The last guests have gone.  Empty bottles litter the house and the yard is a wonderland of crisp white toilet paper dancing in the wind.  My head is pounding and my stomach has left the building – more than once.  The cat is missing and I have no idea how many days have passed since I was last conscious.

I have never had such a hangover.

I’m just so glad it’s over.

I grab the bottle of ibuprofen, pop a few like candy and chase them with a scalding hot cup of coffee sugared beyond recognition.  I schlep to the loo, reluctantly turn to the mirror to look myself in the eye and make yet another empty promise to myself and my body that I will never abuse myself like this again.

It wasn’t the worst event ever – just insanely over the top.  Too much going on at once, kids running wild and the grown ups could barely hear each other over the noise of general confusion.

There were a few fist fights that broke out during the course of the party, but nothing serious and as far as I can recall – no one had to be hospitalized.  Thank God.

I don’t think the cops ever showed up, but then again I wouldn’t likely remember if they did unless I was using my one phone call from jail to have more ibuprofen delivered to my cell.  Do they do that?

Anyways, it looks like today will be a gorgeous day outside so I had better pull myself back together and lose this hangover.  The first full spring day that our little family can spend together enjoying the outdoors and some sunshine.

Don’t worry if you missed this party – you’re invited to the one next year.  It’s called Autism Awareness Month and it’s one hell of a time.

[Ed note: I wrote this last year, 2011, after one hell of a party.  This year was even more over-the-top.  Our little family participated in lighting the USS Intrepid, The Empire State Building and ringing The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange in honor of World Autism Awareness Day.  I also schlepped up to the state capitol with my rugrats to spread some awareness there, too.  I contacted the House Armed Service Committee Members no less than a dozen times each, using facebook, Twitter and by phone, sending more than one thousand tweets in the month of April to spread the word.  I created a video and a petition to reach out for more support for our military families living with autism.   Oh, and we did actually call the cops twice - once for a trip to the ER with RM (she's fine) and another to catch a hit-and-run suspect (for reals).  And now, I will take a few ibuprofen and a nap.  Hooah.  Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to support CMKAA.]