Picking up the pace

I've always been a firm believer in the phrase, "When it rains, it pours." It has proved its truth once again.
My work and school obligations thusfar in Ireland has been very laid back, allowing me to skip around and do as I please in my vast spans of free time. That rug was suddenly pulled from under me last week, leaving me face down in a pile of deadlines, meetings and a much anticipated internship. I'll begin with the latter.
I've fallen into the caring hands of Comhlamh, a NGO focusing on "development workers in global solidarity". Pronounced "co-law-ve" (it's Irish for solidarity or joining hands/together), they specialize in international development and education of all levels. Think Peace Corps objectives, only based on a smaller level. Don't let the size fool you; Comhlamh brings a lot to the table such as open forum debates, graduate courses, international networking and research, and a recharging nest for the volunteering birdies to crash into after they've worked in various areas of the world. Most of the people that work in the office here have spent time in or are from foreign countries. The working environment is incredibly laid back and friendly. I've been getting to know everyone here via extended one on one chats over tea or postponed paperwork. They're mostly interested in where I'm from, what I'm studying and who I want to see in the White House. I've already learned so much more about the Irish culture just through comparison and anecdotes. And did I mention that they have their own magazine, Focus? Oh yes, this is the place for me.
And speaking of Peace Corps similarity, I, as well as about ten other American students, have partaken in a program called Peace Corps Localise and DBS Unite. It is the first time Americans, and Dublin Business School students altogether, have joined in on this Peace Corps Localise (localize). We will be meeting once a week and will be designing a project that addresses a problem in the Dublin area. I'm going to suggest more recycling bins and access because there are surprisingly almost none in Dublin! We'll be working on this and then presenting our plan just before we leave. We might even hit up an old folks home or two for a little song and dance. Even though our group is small, there is a huge amount of potential and 3 years of college expertise from all concentrations. We were told we could start a business right then if need be. A few of us considered, but then remembered our passports wouldn't allow it.
The reality of time restraint is really kicking in. With only two months left, almost every week is booked with trips, papers due, or nightly meetings and extra sessions on development education I weasled my way into with my "intern" card. Although my schedule has been flooded, I feel like I can finally relax and sink into my routine of go, go, go. Although wandering around in the sunshine is fun, I prefer this busy lifestyle as I am able to accomplish much more. Besides, it's cold and gray outside anyway.