There is a park somewhat close to the dorms that I walk through sometimes to get to campus. Most of the time it is cold, pretty empty, and a tiny bit scary going through alone. I usually go through the park during the week, sometimes at night, so I am pretty sure that accounts for my view of it. Today I cut through the park in the middle of the afternoon because it is quickest route to the public library I like. The park was full of people. Children were playing on all of the equipment while their parents chatted with each other or pushed them on the swings. I could hear giggling and laughing and saw a sea of knit caps, bright colored jackets and mittens everywhere. As I got further along the path in the park, I saw dogs running through the muddy grass and guys playing rugby in small groups. The sun was even out, and I was not freezing, so I am going to take it as a sign for a good day.

I had a birthday card waiting for me when I got home from Belfast. It is really hard for me to not open it now, but I am going to try and hang tough. I was happy to see it, especially since I will be celebrating my birthday without my family for the first time ever. I am sure I will spend the day here surrounded by the people that love me, but besides Kelly, there is just one person I want to spend it with. In my mind I saw a Skype date with cake for me, and a healthy dinner for him at 2 or 3 am my time. Now I am just thinking to pass the day hiding in my room working on my final assignment. I officially only have a month left of classes, and then I can start to get ready to come home. I think that has good as this has been, I am just ready to come home. I think it is time for me to get my research in order, and start thinking about what I need to do to graduate here. I’ll have time to celebrate and have some fun later.

One of these posts will be positive and cheery soon. The sun has been out more and more, so I am hoping that boosts my mood. I am also a little over a month from a visit from my parents. I have a great trip planned for them, and it will be nice to see them here and be able to show them my little home away from home.