Ooof

Flashback Summer of 1989

I didn't party hard in high school, I never felt the urge. Afterwards though, I had a two incidents that left me shaking my head and off of Rum and Jack Daniels. Let me start with Jack.

At the time I was dating an older guy 22 to my 19. I was going to college and working the night shift. I can still see the look on my mother's face when she caught him on the porch roof delivering me ice cream in the middle of the day while I caught a few hours - he was super sweet that way.

He had an Uncle that owned a bar in Trenton, where I could get served Miller Lite - it was all so very mature. We took my friend Beth with us one night and I announced that I wanted a shot, it was suggested that Jack Daniels would be good. Sounded adult-like, I was on board. I did one, shook my head, my toes curled and my stomach did a contraction akin to right before someone punches you in the gut (I imagine). It was swallowing fire and for a brief moment I thought I'd see the shot again, being hurled across the bar. And then someone pointed out that the second one is easier - well, I'm nothing if not a sport, "I'll have another." Nope, not easier, not 'smooth', not tasty not oaky (wtf?). I've never drank kerosene, but I know what it tastes like. Now however the problem was the straight liquor was entering my blood stream at an alarming rate and my decision making was becoming less than good, I would dare to say shitty. Who the hell asked me if I'd like another? Did I ask for another? Was no one paying attention to the novice drinking shots?? Shot three and I loved everyone, they were the best people in the world, my best friends, I didn't know halve their names, but I hugged them and made them promise to keep in touch.

At some point everything went to my head and the room started spinning, I felt a twinge in my stomach and thought it best to head to the restroom. The ladies room was occupied and I realized that there was no waiting. I entered the men's room and was sick as a dog. I heard Beth outside knocking on the door to the ladies room asking me to let her in - I said, "Over here." She returned, "What are you doing in the men's room?" "I'm resting between barfs thank you." I answered. Jack and I were through.

Rum still gives me chills to this day. Same boyfriend, hurricane off the Jersey Shore. We head to the beach equipped with a 2 liter bottle of Coke that we half emptied and then refilled with 151 Rum. We buried it in the sand and had really really long straws. The beach wasn't very crowded, thanks to the hurricane and the rough surf. We lay on the beach taking turns drinking out of the buried bottle. It was hot and the more I drank the thirstier I got - how is that possible (novice!) Feeling fine and relaxed, I announce, "I'm going for a swim." He just smiled. I wandered into the Atlantic in my bikini. I swam a bit, the water was cool and refreshing and cleared my head. Then all hell broke loose. A very large wave picked me up turned me under the water, flipped me ass over tea cups and dumped me on the shore like a bouncer tossing a trouble maker. I lay there for a while, trying to figure out where my legs were and which side was up. I stood up, spun around a few times and focused in on our blankets - home base. I started wandering back and my charming boyfriend smiled from his blanket. "I'm okay!" I yelled and waved. "When you get a chance, look down." He replied. My gaze drifted downward and I saw my bikini top riding nicely around my hips. I laughed and pulled it back up. Rum done.

Hey 19. :)

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