I started smoking at age 14, when I was a Freshmen in high school. My favorite musician smoked, and several attracted girls. The crowd that I wanted to associate with, they smoked. Even at concerts, like at Soma, the venders would sell cigarettes to whomever asked. They also had cigarette machines at some places. We also knew which stores would sell to us, and which ones wouldnt. Then I met my friend John R., who was a 14-15 year old with a full grown mans beard. No one would ask for his I.D. and he could even by beer. I also had one 18 year old friend. Then by my Senior year in high school, I had a rehearsal studio with musicians from their 20s into their 40s, or early 50s. I could always find someone to give me a smoke. So this was my last of several attempts. My record was 1 year, when I quit for a girlfriend. After that I tried nicotine patches, and gum, but nothing would work. If it did, it was only temporarily. Then after surgery, I awoke from surgery with watery blood in my mouth. I didnt say anything about my bronchitis, and figured that the antibiotics would do the trick. My doctor told me that it was time to quit, but I wasnt ready yet. However, I did switch to a brand called American Spirits, a brand of cigarettes made by a Native American tribe. There were no extra chemical, and their cigarettes didnt burn fast like normal cigarettes. In fact, I could only handle 1/2 of 1 of these cigarettes. I went through some type of chemical withdrawal despite the nicotine. So Id smoke 3 of these a day for a few more months. My lungs began to hurt, & I was smoking 3 drags, then putting them out. Then I went to my friends girlfriends uncles party, where I met 2 of her friends. I was put on the spot to play some of my songs for them, I got so nervous that muscles would tense up, my throat especially, so I couldnt even make a sound. I was so nervous, & by the end of the night, I was so disappointed in myself, that I decided to quit. I also had decided that night, that I wanted to stop killing myself slowly, because I want a partner in life, & if possible, a small family. That night I had my last few drags. So its been 4 years, and 1 month, since I quit. That same night I made a vow to become more spiritual, and conquerer my fear of singing in front of people. Its still scary for a moment, but once I get started its easy. Thanks to 4 Class Voice recitals, a vocal trio that I started with my friend Elisabeth, Gospel Choir, and a class called Rock Pop and Soul Ensemble, where I covered/sang 3 Talking Heads songs in the Cuyamaca College Theater. I also sang backup vocals for some Fleetwood Mac songs, and a Bob Marley song in front of an audience of 200 people.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 23:22:32 +0000
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