Reflecting upon twenty.ten

Now that we are speedily falling into the new year, I must take into account the path I just took in the last year. Hmmm....

I graduated Bible College.

Turned 23.

Bought a MacBook.

Had my first "kindasorta" relationship.

Ended that "kindsorta" relationship.

Moved home to Wisconsin.

Became a barista.

Did a medical study.

Did a week long lecture for YWAM.

Went to France.

Flew to Madrid.

Explored Dublin.

Had my first real kiss.

Purchased an iPhone.

Painted, knitted, crocheted, and sewed away.

Started an etsy site.

Sold some of my handicrafts.

Biked for endless miles.

Drove to Tulsa, by myself, with 1 hour of sleep in a 2day span.

Began to wear TOMS.

Remained debt free.

Did NOT die.

Although the year had a lot of ups and downs, looking back, I think it was pretty good and eventful. I am satisfied with the year. Looking forward to making the next even better :)

Christmas time

My attitude for the holidays was certainly not "bah humbug" nor "YIPPEEEE!". I find that I was kind of "meh" this holiday season. I didn't actually buy a lot of gifts and didn't do so until the 23rd :/ It was just pretty uneventful. My mom was working on Christmas day, so our festivities went down on the Eve. We dined at the ever classy "Applebee's", which I have dubed over and over again "mediocre". Once again it received that title. And we played wii... which was interesting to say the least. "Family feud" to be exact, and it was just that.

Christmas day was chill and I like that. I got a new pair of Nike's and one-piece jammies.... oh and a gift certificate to Target (My most favorite store). And that's all that I asked for and I was happy. The one-piece jammies were the best! I love them!!!!

The grind.

Making a living with the help of espresso :)

Which Bennet am I?

Jane Austen (whom my heart loves) depicted 5 young sisters in her Novel, Pride and Prejudice. The Bennet girls are all so different... and I like to think about who I would be...

Lydia? No, I am not so giddy and recklessly shallow.

Kitty? Nah, I am not a follower and keen on fits.

Mary? Surely Not, well... perhaps... but I HOPE not.

Jane? I am not so sweet and perfect.

Lizzie? I feel myself bound to her fervor and wit. Yes. I am Elizabeth Bennet not yet found by a Mr. Darcy.

The not so sweet life of a barista.

Yesterday was mild peril in the life of a barista. Me.

Opening shift at a coffeehouse is an early riser. You must be there by 5:30 AM... yes. AM! So I've gots to get meself out of bed at like 4:30ish, give or take a snooze button slap or two.

Yesterday, my papa woke me up at 5:15, asking if I needed to get up. Leaving the house at 5:15 is being late. So I jumped out of bed as fast as I could, threw on some jeans, boots, grabbed a pony-tail holder, and my glasses. I RAN out the door. I didn't wash... anything. Hygiene-challenged Hannah got to work a bit late. Darn it.

During this shift I spilled pipping hot coffee down my arm. I exclaimed, "OW OW OW!!!" The dear lady customer asks, "Is is hot?"... Ummm.... YES. Idiot.

My latte art skills sucked. "I hope you like what looks like an onion atop your latte!" Sheesh.

En suite ("And then" in french) I had to cut onions, actually. My eyes hated me.

My feet hated me for a 9 hour shift on my feet.

But I will endure all of these minor things. Cause I love the life of a barista. I love my job. 4:30 am and all.

Craic culture: Dublin!

I conquered the streets of Dublin all by myself. I wandered the lanes and tasted Dublin. I observed the fine Irish folk. I enjoyed this city.

While Dublin may not be as majestic as other European cities, it has charm and a friendly atmosphere, which is endearing.

Some of my favorite things included (but were not limited to):

The regal Trinity College.

The ancient Book of Kells (an ornate copy of the four gospels written in 800AD, mind you that it was the dark ages.)

Temple Bar and it’s quaint shops and pubs (Including an UrbanOutfitters).

Finding 10 Euro in my jean’s pocket. Yay.

Leo Burdock’s fish and chips (said to be the best in Dublin).

Gazing upon Picasso and VanGogh at the National Gallery.

The irish, singing with plenty of Guinness pumping through their veins.

Accents.

Delightful Scones.

Snow covered Christ Church.

Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse.

Strolling through the Dublin Castle.

Finding the cutest earmuffs for only 2 Euro.

Now, for the sake of balance, my least favorite things:

Too much snow!

Numb appendages.

Loosing 30 Euro somehow.

City bus tours being cancelled.

The snoring of the german woman who slept above me.

Freakin’ freezing hostel room.

Also, this german woman moved so much... shaking the entire bunk.

Dinky breakfast served at the hostel.

The smell of fish and chips seeping through my pores.

Disgusting coffee.

However, the good far outweighs the bad! I would definitely want to come back and explore more of the country... in fair weather!

I was tempted to go to the Leprechaun Museum, however, I remembered that I am terrified of the little guys!

I know that Kilmainham Gaol is a must-see for Dublin visits... but I opted out. I wasn’t too keen on paying to explore a prison. I felt a bit too freaked out for that. Maybe next time.

My Madrid

I spent 3 nights in Madrid, having 2 full days to rome around the city. It was splendid.

I figured Spain would still be a little warm and grace me with some wonderful weather. Wrong. The first day was COLD and the second day it snowed. Despite the weather letdowns, I still enjoyed Madrid. It is a really cool city! And it is actually pretty clean (compared to NYC, Paris, and Rome) and the architecture is stunning! Fully decked out for the Christmas

season, the city shined! I bought a pair of comfy slippers at a Christmas Market, ate a Calamares (Calamari sandwich) at the Plaza Mayor, and EXPLORED!

You could say that I have a little crush on Madrid :) He's a winner! But he was a little "cold" to me... so I had to move on.

(The Crystal Palace: I want to be married here!!!)

A tale of 45 minutes in an Irish Pub.

First off: Christians, don't judge me. I still love Jesus. Mom, if you are reading this, no need to worry.

Secondly: I went to a pub. In Dublin. (foolish as it may, I went alone.) You see, there was an Irish man singing his heart out and Irish folk dancing and laughing... I had to go in. So I did and I sat myself at the bar (and yea, ordered a drink).

The atmosphere was really cool, or as they say here in Ireland, CRAIC! And it wasn't long before a buzzed Irishman came to talk to me... he asked me questions, in fact, he asked me my name 3 times and if I had a boyfriend 5 times. Hahaha! John, which was his name, brought a drink over for me. For fear of roofies, I refrained from drinking it. He continued to hit on me and invited me to the next bar, I kindly declined. He asked me for a kiss on the cheek, I kindly declined. I am very sorry John for rejecting you. As he departed he shook my hand for way too long. He was really good at making me feel awkward and his accent was so thick I could hardly understand the guy. The poor guy. OH! He also sang Elvis' blue Christmas to me :)

The next guy to come along was probably 45-50 yrs. old... just a nice chat with the man.

Next, a man trying to avoid a "Swedish Chick" came and asked if he could hang around me to deter her. I said, "Sure."

Next, A few Irish folk, Johnny, Greg, and Suzy asked if I would like to join them. I thought why not... introductions were made and a little bit of chit-chat conducted. Johnny says, "I like your coat." and Greg says, "Well, I like your scarf." Soon enough, Greg grabs my hand and starts a harmless dance with me ... as I am thinking, "I don't really have a choice do I?" Quite honestly, these guys were too old, not "dashing" enough, and a wee bit smashed.

After a little bit of awkward dancing, I felt it was time for this girl to pack up and head back to the hostel. After all, it was late and I was alone. I am trying to play it safe.

The night was absolutely HILARIOUS. The Irish crack me up (especially while drinking in the pub).