I grew up with an alcoholic father. He never beat me, he never raised a hand against my mother or anything like that. But I've seen enough stupid shit and ridiculous things between that, my mother and her prescription pills, and just hanging out with an older crowd, that as a kid I just didn't see the fun in partying, so I never did it. I guess you could say I was the unpopular kid. Heck, I'm not winning many popularity contests now, but what does it matter? Would you rather be popular or powerful?

I've never understood bitching about a mediocre life, like that's what you're expected to do if you get a shit deal. Shortly before I quit school a teacher of mine told me life was just a disappointment, I could only do my best and that soon I'd realise it was just a long list of defeats. How wrong was he?

I left school because no one needs cowards like him dishing out life lessons. With my parents living in a bubble, and the state's school system in a mess, no one noticed. Whilst I've never found joy in consuming narcotics, I've always loved selling them and when you start dealing sober, you realise how foolish junkies are. The days of sourcing moonshine for high schoolers didn't last long, and soon heroin was my commodity of choice. I still supplied other drugs but heroin is so wonderfully addictive it always left the customer coming back for more, and whilst overdoses were common, it didn't take much to get someone new hooked.

Coming from a small town up north had it's problems though. Soon I was struggling for my own fix. Suddenly this small town wasn't big enough to satisfy my hungers and I wanted more. I expanded out across the state, and started focusing purely on shifting large quantities of heroin. Don't believe the bullshit, dealing drugs is easy. It only becomes difficult when you try to deal under the influence, like one too many a fool. Ever tried making an important business decision on a week long cocaine binge? No? Me neither. I plan on keeping it that way too.

I must have strayed too close to Chicago on one trip because that's when I bumped into Tabitha. She had been in the Windy City on business. Immediately I knew it was her. I'd wanted to join one of the Vegas crime families since starting out. After all, why aspire for anything other than the best? Who plays baseball hoping they'll make it to the minor leagues? I'd heard all about Las Vegas and Tabitha herself, who was one of their more prominent speakers. She was part of a growing family called Smog and she too had a growing reputation. Little did I know what would later become of her, God bless her soul, but at the time I sensed opportunity and I took it. My way in if you will.

And you see? That's the difference between those at the top and even those in middle. I aspire for more. I seek opportunities and when I create them, I seize the moment. I've never settled for mediocrity. I've never accepted disappointment or defeat and I never will. I strive for the top and I'll do what I can to get there. I'm not going to paint a pleasant picture and say it's easy, it isn't, but it's sure as hell easier when you're not moaning about it.

Perhaps some around these parts should try that last bit. Sure, some will say I took the ‘easy route’ and I’m sure others will question who I even am, but if you won't help yourself, ain't nobody that will. Whatever your journey is in this world, walk it. Pick yourself up and walk it. It’s time to quit the talking.