My Not Drinking Bothers Friends

when I'm not drinking, I usually make a deal with the bartender to give me a virgin mary instead of a bloody mary and no one is the wiser.... it is just easier that way--of course, I am not a tee totaler, I do still drink alcoholic beverages, just not as often as I used to, can't handle the hangovers anymore

my brother has been forced by health concerns to quit drinking alcohol and I really miss getting sloshed with him, but admire him for choosing to live longer sober than he would drunk--I think I'm going to hit him up to be my designated driver the next time I feel like cutting loose

I very rarely drink, I just don't have a taste for it...never really did. I have never cared to explain myself as to why I am not drinking. If truth be told I have suspected that some people assume that it is because I have a problem. I order an iced tea and enjoy it as soon as people stop asking why I am not drinking? I find that very annoying.

I know too many alcoholics in recovery to ask why somebody isn't drinking. It's none of my business. The parties my friends throw usually have (at least) two coolers, one with beer, one with soda and/or bottled water, and nobody gives a crap which cooler you're drinking from. The usual offer runs, "You want a beer? No? Okay, red cooler if you want one later, blue cooler's got Coke, water, and I think some idiot threw Fresca in there, watch out for that, it's nasty." Nobody cares who's been drinking what. (Unless, of course, it's the end of the night and you're reaching for car keys... Then, if you look wobbly, you get the third degree, sat down, fed water, and a nice time-out until you're less wobbly... or, if you're TOO wobbly, a pillow, a blankie, and the removal of your shoes.)

I'm really confused-and concerned, I guess--why it is even an issue. I would have to question a "friendship" with someone who felt the need to question what I drink, or don't drink.

I grew up with hard-core alcoholics. I've seen the dark side of drinking. I've been known to over-indulge myself, on occasion. But alcohol has never improved anybody, in my experience.

But I don't recall ever running into to somebody who felt uncomfortable because I didn't drink at any particular time. Nor have I ever felt the need to justify why I wasn't in the mood for alcohol. Maybe it's just the circle I run with.

Maybe it's a case of "If you do it too, than I'm not alone." Who knows?

Then again, there's this memorable quote:

"I drink because it makes other people more interesting"

Anyway, as adults, shouldn't we make decisions based on our own preferences, strengths and weaknesses rather than allowing social norms to dictate our behavior?

Only in certain situations. Unfasionable clothing should not be worn whether you think that pink sweater-vest looks good with those alligator-skin, cowboy boots or not.

When it comes to drinking, however, people chill out when someone else isn't. Learn a little consideration for others--and remember that we'll all need a ride, later.

Well, on one level, I certainly understand the annoyance factor that seemingly perspires from folks that have managed to eschew one obnoxious substance or another. Kinda like reformed smokers. Or having to listen to the 12 Steppin Higher Power Routine. It is annoying. However, if it is your friend, it is a small price to pay for something that benefits them in the long run.

Personally I don't drink so's you notice it. Just always thought it was a bad drug. I am not into abstinence and moderation feels like a better course to chart in life. Of course too much moderation could be a dangerous thing as well.

It would be dishonest to say that I have not abused a substance or two or three, oh Hell, let's us just haul off and say some and let that one slumber. Anyhow, when the mood strikes it strikes. I keep my own personal demons real close to my chest and make em keep their hands where I can see em. I think it is most impolite to pound the rest of humanity with dolefully self absorbed whining or behavior.

As far as my pards? Drink. Or don't. I am certainly not going to judge you one way or tother. As long as you do not put my fambly, the weak, or my Dawg in jeopardy, spend the night with China White, grease the wheels, if the ocean was whiskey and such. Start looking like you are on the road to a long dirt nap though and I'm gonna point that out to you. Just as I would hope my friends would do for me and I reckon they have a time or two on the broken road black top two lane tragi-comedy of life. And, thanks Podjos. It's appreciated.

Crikesters. I am a blather-er. I am myself eschewing politics for awhile. Gettin too pissed off and depressed by it all. Time for a sabbatical. Time to pull out the geetar and perhaps a substance or two and keep a low profile. The country blues and the mournful lament of true hillbilly balladry are the best of drugs anyhow. Time for lengthy rants about drinkers/non drinkers bar b q sauces and anything that does not elicit rage or sorrow.

The main reason I do not judge what folks do or don't comes down to the fact that we all are the walking wounded just trying to make some sense out of this reality map we have all been plopped into. Even those folks "centered", "happy", for whom the world is their oyster, and them ragtime millionaires. Even those folks, underneath the grin masks, have a roiling flappery of demons clawing to get to the surface. It is the human condition. Some turn to the pungent allure of religion, some to pragmatism, to black tar, to drink, to sobriety, to whatever gets em through the night. Let em get through their own dark night without criticism. Unless, as mentioned, they are on the pig grease slide to wretchedness and Gehenna.

Best to all. I'll be performing at the Bucket of Blood on Tuesday and the Tri State Fat Ass Tire Mud Bowl Extravaganza on alternate Sundays and Thursdays. Oh, and at the Coon Dawg Festival in Saluda. A free Jesus Church Fan to all attending.

We Are All Bozos on this Bus......

I love my non drinking friends!! There is always a designated driver!!