Family Tradition

My grandfather on my mom's side carried the last name, Prunty. It is nice to know the ancestry was traced and to know I am Irish, not just on St. Patrick's Day. I was told as a child that we were related to the Bronte sisters, but didn't know just how much Irish was in our family until after my grandfather had passed away and the genealogy books were given to us. Hopefully one day I can travel to Ireland and trace more of the family heritage. 

Sláinte!

Prunty Coat of Arms / Prunty Family Crest

This surname of PRUNTY is the anglicized form of the Gaelic O'Proinntigh, a personal name meaning bestower, generous. This east Ulster name is better known as BRONTE. Other spellings include BRUNTY and PRONTY. It is an Ulster Gaelic surname appearing in the 17th century County Monaghan Hearth Money Rolls as O'PROUNTY, chiefly in the barony of Cremorne and in those of County Armagh as O'PRUNTY. Ireland is one of the earliest sources of the development of patronymic names in northern Europe. Irish Clan or bynames can be traced back to the 4th century B.C. and Mac (son of) and O (grandson or ancestor of) evolved from this base, the original literal meaning of which has been lost due to the absence of written records and linguistic ambivalences which subtly but inexorably became adopted through usage. Genealogists and lexographers accept that the patronymic base does not refer to a location, quite the contrary. The use of the prefix 'Bally' (town of) attaching to the base name, identifying the location. The base root was also adopted by people residing in the demographic area without a common ancestor. These groups called 'Septs' were specially prevalent in Ireland. The first Normans arrived in Ireland in the 12th and 13th centuries to form an alliance with the King of Leinster. Under Elizabeth I in the 16th century, settlers from England established themselves around Dublin, then under English control and Presbyterian Scots emigrated to Ulster, introducing English and Scottish roots. The ancestor of the three famous women novelists Charlotte BRONTE (1816-1855), Anne BRONTE (1820-1849) and Emily Jane BRONTE (1818-1848) was Patrick O'PRUNTY, the Ulster Gaelic poet; their father was the Rev. Patrick BRONTE, who was the son of Hugh PRUNTY, a small farmer in County Down. The lion depicted in the arms is the noblest of all wild beasts which is made to be the emblem of strength and valour, and is on that account the most frequently borne in Coat-Armour.

New Years Day

I'm looking outside the window at a peaceful, calm morning. The sun is out, birds chirping, there is a cat rolling around on the ground (probably the neighbor cat who is a Zoe look alike). Something feels different today. Something new, refreshed, restarted. I always try and come up with resolutions that I usually end up breaking. Last year I decided not to make a resolution, but instead come up with something different. I opted for "A year of firsts". I don't think I really did as many as I would have liked, but I did do some things I hadn't done before. Tried new restaurants, ran over a 5K race, etc.

This year since I just moved to San Diego I am focused on getting back to what my life should be. It's the year of the Dragon in the Chinese New Year and that is the year I was born. I see this as my opportunity at a "rebirth". Changing things and moving forward and being happy, not looking back unless it is to learn from what I have done. My number one focus right now is finding a job. I took a huge risk coming out here without having one lined up. The interesting thing is, even without a job I am happier here than when I was in Arizona. It is true about what I have said before. I'd rather be poor and happy than wealthy and unhappy. The wealth I have here are my friends, the beach, Zoe being able to go outside with me, even my neighbors are wonderful. I think I can only name 1 or 2 neighbors I ever spoke to back in Phoenix. I have full conversations with them here and they are so kind and helpful.

Here's to no resolutions for the new year. I'm staying focused on making each day a good one and bringing positivity to myself and those around me.

I wish for good fortunes, health, and happiness to all my friends and family.

XOXOXO

The Time Has Come

I'm doing it. I mean I am really doing it. I...am...moving...to...San Diego!!!!!!! I wasn't sure I would ever make it happen. I guess if you really want something badly, you will find a way. I am scared and not sure it will go the way I planned, but not all things to. I have to make the best of it and know in my heart I am going home to where I truly belong and have always wanted to be. Getting Zoe back to her original home means so much to me as she doesn't do well in this heat and I know she won't be around forever. She'll be 14 in March and I want her to spend her days laying in an open window with the welcomed warmth of the sun...not pouting because I have this apartment shut up like a dungeon due to the 119 degree weather. I keep telling her "we are going home soon". I'm not sure she understands, but she's having fun playing in all the boxes. :)

Remembering a sad day...

22 years ago today my mother passed away. I hate that I can remember it like it was yesterday. My dad made this concrete slab for her when they were married. "Sam Loves Cindy". It's lasted over 40 years and I know their marriage would've had she still been alive to put up with my dad. I miss you mom more today than ever. Wish you were here.

Ninja!

This must be the year for new gadgets for me. I'm excited about my new Ninja blender. So far I've made smoothies, juice & a few slushy drinks. The ice crushing capability alone is worth it. Hopefully I'll be trying it out for dips and when it cools off, soups and dough for all kinds of bakery goods. :)
I'm embarking on juicing as part of a healthy diet and my blender along with my juicer is already helping me on that path. I think tonight I'll make some salsa and healthy guacamole! I can't wait! 

I Can See Clearly Now...

So, I did it. I went and purchased a new iMac...and OOOHHH how I LOVE it. I mean, it's true love. Capital L. More than love. Super love. I wasn't going to buy another one, but dad accidentally tripped over my laptop cord. The sequence of events was quite hilarious. Dad trips, knocks over a glass of water, saves the glass from breaking and saved his beer. LOL. The laptop crashed to the wood floor, but managed to avoid getting wet. I thought this must be a sign that I need a new computer now...not later. The techs were able to get the pieces of cable out of the laptop and download the data on to the new computer. I'm thankful for that. I still haven't decided what to do with the old laptop though. Maybe donate or send it back for recycling. I don't want to buy a new cord & battery since the OS on it is sooo outdated. It's not really worth it. Besides, why do I need a laptop when I have a smartphone? 

That's What Friends Are For

I've been fighting a nasty sinus infection for over a week now. I even broke down & went to the doctor for meds. It's slowly getting better, but I had been cooped up in my apartment for the holiday weekend going stir crazy. Thankfully I received a last minute text yesterday for a pool gathering. Nothing too exciting...just some snacks/BYOB, etc. I wasn't sure I would be up for it, but once I got there, it was like medicine to be around my friends. I got to see my friend's baby, Evelynn, who is a little over a year. She's such a ham & I love it. She isn't afraid to be around any of us & spent her time going back and forth between auntie Jena and uncle Doug since we were the first ones there. I enjoyed the time away from home. The weather was amazing today. Great friends really do a wonderful job of helping you forget you ever felt crummy in the first place.