August was an unusual and emotional month. Early on, I was thrilled to have Markell and his friend Nick visit for eleven days. At the same time, I was preparing for the third stage of a job interview, so I had to stay focused while making the most of our time together. We took a wonderful trip to Madrid—you can read more about it in the “Posts” section below. When Markell left, I felt genuinely sad. Even though he is almost twenty, living in a different country from him can still be difficult. I had little time to dwell on it, though, because I advanced to the final interview round and received an offer. I spent the second half of the month giving notice at my current job, saying many emotional goodbyes, and cautiously preparing for a new role. Overall, it was a good month—just one filled with big changes and a lot of emotion.
Continue reading “Noelle’s Monthly Recap: August 2026”Tag: blogging
My 2026 FIFA World Cup Experience: Planning, Tickets, and Match Day in the U.S.
When it was announced a few years ago that the men’s FIFA World Cup would be held in the United States in 2026, I knew I wanted to go. I had attended World Cups in other countries and was excited to experience one at home. Attending the tournament every four years has become a family tradition that began with my dad and later grew to include me, my uncle, my son, and my husband. My dad has always been a huge soccer fan, and while I follow the sport a little less closely, I am a fan too. We have also loved exploring new countries between matches.
Continue reading “My 2026 FIFA World Cup Experience: Planning, Tickets, and Match Day in the U.S.”Noelle’s Monthly Recap: June 2026
June was a fun, whirlwind month. During a busy trip back to the U.S., we caught up with friends and family and attended three World Cup games. Outside of that trip, I also had the chance to explore a few new places near Cheltenham, where we live.
Continue reading “Noelle’s Monthly Recap: June 2026”Noelle’s Monthly Recap: April 2026
April was partly overshadowed by a stressful, multi-week interview process, but I still managed two trips to the Peak District with friends and a long-awaited visit to the Scottish Highlands. Here’s what I got up to in April 2026.
Continue reading “Noelle’s Monthly Recap: April 2026”A Cotswold Day Out: Painswick, Gloucestershire
As I’ve gotten older, spending a leisurely day wandering through a quaint town with a coffee in hand has become my idea of a day well spent. Now that I’m based in Cheltenham, right next to the Cotswolds, I’ve wanted to explore more of the small villages in the area. Recently, I decided to visit Painswick, one of these Cotswold gems, as it’s just a straightforward forty-minute bus ride from Cheltenham.
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