Sarcasm and Wit. It's the Irish Way.

It's that time of year again - where we all get belligerent, and we're all just a little bit Irish. Yes, you indeed guessed correctly (thanks to my use of green font), Saint Patrick's Day is upon us. And I in fact, take great pride in that I am Irish year round, rather than just for the day as I feel that the stereotypical 'Irish way' is accurate in who I am as a person.


"The so-called Irish temperament is a mixture of flaming ego, hot temper, stubbornness, great personal charm and warmth, and a wit that shines through adversity. An irrepressible buoyancy, a vivacious spirit, a kindliness and tolerance for the common frailties of man and a feeling that 'it is time enough to bid the devil good morning when you meet him' are character traits which Americans have associated with their Irish neighbors for more than a century." -Carl Wittke, Historian


I will be the first in admitting that I completely romanticize what it means to be Irish, as no matter what your heritage is, you tend have an idealized view as to what it means to be who it is that you claim you are. But the truth is that I really do resonate with what in my eyes, it is to be Irish; however I will only tell you in so many words that I find myself to be a kindhearted, charming and free-spirited lass (need I say witty?).


And so, instead of sitting here blogging about how I think I'm such a philosophical effervescent human-being, I will honor my ancestors by providing you with some of my all time favorite Irish proverbs and toasts that you can put to use during tomorrow's festivities:

• "May your pockets be heavy, and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night."
• "May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends below never fall out."
• "You can't kiss an Irish girl unexpectedly, only sooner than she thought you would."
• "Here's to our wives and girlfriends: May they never meet!" (for the sake of authenticity I have not replaced the obvious)
• "'Tis better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!"
• "It is often that a person's mouth broke his nose."
• "What butter and whisky won't cure, there is no cure for."
• "As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters point in the other direction."

It goes without saying that there is clearly much deeper meaning behind these sayings, but that's what makes them as great as they are - to take life circumstances, some good and some bad, that are familiar to all and relay them in a buoyant way.

Slainte!