Tag Archives: Holiday

Holiday Panic

Events, ,

Holiday panic is here.

I didn’t think I’d get it this year. Things were fine.

Until today. I just panicked. I don’t know if I’m exchanging gifts with the in-laws this year. I’ve still got to mail some things. I’ve not begun shopping for my daughter. I still need to order my husband’s gifts. We’re hosting Dean’s holiday party on the 20th and I’m hosting a neighborhood coffee on Friday. I need to schedule an eye doctor appt before we leave and then there are meets and tournaments. I’ve got a lot of work for work-work to do as well.

We’re flying back “home” this year for a very short visit and I’m afraid to look at the calendar to see how long it is until we leave.

It will all work out, but damn. I wish I could enjoy the “Happiest time of the year”.

Season(s) of Ireland

Places, Travel, , ,

I’m calling today the beginning of our Irish Season. Not only is it St. Patrick’s Day (My favorite holiday) but it is also the day we meet with Andrew’s rugby coach about Andrew’s trip to Ireland which begins this Wednesday. This is also the week we’ll probably book our flight to Ireland and maybe fill in our itinerary. We’ve already booked two cottages: Parkduff in County Clare and Tralia House in County Kerry.

Having Patrick for a last name was always cool on St. Patrick’s Day — as a kid and as a teacher. March 17th was a determining factor in not changing my name when I got married. Kids would say to me Happy St. Patrick‘s Day, Ms Patrick! I never got tired of it. Occasionally, even now, someone will say that to me. It always makes me smile.

According to the Irish folk I met on my first trip to Ireland in 1979, I may not even be of Irish decent. Patrick is not a surname in that country; although, they reasoned, it could have been Fitzpatrick or Kirkpatrick and changed once my ancestors arrived in the United States.