Born a Traveling (Wo)Man: Dreams of Ireland

I have long dreamt of traveling to Ireland.  I had visited both Scotland and England previously, and had therefore been close, but had never stepped foot on the Emerald Isle.

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....