Only the Irish

Ok, so I'm posting far too much for my first day. However, I was just on the phone w/ my best friend and told her this story. I think it's hilarious so decided to share w/ whomever (if anyone) is actually reading this thing.

My birthday is at the end of May. This year it was on a Tuesday which sucks because who can go out and party on a Tuesday? Sure, when I was 21 I could, but at 28 it's a bit harder than it used to be. Especially when the client is selfish enough to actually expect you to perform the next day. You mean you *want* me to earn that money?

Anyway, I decided to celebrate the Saturday before. Went on a fabulous hike with a buddy of mine. That night a group of us went out for dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant. My Midwest-self immediately thought of several non-PC items about this. Note, if you're offended by non-PC things, stop reading now. Some of the jokes are just for me. So, what came to mind you ask? Well, 1. The Unicef truck is going to be pulled up out back, 2. It's going to consist of a handful of grain that I have to go forage for and 3. There's just not going to be any food there. But hey, I figured it might make me a better runner. Ok, for those of you offended you can start reading again.

So, we had this amazing meal. It was AWESOME! Really tasty. It was cool b/c they brought it out on this tray that was literally like 3' in diameter. Pretty cool. After, we went to a pub in the Haight. Did a little drinky-drinky. Most folks left and my buddy BJ and I went to another bar for last call. Then we wanted a slice of pie and since everything in the Haight is closed at that point, we headed over to Nizario's Pizza. Mmmmm. We were standing outside chatting and eating our pie. Then he took off home. Well, as I was finishing up my slice of pie this cute Irishman (yes, I'm a sucker for the Irish) from Cork came up and started chatting. Yours truly was drunk and next thing I know we're snogging. He lived not far from there and said, "you're coming home with me." Drunk girl replied, "As long as you know that we're only snogging. I'm not going to shag you." He was fine with that so off we went.

Well, at 6am on Sunday morning his freaking alarm goes off. I'm thinking, wtf? Well, apparently Cork was in a hurling match that morning at 6:30 and Martin and Mack's pub was showing it. Being the good lad from Cork he had to go watch. I said, great, I'm going home. He replied, "No you're not." Ummmm, why not? "We'll discuss this when I get back." Which was kinda cute. So he goes and leaves this perfect stranger alone in his house while he goes to the hurling match. I just rolled over and went back to sleep. Then he comes home after the match and gets back into bed. Later he says, "I need to go to the store." I said once again that I would go home. He then asked why. Am I the only one that thinks it's odd to leave some random girl in your home alone while you go run errands? So he drove me home and that was it. No information exchanged, we just had a fun random evening.

Now, I know what you're thinking. I should be offended that he did the whole, now you're a priority, now you're not, but when I come back you will be again thing. Instead, I think it's one of the funniest things ever. Only the Irish. Gotta love 'em.

So here I am thinking that's it. No no, not to be. After a free concert in Golden Gate Park two Sundays ago (now this is about 3 weeks after my bday incident) I ended up back in the Haight at a pub w/ a couple friends. About 8 mint julips later I see someone do a double take at the other end of the bar. I look up and sure enough, it's the Irishman. The worst part, I don't even know his name. I know it starts with D-O so he's just known as "Do" (or more appropriately, "Doh!") around the house. I just started laughing and buried my face in my hands.

In thinking about it later, that probably wasn't the most encouraging move ever. However, I was just so surprised to see him. Of all the gin joints in all the world, he had to walk into mine. This run in has started a trickle effect...but that's for another blog.

I'm reminded of a great toast: "As you slide down the bannister of life, may the splinters all be pointing the right way."

Slainte