The end of the drunken weekends...

One warm Sunday morning as I was completing my walk of shame back to Concord from a chaotic night out in San Francisco, I opened the door to my house to be welcome by the unconditional love of my two cats. Their food and water bowls were empty and they had been alone for over twelve hours. I stood there; at the age of 36, hung-over and tired as all hell… and I asked myself: “What are you doing?”

It was at this point that I realized that it was time for me to make some lifestyle changes. I decided to quit drinking, not because I had an alcohol addiction, but because I was no longer in a place or in a life that had room for booze and all the bad stuff that it brings along with it.

I made this decision sometime back in June of 2013; and for several months I mapped out how and when I was going to go sober, which was delayed by social events and holidays. I really gave it some thought. So come December 31st 2013, after several “test runs” prior to that during which I remained sober for 30 day periods, I finally knew that it was time. I wasn’t in my twenties anymore… far from it actually; but most importantly was that I was now a person with actual responsibilities, unlike before when I didn’t own a home, I didn’t have a pet, I didn’t have a real job or a career and nothing really mattered. In essence, my past self-destructive behavior didn’t apply anymore. There were things that called for my full undivided attention.

I had become someone new, and as part of that change… I needed to make room for being present. So here, I am; feeling AWESOME! I only wish that I had stopped drinking earlier, but at least I recognized the destructive way in which I used alcohol and decided that I no longer wanted to be that person. Too many wonderful things were happening to me to not be aware of life!

Legends. Part I

I must admit.  I meet the most interesting folk every time I go out in #Concord.  I won't lie and say there isn't a heavy population of white trash that somehow consolidated here - but, it's changing.   In the mean time, I just have to enjoy the view.  

So last night I was at this place called #Legends for karaoke.   I met this really nice friendly couple.  Both in their 50's and amazing singers... and drunk as fuck.

The man, who i will refer to as Richard, asks me why I'm not having a cocktail.  "is that all you're drinking?" as he eyed my soda water.  I shared with him that I was doing a 2014 sober year.  As it always plays out, he asked me why that was and I told him that I just needed to pull myself to together.

He stops.  Takes a sip of his vodka cocktail and sighs.  "A year?  What the hell for?!  i simply could not do it."   Then he goes on to tell me that he was sober for 4 months once; but not because he chose to do it, but because he got a DUI and had to wear a bracelet that would detect any alcohol consumption.

The Irony.   It also turns out that he's a guitarist and him and his wife do a show at this little bar sometimes.   I'm gonna go listen to them and consume some soda waters.  He also offered to learn #Amy_Winehouse music for me to sing and do my little show.   Of all the musicians and performers I know, he has been the only know that has offered to help my dream come true.  A mini #Amy_Winehouse tribute show.

Thank you.   I'm still sober by the way.   Day 123.