Having Some Irish March MADness

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I was hoping my Ancestry DNA test results would be back, and I'd know whether or not I am part Irish, but alas, I'm still waiting... I do have a temper, love green and my hair was strawberry blond as a child.

This has NOT been my favorite week. I was thrilled to have most of my children home last weekend, but I was dealing with a sprained/tender ankle, and then on Monday I woke up sick. Apparently I've caught the mean virus that has been going around our Harbor town. Because I have asthma, colds always go straight to my lungs. I managed to get through my shift on Monday at the store, and Bible Study Tuesday morning (hope I didn't spread my germs friends!), but then all my energy left. I have spent the last four days on the couch next to my "I'm sick" stash; Kleenex, inhaler, diffuser, throat lozenges, cough syrup, Tylenol, water, tea, OJ, Chicken noodle soup, etc.

Photo source: Pinterest

Of course my orange furries have been keeping me company but my coughing scares them. My coughing fits are so bad my husband had to sleep in the guest room. To say I'm "under the weather" is an understatement. Boo.

Since the March Madness Basketball tournament is in full swing,  in the spirit of the game and my grumpy mood I made my own MAD list:

1. I am MAD I had to cancel my hair appointment~I was SO ready for my hi-light touch-ups!
2. I am MAD I've had to miss two of my work shifts which forced my friend to cover for me.
3. I am MAD I had to miss MOPS this week. It was going to be a great meeting.
4. I am MAD that I don't have enough energy to take my doggie for a walk even though it finally stopped raining. We're both going stir-crazy!
5. I am MAD that my husband's travel schedule is crazy right now~HE needs some couch time and I miss him.

OK, enough grumbling... I am thankful for my cozy house and Wi-Fi. While I've been sequestered in my home I've passed the time reading, knitting, and enjoying the Spring Home Tour 2017 that was put on by 22 bloggers, "Country Living Magazine" and HomeGoods. I've gotten quite inspired!

http://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/spring-home-tour/

I've also been binging on Victoria, the PBS series.

PBS.org

It's SO good! I've watched four of the seven episodes. If you loved "Downton Abby" and "The Crown," you'll love this too. Great scenery, characters, costumes. The actress, Jenna Coleman is really good in this role. Here's a fun fact; her natural eye color is brown but they went to a lot of editing trouble to make them blue. Why? In real life were Victoria's eyes blue?...

Speaking of eye colors, the combination of my blue eyes and my husband's brown eyes gave our four children beautiful eyes. The youngest two have rich brown, our oldest daughter has hazel, and our first-born son has green. My Grandma Grace often said "eyes are the windows into a person's soul."

Mitch's eye photographed by Sarah at Simple Joys

St Patrick's Day always makes me think of green beer, which makes me think of our wedding post-reception party. WHY? Our wedding was in June and at the time Michael worked at a restaurant. They had a leftover keg of green beer that hadn't been tapped, so he got to bring that to my parent's house. After our country club reception a bunch of close friends came back to my parent's home and we continued the celebration. Doesn't every June bride toast with green beer? I even finally got the Chi Omega candle ceremony that happens when a "sister" gets "pinned" by a Fraternity Boy. If you were Greek in college, you know what I mean... Michael didn't go to Ball State but he was a Frat boy and he was DEFINITELY worth waiting for. I am one lucky wife!

Due to this nasty bug I won't be celebrating with green beer or my favorite Reuben sandwich. I might have to go through drive-through for a Shamrock Shake. My fingers are crossed that I'll be well enough to work Sunday. In the meantime, let's think Happy Irish thoughts!

The Shamrock image at the top of the page can be printed off to color (if you find yourself sick and bored today too...) http://www.allfreeadultcoloringbooks.com/st_patricks_day.html

Here's an Irish saying I found to cheer myself up:

PHRASE:	Beidh biseach ort go luath
PRONOUNCED:	beg bishock urt guh loo-ah
MEANING:	You will be better soon

http://www.ireland-information.com/irishphrases.htm

I LOVE this Old Irish Blessing! You can listen to it sung by a choir. Beautiful!

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. May God be with you and bless you: May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness From this day forward. May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home And may the hand of a friend always be near. May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you, May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.

Hopefully you are well and will have a restful weekend with friends and family!

Grateful for Grace, and In His Grip,

xo Jane