I love getting a good night’s sleep. Ever since I went off to boarding school, I’ve noticed that I prioritize sleep more than many of my peers do. I’m no stranger to falling asleep in class (especially last fall, when I had three classes in a row starting at 8:30 and I had been up since 4:30 a.m. for crew), but it’s not a good feeling. Having energy to pay attention and engage and learn—well, that’s the goal. Plus, reading in bed before shutting my eyes keeps me sane.
Often, I’ve left events early or skipped them altogether because I need to go to bed.
On Thursday evening, my buddy Adeline was heading over to the bike pump in the parking garage to see if her deflated bike tire could be salvaged. She invited me along for the short adventure. At first, I said no; I was busy doing schoolwork. But then I realized I was almost done, and it was only 7:30, and sure, I’d love to take a little break. The walk was short, the tire seemed fine (spoiler: it deflated again overnight), and it was nice to get outside for a few minutes.
At first I was like “nah, busy” and then I changed my mind to “ahhhh sure I’ll come”
Later that night, around 8:30, I heard people chatting outside my door. They were throwing a low-key birthday party for our friend Caroline, complete with cake and a low-res viewing of The Parent Trap. I joined the party. We sang Happy Birthday, munched on cake and snacks, and spread out on the floor in the hallway to watch the movie. I figured I’d leave halfway through, at 10, but then I realized I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep with the noise from the hallway, and I didn’t have to be up until 7:15 the next morning, so I stayed for the whole thing. By the time I got in bed, it was past midnight.
Caroline turned 20!
The party hat fit Tootsie pretty well
I was groggy the next morning, but it was so worth it.
Friday night, after Shabbat dinner outside near the sukkah, my Jewish movie-watching squad gathered for the fourth consecutive week. We watched some stand-up comedy from a theater studies class, an episode of Larry David making bad jokes, and the first half of a funny movie.
“I used to be so full after Shabbat dinner,” I lamented as I finished the bread I’d set aside, remembering the buffet-style meals of pre-pandemic Friday nights. (Now we get individual catered kosher meals.)
The rest of the group also had room in their stomachs, so I unplugged my computer and HDMI cable and we walked to JP Licks for ice cream. We talked about photoshoots and regional differences and early menstrual cycles. Once again, by the time I got in bed, it was past midnight.
A post-ice cream selfie in the ville
Staying up that late two nights in a row is almost unheard of for me. Yes, I am tired, even after going to bed early last night. Sleep is great, but fun is too. I came back to Wellesley for the people, not the bed. Those nights with friends, talking over movies and filling up on sugar, left me feeling just as recharged as the best night of sleep.