There are certain parts of my Irish heritage that I take great pride in...specifically music and the arts. I wish that my own family had been even remotely successful in avoiding the sad stereotypes of alcoholism and depression.

I guess for me, it's not even the fact that I grew up with Irish Rah Rah Rah, and having pride in whatnot (though I did reference in my earlier remark). I know a lot of actual Irish people. My family is connected to its heritage. It's just part of who I am and part of who my family is.

I'm the only one...ONLY one...in the four generations of which I'm aware...that is not an addict of some sort or mentally ill.

I also struggle with depression and addiction issues, but I don't think it's because of my Irish heritage, I think it's because of how my brain is wired (wrt depression) and how my family including my non-Irish mom raised me (addiction issues).

But, you know, congrats on the non-mental illenss having.

Anyway. Bygones. (I'm leaving to go to a work event and won't get back online for several hours, so I'm not flouncing off!)

I am sorry. I censor myself all over the internet but here I feel comfortable and sometimes that leads to me saying things in jest that I shouldn't ought to have said.

I'm glad that we have the kind of discourse where you can speak up

so very much this.

cereal before I duck out:

God, Shir- how horrible. I can't imagine having so many aspects of life so fraught with political and cultural meaning. {{Shir}}

Oh Shir. I can't imagine how tough this is for you.

How could anyone cut off their own hand and then be able to throw it faster than other boat could just smack down?

well, if someone on board had a nice sharp broadsword, it could be the work of seconds.

I am(among other things, Irish-American...to my knowledge, I should say, because we are weirdo Irish-Americans who do not know what part of the Emerald Isle spawned us...which is so rare in my experience that there might be something odd about it.) But I'm also a sick fucker, too.

{{{Shir}}}

In my opinion, while you're still financially dependant on your parents you sometimes have to compromise your ideals (like remaining closeted if they'd disown you if they found out you're gay.)

Oh Shir, I cannot even imagine.

One of my dearest friends growing up had a major change of heart between our youth and now and lives on a settlement. We never discuss it and it STILL hangs in the air. I cannot begin to fathom what you must be going through.

How much longer do you think you'll live with your folks? Is it an "until graduation" kind of thing?

Thanks, all.

How much longer do you think you'll live with your folks? Is it an "until graduation" kind of thing?

Yeah. I'm planning studying for M.A. abroad.

I just really, really hope that another option which won't include living in a settlement will come up, and FAST.

My remember reading, or hearing in one of my family education classes that Ireland has the highest rate of mental illness of any Western nation. I'd have to research the souce.