Homesickness is starting to kick in, guys.

This is not a drill. You read that right. I repeat, homesickness is starting to kick in. This is not a drill.

Ha okay, so it's really not that serious. And it's nowhere near as serious as my homesickness was in France. It's just that it rains like 300% of the time and while that was cute and romantic at the beginning (because EVERYTHING was cute and romantic at the beginning of moving to Ireland. Even stepping in dog poop. Even getting locked out of my house at 4:30 in the morning.), it's starting to get a little annoying now.

Especially because the only thing I forgot to pack was my raincoat. So I am currently raincoatless. And for those of you who will ask (because I know you will, because everyone has asked me) why I haven't bought a new one, the answer is simple: because I spent like $55 on the one I have at home and I don't WANT to  find another one. I want mine. (PS Mom could you please send that soon? xxx)

Anyways, in other news, I'm writing this update to let you all know that I miss you. I am officially coming home for Christmas (cue the song...) and it's made me start thinking ahead to all of the things I'm excited for at home. Mostly actual Mexican food and the JICP Christmas lights show. Yes, I am aware that it's October and that even if I was home I wouldn't be able to go. I don't care.

That is the major downfall to living in Ireland (other than the rain thing... which I knew going into it so there's really no excuse): the complete and utter lack of good Mexican food. I could really go for some La Ha right about now.

BUT that's enough whining. And since I haven't actually talked about the classes and the studying that I'm really here for, here's your chance to learn all about the things you don't care about.
Just kidding. I'm too lazy to tell you everything on my blog. Suffice it to say that this program is really exactly what I wanted to be getting out of a Master's degree. I'm taking Public Health, Management, Anthropology, and Geopolitics this semester, and learning a lot more than I willingly would have at any other stage in my life. Geopolitics is proooobably my favorite class (I like to argue; what can I say?) but it is a little uncomfortable for me at times, being the only American in the room. Even the Canadians are like, "Hey, we may be close but at least we're not America."

SPEAKING OF WHICH (and in case you were looking for a logical thread in this blog update, sorry to disappoint but have you met me?), AMERICA, WHAT IS GOING ON?
Could you all try to keep it together over there? I realize that you're upset that I'm gone but SERIOUSLY, GUYS, you didn't have to shut down the government in protest! It's making it much easier for everyone over here to make fun of me... and I didn't really need much help with that.

Well, this has been a big pile of Stephanie's thoughts with no discernible connection. I'd better leave it before you all start to understand what I'm talking about.
And COMMENT, people! I can't tell who's been here and who's reading this. Hopefully you're not all random internet stalkers. :)