Silent Sundays: Trip To Dublin

So, remember I went to Cambridge?

Next stop after that on my whirlwind trip of the Islands was Dublin.

Here's what that looked like:

Spring!

The most delicious Crepe ever at Lemon

(avocado, cheese, other deliciousness)

Christ's Church Cathedral

Outside the Jameson Distillery

Oh My Goodness! My Guinness!

At Trinity College Dublin

Dublin :)

Guinness Factory Tour!

Sain Patrick's Cathedral

Dublin Castle

Mardis Gras HodgePodge

I've been neglecting my hodgepodgeing!
Finally, I'm readmitting myself to my favorite Wednesday tradition,
and just in time for a really great set of questions!
Are you playing along? If not, you totally should!

1. The season of Lent begins on March 9th this year...do you participate and if so, in what way?

As a non-Catholic Christian, I'm not sure I'm even "supposed" to practice Lent. I don't remember it coming up in Church sermons (other than what Lent meant, in the Bible), nor do I remember ever being urged into it. I know mom always gives up chocolate (which she invariably always ends up with some funny event where she eats something she didn't realize had chocolate in it.)

Lent for me, aside from the religious aspect, is about figuring out which of your addictions you still have control over. So, yeah, I participate.

This year? I settled, yet again, on soda.
I was going to try coffee - but, hello: Grad Student with a thesis to finish!

2. Traditionally pancakes are eaten on the day known as Shrove Tuesday which is the last day before Lent (March 8th this year).What's your pleasure when it comes to eating pancakes?

Almost any kind imaginable.
With REAL syrup.
My New-England-ness will not accept a substitute.

3. Spring is coming. (It is coming, right?) What's your favorite springtime flower and do you suffer from seasonal allergies?

I love daises and daffodils in the spring time.

And I never had allergies until I moved to NC.
For those who dont know, there is a season
between winter and spring in NC
which lasts roughly a week.
We call it "Yellow,"
and for a week or so everything that is not inside something else is yellow.

4. "Our opinion of people depends less upon what we see in them than upon what they make us see in ourselves." Author unknown. Agree or Disagree? Why?

I think our opinion of others is based on them and their actions.
I also believe that we see the faults in others the strongest,
that we recognize in ourselves. And are therefore quicker to point them out to others because we are embarrassed/ashamed/whatever of them in our own lives.

Did I ever mention I was a psychology major?

5. Since it's "March" and also the season of Mardi Gras....have you ever been in a parade? What's the best parade you've seen?

Been in plenty growing up.
Best one I've seen?
Probably the one in Venice last weekend - though that was more due to the place rather than the parade itself (which was very small!)

6. You would jump up and down and shout for joy right now if someone told you___________?

Google auto-completed your thesis for you.
It's perfect, an A+, and DONE.

7. How clean is your car on the outside? Inside? Is there junk in your trunk?

My car is in the driveway back in NH.
So, in short, I'm not sure what state it's in.
Though, I'm assuming: snow-covered.

8. Random Thought(s)
I go to Madrid Saturday - Wednesday (YAY!)
Any recommendations are welcome!

I am also dealing with what I like to call the "Thesis-Blues." I'm moody, short-tempered, and emotional. I get frustrated easy, give up quicker, and find simple tasks extremely daunting. While working to remedy this constant state of a bad mood, I am drinking a lot of coffee and watching a lot of dumb youtube videos. Suggestions are welcomed.

Groundhog HodgePodge

Hodgepodge Days

Are a great cure from the grey Budapest skies.

Are you linking up?

1. Would you rather be seen as someone who did their duty or forged their own path?

I think, as you can probably tell, my life obviously shows that I like to forge my own path. I think that's how I'd like to be remembered too - I've done what I wanted, what has seemed best for me. Which is not necessarily what some people have considered to be what I 'ought' to do. But you know what? Guess who's having adventures and who's not?

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2. Do-Over day of the last 7?

Yesterday.

A lot more should have been accomplished,

and very little was.

Oh well.

3. Hot-Coco: Marshmallows or no?

There must be some sort of marshmallow in my coco. Either that or whipped cream. Why bother even having coco without it?

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4. Makeup everyday? 2 Must-Haves?

Ha!

No way, not everyday.

I'm way too lazy for that.

I try sometimes.

Mascarra and some simple eye-shadow at least.

5. In a relationship is it more important to be loved or understood?

I think to love someone

is to understand them.

6. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, or Thyme?

I love this song.

LOVE.

But, as spices are concerned,

I love Thyme & Rosemary the best.

7. What do you do when you feel angry?

Depends on how angry.

Just slightly pissy? I can get somewhat passive aggressive.

Mad? I go silent.

REALLY mad? I cry. [which, for the record, totally lessens your credibility]

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8. Random Thought(s)

Phil says SPRING IS COMING!

You go Phil!

I got a card in the mail today from my {ex} co-workers for Valentines Day.

I love them. And miss them. SO MUCH.

You can go ahead and be jealous :)

Also, this song came up on my iPod today and I had major flashbacks to loving this movie when I was younger (and still love it). But it was totally a happy for the day.

Just Another Music Monday {Vol.1}

Because music is just way too important to my day-to-day life.

Because I love sharing music I love with others.

And because I LOVE getting recommendations for new music from others.

I present to you the first installment of "Just Another Music Monday"

In this edition: Make It Through The Week Mix

1. Brendan James - "The Lucky Ones" Talk about a motivational track for a Monday. Brendan James is close to my heart - both a NH native and UNC-CH alum; plus, he's just so darn talented.

2. Jason Aldean - "Country Boy's World" I lived in North Carolina for six years and developed a healthy love of [good] country music. This song makes me fall in love with this man every time I hear it. Brings me back to my Carolina days.

3. Maroon 5 - "Until You're Over Me" I've been listening to M5 since before they made it big. No joke. They opened for a local MatchboxTwenty concert before they even had their first CD out - and I ran and downloaded what I could and bought their first album when they were called "Kara's Flowers." This track? It's just the sound for a long Monday.

4. *NSync - "Bye Bye Bye" It's not a lie when I say Justin/JC/Joey/Lance/Chris dominated my childhood musical tastes. Whenever my iPod decides to shuffle itself over to them, my day is automatically better.

5. 3Oh!3 feat. Katy Perry "StarStrukk" Yeah, I'm a little late on the game with this song, but man it makes me want to dance. And that's hard to do on a Monday morning when I don't even want to get out of bed.

6. Ron Pope - "A Drop in the Ocean" A new find for this Monday. This song is simple, sweet, and amazing. Trust me.

7. Mandy Moore - "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week" I love her. Simple as that. And this is a kick-butt song for a Monday.

8. John Mayer - "War of My Life" I have a feeling Mr. Mayer may be a fixture on these playlists. I can't help it - that man can make a guitar sing. Lyrically I love this song - it's all about being on the verge of endless possibilities. You're always there, just need to make the choice.

9. Beach Boys - "Kokomo" Hands of those who would rather be on a tropical island right now? That's what I thought.

10. Relient K - "Manic Monday" You can't have a 'get through this week' mix without this song. However, I really really really love this version of the song. Happy Monday!

What's on your playlist this week?

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Welcome To The HodgePodge

Wednesdays are Hodgepodge days.

If you blog, you should do it and link up.

Seriously, it's fun.

And this week isn't as hard as last week's was.

Seriously.

1. Super Bowl?

I may try and tag along with some other Americans and find this playing somewhere in the city.

To be honest, I have no idea who is playing in it this year.

As a native New Englander if the Patriots aren't in it, I am not required to care.

But the truth is, I don't particularly care about Professional Football.

Give me a college game (particularly one that UNC is winning) any day, and I'm happy.

But really, who's in the SB this year?

And what's the big talk about the commercials this year? Pleas let me know after which ones I should find on YouTube, okay?

2. Is ignorance bliss?

Depends on what you're being ignorant of, doesn't it?

3. Which of the 7 Dwarfs are you?

Hands down,

No questions asked,

I am Sleepy.

(with a healthy mix of Happy and Doc thrown in there too, of course)

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4. How do you organize seating in a car?

Depends on who's driving and who's in the car.

Usually I tend to go places with people, all of who get along,

so whoever calls shotgun gets it,

or if two of us haven't seen each other in a long time

they'll get the back, just because.

Why is this the hardest question for me this week?

5. What is beauty?

Totally in the eye of the beholder.

To me, beauty is happiness -

a smile, a laugh, a complete contentness with the world around you.

A happy person is a beautiful person.

(For what makes me happy, see my last post)

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6. Appetizers or Desserts to a party?

I love baking,

so I try to bring desserts.

7. Go to appetizer?

I don't usually have a go-to.

I like to experiment and try new things.

allrecipes.com is my favorite.

8. Random Thought(s)

It snowed in Budapest last night through this morning. Granted it was only an inch or so, but still. That's it, I've had enough snow now, Mother Nature, thank you very much.

Bikram is going really well, and I'm totally loving having it in my week. Let's hope school doesn't get too hectic - because I need to make sure it stays in my week at least 2 times a week.

and, finally:

In case you've missed it

Enter the all you need is LOVE

blog swap and challenge

that me, Sam, and Neely are hosting.

Entries for the swap need to be in by Friday to Sam.

Grab the button,

Blog about it,

Tweet about it,

and come back Feb 7-14 for the challenge!

Thoughtless YouTube

Thoughtless Thursday

My Video Edition

1. I really wish I had seen this before I left the States:

2. I've been watching this movie every night to go to sleep to

since I've been back in Budapest (seriously, 11 days, and jet-lag? still?)

3. How stinkin cute is this?

You can bet, if I was a penguin,

I would be this guy.

4. I've been having flashbacks to camp all day,

especially sitting on the floor of our Dining Hall,

with EVERYONE at camp,

in cardboard "cars"

for our all-camp "drive in"

watching this movie, and singing along to EVERY song.

Who Are You HodgePodge

Another Wednesday,

another hodgepodge :)

1. The story of your name? Do you like your name?

I love my name. Growing up, until I was probably around 10th grade I was the only Courtney in my school. I actually would be really confused in the halls of my high school after the "other" Courtney showed up, because people weren't necessarily talking to me anymore!

There is a funny story with my name that my parents like to tell - apparently I was almost named Hillary! They were down to three names and Dad says he polled the hospital (he works as a NICU nurse, so he knew almost everyone in L&D) and Courtney won. And I'm glad it did!

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2. How do you define success?

To me success is a feeling that comes after you've done something that you're proud of, or glad to have accomplished. It's a mix of relief, pride, and a hint of sadness that it's over.

3. Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy?

Jeopardy! I love random trivia :)

I went once, with my mom and my Great Aunt Ruth, to see a couple episodes filmed in Boston. Alex is hilarious!

4. If you could own a single object you don't have now...

A decent sized house with a of land. Of my own.

Who knows where I'd put it at this point, but it would be nice to have!

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5. Something that inspires you?

People who do good because doing good is the right thing to do.

Like the guy who started charity:water, or doctors who work with Doctors Without Borders.

6. Meatloaf? Yea or Nay?

Only if my mom's cooking it.

7. To be organized & methodical or the ability to adapt & make do?

The ability to adapt and make do.

Life is surprising and never goes as planned,

even if you're organized and methodical.

For me, it's better to be able to go with the flow.

8. Random Thought

Come Saturday I am taking a mental health day and not looking at a single thing that is involved with school or school work. I've been on overdrive since before Christmas Break, and I am in total need of some 'me' time.

Oh, and:

How do you like the new look?

Can you guess what movie I've been watching

(as well as what book will probably be next on my list, again):

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Thoughtless Thursday

This is a new link-up for me,

but I'm pretty sure it's perfect for me!

Seeing as I feel "thoughtless"

(and therefore extremely random)

all.the.time.

I'm so through with doing work right now.

Not that my to-do list is done,

but rather,

I'm just over!it!

I'm pretty much giving up my weekend,

so that I can finally start worrying about this semester

(oh, and that pesky thesis, eventually).

I'm also over some things with this semester:

- overachievers, who are only brown-nosers in disguise

[seriously shut!up! no one wants to listen to your ignorant 'insights' in class,

and when you write 10 pages for a 3 page requirementyou just make the rest of us look bad]

- classes that don't teach anything, but pile on the work

[hint: if the teacher thinks it's a waste of particular students' time, don't make those students take that class]

- jet-lag

[seriously, i don't like going to bed at 4AM to get up at 9AM, in case you didn't know, I love to sleep.]

So for today,

in honor of being thoughtless,

I'll let others be smart for me:

and last, but not least,

my mantra for the weekend:

[all from weheartit]

(yes, I realize it's Friday,

but I wrote this and forgot to post it yesterday....)

snOMG HodgePodge

Yes, I should be working on those

stinkin' lingering papers.

But their time will come,

after I link up to...

1. What word should be banished from the English language?

1. like

I agree with Joyce

and I do overuse it, too.

But I'm working on it.

2. Does opportunity come to you or do you create it?

I think it can be both.

Sometimes you have to make opportunity

happen; kicking and screaming as the

case may be.

However,

sometimes,

it's just staring at you in the face,

daring you to come along for the ride.

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3. Favorite Salad?

I have three here,

as far as ones I can buy at restaurants

1. Chopped BBQ Chicken Salad

(either at California Pizza Kitchen,

or Panera)

2. Quesadilla Explosion Salad

(at Chili's - though, I get it

without the chicken on it,

one of the many modifications I've started

to make at Chili's since having worked there)

3. Caprese

(mozzarella & tomatoes&basil

w/ olive oil and balsamic?

yes. please.)

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4. Do you get the blues this time of year? What do you do to cope?

Normally I would say no to this question,

but if any of you remember this post last year,

then you know I've learned that it is possible for me

to suffer from the January Blues.

It's SO hard when you don't see the sun/blue sky for 7 weeks straight

(yes, almost two months without it!).

So, my plan this year is going to include

a lot of endorphins.

fencing, some workout DVDs (or iTunes downloads)

It has nothing to do with getting 'into shape' or fit,

just trying to keep some sanity in my life!

(January Blues and Thesis stress?? EEP!)

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5. Do you wear a watch? Other jewelry e.ssentials?

Nothing constant.

Sometimes I wear my Swatch from Zurich

(but it ticks.so.darn.loud! that I get annoyed quickly with it)

I've been rocking some friendship bracelets from camp

and some assorted necklaces.

But I don't seem to have a staple piece at the moment.

6. What is something useful you learned in high school?

It takes being a good friend,

to have good friends.

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7. How do you do your tax return?

Online.

Thank you Turbo Tax!

8. Random Thought:

I don't wannnnnnaaaaaa write these papers.

&

Jet Lag sucks this time around. I went to bed at 2am and woke up at 1pm.

Maybe tonight I can fix this somewhat.

&

If you live in the northeast of the US,

please be careful in the blizzard that's on its way!

Days of Auld Lang Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday.

My homework is giving me a headache

(so is this silly cold I've picked up).

And I'm still at Starbucks.

That means it's time for a break,

and therefore time for:

Yay!

I've missed the Wednesday HodgePodge!

1. 3 words to describe 2010:

- challenging

- growing

- changing

2. If fear weren't an issue, what would you want to try?

Skydiving.

Totally skydiving.

I think, despite the fear

one day I may still try.

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3. What do you add to your Coffee or Tea?

Coffee:

whatever Starbucks puts in it...

Cream & Sugar (& Vanilla flavor, if possible)

Tea:

depends on the tea,

but sugar and some milk.

4. What historical sporting event would you liked to have witnessed?

I'd have loved to have been there in person

for any of my Tar Heels basketball

National Championships

(GO HEELS!)

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5. A piece of advice to your 16 year old self?

Life gets so much better after high school;

Be good to your friends,

and ignore the people who don't want to be your friend.

Their loss:

You'll be doing great things in life,

they'll still be living at home.

6. Planner? Or fly by the seat of your pants?

Depends;

usually I'm a spontaneous person.

But some things really need to be planned

(like moving to Europe, say)

7. One thing you're looking forward to in 2011?

GRADUATION!

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8. Random thought:

I go back to Budapest on Saturday.

Where did my vacation go?

And what do I do if that nor'easter comes

and I can't fly out Saturday...

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Christmas Hodgepodge!

Wednesdays with Joyce is fun,

you should jump on the bandwagon too!

1. What does it mean to "have the holiday spirit"?

To:

call old friends - just because

eat too many cookies

smile more

love more

and soak up everything around you.

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2. What sits atop your tree and why?

my tree: a kitty angel that my aunt and uncle gave me

family tree: this is a fight discussion every year

i love the old, ratty, falling apart star

(you know, the silver ones that have lights in them?

ours doesn't even have lights in it anymore....

it might be time for me to let go...)

sometimes it's an old knitted santa

and sometimes mom wants one of those pretty glass spires.

who knows what will end up sitting up there this year.

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3. When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?

When I finished the last paper for my social distinctions class.

Check one thing off my (never-ending) list

4. Which of your senses is the most sensitive this time of the year?

Sight.

Seriously,

look around you!

the colors, the lights!

it's AMAZING.

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5. What do you have too much of in your kitchen?

what kitchen?

6. Food: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

eve: turkey/poultry of some sort.

(turkey this year, because, well,

i missed thanksgiving with the family,

and i cannot go a year without my mom's stuffing)

day: waffles/eggs/etc for breakfast :)

7. What is the best thing about winter?

spring.

hehe,

no,

i love those cold, cold nights

where the sky is black

and the light of the stars echo

throughout the sky.

8. Random Thought:

Happiness comes in a Starbucks Christmas cup. I had forgotten this overseas.

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Wednesday HodgePodge!

More on Vienna later,

promise.

But I don't want to give it all away so quick!

Otherwise, what will I have to blog about?

Oh, Rome...

that's right ;)

Rome. Tomorrow.

YAYYYYYY!

But for now....

Wednesday HodgePodge with Joyce!

I love Wednesdays!

1. Have you ever been on a real sleigh/carriage ride?

I think I've done a few touristy carriage rides,

and maybe a few Christmastime sleigh rides

at Christmas tree farms, but none really stand out in my memory.

We have a sleigh in the garage,

that's older, and beautiful,

I love sleighs.

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2. Chain Mail?

I don't like chain e-mail at all,

but my mom is the queen of sending it,

(I still love you mom!)

I'll read it, most of the time,

but, really?

Most of it just propagates a lot of false ideas,

but some of it's cute too, right?

Who doesn't love silly kittens on a Monday morning?

3. Favorite Christmas Movie Character?

This is a tough one!

I love Christmas movies,

as you can tell by this post.

But, I'll have to divide it 3 days:

Tim Allen as Santa Claus in the Santa Clause

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Rudolph from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

and Hermey from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

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4. A Favorite Quote?

I love quotes, so a favorite is tough for me.

Right now, I'm loving this:

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December

[J.M. Barrie]

5. Favorite Holiday Scent?

Christmas trees.

Nothing makes the house smell better.

This is why fake trees confuse me.

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6. Does the Christmas Season Stress You out? How?

A little, shopping.

But I still really, really love the feeling of Christmas.

Being home, being with family and friends.

It all outweighs the stress in the end.

7. Best Thing About Life Right Now?

Going home on 14 December.

I love Christmas season over here,

but I am so ready to be surrounded by family and friends.

8. Random Thought:

But not without the trip to Rome

(tomorrow, in case you forgot)

This will be me, starting tomorrow:

With emphasis on the "Eat" part, of course.

Go link up with Joyce!

Also, Elizabeth Edwards passed away yesterday,

what a heartbreaking story, but what an amazing woman.

Living in NC during a lot of her "public" career,

I learned a lot about her:

her son, 16, dying in a car crash,

her husband's affair (and all that followed

and was playing out around my town),

her battle with breast cancer,

everything.

What a strong, strong woman.

I will leave you with a few of her quotes,

that I think we can all take something from:

"I do not know what the most important lesson is that I will ever teach my children…I do know that when they are older and telling their own children about their grandmother, they will be able to say that she stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way—and it surely has not—she adjusted her sails."

[Elizabeth Edwards]

"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces - my family, my friends and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that, I am grateful."

[Elizabeth Edwards, from her Facebook days after the doctors told her nothing else could be done to treat her cancer]