Fish Bash

After five nights of family fun in flat Nebraska I am home. It was a wonderful trip. My dad is the oldest of 7 and has about as many cousins as I do. Last weekend we were all there. It was incredible. I am a member of a clan, and I like it that way. With about 66 attendees I was surrounded by people. No, not just people, family. Plenty of little ones to play with, cousins to laugh with, adults to learn from, and elders to love.


Fish Bash is a celebration of togetherness, and what better way than to tap a keg? We are Irish and we behave accordingly. I don't mind it, no one gets hurt so what if we get a little tipsy-turvy? Oh and I have nothing to worry about. I do NOT have an alcohol problem.


The hi-light of my weekend occurred during the annual Tavern Tour. Tavern Tour is exactly what it sounds like, the entire clan sets out to explore the bar offerings of the town nearest our campsite. This years led us to the Thunderhead Brewery and the Chicken Coop. High class places if Keno is your thing. Anyways, after all the family pictures were taken my grandma announced that she had something she wanted to say. It took a minute to quiet all the beer heightened voices. Then finally, wine goblet in hand, Grandma said, "I only have three words to say. I. love. you. And I feel sorry for anybody that doesn't have a family like ours."



I about cried. I love you too Grandma.

Here I am with the coolest 80 year old I know.

And here is my lovely family. All four of us, Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Koprime, and little ol' redheaded me. I am so happy and fulfilled when I am playing the role of daughter/cousin/niece/grandchild. Even though I'm not best friends with all of my cousins, it's wonderful to know I have the common experience of being an O'Malley to share with hundreds of someones.

It's so simple and so clear. People have known this since biblical times. Family is everything.

Well, now I'm back at The Job, spending my lonely days by myself, and wondering how it ever came to be that I wish I was in flat, boring, cornfield covered, Nebraska.