It’s St. Patrick’s Day, which you clearly know already since you’re wearing green. We just had a little party at work in honor of this day. I had a cupcake with green frosting and a 7-up (because it comes in a green can). And that is St. Patrick’s Day in a nutshell for me. I am 1/8th Irish, whatever that means, but I don’t like corn beef, cabbage, or even Guinness. Oh, and I’ve never been to Ireland, I don’t have family there (that I know about), and I basically have zero attachments to Irish culture. The only Irish thing about me is my last name.
But, who the hell cares. This is the day that we wear green. This is the day where everyone’s Irish, and people like me who are kind of* really Irish wear shirts and pins announcing this fact. This is the day we eat green cupcakes, and who can argue with green cupcakes?
Seriously, though, someone tell how it’s possible to enjoy Guinness, because I tried once and I couldn’t even choke down more than a sip. Am I doing something wrong or is it just terrible? I think I hurt my dad’s Irish pride that day he watched me make terrible faces as I downed an ounce of Guinness.
Anyway, enjoy this very green day. Don’t party too hard.
*I’ve heard from non-Americans that they think it’s weird we go around saying things like “I’m Irish” or “I’m Italian” when we’re not from Ireland or Italy, and the closest attachment we have to these countries is ancestors we never knew. But, eh, I think it’s just part of American culture, and I don’t see any harm in it. Still, if I ever do visit Ireland or Germany or Austria or Norway or Italy, I won’t say “I’m Irish/German/Austrian/Norwegian/Italian” and expect them to invited me into their homes like a long lost sister.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I forgot to wear green today, but since I’m not Irish I figure that’s not much of a crime. I wish my co-workers saw things that way. I’ve been pinched numerous times since 8 AM and at this point I’m a little sick of St. Patrick’s Day.
People think I’m irish b/c I have reddish hair, but I really have no idea. Regardless, today I am wearing green. I had green curry for lunch (coincidental). I can’t drink beer, so that’s out. And there you have the extent of my tame St. Patrick’s day celebration!
Happy St. Patricks Day! I am wearing green and just opened a Guinness. Its an acquired taste. I learned in college when some of my classmates and I would drink with our Irish English professor.
LOL, I blogged today about how people pretend to be Irish today because it’s “cool.” I’m American too, but I still think it’s a little weird!
My husband drinks Guiness Extra Stout. Yuck. I’ve never tried it, but I don’t think I will.
My granny’s maiden name was O’Riley, so I know I have some Irish in me… But I also have French and Native American. Sigh. We’re mutts!
It’s like the least traditional thing EVER but when Guinness is served cold it’s pretty good.
Also, I think it is funny how we claim ties to these countries that we’re all so far removed from. It’s because no one really wants to be just another American. I know, I do it all the time w/ my Italian heritage. But I also present myself as a Francophile too, haha.
I do like corned beef and cabbage, but I don’t see myself eating any today nor will I be partying. But I can listen to a bunch of U2- they’re from Ireland!
I agree, you can’t go wrong with green cupcakes. I wish I had some…
I completely forgot it was St. Patrick’s day until my mom told me. I don’t have classes on Tuesday and I didn’t go anywhere so I didn’t see the point in wearing green!
And I like the quote you have at the end of the post. I’m Italian, but only 1/4. I did grow up with some Italian culture because of my grandpa, but I really have no place “claiming” to be Italian when people ask. My only real attachment, like you, is my last name!
GASP-P-P-P!
You don’t like Guinness? I remember the first time I drank it. I was like drinking a loaf of bread. However, I drank it and now I really enjoy it. Actually, I’m drinking it right now. =P
I’m Asian. Vietnamese in fact. Though the French sneaked in somehow, so I’m 1/8th French. However, one time I was w/ 5 other friends who were all Irish or part Irish. We were looking for 4-leaf clover and I was the only one to find it. I think the luck of the Irish is with me. =)
BTW, your picture a day, I would suggest you to check out dailybooth.com
St. Patrick’s Day is ridiculous. Car Bombs are delicious though (shot of Bailey’s dropped into a glass of Guiness). It tastes like chocolate milk.
I agree with Liz, car bombs make Guiness all the much more tastier. Although the shot dropped into it is part Jameson and Bailey’s, it still tastes like a milkshake.
I had an Irish Car Bomb once (apparently they’re made with Guiness, who knew???) and it was disgusting. The Baileys at the end was definitely the best part. I’m the worst 25% Irish person ever.
lol im 100% irish!
I might have the tiniest bit of Irish in me, but I’m not entirely sure of where it stems from honestly. Thankfully no one pinched me yesterday for not wearing green. I know, shame on me. As for Guinness, I quiver at the thought of drinking it. I am rather particular in the beer I like. I’m very select and Guinness isn’t one of the ones I drink.
I might say I’m Irish above all else, but in reality, I only hit at 25% (Irish/Italian/Polish/German). I can knock back one pint of Guinness before I want to die. It’s not great (boyfriend would disagree), but it’s a St. Patty’s necessity, ha.
And green cupcakes sound WAY better than corned beef and cabbage. Yucko!
I’m sufficiently Irish. And by that, I mean it’s one of the few heritages I know is actually a part of me. I didn’t wear green. Or orange. I wore black and red. But I did make sure to celebrate with a Shamrock Shake.