So:

I've got a ticket to go back to the states, via Dublin.

On the bad side, it's a bit earlier than I needed and therefore wanted (6 December).

On the good side, it cost just over $200, and gives me enough time at home to pick up a job for a month or so before heading back out west.

Holy crap, December is soon, because it's already October! How did this happen? How is it already October?