago when I was there and all the amazing places I'd seen since. We had dinner at Couch Potatas, an amazing hidden gem. Every dish is a baked potato stuffed/topped with meat, veggies, sauce, cheese, etc. I could probably eat there every meal if it in Boston and was nutritionally acceptable. We had a few drinks on the town, but we were all pretty exhausted and called it an early night.
The next day we shopped for gifts around the city. Amongst wonderful souvenirs for my beloved friends and family, I also got myself something. I knew what I wanted; something I would wear every day, to symbolize my unforgettable time here in Ireland, and purchased from its city of origin- a claddagh ring. The original shop was closed for Sunday, but I found another jewelry place (that was most certainly cheaper anyway) that had just what I wanted. While I have an astounding amount of earrings that I change daily, I wear the same rings every day. I have worn the one on my left hand for two years now, and I envision this new claddagh ring will be around for a while, reminding me of my time here everytime I glance down at it.
A beautiful stroll around the harbor, some silly time taking pictures amongst large rocks like the mature 21 year olds we are, and we were off to catch the 3 hour bus back to Dublin. I felt pretty emotional leaving Galway (there may have been a rogue tear or two) but it only reminded me that I need to live it up the next two weeks. Tonight I'm going to try out the dancing at a local school. Let's home my feet remember what to do!
This past weekend was absolutely fantastic. Thursday night, I was invited to go to a party for work thrown by Sunday World. It was 70's and 80's themed, and while I was not cool enough to wear a costume, most people did. Everyone was so creative. From the Jackson 5 to Madonna to a Rubix Cube to Hulk Hogan, I was so impressed with how into it everyone was. I have never been to anything like it; open bar, food everywhere, and of course- the celebrity appearance.
If anyone caught these guys on Ellen Degeneres on St. Patty's day, you'll know just how ridiculous it is that I got to meet them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XXuRHq15o
Check it out first. They are outrageous. Goofy and cheesy, and yet incredibly fun and full of energy. Bit of a running joke amongst Irish people who are mortified that they were on Ellen. I missed the performance, unfortunately, as I showed up a bit late, but I got to meet all three of them later on. I chatted with the Mom for a solid twenty minutes. They are just as wholesome and sugary sweet as they seem on TV. It was bizarre seeing them up close. I also had a fantastic time with my coworkers who were introducing me to everyone and constantly making sure I was having a great time.
Friday, I was treated to my very first rugby game, Leinster v the Ospreys (Wales). The O'Keane family, friends of my dad, have been absolutely fantastic about showing me everything about Dublin. They have season tickets to Leinster rugby and were generous enough to bring me to a game.
The rules flew over my head, of course, but Eoghan O'Keane was great about filling me in on the basics. It is one of the coolest games I've ever watched. I can see how it's easy to get addicted; by the end of it, I had a good idea of what was going on, picked my favorite player, and was cheering as loud as everyone else. Leinster won 20-16. It was certainly a game I'll remember, a great first rugby experience.
The next day, I met my friends in Galway. They were able to go to the Aran Islands; due to the rugby game I had to miss out on that (save it for the next time I'm in Ireland!) but met up in Galway that afternoon.
It was so nice to see that city again. It brought a feeling of closure to my experience here, remembering a few months ago when I was there and all the amazing places I'd seen since. We had dinner at Couch Potatas, an amazing hidden gem. Every dish is a baked potato stuffed/topped with meat, veggies, sauce, cheese, etc. I could probably eat there every meal if it in Boston and was nutritionally acceptable. We had a few drinks on the town, but we were all pretty exhausted and called it an early night.
The next day we shopped for gifts around the city. Amongst wonderful souvenirs for my beloved friends and family, I also got myself something. I knew what I wanted; something I would wear every day, to symbolize my unforgettable time here in Ireland, and purchased from its city of origin- a claddagh ring. The original shop was closed for Sunday, but I found another jewelry place (that was most certainly cheaper anyway) that had just what I wanted. While I have an astounding amount of earrings that I change daily, I wear the same rings every day. I have worn the one on my left hand for two years now, and I envision this new claddagh ring will be around for a while, reminding me of my time here everytime I glance down at it.
A beautiful stroll around the harbor, some silly time taking pictures amongst large rocks like the mature 21 year olds we are, and we were off to catch the 3 hour bus back to Dublin. I felt pretty emotional leaving Galway (there may have been a rogue tear or two) but it only reminded me that I need to live it up the next two weeks. Tonight I'm going to try out the dancing at a local school. Let's home my feet remember what to do!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Beginning of the End
Yet another blog fail... I have so, so much to update on it hurts. I think I should just write a book and publish it, because now I'm so out of order. I left off, sadly, with Seville, nearly a month ago. The rest of Madrid and Barcelona was too action packed to sit down and blog, and when I returned immediately our internships began, my family visited, and since I've just lost track. So my sincere apologies for the utter lack of update.
I have exactly twelve days left here in Dublin. While there are elements of home that I will definitely be excited to return to (family, friends, Dunkin Donuts), I am not looking forward to the severe withdrawal I'm going to experience. I actually get sad seeing planes take off in the distance from my common room window.
Thus, the next two weeks are going to be the best of the trip. I have absolutely fantastic things planned. Pesky papers and assignments will not interfere.
Aside from hyper-blog-catch-up, my internship, job hunting for the summer, finding creative ways to not spend money on daily essentials, and fulfilling assignments for class and my portfolio, I also have the pleasure of participating in some Irish Dance. Better late than never, but I really could have used the optional class they started offering a couple weeks ago about three months ago. Not only is the class at DCU great fun, but the teacher has her own school based in Dublin that I'm going to check out tomorrow night. My mom brought my shoes to me, so I need to get a few good uses out of them. Dancing in her class and finding some good ceilis will be an excellent addition to my time here.
I have also started the optional Gaeilge lessons, picking up various Irish words and phrases, the very basics. I am, of course, in love with it. Is maith liom Baile Atha Cliath.
I'll chip away at everything I need to update you all on as much as I can this week. Very soon I will be home sharing it all in person, but here, you can ex out if you get tired of hearing about every minute detail, whereas in person, I don't even have a "minimize until later" option. Believe me, I understand.
I have exactly twelve days left here in Dublin. While there are elements of home that I will definitely be excited to return to (family, friends, Dunkin Donuts), I am not looking forward to the severe withdrawal I'm going to experience. I actually get sad seeing planes take off in the distance from my common room window.
Thus, the next two weeks are going to be the best of the trip. I have absolutely fantastic things planned. Pesky papers and assignments will not interfere.
Aside from hyper-blog-catch-up, my internship, job hunting for the summer, finding creative ways to not spend money on daily essentials, and fulfilling assignments for class and my portfolio, I also have the pleasure of participating in some Irish Dance. Better late than never, but I really could have used the optional class they started offering a couple weeks ago about three months ago. Not only is the class at DCU great fun, but the teacher has her own school based in Dublin that I'm going to check out tomorrow night. My mom brought my shoes to me, so I need to get a few good uses out of them. Dancing in her class and finding some good ceilis will be an excellent addition to my time here.
I have also started the optional Gaeilge lessons, picking up various Irish words and phrases, the very basics. I am, of course, in love with it. Is maith liom Baile Atha Cliath.
I'll chip away at everything I need to update you all on as much as I can this week. Very soon I will be home sharing it all in person, but here, you can ex out if you get tired of hearing about every minute detail, whereas in person, I don't even have a "minimize until later" option. Believe me, I understand.
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