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I have no reason to believe any differently, especially today! I have had more fun over the years playing with that quote then you can imagine. Most of us know the story of St. Patrick, so I will not take up your time with retelling it again. Besides, there is always GOOGLE!
Most everyone knows the stereotype of the drunken Irishman or woman and how he or she likes to drink their Guinness. On St. Patrick's Day much of that Guinness and other beers are turned green in honor of this unique holiday. The irony in that stereotype and the author of this post is I have never drank a beer in my life, green or otherwise!
I have only had two drinks in my life and can honestly say, "I just do not like the taste of alcohol in any form."
I remember back in the mid-70s and early 80s when I was coming of age and asked if I wanted a beer at a party or in a bar, I politely replied, "No thank you." Then, someone would ask me if I was a recovering alcoholic? When I told them, "No, I just don't like the taste." They would always tell me you have to acquire the taste.
Before my accident, I never would have drunk because it would have been breaking training regulations. I was not about to do that! After my accident, I never imagined doing any more damage to my body than had already been done. It was an easy choice. Plus, there was the issue of how would I be able to handle my van getting home from wherever I was? It was an easy decision to make, and still is.
The main reason I never drank, smoked marijuana or did any kind of illicit drug before my accident was I did not want to let my parents down by breaking training rules that would make me ineligible to play whatever sport was in season.
I tell a great story in my book about how during one of my many hospitalizations I was prescribed a muscle relaxer called Marinol whose active ingredient is THC. Yes, That's right, the same THC found in marijuana. My doctor gave me a five-milligram dose, and I laid there and laughed and laughed and laughed!
Friends and family would come to visit me or tell me over the phone I should have tried marijuana way back in college when they were all doing it and having such a good time. They told me now I knew what I was missing!
The irony in me getting that Marinol was it happened roughly six months after Dad died in 2006. I have often wondered how he would have reacted to see me lying there giggling uncontrollably!
Like many stereotypes, there is someone that breaks the mold about the Irish and how much they like to drink. I am one of those people that break that mold. I would be remiss if I did not tell you I am proud to wear that moniker!
As I grow older, more and more people are telling me I am getting more sarcastic. I know that is true. However, I have developed a sarcastic wit about me a long time ago and also wear that quite proudly! I have some good mentors that have taught me that skill over these last many years. I have a feeling you know you are. Thank you for that gift!
Here is another picture I would like to include in this post in honor of all my sarcastic mentors out there:
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If you are going out tonight and having some of that green beer, please make sure you have a designated driver so everyone gets home safely. Enjoy your evening.
As always, I look forward to your comments.
Later,
Mike
3 comments:
Good for you Mike not drinking. I think it is acquired taste. I recall I didn't like the first beer I drank. I don't know how Steve enjoyed his Jameson whiskey, but it seemed to be a highlight of his day. Must be another taste we'd have to acquire.
Great post, Mikey! Thank you. I am looking through my very large collection of pictures taken when Rick took me to Ireland the fall after your Grandpa Joe left us. We located the beautiful country church his mother Helen was baptized in before they immigrated to America. The church is in Monkstown, County Cork and Ireland truly is a country of "thirty shades of green"!
You certainly did a good job of dispelling the stereotype of all the Irish. Although I had my share of fun long ago consuming alcoholic beverages, I never really liked the taste of it, thus, I find myself playing the role of designated driver. So, as an Irish woman, there are many other joys to be had such as Celtic Music, Irish Dance, Irish Blessings, Folklore, and all the fantasies the Leprechauns bestow. After all, it is the Feast Day of St. Patrick. Thanks for another good blog, Mike.
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