I've decided to revive this blog. Why? Well, on the one hand, since graduating college, I have been a bit bored and in need of a hobby other than dance--there is only so much time in a day that your body will let you practice pas de basques. I figure that writing is a good way to keep me busy. Plus I rather enjoy blogging, even if I'm not always the best at keeping it going.
Also, I will be heading to Ireland in a few weeks. Maintaining a blog while in Ireland seems like a great way to stay in touch with people, as well as a nice way to practice my written Irish. (Oh yeah, you totally know that Irish posts are coming.) This way I can let friends know what I am up to without having to rely on obsessive Facebook messaging or a phone, which I won't have.
It's been quite a few months since I last posted, and so a quick updated is probably in order. In May, I graduated from undergrad with a B.A. in Religious Studies and a certificate in Celtic Studies. I am now taking a few years off before grad school in order to explore dance and acquire some other skills, like learning Gàidhlig. In February I became a competitive Highland Dancer as I competed in the Chicago Spring Fling. Since then I have done four other competitions; so, five in total. I am doing well for a beginner, and I have won the trophy for my category at all of my competitions and have taken first in all of my dances at my last three competitions. It's very gratifying to know that hard work does pay off, and I am really enjoying being even more involved in Highland Dance.
I won an award to attend NUI Galway's International Summer School program for the Irish language. I will be in An Cheathrú Rua (English: Carraroe) from July 18th to August 18th. I am very grateful for the opportunity to study Irish in a communal context. I am also incredibly excited to finally go to Ireland. I can't even imagine what an awesome experience it will be.
Josh and I--okay, really Josh--bought a house on the southwest side of Madison. We will be moving in starting the 8th of July. I cannot wait to have a house and to be 'settled'. Given that I am a homebody, it will be so nice to come home to a space that is uniquely mine [and Josh's]. I also look forward to living with Josh. I'm sure that it will be challenging for a variety of reasons, but I really love that man, and this is such an incredible step in our relationship.
And now that we're all caught up, here is a video of Mànran's cover of the Runrig song, Tillidh Mi:
