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St. Patrick’s Day survival guide

March 14, 2013
Photo by Justin Wan | and Justin Wan The State News

Editor’s Note: Views expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor reflect the views of the author, not the views of The State News.

This Sunday marks every college student’s favorite holiday: St. Patrick’s Day. To help you have a safe and happy holiday, opinion editor Katie Harrington and opinion writer Greg Olsen have compiled a list of tips that will help you have a Gaelic old time.

1. Eat a hearty breakfast:
No good ever can come from starting this holiday off on an empty stomach. Do yourself some good and eat some sort of food in the morning. Hey, if you’re really feeling in the spirit, consider a bowl of Lucky Charms.

2. Listen to Irish music:
We recommend creating an Irish-themed Pandora station such as Celtic Radio. This station features traditional Irish music and original tunes from current artists, such as Gaelic Storm and Dropkick Murphys. This station is sure to get you in the St. Paddy’s mood.

3. Get enough sleep the night before:
Everyone always wants to start their St. Paddy’s day early and party through the night, but none of this is possible without a good amount of sleep the night before. Do your body a favor and rest up before the celebrations begin.

4. Wear green:
Is there anything more annoying than being pinched by someone on St. Paddy’s day for not wearing green? To avoid committing this holiday faux pas, let yourself slide into the Gaelic spirit and sport some green. Or better yet, a hat, necklace and Irish buttons.

5. Do an Irish Car Bomb:
It wouldn’t be a true St. Patrick’s Day if you didn’t enjoy at least one of these famous Irish drinks. Get your friends together, pour up some Bailey’s and Jameson and start your St. Paddy’s day off with a splash.

6. Keep an eye on your lucky charms:
Everyone knows how hectic the neighborhoods of East Lansing can get on St. Paddy’s. And if you lose your friends, they can be harder to find than a four leaf clover. But no one wants to spend their entire day on the phone trying to meet up with a lost pal. So stick together and look out for each other on Sunday. You’ll be glad you did.

7. Stay off the sidewalks:
Nothing can put a damper on a St. Patrick’s Day quicker than a conversation with the police. To make sure your Sunday afternoon festivities don’t get cut short, keep the fun on the lawn and stay off the sidewalks.

8. Buy a Shamrock Shake:
Chances are you’ll stumble past McDonald’s at some point Sunday and when you do, it would be a shame if you didn’t order this classic mint-flavored treat.

9. Make a new friend:
With all the people out and about on St. Patrick’s Day, it’d be hard not to bump into someone and start a conversation. Take Sunday as a chance to extend your social circle and introduce yourself to someone new.

10. Sit on a roof:
Better yet, if you don’t live in a house, make a new friend who does. There’s nothing better than drinking beer on a roof on St. Patrick’s Day.

11. Be smart, be safe:
Most importantly, no matter how you spend your St. Patrick’s Day, remember to stay safe and be careful. There’s nothing fun about getting sick, so know your limits and enjoy what should be a fun-filled day with your friends. Sparty on!

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