23 February 2007
THE SPIRITS SPEAK
I don’t think I’ve ever found myself dependent upon any substance. It makes me wonder, at times, what it must be like to actually have that uncontrollable urge for something like cigarettes or alcohol. As a social New Yorker, I’ve observed the role drinking has in social gatherings. It’s a means of eroding inhibitions and allowing everyone to loosen up and have a good time. I drink quite a bit too and even find myself drunk on occasion. I enjoy drinking, having a good time with my friends. I even like to enjoy a very expensive glass of Johnnie Walker Blue from time to time. However I’ve never found it to be something I actually craved.
From what I’ve been told and — more importantly — observed, alcoholism runs in my family. I might even venture to guess that it runs in both sides of my family. I’ve seen its effects on family gatherings. One Christmas in particular I cannot remember, except for the arguments with a family member whose drunken belligerency nearly raised my temper to violent levels.
This very same family member has been visiting this week. And along with him has come his girlfriend. And with the both of them have come tallboys of Bud. Granted, they’re younger than me and on vacation this week, but I recall the girlfriend not being without a can of beer in the entire eight hour span they spent in the apartment. And this was before they decided to go out for drinks.
This morning she woke up feeling terrible. “It was the tequila shots,” my brother said.
I suggested maybe they not drink for the day. She suggested another drink will actually make her feel better.
This evening I cleaned off my counter from beer cans and bottles. When they finished up their Buds, they went and drank my bottles of nice, tasty, dark beer. Y’know, local microbrews. Without asking. My apartment has turned into a dorm room. I’ve been a patient host. Having to let them in at 4am and subsequently hush them because of their drunken psycho cab ride stories wears that patience down. Fortunately for me it’s now Friday.
I just don’t get it. Really. I don’t.
