Hangover

1.	the disagreeable physical aftereffects of drunkenness, such as a headache or stomach disorder, usually felt several hours after cessation of drinking.

2.	something remaining behind from a former period or state of affairs.

3.

any aftermath of or lingering effect from a distressing experience: the post-Watergate hangover in Washington. It's been a long time (thankfully) since I've had a hangover from alcohol, but that doesn't mean that I don't get them. I used to think they were "contact hangovers," but it's just that I've caused a great disturbance in my body. I get them after a day in the sun, a night in a smoky bar, or a period of extreme physical exertion. I danced a lot in 80 degree humidity last night, and I am a bit useless at the moment. Hangovers often follow fun. I guess it's the payoff. When I was 14 I had my first "realization." Not, of course, my first real thought, but the first thought I felt was "philosophical." The route to happiness or satisfaction is to achieve balance in all things. To parallel the scales. To equally distribute the pills. To gracefully walk on beams. I think of myself as a somewhat graceless person. I've been called dainty and classy (not sure about this one!), but I've never appeared graceful--to myself or anyone else that I know of. When I find something I like I don't usually want to moderate my experience of it. If something feels, sounds, looks, tastes, or smells good, I want to continue. Which brings me to food, which I seem to be obsessed with if you look back through my posts. I like bread and butter. Good, fresh bread and gourmet (sweet cream?) butter. When I go to fancy restaurants I am always the piglet who asks for more bread. I think I would be happy eating good bread, butter, fresh mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes every day. And many berries. I had this vision about 15 years ago in which I got to sleep on a giant piece of fresh-baked wheat bread. It was soft and warm and my body left deep impressions in it. I felt safe and pampered. Bread and butter. A clear head. A cool breeze. Moving water. Generous roses. My nose pressed against my lover's neck. There are many things that fill me with delight.