1 year down...

So, it's happened. I was intending to write this on the very day of my year anniversary of being "Stateside" but I was busy!

So, what has changed in the year since I've been here? Well, I like baseball (which I was expressly forbidden to do by my brothers), I've found a great circle of friends who I know I can rely on, I've settled into my job and been through some tough times with my Parish...I like Country Music! Haha.

There's too much to say what has changed. I'd like to tell you about 3 things that haven't changed, and I'm sure they never will:

1. I miss my family every day. This is the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever had to do. Sometimes it feels like I've given up my family and I don't like that feeling. I'm missing out on all the things they get to do together and that makes me sad. The flip side is when I get to talk to them on Skype or when I get to go home - it's awesome...even if there's not much to say! Just to see them and hear them is great. 58 days until I head home!

2. My accent. I'm incredibly happy that I still have my accent. This is for a number of reasons really. Mainly it's that I'm still quite novel for people. It starts the most amount of conversations (some start like this: What part of IRELAND are you from?! To which I reply: NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND!!). It's also fun when I go into the lower grades in the school. If I say "Charlie bit my finger!" or "Give it back Malfoy, or I'll knock you off your broom!" it sends them into hysterics!

3. I still have strong links with my friends back home. It speaks for itself really.

So, America has affected my life, it's given me an opportunity I would never have had at home. It's taken me away from people I love most in the world...but it hasn't removed them. I'm thankful for the ties I have that keep me strongly attached to my roots.

Now, I have a question. Do I get a new Facebook page for my family and friends? It's getting difficult to post things with all the Youth Group on the other one! Answers on a comment!