My OH SHIT Moment
It was Friday, we had a huge job in front of us, if everything went perfect it was going to be a 12 hour day. The guys were already bitching about such a big job on a Friday and all the reasons why we were not going to get done started before we left the shop. We got started and immediately ran into issues. The home owners, both husband and wife, graciously took the day off work to stand over our shoulders and question everything, of course referring multiple times how their cousins friends uncle (or whoever) was a contractor and this is what he said. Needless to say stress level is “code red”, and then it starts to rain. I head to the truck for my raingear and get back to work. I drop some screws in the pocket of my raincoat and hear that old familiar sound “ting” I knew exactly what it was, and after 30 years of addiction, I could tell by the sound it was not empty, a quick shake verified it. OH SHIT!!! I’m around it all day, just part of the construction industry and been perfectly fine with my quit, even to the point of being easy. I managed go hunting, mow the yard, grill, get drunk, and even take a shit without it. However, this was my can, my brand, in my pocket at the absolute wrong time. Out of nowhere the nic bitch started SCREAMING, drowning out any rational thoughts. “Just one, you desire it, today is an exception, calm your nerves, you proved you could quit one won’t hurt, you are not going to get thru the day without it, one chew and you will feel so much better” She hadn’t even knocked on the door in weeks and now she is in my face like a drill sergeant screaming her head off, demanding my cave, and for a moment with my head pounding and blood pressure ready to explode, it seemed like the only option. Finally a bit of logic came back to me, and the thought of having to starting over at Day 1, breaking my promise to the Goons and KTC brothers and sisters, letting myself down. I had visions of being water boarded by the KTC clan, demanding answers to the three questions, and without even looking down at it, I handed the can to one of my guys and asked him to get rid of it now, and make sure I don’t see it again. This was my first OH Shit moment that came from out of nowhere and hit like a freight train. When these guys tell you never let your guard down, LISTEN. When they say the nic bitch is always near, LISTEN. When you think you got this, YOU DON’T!
My question for you is have you had your OH SHIT moment? If so, please share. If not, are you ready for it?
For me, I know I need to get more involved here, because she will be back. Proud to Quit with YOU.
