Some of my high school friends were in town over the holiday and I declined their invitation to spend a late evening at a local bar where lots of twenty-somethings hang out. Also it was on a weeknight before a work day. And you know how I feel about secondhand smoke.

When I was 25 I totally would have been there. Now I'm an old fart who needs to go to bed early and get my full eight. I also think that sleeping until 8 am is late.

I didn't suggest an alternative since I usually cede control to the person who is in charge of making the plans. My feet do the voting, not my mouth.

The wild oats have been long sewn. For me there were at least a hundred acres to sew. I used to be proud of my New-Orleans-party-girl history; now I'm thankful I emerged from that phase without a scratch. I don't feel guilty about my past actions, since college is the time to go wild, try new things, and get it out of your system before you have to pay bills and show up at work consistently.

I think my lifestyle now (near-teetotaler, early bird gets the worm) is much easier than the party girl lifestyle. I am well-rested and feel great. And I most certainly don't miss those awful hangovers.