The Early Show

I wasn't even going to go. The night before, Friday, was going to be an early one, and I wanted to get some much needed sleep. Nonetheless, the patio at Jake's has many strange powers, and on this particular Friday afternoon, it convinced me that waking up at an ungodly hour (8:00 is early on a Saturday, okay?) and then drinking all day (and night) would be a good idea. In retrospect, it wasn't a good idea. It was a GREAT idea.

Upon leaving the bar, I felt it necessary to stop by a liquor store for the obligatory bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey. I made it with 5 minutes to spare. A stop at the gas station for a 12 pack of Guinness Draught-in-a-bottle, and I was all set (for the morning and early afternoon at least).

Home, bed, set alarm for 7:35.

Wake at 7:35. Hit snooze 3 times (at 10 minutes per). 8:05 actually out of bed. Feelin' good. QUICK shower. Green shirt, cargo pants (I needed the pockets), argyle socks, boat shoes, white linen shirt, green Sox hat. Lookin' good (this would be a temporary state).

I hop in the car, fill my flask with Jameson (hence the cargo pants), and drive off. I needed gas for the car and ice for the beer, and both are available at the same location (hence the name "convenience store"). Ed wanted me to call him, and I knew his house in Lakewood would be a good place to park, so that worked out well. I get to Ed's house around 9, park, and go inside. I haven't eaten yet.

I get in, say hi to Ed, his cousin, and his roommate Bob (who thinks my name is John). I then get out my flask and take a shot of Jameson and crack a Guinness. This was a good idea, I'm sure. We chill out for a bit, I take his other roommate's backpack and fill it with beer, and off we go. Ed, being a smart guy, also decided that taking a bottle full of Screwdriver in the car would be a good idea. It was.

Drink count: ~4

At this point, it's about 9:45, and we have strict instructions to meet in the CVS parking lot at Lovers and Greenville. We did park and attempt to hang out on Lower Greenville for a bit, but Ed's cousin was 19 with no fake ID. This is a problem that, upon finishing college, you don't expect to have again. Strange experience to not be able to get in someplace. It didn't matter, because by the time we got back to the car it was a little after 10. North! To CVS!

Drink count: ~6 (I had continued with the whiskey)

Next: The Parade, or "I got beer on my back and whiskey in my pocket"