Still a mess

the main bridge onto Galveston Island, after Hurricane Ike



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I continue to be an alcoholic who doesn't drink and a nicotine addict who doesn't smoke

that my life has a chance to return to some normality, beginning today (although in some ways, I'm still a mess)

that we had a very successful (apparently) housewarming party on Saturday. The caterer was wonderful, relieving H & I of any and all food responsibilities. We had about 100 in attendance throughout the course of the evening. The last guests left about 1am. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get them from the photographer.

that O.J. Simpson was found guilty last Friday, although I don't know enough of the details to make that judgement myself; my feeling is that there's some justice (karma) going on here

Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young.
-Fred Astaire

hAAlf nAAked thursdAAy

With the enactment of a new Houston city ordinance, Lambda Center is now a non-smoking facility.

Sure glad I stopped smoking when I did. It's just one less thing I have to deal with.

Visit a few other friends whose lives have gone up in smoke, some of whom are flamers...

CLICK HERE


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that, for me, reality comes with responsibility

that all problems have solutions

that many solutions don't happen the way I want or envision

for good ideas from my therapist

for Hayden's support at meetings

for all the comments left here yeterday by Pam, Mary Christine, Scott W, Shannon, las, peanut, lisa, drew's sis, anonymous, syd, johno, kathy lynne and tab

that I may get a break on my health/medical insurance policy now because of stopping smoking

for memories of watching The Flintstone's when I was about 6 years old (1960) and that Walt Disney brought programs to me in living color

To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end in life.
-Baruch Spinoza

Looking @ Life

Last Saturday, I went to an Astros baseball game. I took this picture from my seat.

It was the first time at any baseball game since 1971 (age 17) that I didn't smoke a cigarette. That would total at least 2000 games. It was like seeing baseball through a new pair of glasses (I just had to say that!).

Today marks 6 months since I became a non-smoker after 36 years of smoking 3 packs/day. It's been very easy. Thanks again to Allen Carr, who wrote "The Easy Way To Stop Smoking."


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for some good AA sharing regarding fear; I think fear is the basis of almost all of man's actions and thoughts; probably some women too

that I have managed to reduce my incidents of isolating by as much as 90% since I began therapy with a professional

that I attended a 40th birthday party of a wonderful friend

that Scott W experiences the same feelings that I do in some social situations

that there are many parts of my personality that will never change no matter how much I may want them to and I am OK with that

for my daily conversations with Hayden in Trinidad

that TNT knows drama

God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them. -Aughey