A little about kyteman…why I don’t drink alcohol…Part 2

When I was ten, they murdered law with courtroom politics….oops, nope….the same Larry Norman song.

I left off my last post letting you know that I made the decision at 12 years old to never drink alcohol.  “And now, the rest of the story…”

Every year in my Grade 6, 7, and 8 Sunday School class, I do quiz.  One of the first questions I ask is, “What are my favourite verses?”  Of course the grade seven and grade eight students know the answer.  Proverbs 3: 5 and 6  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)

Coke is kyteman's drink of choice...GO LEAFS GO!!!!

The drinking age in Ontario is 19, however, let’s be honest, teens younger than 19 drink.  Ok, so picture this…I’m living in Muskoka. In the summer there are some pretty rich kids from Toronto cottaging (if that’s a word) all around me.  I was friends with quite a few of them and they liked to party on their expensive, big boats.  It’s illegal to drink and drive a boat. Do you see where this is going?  I got to drive some pretty nice boats when I was 14 and 15 years old.  I don’t know who had more fun at these parties, the drinking to get drunk crowd, or the one sober designated driver getting to watch everyone else get sick overboard.  Oh, and by the way, the next day, I woke up without a hangover.  And another thing…I always got my “drinks” (Coca Cola, please) for free.  Side note:  If you decide to not drink, whether on a boat or at someone’s home, always get your beverage of choice in an unopened bottle or can…that way you’re guaranteed that it isn’t spiked…and believe me, your friends WILL try to spike your drink.

When I was 16 we moved back to Tillsonburg and lived on a farm just north of the town.  One day, I was out running with our dog and I saw a case of beer in the ditch.  There were 6 unbroken bottles in the case.  Hmmmmm….what should I do?  Well, I had heard that warm beer tasted awful, so, I took the bottles down to the creek and left it in the water under the bridge.  When Saturday came that week, I decided to stay home while everyone else went into town (sounds like we lived during “Laura Ingalls” days, eh), then my dog and I ran down to the creek to get my stash.  Off we ventured into the bush so no one would see.  I cracked open the first lid.  I’ll have to admit…I’ve always loved the smell of beer.  I got a tour of the Labatt’s plant in London, Ontario when I was 12 or 13 (thanks Mr. Kelly) and I think I got high taking in the fumes that day…I love the smell that much.  Here we go…I’m 16 and I’m going to taste my first beer!  Swig…YUK!!!!  I looked at Sugar, my dog, and cried out, “Ewwww….that’s gone bad!!!!”  And I proceeded to smash the bottle on a rock.  All six bottles were opened.  All six bottles had a swig.  All six bottles got smashed.  My conclusion…probably the beer had been in the ditch too long and cooked in the sun and had “gone bad”.  My first drinking experience was a bust.  Maybe I should have let Sugar try some….or not.

My last three years of high school in Tillsonburg brought many opportunities to party and many opportunities to be the designated driver.  There were also many attempts to spike my Coke and many discussions  about why I don’t drink….one time, during a band trip to Virginia really stands out in my mind…but, that’s another story.  Looking back, I know there were times when I came across as if I thought I was better because I don’t drink….and I think I did go through a stage when I may have thought that.  I was wrong to think like that, and I lost some friends because of it….and that’s not cool.

Alright…why do I tell this story to my Sunday School class?

I think I will leave that for one more post…

Your turn…do you have a drinking story?  I’ve seen a lot of stuff happen when people drink…and I remember them!!!!  Most of the time I thought they were funny…so let me know your story…or stories…I’m sure you have more than one.

kyteman