I recently was privy to a scenario I wish had been on television -- so I could have changed the channel.
The desire to channel-surf reality was provoked by a rather inane conversation about drinking games, how blitzed the speakers had gotten before and how drunk they planned to get that night.
I see such talk, where the participants attempt to impress one another, as the epitome of childish conduct.
I habitually scan the police blotter on The Penn's Page 2 out of fear friends of mine had run afoul of the law over the weekend. The mere possibility that one of our own may have lost his life due to an overdose is a sobering reality next to my former fears of jail time for my fellow students.
Yes, I am over 30, and I am also a parent. I may seem to be a "goody-two-shoes" who has never gotten into trouble. Unfortunately, while I have not used illegal drugs nor gotten into legal trouble, I have my own stock of alcohol-related stupidities to draw on if I would have ever had a yen to "impress" people with my misadventures.
For example, during my freshman year in the late '80s, I got drunk and took a cute stranger back to my room to "spend the night." Another time I passed out -- after first vomiting profusely -- and woke up the next morning, still at the party.
I wish I could say I grew out of such childish antics. I wish could claim that as I aged I was freed from such traps as needing a chemical release or the insecure desire to impress others. Unfortunately, even as recently as last school year, I was smashed enough to write rather embarrassing e-mails to a friend. To mature, I require proper coping strategies for stress, and I also need the strength and self-esteem to rid myself of aspirations to attempt acceptance through such antics.
How I spent my Saturday night last week gives me hope that I am growing. I stumbled upon the school-sponsored non-alcoholic dance in the HUB, surprising myself at finding many familiar faces.
While this activity may not appeal to all, I had a great time with my friends, dancing, talking and listening to music. When I sat back to rest and watch the action, I marveled at how much fun we were having, completely sober! These people were relaxed, cutting loose at the end of a rough week -- without chemical lifts.
My fondest moments with friends are all sober. What interests me most about others isn't how much they can drink, but what they do and say when sober and coherent!
On spring break, have fun, relax and cut loose. But please stay out of the police blotter!
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