The Sipping Point

These events are never planned, they simply occur. A Friday or Saturday evening, a random text will be generated, usually with 2 questions contained in the message. "WYD?" and "WYA?" The responses soon flood in for these two queries concerning what you're doing, and where you're presently located. The people who already have plans quickly respond they're busy, then they flee the conversation. As for the rest of us, the adventure is just beginning.

  Different scenarios are tossed back and forth, regarding times, locations, and whose spouse is unfriendly at times. These are important things to discuss because you never want to hang out at a friend's house who has an evil spouse.

   Once the time and location are agreed upon, the crew breaks down responsibilities. Someone will pick up fried chicken, another person is responsible for ice, and everyone is required to BYOB. "Bring your own bottle,' for those unfamiliar with the lingo. From one group text, a party has been planned.

   Once the crew has assembled at the destination, the 'hangout session' begins. Preliminary drinks are soon imbibed, and maybe cards, dice, or dominoes are played. While these games are being played, music provides a soundtrack for the evening, as sports, politics, and relationships are discussed. The relationship conversations are surface convos because no one really wants to know the innermost workings of someone else's relationship. 

   Then during a lull in conversation, a familiar tune will start playing on the stereo. And the tipping point has finally been reached. All the love and camaraderie goes completely out the window when 'Ambitionz as a Rider' begins to play.

   Suddenly, the room has been divided into two and a half subgroups. "Tupac is the greatest rapper of all time!" someone shouts. Well, you know the rest. Depending on the levels of alcohol imbibed, the discussion may become heated, with fans of Biggie Smalls, and to a lesser extent, Jay-Z, voicing their opinions at the top of their lungs.

   This is the 'Sipping Point,' when the host suddenly remembers he has to be at work at 6 A.M., or has an early dentist appointment. The translation of his sudden epiphany is simple; it's time for everyone to go home. The Tupac/ Biggie conversation is always how the party ends...until the next time.

msh