I'm Not the Man I Used to Be

Going back to the topic of the Noogfest last night, I really can't handle late nights like I used to. Back when I worked evenings at the newspaper, I could stay up to 5 a.m. without any ill effects, and I often would and still manage my 4 p.m. start time at work without any tiredness. I don't think I can do that anymore. Most of the guys I stayed with last night (five of us split a big suite in a hotel across the street from the main venue) all apparently have more endurance than I. I quit sampling around 1 a.m. and was in the hotel room by around 1:45. They didn't even make it back to the room until about 3 and even then continued the sampling, although honestly it had become more of a party than a dignified tasting. I have nothing against that. If I'd been able to, I would have partaken in the festivities as well. Instead, I lay in my roll-away bed and listened to some of the more interesting conversations until they finally decided to try to get some sleep between four and five in the morning. I got up around 11 a.m. after dealing with someone who snores like he's strangling on his own tongue off and on for parts of the night and I was strangely rested. Still, I just can't handle a good all-nighter like I used to. I blame teaching.