Almost packed and ready to go to Germany. Looking forward to spending some time with my family. It’ll be lovely.

I saw something really exciting, and now I can’t unsee it. I just don’t know if I should go for it, but I already know the answer: I should totally go for it. Sorry, I can’t fill you in on the details, I’ll report back later. Send some positive thoughts this way.

I always find it difficult to start a new stage of this thesis. I’ve transcribed all the interviews, printed them off, and now I have to analyse everything. Luckily it’s the weekend and I can take a break. The plan is to read the transcripts while I am in Germany next week (!!!!!) and when I get back I have to start writing the findings/discussion chapter. I am meeting my supervisor just after I get back and I hope she can give me a few suggestions how to start writing this chapter and organize my findings.

Once again, and for the last time, our scholarship didn’t arrive on time. Luckily we have each other, but it still puts people in awkward positions. I am not sure why it is so difficult to transfer the money every month. Oh well. Even that is coming to an end, this is the last scholarship payment we will receive. Then reality will hit us hard.

3 months have gone by since I arrived in Dublin. Wow, if you looked outside right now you wouldn’t be able to tell at all. I guess there are some signs of Spring, but it sort of looks the same as it did in January…

I finished my last few interviews with my participants at the school. It was fabulous, and I just checked, they are all recorded. PHEW! I might do one more short interview later, but it will be a bonus. For now I’m feeling that I have as much data as I could possibly wrap my head around.

One of the things I like most is that the manager of the school invited me back for a visit so that I can share some of my findings. I’ll be going to one of their staff meetings in May. I have already reported back to the kids who are participating in this project. Since I told that I was writing a story about their school, and since it is unlikely they will ever read my thesis, I felt that I needed to actually write a story with them. So today I brought in a little poem that they wrote with me before Easter. Reading it to them was quite magical. The teachers were thrilled as well and want to put it in their newsletter. As I was leaving I saw that the manager had already hung it up in the office. Now that’s nice! Everyone has been so excited about this project, it has been so nice.

On the way home on the double decker bus I listened to the drunk guy singing Michael Jackson. I’m really in Dublin. Sometimes I can’t believe it.

About a year ago we listened to presentations by the IMEC students that were a year ahead of us. They told us about their research project and how they were doing with it. This year it was our turn to talk to the new group of IMEC students. Can’t believe a year went by! We realized that this was the last presentation we have to give EVER, which had to be acknowledged with a celebratory drink at the pub.

I’m holding the last interviews at the school tomorrow, wish me luck. It should be grand.

I did it! I have arranged the last few interviews for my study. I will get to interview a few people within the early childhood setting that I am already exploring. I am thrilled to have these interviews, they will add the extra layer of niceness to this project. Fantastic. You can send good vibes in my direction on Thursday. And this time I’ll make sure to turn on that tape recorder…

I bought something I thought I would NEVER buy. Instant coffee. I must be getting crazy. It’s not even tasty! But I’ve been spending all my pocket money in cafes, a very nice new habit. Well, it’s obvious, the instant coffee here at home will have to go, I must have been beside myself when I bought it. I would much rather leave the house sometimes to have a nice break from typing and reading.

Working away all week so that I can have a nice vacation next week!!!

That’s me 🙂 Evan’s favorite German.

But he is also brushing up his German language skills, which makes me so happy. This morning I got to read over one of his assignments and felt helpful, especially because I am of absolutely no help when it comes to the math & chemistry courses he is taking…

This was taken at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

Last year I had good company, this year I had blue skies and a berry scone.