JWB81
Member
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It seems everyone these days is hating someone. I do understand many people's concerns of smoking, but with so many problems in the world these days, is smoking really all that bad?
People put 'blame' on smokers. I am a smoker; if you want to blame me for the world's problems or say that you hate smokers, I frankly don't care. Smoking is not something I do because I enjoy it. It is a disease for many, much-like alcoholism, depression, etc. To say you hate smokers is just as stupid as saying you hate people who are depressed. It is a form of racism, without concentrating on race but rather on habits.
I've seen you around on the forums, and in all honesty, I get a laugh out of most of your posts. I'm not sure whether you have a sense of humor and say random things, or if you really aren't that smart. It isn't my business to know, and I won't judge you either way. I will ask, does the fact that I smoke make the non-smokers a better person than I am? Absolutely not. It doesn't mean I am better either, nor do I claim to be. However, let me give you a little background on this smoker's life.
I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't go to church only once a week, I go to church on an average of 40 hours a week. I'm a volunteer at XL church out on Martha Berry Highway. Some people may or may not agree with this place, but our goal is to get people who don't go to church, like myself, into a church environment. I spend an average of 4 - 8 hours a day doing something that is XL related. I'm not a hypocrite either; I have a mouth like a sailor and I know I'm a sinner. I don't believe in organized religion as it appears to be the cause of many wars. I don't want to be part of an organization to have a relationship with Christ; I will have a relationship with Him regardless.
Am I trying to convert you? Not at all - just giving you a little information on my life. However, you are more than welcome to come to XL anytime you like and we'd love to have you.
More on my life . . . I enjoy playing video games when I get a spare hour. I am a strong chess player; came in 2nd place in overall GA back in a tournament in 1994 when I was only about 13. I enjoy anything puzzle related, Rubic's Cubes are no match for me, solved in about 2 minutes. I have a lovely girlfriend who has a wonderful daughter and a beautiful dog; she loves both so dearly.
I'm also a guitar player, with other instruments up my sleeve. I have stage experience with playing lead and rhythm guitar as well as bass guitar. I can tell you from personal experience that the feeling of standing on stage with 500 sets of eyes is a feeling like no other.
I take guitar lessons on a weekly basis and I'm studying classical guitar at the moment. Some of my favorite musicians are Beethoven, J.S. Bach and Paganini. My favorite classical pieces are Fur Elise and Cello Suite No. 1. However, I am a rock guitarist all around. My favorite musician of all time is Randy Rhoads (R.I.P.), the original guitarist during Ozzy Osbourne's solo career and one of the founding members of Quiet Riot. I am also giving guitar lessons as well - sharing my knowledge with others and hopefully teaching them more than what they are paying for.
So there is a little bit about me. I don't want you to hate me without first knowing me, so I thought I'd give you a chance to do that first. Personally, I would suggest not judging a book by it's cover. Smokers aren't the cause of the problems; it is quite often they are simply victims in their own rights.
I could go out on a limb and say that I hate people who hate people . . . that isn't my style. In all honesty, I don't really hate anyone. That doesn't make me better - believe me, I am far from perfect. However, I prefer to find something positive in everyone regardless of what their bad habits may be. Why spend your life hating when everyone else seems to be doing the same thing? There are too many negative feelings in this world toward one another - those negative feelings can go a long way.
It takes a lifetime to earn someone's respect. It can take only a moment to lose that respect. Take pride in one another. Learn to enjoy each other's presence; regardless of who they are. We need each other to survive, so we might as well enjoy it.
Thanks!
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