S ~ S

A post today about a post-day affair. I’m tired, so that’s bound to reflect in my writing style. I like to blame the association of wine with Valentine’s Day for robbing me of a good night’s rest. Nobody twisted my arm to make me have a glass of Chateau Larose-Trintaudon Haut-Médoc bottled in 2001. It’s a classic case of not paying enough attention to consequences . . . but, before anyone jumps to the conclusion that I’m an alcoholic, please let me clarify myself here!

I’m well aware of the way the mind of an alcoholic works. I’ve attended enough ACA meetings somewhere back in my past. What I’m talking about is the selective amnesia of not remembering in advance the consequence that even one glass of wine can have on a highly sensitive sensory system.

If I limit my intake of wine (I can only tolerate certain imported red wines) to three or four sips, then my sleep cycle isn’t disturbed. If I consume three-fourths of a glass early enough in the day (like around 1 or 2 PM) to have it be out of my system by the time I go to sleep at night, then that’s okay also. But if I have an entire glass before bed-time, I’m in for some struggles getting through the next day.

Whoever might think the simple solution to such post-wine evenings is to go take a nap, obviously doesn’t understand just how delicate a sleep cycle can be for some people. Everyone knows it’s harder to fall asleep when you’re not tired, but what most people don’t get is that the reverse can also be true. The more tired I am, the less likely I’ll be able to sleep.

Balance is the key for just about everything. It’s especially so for me (and all other too loud too bright too fast too tight people). I’m getting better at managing my life as I get older, but by the time I’ve mastered the art of the tight-rope walking technique, the buzzer will probably go off!