I am fairly certain that the last 7 days can be summed up in a few thematically based description verbs.
1) Work: We had our first full week of work. Jack works in the schools on Wednesday and Friday while I work in the guesthouse and vice-versa for Tuesday/Thursdays. In the guesthouse we found our work to be highly rewarding (aka not highly rewarding) as we spent most of our days washing windows and cleaning gutters. I commented on the intrinsic benefits being a little on the lower end after reflecting on the work of Justin Rose, Thomas Joyce, Tyler Ethridge, Grant Stevens and all the rest of the volunteers who are literally changing the lifestyles of hundreds of individuals for the better. I will admit, however, there is some sort of petty pride when you watch people walk straight into a perfectly clean glass door.
At the school we have primarily been left to find our own work. Jack has spent a significant amount of time organizing books while I started my very own running club. Six kids showed up and all are very interested in running technique, advice and strategy. Most questions are pretty easily answered like, "should I be an idiot and run barefoot?" None are particularly fast...yet. I'll keep ya'll posted on their progress.
2) Aquaint: Jack and I have found that this is our best way to pass the time. We take walks around the area, and have become "Yes Men" this last week; our focus has been to just show up at anything that is happening. Example 1 was from last weekend at the Mary from Murroe festival. We came, we saw, we conquered. Other examples would be the all-faculty forum (where all the teachers meet and talk about the upcoming year), an art exhibit opening from a well known local artist, the robe giving ceremony for Brother James, going to Alice's house just because we only know one house in the area. We have also said yes to going on any possible field trips in the future, most likely with Brother Caman or Father Senan.
3) Drink: This may be a warning flag for some people. I can imagine my dear sweet mother worrying that her son has put drinking as the number 3 priority in his life...and I have no excuse or apologies. We have spent way more money than intended on drinks at the pub because there is little going on in Murroe.
4) Reading: I've been reading books too I guess.
So there you have it. A week in the life. I'm hoping in the next few weeks we can update you on: The Clare Glens (we hope to go explore there), the waterfall I am going to find today (we are going to probably build a cool clubhouse there), Connemara (driving there on Monday), and much much more!
Total pints: 31
Guinness for the most part, but throw in some Devil's Bit hard cider and Bavaria and you have our lifestyle down pat.
