Should I stay or should I go?

A lot of pro athletes love to go out and party. But I’m not like most sports stars. I’m really not into the whole party scene.  Sure, there was that one awesome party that Mr. Carson (the old owner of the Cubs) threw for the team back in ’93. There was a ton of food and an awesome pinball machine. I admit it was a fun night. But, all in all, I’m not much of a party animal.

I guess the reason I’m thinking of it now is that I got invited to a party tonight. When I was asked (the other day), I was like, “Yeah, cool. That’ll be fun.” And I honestly was looking forward to it. But now I’m sitting in my apartment and the last thing i wanna do is go to this party. I’m dreading it.

I don’t know if it’s a discomfort because a lot of people recognize me when I go out. Then inevitably, i get asked a million questions all night about what it was like to play for the Cubs, what I’m doing now, etc. I try to get to know people and ask them about themselves, but the conversation always seems to come back to me. Then I feel like they think I’m full of myself when really, I’d much rather hear about how they work for CPS (Chicago Public Schools) or sell radio ads in a phone bank. 

As much as I don’t want to, I feel like I gotta go to this party. I don’t want to be a flake or have anyone saying that I thought I was too good for this party. Plus, it would do me good to get out. Otherwise, I’m just gonna sit here all night, reviewing my training tapes or planning my next move in this seemingly eternal quest to get back on the Cubs. 

I’m trying to get up the energy to do this. It sucks though because I gotta take a shower and get ready. And then I’m gonna end up spending a bunch of time looking for a parking space.

I can do it though. I know I can get through this.

Thanks for “listening” to this garbage. I know I sound like a real jerk right now.

-Henry Rowengartner

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