As a young child, I looked forward to Friday nights with pizza with my family, renting a movie (or two) and maybe even a sleepover with a friend.
As a teenager, I looked forward to Friday nights out and about with my friends wherever we may be hanging out and possibly stirring up trouble that night.
In college, Friday night shenanigans started as soon as we were done with classes or work – even if it was still in the morning.
Now in my late 20s, Friday night seems to be the light at the end of what can sometimes seem to be a very dark – and long – tunnel.
Beginning To End
Earlier this week I focused on what is usually a dreaded start to a new week, and now I’ve turned to its much anticipated end.
It seems to be just as obvious why most people celebrate Friday. Traditionally, the following two days are supposed to be spent with leisure and free-mind; it’s a wonderful hiatus called the weekend.
Society as a whole has even shown its appreciation to Friday with the commonly used term, TGIF – Thank God It’s Friday.
Friday Night Where?
My Friday nights were usually planned out and marked on the calendar by the previous Saturday – if not sooner. There was always something to do on Friday night.
Stay home? Yea right. That’s funny.
Organize my bathroom vanities, hair & make up drawers? You have got to be kidding me.
Make plans to go out with friends all night? Absolutely.
Where? When? How?
I’m not sure when it started, how it happened, or even why; but what I do know is I feel darn old now that I’ve taken the time to realize that I might be slowing down.
But is that really what it is? Or is this part of the natural progression in the ‘aging’ process?
(Yuk)
Am I maturing? Yes.
Making better decisions? Yes.
Still can party with the best of them? You bet your bottom dollar.
But ohhhhhhh the recovery! Has anyone noticed a recent increase in a typical Friday night’s recovery time? Holy headache over a dragged out following day. Ouch!
The Switch Up
It’s funny when you think how most Friday nights revolved around what establishment we would start at, where we would probably end up and who even knows what would happen in between.
Now sometimes by Wednesday evening of a long week I already know that my Friday night will consist mainly of my dear friend Mr. Malbec, a solid chick flick or maybe a Skype session with an old friend, with the inevitable pre-midnight crash.
Even without leaning towards one extreme or the other, the importance of making Friday night the all out blast that it was for so many years in my early twenties has diminished immensely.
And I’m OK with that.
Looking Back
I found my year book from high school when I was home in RI recently, and my quote from senior year read:
“Life is just one big party.”
I think it’s fair to say that’s a reasonable statement as to how I lived mine for many years. And I don’t regret one day nor one decision. The party favors may not have been always the best, but you accept them graciously and keep on keeping on.
It’s hard sometimes, but I still try to get myself back into that 18 year old mind that was just waiting to bust out into an open world with endless possibilities.
The party is not over just yet, my friends.
In fact, it’s a new and exciting chapter in my world that’s about to begin.
This girl is going to keep dancing until there is no music to be played.
Won’t you join me?
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Tiffany E. DiPanni is the Chief Marketing Officer for County Line Chiropractic Medical and Rehab Centers in South Florida, USA. @CountyLineChiro
Well done Tiffany, and a post so many will relate to no matter their age.
I remember recently, diffusing judgment on my dear 29 year old friend when she was having an intoxicated, heated downtown Fort Lauderdale night. Stating, “Give it a rest, we were exactly like her, if not worse at that age”.
Two steps, a/k/a 9 year ahead of ya girl.
You are gonna love your 30s.