On Bedtime

A few months ago I started thinking about bedtime. When did it get pushed back? When was it no longer an issue? When did it become unimaginable to go to bed at 10 rather than to stay up until 10? When was New Year's Eve no longer a big deal because you got to stay up late? When were adults no longer these awe-worthy nocturnal beings, and what the heck did they do after I went to bed?

I honestly don't remember what my bedtime was growing up. I am guessing 8 when I was pretty small, then 9 for most of elementary school. I do remember in junior high when I was an AIM addict, that my parents wanted me off the computer by 10, but I'm not sure if there was an actual bedtime. I remember getting to stay up for game 7 of the 1997 world series when the Marlins beat the Indians on Renteria's clutch hit in extra innings. Thanks dad. But I don't remember when I became completely autonomous in my decision to go to bed. Now unlike many of my friends, I still prefer to get 7 or 8 hours of sleep if possible, so, depending on when I have class, I usually go to bed between 1230 and 130. In high school I was usually out between 11 and 12 during the week. I never had a curfew, but I still got more sleep than most of my peers. Not that I wouldn't stay up late when it was called for (TPing, midnight movie screenings, guys nights, etc.), I just preferred a normal night's rest. I think that is probably a product of upbringing, as neither of my parents are real night owls (especially mom). Whatever it is, it's kind of nice.

Another thing I distinctly remember is when my older brother got to stay up to watch Letterman with my dad. Then slowly (not sure what age), I would stay up and watch the monologue, then maybe the first few little games or bits of randomness, then maybe a guest if it was someone I cared about. Letterman is a big part of my dad's life, but now he has to record it (getting old). He would never survive on the East coast.

New Years. My family, the Clarks, and the Congdons, used to have annual New Years get-togethers and the Clark's full of ping pong, cards, N64, and general good times. I still remember the first time I stayed up past 2am. I thought I had reached the pinnacle of existence. What could hold me back? So funny. Oh how things change. In college, I frequently have to stay up late. When it isn't a choice, there is no freedom, and it's no fun.

Well that's that. I guess I just thought it was interesting that while growing up, staying up late is this big mystical thing that you hope to achieve, but once you have the option, you can't imagine not having it. In fact, it becomes exceedingly hard to go to bed early. Life becomes busy.