Sleepless in Emerald City...

You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to know that a severe lack of sleep can lead to general confusion, memory loss, feelings of hostility, impatience, irritability, and all-around clumsiness.  In short, sleep is good for you.  Which is why I value it.  Which is why I cherish it.  Which is why I miss it when it’s – all of a sudden – gone.  Those long, peaceful slumbers.  Gone.  They’re just…  gone…

You’d think I would’ve gotten used to it by now – what with twin babies and all.  The crying…  The screaming…  Don’t get me wrong!  My little bundles of baby joy are worth me losing a little sleep.  But…  I’m tired, people.  Which is why – lately – it’s been very easy for me to sleep until noon.  Okay, sometimes till 2 or 3 in the afternoon.

That doesn’t make me a bad person, does it?  It doesn’t make me lazy, either.  It just makes me a person who’s aware of the many health benefits of a good night’s sleep.  Right?  Right!  Well… 

TELL THAT TO WALTER!

He doesn’t like it when I sleep in.  He wants me up before 9 AM EVERYDAY, no excuses.  9 AM?  We’ve been arguing about it.  A lot.  I don’t think Walter understands that I have no choice.  It’s sometimes actually physically impossible for me to get out of bed in the morning.  It’s not my fault.  I just need my sleep.  I need it to survive.  I need it to do my damn job!

Take last night, for instance.  A bunch of newbies were in the bar going on and on about George O’Malley.  It was a true O’Malley love fest.  I guess he did some fancy schmancy medical stuff yesterday and it apparently earned him the respect of Seattle Grace’s entire internship program.  You see, there was a meth lab explosion in some crazy couple’s basement.  And, what’s worse – the couple had a baby.  That’s just…  sad.  So, so sad…

So, last night, there I was – pouring a Jack & Coke as Intern Steve (my personal favorite) and Intern Pierce argued about being O’Malley’s #1 Fan – when, I totally DOZED OFF.  Mid-pour!  My eyelids seemed to just shut themselves as Jack Daniels leaked all over the bar.  My shoes were soaking wet by the time I came to.  I looked around, as Interns Steve and Pierce stared at me, blankly.  I didn’t know what to say.  I was mortified.  I was embarrassed.  I was TIRED!!

All of a sudden, I heard a voice say, “Looks like you need this more than I do.”  I turned (slowly, lethargically), and found Mark Sloan sitting a few feet away with an espresso maker.  See what I mean?  I was so tired that I didn’t even notice McSteamy had come into the bar.

I took a look at the espresso maker.  Apparently, Cristina has been giving away her wedding presents.  Seriously?  She’s giving them away?  Why isn’t she returning them?  Because it’s Cristina, that’s why.

What else was Cristina giving away?  A MixMaster, a soup tureen, a wafflemaker…  Wait a second, a wafflemaker??!!  I was MORE than disappointed to find out that Nurse Tyler got Cristina’s wafflemaker…  Damn.  I could really use a wafflemaker.  I mean, very few things make me happier than the smell of freshly baked waffles in the morning – Now THAT, folks, is something that could get me out of bed…  Hmmm…

Anyways.  Somehow, I managed to keep myself awake long enough to get some juicy details from Mark about Meredith and Derek.  And, supposedly, I’m not the only one around here who hasn’t been getting much sleep lately.  Yeah.  McDreamy?  Not doin’ much dreamin’ these days either…

I asked Mark why I haven’t seen Derek around the bar.  He told me it’s because he can’t bear to tear himself away from Meredith Grey.  The two have been spending a lot of time together, even though – and Mark stressed this – Derek and Meredith are no longer a couple.

No longer a couple??!!  But they’re still seeing each other night after night?  Break-up sex, Mark confirmed.  And, it sounds like it’s going to take a little while for Meredith and Derek to get out of this apparent “phase,” too.  I’m not so sure all this Mer-Der break-up sex is healthy.  I mean, isn’t break-up sex only supposed to happen once?  That’s what happens normally…  But then again – as we all know – Meredith and Derek aren’t exactly normal.

After Mark left (with both his espresso maker AND a nurse), it happened again.  I dozed off!  I zoned out!  AGAIN!  This time I was listening to Intern Mitch tell me about Alex getting KNOCKED OUT by Crazy Meth Lab Dad.  Yeah – I guess Alex’s emotions got the best of him yesterday and he ended up on the floor.  Crazy Meth Lab Dad was then able to kidnap his own baby.  Luckily, Derek eventually found them.

Dude.  It sounds like Callie has her work cut out for her.  I mean, a baby went missing when she was SUPPOSED to be in charge.  That doesn’t sound so good for Chief Resident Callie.  Poor girl – Her hands are FULL.  I hope she’s able to handle the job…

Anyways – after I practically lost consciousness for the SECOND time, I immediately called Walter and told him that THIS IS WHY I NEED MY SLEEP.  Walter, however, didn’t seem to care...  He just kept saying something about us all having to “make sacrifices” and I need to “figure it out.”  “9 AM!  9 AM!  SACRIFICES!”  Then, Walter hung up.

That’s when the unthinkable happened…  GUESS who walked into my bar.  Go on, guess!  No, not Preston Burke.  Better!  It was NURSE TYLER.  It was Nurse Tyler and his WAFFLEMAKER!!

At that moment – A light bulb went off in my head.

With that wafflemaker, Walter would be able to make REALLY GOOD waffles in the morning.  Which would – of course – lead to a REALLY GOOD waffle smell in the morning.  Which would – ultimately – lead to me WAKING UP in the morning (instead of the afternoon).  All by 9 AM!  Problem solved!

I told Nurse Tyler he could drink for free IF he’d hand over the wafflemaker.  After some deliberating, Nurse Tyler agreed.  So, I took the wafflemaker home and told Walter about the plan.  He looked at me, kinda appalled, and asked, “What makes you think I’d make you waffles every morning?”  I looked back at him and said, drearily, “Sacrifices.  We all have to make sacrifices...”

And then I passed out.

Well, looks like my plan worked.  Because the time is now 8:42 AM and I’m wide awake, enjoying an absolutely delicious waffle that Walter prepared.  Delicious.  Walter has me up by 9 AM.  I have my waffle.  We have our babies.  And Walter seems pleased.  Ah, life is good…  Life.  Is.  Good.

- Joe the Bartender

Comments

[Linda]

Love it!

[UGh]

No, Meredith and Derek arent exactly normal..

They could work on that if they were ever freaking given a change.

GRR..

[Jill]

You are so funny Joe!! Thanks for the laughs...when will we see you on camera again?

[Queenie]

I love reading your blog, and I totally understand needing an incentive to get up in the morning. Just make sure you don't get sick of waffles, because then you'll need another incentive. You are a bartender for crying out loud, you work NIGHTS. How does Walter not understand you need to sleep in? You guys could totally work out a schedule that fits your sleeping needs. I go for a good breakfast at the food court when I'm having a bad morning, and chocolate chip waffles always make everything better.

[Jer]

I miss Burke.

[Jara]

Callie is not at the end of her problems, esp, with what George is planning to tell her. I think she already knows though, anyone with two eyes can see that George and his best buddy are let's say much more than best buddies now. The sexual tension between them could be cut with a knife yesterday, left me feeling a bit hot and bothered myself.

Poor Alex got kocked out cold, but what was he thinking acting this way? He had good intentions, but he can be reckless at times. Bailey was obviously worried about him and let him know the only way she could, LOL.

MerDer is losing me, they have a very unhealthy relationship and why anyone would want them together is beyond my comprehension.

And the way she treated Lexie, boo-hiss!

[Trish]

Joe, get your rest, we need you around as you always make us laugh. We miss you on the show.

This episode was intense. Loved Alex and Bailey, George and Izzie's hotness and Mama Burke coming down, wanted to hug Lexie and Cristina when they were so sad.

[Jogirl]

Hey, Joe, glad to hear you and Walter are working out the scheduling thing. Too funny that McSteamy got the espresso machine, with the steamy milk and all! You should of had him make you a cup or two to hold you over.

When are we going to get to see you, Walter and the little oens on-screen again?

We miss you man!!

[Stephanie S]

*waves* Hi Joe! When do we get to hear the babies names LOL. I love waffles too and chocolate chip and almond waffles are awesome. Trust me....with lots of butter and syrup.

When have Derek and Meredith been normal? LOL...I am very much leaning towards Derek to meet someone else :( It will be a sad day when my ship sinks for the last time *cries*

Can I borrow your waffle maker??? I need some waffles to *hugs*

Bye Joe!

[Georgefan]

Oh I am scared for George when the internship thing comes out, my pooor baby!

[Magda]

JOEEEEEE! Glad to see your enw blog. ooh I am really worried about George now, when the other interns find out. Hopefully, he has someone by his side, preferably Izzie, LOL. I like that Lexie is covering for him. In fact, I like Lexie, which shocks me, and I was none too pleased at Mer treating her like that.

[Allie]

Your hilarious joe!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!!

And Merder- VERY UNORTHODOX...but i love it!! =) They're awesome!!!

[Cindy]

Hey! No comments about George and izzie?!?!?! Love those two!
They are the only good thing of the moment!
Never liked Merder and I really tried but with the way things are going, I guess I never will. Seriously are they ever going to be more than 2 people who do nothing but have sex? Where is the substance? I guess after 3 seasons, the answer is that this main dreadful couple is going to stay fluff until the very end of this show. Oh well, it's fitting for the McWhiny and McDreadful.

[Mar]

Hey Joe!

I was just thinking that Derek needs to man up and stop changing his mind about whether he is walking away from the woman he loves every five minutes.

Maybe you and Walter could sit Derek down and give him a nice talking to about growing a set? He really seems to like you guys, so maybe if you told him to stop dropping Meredith like yesterday's news and stick with her like she stuck by him while he was having his "issues" we would all be happier campers!

And if you see Mama Burke, do you think you could toss a nice shot of tequila in her face. She is an inappropriate and selfish bitch...and she raised a son just like her.

Try to get some sleep! : )

Peace!
Mar

[Donny]

Oh JOE!!! I'm so glad you and Walter resolved the problem. :) Oh my goodness, I miss Meredith and Derek being happy together for some reason. I mean, I love the breakup sex and stuff, but it just makes me sad to see them not together.

[Mem]

Joe, we want to see the babies, what did you guys name them? We are missing the bar!

What is wrong with MerDer? I was watching with my mom and she says does all those two do is have sex? How boring! If I want to have constant sex, I will watch porn.

Scared for George and Izzie and the ehartache they are about to go through, but rooting for them.

[Sparkle]

Oh, Joe. Yay for you!!!

:( MerDer scares me. Are those two ever going to be okay? *sighs*

[Greyrocks]

I love you, Joe, and we all miss you.

I also love george with all my heart and hope he is not in for too much of a rough ride.l I hope he and Izzie find some happiness together and Callie finds some on her own or with Mark.

I hope Shonda fixs MerDer too as they are a mess.

[Lina]

ha, I am glad life is good, you deserve it.

Not quite sure what to think about Meredith and Derek.

George and Izzie's little nose-to-nose was very hot, was hoping their lips would actually touch.

[Katrina]

This is my favorite blog! I love Joe!

[Leasp]

I love you and Walter. Yep, babies are a handful, but there are no greater treasures to be found on this earth. I'm glad you too could work it out. Waffles....excellent idea. Interesting things happening at the hospital. If you see Meredith, tell her I hope she decides to get some therapy before she destroys Derek and Lexie. Yes, her life was tough, but time to grow up and move on. Well, I know you are too good a guy, and bartender, to do that, but I can dream :). The sexual tension between George and Izzie is amazing. Poor Callie, it's tough loving a man who doesn't love you back, but love is like that sometimes.

[Melissa (NC)]

Hi Joe!

Thanks for keeping me posted! I think the waffle thing was a fantastic idea! If Walter wants you up that early after working all night at the bar, then he does need to sacrifice and make some delicious waffles! Next time put some sweetened cream cheese and strawberries on there! HMMMMM Awesome!

Much love and kisses to all!

[Jude]

Oh, plase make George be ok, I want him to be happy and I want him to be with Izzie. Hopefulkly, things are nt too rough for him this year.

[Kate]

Joe, I miss you on the show. You and Walter need to come on with the twins! You're updating us, but it's not right that we don't get to see you!

[kenisha, st kitts, west indies]

i absolutelty love ur blog walter, u really know how 2 make ppl laugh. watching grey's then readin ur blog is like having a sitting with ur girlfriends....lol

[Leslie]

Joe, we miss you so much, you have to come visit. You are missed.

The gang needs you advice.

Could you keep an eye on George, Izzie and Lexie for me, I am afraid they are in for a rough patch?

Lexie with Meredith.

George with his repeater status being hidden and with his affair with Izzie and Izzie with Callie.

I know it is wrong, but Callie is annoying me and I want George and Izzie together.

As for Meredith, I do get where she is coming from but I feel bad for Lexie.

[LE]

Meredith & Derek all the way ... not a fan of George & Izzie ewwww!

[Mycouples]

I want George and Izzie, Mark and Callie, Alex and Lexie and Derek and someone else than Mer.

[Jenna]

Yeah, miss you on the show. MER/DER cant break up!!!!! so hot! what the're doing herr is weird but i still love it!

[Seereeuzly...]

Sounds like you've worked it all out Joe.

Ah Babies... babies are hard! Being a mother of twin daughters myself - they're grown and married, with children of their own now - I feel your pain babe. However, the rewards and joys and love you reap are sooooooooo worth the sacrifices you have to make.

At the risk of pissing you off, big time, I agree with Walter. I know running a business is demanding. I know parenthood is demanding as well. I get it. Don't stress too much honey, you guys will figure it out and it'l get better - cross my heart.

Congratulations on snagging the waffle maker by the way. Tyler seriously earned it from Cristina - so enjoy it doll!

It's always a pleasure to read your blogs.. I love 'em! Take care, hug Walter and kiss those adorable babies for me. Until next time, my friend... **waves**

[Ilove Burke]

No visit would be better than one from Dr. Burke

[Missy]

Joe, we miss you on the show so much. Good to know the babies are doing good.

Please tell me George and Izzie will be together, I watch the show for them and I LOVE them so much, they are wow!

Callie, I do not care about and wish she had gone to PP with ASddison, whom I miss.

[IloveGizzie]

MerDer has lost all their hotness and are now just creeping me out.

I love george and Izzie and hope they get togetehr, they are so in love.

Cannot wait to see Ava back.

[Allison]

I miss Dr. Burke, I miss Addie, love MerDer even though I hate their story and I love Gizzie (even though I fel bad for Callie).

Get MerDer and Gizzie together and I will be one happy camper.

[joefan88]

Love your blog Joe! I read it every week and can't wait till the next one!!

[Kara]

Yah, twins, they're exhausting! Babies in general are exhausting!

Sure hope they don't exhaust you too much to blog. I really do look forward to your take on SGH!

[Denise Smit]

Please let Meredith and Derek become a couple again. It is so apparent that the two are truly in love with each other(soulmates). Let them be finally be happy(settle down/have a family). So many fans are rooting for them(begging, let it happen)! Couple of SGH

[Barb00]

Rooting for Derek and Meredith to get back together permanently. Every show should an ideal couple and I think MerDer is just that couple. They can be the Cliff and Claire Huxtable(The Cosby Show) of primetime!! Meredith is truly in love with Derek, but she is afaid(turn her around before it's too late/she deserves to be happy after her estranged life & Derek is the "only" one who can make her "whole"). Loves her so much, makes you just want to cry! PLEASE

Im sooooooo glad u blog joe !!! I just wish that MerDer would get into a somewhat normal relationship wouldnt that be great