What you've all been waiting for.

I was going to write a post about how I usually don't complain about being sick but that I came down with a cold our last day in Ireland...and have now been sick for two whole weeks...and I'm beginning to realize why my brother constantly updates us on his health via Facebook...until I figured out that I've only been back from my trip for one week. Sick = one measly, non-pitiable week.

Therefore, I shall post pictures of Ireland. Highlights include a quick trip into Paris (the Opera House, walk by the Louvre, the Seine, a ham and cheese baguette), hiking the great Sugarloaf mountain, Dublin for St. Patty's Day, a brief jaunt into Northern Ireland, kissing the Blarney Stone--which, incidentally, is what I think made me sick. Do you know how many people have planted their lips on that thing?--other sundry castles, taking a prohibited picture in the library of Trinity College, an eternal quest for traditional music, visiting Cobh--the last stop of the Titanic, and spotting a rainbow--an authentic, no pot o' gold at the end, rainbow.

Everything about Ireland was quaint. Quaint little towns with cute, colorful pubs and Mary Poppins chim-chim-ineys. Quaint rolling green farmland with stone walls and hedgerows. Sheep. Accents. Narrow roads. Castles. Quaint. Everyone was super friendly and no one used the "th" sound. Tree tousand...tirty-tree...you get the picture. So...that's what I did for my spring break...beats henna tattoos and cover charges any day.

This was a cool mystical park in Northern Ireland. Rumor has it that C.S. Lewis loved it. He's from Belfast, you know. We're trying to fit in...as gargoyles. I won't even begin to describe how difficult it was to get down from up there.After the St. Patrick's Day parade the streets were just FILLED with people for a good few hours afterwards...then the bars started filling up. By the way, we found out that they don't actually pinch people if they're not wearing green. Some sort of weird, frisky American tradition.Blarney Castle.Cobh.Rainbow.Quaint.

A necessary amendment.

***The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of persons mentioned or otherwise involved***

It has so recently come to my attention tonight that I have committed a very gross error. I have done what no self-respecting person should ever do. I have plagiarized.

Two weeks ago, in an attempt at incriminating humor, I wrote about being "perpetually single." A phrase, though conjured up and threatened to be used during one of our one-on-one banter sessions, was originally coined by my life coach, Stefanie Star, Esq., Inc. While I try to avoid getting in the habit of apologizing for my actions and since I'm determined to continue using someone for writing material, I feel the need to give credit where credit is due--return the rights to the people--no taxation without representation (Rev. Jonathan Mayhew, 1750). Condemned to the truth I will merely add that the sombrero picture is to be accounted to her as well, though I will take full responsibility for the face. In tribute to the originator of all my original ideas, Stef, I thank you from the bottom of my obsequious heart. Truly, you have effected my life.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged..."

Tomorrow I embark on a grand adventure. Tomorrow I begin my journey into true womanhood. Tomorrow I do a thing I've been avoiding most of my adult and feminine life. Admittedly, I have had to transition into it slowly...and transition I have. This past year has seen me having my nails done, wearing hot pink in public, letting my friends do my hair, and being asked out for Valentine's Day (...twice!)--all very womanly things. So you see, it's time.

Tomorrow...I start reading Pride and Prejudice. Pretty soon I'll be nothing but giggly goodness and strategically timed elbow touches.

I do turn 26 in two weeks. Maybe I'll have a coming of age party. You know, present myself to society...my parents never got around to that when I was 13.

New blog title?

I know you all loved the confusing but endearing title I used to have but what do you think?

Now...before you all get in a fuss and change your bloglinks, I am not being serious. Nor have I fallen into a vat of self-pity. I just decided to capitalize on an inside joke with...myself. At least I didn't title it something like "Hopelessly Single" or "Single Forever for the Rest of My Life Forever..." or use other adjectives that are far worse like: desperately, deceptively, hysterically...or...incurably. "Perpetually" is just so aptly descriptive--less enduring, more incessant. Like that annoying alarm clock you want to throw across the room and shatter into a million pieces but end up being grateful for when you're not 18 and married and lacking a personal identity. Point being, let's just all have a good hearty laugh at ourselves and how life never turns out like we plan. Live, learn, and move on. No regrets.