My apology to Ireland

After an exhausting week, I can finally say that I am 1/3 way through the semester, which is pretty crazy. I mean, it feels like just last week I was complaining about having too much free time, hahahhahahahahahahahahha. Welp, last week there were two quizzes, one of which I got above a c- on, so Harvard, where’s my PhD? Other than that, were the two 5-page papers, which by itself is not too much but one was the honors paper with detailed rules such as, “don’t use the word relatable, or jargon.” So the mental taxation of the last 13 years of advanced English came crashing down into 10 pages of pretending I understand what I’m doing. Grades to come, tears?? to come as well.

As for the previous weekend, I think that parents' weekend went swimmingly, and with those skills, I am officially accepting visitors. That’s right, for the low low price of, a lunch outside the dining hall, you too can get the Chica-Gretchen™, experience of the great windy city. From the feedback I received from Carmen and my father, it was a lot of walking, and I haven’t gone anywhere interesting, (the latter was from Carmen of course). I had a great weekend of getting a sunburn on my upper chest, a divine response to a risqué choice (Not buttoning my dress up to my throat?? Mother Mary is crying up in heaven as we speak.) We also went on a grand tour of Andersonville, home of the Swedes, artisan coffee shops, and bookstores. Unsurprisingly, a neighborhood I frequent. But overall, I would put parents’ weekend at a solid success.

It is next weekend that will be my true test. Why? You may ask. Because it is a mid-semester break. A wonderful consecutive 4-days off in which I shall A. Stress about what I’ve turned in, and B. Stress about what I must turn in. As for non-dramatic plans, I am meeting a friend for coffee and hoping and praying that she brings her baby. To put good karma out I am knitting said baby a cardigan, which has been super fun, and a good break from academic work. As for the not-great aspects of the coming break, they are closing all the dining halls for the entire duration of the break. In response to this slight-in convince, my roommate had the *audacity* to tell me that the workers deserved a break too. I eavesdrop from my window on their smoke breaks in the alley, they need some time off.

But that about wraps up my life since you’ve last heard from me! As a little treat, there are going to a few pictures, and some of them might include some new faces? That’s right you guys, I mentioned Megan in the last post, and now you guys are finding out I have MULTIPLE FRIENDS?? And of those friends, I have managed to get most of their names right in my contact information. So, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to Bridget, and all of Ireland, I made a mistake in thinking your last name was O’Brien when it is in fact, O’Reilly. I repent for my actions and hereby renounce my Irish heritage, Claddagh ring, and ginger mother, (loved you mom). I hope all of you reading this can find it in your hearts to forgive me for this transgression.

For those you have decided you can read on, I will see y’all next week! (and I’m being serious when I say if you want to/are coming to Chicago for any reason reach out to me, and I’ll show you what the best of the Argyle stop Jewel-Osco has to offer.)

Slan, Tá aiféala orm.

Gretchen