It’s a rainy Friday night, and you have been invited to an
event – do you go, or do you stay home in your pajamas? Here are your
parameters – you’re over fifty, you’ve just worked all day, and the event
starts at 9pm. If you have ever experienced this scenario, you are eligible for
the I’m tired club.
Here’s my story…
I signed up for a comedy open mic; after it was confirmed
that I made the list, I sent a text message, “by the way, what time is the
show?”
“Nine o’clock.”
I was glad we were corresponding through text message
because my eyes said, “oooh, that’s late.”
I stopped by my mom’s house to relax before heading to the
show. I pulled off my shoes and melted into her faux leather recliner.
It was early evening when I started calling friends and
family to see if anyone wanted to ride with me. It was a local venue, but I
like to have someone ride with me to late shows.
My brother was my first call. When I asked if he wanted to
go to the show he said, “It’s raining outside, what time is the show?”
“Nine o’clock.”
He said, “Oooo, I’m under the covers. Call ne back if you
can’t find anybody else.”
My mother was in a recliner next to me, drifting in and out
of sleep. I called out to her, “Ma, do you want to go to a comedy show with me
tonight?’
“Mmmm, no I have to get up early tomorrow.”
“You’re retired, and tomorrow is Saturday.”
That was strike two.
I was beginning to feel like I was in a fairy tale where
something happens three times before success is achieved. You know, like Goldilocks
and the Three Bears or The Three Little Pigs.
There was one more person I could ask, my son. He agreed to
hang out with me, but he had just gotten off work and had to go home and change
clothes. I was already dressed but feeling like I wanted to reunite pajamas.
We finally made it to the venue, mingled with others, indulged
in the snacks provided – popcorn and alcohol-free beverages. I didn't want a
pop, so I tried a mango-flavored sparkling water; it was bubbly and tasty.
I sipped on that 16-ounce Mango beverage throughout the
night as I enjoyed the comedy show. It was a good night…until I tried to sleep.
It was 11:30pm, I was snuggled under warm blankets, but my
eyes were wide open. I tossed and turned until after midnight.
The next morning, I read the side of the can of the Mango
water; the word ENERGY now jumped out at me, along with the statement 200 mg of
caffeine. The reason behind sleep avoiding me was clear. I don’t drink energy
drinks, and never would have tried one at 9pm, close to my bedtime.
Reading is fundamental. I should have read that beverage can more closely or better yet, stayed home in my pajamas. But then I would have missed all the fun.
What would you choose on a rainy Friday night, a night out
or pajamas?
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