So, I was talking to my sister this weekend and we’ve both come to the conclusion that we need to get out more. Lately, my days seem to follow the same boring pattern: wake up, go to work, go home, go on the internet, watch TV, go to bed. A shame isn’t it? Sure, we’re all cutting back on our expenses since the economy went to hell, but I must admit that I found myself following this destructive pattern long before my wallet started to feel the pinch.I realize that I live in the city that never sleeps, but what exactly are these non-sleeping people doing? I need some help here people! How does one go about getting a life? Yeah, I know I could do the club scene thing, but really, it’s just not for me. About two years ago, I decided to have my birthday celebration at a nightclub [which was my first attempt to get a life]. So, I called a place.
Lady at club: You’re birthday; how exciting! Okay, so how many people are you expecting?
Me: Uh… I dunno.
Lady at club: Okay then, well, when you have an idea, call me back and I’ll let you know how many bottles you need to buy.
Me: Bottles?
Lady at club: Yes, you need to buy bottles in order to reserve tables.
Me: Bottles?
Lady at club: Yes, bottles.
Me: Bottles of what?
Lady at club: [loud sigh] Bottles of… AL-CO-HOL [annunciating each syllable carefully]!
Me: Bottles of alcohol! What the…?
Lady at club: Yes [sighs again] bottles of alcohol.
When I inquired about the cost of these [expletive] bottles, I nearly dropped the phone. So, I said to hell with that! Hence, the no club scene thing for me. One, it’s too much money. And while, yes, I could always just use my feminine wiles [blinks suggestively] to get guys to buy me drinks, honestly, that’s just too much work. Two, there are too many damn people; I hate feeling other people’s sweaty arms brushing against mine [ick]. Third, I don’t believe in paying a cover charge. Sure, you could call me cheap or a penny pincher, but I prefer the term fiscally frugal [learned that one from my sis – much love sis]. Anyway, so now that we’ve crossed clubbing off the list of things to do to get a life… um… what’s left? [Looks around panicked]
4 comments:
Girlfriend I hear you! Its totally amazing how these clubs get away with trying to charge you $150.00 per bottle just so you can plant your carcas on one of their itty bitty seating areas. The very same bottle you pay an arm and a leg for can be purchased for 15-30 bucks, depending on the brand of course. I had a similar experience a few years back, but that was before they mentioned to you over the phone. We showed up at the club, ordered some finger foods and then someone casually asked what bottle we were purchasing. Of course my cousin and I were confused. The receptionist on the phone said that everything was a go...blah blah blah...we even had a cake for my cousin...which we ended up having to pay for them to store it...$30 I believe...my cousin put up a fuss and insisted we weren't told this info. They had no choice but to comply because they knew they were at fault. So now you get the pleasant discussion you had. Its so not worth blowing your hard-earned cash on just one night for 3-4 hrs, when you can have a small gathering at home with close friends and family. It will cost you a whole lot less.
I know… it’s absolutely ridiculous. I ended up going to a semi-empty lounge. The music sucked, but at least it was cheap… I mean… cheaper ;)
Yes, places that operate on a "bottle service" do suck, but that should not deter you from going out, and as our author puts it best, "Getting a Life."
Let me introduce you ladies to HAPPY HOUR and First Fridays. I know you thought that I was going to say something revolutionary, but alas I decided to stick with an oldie, but still a goodie.
I have found, in most major cities, Philadelphia included (gotta rep it), the best way to get a life when you're young, fabulous and relatively broke is to do most of your partying during the week. I know society and everything we have ever been told suggests that the only acceptable nights to roll out are Friday, Saturday and Sunday's, but early and mid-week partying has many perks and just makes good economical sense. Here is an example schedule:
Monday & Tuesday (or any day really): Happy hour with some co-workers. Go to a local watering hole just to get over the Monday blues and embrace yourself for the rest of the week. The Best thing about Happy Hour is that all food and drinks are 1/2 off (good for the budget) and the guys/people you meet all have jobs (most people go with co-workers. Having co-workers= having a job. Situation = Win Win).
Wednesday: Take a class in Thai cooking or basket weaving... ok, maybe not basket weaving, but something you’re interested in. Picking up a hobby is a great way to add to you personal/professional resume and also meet some great people who share your interest. Universities, colleges and community centers are always offering classes in something and aren’t usually that expensive.
Thursday: You and a few friends have a “Favorite Show Watching Party,” where each week, you watch your favorite shows together. Bring a bottle of wine and a pillow to sit on your friend’s hard ass floor (that might just be my floor) and have a girls night in.
Friday: Do something ARTSY. First Friday’s are nights when art galleries open their doors to the public and offer cheap wine and cheese, hoping that people view and purchase art by local up and comers. Great for you, for you can see a lot of really great artist and meet cool, interesting people in the process. Option to buy is up to you.
Saturday: This is DATE NIGHT, but a word to the wise, keep it simple. With all of the exciting events you did this week, you should have definitely macked a date. Do something small scale. Have him cook you dinner, or just meet for coffee at a cyber café and discuss your respective blogs, nothing too large. Businesses know that FRIDAY and SATURDAY are party nights and will do everything in their power to jack up prices, hence bottle service. Don’t fall into the traps.
Sunday: this is your day of rest. Get in some comphy clothes, order some wings and invite a few people over to watch the game (rooting for your choice team).
Just some thoughts.
Wow! You need to write a book. That's some really good advice.I'm taking notes as we speak oh mighty wise one!
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