Fueled by too many films and Nora Roberts novels, I have
been drawn to Ireland by romantic notions of the sweeping green of its
landscape, the wild craggy cliffs and crashing ocean waves, the lovely twinkle
in the eye of a boisterous chap in a tweed cap, the raucous craic (music) in an
Irish pub….and let’s face it, having always been attracted to dark haired men
with green eyes and yes, even gingers, I have oft dreamt of finding my own
Irish lad. Seriously, don’t get me
started on the accent….
You get the idea.
And so I decided that this year, in order to celebrate
turning 40, would be the year that I would follow my heart and travel to
Ireland. I won’t lie…I received
some criticism that I, a single mother often struggling for money, would dare
travel without my daughter. It allegedly wasn’t right to leave her at home while I go gallivanting in
another country spending money I don’t have, blah blah blah.
To hell with what is “right”. Here’s the reality:
I worked my ass off for this trip:
Longer/more work hours, less spending and copious planning…I searched
for many weeks for the cheapest deals on airfare and housing. I conceded to travel with one of my
best friends (rather than traveling alone) in order to help pay for the
trip. I researched credit cards
with low APR’s to assist with paying up front for the trip....
Besides, my daughter was spending the week with her
grandparents and father in Texas.
Was I supposed to sit at home alone and continue to dream of traveling
to Ireland “someday”?
Excuse the language, but f*ck that. There comes a time in every person’s
life where “someday” has to be TODAY.
Too often have I seen “someday” become NEVER. Sure, I could stay home rather than racking up credit card
bills in a foreign country, but damn it, I am 40. I am divorced, a single mom, employed in multiple jobs
seasonally and part-time. I already put every ounce of my being into just
existing. Sure, there may be some
who think I am a wild, free spirit with a carefree nature, but in truth, I only
wish I could be that way. Rather, I too often fall victim to
Life, Responsibility and Propriety. When am I supposed to Live?
So damn it, I was going to Ireland.
Oh shit. What
was I going to wear?
To be continued....
