I went to a friend’s 50th birthday party last night. It was held at an outside bar/restaurant right on the water, so the setting was lovely, especially as the sun sank ever lower, providing deepening shades of pinks, purples, reds and oranges.
The people were lovely too. Although I did not know over half of the people in attendance, I knew they were dear to my friend, and therefore, by association, good people and just, as yet, unmet friends of mine too.
Everyone was mingling, chatting, drinking and noshing.
Good people, good setting, delicious libations.
Okay, well, not my libation, it was an O-Douls non-alcoholic beer, which was not very good. I actually like some of the other brands, but this one was, well, not so good, making it easy to set it down and happily drink water for the duration.
The funny thing about drinking water while at an event where seemingly everyone else is throwing a few back, is that you clearly witness the shift in mood. The whole environment changes from just-got-off-of-work-lets-order-that-first-cocktail-RIGHT-NOW mode to we’re-feeling-pretty-good-here-relaxing mode, to, finally, we’re-half-cocked-and-having-a-ball mode.
It’s actually a joy to behold. And although you’re sober, everyone else, in their increasingly inebriated state, thinks you’re right there with them. They’re divulging things they normally wouldn’t, they’re telling you how great life is, they’re feeling your pregnant belly.
It’s a blast. They take you right there with them, to that celebratory, somewhat drunk, joy-filled state.
And you know the best part of being the one with the contact buzz?
You drive home safely and don’t have the slightest hangover in the morning.
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3 comments:
You know what W.C.Fields (I think?) said about non-drinkers, right? He feels sorry for them because when they wake up, that's the best they're going to feel all day....
Gotta love that non-hungover state, though, Beth. But unlike you, I can't stand being around drunks when I'm not drinking. Hell, I can barely stand being around drunks -- myself included, mind you -- when I am drinking!
Great attitude, though, my friend. And I'm guessing that little prize at the end of the long, long road of sobriety is well worth it.
xxEllie
Non-alcoholic beer is absolutely the worst invention EVER! What sick freak dreamed it up? *shudder*
From Mister Dibble:
My dear Ms. Corey, I did not wish to bring you public embarrassment so I write via electronic mail. I believe the quote "I feel sorry for people who don't drink..." is more accurately attributed to Ol' Blue Eyes himself, Francis Albert Sinatra. Frank also opined "Rock and roll is phony and false, sung, written and played for the most part by cretinous goons". I've always wanted to be in a band called The Cretinous Goons.
I remain, as ever, your ob'd s'vt, mjd
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