Howefitz Blog

I am at work as I write this, and I am not wearing green.

Over the years it seems that I’ve become a bit of a St. Patrick Humbug. It’s not that I particularly have anything against the Irish people, or the celebration of St. Patrick. It’s just that St. Patrick’s Day serves to remind me of our current state of affairs as a nation and world.

Let me explain by trudging up my St. Patrick’s Day post from MySpace last year:

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t one of those times where people normally wax philosophical or reminisce, but ever since 2001, St. Patrick’s day reminds me of my trip to Ireland. We landed in Dublin on the morning of 9/11. We had had a four hour layover in La Guardia (NY). I remember one of the first shops we went into was a little candy store and the radio was saying something about planes hitting towers in New York City. Now seeing as how we had just landed and I hadn’t become accustomed to the fact that I was now the one with the accent, it seemed like some kind of audiobook; a work of fiction. It wasn’t until that night, when we were settling into our hostel that we saw the images and realized that it was really happening.
Before that time, I was never really in to politics or caring about the outside world in general. But being in a foreign country as mine was being attacked really did something to me. Seeing how much the people over there really cared about us really did something to me. The Friday after, Ireland had a day of remembrance, shutting down all businesses. The only place we could find something to eat was a Burger King, go figure. The day was complete with a five minute moment of silence. 
Ireland was doing that while Bush told America to keep shopping.
Our tour guide was from Belfast and commented to us that the troubles Northern Ireland had been through was nothing like what America was going through.
I felt that day that although tragic, the world was ready to support and rally around the United States. And we attacked Afghanistan. We occupied Iraq. Now the world hates us and Iraqis are calling on the UN to get the US out of Iraq. I thought we’d be treated as liberators. And now with Admiral Fallon gone, a war with Iran is very likely imminent. But Obama and Clinton are still name calling.
All this is going through my mind as most people are parading and generally making merry. We have plans to go to the botanical gardens today, and I’ll take lots of pictures of the girls and have a good time, but I cannot forget that there are some very troubling times before us that I simply cannot ignore.
Have fun, drink your green beers, but do not forget we’re far from being out of the woods.

So that was last year. This year we have the economy collapse, the Iraq war trudges on, we’re now afraid of peanut butter, the list goes on. And on. And on some more.

I came to work not wearing green and immediately got pinched. Rather than find a touch of verde to adorn my person, I continued through my day ducking and weaving. I began to ask myself what my problem was. I loved being in Ireland! I want to go back! So why the hostility toward St. Patrick’s Day? 

I remembered the above post and it got me to thinking about how far I have come in the past year and where I feel that I am going. I was a lot angrier last year than I am now. The difference this year? I’ve subscribed to the idea of a low-information diet.

Let me explain further:

• I am a recovering news junkie.
• I no longer have television service.
• I don’t read the news.
• I don’t listen to radio talk shows.
• I get along just fine.

I may be stretching things a bit. I do still occasionally listen to the Rachel Maddow show and P.O.T.U.S. on XM. I do this sparingly, however. Basically, I turn on the radio, mutter something to myself like ‘Yep, the world’s still messed up!’ and continue through my day.

The news that I DO pay attention to is the stuff that matters most to me and my life. I want to know about toy and food recalls that affect my family. I read other blogs by people who share my ideals and beliefs about family and life in general.

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I cannot control all those outer things that nonetheless can add to my own stress. 

I’ve taken to counting my blessings. My life is much better for it.

The next time that you’re all out of sorts because AIG folks are profiting from government bailouts, take a step back and look at your life. Does it really affect you? Or are you being the sibling that complains that your brother’s cake is bigger than yours? Grow up. Be assertive and do something about it: smash the cake in his face! Then, as you’re pointing and laughing, remember that you control your destiny. If you want it, take it. And don’t let any kind of attitude or previous paradigm stand in your way!

I leave you with this classic Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

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