Do you identify with any of these? part 1

I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can’t wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that’s not only better, but also more directly involves me.

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f*** was going on when I first saw it.

I think everyone has a movie that they love so much; it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

Was learning cursive really necessary?

Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.


BY THE WAY ... today I celebrate 2192 consecutive days (6 years) of living without any alochol in my body.

It's Friday and it's large

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the examples set before me by my peers and my mentors

that I rarely get discouraged, about anything

that my friend Scott W. has a gallery showing this weekend
CORRECTION: his gallery opening is on the 12th -- sorry about that

that it's Friday and I get to attend 3 AA meetings before lunch (LOL)

for the life that's been given to me

that my nephew is in stable condition, but still has severe brain trauma from his motorcycle accident


You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
- Dale Carnegie

cleaning and changing

CLICK HERE for detailed instructions as to the correct method to clean your monitor's screen.



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

to see people change

that I had and continue to have the courage to change

that I've never cared to be popular, but I've always liked to be liked


In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.
- Deepak Chopra

Life as it happens

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I'm so much more productive on a daily basis when I am not drinking or smoking maryjane

for the concept and practice of Step 3

that I didn't lose my temper (too badly) while trying to register online for the International AA convention. The website wouldn't take my credit card payment. After waiting for about 20 minutes on hold, the nice lady on the other end of the phoneline told me that their server crashed because of the enormous volume of people trying to register and pay. She told me to try again in a day or two. Step 3. Whatever.

By the end of the night, it was all fixed and I am now registered. Hope to see you guys in San Antonio next July.

that my 30 year-old nephew is now in stable, albeit very critical condition after being air-lifted via a very expensive air ambulance from Barbados to a Miami hospital. He's had 2 surgeries to repair broken bones and had lost most of his blood which has been replaced. He is still in a coma 10 days after his umpteenth motorcycle accident.

Change your thoughts, and you change your world.
- Norman Vincent Peale

A memorable anniversary

Momma cat Hayley with her 7 kitten litter September 1, 2003.

These are the 2 kittens I kept. They are 4 years old in this picture. Today, they are 6 years old.



todAAy i AAM grAAteful & thAAnkful


6 years ago today, I was waking up from one of my worst ever drunk nights. After more than 12,000 days and nights of drinking, I was done. Later in the day, I found out about my atrocious behavior from the day before. I came close to being robbed and possibly murdered by a street hustler and remembered absolutely nothing about it.
I now know that I had hit my bottom. I can think of no better words to use than incomprehensible demorilzation. I will do anything to never feel that way again. But I am stubborn. I drank again that day and the next 3 days. It wasn't until September 4th at a noon AA meeting that I had my psychic change, my spiritual awakening.

that I know my experience can benefit others

for my personal best on the elliptical (cardio) machine yesterday -- 1 hour!!
-- for someone who smoked 3 packs/day for 36 years and now has Peripheral Artery Disease, that's an accomplishment I didn't think I could do


What you do may seem insignificant, but it's important that you do it.
- Mahatma Gandhi

surfing on a Monday morning

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for possibly the most enjoyable AA Birthday night I've experienced (so far) at Lambda Center. There were 44 people celebrating with a total of 608 years of continuous sobriety. The meeting lasted for about 2 1/2 hours but it seemed to fly by. I saw people I rarely see and there were many family members present to support their alcoholic.

that by watching those around me, I find out what works --- and what doesn't!

for fellowship with other recovering alkies

that I know the proper use of the English language, unlike so many of those in the public media

for this link to This Week in Holy Crimes --- you gotta see this!

Don’t let go of the vine.
- Johnny Weissmuller, film's Tarzan

animal thievery

in (the) service

A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.

"Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something bothering you?"
"Negative, ma'am. Just serious by nature."

The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, "It looks like you have seen a lot of action.
"Yes, ma'am, a lot of action."

The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, "You know, you should lighten up. Relax and enjoy yourself."

The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner. Finally the young lady said, "You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time you had sex?"
"1955, ma'am."
"Well, there you are. No wonder you're so serious. You really need to chill out! I mean, no sex since 1955!"

She took his hand and led him to a private room where she proceeded to "relax" him several times. Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned against his bare chest and said, "Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955."

The Sergeant Major said in his serious voice, after glancing at his watch, "I hope not; it's only 2130 now."

well-balanced?

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the summary of the Twelve Steps found on pages 107-109 of TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS.

that I can be of help without even trying

that I have to be on constant guard to be weary of my instincts and motives

that I'm becoming less and less likely to get involved in your insanity

that I try to make my life balanced by diversifying my interests and activities

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
- Epictetus

Get it?

I hear many people complain about other drivers talking on their cell phones while driving. This goes for texting as well, which must be much much more dangerous. This video PSA from the UK has been making the rounds. It's very graphic, but goes right to the point.




todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that Andrew E. shared what it was like, what happened and what it's like now as his experiences apply to the 12 steps

that I tend to use all of the 12 steps to maintain my recovery, not just steps 10-12

that I do my best (usually) to Keep It Simple

for the Double Winner Al-Anon group that meets on Wednesday nights

And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
- Anais Nin

... and now, for something

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I woke up sober again this morning; it's getting to be a habit

that Saturday night at Lambda promises to be an enjoyable birthday night; we have about 40 people celebrating sober anniversaries

for my health

that I'm no longer in school, but I'll always be a student

for the life of Ted Kennedy. His dedication to service is an example I need to remember, regardless of what I may have thought of his politics.

The only difference between stumbling blocks and steppingstones is the way in which we use them.
- Unknown

More is being revealed

I never did this!



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful


I have always thought I was a very functional alcoholic at work. But it has now occurred to me that I would never have hired me if I knew my details. Oh, I got the job done allright. I did enough to get by. Since I didn't have a boss looking over my shoulder, I could work at my own pace usually. If it could wait until tomorrow, great. That meant I could head off to a bar earlier.

Today, though, I think I'm a functioning alcoholic. Thanks to A.A. for introducing me to my own Higher Power.

that I went to the regular Monday Night Beginner's Meeting last night; it was very good

that I wasn't traded in as a clunker. Whew!

The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear.
- Maya Angelou

all over the place today

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for some good Eleventh Step meetings recently, both showing me and reminding me of things I need to be doing

that I have solutions to all of the problems I have encountered so far in sobriety

for the Houston Roundup Service Auction held Saturday which raised several thousand dollars for their operating expenses

for Sunday breakfast with sober friends

that Mary Christine hasn't lost her job

to have the opportunity to witness some giant leaps in recovery in a friend

that I now begin working out at the gym without a trainer; personal budget cuts have resulted in giving up this luxury (if this ain't a high-class problem, I don't know what is LOL)

Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.
- Mahatma Gandhi

NOTE: for a good story, Click here

football season is upon us

In honor of all of you football fans

Power tools for you

projecting nothing

These are sold in Washington D.C.

(click on the picture to enlarge)


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that when I begin my day with a conscious contact with my HP, the rest of my day usually consists of a sub-conscious contact

for an extended period of no drama in my life resulting in a very, very serene and joyful last 2 or 3 weeks

that today's story is yet to be written


What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.
- Mother Teresa

Tale of the Tape

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my terminal illness seems to be under control as long as I continue the treatment

that usually the right things happen when I do the right things; when they don't, I have the steps to work things out

that I'm continuing my commitment to an Al-Anon Double Winner group on Wednesday nights; I'm not sure what benefits I am getting from it, but I'm prepared to not give up


The first sight of maturity is the discovery that the volume knob also turns to the left.
- Chicago Tribune

part of the journey

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the gift of living another day as a sober alcoholic

that I have learned from the experience of others, not to offer a spare bed to a newcomer. I know 3 people who have done so in the past month. This has resulted in a stolen car, stolen jewelry and a severe beating.

that Step Twelve shows me how to carry the message and not the mess!

that I am not a taxi driver, a banker, a landlord or a marriage/relationship counsellor


Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with.
- Mark Twain

Prayer and Meditation

todAAy i AAM grAAteful & thAAnkful


for a good Step Eleven meeting yesterday. "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."


People discussed their experience with practicing this step in their own lives. Someone shared how they over-analyzed those words and how they made life more difficult. I like to keep things as simple as possible.

As I practice Step 11, I utilize Bill W's definition of humility (I use this often for many applications). "A clear recognition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to become what we could be." Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 58

Connecting those thoughts and concepts means (to me) that I do my best with what I've been given. It means that I should do the next right thing in each and every situation as the day moves forward.

Every morning, I ask for guidance to do these things as I make a conscious contact with my HP.
Not difficult at all. As long as I remember to use these tools.


What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.
- Yiddish proverb

Beginning another week of retirement

Elvis and MJ have been found alive (click on the picture to enlarge)



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my current job is practicing the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

that my obsessions today are much less fatal than drinking alcohol (the way I drank it)

for a no-drama life these days

that we had a fun surprise birthday party for Bob S., (33 years sober), who celebrated his 86th year on Earth last Friday

that the Not Ready For Sobriety players presented a preview of their play on Saturday as a Lambda fundraiser. They will perform it again next July in San Antonio at the 2010 Alcoholics Anonymous International Convention.

that I've been making an effort to work outside (yard work) for at least an hour each day, even in this atrocious heat


What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

courage and heroes

Added bonus for the day ...
Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems.

Health care input ...

The American Medical Association has weighed in on the new economic healthcare scheme.


The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologist had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.

The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.

Ophthalmologists considered the idea short sighted.

Pathologists yelled, “Over my dead body!” while the Pediatricians said,“Oh, Grow up!”

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.

Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.

The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, “This puts a whole new face on the matter.”

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.

The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the decision up to the assholes in Washington.”

that's all folks!

Out of this world !

I take the space shuttle launch for granted. Back in the 60's though, rocket launches were a spectacle. And quite spectacular. Here's the Apollo 11 launch of the Saturn V rocket.




todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the launch of my sobriety 2170 days ago

that I'm not spaced out any more (at least, not from drinking)

that I was rocketed into a new dimension when I completed my initial amends



Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't.
- Richard Bach

pretty much

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a first-time newcomer at the noon meeting yesterday

that he joined us at lunch after the meeting; there were 18 of us at lunch at the local cafeteria

that my fears are pretty much under control

that I pretty much know how to handle resentments

that I pretty much feel comfortable around others

for the lovely thunderstorm we had yesterday afternoon; only got a half-inch of rain, but no complaints here


Hope is like a road in the country; there wasn't ever a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.
- Lin Yutang

Only 2 days until Friday

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I just about always have hope, except in my last days of drinking

that my program of recovery is mine and seems to work just fine -- for me!

that I have seen both sides of the fence

that I've made it easer to comment on this blog (for now); no more moderation

that I'm happy to spend life at and/or near home; I spent many years travelling and living in hotels during my drinking years

for HGTV and especially, David Bromstad


You wake up in the morning, and your purse is magically filled with twenty-four hours of unmanufactured tissue of the universe of your life! It is yours. It is the most precious of possessions. No one can take it from you. And no one receives either more or less than you receive.
- Dr. Thomas Arnold Bennett

just typing thru

• 
  an oldie but a goodie (IMHO)
  
  Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road.
  
  As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride.
  
  With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.
  
  Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to
  Sally.
  
  'What in bag?' asked the old woman.
  
  Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, 'It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.'
  
  The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said:
  
  'Good trade.....'
  
  
  todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful
  
  for in-depth conversations with sponsees
  
  that I know my limitations, although I don't always remember them
  
  that Step 10 helps me to practice these principles in all my affairs ...
  
• honesty
• hope
• faith
• courage
• integrity
• willingness
• humility
• compassion
• discipline
• perseverance
• awareness of my HP
• service
  
  First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
  - Mahatma Gandhi

One year ago ...

My Mom
February 17, 1923- August 10, 2008

(this picture was in 1966)



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for all the things my Mom taught me ...

...about unconditional love
...about being helpful to others
...about being nice to others
...about being responsible
...about never giving up
...math (with flip cards) LOL
...how to die gracefully and with dignity
...about the world in general


I'd rather be able to face myself in the bathroom mirror than be rich and famous.
- Ani DiFranco

a Johnny Carson classic

This was always one of my favorites bits from the Carson show.
For you young ones, the actor is Jack Webb who starred in the TV show, Dragnet.

Sweet Georgia Brown

and now, for something a little different ...

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - With a revoked license because of a previous drunken-driving conviction, Dennis Cretton shouldn't drive. But authorities said that didn't stop the 49-year-old man from drunkenly driving up to a gas station for more beer — on his yellow riding lawnmower.

Cretton was charged with felony aggravated driving under the influence after neighbors reported he was weaving in and out of traffic on his lawnmower Friday night.

When deputies tried to stop him, authorities said Bretton drove the mower into his home's front yard, his 12-pack of Milwaukee's Best spilling onto the ground along the way.

busy, busy, busy

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that feeling good (and spiritually fit) is not a trigger for me to lower my standards

for the few (percentage-wise) alkies that make it back to the rooms of AA after relapsing

that I intuitively know how to handle many more situations than I used to (every morning in my first conscious contact with my HP, I ask for the guidance to do the next right thing so that I can be the best I can be. Most of the time, it is no longer necessary for me to have to sit and think what that next right thing is. I just seem to know what to do. If it turns out to be the wrong thing, I have Step 10 to rely on.)

that I have a pretty busy schedule today, so I'm off to the gym in a few minutes to be there when it opens at 5am; I'll end the day at an Astros baseball game tonight

that I love recovery!!


When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'
- Sydney J. Harris

I may not be Smart, but I'm alive

Below is a photo of a wreck in Jefferson Parish, LA (near New Orleans ) between two trucks and a Smart Car. Think I'll pass on the Smart Car.
I wonder if there were any injuries.....

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for this bit written by Syd yesterday - "My contentment stems from an understanding that perfectionism sets me at a distance from others. And that distance enhances my feelings of being different which leads down a treacherous path. As Mark Nepo writes: 'The devastating truth is that excellence can't hold you in the night, and .......being demanding or sophisticated won't help you survive.' "
(and yes, I received his permission to reprint this)

for the positive feeback I get when I do things for somebody (besides me)

that I enjoy the Al-Anon meetings I am attending each week

for the good times I had for many years with my friend Johnny Brown, who died on Tuesday of a heart attack. Johnny was a normal drinker, but could put 'em down with the best of us. Johnny was active for 40 years in Houston Rugby, most recently as coach of the St Thomas High School Rugby team.. He was a gentleman who was totally unselfish and a great cook. He'll be missed by the countless peoples whose lives he touched.

that those 2 women were released form North Korea. To put it in perspective though, it was barely reported that they were sent there by Al Gore and then Bill Clinton had to help them get free. I think it sets a very nasty precedent for future "kidnappings" by those states that don't like this country or feel they can benefit from such media coverage.
Sorry, I know this may not have much to do with recovery, but I just had to get that out.


One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.
- Sigmund Freud

Winning the lottery ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

we read from the Big Book yesterday in the Tuesday 6:30am meeting. Our reading was from the 4th edition, pages 268-276, entitled "The Keys of the Kingdom." One of my favorites.

"We watch the alcoholic performing in a position of responsibility, and we know that because he is drinking heavily and daily, he has cut his capacities by 50 percent, and still he seems able to do a satisfactory job."

This concept kept me from ever wanting to modify or moderate my drinking. I was the "functional" alkie who didn't need to stop. Thus, I was 49 years old before any change took place. (So was this guy, but he can tell you about that.)

"A.A. is not a plan for recovery that can be finished and done with. It is a way of life, and the challenge contained in its principles is great enough to keep any human being striving for as long as he lives. We do not, cannot, outgrow this plan. As arrested alcoholics, we must have a program for living that allows for limitless expansion. Keeping one foot in front of the other is essential for maintaining our arrestment."

I love this concept that A.A. is a design for living, custom-tailored just for me.

"A complete change takes place in our approach to life. Where we used to run from responsibility, we find ourselves accepting it with gratitude that we can successfully shoulder it. Instead of wanting to escape some perplexing problem, we experience the thrill of challenge in the opportunity it affords for another application of A.A. techniques, and we find ourselves tackling it with surprising vigor."

"In return for a bottle and a hangover, we have been given the Keys of the Kingdom."



When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall, always.
- Mahatma Gandhi

no brainers

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I have so many choices -- it's almost overwhelming (almost)

that life is so much easier when my side of the street is clean

to know that I don't have all the answers; hell, I rarely have any of them

that the Twelve Steps offer ways to keep that street clean

that I got to see and briefly speak with Beau over the weekend


The miracle is this--the more we share, the more we have.
- Leonard Nimoy

Surprise!!

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that most of my "sins" today are those of omission rather than commission

that my friend Norris is getting out and about more often after being ill for the past 6 or 7 months

that I have NO desire to go to a bar any more. It seems like a lot of my friends-in-recovery are going out to bars. When I sit and analyze that, I realize that many of them are chronic relapsers. Definitely a pattern there.
hmmmmmmmmmmm

that my friend Zane is celebrating another (belly button) birthday today -- he's 29 39 49 59 older than me


Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
- Abraham Lincoln

on being toilet trained

The Good The Bad The Ugly

Living and Letting Live

cool house!


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that as I practice being the best person I can be in my new life, I am learning to let others dislike me without having to show them why they're wrong. In my past life, I would have gone out of my way and done everything in my power to force them to like me. No more.

for the bad behavior I haven't done. Yet.

for a new recovery blogger, Diane.
She can be found at This Sober Life (click here)

that I stopped trying to get as tan as possible many years ago; I may still get skin cancer sometime in my future, but not because of my actions these days


Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel.
~~ unknown

color not needed

a friend of mine snapped this B&W photo of me as I was departing Lambda Center


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I was on hand yesterday to hear Rashann E. relate what it was like, what happened and what it's like now

that I get to chair the 6:30am group each Wednesday in August

that I went to the Double Winner Al-Anon group last night where the main topic was shame and how we learn to deal with it. I really identified with the shares.


No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.
- Helen Keller

Breakfast

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I enjoy participating in my sober life

for my passions -- sobriety, recovery, my loved ones and my friends, my health, and of course, you

that I have enough clarity of thought to know when someone has overstepped proper boundaries

that I got some financial stuff straightened out -- one of the banks I use was merged into the JP Morgan Chase family and routing numbers and account numbers needed adjusting

CLICK HERE for a little explanation of The Universe by former Monty Python actor Eric Idle


Envy someone and it pulls you down. Admire them and it builds you up. Which makes more sense?
- Elvis Presley

Watching my step(s)

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the answers I get when I keep a conscious contact with my HP

that my first (original) amends list was short because I had so many blackouts for so many years, I don't remember most of the people and situations to which I would owe an amends

that I learn from others even when they don't know they're teaching

that almost 43% of statistics are made up on the spot


Imagination was given to us to compensate for what we are not; a sense of humor was given to us to console us for what we are.
- Mark McGinnis

off in the distance ...

During their walk on the lunar surface one of the astronauts (probably Buzz Aldrin) snapped this photo of the Lunar Module with Earth almost directly above.

todAay i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that sobriety brings me more perspective

for a fulfilling and exhilarating experience as guest speaker at an AA meeting in Austin, Texas. The last 2 times I "told my story", I was 15-20 minutes short of the alloted time period. Saturday night, however, the words seemed to just flow and I could have easily spoken for another hour I think. Instead of telling about my drunken days and nights, I focused on the unmanageable feelings of obsession and behavior behind my alcoholism.
It felt really good to get some of that stuff out in front of a group of recovering alkies.

that Steps 1, 2 and 3 got me sober

for lunch @ Luby's with the guys & girls


Nothing lowers the level on conversation more than raising the voice.
- Stanley Horowitz

Hollywood Squares (revisited)

If you remember the Original Hollywood Squares and its comics, this may bring a tear to your
eyes. These great questions and answers are from the days when "Hollywood Squares" game show responses were spontaneous and clever, not scripted and (often) dull, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course.


Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmo, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?
A. Rose Marie: No; wait until morning.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.

Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say "I Love You"?
A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty.

Q. What are "Do It," "I Can Help," and "I Can't Get Enough"?
A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.

Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture
you'll never forget.

Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?
A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics,
what is the other?
A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?
A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the CampFireGirls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?
A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Obama getting snubbed

This was when our President was in Russia recently. Very disrespectful.

Surprise ...

todAAy i AAM grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I don't need to look for any reason to drink. Nothing, absolutely nothing, will get better if I drink.

for integrity, which begins at home

that my friend, Mary Christine, celebrates 25 consecutive years of living without alcohol today!

that I can slow myself down when I'm under the weather; my instinct is to just keep attacking life

that I should have a nice weekend, punctuated by a speaker meeting in Austin tomorrow night (I get to be the speaker!)


To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.
- Katherine Paterson

as things become a little clearer

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that more IS revealed, just like you guys told me would happen

that I got to know Bill A. a little bit better when he shared some of his experience, strength and hope yesterday

for the various amounts of hope I receive as a result of being in recovery

that the Energizer Bunny was arrested; he was charged with battery.

Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.
- Tao Te Ching

cat and mouse

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a lively noon AA meeting yesterday. Sometimes, personalities take control over principles, but I can just sit back and watch when I'm not in charge.

that most of my fears may never be removed, but they are mostly manageable

that I have a very comfortable home to spend my time in

that I'm not a fairweather baseball fan, nor a fairweather alcoholic-in-recovery. I work 'em both 24/7.

Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life.
- Foster C. McClellan

on the road to recovery ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I know the way to a fast resolution of my anger and resentments

for Step 7 and the humility that has come about because of its practice

for my extensive recovery tool box; I just have to remember to use it

for the multitude and wide range of folks whose blogs I've had the pleasure of reading. Steve of Another Sober Alcoholic is retiring (for now) and while I hate to see him go, I am glad I got to know him a little bit over the past year. I doubt that any of us will be blogging forever, so the times we have together are not to be taken for granted. Just like life, eh?

that it’s always darkest before dawn. So if you’re going to steal your neighbor’s newspaper, that’s the time to do it.


Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention.
- Greg Anderson


NOTE: Does anyone know whatever happened to Mark of A Dozen Steps Reborn?

July 20, 1969

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I'll go through today doing my best; I never know what that's gonna look like though

for the professionalism and humanity of Walter Cronkite; 60 Minutes did a show on him last night which really brought back some memories and showed the personal side of the man as well

that I got to be a judge in the annual Lambda Talent Show -- it was a fabulous evening!

for NASA and all it has given back to our society -- you probably know that today is the 40th anniversary of the 1st moon landing

that I reached 200,000 hits on this blog and 400,000 page views over the weekend

that we got some really meaningful rain over the weekend, but our drought continues

Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.
- Bill Gates

one of my favorites ...

After Quasimodo’s death, the bishop of the Cathedral of Notre Dame sent word through the streets of Paris that a new bell ringer was needed.
The bishop decided that he would conduct the interviews personally and went up into the belfry to begin the screening process.

After observing several applicants demonstrate their skills, he had decided to call it a day when an armless man approached him and announced that he was there to apply for the bell ringer’s job.
The bishop was incredulous. “You have no arms!””No matter,” said the man. “Observe!” And he began striking the bells with his face, producing a beautiful melody on the carillon.
The bishop listened in astonishment; convinced he had finally found a replacement for Quasimodo. But suddenly, rushing forward to strike a bell, the armless man tripped and plunged headlong out of the belfry window to his death in the street below.
The stunned bishop rushed to his side. When he reached the street, a crowd had gathered around the fallen figure, drawn by the beautiful music they had heard only moments before. As they silently parted to let the bishop through, one of them asked, “Bishop, who was this man?”
“I don’t know his name,” the bishop sadly replied,.. “But his face rings a bell.”

WAIT! WAIT!
There’s more..........The following day, despite the sadness that weighed heavily on his heart
due to the unfortunate death of the armless campanologist, the bishop continued his interviews for the bell ringer of Notre Dame.
The first man to approach him said, “Your Excellency, I am the brother of the poor armless wretch that fell to his death from this very belfry yesterday. I pray that you honor his life by allowing me to replace him in this duty.”
The bishop agreed to give the man an audition, and, as the armless man’s brother stooped, picked up a mallet and struck the bells as beautifully as his brother. But as he finished, he groaned, clutched at his chest, twirled around and died on the spot.
Two monks, hearing the bishop’s cries of grief at this second tragedy, rushed up the stairs to his side. “What has happened? Who is this man?” the first monk asked breathlessly.
“I don’t know his name,” sighed the distraught bishop, "but... he’s a Dead Ringer for His Brother.”

the Lord of the New Dance

Britain certainly does have talent!!

useful info

HOW TO STAY AWAKE AT MEETINGS

1. Before (or during) your next meeting, seminar, or conference call, prepare yourself by drawing a square. 5”x 5” is a good size. Divide the card into columns, five across and five down. That will give you 25 one-inch blocks.
2. Write one of the following words/phrases in each block:

· synergy * strategic fit * core competencies * best practice * bottom line * revisit * take that off-line * 24/7 * out of the loop * benchmark * value-added * pro-active * win-win * think outside the box * fast track * result-driven * empower (or empowerment) * knowledge base * at the end of the day * touch base * mind-set * client focus(ed) * paradigm * game plan * leverage and last but not least ...... * MOVING FORWARD

3. Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words/phrases.

4. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, stand up and shout, “BULLSHIT!”


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for my part in carrying out Step 7

that I'm unique. Just like everyone else.

that I was reminded (from reading Boston's blog) that my thinking is so often flawed and that few things in life are as bad or as dangerous or as uncomfortable as I think they will be

that I am recognizing the fact that I just don't know how to be successful in a relationship; but I keep on trying

that I get to be a judge in a sober talent show this weekend @ Lambda Center

You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
- Christopher Robin to Pooh

a waste of good glass

todAAy i AAM grAAteful & thAAnkful

to be objective, at least where others are concerned

that my personal definition of humility has changed from meaning to be modest to being teachable

for the joy of in-depth discussion of Step 1 with a new sponsee

that my life has taken so many turns, I don't think I'll ever be straight!


Yearn to understand first and to be understood second.
- Beca Lewis Allen

a good day was had

another farewell to MJ ...




todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful that

that I am not worrying about what time I'll start getting drunk today

that I spent most of yesterday doing service work; in other words, staying out of my own head, which is just what the doctor ordered

for the early members of Alcoholics Anonymous and the trials and errors they endured

that things seem to be going pretty good in my life. I wonder what I'm overlooking.


If you are losing a tug-of-war with a tiger, give him the rope before he gets to your arm. You can always buy a new rope.
- Max Gunther

just passing through

todAAy iAAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that even though I've felt a little depressed the past few days, it's not a career-ending injury.
It will pass.

that I've been able to diagnose the reason I feel the way I do

that feelings are not facts

for all the people in my life

for a somewhat renewed effort to workout a bit harder

that I am in shape. Round is a shape isn't it?

Beware the barrenness of a busy life.
- Socrates

this may be the best-ever commercial

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I woke up sober again this morning; no hangover, no blackout, no new enemies

that we all come from a different mold

that Mary Christine is back

for a little reminder from Scott about being silly - I always have been, so why stop now?

Speak when you're angry, and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.
- Lawrence J. Peter


NOTE: With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment it is worth reflecting on the death of a very special person that went almost unnoticed last week.

Larry La Prise, the man who wrote the song “The Hokey Pokey” died peacefully at age 93.
The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin.
They put his left leg in.
And then the trouble started.

a lesson in patience

A lady was video taping her son riding a skate board when her attention switched to an old woman trying to cross the street. You might need to watch it twice to get the full effect on the driver. You can hear the photographer giggling as she records the event.

beer is very thinning

Have a Great day... unless you choose otherwise

July 2008 and July 2009


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I seem to have one more day of sobriety than yesterday -- that's cool!

for another day to not participate in the character defects I don't like anymore

for my Friday's - I attend AA meetings at 6:30am,. 10:00am and 12:15pm

that we closed on our new house 365 days ago; note the small differences in the pix above


Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards.
- Robert Orben

going forward

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I'm gonna do my best today. I'll never get another chance to experience today.

to hear about Brian B.'s experience yesterday. His progress since coming into AA is palpable.

that I attended the Double Winner Al-Anon meeting again last night. Last week (the inaugural meeting) there were 30 people. Last night, there were 58 of us. It's my second consecutive Al-Anon meeting, but I've gone to about 6 or 7 during the past 4 years. I am confused about how "consecutive" meetings are counted. From what I understand, I have to attend 6 consecutive meetings before I am a member. Kind of confusing to me. (any thoughts, Syd?)


I'd rather be a failure at something I enjoy than a success at something I hate.
- George Burns

07-08-09

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that yesterday in our 6:30am Big Book study, we read one of the stories in the 4th edition called "The Vicious Cycle". I really identified with this exerpt where the author is talking about taking that first drink ... "I could feel it go right through every bit of my body and down to my very toes. But each drink after the first seemed to become less effective, and after three or four, they all seemed like water."

that I have all day to practice these principles ...
1 Honesty
2 Hope
3 Faith
4 Courage
5 Integrity
6 Willingness
7 Humility
8 Compassion
9 Discipline
10 Perseverance
11 Awareness of God
12 Service


One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.
- Francesco Guicciardini

stepping forward

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

to those with courage in any of its forms

for the positive results of stepping through the unknown to get to the other side

to know that half measures won't work for me if I want to stay serene

that I must exhibit some integrity if I am to be the sponsor I wish to be

that I am not attending Michael Jackson's Memorial today, but will probably see a little bit of it on the telly (@ Lambda Center)

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
- Charles A. Beard

I am Curious ... From what I've read, MJ's estate is still worth a net of about $500 million. Yet he had filed for bankruptcy. How does this occur? Any accountants out there who can 'splain this to me?

And why can't his estate pay the cost of security in LA for this memorial service?

moving forward

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the concept of rigorous honesty, in the context of Alcoholics Anonymous

for the honesty of my friend, Laura L.

that Shann (TodAAy) celebrates 16 consecutive years of sobriety today

that I have cleaned up my side of the street and have every intention of keeping it that way

for the companionship of my 3 cats

Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help, and what he cannot help.
- Thomas Fuller

it's a burglary

the 4th

If you have sex with a prostitute against her will, is it considered rape or shoplifting?
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Can you cry under water?

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How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

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Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What disease did cured ham actually have?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

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Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

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Why do doctors leave the room while you change?

They're going to see you naked anyway.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

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Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

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If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hy does a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?

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If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

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Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?

They're both dogs!

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If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

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Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Friday morning

Pastor Quinn, the gay converter


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I still prefer to stay involved; with my partner out of the country for an extended time, it's important that I remain active

for the cycles that make up my life

for the boundaries that I maintain

that I am off to the gym for cardio at 5am today


I have learned through bitter experience the one supreme lesson: to conserve my anger, and as heat conserved is transmitted into energy, even so our anger controlled can be transmitted into a power...
- Mahatma Gandhi

down home, at home

Look what the cat brought in


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my friend Jesse J. told his story of experience, strength and hope yesterday

that I went to the inaugural meeting of a Double Winners group last night at Lambda Center; I can sure use me some good Al-Anon

that I only have one life to live, but I get to live it in 2 very distinct halves

for the PBS show, American Masters, which highlighted Garrison Keillor last night

There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.
- Leonard Cohen

It's already Wednesday!

Jaywalking





todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that miracles never cease

for the wide range of people I've met in the rooms of AA

for the wider range of people I've yet to meet in the rooms of AA

that I've been lucky enough to go to AA meetings in Houston, Palm Springs, New York City, London, Costa Rica and Trinidad. Later this month, I get to speak at a meeting in Austin.

for spontaneity; I plan it as often as possible


If I have learned one thing in this life, it is that God will not tie my shoes without me.
- Doug Boyd