FLASHBACK just a week ago

a surprise message, from an amazing friend, has us at the paddock. what is supposed to be a drink, or two, turns into...well...it turns into waking up on kathy's couch at 6:30a. waking up there and not knowing how i got there. not knowing how the bk got there. finding a sippy cup, full of an electrolyte drink, on the table beside me along with ibuprofen, tums, and scope in the bathroom. we make the ride of shame home and sleep the day away. we vow to never drink again. 

FLASH FORWARD march 17, 2013

it's a sunday, this year, but that doesn't stop everybody from getting their irish on. many local "pubs" are offering corned beef and cabbage and specials on pints of guiness. the bk and i opt out. seriously. you have know idea how last week stuck with us. but, many of our friends partake. i feel certain some of them will be feeling it tomorrow.

^the aftermath?^

FLASH FORWARD today

so. you enjoyed being irish a little too much yesterday? or you have a big party coming up and you know...KNOW...that, even though you will attempt to drink in moderation, that things will get out of hand? you want to know how to avoid a hangover? the only way to AVOID a hangover is to avoid drinking too much. and, although it will provide you with hours of laughter and fun filling in the blanks of a drunken night on the town, it's incredibly dangerous. alcohol poisoning is a real possibility. and, unless you have a designated driver (or a great friend who would never let you drive in that condition and will, also, take AMAZING care of you), you could kill someone with your car. i can, however, tell you how to ease the pain.

• a bit of the hair of the dog that bit you:  bloody mary's were invented as a cure for hangovers. but, honestly, the last thing you need is more alcohol. try a virgin bloody mary, instead. the tobasco will help wake you up and the juice will replace nutrients you may have lost the night before.
• breakfast at the waffle house: a big helping of greasy bacon, eggs, and grits will make you feel amazing. okay. fine! there is no SCIENTIFIC evidence that this works. but last week, when i spent my sunday feeling like my life was over, i ordered the greasiest pizza larosa's has to offer and, finally, felt human.
• your pain reliever of choice: take two, before bed, and you should wake up headache free. 
• water or gatorade: alcohol dehydrates you, which is the main reason you feel bad the next day. try to stay hydrated while your partying but, definitely, rehydrate yourself the next day. 
• caffeine: if you are a regular coffee drinker, you could give yourself caffeine withdrawal. this would just make the hangover feel worse. so, drink that coffee. or a fully caffeinated soft drink.
• sleep: you don't sleep well after a night of drinking. so, if you can, take a nap (or two...or three) the next day.

i hope you enjoyed your st paddy's day. and i hope you aren't feeling it today!!

BLOODY MARY

ingredients:

8oz tomato juice or zing zang bloody mary mix

2 oz vodka

1 1/2 tsp hot sauce, preferably tobasco

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

fill a shaker with ice. coat ice with black pepper and hot sauce. add remaining ingredients. shake well. pour into a large glass. grind a bit more pepper on top. garnish with with lemon, or celery, or however you choose.