Erin Go Bragh (most often translated as 'Ireland Forever')

Last night, I had donned my favourite pyjamas, opened my laptop and curled up in front of the couch to watch 'American Idol'. Wednesday is usually a stay-in-and-babysit night for me, so I had resigned myself to missing out on the local St. Patrick's Day celebrations. But, at last minute, I was released from my duties as The Mum and The Dad had decided to forgo their trip to the cinema. Hurriedly, I peeled off my pj's and jumped into a a basic white tank, a black cardigan, a denim skirt, my black boots and—not to forget the occassion— hulk-green tights. I texted Germany to retract my previous refusal of her invitation to join her at the local Irish pub and legged it down the hill into Moseley.

We ended up having a great time! I met some more of her German friends and we all took advantage of the free hat giveaway, all modeling leprechaun hats! I enjoyed some Irish Smithwick's shandy (beer and red lemonade) and we all sang along to some live oldies, provided by a lively tenor and his acoustic guitar. We, uh, made some friends, too. A gentleman at the neighboring table had us pose in a photo with a little laminated cut-out of his friend who had chosen to spend St. Paddy's Day with his wife at home, instead of with his man-friends at the pub. It was great! I'm so glad I could go out to celebrate after all!