tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2072933256687272062024-03-19T02:39:37.741-07:00Arms Around the World!I'm just a girl who wants to see the world, wake up happy, and love every moment. Hugs and giving back are my favorite things and I staunchly believe that life is for sharing. This blog is my attempt to do just that! I'm also a Colorado State University (Go Rams!) and Trinity College alum, currently living in Dublin but homebound very soon.Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-34299556016451044582011-08-03T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-03T07:24:57.275-07:00King's a KingBooks are wonderful things, and I'm not talking about the electronic kind. I'm one of those people who shies away from the thought of an e-reader because I'm in love with the smell and feel of books, especially ones that have lived many lives with many people. The feel of a page that has been turned by hundreds before me is one I adore and wouldn't give up for the world. This typically means I'm in a constant state of panic as I try to figure out how to transport the latest addition to my printed family. I leave Dublin in about three weeks and have two suitcases, a carry-on and a backpack into which everything must fit, at no more than about 125 pounds. Thus, I have the unpleasant task of having to choose which of my books will go with me (a 10 kilo package will cost me 80 euro, and that's no small change to a grad student with an income of 0). <div><br /></div><div>I'm no closer to solving this dilemma (again, the e-reader thing is out of the question...for now), but I do know at least one of the volumes on my shelf I couldn't leave behind under any circumstances: <i>Full Dark, No Stars</i> by the talented and wonderful Stephen King. I have been a fan of King's work for several years now and have undertaken the considerable task of reading all but a handful of his published works, including those published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Given this, it's no surprise I'm reticent to part with this treasure, despite the fact that it's a hardcover.</div><div><br /></div><div>But King's work in this collection of four novellas was touching on a whole new level. The stories are experiments into the darkest places in the human mind, exposing the fat, ugly issues of despair, guilt, hopelessness and greed, to name a few. The hero/ine in each tale is not someone to put on a pedestal and worship for their superhuman achievements, but this makes them no less moving. They are human, in every sense of the twisted, broken nature of human being. They face issues we can barely imagine, but that are not quite out of grasp. You can sit right down next to them and look into their world, catch a glimpse of what they feel, and suddenly understand exactly why they did the things they did. It's almost scary to think of what we as humans are capable of, and I don't mean physically.</div><div><br /></div><div>How can one empathise with a murderer? Or look into the eyes of someone who signed away someone else's life to save their own and understand why they did it, while at the same time hating them for it? We are all contradictions in ourselves who want to look in the mirror and see the sunny side, but that darker side lurks just on the other side of glass (as it does for Darcy in "A Good Marriage"). So many authors create people we admire and aspire to be, but King offers in this wonderful collection a series of people we understand, a series of people we all have the capacity to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>King's work has always been the epitome of character development, in my opinion. Whenever I read one of his tales, I know and love his characters, despite their considerable flaws; perhaps even because of their flaws. He writes them as real as you and I, which is probably the reason it took me three years to read <i>It</i>; the characters were so real, I couldn't bear what was happening to them. It was the only time I have ever connected with a work of fiction to the point of actual fear. King is the king of character development and I am his loyal subject.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, <i>Full Dark, No Stars</i> has earned its place in my luggage. I have yet to decide whether the host of fantasy and horror novels it calls friends will join it. Perhaps they should stay, left in a coffee shop or cafe, to be enjoyed by another...if I can bring myself to part with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>hugs,</div><div>shawna</div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-30882607306954928182011-06-30T14:12:00.000-07:002011-07-04T15:49:10.747-07:00Poppop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4FGgwjHOZaA7MkAhEIqbZRJXvQUb0Ous8VCKbAjr8tQQHPJqeAYxw_0MNwaZWuzPQBJUVzMHWzv_ZSEFECcyiNYS_c60OJLFil671P3kKkwuEqL5ZzyerRYrpWyU_dLoARpNne49OcTB/s1600/IMG_0066.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4FGgwjHOZaA7MkAhEIqbZRJXvQUb0Ous8VCKbAjr8tQQHPJqeAYxw_0MNwaZWuzPQBJUVzMHWzv_ZSEFECcyiNYS_c60OJLFil671P3kKkwuEqL5ZzyerRYrpWyU_dLoARpNne49OcTB/s320/IMG_0066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624131148882426210" /></a>It's funny sometimes the things that make us stop and remember. Sometimes it's the smell of a favorite food or a photo that's been on your wall for ages that suddenly seems more poignant in the half-light of a summer's dawn. The other day, it was just some numbers on my phone: the date, a date that I hadn't consciously thought about in weeks. I woke up feeling heavy, like someone had strapped one of those lead x-ray aprons around me and sent me off for the day. Then, around noon as I was sitting at work, I realised what day it was: the 30th of June. Suddenly, that weight on my shoulders didn't feel quite so displaced.<div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zy3xC881GCdDjuk8J3Z4248ln8S9KWpJoFnNuddpYOcjUVtIPat7zxmLLVlxX97llg-YAHvmA6zPqyvSXF4o8LAx5Dkm8avBAXLaMvbyDtaMxrTKAWp7DAk01s45XgHOAzOVBzUiKJ9N/s320/IMG_0048_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625631837861799282" /><div><div><div>And just like that, memories flooded into my mind. I was a little kid again, wrapped up in my grandfather's arms, sitting in the big armchair and tucked into my Nana's robe. He was telling me stories about an incredible heroine named Mageen, his arms wrapped around me, warding me from the evils that lurked in her world. And when my mom would come to take me up to bed, I'd just give her a look and hope that she'd know I wasn't ready to leave, that I needed to hear more, that I just simply couldn't sleep until the last story was told. He never wrote those stories down, just poured them like molten memories into my young mind, branding me with the desire to write and create my own fictional worlds when he was no longer able to make them for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dew87bmkDV65sSclVMyqLqx-u9QrPaWKW4_NplNj0VHR4kJa5Ku0BIXHCmxqjrWruCn9qlUJ-SZCMGjDBn2DJDjKn0haUZ6T3AXf3eDxifWSauEYYEG7_E5rh7n0A_62Kd7t5kZu5AN3/s320/IMG_0028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625627822826275970" /></div><div>We bonded over stories the way some kids bond over sports. Some of my most loved books came from him, in packages on birthdays or ferreted away from his library when I'd visit. I don't think I ever saw him without a book in hand, pages well-loved and slightly abused by crumbs and other lunchly detritus. One of the memories of him that plays most in my mind is him walking up the stairs from the garage at my grandparents' house, wearing one of his vests with a book tucked under one arm and a takeout sack of Chinese in one hand. Even with all those things to carry, he always had room enough to hug me, smiling a ridiculously big grin that I tried my hardest to match. Books meant enough to all of us that I still remember the title of the last book he read on that fateful Lake Powell vacation, and I wonder if he ever got the chance to finish it.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxFXJUaSaik_Xa-W7jZzZgKj-yXw1h2vlBbTYhmsCJ650CaFS14zDu9KD-1t6QqyFr-_-JBQ_A-Dx_w65V2lk0LA3mq-_xhTMc1waQ19yR16_lqAuDHKIXz4jJcuZ6eqiH6gSSUKqYyFt/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625629345499282130" /></div><div>And even though we may have had books to bind us, we also bonded over the things I loved in life: horses, music, swimming. We'd talk on the phone and I'd fill him in on all the new things happening in my young life. I must have rambled on so much, but he never seemed to tire of hearing my childhood tales of horseback rides and school art projects. And every time we spoke, whether it was on the phone or in an email, he would always tell me he loved me and remind me, just before we hung up, to "learn things." I hope he knows how much those words have followed me throughout my life - I went to CSU with them and started the application process here at Trinity with them playing an incessant loop in the back of my mind. Whenever I think of him, I hear those words, said as he would have uttered them: full of the sure knowledge that I would do exactly as he said, that I would learn things no matter what, it was simply a matter of course. His words offered encouragement, but in his voice there was belief, and that always stayed with me.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3Vrk0SEVaUK1tKeXqPD-lk4QY0llwGTphpHTHl7jGZMC3-HQ_UakeQtTolzW1IL92uotu-onyw4pfXpSbhXKOcMP-4UcOuUaC61rFyEHfM8MTs93wmY_hnqljPcBsEEXWU2j2E8yYxZ6/s320/IMG_0007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625631219564500530" /></div><div>Last week, it struck me with unexpected force when I realised that the heaviness in my heart had settled on the ninth anniversary of Poppop's death. It doesn't seem possible that it's been nearly a decade since I hugged him, heard his voice, or played King's Corner for M&Ms (which he never "let" me win; I always had to earn it). My mom wisely reminded me that his birthday is coming soon, and perhaps that should be the day I choose to remember, but I can't hoodwink my heart. It knows that date in June just as surely as it knows the 27th of April and every other landmark date in our family. But as I sit here writing this, I expected to feel the weight of his loss once more. Instead, my eyes are burning because the memories I have of him, of us, are so incredibly precious and full of joy. We were so blessed to have had him for the time we did, and even though the 30th of June will always ride heavy onto the horizon, it will depart with a lightness we won't expect.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you, Poppop, and I miss you every day...just some days, more than most.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love and hugs,</div><div>shawna</div></div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-1926623779229697332011-06-16T16:04:00.001-07:002011-06-16T16:26:17.215-07:00What's next?<div>There have been many things on my mind these days - the future, jobs, relationships, weather, etc etc. I suppose at this stage in my life those things are normal, right? I'm finishing up my master's dissertation by the 12th of August (or else) and after that...I have absolutely no idea. Nada. Zip. Zilch.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for the first time in my life, I'm completely okay with that. Well, most of the time :]] Every once in a while I start to run through the "what-ifs" and "but what nows" and all that, but most of the time I'm pretty sound with the idea that my lease ends August 31st and, as of this moment, I don't know what comes next. It's a bit of a liberating feeling. I could be back in the US, I could stay here in Ireland, I could end up somewhere half a world away with an opportunity I haven't even heard of yet. The possibilities are so broad, so vast, so endless...it boggles my mind. Who am I to have all of this before me? What have I done so right to end up here, standing on the edge of the very great unknown, with seemingly limitless potential all around me? I'm not scared of this unknown; I revel in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>For my whole life, I've been told by my family and close friends that I could do anything I wanted to when I grew up; anything. That's a pretty monumental statement to make, now that I look back on it. There's a very small percentage of the population of this entire globe who can rightly make that claim - I was born into freedom, I was blessed with supportive parents who made my education possible, I have a pinch of intelligence, and I was born into privileged social, cultural and ethnic categories. All of those things were beyond my control, but because of those factors and a host of others, here I am. I've heard that less than one percent of the global population attain an undergraduate diploma and, at 23, I'll have my postgraduate (given all goes well!) diploma in hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel fortunate, lucky, blessed, and so very very loved. The people who I have met and become close with throughout this life have been so incredibly instrumental to getting me where I am. Each of them helped me through some moment or another that I couldn't have weathered alone, and I am eternally grateful. All of this makes me want to do one thing - give back.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I suppose, for now, that's my direction into this unknown stitch in time: whatever comes on 1st September (other than the anniversary of the birth of the most amazing mom on the planet) will be something that will help me give back. No matter where I find myself and or what job I end up doing, I will fill my life with moments to provide the support and love I've been so very fortunate to receive for the past 22+ years. I want to be a shoulder for people, an ear to listen, a volunteer in as many ways possible. I don't ever want to stop being known as the girl who gives the best hugs.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to hug the whole world, because it's hugged me my whole life.</div><div><br /></div><div>The title of this blog seems so very appropriate now, it just made me laugh. :]]</div><div><br /></div><div>So as I sit here and muse away (when I should really be writing my personal and professional development reflection for my dissertation), I'm content in knowing that I DO have a plan for what comes after August 31st. I'll fill my days with love and giving back to the world from now until the end, because I can think of nothing more fitting to do with a life.</div><div><br /></div><div>This world may have it's ugly moments, friends, that much I know. But when you look past the dust and the cracks, it's a gorgeous place on the inside. Together we can keep it that way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to a life of living, loving, laughing, giving and, most importantly, hugging.</div><div><br /></div><div>xxooo</div><div>shawna</div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-82554324121979134112010-12-07T15:54:00.000-08:002010-12-07T16:16:18.223-08:00Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! And snow, snow, snow, snow....It's winter, ladies and gents. And Ireland is drowning in a slightly fluffier form of it's usual precipitation: snow! It's throwing a spanner in the works, that's for sure (US translation: wrench).<br /><br />We had two (count em, two!) snow days last week, which meant the cancellation of one research and one personal and professional development seminar. It also meant the most inopportune time for the heat to go out at my apartment. Which it, of course, did. Actually, the water went out, then the heat, then we waited three days to get it fixed! Loverly.<br /><br />Here's the rundown: Monday night chillin' with the roomies (thanks to Jenny, I had steak, carrots, mashed potatoes! And I furnished....wait for it...cupcakes! Who's not surprised?) and chatting with my mama when, all of a sudden, the smoke alarms start going nutso. We think maybe they need to be reset, before we realise that water is dripping into the kitchen through the lamp in the ceiling. And that happened just before Norma screamed and we realised that the water was running into Jenny's room through the smoke alarm (thus triggering all of them), through Jenny's floor, and into the kitchen. Commence girlie panic.<br /><br />After several hours and multiple phone calls, we had a temporary solution to the problem: wait for a replacement water tank to be delivered in 1-2 days. Until then, limited use of water. Washing hands and a few dishes here and there was fine; flushing, showering, running the washing machine were not. Both Norma and Jenny work, so I was the designated wait-at-home-and-let-repairman-in person. It was fab.<br /><br />All this when I was supposed to be moving out of the place! Had to postpone departure an extra day (partially tragedy at the old place, partially snow, and partially a difficult process of approval for the new lease), but finally made it into the cozy new apartment on Friday. I'm living with Katrin and Christiane, two amazing (German!) girls from my course. They're quite wonderful, and so is our place (other than the fact that the plumbing has to be redone for the washing machine to work...I'm just not having a good month when it comes to functional water systems!). I have some pics, but they need to be uploaded. To come soon! (i.e. when I need another distraction from studying for exams)<br /><br />That brings us to the next BIG thing in the life of all MSc's at Trinity: exams are next week! Commence academic panic.<br /><br />International Finance and Economics of Global Markets on Monday, International NGOs on Tuesday, International Marketing on Wednesday, and Global Supply Chain Management on Thursday. Not to mention a 5000 word Service Science paper due Friday (2/3 done!).<br /><br />But the BEST part is CHRISTMAS SHOPPING on Friday, ROOMIE CHRISTMAS DINNER Friday night, FORMER ROOMIE CHRISTMAS COOKIES Saturday, PACKING Sunday, and LEAVING ON A JET PLANE!!!!!!! on Monday :]] I'm just a teeny bit excited to see the fam for Christmas. It's going to be glorious!<br /><br />I'll post an update on how mutilated my thinker is after those hefty exams. It's definitely different here! All exams are essays and sources (Author, year) need to be memorised for the whole host of possible question/answer combinations. Challenging? Just a little! I'm slightly scared...<br /><br />Well, it's about that time, folks. 'Round about midnight, and it's early to rise for this little MSc. Study study study study is on the agenda! Amongst the snow, snow, snow....speaking of which, here's the rest of the current snow debacle: 1) Ireland doesn't know how to clear sidewalks. Instead of shoveling/sweeping, they just leave it for a few days and then pour dirt on it. Commence alternately slushy and icy mud throughout the city. 2) They think four wheel drive means infallibility on ice. Commence multiple accidents. 3) They close streets with steep hills. Commence taxis refusing to take MSc students with 150+ pounds of luggage to their new apartments. 4) Their water supply freezes and wasteful practices in homes causes a water shortage. Commence water restrictions from 7pm to 7am.<br /><br />Doesn't it sound lovely? ;]] It may snow more in good ol' CO, but at least we know what to do with it! (Love ya, Ireland...you'll learn....we can hope....)<br /><br />Love and hugs!<br />shawnaShawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-61636638755100257962010-10-08T01:07:00.000-07:002010-10-08T01:49:40.645-07:00To-may-to, To-mah-to<div style="text-align: left;">Hello, family & friends!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It's been a while since I've written, I know. I've been settling into life here in Dublin (which is fabulous, by the way) and getting used to the strange nature of my master's course. For those of you who don't know, I am in class from 3pm to 9pm every weekday, and each class only lasts five days. For example, in our first week we took two days of Global Supply Chain Management and three days of International Marketing; we have the rest of these classes coming up in the end of October.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaDmVWBc-96xfLpxjrA5rqxak9j5wwHsNGKKCrye5CWc_iN5eTha9Vadn7_Q5lVqJg1pXVztNmBt__M2nKbogQeuAelXeHPiGxf9pHeRTR3rCPdieoQfpAqgjlrrJiIbzuGPs6ZagVmdS/s320/deiderik.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525592392079632066" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(left to right: Diederik, me, and Christiane)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>What can I say about my courses? Well, they call graduate students "readers," and we are said to be "reading" an MSc in International Management. The postgraduate-only study and computer lab area is called the Reading Room. Any guesses on what I spend most of my time doing? You guessed it! I have foot-tall stacks of printed articles and book chapters around my room, and all just for the first three courses we're "reading." Good thing I love to read, right? Thank you, Poppop!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKyClbjNz2Yr33ADmzyGM6Lr4NNb5C21yQA37H_oRD4oc7YKS5B4SBYsPIaOFTj8LKt7a2jgkZ5H1yyakUSJjmlByF_RL9kOTBfefrgKxDFPtMN_NAr8DkJnrY4RqY1DMz5MDRP7I83b1/s320/arthurguinness.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525592390796718034" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(left to right: me, Simon, Mael, and Jarrod)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>On another note, part of this acclimation process has included quite a lot of language differences. Irish accents are beautiful and interesting....sometimes. Other times I feel like my non-English speaking classmates (whose first language may be German, French, Chinese, etc): smile and nod, but don't understand a thing! There are also plenty of words and phrases that mean very different things here. For example, were I to ask for a "ride" home from a friend, I'd be propositioning that person in a much different way than I'd intend! They also call a sports jersey a kit, a cabinet a press, a closet a cupboard, a sidewalk a footpath, a comforter a duvet, a stovetop a hob, a vacuum a hoover, an elevator a lift, a nightclub a disco, and so on.... It's certainly been interesting to get used to Irish English, and I fear I still have much to go in that respect!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKhODMEBIHLO3mBXBpHr8ihgbf9eO6ECGnh12hqJ9dBo5oys3T3m2FOHtB25fx2i66_7fkAqlpU_TFWjWlZ94alwhfnA6pLRg1LKg9ZG3OSv84MB9J4yrZ9m-Y2T30egro37q5YCDqglt/s320/guys.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525592393947505986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(left to right: Mael, Richard, me, Sjors, and Stephen)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The amazing thing is that I'm experiencing all these language and culture differences alongside incredible new friends who are going through the exact same things. There are people in my program from all over the world: China, Greece, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Northern Ireland, the US, and (of course!) the Republic of Ireland. There are only 21 people in the course, so we've all become pretty close. A lot of us study, go out, and take trips together. We've already built a support network of sorts, despite the differences in nationality, background, and age that separate us.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcnglO3nMaxT9k-gQcgh3HGMiKASbBHhQEvFUBAqBloE1Mb8aax26bVDsukfWXJbzOxAIGbOJRouBLZle0ycBiyYTrZBuW8Rw2tPST9sEWjSPaVik3pM8ljEOc3M-As3dhEV02HeyP_FD/s320/SL374736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525592400468825682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Me and Christiane in front of the 1937 Postgraduate Reading Room)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Isn't communication a wondrous thing? Here we are, 21 very different people thrown into the same situation, and we've found a way to simultaneously experience our new lives in a very personal and a very communal way. We've opened up to each other and created a safe environment within our course, something we managed in a scant couple of days. We're already a team, and we've only just started our journeys together! It's inspiring what a group of people can accomplish with a little passion, friendliness, understanding, and shared interest.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxYPGdKJcxaczFlhrIWdhE85NavjPu5ocyZc8_BZd3ELG08C5wVoZaB3O76F-1rzJRWragPTAgLtVc-To5YSNZJaWFip95ETC01B4wOvsxVxdIfHgHeKX3Y_92qstqjV9EBalujTrBHEV/s320/SL374810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525592413172079330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(me and Christiane on a bus tour to the Cliffs of Moher outside of Galway)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The pictures I've included in this post are of my new coursemates and I on some of our fun nights out, etc. I'll post more very soon, I promise :]]</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, I'll teach you some Irish! To all of you, I say "Slainte!" It's a traditional Irish toast that means "to your health." :]]]</div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs from Dublin!</div><div>shawna</div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-24294424345277216452010-09-11T10:34:00.001-07:002010-09-11T11:05:56.636-07:00Reflections<div style="text-align: left;">Wonderful family & friends, hello!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZZs-RQaeuyLmP_8K5HEaCrX2R_cHlwx2ykuXehvUBww3SM9FKa_FfBWLTMOcTOJrfRnwdk1FYt53T28hW_W2AXI1cTxGJoeuuXmb1sHBFWMKpyOCL0wYM3JSZQBw5yO9CG4712x_-TD1/s1600/100_1397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZZs-RQaeuyLmP_8K5HEaCrX2R_cHlwx2ykuXehvUBww3SM9FKa_FfBWLTMOcTOJrfRnwdk1FYt53T28hW_W2AXI1cTxGJoeuuXmb1sHBFWMKpyOCL0wYM3JSZQBw5yO9CG4712x_-TD1/s320/100_1397.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515716679387724178" /></a>Today is a notable date in U.S. history, as we all know. It's impossible not to think about the World Trade Center every time September 11 rolls around. So, while thoughts of the U.S., past, present and future, jumbled their way through my head, I decided to do the one thing that would clear my mind: take a walk. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I'm fortunate enough to live five minutes from Phoenix Park, one of the largest fenced parks within any capital European city. If you want to learn more, visit: <a href="http://www.phoenixpark.ie/">http://www.phoenixpark.ie/</a> Needless to say, I made my way to Phoenix Park for some pondering time. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnLk3K2mxx-AUs4uMABJ4xnC8HrwxqSSeVLeh6ME1duu3o8ay6VjB7D3uwuNrDjqljoaYYcu72_ZCT_IAMYI8_yVUJ3LogHwa3szfrbJvPvGMUh1dxCOKk4wVUrxflhtXMqHJ-6eXCtoR/s1600/100_1402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1rvQfr1NG-6EN2-boQSP7a6c_j3lnTWAUB_xZRqnV-OOm3P-uXMubzoYmu0TRp4aRgUixruN3f7GW87NB5kfIpG-Xqi4gapxcvb9LtFeERQRtm34-KB7vnET6RYiHZ8x1LpAUCsYsyr2/s320/100_1394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515716671738121106" /></a></span></div><div>To begin, Ireland is incredibly gorgeous country. Even within Dublin, there's a certain timeless beauty to the bustling streets, so elegantly cobblestoned years ago, and the friendly people that surround you. But Phoenix Park, friends....well, it's <b>stunning</b>. Today was no exception; the sun was shining the entire time I was out (minus five minutes, just enough to get me wet on the walk home!). The startling green color that so typifies Ireland was in full force today, and Nature was overwhelming me with feelings of peace, love, and bliss.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's where it all clicked for me on this of all days. Ours is not the only country to have suffered great tragedy, nor are the terrorists responsible the only perpetrators of such crimes. We have had a history, as a species, of violence, death, and destruction; and, though it pains me to say it, we have a future of it awaiting us, as well. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnLk3K2mxx-AUs4uMABJ4xnC8HrwxqSSeVLeh6ME1duu3o8ay6VjB7D3uwuNrDjqljoaYYcu72_ZCT_IAMYI8_yVUJ3LogHwa3szfrbJvPvGMUh1dxCOKk4wVUrxflhtXMqHJ-6eXCtoR/s1600/100_1402.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnLk3K2mxx-AUs4uMABJ4xnC8HrwxqSSeVLeh6ME1duu3o8ay6VjB7D3uwuNrDjqljoaYYcu72_ZCT_IAMYI8_yVUJ3LogHwa3szfrbJvPvGMUh1dxCOKk4wVUrxflhtXMqHJ-6eXCtoR/s320/100_1402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515716681038551762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>But the extraordinary thing is the resilience of all the qualities that make human beings great: hope, love, trust. Even though we've been knocked down countless times, we have rallied together through the strength of love and hope to conquer yet another day. As I walked through Phoenix Park, I was reminded of the collective attitude within the U.S. following 9/11. For once, it wasn't a line from a country song to say you were "Proud to be an American." It wasn't just politicians running for office who wore American flag pins on their lapels. It was everyone expressing their love and appreciation and belief in a nation momentarily torn asunder: the young, old, Republican, Democrat, one and all. It was beautiful, and it was just one true showing of the potential of our species to be utterly and truly great.</div><div><br /></div><div>On this day, I chose to remember that uplifting feeling of love that soared through me in the aftermath of 9/11. I was an American, I was part of a group with a common interest, I was damn lucky to be there. Even though I love Ireland and Europe, I know that the U.S. will always be my true home, and I wouldn't have it any other way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, "my fellow Americans," for showing me the beauty in humanity, and thank you to Phoenix Park for providing the astounding natural vistas that inspired that blissful thought. There's hope for us yet, everyone, and it leaves within each of us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many, many hugs,</div><div>shawna</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-mlqD-CHDM-ASo-nj1T-FN8T5Gng0-Gyjt1ToAyLkAI-ozpM0N8TsiZcVCDRF2ZPR7m78BnqWh4NbTgQXaeAxwPEgNhpNoKqrBKHAEhbeAH9Hx21MqiI2Djdh9VqHCaB24xEEIju1nnR/s320/100_1404.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515716693590093170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnLk3K2mxx-AUs4uMABJ4xnC8HrwxqSSeVLeh6ME1duu3o8ay6VjB7D3uwuNrDjqljoaYYcu72_ZCT_IAMYI8_yVUJ3LogHwa3szfrbJvPvGMUh1dxCOKk4wVUrxflhtXMqHJ-6eXCtoR/s1600/100_1402.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZZs-RQaeuyLmP_8K5HEaCrX2R_cHlwx2ykuXehvUBww3SM9FKa_FfBWLTMOcTOJrfRnwdk1FYt53T28hW_W2AXI1cTxGJoeuuXmb1sHBFWMKpyOCL0wYM3JSZQBw5yO9CG4712x_-TD1/s1600/100_1397.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZZs-RQaeuyLmP_8K5HEaCrX2R_cHlwx2ykuXehvUBww3SM9FKa_FfBWLTMOcTOJrfRnwdk1FYt53T28hW_W2AXI1cTxGJoeuuXmb1sHBFWMKpyOCL0wYM3JSZQBw5yO9CG4712x_-TD1/s1600/100_1397.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZZs-RQaeuyLmP_8K5HEaCrX2R_cHlwx2ykuXehvUBww3SM9FKa_FfBWLTMOcTOJrfRnwdk1FYt53T28hW_W2AXI1cTxGJoeuuXmb1sHBFWMKpyOCL0wYM3JSZQBw5yO9CG4712x_-TD1/s1600/100_1397.JPG"></a></div><div>(I took these photos on my walk today :]])</div><div><br /></div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-30389830237488158582010-09-08T07:20:00.000-07:002010-09-08T09:30:40.883-07:00New Digs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VHOi08ow0aB_iHUa7T-OOCvcrZm2df4T6gOYsUx0j_PYnUCNmGd1aJQVK1uC0SxguLNzIPcz11llMuxX5hkwSpzk2RF_GBY7yf8CT1JporFPIbCFvc0MBHc-tVnVXUysRbdxU4of2fyv/s1600/100_1374.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VHOi08ow0aB_iHUa7T-OOCvcrZm2df4T6gOYsUx0j_PYnUCNmGd1aJQVK1uC0SxguLNzIPcz11llMuxX5hkwSpzk2RF_GBY7yf8CT1JporFPIbCFvc0MBHc-tVnVXUysRbdxU4of2fyv/s320/100_1374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514568812155783202" /></a><div>Hey there!</div><div><div>So, here I am in Ireland :]] It's been an eventful few days, that's for sure! I've been running around town setting up bank accounts, getting an Irish SIM card for my phone, and other things of the like. I'm sorry I haven't yet had time to post :]] No worries, though! That's about to change.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're friends with me on Facebook (find me at http://www.facebook.com/shawna.lynan), you've seen my pics of my new apartment. But here they are again just in case. The first is the view out my window (on a rare moment of sunshine!) :]]</div><br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1sQua7eJg2QlEXLM6HXY5NlE_YphcWCSbInskadFzy7bgVkO60_a9PYvCSPWTYTc6EhFv4vWyGvN0qb5k2Te69VQxpH6OBkOJpnaI2ePTxZxWfjJu5Jjb_VKUDoavHo_xZ73tOvpgGYz/s320/100_1375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514570606778816226" />I look out over the neighborhood of Smithfield, which is just a bit west of City Centre. I walk about 30minutes to get to Trinity, where I'm pursuing my degree. It's a little less than that to get to grocery stores and the like, which isn't too bad. It's great for my figure!<div><div><br /></div><div>I'm on Skype and iChat a ton, so if you use those things let me know! Fortunately, I live very close to the school where I worked all last summer; in fact, I've been walking past it every day. I dropped in yesterday to see some of my friends and say hi to everyone, which was tons of fun. Some of the girls and I (Tanya, Andrea, and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mags) went out for a bite last night and caught up. It was a lovely evening, full of stellar<span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>company and conversation.</div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp5KFX2amaNc8dE7jhy5BWiCmTz9hwIJYeEVMDKzrUVtj9C059lWDIZxLH-7awoAIf-ctE9OpuTEZiDNsFIjDZqot7qMYI5k8S5P3ab0pNjyq_d89SHxIB4iaaAvScg0xFZR8wkQiaVfB/s320/100_1378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514566437057889058" /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOorYi-PtsNMi3p_f8MEpYFfkf7JnCPTGquPmkNx0ObPC3wPnFBUBd11mu9c1xrL1E9aOmkWCipViMlOOraE64w6LnhNZC307Dp2-6tHQkL2NPiMbYJG2h328aX0UN1aFXWxPqrGfKnLsd/s320/100_1381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514568846539093858" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My roommate, Norma, is an absolute doll, as well. She met me at the airport when I arrived early Monday morning (5:00am, what a trooper!) and helped me haul my luggage down to the apartment through the rain. I had two checked bags, a carry-on, and a backpack, weighing (in total) about 150 pounds. Thank goodness Norma helped me, I never would have been able to manage on my own!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The day I arrived, it was dreadful weather (which I, being me, loved). The folk at the Student Fees and International Management Offices accused me of bringing the rain with me. It's been a bit clearer and somewhat sunny since then, which is lovely. All weather here is lovely, truth be told!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today has been less busy; I went to the bank for a bit after a fantastic lunch with Teresa (my former supervisor) at the Korean buffet on Capel Street that we used to go to. Hopefully I'll have a quiet evening in tonight so I can continue to train my sleep cycle to appreciate Irish time zones...it's been mostly smooth sailing but this morning was a bit rough, haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>I love hearing from home, so feel free to message me! I'm on Facebook lots, too :]]</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers!</div><div>shawna</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-61512461679996807092010-08-19T19:22:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:49:15.074-07:00HUGE NEWS!!I apologize in advance for the short nature of this blog, but my news is just too exciting not to share!<div><br /></div><div>I've been searching for an apartment for the last two and a half months, and it's been a challenging road. I was bombarded with scams throughout, many of which made me question the sanity of the scam creators. Who would believe "I have a gorgeous apartment three times the size of most City Centre places, and it can be yours for just 350 Euro a month! All you have to do is wire me a 1000 Euro deposit to my Nigerian bank account. Easy!" Yeah, puh-lease! I may be blonde, but I'm not THAT blonde. No thanks, creeper!</div><div><br /></div><div>Over a month ago, I thought I had found THE ONE. It wasn't the best location walking-to-school-wise, but it was modern, in my budget, and pretty. I was thinking about putting a deposit down when I started worry about my loans. It looked like they may not come through for the 2010/2011 academic year, so I panicked and pulled out of the apartment. It was in a sought-after student development, so they disappeared quickly and my chance at it was gone.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I slogged through more scams. Found another promising one, but it was rented to a girl who could move in immediately. Being overseas was such a daunting barrier!</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, one came through that seemed perfect: 15 minutes walk to school, in the heart of City Centre, my own bedroom and half bath, and the sweetest, most amazing roommate. And the BIG news..</div><div><br /></div><div>I SIGNED A TENANCY AGREEMENT TODAY!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Which means I've wrapped up all the loose ends. I have a plane ticket, I have a place to live, I have a passport, I am ready to go. All that's left are the details (lots of them, that's for sure). I'm so excited. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had to share this news :]] I'll post pictures first thing when I get to my new place. Promise!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div><div>shawna</div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-22033478654392527312010-08-17T21:12:00.000-07:002010-08-17T21:23:38.104-07:00What I'm Going to Do When I Grow UpIt's decided, finally! The specific, exact thing I want to do with my life is to be a (drumroll, please)...<div><br /></div><div>Diversity Education Consultant for Multinational Companies!</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I've finally found something I can remain passionate about for the rest of my life; teaching companies how to interact respectively and appreciatively with their international partners and counterparts. I have a certain student organization at CSU to thank for this revelation, and a series of incredible friends and mentors. To the Business Diversity and Leadership Alliance, my thanks and undying love. All of you, past, present, and future, are the most amazing students to pass through the College of Business. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most importantly, though, thanks to Katya, Kathy, Felicia, Mike, and Jimmy! Your undying support of your students' dreams, belief in their capabilities, and honesty about the best path for them to follow is incredible. You are some of the dearest people I have met in my life, and you are certainly among my closest friends from my CSU experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, diversity education consultancy, here I come! With the friends and mentors I have behind me, I know I can succeed :]]</div><div><br /></div><div>In case you feel like reading even more of m<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">y musings, I've entered a blog contest to try and win a $20,000 scholarship...check it out <a href="http://www.lenovoblogu.com/shawna-stricklandlive-com">HERE</a>. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hugs,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">shawna</span></span></div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207293325668727206.post-1008779581935605412010-06-19T12:16:00.000-07:002010-06-19T14:34:42.148-07:00U2For those of you who are avid U2 fans (such as myself), you'll notice that the URL and title of this blog compose the lyrics to one of their songs (with a slight variation). "Trying to Throw My Arms Around the World." I long since decided that this song was the theme song for my life and, as the years have passed, I have realized that it couldn't be more true. And, since this blog is mainly about my impending postgraduate adventure in Dublin, Ireland, it seemed fitting that U2 be the inspiration for its title, no?<div><br /></div><div>So, welcome to this little blog about a "small town girl taking on the world." That sounds a little much, but that's the title the authors of the 2010 Colorado State University Outstanding Graduates profiles gave me. I suppose, in a way, it's pretty accurate. If you had asked pony-loving 8-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I'd have told you (in no uncertain terms, of course) that I was going to be a veterinarian. Now, when I still get that question (come on folks, isn't 21 years old pretty "grown up" these days?), the answer is entirely different. I want to do marketing or PR on an international scale. Give me a company with a tight-knit team I can problem solve with, a fun and relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to travel the world (and I mean travel the whole world), and I'll be a happy girl. How times change!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anywho, I'm going to Ireland for who knows how long to study International Management at Trinity College in Dublin. I leave in September of 2010, and my programme (to use the European spelling) ends in December of 2011. I have no clue yet if I'll hop a plane for home then or several years later. It just depends on how this adventure goes!</div><div><br /></div><div>I know my last attempt at a blog only lasted a few weeks, but I'm planning on being a little more faithful to this one. I want to stay connected to all of my amazing family back home as much as possible and, as much as Mom may want it to be, Skype-ing 24/7 isn't my idea of fun ;]]</div>Shawna Lynanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012492994425434132noreply@blogger.com0