Alligazm

Come on- you know you’ve done it. Maybe not. I am no saint when it comes to this serious situation. I am the epitome of a drunk driver. Well, I used to be. That was from my early 20’s… nah cuz I really just started drinking a couple years ago (this is not a mathematical equation for you to try to guess my age). At anyhoo, it’s a horrible risk to take- take it from me. I have never gotten in to an accident nor have I ever gotten pulled over for it. My saying was always, and so immature, ‘I always get home safe.’ I enjoy hangin’ with the fellows playin’ pool and pounding shots of Hennessey, or Tequila- Patron Anejo is my favorite. I enjoyed going out with friends and breaking down the dance floor- all of us wasted. “I was always OK to drive.” no matter how much I consumed. I enjoyed just being alone a lot of times and exploring different bars/ clubs and drinking wine, beer, liquor and mingling. I was so carefree, and yet so careless. I have realized that my actions, when it comes to drinking, have been reckless not only to myself, but I had endangered the lives of others. You know, I recap my life the past few years and I laugh. If I had been filmed everyday, the world would have passed a vote to have me physically restrained. I was nuts.

I still am, but I really am trying to re-route my energy in other directions. I have not quit drinking- no WAY, but I have faced the responsibility to not drink and drive. Ok, maybe 2 or 3 light drinks once in a blue, but even that’s unacceptable. I am in no way condoning this situation. It’s a serious matter. What has made me wake up and smell the coffee (geez I wish I could find another phrase)?

Simple- RESPECT, FEAR, LOVE, ACCEPTANCE:
RESPECT: for myself, my family, my friends, my loved ones, and my fellow drivers and their families,friends, and loved ones.
FEAR: injuring others, injuring myself both physically and mentally. Fear that I may turn in to an alchy. Fear of becoming dependent on alcohol to have a good time. Fear of an accindent. I’ve seen too many, and I can not stomach them at all. Fear of ruining my life by suffering the consequences.
LOVE: I gotta love me…. I don’t want bad things to happen to any one.
ACCEPTANCE: responsibilty. Accept that I am a riot when I am sober.

I have seen to many people swerving, spinning out of control, nodding out, slamming on brakes in the middle of major highways because they are wasted off their asses. I called the highway patrol just recently to report a possible drunk driver. I was so frightened for them! Call me a tattle, but there was no way that I was going to have that lay on conscious if something were to happen. I got behind the car, a flashed my high beams til they got off the next exit. The driver rolled his window, as I did mine when I pulled up next to him. I yelled, “Are you OK!!!!????? Man, you gotta be careful! The state trooper might pull you over! Geez!” I don’t think he comprehended a word I said. It just felt good to say something.

Here are a few tips if you do intend on getting hammered:
1) Have a safe house to stop at.
2) Have a good friend, el confident, you can call to pick your drunk ass up.
3) Drink lots of water… oh I have found that olives are good, too. An old timer told me once that people would always have a jar of pickles in their cars to eat after drinking.
4) Yes, always eat something!
5) Assign a designated driver- no one ever wants to, but hey what would you prefer???
6) Just don’t. Set a limit. It is so easy.

Looking back, when I started partying I was drinking for fun. Then, sometime during my 3 year period of tending bar, I started drinking where I worked- for relationship building between my regulars and I… then I started hanging out and gained the reputation as the pool shark. More drinking can involved- and I can handle my liquor, boy! Drinking almost turned in to an escape until I finally, I am so blessed, my partner slapped me in the face and said, “Alligazm- this goes against everything you stand by.” He was so right. I don’t want to ever be or become that person who withers away to alcohol. Play wise.