When Opposites Attract

As deceiving as I may have been, Irene and I could not be any more different. I think that is why we were so attracted to each other as friends. We love hearing about each other's day and what is so different in comparison. Our schedules absolutely do not align at all.

Galway, Ireland and Baltimore, Maryland have approximately 7 hours in difference to time. This means that we are on complete opposite schedules. Irene is going to sleep when I am in classes during the day. When I am off of work and going to sleep, Irene is waking up to start her day. This time difference oftentimes creates a struggle when it comes to talking.

On a more positive note, the time difference and opposite schedules leaves a lot of room to talk in the few times that we get. We try to make conversations a daily matter, however with the schedules there is no way to know for sure. When a lot of time passes between us, we find ourselves talking about 10-15 topics when we have the chance.

After meeting in Ireland, we had an obvious bond over soccer. In fact, we bonded over the fact that we were going directly against each other. I was a sweeper, which its the farthest defender back. My job was to make sure that ball absolutely does not get to the goalie. On the other hand, Irene was a striker, which is the furthest forward offense. What does this mean for us? Direct contact against each other. We bonded over how good of a fight we had. Most people can't do that, but it is impressive with our different trainings from different countries.

Following our games against each other, we met at the pub. We had multiple drinks (Duh! We were at Irish pubs) and had the utmost fun. We would basically play who's liver is stronger and who could contain themselves the best. Eventually, we ended up drunk! Who would've thought? The fun part about this is that the Irish slang for drunk is the word "pissed." You can imagine the confusion we all had with our words.... Yes, I still say that I'm getting pissed when I go out to the bars here in Maryland. This is my favorite difference about us and the best story.

Another difference that we have between us is the art of working out. Irene is sure to make working out a part of her schedule every single day. She sometimes ever works out twice a day. Me? No, absolutely not. I completely hate working out. I don't like running, lifting, or anything that exerts a lot of energy these days. Sometimes, Irene will get me to do quick ab workouts or jumping jacks when we are on FaceTime together. The worst part is that she does it in the mornings, too....

I DESPISE mornings. I am not a morning person at all. I am the definition of a night owl! I do my best at night. My brain works in different ways, that is when I like to do my homework, I am more energetic, and my job is even at night (all the way until 4 am some days). Irene, on the other hand, gets everything done in the morning. She could get 4-5 things done before I would have even woken up. I sort of envy her morning routines. I wish I could be that productive in the mornings.

To differ even further, Irene and I want different things out of life. I, for one, would love the chance to travel the world every single chance that I get and establish an amazing job as soon as I can. Irene, though she is very smart, wants to get married and have kids as soon as possible. I love her excitement into having kids. I want to had children one day, but I have a lot of things to do and places to see before I can allow myself the blessing of children. 

Someone so close to me is so incredibly different. The differences in our lifestyles, thought processes, and dreams adds for a little extra spice into our friendship. Nobody wants a copy and paste, bland friend! I love the fact that we can just talk for days on end about a million different things and never lose sight of any topics. Cheers to having fun, pen pals that make you feel alive and unique!