Monday, January 30, 2012

Back in America...

Wow! I've been back in America for well over a month now and boy, are things different. I can honestly say that I never would have expected things to be so different and so much the same at the same time. I find myself saying things like, "I miss this about Ireland,", or "Things are so different in Ireland." When people ask me about my trip, they say, "How was Ireland?" And I always say, "It was amazing! A little rough at first, but an incredibly worthwhile experience." And then the same question always seems to follow, "Are you happy to be home?" Am I happy to be home. Yes and no. On one hand, I missed my family so much it was ridiculous. And my best friend had a pretty rough semester without me, so on that front, yes, I was ecstatic to be home. On the other hand: NO. America has it's perks-the opportunities, my family/friends, the food (sometimes!), the convenience, etc. But overall, American's are kind of, well, crazy. We all have such a fast paced attitude about us that we never really stop to smell the roses. EVER. For example, I went to the grocery store with my sister a day after I got home from Ireland. As we were waiting in line for the deli, someone literally pushed me out of the way so they could move to the front of the deli case. Really? It may have been slight culture shock but I was literally in shock. I looked at my sister, and she just shrugged. Now, I didn't react to this in any way besides give him the most perplexed look ever and then chuckle a bit. (Something I probably picked up in Ireland.) But seriously? I could understand him pushing me out of the way to get to the free diamonds that Tiffany's was passing out, but just to look at the deli case? I was baffled. I brought this up to my sister again later that evening and she reinforced the idea of living in a dog-eat-dog society. We are brought up always looking for the next goal we can achieve, the next level we can reach, the next job advancement we can get, and even-how fast we can get through the deli line. It was after this conversation that I truly appreciate all of what Ireland taught me. That is to let go, to live more freely, and to laugh. I miss Ireland like crazy! But most of all, I miss my wonderful Ireland friends. Overall, life is pretty much back to normal. Except that I see things differently and I view people differently. I have more confidence and am more self assured. And on the inside, I am changed as a person. So I guess, without further ado, I should probably say, "Thanks, Ireland."