California Dreamin'

Bonnie: Before you get to your story about your European adventures, why were you riding a bicycle as your only transportation?

Scott: Prior to getting sober in late 1981, I was the world's biggest bull shitter - and I never exaggerate either! In fact, I found out in Scotland that Haverly means "bull shitter." At least that's what they told me.

I had gone to California with an idea and got off the plane in California with $1.15 in my pocket. I talked a lot of people into believing in my ideas about hydroponics. I had three cars at my disposal, free accommodations and people willing to invest time and money into the concept, but I walked away from it three months later.

Bonnie: Why?

Scott: One day, I finally drank myself sick. I'd had one six pack of beer and woke up the next evening in a piss-soaked bed. I said, "That's it. I have to get out of here." It was December 4, 1981 and  haven't had a drink since. I came back to Tacoma and moved in with my folks. I had a $1.15 in my pocket (laughs). My only transportation was a bicycle. It was tragic at the same time. I had deceived and disappointed a lot of people. I started attending AA meetings on May 6, 1982. It was the anniversary of getting shot in Cambodia. It was also the anniversary of a good friend's death during the assault.

I got to AA meetings on my bicycle. I was told to attend 90 meetings in 90 days. I later joked that I thought someone had said, "Ninety meetings in nine days." (Laughing) I was going to meetings all the time; some days four times a day. I'm not one for doing anything in moderation.

Bonnie: Really. I hadn't noticed. (Tongue firmly planted in cheek).

The Last Apocalypse  is available at  Createspace https://www.createspace.com/4569527
and
Amazon Books http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Apocalypse-Scott-Haverly/dp/1494465531/