Friday night essentials

When I looked at the clock tonight after dinner, I couldn’t believe it was only 5:30 p.m.  Tonight, as is the case most Fridays, I am utterly exhausted.  There were several times throughout the day today when I could have just stopped and fallen asleep (fortunately, I refrained from that).  During the average work week, this exhaustion usually sets in about Wednesday and I somehow manage to buckle down and make it through until Friday evening.  By the time I walk through the front door Friday after work, I go straight to my room, change into pajamas, and park myself on the couch.

For. The. Night.

Tonight I stopped to think about where the time went?  Friday nights were much different not all that long ago.  At 5:30 p.m., ten to fifteen years ago, the night hadn’t even began.  By 7 p.m, I was debating what outfit to wear, applying a fresh coat of makeup, and plugging in my hair straightener.  By 8:30 p.m, I was headed out the door to a friend’s house for the “pre-party” where we’d have cocktails, listen to loud music, and continue perfecting that evening’s appearance.  Finally 11 p.m. would roll around – the earliest possible hour that it was socially acceptable to show up at the bar.  We’d have a blast – more cocktails, lots of dancing, and if we were “lucky” some cute guys to hang out with.  Before we knew it, it’d be 2 a.m. and we were still raring to go.  We’d all make our way over to another friend’s house where, depending on how much fun we were having, the party could last well into the wee hours of the morning. With very little fail, this was our Friday night ritual (and sometimes Saturdays too!)

Now, just writing about all that, actually exhausts me!  I am lucky if I even have the energy to leave my house on a Friday night.  As I mentioned earlier, the first thing I usually do is change into my pajamas and plunk myself onto the couch.  First though, I make sure my iPhone, iPad, book I’m currently reading, and tv remote control are right next to me, in case (heaven forbid!) I have to get up off the couch.

With any luck, I might read a little, watch some trashy T.V., and more likely than not, cruise social media sites mindlessly for a few hours. Over the years, my husband has learned not to even ask if I want to watch a movie if it’s already past eight.  As soon as he sees me reach over for a blanket and a pillow he knows I’m a goner – the sad part is, this usually happens by 9 p.m.

So ten years ago at 9 p.m. the party was just getting started.  Now, not only is there no longer a party at all, but I am cashing out by 9 p.m.  That’s when you really know you’ve gotten older!

Now don’t take me wrong – I have no shame in this new experience.  I don’t feel guilty for crashing early, nor do I feel I am missing out anything.  In fact, when I really reflect on it, Friday nights in my mid-thirties are a heck of a lot easier than they were in my early-twenties.  No gussying, no fussing, and definitely no hangover Saturday morning.  Yes, I may be getting older,  but I shamelessly and secretly love my Friday night dates with the couch.