Every guy either has or dreams of having a “man cave.” To clarify, a “man cave” is the place where they can go to be themselves – and escape the world for a little while. Think of it as a tree house, or a fort that children make. For some men, it is their attic, or office, or basement – but not for me…

…for my “man cave” is the night sky.

Every Friday or Saturday night – unless I am too physically, mentally or emotionally drained – I do what I refer to as my “up all night gimmick.” In other words, I stay up all night and enjoy some much needed and well deserved “me time.” The reason I enjoy doing this is because, with my crazy and constantly busy life – overnight – the world is asleep. No one and nothing can interrupt me, call me, bother me, or distract me from whatever it is I want to do when the world is mine.

As for what I do during my “up all night gimmick?” – the answer is whatever I want to do. Be it watch movies, sing songs, write a column like I am right now at 4:37am – or just spend time with Beavis – the choice is my own. Sometimes, there are nights when I sit in my chair with nothing on at all except for the multi-color lights that indicate the electronics are functional – and I bask in the darkness – not because of depression by any means – but because I know that at that moment, I am alone and at peace.

I am an extremely social person. I am on the phone or engaged in conversations with people either at work or social functions all the time. In fact, between work and home life just today – I must have interacted with at least 50 people. So on Friday and Saturday nights, when I know I do not have to get up for work the next morning – I revel in the time that I can take just to be me. In a way – it balances me from the rest of my life. It’s my way of “refreshing” for the next week ahead – and it is my comfort zone.

I have done this for close to ten years. I look forward to the nights where I can just be myself and not worry about anyone or anything. I am sure that my body hates the fact that I do this – because it could use the sleep – but my mind could use the relaxation and escape – so in my opinion – that takes precedence.

Due to the fact that I love and look forward to my “up all night gimmick” – “Thank God It’s Friday” has an entirely different meaning for me. It means that for two nights – I get to watch the world go to sleep – and stay awake and do what Paul Wein wants – without any chores, taskings, actions, or responsibilities.

In fact, I am going to enjoy the rest of my “up all night gimmick” now…

…until tomorrow.