The times, they are a changin'

I’ve been meaning to post about this for a couple of weeks now but time got away from me.
A few weeks ago three other women from work and I decided to go out drinking on a Saturday night. And I mean drinking like I used to go drinking years and years ago, not for one or two at a restaurant with a friend or two. I mean hard core drinking at a BAR. We had thought that more might come, but it being the time of year it is, only the four of us could make it. First shock for me after a VERY LONG absence was the time. Now back in my day, we would hit the bars about 7:30. By eight o’clock they were full and line-ups had started. In this new age, I gather you don’t even get started until around 10:00. We planned to get there about 9:00. I invited them all over before hand and then take a cab to the bar. Everyone arrived around 7:30. A (I’ll call her A) brought over shots for everyone. R (I’ll call her R) brought wine and I had got a number of other alcoholic beverages. We partook of them before we left so we were already in fine shape by the time we got to the bar. The taxi cab ride was most enjoyable.
When we got to the bar, it was empty. And it was after 9:00. I kept asking those more experienced if it would get busy and they assured me it would. It did seem strange to me. But as we began drinking, it did indeed slowly start to fill up.
Now this is where I got my HUGE shock of the night. And I’m still sort of in mourning over the differences between now and – dare I say – 25 or so years ago. You see – guys don’t come and ask you to dance!!! Can you imagine that? That’s how I met Ron! I asked the A, the most well-informed member of our group if this was how it was these days and she gave me a yep.
Nevertheless, I did dance – with the bunch I went with – and it was all fast songs of course. But at one point I had to go use their facilities and I had to walk by the dance floor. I noticed all these guys standing around with a drink in their hands watching the women – and that’s mostly who was up dancing – dancing. I tell you it gave me a real case of the willies – like we were on display at a cattle market or something. I didn’t dance after that.
But still we had loads of fun! A won a draw they had – it was retro 80’s night and I’m so an 80’s kind of girl. The prize was $50 worth of booze that had to be used that night so it was more shooters for everyone!!. We had a grand old time discussing all kinds of things we wouldn’t discuss while at work. We finally left at 12:00 which I gather is quite early. Another difference from my salad days. Back then the bars closed at 1:00 so midnight was close to last call. We went back to my place for a final drink before everyone headed home. One other good thing about the night was no hangover the next day. I have no idea how I escaped that curse as I was quite mixing my drinks but I was quite glad.
The real fun part though came the next week when I was talking to Ryan the next week. See he had spent the weekend in NYC at a rugby tournament. The conversation went something like this:

Me: So, did you get drunk Saturday night?
Ryan: Oh yea, falling down
Me: I did too (in a delighted tone)
Ryan: What???
Me: Got drunk, yep – we had a great time
Ryan: Who??
Me: Me and some girls from work
Note: sometimes he’s not the most the most talkative sort
Ryan: Where?
Me: (I named the bar)
Ryan (in a most horrified gasp) What?!?!?!
Me: yep
Ryan: I’ve been there. (a moment of silence) The crowd is a bit older than me but you better not go there again!
Me: Why not? (and really starting to enjoy the conversation)
Ryan: Because I might run into you!!! (still sounding horrified)
Me: So? Then you could ask me to dance and I wouldn't have to just dance with other women.
Sounds of horror coming through the telephone wires and I’m shaking with quiet laughter
Ryan: garbled sounds
Me: Well? What do you think?
Ryan: (finally able to talk) And besides, you’re too old
Me: I am not!! I think we will probably do it again. And I think we might check out other bars. Maybe I’ll run into you sometime

Now I’ve scared my son straight

But still my final question. When did things change so much?

Recent Reads

Erinsong by Diana Groe

In this addiction I seem to have to buying books there are many a time I pick one up and wonder when, where and why I bought it. Such is the case with this one. For the life of me I don't remember buying it. And I'm not sure, with so many in my TBR pile, why I even picked it to read! But I sure am glad I did.

From the back blurb:

An Irish princess. A Viking warrior. His people's raids on hter country should have made them bitter enemies. But when he washed up on her beach with no memory of his life, Brenna found herself drawn to the handsome stranger. His kind words and gentle touch helped ease memories of brutality and inflame a passion she never thought possible. She longed for his hands to caress her body the same way they ran over the gleaming wood of his ship. But even their desire can't deny the secrets of the past. And as they travel through the land of Erin on a quest that could change the course of history, long-ago betrayals and treachery threaten to destroy the haven they've found in each other's arms.

So - I obviously didn't get it because of that. I think maybe I read the DIK review at AAR. Or maybe I was tempted because it sounded different, a Viking romance by a new-to-me author. Whatever it was that prompted me to get this one though, I did good.
Jorland, the hero, is a Norseman washed up on the shore in front of Brenna the heroine and her sister, Moira. I knew I was in for a treat when Brenna stabs him in the leg when he grabs hold of her sister. And he is impressed with her use of curse words. These two together are wonderful. Although it's the old amnesia gimmick, this one really works. Jorland is a kind and compassionate hero and surprisingly Beta for all this strengths. Brenna is sharp and intelligent and she makes a great heroine. The tension between them is palatable.
And Ms. Groe throws a twist in near the end that I wasn't expecting. I like that in a book. This is the second one in a series, but it works most excellently as a stand alone - I know because I hadn't read the first one. I was delighted to find the first one on the weekend.
It's a refreshing read and it is So Nice to read a historical set in this time period and location. It's wonderful thing to find a new author who can write so well. It looks like she has another one coming out in July and I know it's now on my "gotta get it" list.
Cindy - I know you have this one. (she bought it because I told her it was good)

Grade 4 1/2 out of 5


In other news, I had the funniest conversation with my youngest son on the weekend.

Ryan: (while looking through my movies) What are you doing with this movie?

Me: What movie?

Ryan: (holding it up) Underworld. You don't watch these kinds of movies.

Me: Who says I don't?

Ryan: It's about vampires.

Me: Yea, so? It has werewolves too.

Ryan: But you don't watch those kind.

Me: Hey! I step outside of my box on occasion. I read vampire and werewolf books.

Ryan: *grunt*

Me: Have you seen it?

Ryan: Yea, a bunch of times. What? Have you got a thing for Kate Beckinsale?

Me: No, Scott Speedman (remembering Bam's crush on him before she fell tossed him in the gutter for Superman and The Green Arrow)

Ryan: *grunt*

I love it when I shock my two sons!

And no - I haven't actually seen it yet. Brent the oldest was surprised when he saw my copy of History of Violence (which I haven't watched either). They had a bin of previously viewed movies at Walmart the other day at a most excellent price and I got Underworld, The History of Violence and Libertine (with Johnny Depp) all of which I admit are outside my box.

Now back to writing. I've got two assignments due soon!

'til later