Thursday, November 30, 2006

hAAlf nAAked thursdAAy


Everybody wants
my Cheetos!

visit the rest of the munchers
at
HNT



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a nice little meeting with a sponsee last night

for a really good reminder yesterday that I have a daily reprieve from drinking alcohol contingent on my spiritual connection. I know how to keep that connection alive and I will not let anyone deter me from my course.

for the slow recognition of who I really am;
thus begin the opportunities for some Humility

for CHOICES - last night, I didn't have to listen to Al Roker and his band of singers totally trash traditional Christmas music Live from Rockefeller Center (I did listen to the Devine Ms M)

that we're finally going to have some winter weather, beginning this morning

Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.
-Will Rogers

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Thoughts ...


my travel pics >>>>

The Balmoral Hotel
Edinburgh, Scotland


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that we read the story of the 3rd member of AA yesterday

that the history of Alcoholics Anonymous has been in my face the past few days, especially after seeing a presentation (upclose) by Gail L., of Akron, the AA archivist

that my friend Scott W chaired his final meeting in November yesterday on the topic of Humility

that one of my bestest friends (Rodney) realized a dream yesterday, all because he's sober and participating in life

that we have a new topic on Sobriety Society, drop by and give some input

that Hayden and I get to spend Christmas and New Year's together; the only other time we did, in 2002, I was too drunk to remember any of it

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.
-Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

PC Gone Mad


In this undated photo provided by Lisa Jensen, a wreath is seen in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Pagosa Springs Colorado homeowners are battling over whether a Christmas wreath that includes a peace sign is an anti-Iraq war protest or even a promotion of Satan.

(AP Photo/provided by Lisa Jensen and Jessie Young)

Taking a breath...


Wall art in Amsterdam.
todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the 7 t's --- Take Time To Think Things Through Thoroughly

for lots of recovery discussion with friends who also attended the Roundup last weekend

for the Freedoms offered me by acceptance of Step One


for renewing my committment (to myself) to re-start my morning workouts -- for me, this requires more sheer willpower than stopping drinking and smoking ever did (they only required willingness)

that I am walking around in shorts and Crocs at the end of November

that I heard this a few days ago --- if you can't be Grateful for what you have now, what makes you think you'd be happy with more?

When a person doesn't have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity. A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude.
-Elie Wiesel

Monday, November 27, 2006

Progress

Two of my cats just wanted to say hello to you today. They were both born on the last night I ever got drunk.
They got a chance at life.
I got a second chance.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I am sober today and had no hangover from drinking when I woke up

that I got to listen to 6 well-qualified, well-spoken drunks tell their stories of Experience, Strength and Hope over the past 4 days at the Houston Roundup 2006. I heard people talk of their desperation to get sober as they realized their total lack of power in their ability to stay stopped with drinking. More importantly, I heard them speak of the solution; a solution that I am very familiar with. I listened to tales of beginning a partnership with a Higher Power, a partnership that can lead to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
The necessary ingredients are Honesty, Open-Mindedness and Willingness.

that I heard speakers talk with humor of their absolute, incomprehensible demoralization; told in such ways that even I could understand and feel. I heard stories of people who should, by all rights, be dead or be in prison for life, yet here they were in Houston, speaking to a group of people in recovery. "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

that I got to meet several people in recovery from around the country these past 4 days

that my duties as secretary of the committee are finished except for a final get-together early next year

that I heard a few guys talk about getting nothing out of attending the Roundup which reminded me -- of me! I felt the same way after my first AA convention. That Too Has Passed.

to be volunteered to chair the Sunday Evening Group @ Lambda for December
(this includes New Year's Eve)

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
-Chinese Proverb

Sunday, November 26, 2006

And the Surgeon General Says ...

And the SURGEON GENERAL says
Maybe she should consider smoking moderation too.

Dating



Click-on-the-Pic to read.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Dogs Gone Wild

Just pedal

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.

But later on, when I met God, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that God was in the back, helping me pedal. I don't know when it was that He suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable... It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal." I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey...and we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight."

So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with God as my delightful constant companion. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says, "Pedal."
~ Author Unknown ~

Friday, November 24, 2006

I am full of it


just a portion of the food that was donated for the Thanksgiving Feast at Lambda yesterday
- approximately 220 people attended this Gratitude meeting and Dinner



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the unity, fellowship and service at the dinner yesterday

for endless Gratitude

for the opening night of Roundup and that I got to be a part of it

that I will be too busy to get into much trouble until Sunday afternoon

that I won't be doing any shopping today - it's madness!

When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.
-Thomas Jefferson

Thursday, November 23, 2006

hAAlf nAAked thursdAAy

a totally inappropriate Thanksgiving picture

see more turkey day pix from the gang @

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that because I celebrate and write about my gratitude every day of the year, I have nothing particularly special that stands out today, besides the fact that ...

I am Alive
I am Sober
I am in Recovery

that the God of my understanding and belief is not a God to be feared
but rather a God to be loved and trusted;
a God that is forgiving of my mistakes and human frailties because He made me who I am

that I got to hear a little bit more of Sonny's AA story yesterday

that I attend numerous AA groups and can see the different "personalities" in each of them

that I can voice chat with my loved one overseas free-of-charge on the internet although it's not the same as the phone which isn't the same as face-to-face

for some great news from Kenny at Recovery Road

for all of you and your friends and families

Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Dale Carnegie

AA for GLBT (and friends)

Houston Roundup website
Beginning today.
If you're in the area ...


Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Paying it forward >>>

"I spend a great deal of time passing on what I learned to others who want and need it badly. I do it for four reasons:
1. Sense of duty.
2. It is a pleasure.
3. Because in doing so, I am paying my debt to the man who took time to pass it on to me.
4. Because every time I do it I take out a little more insurance for myself against a possible slip."
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, Doctor Bob's Nightmare, page 180

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the above passage which we read in the Book Study meeting yesterday

for a successful trip to the dentist with my Mom

for all the little flowers I've acquired for the dinner tomorrow at Lambda - they're pretty!!

that my sister closed on her new home yesterday with no problems

for the special on TV last night --
Tony Bennett - an American Classic
he really is !!

HERE is a treat from Eric Idle and some reminders of things to be Grateful for on this day before Thanksgiving
(you will need to turn on your volume for this, but not too loud!)

that knows no holidays -- hope to see you there tomorrow

FYI - today is the 43rd anniversary of the death of JFK

The world is not yet exhausted; let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.
-Samuel Johnson

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Perspective

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

thta I can remain out of the argument over what materials are proper to use in an AA meeting because I know what's right, but choose to remain happy

for my morning prayer that reconnects me each day with my Higher Power (3 years ago, if you had told me I would be saying this, I would have told you to go to hell)

that I have made the necessary preparations to participate in Houston Roundup 2006

that I am one lucky SOB to still be HIV negative

that I sucked up and actually attended a homeowner's association meeting (I have been boycotting them for months)

that I must be the only person who actually likes Christmas music -- I am soooo unique (apparently)

that Steph at soberInsanity is approaching her One Year Clean & Sober Anniversary

Climb up on some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you'll find it there.
-Robb Sagendorph

Monday, November 20, 2006

Submitted, for your approval ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that Saturday was Scott W's 3rd AA birthday even though he looks much older than that

for the Freedom I receive through living in the Twelve Steps, the first of which is the Freedom to be Honest

for the 200+ alcoholics-in-recovery that will share Thanksgiving Dinner together at Lambda Center on Thursday during the 12:15pm meeting

that our AA Roundup takes place later this week, beginning Thanksgiving afternoon, CLICK for info and ending Sunday

that a fellow blogger, Joey Destino, who I read almost daily, has selected this recovery blog worthy of mention. I am a winner of JD Solidarity Award. Me! Check it out HERE.

that I don't think like or act like O.J. Simpson

that little Tommy Cruise got married again, still trying to convince the world he's straight. He spared no expense on the wedding. In fact, Tom said he wanted a wedding fit for a princess. He wanted it to be special for Katie too.

that David Tuck (click for details) was found guilty of sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison -- this should have been prosecuted as a hate crime, but the local DA did not have the balls to prosecute as such

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
-Dr. Seuss

Sunday, November 19, 2006

The Princess

Once upon a time,
in a land far away,
a beautiful, independent,
self assured princess
happened upon a frog as she sat,
contemplating ecological issues
on the shores of an unpolluted pond
in a verdant meadow near her castle.
A frog hopped into the princess’ lap
and said: Elegant Lady, I was once
a handsome prince, until an evil witch
cast a spell upon me.
One kiss from you, however, and I will
turn back into the dapper, young prince
that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry
and setup housekeeping in your castle
with my mother, where you can prepare my meals,
clean my clothes, bear my children,
and forever feel grateful and happy in doing so.
That night, as the princess dined sumptuously
on a repast of lightly sauteed frog legs
seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce,
she chuckled to herself and thought:
“I don’t fucking think so”

Affectionate Men



Life in the old days

Saturday, November 18, 2006

My Attitude of Gratitude

During my 52 years on this planet, I've heard many times that my really good friends can be counted on one hand. For the past 3 years, one of those fingers counts Scott W.

For some reason that only our HP knows, we "connected" early in sobriety and have stayed sober while our friendship has evolved. We can talk frankly and honestly with each other. We have travelled to New York City together. We attend AA meetings and lunch or dinner afterward. We have even shopped together. Scott has visited my Mom and my sister in their respective homes. He even built me a desk.

But the main reason I like love Scott is because he is real. He is genuine. He is honest, open-minded and willing. He is everything that his Higher Power wants him to be.

Today, Scott celebrates THREE YEARS as a sober man. I am so grateful to be able to call Scott my friend.
Drop by and say hi.

Dakar, Senegal

I've mentioned before that I've spent a lot of time in many countries.
One of my favorite places is Dakar, Senegal. Dakar is the westernmost point on the entire African continent.
I've been surfing You Tube for what I feel are accurate representations of my memories of places.
Welcome to Dakar.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Choices - good and bad

I live in Houston, Texas, the 4th largest city in the United States.
I guess things are pretty good because the local CBS-TV affiliate led off their news with a story about a bridge being renamed for deceased politician Ann Richards.
Don't get me wrong; I was a fan of Ms Richards.
But if this is the biggest news item these pros can come up with, things must be damn good!


THIS should be bigger news. Don't ya think?
Check the demo.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I get to attend my 3 AA meetings today, all before 1pm

that I continue to hear lame excuses from alcoholics on why they relapsed;
they keep me on my spiritual toes

that Zane made a good choice; facts are a great thing to have when a decision must be made

that I'm not flying over the next 10 days when America's airports are their busiest

for some incredibly nice weather here in Houston

that MC's blog , Anonymous Alcoholic, will return on its own time

that I don't even think about the fact I smoked for 36 years any more unless someone asks me how I am doing with the non-smoking; it's just another part of my past-life

for the 8 whole days that this country went before the newly empowered Democrats began scratching each other's eyes out for power over each other - it is nothing short of insanity!
They're acting just like .... Republicans.

that my chronic lower back pains are not terminal LOL

Choices are the hinges of destiny.
-Edwin Markham

Thursday, November 16, 2006

hAAlf nAAked thursdAAy

new rainbow-colored pens that mean absolutely nothing

visit HNT

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that 2 friends made it back to the rooms of AA to pick up a new 24-hour chip yesterday

for the guidance on page 164 of The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

for imperceptible, yet unmistakable messages (feelings?) about the next right thing I need to do

that my imperfections come naturally to me
perfection is waaaay unnatural!

Don't solve your problems, dissolve your problems--so that they should not recur again.
-Yogi Bhajan

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Sex Education

Coasting through the week ...


SOBRIETY IS THE #1 CAUSE OF RELAPSE


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I am not one of the multitude of friends and acquaintances who have relapsed recently; it's an epidemic!

for a meeting topic of favorite AA words and slogans and what they mean to us

that my pride and ego is often tested with mixed results

that I rarely buy into the rhetoric - of anything

that I have time to run errands at my own pace

that a friend and I are presenting a workshop on Steps 8 & 9 next week at our Houston Roundup CLICK HERE for details

that tomorrow is hAAlf nAAked thursdAAy and YOU are invited to participate!

The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others.
-Vincent Van Gogh

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Queens and more ...


I invest my time in what I truly love. Step Eleven is a discipline that allows me and my Higher Power to be together, reminding me that, with God's help, intuition and inspiration are possible. Practice of the Step brings on self-love. In a consistent attempt to improve my conscious contact with a Higher Power, I am subtly reminded of my unhealthy past, with its patterns of grandoise thinking and false feelings of omnipotence. When I ask for the power to carry out God's will for me, I am made aware of my powerlessness. Humility and a healthy self-love are compatible, a direct result of working Step Eleven.
DAILY REFLECTIONS, page 327

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the progress I see in myself as well as so many others

that mistakes can usually be corrected

tha Scott is taking care of himself today

that my friend Bob is back at meetings and lunch -- what a treat!

that I went to see a movie by myself for the first time in probably 30 years -- I saw The Queen and loved it!

that I have the choice of NOT listening to someone else's favorite music when I surf the blogosphere -- alas, the road gets narrower!

Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.
-Thomas Jefferson

Monday, November 13, 2006

Living with purpose

I rarely, if ever, agree with the far-right conservative nor the far-left liberal views. I know it's trendy these days to diss America, but as a proud and patriotic American, I kind of like this quote I received in an email ...

In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America, he said: "A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in... and how many want out."
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

I've spent a lot of time in many countries; some democracies, some dictatorships and some in-between. The USA may have problems, but I'll put up with 'em any day compared to most places.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I took an old family friend (she and Mom have been friends for 53 years) to visit Mom on Saturday

for the great talk I had with that family friend (see above)

for dinner with the ghurls at our favorite Mexican eatery on Saturday eve before Lambda's Saturday Night Live, an AA Speaker Meeting

that I occasionally experience times of wanting to do the next wrong thing, but my recovery program usually doesn't allow me to do that

that I was able to stay in control and avoid panic when a vehicle spun out of control, then crossed the freeway and hit a guardrail only a couple of hundreds yards in front of me!

for Matt's new blog philosophy and appearance

for our last Roundup Committee meeting; the best part is yet to come

The purpose of life is not to be happy. The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.
--Arthur H. Prince

C-Ferg on K-Fed

As Seen on TV

Sunday, November 12, 2006

My Will?


Since coming into the program of AA and recovery, I have at times wondered if I am doing what my HP would have me doing.

I wondered if I was supposed to be working again. ie: get a job

My sponsor told me to just continue doing what I'm doing. He said it would all become clear some day. I have since come to the conclusion that when I am doing The Next Right Thing, I am in God's will.

Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, page 164

For many years I pondered over God's will for me, believing that perhaps a great destiny had been ordained for my life. After all, having been born into a specific faith, hadn't I been told early that I was "chosen"? It finally occurred to me, as I considered the above passage, that God's will for me was simply that I practice Step Twelve on a daily basis.
DAILY REFLECTIONS, page 325

My Cats

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Smart Dog

Did You Know ...

Stuff to remember, in case you already knew it ...

Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggert have written an impressive new book.
It's called "Ministers Do More Than Lay People."

Transvestite: A guy who likes to eat, drink and be Mary.

The difference between the Pope and your boss...the Pope only expects you to kiss his ring.

My mind works like lightning. One brilliant flash and it is gone.

I hate sex in the movies. Tried it once. The seat folded up, the drink spilled and that ice, well, it really chilled the mood.

It used to be only death and taxes were inevitable.
Now, of course, there's shipping and handling, too.

A husband is someone who, after taking the trash out, gives the impression that he just cleaned the whole house.

A blonde said, "I was worried that my mechanic might try to rip me off. I was relieved when he told me all I needed was turn signal fluid."

My neighbor was bit by a stray rabid dog. I went to see how he was and found him writing frantically on a piece of paper. I told him rabies could be treated, and he didn't have to worry about a Will.
He said, "Will? What Will? I'm making a list of the people I want to bite."

Friday, November 10, 2006

Next, the weekend ...

First, we try living in the now just in order to stay sober -- and it works. Once the idea has become a part of our thinking, we find that living life in 24-hour segments is an effective and satisfying way to handle many other matters as well.
DAILY REFLECTIONS, page 169

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I don't need to explain or provide a caption to the picture

that I was able to have my Mom's sore mouth looked after and treated successfully (it's only a challenge because she cannot communicate what she is feeling)

that one of my best friends in recovery is facing some potential serious health problems with Courage and Grace (while not over-reacting like the Queen that he really is - LOL)

that I have lived long enough to have many retired friends

that we have our last scheduled Roundup Committee meeting on Sunday

for long Yahoo! chats with Hayden

that X-Files is on during the wee morning hours

Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better.
-Sydney J. Harris

Thursday, November 09, 2006

hAAlf nAAked thursdAAy



"These are a few of my favorite things"

for a different view,
go here





todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the realization that I couldn't get sober until I developed a concept of something more than another power

that I don't use the word hate nor do I hate anyone, but I do like the quote that I've used today on the last line of this post

to hear an interesting AA story yesterday albeit somewhat difficult to follow

for a mental jam session with a sponsee yesterday evening

that I am now an active member of ebay
(I actually bought something, for the first time)

You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out he hates all the same people you do.
-Anne Lamott

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Hump Day (no photographs)

Those of us who have come to make regular use of prayer would no more do without it than we would refuse air, food, or sunshine. And for the same reason. When we refuse air, light, or food, the body suffers. And when we turn away from meditation and prayer, we likewise deprive our minds, our emotions, and our intuitions of vitally needed support.
TWELVE STEPS and TWELVE TRADITIONS, page 97

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the reminders being thrown in my face this week

that Scott chaired a meeting about surrender - amongst many other things

that keeping a good attitude and being nice to a stranger can reap many rewards

for planning, preparation and presentation (see above & below)

that I completed a major hurdle towards getting a certain someone accepted into a College program

for gains and losses in the elections yesterday

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
-Motto of the Special Olympics

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

My philosophy (as if you care)

My philosophy regarding elections ...
I will never again vote for an incumbent. All politicians do, once they are elected, is try to position themselves for the next election. All of my votes now go to virgins.


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that 4 people asked me for advice on personal situations yesterday -- well, I guess I'm grateful for this but I'm just a middle-aged drunk trying to live one day at a time

for the Tenth Step meeting yesterday - a topic for the ages

for a chat with a newcomer yesterday afternoon at, um, Starbucks

for this weeks topic on SOBRIETY SOCIETY- drop by, read, share

that I will vote later this morning - because I can!

that no matter who wins any particular election, it doesn't get my dander up -- Life is too short to allow some stupid politician to get me all upset. I am reminded that we live in a corrupt society/democracy whether we want to admit it or not. It's been this way for 230 years and it's not likely to change during my lifetime. The government (local, state and federal) continues to operate in spite of itself and who is in charge. The economy flourishes as it goes through its cycles. Our differences lie within our own philosophies and opinions of how the corruption should be applied and who should apply it.
Whatever your opinion may be, exercise your privilege and VOTE!

NOTE: I ALMOST NEVER WRITE HERE ABOUT POLITICS. TODAY IS AN EXCEPTION. PLEASE EXCUSE THIS RANT AND IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN SOON, HOPEFULLY.
MY NAME IS DAVID, I'M AN ALCOHOLIC AND I APPROVED THIS MESSAGE.

Don't try to solve serious matters in the middle of the night.
-Philip K. Dick

Monday, November 06, 2006

It's So Obvious ...


Someone sent me a collection of Short Letters to God. I'll post one each day this week and maybe next week, except for hAAlf-nAAked thursdAAy, of course.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

It Is What It Is

that every day I have the opportunity to learn something I did not know the day before

for all of my commitments that force me to get out of the house

that I have my own personal and unique ways of isolating, often undetectable at first glance

that I am at least aware how my isolating is NOT my HP's will for me as it keeps me from doing good things for myself and others

for Starbucks, even by myself

that I got to listen (on Saturday Night) to a friend and fellow blogger tell a room full of recovering alcoholics his personal tale of addiction, lying, cheating and deception AND see how he has acknowledged and faced those problems with Courage and Grace and Dignity

One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Sunday, November 05, 2006

AussieBum

Click on the Pic

Imagine

A very important person is watching your every action, listening to your every word, and knows your every thought. That person is you.

Imagine yourself a year from now, looking back on today. Imagine your future self being exceedingly thankful for the way you lived this day. Then step forward and live today with that in mind. Think, speak and act in such a way that the person you will become inherits many positive benefits from the person you are right now. Confidence, integrity, strength and effectiveness do not simply appear out of nowhere. They are built by the way you live your life. And now is your opportunity to live in a powerful, positive way that will benefit your life for a long time to come. Now is your chance to make your future self thankful for the empowering paths you choose to take.

-- Ralph Marston

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Bad Hangover

My Murano


I've never named any of my cars before. But it seems to be the trendy thing to do.

Any suggestions?

Friday, November 03, 2006

Listening carefully

"Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out."

I am studying Step 11 with two friends in recovery. I read this passage this morning ...

If I do my self-examination first, then surely, I'll have enough humility to pray and meditate -- because I'll see and feel my need for them. Some wish to begin and end with prayer, leaving the self-examination and meditation to take place in between, whereas others start with meditation, listening for advice from God about their still hidden or unacknowledged defects. Still others engage in written and verbal work on their defects, ending with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. These three-- self-examination, meditation and prayer -- form a circle, without a beginning or an end. No matter where, or how, I start, I eventually arrive at my destination: a better life.
DAILY REFLECTIONS, page 316

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for good news from my Mom -- her diabetes is well under control lately

that Mom and I can have a good laugh together, even under less than desireable circumstances

for a really good Step 1 meeting yesterday and another good meeting about change and that today I get to go to 3 meetings

to be able to chat with friends in recovery at 4 o'clock in the morning (on the computer)

to own a car that has 104 total miles on it as I sit here and type

that I am most likely going to have a wonderful weekend - I hope you do too!

that the 2006 elections will be over in a few days

my name is dAAve and I approved this message.

The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.
-Hadia Bejar

Thursday, November 02, 2006

hAAlf nAAked thursdAAy

I didn't have much time to prepare a good photo, so just be satisfied with this one.

see the other entries for today



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I see recovery-in-action every day and sometimes it's in me!

that I got to listen to the drunken mess of a life that was once lived by a friend of mine

for continuing good health;
what more can I ask for, yet is so easy to take for granted?

that I bought a new car yesterday with total serenity and considerable cash (a Nissan Murano in case you're interested)

to see a friend-in-recovery at the car dealership yesterday - turns out she works there! That reminds me -- I forgot to mention that in September when Hayden was here, we were in Tomball, Texas visiting my Mom and walked into a local grocery store. Bam! There was a friend from Lambda Center. Tomball is 35 miles away; out in the sticks.

Friendship is a promise of future loyalty, loyalty no matter what comes. Promises are the bricks of life and trust is the mortar.
-Stephen Carter, "The Emperor of Ocean Park"

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

It Works ...


Didn't you always hate "The Day After?"
----->>



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I had a very productive day, getting a lot of little things done

to see people keep trying to "get it" and that I have the experience to remind them "not to give up 5 minutes before the miracle"

that doing things spontaneously doesn't require too much planning

for the 3 years I spent working offshore, on a 150' boat

for my past lifetime, but more importantly, for this lifetime

for the concept of proper cell phone etiquette

Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.
-R.E. Shay