Big Jeans To Fill

Like it or not, we all inherit certain traits and characteristics from our parents. Not to contradict anything I've previously written, this isn't about physical attributes such as eye colour or height but features or quirks down to personality and behavioural habits. Your upbringing and environment is a major part of your heredity. Twerking and foam fingers aside there's a reason why Miley Cyrus can hold a tune and why at twenty-two months North West has probably already mastered the art of a selfie.

On Sunday my family and I headed out for dinner, it's not often all six of us get the chance to do things together, restricted schedules or stringent sanity measures, you figure. It was nice, we got all dressed up and had the opportunity to appreciate each other's company outside the wonders of our living room. Talking about topics and occurrences that didn't revolve around the television guide was a breath of fresh air.

(Photo via Shareabite.com)

The restaurant we ventured to was top-notch and well known for its tasty, good-tasting menu. On account of this we were sensible and each knew to be ready in both body and mind. That day we took it easy and refrained from eating too much, saving ourselves for what lied ahead. The preparation could be compared to those training for a marathon.

Our reservation was for eight o'clock, for once we got there on time and found our table with ease. The staff were all very welcoming, they took our orders and brought us our drinks. It was a proud moment, no hiccups, no fighting, no spillages, no temper tantrums.

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The food came together and lived up to the hype, we all have different taste levels so there was a real mix of dishes presented to us. Plates of Thai Curry, Sirloin Steak, sizzling Stir-Fry, Steamed Vegetables, Marinated Chicken, you get the picture.

And then it started, the humiliation that seems to shadow me continually at every moment and turn.

Father: "Well you'd know ye are all Kirranes."

Me: "Really?"

Father: "Look at ye, all mad for food, like a bunch of cattle at a trough."

Me: "Right."

Father: "It's in our blood, my side of the family can always handle a feed."
Mother: "Mine too."

Sister: "Anyway better not keep talking." Mortified, she intended on diverting their attention instantly.

Father: "Waitress, you needn't worry about throwing any of this out, this lot are known at home for licking the plates clean, great grazing in them."

Waitress: "Happy to hear." Maintaining grace through tears of laughter.
Father: "There's no need for a dog living with these."

Mother: "God bless our fine appetites."
Father: "Waitress, could you bring us down another side of Onion Rings? To keep these happy."

Forever the optimist I was hoping to possess some dominant leadership skills or nurturing expertise at some stage down the line. I could have developed an athletic scope or creative flair, it would have been pretty useful but no my siblings and I are praised food connoisseurs and it's going to be hard to forget it.

It appears that we get this quality from both parents. Well played Padraic and Kathy Kirrane, well played.