Don't Drink, Don't Smoke, What Do You Do?

I'm on medication that expressly exlaims on the label: DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN TAKING THIS MEDICATION. I ask you: what's a Tiki Girl to do?

I'm not a big drinker, in general. I have a slight allergy to alcohol and drinking always makes me feel uncomfortably warm. And, being a modest creature as well, I'm not inclined to strip to alleviate my discomfort. However, I do enjoy a beer or two on occaision. It tends to loosen me up from my usual self. It's easier for me to make conversation and to feel comfortable in my own skin among people at gatherings. It also helps me completely forget about what's bugging me and frees my inner sprite.

These days, I find, I have soured a bit on the Tiki. It used to be an intimate gathering of friends, plus the occaisional character or two dropping by, that congregated for a few drinks, laughs and songs. Now it seems to be a place to go for an alcoholiday. Some people are drinking way more than they probably should, in my opinion. I can't verify this by personal observation, as I haven't been able to get there for a while for one reason or another, but I have seen the consequences. Maybe, because it's wintertime and there are fewer outlets for stress than in the summer and as a result people are drinking too much. Maybe its alcoholism run amok. Maybe I'm blowing things out of proportion.

I don't mean to slag the Tiki; I love hanging out there. But, in any crowd, I have always been the one who would warn others that if we continue on this path, we are going to be in big trouble. Let's just say I've never won a game of chicken in my life. In fact, I don't think I've even dared to participate in a game of chicken more than once. In any case, I don't know what to do about this. I want to see everyone and I care about them all very much, but I don't want to participate in nor do I condone the overindulgence, so to speak. Forgive me my cautious nature, but I am only saying these things because I care about the Tiki so much. I don't want to see anyone go down in flames because of drinking.

Maybe, though, I need to let my system settle down and find some other outlet for stress, for the time being. I can't keep up with the marathon drinking sessions and I feel uncomfortable being around the over-intoxicated. So, I guess I'll opt out for the time being. Call me when the days grow longer and warmer, when the flowers are in bloom, when the outdoor Tiki is lit with candles, when sitting outside in the warm twilight is its own euphoria and I'll be back with bells on.

Until then, I think I'll just watch some TV.