Looking Back – Coast to Coast

That’s it – it is all over.  I have successfully completed my MBA from the Smurfit Graduate School of Business in Dublin, Ireland.  The one-year full time program has flown by and for many of my classmates and me, the future is still uncertain. 

Starting out, things were a little rough and they continued to get worse throughout the year. Here is the top 10 list of my injuries and ailments: 

1. Getting a black eye (playing rugby)
2. Losing my big toenails (rugby again)
3. Throwing out my back (running),
4. Twisting my ankle (rugby),
5. Re-injuring my back (running again), 
6. Getting hit by a car (riding my bike),
7. Falling off my bike (multiple times),
8. Catching some serious viruses (exposure to new Irish bugs),
9. Suffering from migraines (stress from school),
10. Being attacked by some serious allergies (again, those darn things floating around the Irish countryside)

The good news is that over the past month, as the end was in sight, I have been injury free and just putting up with the seasonal allergies.  I am scheduled to run a half marathon in Napa Valley, California in July ’08 and didn’t think I’d be able to race.  But, I have managed to start doing some 10 mile runs and have felt great.  I completed my last run in Dublin yesterday with a 10 miler along the Dublin Bay.  I started in Blackrock, ran along the coast in Sandymount Strand and went around the coast of Dublin Bay to the fartherest point that looks back on the other side of the bay.  Here are some shots from each side of the bay. 

LOOKING OUT TO THE TIP OF BAY, BY POWER PLANT…….  ON PATH LOOKING BACK AT SHORE

 

DESTINATION – TIP OF BAY WITH VIEWS OF SOUTH COUNTY DUBLIN

It was an incredible feeling to run all the way around the cove and look back at the other side of the harbour where I’d come from.  I stopped my run to take in the beauty of the harbour and to appreciate the amazing year I have enjoyed.  I wasn’t just looking back at the other side of the bay, I was also reflecting back on all the great memories and people I have met over the past year. 

My early memories began with the crazy housing hunt, first class outing to Glendalough, and incredibly difficult and demanding first term.  As the term progressed, our class got closer and helped each other get through the difficult subjects and required work.  We also socialized more and frequented the bars in Blackrock village. 

Soon, I will be moving back to the States and getting back into the working world.  I am both sad to be leaving but also very excited to start the next chapter in my life.  Graduation isn’t until next March, so I am glad to have that scheduled to see everyone again. 

Now that the end is here, it concludes my year of blogging.  I want to thank those of you who have followed my blog for the past year, posted comments, and for those who have stumbled on posts here and there.  The future for me is uncertain, but I plan to pursue my passion for wine in a sales-oriented position. 

Here is where this blog ends, but I have a feeling a new one might begin.  Until then, all my best!