The title doesn't mean much other than we just learned that most of the children here celebrate Halloween with costumes and fireworks; the younger kids go trick-or-treating, but the primary (6-12y) and secondary (high school) kids find blowing up fireworks much more fun than getting bags of candy. In fact, they've started early and we hearing them quite frequently.
The weather has been fantastic; sunny and perfect fall temperatures to walk around in...the leaves are changing and remind me of the leaves back home. Changing of the seasons always seem to bring out several things: new beginnings, new hope, new plans, and new paths in life's journey. With Fall at our doorstep, we have really embraced the many things that have come our way and look forward to what the season has to offer.
Brian has had a number of interviews the last several weeks and recently has been offered 2 jobs, with another potential offer on the way. The first offer was literally on the spot...we went out to eat at a reataurant called Chapati Grill; the manager approached us and after talking with her for a while, she wanted Brian to work at the reatuarant and asked him to swing by the next day to shadow some of the employees. Brian showed up promptly at 8am, Monday morning and little did he know that the manager and the owner had big plans for him. They were hoping that he would run...as in manage their new restaurant opening in a few weeks. Lets just say with all the experience Brian has, managing a restaurant is not one of them, let alone working in a restaurant. That one was scratched off his list.
The next job offer is with VHI, Ireland's health insurance company, and as of now, Brian has accepted with them and will start tomorrow. He is, however, waiting and hoping to hear back from ESB, Ireland's Electric Company, this week. They asked for references and we are hoping that means they're interested and the next step will be a job offer.
As for sports, Brian is now playing rugby with a men's club team through Trinity College. The coach for the team used to be Brian's rugby coach back in the day when Brian was on the All-American Rugby team. Practices are twice a week, games once a week, and so far Brian has learned a lot. Rugby in Europe is a much different game than in America.
I am playing on a women's 6a-side soccer team and play once a week; my first game was last Wednesday and I scored my first goal in Ireland. The goal had a lot of symbolism for me...I was overwhelmed with emotion afterwards and realized that the goal symbolized a lot of the hard work, transition trials and triumphs, and a big shout of "we did it!". While I didn't convey all of that afterwards, I was outwardly excited about it...enough so, that some of the girls were wondering if I'd ever scored a goal before.
Upcoming events:
Oktoberfest celebrations in Dublin 9th-19th of OctoberWe are going to London 24th-27th of October to watch the Saints v. Chargers and visit our cousin Nate!
We're excited for our first family visitors--Mom and Dad Carter are coming on the 27th of October!!
New beginnings also remind us of all we are missing at home...close friends pregnant with their first or second baby, new marriages, new engagments, new homes, the holiday season...we hope that everyone knows that we carry you all in our hearts and thoughts every day and wish we could be celebrating new milestones with you. Know that while we may not be there, we are celebrating here and are so joyous for all the wonderful things happening in your lives. Please do keep us posted with how you are and the changes that are happening for you.
Love,
Rosanne and Brian
