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Mardi Gras may only last for a few days, but I’ve been preparing to see my old friends for weeks. Seventy-two hours of parades, beads, and beers cannot come soon enough and I’m more than ready to throw down. Yet, this isn’t college anymore, and I know my tolerance has steadily dropped since graduation last May. And frankly, I’m a little worried I might die during the festivities.
Aside from drinking water and making sure to eat before you go out, there are a few key points to remember when reuniting with old friends. Here are a few of them.
Don’t do (too many) shots. It’s been a while since you were drinking like it was your job. Shots may seem like a good idea when you’re a little buzzed, but be careful. One too many and you’re hugging the porcelain throne long before anyone is ready to head home.
Don’t go home early. Sure, you’re tired and you aren’t used to standing at a bar for hours on end. Your game may be a little rusty, but being sleepy is no reason for you to bail early. There will come a time when it’s unacceptable for you to be at the same bar as people in their twenties. But as Arya Stark once said, “Not today.”
Go to brunch. Brunch is crucial, because it will likely contain a solid meal (read: chocolate chip pancakes). It was also include a cocktail. Or five. Not only will the day drinking help start the day off right, but the hangover that will come from not drinking at brunch will all but kill you.
Take a ton of pictures. Do you really know the next time you’ll all be together again? You think anyone at the office is going to believe your friend punched a police horse in the face with your track record of lying? Hell no. You better Instagram that shit.
Rest. Get a good night’s sleep the night before, because you’re about to couchsurf for the next 48 hours–if you even sleep at all.
Everyone says college is the best time of your life, but it doesn’t have to end there. The older I get, the more I appreciate the friends I made while I was in school. Make the most of your blurred, alcohol-fueled time together. And remember, there is no “try” when it comes to raging. There is only “do.”
Respond
While your list is decent, you immediately lost credibility when you said, “since graduation last May.” Are you kidding me? It hasn’t even been a year?! And you’re nervous about a “reunion” trip (if you can even call it that)? A ton of your friends are probably still in college! Trust me, you’re going to be just fine you whiner. For god’s sake, you know you’re still in your prime when you’re more worried about your tolerance than your ability to rebound.
I’m not gonna lie I graduated last December, and I remember my first time going back in April (to see all my brothers that still didn’t graduate) and most of this article crossed my mind at some point in time that weekend. Nothing worse than trying to live up to who you used to be – aka taking too many shots.
Mardi Gras just kicked the ever living shit out of me. After going for six consecutive years, I think I might have to retire.