Letter to my friend:

nursebedlam · Aug 14, 2004

Dear Alcohol,

First and foremost, let me tell you that I'm a huge fan of yours.

My friend, you always seem to be there when needed. The perfect post-work

cocktail, a beer with the game, and you're even around in the holidays

hidden inside chocolates as you warm us when we're stuck in the midst of

endless family gatherings.

Yet lately I've been wondering about your intentions. While I want to

believe that you have my best interests at heart, I feel that your

influence has led to some unwise consequences, briefed below for your

review.

1. Phone calls: While I agree with you that communication is important, I

question the suggestion that any conversation of substance or necessity

takes place after 2 a.m. Why would you make me call those

ex-boyfriends/girlfriends when I know for a fact they do not what to hear

from me during the day, let alone all hours of the night?

2. Eating: Now, you know I love a good meal and, though cooking is far from

my specialty, why you suggested that I eat a kebab with chilli sauce, along

with a big Italian hoagie and some stale chips (washed down with chocolate

Nesquik and topped off with a Kit Kat all after a few cheese curls and

chilli cheese fries) is beyond me. Eclectic eater I am, but I think you

went too far this time.

3. Clumsiness: Unless you're subtly trying to tell me that I need to do

more yoga to improve my balance, I see NO need to hammer the issue home by

causing me to fall down, it's completely unnecessary. The black and blue

marks that appear on my body mysteriously the next day is beyond me.

Similarly, it should never take me more than 45 seconds to get the front

door key into the lock.

4. Pictures: This can be a blessing in disguise, as it can often clarify

the last point below, but the following costumes are banned from ever being

placed on my head in public again: Indian wigs, sombreros, bows, ties,

boxes, upside-down cups, inflatable balloon animals, traffic cones, or

bras. Also, what is with you making me take pictures with people I clearly

don't like when I'm sober, yet they suddenly become my best friends when a

flash is presented?

5. Beer Goggles: If I think I may know him/her from somewhere, I most

likely do not. Please do not request that I go over and see if in fact, I

do actually know that person. The phrase 'let's F***' is illegal! from now

on. While I may be thinking this, please reinstate the brain-to-mouth-block

that would stop this thought from becoming a statement, especially in

public. Please stop me from talking to the guy/girl with the crooked teeth,

acned-up face, bad breath, beer belly, etc. Why are they so appealing to me

while I'm with you and why are they so disgusting to me the next morning

after you have worn off??

6. Furthermore: The hangovers have GOT to stop. This is getting ridiculous

now. I know a little penance for our previous evening's debauchery may be

in order, but the 3 p.m -hangover immobility is completely unacceptable. My

entire day is shot. I ask that, if the proper precautions are taken (water,

vitamin B, bread products, aspirin)prior to going to bed/passing out

facedown on the kitchen floor with a bag of popcorn, the hangover should be

minimal and in no way interfere with my daily Saturday or Sunday (or any

day for that matter) activities. C'mon now, it's only fair - you do your

part, I'll do mine.

Alcohol, I have enjoyed our friendship for some years now and would like to

ensure that we remain on good terms. You've been the invoker of great

stories, the provocation for much laughter, and the needed companion when I

just don't know what to do with the extra money in my pockets. In order to

continue this friendship, I ask that you carefully review my grievances

above and address them immediately. I will look for an answer no later than

Thursday 3pm (pre-happy hour) on your possible solutions and hopefully we

can continue this fruitful partnership.

Thank you from your biggest fan!