Don't Call me a Role Model

I’ve done some pretty insane stuff in my life. Some people that I have skated with, when they find out my age they say that I look great. Well believe me, that is all in the genes. It has nothing at all to do with how I have taken care of myself over the years (other than staying out of the sun),

But honestly all thru my late teens and into my mid thirties it was all about sex drugs and rock and roll. Don’t call me a role model.

I used speed on a daily basis for about 20 years. I used pot to sleep and speed to wake up. I have gotten into too many fights at bars, clubs and concerts to even count. I have hurt people, I have put people in the hospital. To say that I have a temper is an understatement and back then I really wasn’t able to hold my temper.

I've dated some real losers and even had one that told me “you’re a whole lot smarter than I am”. (that pretty much ended that one.) I got married, the first time when I was 19 and got my final divorce papers two weeks before my 20th birthday.

I was 38 years old when I finally gave up speed. I was 39 when I finally settled into a long term relationship that WASN’T based on partying and 42 when we got married. I was 52 when I got divorced for the 2nd time.

I gave up drinking because all my favorite alcohol now triggers migraines, I’ll smoke a good cigar or hang out with friends and smoke a hookah from time to time.. I do smoke marijuana  for my migraines and to relax. I have finally had the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do since childhood, skate roller derby.

I’ve been to Hell and back and if my story can inspire or help someone then I’m ok with that, just don’t call me a role model.