Less Than 48 Hours

WOW!! So here it comes...the big move. I am officially into the last full day here in the states. It has been a whirlwind of a couple of months....hence the lack of a new blog, so I will do my best to make up for that.

As I said...a whirlwind of activity has happened the last two months. I was honored to be a part of Caitlin and Brad's wedding in april and then spent two weeks at the beginning of May out in Iowa for Part IV National Board Review and The exam itself. While stressful (the studying and exam taking),it was wonderful to be able to spend so much time with my Iowa friends (aka Iowa Family). It was also wonderful to be taken care of in such wonderful ways as they all did.

It has been a month of goodbyes as well. It has been hard to say goodbye to so many wonderful people..family and friends. I am truly blessed to have so many people that I love and care about and that feel the same about me. I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of good wishes, promises of prayers, gifts and most of all LOVE that have been sent my way. In fact, overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe it...it has been truly amazing and humbling for me!

So, now I stand just hours away from leaving and embarking on my wildest dreams. For those that don't know, my wildest dreams were to work in Ireland or England and be able to travel a little around Europe...guess what?!?! DREAMS COME TRUE!! The Universe does conspire on your behalf when you have clear intentions on what it is that you want and the Omnipotent does make something seemingly impossible, possible....AND bigger and better than you could have ever wished for. How lucky are we?!?! I am so excited to take what I have learned and serve the people in Galway. Not only do I get to do what I love...I get to do it in a place I have always wanted to be. My Aunt told me to just leap and the net would appear....it has and it has been a large, finely knit one that has just fallen into place. I have never been more sure of any decision I have made or any more sure of what I supposed to be doing at this exact moment. I could wax philosophical forever, so I will spare you all....but living your wildest dreams can happen...you just have to leap sometimes and trust that it will all work out when you follow your gut.

To my fellow Vassarites that will read this....I can't begin to thank you enough for acceptance back into the community I have recieved. I will miss my nights on the sidelines and behind the bench at the high school, the smiling faces in the office and everyone that I have reconnected with or established new bonds with. Your friendships have meant so much since my return two years ago.

To The Iowa peeps that read this.....you guys continually amzae me with your generous friendships. I remember moving there in 2001, not knowing a soul and look what happened..I made some of the best friends a gal could ask for. It gives me the courage to know that I can go somewhere else where I don't know anyone and be ok.

To my family...I don't even know where to begin. I have the courage and bravery people see because I know you stand behind me no matter what. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and supporting me in living out my wildest dreams.

I know I am a bit sappy, but as a good friend told me today..it is not a goodbye here, it is a "See you later"...and it is! I just want you all to know how grateful I am that each of you hasplayed in my life. I CANNOT wait to update you about all the amazing things that will be happening practice wise and personally. Hang on kids...it is goign to be an amazing ride!!

I can't wait for visitors in Ireland!

With that......Galway Ireland...HERE. I. Come.!!!!

Sally

I am Swallowing Life Experiences Whole

Hello All and welcome to my first blog entry. Many of you will have read some of this stuff already or have been told about it, but for those that haven't...I am moving to Galway Ireland on Monday, May 25th. I have been given an opportunity to join a practice there for a minimum of two years. Galway is a city of around 80,000 people on the west coast of Ireland. (directly west of Dublin) It is considered the cultural center of Ireland and it is also the safest city in Ireland for all of you that are worriers out there.

I have been asked by many people upon finding out about my decision to move over there, "Why would you want to do something like that?". My short reply is usually "Why Not?!". There is also a longer answer to that. I am 33 with no strings and the opportunity of a lifetime just presented itself. In my wildest dreams, the thought of living in another country has always been there as well as the chance to travel around Europe; enter this position. I have also always had a sense of adventure, and although I stifled it at times, it was always there...chiding away at me. When this chance arose, I knew if offered the position, I would go. Of course there is a part of me sad to leave family and friends behind and of course there is a slight fear of the unkown. However, the overwhelming emotions are excitement and happiness at the thought of following a dream of mine and the opportunity to build a practice in Galway.

I do not have a place to live, but will find one when I arrive over there. My mom and sister Kate will be taking me over there. I am excited that they will be able to see where I am going to be. I am looking forward to using this space as a place to share my experiences, feelings, triumphs and anything else that comes my way. I look forward to feedback, questions and anything else anyone wants to send my way.

Talk to you soon!

Sally