excellent thread, man. the stories i have read here are awe inspiring to say the least. glad to see good things happening to good people for once!!
i grew up in a dysfunctional household, and endured verbal and physical abuse from my parent and my brother (beyond brother-on-brother rowdiness and the perpetual contest for dominance). my mom was intensely overbearing, yet apathetic or wrathful when i would come to her about personal problems at home, school, or whatever. i had low self esteem, didn't talk to girls or make friends easily, i suffered extended periods of depression. my mother would become furious about these bouts of melancholy, resulting in further verbal and corporal reprimand. she would take me from shrink to shrink, staying only with the ones who agreed with her. i spent much of my youth combatting thoughts of self harm (never acting on them). due to the punishment i endured at home for disclosing any issues, i avoided seeking outside help. fortunately, i had a sharp sense of humor that managed to stay intact along with a keen talent in music, and was valued by many of my teachers. so when i got my first drum set (tama rockstar, year 2000), i shook the cursed label of "band nerd"… the neighborhood kids would come over to watch me improvise and play along to the stereo, and my family's opportunities to be abusive were reduced significantly due to these visitors. i cultivated friendships for the first time in my life! i founded a garage band and began playing drum kit in the pit bands for pep rallies and school musicals (rent, hairspray, grease, rocky horror, bye bye birdie and more) . to my elation, the girls started to notice me, they'd compliment my playing, how easy it was to dance to. it was a huge victory for me! never before had i made a physical affect on a female, and there they were, sashaying and sweating to every beat i punctuated during their cheerleading demonstrations and theatrical performances. i began to banter and flirt with them (i favored the choir/theater chicks), which was an exhilarating rush of adrenaline and testosterone. i grew more self confident, started dating, and established myself as a real heartthrob, they'd gossip about me (my platonic girlfriends always divulged-lol), how romantic, kind, witty, and creative i was!!! i became someone you could count on (musically and socially), i was getting invites to parties, outings, and hangouts. when i graduated high school, i got a job, found a bedroom for rent, and left my oppressive childhood home. my mom threatened to confiscate my car, and revoke my insurance, but i just ignored her while i packed… i was no longer devoted to gaining her respect, to the exhausting and painful pursuit of her gratification. drums gave me a reason to live. they helped me come of age. most importantly, they served as the vehicle that liberated me from an abusive, controlling, and hateful family (in the form of band rehearsals, house party shows, school functions, and some bar shows during my senior year, and paid gigs after i left home). drumming helped me define my identity as an empathetic, kind-hearted, passionate young man, and gave me courage and confidence (on stage and off). drumming gods be praised!!!
The ghosted "centre leg" might be a bit hot for Pol though. To protect her, you may wish to photoshop that. lol!
