Tiny Tots

I have heard news from the teachers with whom I get to work in the boys' school in Kenmare! Good news, too! I am very happy to report that I will be teaching "Junior and Senior Infants" which is equivalent to the U.S. preschool and kindergarten ages. I absolutely loved my time in the preschool in Mansfield a couple of years ago, so I know that this will be just as fun.

Yesterday, the second day being snowed in from student teaching, I found myself going absolutely bonkers so I picked out some outfits for my Irish teaching experience. Almost one suitcase is completely packed... Pitiful? I'd go with eager. Yesterday was also super stressful since I discovered that my two adorable little puppies had consumed seven Thornton's chocolates! Of course they had to find the most expensive chocolates in the house. Lee sent me these for Valentine's Day and I felt absolutely awful about the whole situation. The veterinarian said that they would be just fine and gave them some medicine. They are still doing fine and we're all working on forgiving one another--Sammie, Bella, and I.

In just three short weeks (and two days) I will be leaving on a jet plane to live in Ireland for eight weeks! Also, I will be visiting England and Italy. These last days are going to fly by since they are full of teaching and lesson planning. See you all soon and save a place for me on the dance floor!

Peace.

Packing Gold

Hello Readers!

In just a few short weeks, I will be heading for the sweet shores of Ireland. This time though, I will be heading to the unknown as one of two Americans in a town on the west coast. Just 1400 people live in the town of Kenmare and I will have the great privilege of actually being allowed to teach in their primary boys' and girls' schools for a little while. Check it out: http://www.kenmare.com/

I am very happy to be going back to Europe and make new friends all over again. Fortunately, I will also have time to visit my 'old' friends back in Ormskirk. (Hello friends!) There is not a day that has passed where I have not thought of the good times we all shared there and I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.



Just two months to the day before I was supposed to be boarding the plane for Ireland, there was a television special about the exact town where I will be teaching--so I think it is a sign that this was meant to be. I also looked into teaching in Brazil before signing-up for Ireland over a year ago, but I have recently found out that the arrangements for Brazil fell through. I've got a feeling--like the Black Eyed Peas--that this is going to be a great experience.

And yes, English friends, I am bringing my resume (CV) in hopes that I will land a teaching job in the UK or Ireland. Be ready--Ashley "The Yank" Carpenter is coming back!

Peace.