My Life as an Irish American Girl

For the past four to five years, my mom, her best friend Barbie, our friend Antoinette and I drove down to Baltimore, Maryland to volunteer at the Operation Christmas Child Warehouse. Volunteering, gives us time to reflect on how much God has done for us and his children.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a Christian Organization that gives spreads the gospel by giving shoe boxes to children around the world. Shoe boxes are filled with toys, hygienic necessities and school supplies. At the warehouse, volunteers inspect all the boxes to make sure that it has a label (BOY or GIRL and the age group is checked off (2-4. 5-9 or 10-14) and lastley during inspection they make sure there aren't any dangerous items such as the following:

• War Related Items
• Tooth Paste
• Liquids
• Breakable Items
• Money 

Barbie, Me and Antoinette at the Warehouse in Maryland

On Saturday November 9th, my mom went for a lovely, relaxing massage. I got a deep tissue and she got a Swedish verison. My massuse was very friendly and did a great job. She really got the right side of my back back into the shape. Apparently my right side is always tighter than my left. Always with massages, like exercise (particularly with deep tissue type of massages) According to google its normal especially if you don't have them everyday... like a rich person I guess 😂.
After our massage we went to the European Wax Center to get our eyebrows done. Sometimes like this time I had to get my chin done. There's something about chins that just get unusually hairy. It's always fun to watch my mom get her eyebrows and lip done because she tends to think the pain is excoriating but really its like ripping off a band aid. At least in my opinion. Everyone feels different pain levels. I will tell you the only thing that is worse and excoriating is getting both your legs and arm pits waxed. That right there hurts so bad. Its like putting duct tape on your legs and ripping it off without counting to three. That is what I call excoriating 😝.
Mom and I spent a couple of hours at my grandma's house. We ate dinner there. I only had white rice because I don't like chili. But it was nice to see Henry and William again. Haven't seen them since the summer basically. Wow that feels like a long time ago 👀.

My cousin Eimear won the Quiz last Tuesday. Which means she got to choose what she would like to read on my blog. She had a question more than a topic.

Question: What do you miss most about Ireland? 

One of the many things that I love about Ireland is the town. The town with all its shopping centers and small restaurants also mixed with very friendly people, makes the Ireland feel warm and welcoming. I guess what I miss about Ireland is the atmosphere. Even when the weather is quite nice, the walks still feel very relaxing.

Ever wonder how I got my blog name? Or how I got the idea to start blogging? You asked and now I will tell you the story.

Many years ago I used to have a blog on HSB (Home School Blogger) Which is how I met two of my penpals/sisters who are now two of my best friends Hannah and Katie. I've known them for ten years now. We send each other stuff every year on foreach other's birthdays and Christmas. I have another Australian friend her name is Phoebe. We write each other letters, and use Snapchat to talk to each other. We met each other on FaceTime at the end of August. It was really exciting for the both of us. Since we only saw photos but never heard each other talk before. My childhood bestie Margaret who serves in the US Military we send each other cards and sometimes gifts for Christmas.

Years later, Since HSB left, I started writing books on this website called Wattpad. I wrote a lot of fanfiction books about The Rock, Being married to Niall Horan and Clay Matthews. After a few years went by I since deleted my books and started writing my own fiction chapter book on my laptop. My new fiction book doesn't have a title yet. But its about a boy who wants to play for Dundalk F.C. in Dundalk, Ireland. I'm also working on a non fiction book as well.

In 2017 I decided to blog again but this time using blogger. I wanted to get my own domain so I had to think of the perfect title for my blog and wesbite url. Then it clicked in my brain. I'm half Irish because my dad was born in Ireland and Im American born and raised in New York City. So I figured why not call it My Life As An Irish American Girl for my blog name. and have the url say IrishAmericanGirl. It was perfect.

Ever since I was born, my dad took me to Ireland to visit my family. Every since then I been going to Ireland. There was a time where I took a break cause my ears were clogging up so bad that I wouldn't eat anything for days. But now I found medication to help my ears clear up faster.

Two years ago back in November,  I wrote about my dad's childhood and posted it on my blog along with some pictures. If you'd like to read it please click the link ----> A Real Irish Man Let me know what you think.

All the adventures I go on with my dad and my mom are posted on here. Every Christmas or Thanksgiving Day event I make sure I post about it. This is not only so that you can read about it but because I love writing so much.

If you haven't already done so, please make sure you follow me on twitter: irishgirl4124 and on Instagram: mylifeasanirishamericangirl so that you can stay up to date with my blog. Also if you subscribe via email, you will be able to read it right from your phone or computer.

Hey guys,

It's been awhile since I posted anything on my blog. But I do have an update for you. First I want to tell you that I've been busy other things. Like I found out my favorite childhood online game is back. I'm not sure if any of you ever heard of Club Penguin. Some of you probably know what I'm talking about. Others are probably confused. So let me explain what Club Penguin is. There's a picture of my penguin if you scroll to the bottom. 

Club Penguin is an online game where you can interact with people around the world of all ages. After you log in, you can choose a server (A place where you either chat with other penguins or play games to make coins to buy clothes and or puffles.) The only rule is making sure you don't bully other penguins or give away personal information. It is so much fun.

Any of you baseball fans? I'm a huge fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. On August 14th of this year, I went to my first professional baseball game with my parents at CitiField is the baseball stadium where the New York Mets play. .Their special giveaway was a free build a bear NY Mets teddy bear. Before we sat at our seats, we got a souvenir Mets cup full of soda (coke), a hot pretzel and Nathans French Fries. The game was slow but in the 4th inning a shouted, "LETS GO DODGERS!" In the end the Mets won 3-0. It was still a great game and a great experience. I look forward to many more Dodgers games.

There's this really encouraging song. 

Undo by Rush of Fools
Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one who can undo
You are the only one who can undo
You're the only one who can undo
What I've become

I believe this song talks about how important it is to realize that we as humans are NOT perfect. We struggle in life. We make mistakes or crumble like a cookie until we feel weak and can no longer do it anymore. But the most important thin
g to realize at the end of this song is that no matter what you're going through, no matter how weak you feel and no matter how many times you made mistakes in life, GOD STILL CARES ABOUT YOU!

Zach Mcallister

 

Summer is coming to an end. The heat is going back to the south where it belongs. Except London can't catch a break from the deadly heat. Keep in mind they don't have air conditioners like here in America.

Here's what a did over the summer this year. Adding that we did have a a hot summer with some ninety degree heat waves. Particularly in July and some of the days in August. But usually August is a brutal. But this year it's been perfect.

June 
If anyone remembers, my birthday is the day after the first day of Summer. I went to the Hamptons. I wanted to see what it was like over there. Whenever I read the Daily Mail, a lot of the times celebrities like the Kardashians tend to spend some of their summer there. You're probably thinking to yourselves, "Ew she watches the Kardashians." No, I don't watch the show, but I do like to keep up with the latest news about their kids. Who by the way are the cutest little darlings. But anyway, if you want to read about my trip to the Hamptons click on the link Trip to the Hamptons

July
My parents and I went to Tuscarora in Mount Bethel Pennsylvania. This year we took my little cousins Henry whose six and William whose four. It was their first time. I learned that Henry loves swings. William loved the park. This year at Tuscarora, they had a Hawaiian party. Full of bouncy houses, and games. I actually went on two different bouncy houses. That's when I discovered I'm officially too old for that stuff. (😭) Oh and of course the boys loved the pool. The weather was actually perfect (sunny no rain) the heat was horrible but it always gets hot in PA.

Henry and I had some bonding time together. We went to the snack shop and had ice cream. Afterwards I took him to the gift shop and told him he could pick out something that's under five dollars. He got a teddy bear for himself and one for his brother. Then we we went to the swings and talked for a good thirty minutes. It was a great week. Very happy the boys got to come with us.

August 
In the second Saturday in August, my mom and I went to my Aunt Amy's house. We got to swim in her pool and spend time with my uncle's side of the family. It was a lot of fun. My uncle made the most delicious BBQ chicken and pork chops. Finish the great day with a cup of Irish tea.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to my cousin Neil and my beautiful cousin Rachel. 💙 you guys.
Happy 1 year Anniversary to my brother and sister in law. 🤟

The following weekend My parents and I went away to Bushkill Falls in Pennsylvania. We did the intense hike up and downstairs to see the Falls. It was so hot outside that were dripping with sweat from head to toe...gross. But we did learn one thing, that God's creation is absolutely beautiful. After grabbing lunch at Arby's, we went to our hotel and decided to go for a swim in the pool. Boy did that feel amazing. Afterwards we changed and decided to go mini golfing. Back to sweating again. It was so humid. You forget how HOT Pennsylvania gets until you out in it (😂) We went to one of my favorite restaurants The Longhorn. We don't have one in New York City. I love their BBQ grilled chicken and gravy. The gravy is to die for. But it gives me bad gas (😂😂🙈) We finished our Saturday by re watching Incredibles I.
On Sunday, we went to Walmart and got lots of stuff. Another thing we don't have in New York City. There is one in Long Island though. We had brunch at this other hotel restaurant (I forget the name) but the food was okay. But my parents enjoyed their BIG breakfast. We got milkshakes from Dairy Queen then drove home.

After I got back from London and Paris, I was thinking deeply what I should do for my birthday. First I was looking at Connecticut but then I quickly shook my head. Basically I wanted something with a beach, and a place to shop. It didn't take me long for my a light bulb to light up in my head. Since I was a child I always heard facts and saw it on movies. IT meaning the the Hamptons! I always wanted to see what it was about it that made it such a cool place to live.

On April 27th, my mom's 50th birthday. Since my cousin Renae couldn't come over for cake that evening, I decided to take the both of them out for lunch. We went to a famous Italian restaurant in Brooklyn called Lenny and Johns. Which by the way has been around for fifty years as well. I had chicken parmigiana with bake ziti. Renae had rice balls and my mom had monicotti. The two of them shared zucchini sticks. I also shared garlic knots with them. It was a yummy lunch.

After lunch we went back home and my dad made us delicious Irish Tea. I gave my mom her gifts from dad and I. From me, mom got a IPhone 7 charging dock, a charging cord and something else but I forgot what it was. 😜 My dad got her an Alzheimer's hoodie that said "Memories Matter! Fight against Alzheimer's!" An HQ Trivia mug, and a shirt that said 1969 on it.

Later that evening, Uncle Lou made steak and Brendan made delicious broiled potatoes. I'm not a fan of steak but I did a well done piece. Grandma came over that evening and we had tea and cake. I got her a cake from her favorite bakery in Brooklyn called Michaels. My parents loved the cake but my grandma didn't but thats okay. It's important that my mom enjoyed it more than anything else.

On Sunday my brother Ryan and my sister in law Victoria came over for the day. They brought their dog LuLu with them. She's a Cavapoo. Around noon, Henry and William came over. They loved LuLu as much as everybody else. While the lovebirds were here, we did some organizing. The men helped bring the treadmill upstairs from the basement into the living room. Us ladies made space for the treadill. The men helped us move one of the recliner chairs to the other side of the living room so the treadmil could fit.

Turns out we didn't have enough Italian food because we ended up ordering pizza from this new pizza place in our neighborhood. The pizza was edible and defiantly had flavor but it wasn't as good as Knapp Street Pizza. But I would defiantly order from them again to give them a second chance. Henry really loved it because he had three whole slices. Keep in mind, he's not a big eater.

Grandma came over to see the lovebirds and to meet her new granddog. LuLu is a small dog but she will grow but not to be a big dog like a St Bernard (😂 you'd need a big house for a St Bernard) Anyway, she loved her grand dog. She and Victoria talked for a couple of hours.

Later that evening we had a simple dinner. Heated up some Tyson Chicken Tenders and french fries. Was a nice simple dinner.

The following weekend, Friday and Saturday. My mom and I stayed in a hotel in lower Manhattan. Aunt Bug (my mom's oldest sister) was flying in from Houston for my mom's part three birthday celebration.

Since we were the first ones at the hotel, my mom told me to text Renae to ask her to bring some chips and soda over. So I did. When she arrived she said, "Geez you guys are so demanding!"

We stayed up till midnight to chat with Aunt Bug and Renae. Then we fell asleep so we could wake up and start her Saturday adventure.

On Saturday we got up around eleven and went to Pret-A-Manger for breakfast. Usually when I ever walk pass one of these expensive places, I always keep walking. Last time before this time, like three years ago, I walked inside to buy myself a soda (before I stopped drinking soda everyday) I cringed as I handed over three dollars and fifty cents. Surprisingly the croissant was really good. Not as good as the ones in Paris but edible.

After breakfast we walked in the rain to the 9/11 Memorial. My mom's first time. Honoring the lives that were taken by terrorists way back in 2001. Finally the rain stopped, we walked to the Oculus. The Oculus is this white building shaped like a mohawk. They turned the building into a mall. Also two built in train stations. One for Brooklyn and Manhattan. The other is to get from Mahattan to New Jersey.

Renae met up with us. We took the 1 Train to Times Square 42nd Street. All four of us attended a Pro-Life event. more than ten thousand people showed up. Of course the Abortion protestors marched around our event. But that didn't stop us! It was a Christian centered event by Focus on the Family. They had music and speakers.

Three hours later, we took the train to 14th street and found a diner. Hard to find diners now a days. But we found one and it was delicious. BIG portions though. I had my chicken tenders with curly fries. The fries were amazing but the chicken was too thick for me.

Afterwards we walked to a book store called BookStrand. The book store isn't my cup of tea but I did find a magnet that I loved and bought. The magnet said, "SAVE YOUR DRAMA FOR YOUR LLAMA!" We took the six train to china town and got dessert. Renae and I got icecream and mom and Aunt Bug got rice pudding. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

On Sunday since mom and I don't believe in women preachers, we went to Barnes n Noble to look around. We grabbed a snack at Starbucks then ended up buying two puzzles. We took the train back home and later that evening we spent three hours at grandma's talking.

The following weeekend, my mom and I went to Henry and William's birthday party. Henry was turning six and William was turning four. They had a smaller party this time. Only family members were allowed to come. Aunt Amy made a Lagansa which was actually pretty good. We socialized, had snacks and drinks, ate dinner and had cake. Was a warm day too. Perfect for an outdoor event.

Safe to say I had a great busy couple of weekends.

This year for almost two weeks, in March, my parents and I decided it was time for a vacation. So we planned an amazing trip to London and Paris. This is my second time in London first time in Paris.

Friday March 15th 
On Friday evening, my parents and I headed to JFK Airport in New York City. Late that evening around ten, on Virgin Airlines which is what we flew, took off for Heathrow Airport in London, England. The flight to London was uncomfortable because the seats were close together. We had a lot of turbulence but that doesn't bother me. I got twenty minutes of sleep. Didn't watch any movies but I did play some games on the TV and listened to music on my Ipad. Three times I got up to stretch on the plane. Didn't care for the food except for the saltine crackers. They we very good. Drank lots of water and had some soda. Defiantly made the flight go faster than it really did.

Saturday March 16th 
After five and a half hours we landed at one of London's International Airports. Once we got past security and got our bags, my parents and I took the Coach Bus to Victoria Station. From there we took the District Line train to Fulham Broadway where our airbnb apartment was located. The apartment was very cosy. After we got settled in, we took a two hour nap to shake off the jet lag. The bed was low but very comfortable. When we woke up from our nap, we took the train to Piccadily Circus (like Times Square in New York) and looked for a place have dinner. Finally found a place after looking for what seemed like forever. Ate at this fun place called Planet Hollywood. They played music on big TV screens and the place was very colorful. I loved their chips (french fries). After dinner, in the rain, we took the train to Westminster and stood on the bridge as we took a picture of the amazing view of the London Eye, Big Ben and House of Parliament. The three of us decided to head back to the apartment and just have a relaxing evening drinking Tea and watching TV. That night actually Mom and I stayed up to half passed midnight. We were really enjoying the British verison of Who Wants to be a Millionare.

Sunday March 17th 
Happy St Patrick's Day! 
The three of us took the train to St Pauls Cathedral. What a beautiful BIG church. I enjoyed listening to the church bells play music. We walked around to see other tourist attractions. Mom and I actually found this lovely park where they had this fun thing that you stand on and it wabbles side to side. While we were on it, it got windy and we started wabbling fast. Like we were doing the floss dance. Mom and I jumped off because we got scared. But that was really fun. In the rain, my parents and I took the train to Westminster and walked through St James Park to see Buckingham Palace. St James Park is one of my favorite parks because you get to see different types of birds that you never seen before. Like for example, Black Swans. You don't see them in New York City. Buckingham Palace is such a beautiful palace. This is actually my second time seeing it. They say Two times is a charm. The three of us walked to Abby Road and took a picture in front of the statue of Church Hill. The church in that area is actually where Kate and William got married. I actually took a tour of the church when I was there two years ago. We started to get hungry so after we took the train to Baker Street, and took a photo in front of Sherlock Holmes Apartment, we found this lovely restaurant that had delicious nuggets and chips. Later that evening we took the Bakerloo Train to Elephant and Castle and went to a Baptist Church to Worship our Great an awesome God. Without Him nothing in life would be possible. The people at the church were super friendly. I loved and always have loved hymns. We sang lots of those. It felt so worshipful.

Monday March 18th 
My parents and I took the The Hop on Hop Off Tour. When we got on the bus, the bus driver gave us headphone. On the double decker bus, mom, dad and I sat on the rooftop so that would could take great pictures. We plugged our headphones in and listened to a fantastic audio of the history in London. Some of the places we got to see were South Kensington and Chelsea, Norfolk Square Gardens, Westminster, Lambeth and Fleet Street. In Kensington stood St Augustine's C of E Anglican Church. In Westminster, Paddington we saw St Mary's Hospital where Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte were born. I personally thought that was really cool to see. In other parts of Westminster, we got to see Trafalgar Square (my sister in law loves that area of London). The three of us got off at the the stop where the Tower Bridge was located. Inside the Tower Bridge we went upstairs and took a tour. On part of the floor, they had this glass covering part of the flooring so that people could take pictures of themselves laying or sitting down as traffic flew by down below. After the tour of the bridge, we had our first 99(soft served vanilla icecream on a cone with a chocolate cadbury flake on top) it was delicious. Something you can't get here. It's just not the same.

Tuesday March 19th 
Mom, Dad and I took the District line to Tower Hill and bought our tickets and waiting in the crowd full of people for the the Menagerie to take us on a tour. He was a terrific tour guide. We then went into the Crown Jewels and got to see all the beautiful crowns Queen Elizabeth wore. Unfortuantly we weren't allowed to take any pictures but I defiantly learned lots of history about her crowns and Tower of London. I had another 99 and man oh man was it out of this world delicious!!!! The three of us took the City Cruise on the River Thames. Our first stop was at Greenwich Mean Time. The walk up is very steep! Also I'm not exactly in shape. But it was worth my legs feeling like jello. A beautiful view of London. I learned so much about where time came from and how it all works. We took the cruise to the London Eye. London Eye is one of my favorite things to do in London. The view never ceases to blow me away. It was my mom's first time and she actually enjoyed it.

Wednesday March 20th 
For our last day in London, we got up early and headed to Buckingham Palace. We got to see this amazing show that the guards put on called The Changing of the Guards. The Guards marched behind the gate as they played their instruments. I didnt get to see this the last time I was in London. I could tell Mom really enjoyed it because she had a big smile on her face. I learned something new, women serve in the London Military. Something I didn't know until that day. It was nice to just pause life and to enjoy the moment of that day. Afterwards we walked a short block to the Royal Mews Museum. This Museum was different then the others because it had both an outdoor and indoor exhibit. We got to see the different carriages that Queen Elizabeth rode in the past and in the present. The history of all her rides were pretty cool too.

Thursday March 21st 
We got up early and finished packing. At noon we hopped onto the Chunnel train which travels at two hundred miles per hour. Three hours later we made it to Paris. After getting directions and our metro tickets to ride their trains, we arrived at our airbnb apartment. I was a little nervous because I was in a strangers house and a different country where english isn't their first language. But after we got settled in, I felt comfortable and ready to tour Paris. Paris at night was beautiful. Plenty of people out walkinig around. I kept seeing signs that said "Beware of pick pocketers." I kept my hand on my bag a lot. Didn't want to risk it. It was a beautiful evening. I really felt like I was on vacation putting reality behind me.

Friday March 22
The three of us road the train all the way to a dream come true. Believe me, I pinched myself three times to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Turns out it wasn't a dream. This was really happening. I couldn't believe I was standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. The enormous beautiful tower stood there shinning bright in the sun. My face was in shock and very happy. Something that was on my bucket list since I was little. After living the dream, we got to see the famous Arch. That was cool. Cars drove under it. Finally after walking what seemed like forever, we made it to the Musee d'Orsay. A place filled with old statues (who have no clothes on 🙈) and old paintings too. Some of the paintings were very pretty. Others didn't impress me or make me say, "Ooh ahh." 😂) But it is cool to see.

Saturday March 23rd
Dad wasn't feeling well so Mom and I went on an adventure together. We went to a famous church in Notre Dame called Sainte Chapelle. The colorful stain class windows were out of this world AMAZING. Such a gorgeous clean place. I enjoyed that. We took the train and went to another Museum called the Pantheon. That place was really interesting. Full of tons of history. I felt mom and I learned a lot that day. Later that evening the three of us went to a restaurant called La Patio. It was walking distance from our apartment. The waiter was very friendly. We learned a lot about the different neighborhoods in Paris.

Sunday March 24
We took the long train ride to see another the famous Lourve. A museum apparently you have to see before you leave Paris. The Lourve was HUGE! So many stairs to climb. We climbed thirty flights of stairs that day. Got to see Napoleon's apartment which was very cool. Sparkly and shiny. After the Louvre we were tired from all the walking we did. We ended up going back to the apartment to relax from a long day. Later that evening we went to the same local restaurant. Despite it being late, He was happy to serve us. (I have a crush on him still. He's very cute. I can't help it!!!!!) 

Monday March 25th 
Very early in the morning, the three of us went to pick up our rental car. Once we got the car, we drove two long hours to Normandy. In Normandy we saw Omaha Beach. It looked so beautiful. Reminded me of Hawaii except it wasn't as warm. Very windy but the view was amazing. We then drove to an amazing place that I really loved. The American Military Cemetery. (My childhood best friend serves in the military) Which is one of the reasons why I enjoyed it. As we were walking, I whistled the tune of the Star Spangled Banner out loud. I thought to myself, "This is why we stand for the national anthem!" After the tour, we drove back "home" to Paris. That was a great day. The country side of France.

Tuesday March 26th 
For our last day in Paris, we went to Versailles, France. A much shorter drive than Normandy. In Versailles, we saw and toured the Palace. Lots of old paintings and furniture that was used by the old historic people way back then. We walked down to the river and saw the ducks swim around. We were going to see another famous place but it closed early. We headed back home and decided to buy groceries and eat at the apartment. Our last day was great.

Changing of the Guards - Buckingham Palace

Guards walking at Buckingham Palace

Church at Notre Dame - Paris

Eiffel Tower - Paris

Patheon - Paris

Sainte Chapelle - Paris

Lourve - Paris

Buckingham Palace - London

Tower of London - London

Our Tour Guide

Tower of London - London

View from the London Eye - London

Omaha Beach - Normandy France

American Miltitary Cemetery - Normandy France

Trafalgar Square - London

A view of the Eiffel Tower at Night - Paris

The Arch - Paris

Have you ever wanted to go to Ireland? Have you ever been curious about what Dundalk looks like? Look no further.

One of my favorite photographers who are from Dundalk, Ireland, put together this timelapse video of Dundalk County Louth Ireland. If you would like to see more of his photography, check out his Facebook and Instagram pages: MarkDuffyPhotography

Mark Duffy also has his new book that he published. It's called Louth Rediscovered. Amazing photos he captured in County Louth and other parts of Ireland. Check it out at his website here: https://www.markduffyphotography.com/book/louth-rediscovered/ When you finished watching the video, subscribe to his youtube channel!

Here's a map of Ireland. Just north of Dublin and only fifty-two miles away from the border that separates Ireland from Northern Ireland. Did you know that Dundalk is the eight biggest towns in Ireland? Study this map and you will learn more and more about Ireland each and every day. Of course, I recommend you check out my post from two years ago called About Dundalk Ireland where you will learn more about the eight biggest towns in Ireland.

Click here to read more about Dundalk Ireland Below.
Dundalk Ireland


Feel free to share the video with your friends and family!