"My mind been bent on rambling, to Ireland I did fly..."

After the loss of Destiny, tragedy in Japan, and craziness of annual review season starting at work, I had really been feeling out of whack and not like myself at all.  I felt sad, run-down, and a little detached.  While I feel it's normal to grieve and somberly reflect, I needed something to bring back a little joy.  This weekend delivered.

Thursday-  St. Patrick's/Countess Day
St. Patrick's day has always been my favorite day of year (maybe behind Thanksgiving).  Historically, I like to wear green for the entire week leading up to the holiday.  I put up decorations, make green cupcakes, & play irish music at school.  This year with everything going on, I found it hard to get into the spirit.  That was until we went up to Rocky Hill Road.  There, the Black Velvet Band was reprised for the evening and they sang many of my favorites including City of Chicago, From Clare to here, Spancil Hill, and Streets of London.  Their music brings me back to my childhood and there are few things that make me happier than listening to them play.  I'm so glad that John has been able to enjoy their music over the past 3 years and it makes me giddy to hear him sing along with my dad and my godfather.
Not only did I get to hear the irish music I grew up with, I also got to meet Tess, my Uncle Marvie & Aunt Peggy's new dog.  They rescued her.  She came from a puppy mill in Missouri where she endured what can only be described as rape and torture.  Tess is turning 4 this summer and learning how to accept love from people.  She let me pat her head.  She stared up at me with her underbite and her lip stuck on her gums and I fell in love.
In true Ellison style, "Tess" is not her full name.  It is short for Countess Constance Markiewicz, a freedom fighter in Ireland and a member of Sinn Fein (only a professor of Irish history could name a dog this way).  I can't wait to spend more time getting to know her.

Saturday-  Kellianne's Shower
What I'm about to say is no reflection of how I feel about Kellianne or Steve.  Steve is one of my best childhood friends and I love him and his sweet wife, Kellianne, dearly.  But I really don't like baby showers.  The silly games and the oooo-ing and ahhhhh-ing over crib sheets, bibs, and pacifiers?  That makes my skin crawl.  What I did enjoy about the baby shower was spending some time with my mom, seeing Kellianne so happy and glowing in her pregnancy, seeing Steve aloof and seemingly unphased with the idea of fatherhood, and catching up with Bethany, who I haven't seen since Thanksgiving.  If and when I have a baby shower, I'm hoping for a bbq or pasta party with friends and family (women AND men) that just happens to have a big pregnant woman in attendance.

Sunday-  Wedding Updates
A phone date with my bff/wifey Amanda Sue is always therapeutic for me.  I miss her so much.  Everytime I talk to her, I get to hear how more and more details are coming together for her wedding this fall.  Sunday, she told me that she's working on some DIY projects for decorating the church and reception hall.  I have already purchased my dress and shoes & will just have to get some minor alterations to shorten the straps of the dress.  Bridal shower & bachelorette parties coming up this summer :-)
Sunday night we took Roxy & went to 31 Little Hollow for some chicken parm, drinks at the bar, and march madness.  It was a perfect end to the weekend.

Today we're snowed in and home on a snow day....on March 23rd.  Such is "spring" in the catskills.  I'm enjoying the day off in the middle of the week.  Tomorrow we celebrate the basketball team's accomplishments at the winter sports awards and this weekend we're having dinner in New Paltz with Bethany.  Sunday, the Section 9 breakfast with our two all-section team selections, Mareena & Jakki.  Going to be a great rest of the week & weekend :)