On Hereditary Alcoholism

I'm not an alcoholic. Not even close. But, my mother and father are both recovering alcoholics (my dad is more than 20 years sober, my mom, maybe 5). It follows then, that my sister and I would enjoy the occasional drink. We're related after all. Though three years ago, we barely spoke to each other. Hardcore sibling rivalry in our teens made us enemies for years. Serious enemies, like HATE isn't a strong enough word.

Anyway, all's well now. Once or twice a month, we meet up for drinks at the Brewer's Art and hang out for a few hours. Our most recent trip was Tuesday. We met up earlier than expected. As I was taking the light rail home, she got on at a stop along the way. It was all "fancy meeting you here!" tho I would not say that out loud.

We made a quick stop at my house (had to pick up some jeans for returning) then headed to the Inner Harbor for a little consuming at Filene's (is it not our patriotic duty to stimulate the economy in these times?) and a quick pomegranate margarita at Cheesecake Factory (a place I only go to drink, never eat).

After the jaunt at the Harbor, we made our way back up Charles Street on ye olde number 61 (Baltimore City public transport - yes, in fact, we roll like celebrities). The bus brought us to the corner of Charles and Chase. We made our way down the steps and into the cellar of Brewer's Art.

It looked like a slow night, though it was only a little after 8. The bar gradually began to fill and we drank and talked and made eyes at other bar patrons. We planned out an elaborate scheme in which we might take this guy's cheeseburger. She told me stories about going out with a friend and the crazy things that happen to them. My favorite of the night:

This older man offered to buy them a shot. The friend (already drunk) slurred/asked the bartender for the best tequila they had. The bartender obliged, but when the man found out, he was livid. After yelling that he couldn't afford that and therefore, would not buy it, the bartender asked him what to do. And he grunted "Give 'em half of the best and half of the worst."

So they were presented with a tequila cocktail. I don't remember whether or not they drank it.

As these outings are becoming somewhat of a tradition for us, the night could not end without us going to XS for breakfast. As always, we ordered most of the sides and shared them tapas style. I made sure she got a cab home and got to bed a little after midnight.

Our relationship has changed so much over the years. We are in a good place right now and growing closer and I wish we hadn't lost so many years feuding. But if it took all of that to get here, I don't think I'd change a thing. I went to bed drunk and full of pancakes, thankful I have a sister to share beer and late night breakfast runs with.