Though I stayed up late last night catching up on American TV shows that I've fallen behind on, I popped out of bed this morning at 9:30. It already feels like Christmas morning to me. I am beyond excited, and I'll tell you why...MY PARENTS ARE COMING TODAY!
Yep, you read that right. Momma Karen and Daddy Pat are on their way right now to the Emerald Isle. Their plane lands at 11:05 in Dublin then they are taking the bus to Galway. I am so ready to hug my parents. Now it really feels like Christmas to me.
Christmas in Galway has been one of the best experiences thus far. This town decorates EVERYTHING. The streets are draped in lit up garlands, the shops stick Christmas trees wherever they can, a giant Christmas market has taken over Eyre Square, and Christmas jumpers are worn by everyone! I must say, the festive jumpers are great, they have become somewhat of a game for me and Liz. Almost like slug bug. Some jumpers remind us of this...
| Mr. Mark Darcy being a dweeb in his favorite reindeer jumper. Thank you Bridget Jones Diary |
| But we still love them, no matter how stupid :) |
One of the best things about being here for Christmas time is that I am learning all these new Christmas songs! At home it's the same ones every year, which I love of course, but here there are a few I've never heard. One is called driving home for Christmas, and the whole country goes mad for it!
They were shocked when I told them I had never heard it before. And to be honest, I'm not too crazy about it. But for culture's sake you must listen.
And this next one has become one of my absolute favorite songs. There is just something about it. It's on the radio every 10 minutes, and I'm not even close to being tired of it.
Try to ignore his teeth. Maybe even minimize your screen during the video, it's not a good video, but the song is great.
Here is a little video I found that really shows Christmas in Galway. And it has a sweet message to go along with it.
Ok, I'm done with the videos for now. I got a little excited. Can you tell that I'm in the Christmas spirit? I have watched White Christmas at least 4 times. Which to be honest, that's kind of a slow year for me. Usually I'm at least in the double digits by now. I lied..here's another video...
If you haven't seen White Christmas, go find it and watch it and fall in love.
Enough with the Christmas Lauren! Move on already! I can read your minds :) Life in Galway has been incredible lately. I feel like I have made some real - honest to goodness - miss them when they aren't around - can't wait to tell them about my day - friends. Random trips to McDonald's for McFlurrys end up taking 3 hours because we just can't stop talking (yes Liz and Paul I'm talking about yall). I get to not only spend time with friends, but their family as well. Our friend Paul has had us over to his family's house a few times for Sunday dinner and to watch a movie. I can't explain how nice it feels to be in a real family home after being away from one for so long. And his family is so loving and so fun.
I'm sitting here in my apartment drinking my morning coffee, and waiting to get the call from my mom telling me that their plane has landed and they are in Ireland. I am so excited I feel I might cry. I feel like up until now I have taken for granted being home for Christmas surrounded by family. Usually, whether we are in Allen, TX or Overland Park, KS, the house is jammed with loud hungry Neats and we are just laughing for days. I hate that I am going to be away from that this year.
I can picture it now... We are all sprawled out in a living room somewhere, making the hardest decision known to man...what Christmas movie to put on...Dad yells "SCROOGE" from somewhere in the back of the room (he's playing minesweeper on the computer so he must yell from a distance)...Dave is standing ready to put whatever movie in we decide on. He doesn't care what we choose, as long as we just freaking decide already. I'm demanding White Christmas like I always do. Mom jumps in "no Lauren, not again, we HAVE to watch something else". Lenna and Jason are just laughing on the couch about who knows what, but Jason looks up just in time to say, "NO Lauren, no, not again." And finally Dave just puts on whatever the kiddos want (usually Buddy the elf). Then we all sit down to watch...but spend maybe 5 minutes watching the movie, and the rest of the time just talking over it, and wondering why we even put it on in the first place.
Man I miss my wonderful family.
Now here's a song that my wonderful, talented, amazing friend Robert Kelly wrote and performs. He is an amazing musician, and an even more amazing person. This song makes me miss Texas though...listen to it and you can feel how much love is written into the song. click the link for it! https://soundcloud.com/backdownsouth/robert-kelly-im-coming-home
Ok, love yall to the moon and back!
Merry Christmas
Lauren
Sounds awesome! DC is not so christmasy. I bet it's beautiful there. So excited for the fam to get there! You guys are gonna have the best time DOING NOTHING ;-) Take them to that awesome morrocan joint - where they have the banafi pie. I noticed you've taken to calling sweaters jumpers. I urge you to stick to the american english.. Or you will be disliked upon your return. I know this because i went through a stage where I tried to always say "queue" instead of "line" and "mate" instead of "friend" after one of my stints living abroad and people rolled their eyes a lot. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU AT CHRISTMAS! God bless you little Lorna!