Weekend Recap: Back From Ireland and Straight Into the Chaos
I landed back in the States on Thursday, fresh off my Ireland adventure, and let me tell you, I did not get a single moment to relax. I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped since.
Thursday: Back Home and Straight to Dinner
After the long travel day, Eric and I decided the best way to fight off jet lag was to walk to a restaurant in our neighborhood we’d been meaning to try. Best decision ever.
We split the most amazing burger, cooked perfectly and topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions, which is basically my love language. I could have easily eaten a second one. We also ordered wings that had some kind of sriracha flavor. I cannot for the life of me remember exactly what it was called, but they were perfectly crispy, spicy, and full of flavor. I’m already wishing we could go back.
Friday: Laundry, Road Trip, and Friday Night Lights
Friday morning was the reality check with laundry, unpacking, and pretending to be a responsible adult again. Once that was tackled, we made our way to Eric’s hometown for his high school’s big rivalry football game.
I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best high school football game I’ve ever been to. The team was down, and it looked like it was all over. The other school’s students were literally gathering to rush the field. But somehow, in the final minute, the purple Indians (Go Shamokin!) pulled off a comeback after recovering an onside kick. It was electric and pure small-town sports magic.
Saturday: Friends, Festivals, and Frights
We got home early Saturday morning because we had a full day planned with friends. First up was a local street festival where we ate, drank, and people-watched like pros. Then we made our way to Dorney Park for their Halloween Haunt night.
Haunted houses, roller coasters, jump scares, and uncontrollable laughter made it everything a fall night with friends should be. There’s something about running from people in costumes and then immediately laughing about it that never gets old.
Sunday: Fly Eagles Fly
Sunday started bright and early with an Eagles tailgate. We met up with friends in our favorite parking lot (Lot K shoutout!) and spent the morning doing what we do best: eating, drinking, and hyping each other up for the game.
Afterward, we headed to the Green Room for kickoff. Somehow, we convinced all our friends, even the ones who don’t live nearby, to end the night at our favorite neighborhood bar. No regrets. I was happily in bed early, exhausted but so content after a full weekend surrounded by good people and good energy.
Monday: A New Chapter Begins
Monday came fast and with it, my first day at the new job. I fully planned to write this post that night, but let’s be honest, it has been nonstop since the moment I walked into my boss’s office Monday morning.
I’m loving the hustle and bustle of the company already. Meeting my new teams, getting a feel for my programs, and settling into the rhythm of it all has been so energizing. It’s only day three, but I’m thriving and excited to see where this new chapter takes me.
Wrapping It All Up
From landing back home to diving into new adventures, this weekend was an absolute whirlwind, but the best kind. My suitcase might still be half-unpacked, but my heart (and calendar) are definitely full.
Now if I could just squeeze in a nap before next weekend’s plans start.
Still catching my breath, but wouldn’t have it any other way.
– D
