I’m currently holed up in my room, writing yet another essay. I’ve been writing nonstop since last Monday, and the end is barely in sight. After a semester of relatively light coursework, it seems that all of a sudden I’m buried in work. Essays for all of my classes are due this week, and I have a written and oral exam for my Irish Language class too, which is terrifying. Despite all of the work, I’m trying to enjoy my last few days here before I go home for Christmas. Which brings me to my next piece of news: I’m returning to Maynooth for spring semester! I’ve come to absolutely love it here, and I’ve met so many wonderful people and been to so many amazing places in Ireland that I knew one semester wouldn’t be enough. Thankfully, and surprisingly, my parents were very supportive. So, after about a month at home, I’ll be coming back here for a new semester. Christmastime in Ireland has been magical so far, and I almost wish I was going to be here for actual Christmas. There are Christmas markets every weekend, and Dublin has been decorated with lights and Christmas trees. It doesn’t seem like it’ll be a white Christmas, which I’m glad about. I hate snow. Hopefully it won’t snow when I’m back in Atlanta either. Just one more essay and then I’m finished. If I never have to write about another Neolithic burial mound I’ll be a very happy camper.