A$AP Rocky vs. A Good Night’s Sleep

I’m just going to say it: I don’t recover the way I used to.

I’m rounding up all the likely suspects for questioning. My age, health, and mindset all come to mind. All three of them have their issues. I just know that I’m not the best at recovering like I was when I was younger.

Let me set the stage. My son and his friends went to an A$AP Rocky concert a few weeks ago. Now, my rap music cred is lacking to say the least. I hear the name of the latest rapper and I inevitably go, “who” with a big question mark. Still though, I volunteered to drive the guys into the city and pick them up afterward.

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I figured, how bad could it be? They could enjoy themselves without worrying about a designated driver or paying an exorbitant price for an Uber, and I would just keep myself busy outside the arena while the show went on. Sure, I knew the city traffic would be a total mess and we’d get home late, but I didn’t think much of it.

Boy, was I wrong.

It was 2:30 a.m. by the time I finally pulled the warm covers over my head and went to sleep. By no measure was it the longest night of my life — I’ve had plenty of others. I’ve done plenty of late-night pickups before. I’ve been an active guy all my life; I’ve run half marathons and marathons, and I’ve burned the candle at both ends at work. I’m used to late nights.

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But I was absolutely shocked by how much that one late night completely knocked me off my feet. It took everything I had the next day to keep my eyelids open. Let’s just say I punctuated every conversation with at least two yawns and three “Boy!! Am I tired!” comments.

The fog actually stuck with me for two full days, until I was finally able to sneak in a short afternoon nap. I had to laugh at myself. I’m clearly not the spring chicken I used to be. Heck, I’m more like the lazy sloth lounging in the corner, who can barely keep its eyes open.

Oh well. Here’s to a good night of sleep and knowing your limits.

What throws you off your game these days?