Closing time

College Candy offers a photo gallery of too-drunk partiers. The post is accurately labeled "88 signs it's time to leave the bar."

Filled with face drawing and snow sleeping, it's something I would have laughed at in college -- maybe even four years ago. We would likely stare at the gallery and match its images with tales of our own irresponsibility.

But at 28, I viewed the apparent Passed Out Hall of Fame only as, well, a little sad.

Lots of people remember when they first realized they were in the middle of The Change -- that is, a keener awareness that the drunken antics that entertained you for years aren't really that entertaining after all.

The process often starts while watching a friend's dance floor meltdown. Or looking at your own mascara-lined, hangover-drained face in the morning after mirror.

It doesn't mean you'll entirely abstain from alcohol. You do, however, suddenly acquire a lower tolerance for things like beer funnels, 3 a.m. Ramen and sweet and sour mix.

To quote Blink 182's wisdom, "I guess this is growing up."