beginning this week...

Irony.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the things I so often take for granted ...

my health
my friends
my home
my cars
my income
my abilities

that I DON'T take these things for granted ...

my sobriety / recovery
my serenity



We come this way but once. We can either tiptoe through life and hope we get to death without being badly bruised or we can live a full, complete life achieving our goals and realizing our wildest dreams.
- Bob Proctor

Foreign Commercials

Which one is your favorite?

Oh, no -- more bad puns ...

1. The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

9. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'

13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

15. The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

16. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

17. A backward poet writes inverse.

18. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.

19. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

20. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris, you'd be in Seine.

21. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.'

22. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says 'Dam!'

23. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.

24. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive.'

25. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.

26. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

over the hump

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful for some things I've learned ...

how to get sober and how to stay sober

to never say never

that I'd rather be happy than right

that I'm absolutely powerless over all living things (and most other stuff as well)

that I can't do moderation with moderation

that things almost always work out the way they should

that advanced mathematics is not for me

The only limits in our life are those we impose on ourselves.
- Bob Proctor

rocky road

Do you see the road? Nice view, huh?


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I'm aware of so many more of my character defects -- mostly, these things went unnoticed during my drinking years

that there are ways to deal with those defects; I just have to be willing

for Maggie. A very cute, 1-year old brown Labrador Retriever that a friend just adopted from the SPCA this week. She's so damn cute!

that I have always been interested in sports -- my likes and dislike have changed over the years, but I am still a fan of most sports

Whatever you do, do with kindness.
Whatever you say, say with kindness.
Wherever you go, radiate kindness.
~ unknown

a few quips, here and there

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

A.A. is not a plan for recovery that can be finished and done with. It is a way of life. page 275*

in return for a bottle and a hangover, I have been given the Keys of the Kingdom. page 276*

that the alcoholic has to continue to take inventory every day if he expects to get well and stay well. page 265*

a complete change takes place in our approach to life. page 275*

* The previous statements are from ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 4th edition.


Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

a peaceful journey

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for consecutive days of serenity

that my serenity comes second, just behind my sobriety

to see examples of guys and gals who do the right thing - they are some of my greatest teachers and they never know it

for opportunities to be of service

As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

ups & downs

This week, I'll post a few pictures of some cool and unusual streets and roads.







todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that AA accepts anyone who wants to stop drinking.

to know that I'm so powerless over other people, especially others in the program who want to blame their problems on me -- LOL

that most of the people I know seem to like me or at least accept me for what I am

that I had the honor of emceeing a fundraiser Saturday night. It was a spoof on the old Newlywed Game, which we renamed The Gaylywed Game. Lotsa fun and recovery.

that I usually volunteer to participate in my own recovery

I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.
- Maya Angelou

Glue commercial

Best Glue Commercial

The good old days

I don't know how accurate this is, but it makes for interesting reading.

The year is 1910
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1910:
*********************************

The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower !
The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.
The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year ..
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

The Five Leading Causes of Death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars ....
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school..
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores.
Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.'
( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help ....

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. !

a few simple facts ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I'm not just sober, but I'm in recovery

that recovery allows me to handle the difficult times without wanting or needing to drink alcohol

that I found a Higher Power just by being willing and open-minded

for some friends I haven't met yet


Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying,
"I will try again tomorrow."
- Mary Anne Radmacher

Steps 4 and 5

Cereal junkie...........

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that by writing out Step 4 (of AA's twelve steps) I could visualize on paper some patterns to my faulty thinking; I learned a few things aobut myself I would never have imagined

that Step 5 gave me the opportunity to trust another human with my deepest and darkest secrets; by doing this, the negative power of some of that knowledge was removed

that my 8 years relationship with my other half is, at times, the most difficult thing I've ever tried.

I keep trying.

that my bronchitis is a little better, but the cough remains deep within me at times


In all things and in all ways, choice impacts virtually every element of our life. It bears repeating that even those things which seem out of reach of our choice are governed by how we choose to perceive them.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

Steps 1, 2 & 3

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

to know that I'm powerless over just about everything that happens

that my faith and trust in a HP brings me comfort, which in turn offers me some serenity and sanity

that I don't have to control anything except my behavior

I think you'll enjoy THIS.

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.
- Leo Buscaglia

doormat, no more

my favorite doormat!!!


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my recovery seems to be a life of lesser addictions; some new, some are just now blossoming

that I hope to never finish working the steps

that I haven't missed any of my regular AA meetings since I've been on bronchitis medication -- however, it's really difficult to stay awake and I've gone home and slept after a few of those meetings

that it will be really nice to get back to the gym -- I think I'm gonna have to wait another day or two though


If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?
- Confucius

Back to Gratitude!

great doormat!

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that nothing is more important to me than my sobriety

for the wisdom and experience I hear in the rooms of A.A.

that I have the rest of my life to practice recovery and the knowledge that I'll get a little better at it as the days pass by

for a peaceful weekend in which I got almost enough rest


Forgiveness ... is the finishing of old business that allows us to experience the present, free of contamination from the past.
~~ unknown

Amazing Grace

Rhema Marvanne - 'Amazing Grace' REVISED 6/11 from Black Olive Media.com on Vimeo.

The Importance of Walking

Walking can add minutes to your life.

This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month.

My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60.
Now he's 97 years old and we don't know where he is.

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing..

I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks.
Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they'll say, 'Well, she looks good doesn't she.'

If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

I know I got a lot of exercise the last few years, just getting over the hill.

We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Friday the 13th

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I get to be sober again all day

for the unity that's spelled out in Tradition One of the 12/12. Without it, I, along with countless others, would not still be here.

that my illness is a mild case of bronchitis. The headaches that accompany the heavy coughing are not caused by a brain tumor which I thought might end my life at any moment.

that I'm gonna have to rest all weekend -- doctor's orders! I am not going to like this.

Self-care is critical to having a strong inner foundation. Taking good care of YOU means the people in your life will receive the best of you rather than what is left of you.
- Lorraine Cohen

Thursday RANT!

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that a California judge said that my constitutional right to marry the human being that I want to marry should not be up to the voters

that I seem to be the only person who thinks Steven Slater (ex-flight attendant) is a friggin' fool. He caused a hundred passengers to miss connections and meetings due to his selfishness.

that I think it's some kind of karma that former Senator Ted Stevens (the $450M bridge to nowhere) died when his small airplane flew into the side of a mountain. There ain't no bridge/mountain high enough?

that it will all work out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it isn't the end!

You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.
- Rabindranath Tagore

good thangs come-a-knockin'

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I didn't really have a nervous breakdown 7 years ago; I was just on my way to my alcoholic bottom

for the many things I have accomplished during my 56 years on this little planet; it's a very long list when I really think about it and I bet your list would be just as long or longer!

that I'm no longer a living hell for/to my partner

for the concept of detachment that I've learned in Al Anon, although sometimes I think I may detach too much (Syd?)


A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.
- Ralph Nader

8-10-10

I used to have a sign at my door that said, "No Solicitors" but I like this doormat too.



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that, even though my memory isn't very good, I can remember what I did last night

that, even though my memory isn't very good, I can remember what I did last night

that, even though my memory isn't very good, I can remember what I did last night

and I don't plan on drinking today

I'm up really early today, so I'm off to the gym


Where there is no vision, there is no hope.
- George Washington Carver

Walking through the door

This week, I'll post some pictures of doormats you probably haven't seen before.


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that if I stay sober today (and I think I will) I'll have a real good chance of practicing and experiencing some recovery

for recovery fellowship - without it, I'd be drinking. No if's, and's or but's.

that I am a little better at adjusting to life when things don't go the way I want them to

for a free ticket to see comedian Kathy Griffin with a group of friends in recovery this past Saturday (I'm glad I didn't pay for it!)


It is our choices ... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
- J. K. Rowling

Understanding Engineers part 2

Understanding Engineers Four

The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work?"

The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"

The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?"

The graduate with an arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that?"



Understanding Engineers Five

Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Engineers believe that if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet.



Understanding Engineers Six

An engineer was crossing a road one day, when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."

He bent over, picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn back into a beautiful princess and stay with you for one week."

The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.

The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want."

Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.

Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess and that I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"

The engineer said, "Look, I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool."

Understanding Engineers part 1

Understanding Engineers One

Two engineering students were biking across a university campus when one said, "Where did you get such a great bike?"

The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want."

The first engineer nodded approvingly and said, "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fit you anyway."



Understanding Engineers Two

To the optimist, the glass is half-full.
To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty.
To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.



Understanding Engineers Three

A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with those guys? We must have been waiting for fifteen minutes!"

The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such inept golf!"

The priest said, "Here comes the green-keeper. Let's have a word with him." He said, "Hello George, what's wrong with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?"

The green-keeper replied, "Oh, yes. That's a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime."

The group fell silent for a moment.

The priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight."

The doctor said, "Good idea. I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there's anything he can do for them.

The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?"

The Promises

This is YOUR lucky day!! click here



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful for The Promises ...

... If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through (step 9).
... We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
... We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
... We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know a new peace.
... No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
... That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
... We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
... Self-seeking will slip away.
... Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
... Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
... We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
... We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.
- Brian Tracy

feelin' it

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that we had 20 persons at our Eyes Wide Shut meeting yesterday (6:30am). Traditionally, it averages about 10-12 souls. We have been having 15-16 lately, but 20 looked huge!

that some of the most wonderful AA meetings I've attended have had less than 10 attendees

for the absolutely incredible effect that the practice of Step 3 has on my day-to-day life. Being able to just let go and allow life to happen, without fighting it or anybody, is the best way to serenity that I've found. Thanks, y'all.

that I understand almost enough new technology to get by

Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.
- Marianne Williamson

not much new, but I'm here as always

redneck baby chair AND teething ring

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that it was what it was, but more importantly, it is what it is

that I found a Higher Power even though I thought the idea was rubbish
that I'm rough around the edges and I'll always be that way

for the aging process (I may not be grateful for this in a few years, so I thought I'd mention it now)

A wise man will make haste to forgive, because he knows the true value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain.
- Samuel Johnson

room for two

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I woke up sober this morning, no hangover or anything

that I don't have to wonder about how much of a fool I made of myself last night. I remember everything.

that my less than pure thoughts don't turn into actions or bad behavior (usually)

that I am more open about sharing about my sarcasm and smart-ass-ness than I used to be. That doesn't mean I have any intention of curtailing such behavior. I believe this is covered in the steps.


No man who is occupied in doing a very difficult thing, and doing it very well, ever loses his self-respect.
- George Bernard Shaw

Step this way ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a very pleasant weekend, although it's hot as hell here (like many places)

for the things I've learned from Step 4 -- "Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." It teaches me to continuously look at my part in everything that happens in my life.

in a meeting about Step 4, someone shared, "I am waiting for the day when I don't have a part in something that happens in my life." Love it!!

for end-of-the-month birthday nights at Lambda Center. For July, we had 24 celebrants with 290 years of sobriety.

that I got to participate in another Lambda fundraiser -- our own version of The Gong Show. It was a lot of fun. Later this month, I'll be hosting/emceeing our own version of The Newlywed Game, which we've renamed The Gaylywed Game.


Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.
- Conrad Hilton

By any other name ...

Take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

Here are some examples ...

1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.

2. Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

3. Intaxicaton : Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation : Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

6. Foreploy : Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.

7. Giraffiti : Vandalism spray-painted very, very high

8. Sarchasm : The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

9. Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

10. Osteopornosis : A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

11. Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13. Glibido : All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.

And the winners are:

1. Coffee, n.. The person upon whom one coughs.

2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.

3.. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

4 esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.

5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.

6.. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.

7. Lymph, v.. To walk with a lisp.

8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.

9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.

10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.

12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.

13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.

14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.

15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.

16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.

All Grown Up

Your houseplants are alive and you can't smoke any of them.

Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.

You keep more food than beer in the fridge.

6am is when you get up, not when you go to bed.

You hear your favorite song in an elevator.

Your friends "marry" and "divorce" rather than "hook up" and "break up."

You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.

Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."

You're the one calling the police because those damn kids next door won't turn down the music.

Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.

You take naps.

Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.

You go to the drug store for Ibuprofen and Antacid rather than condoms and pregnancy tests.

A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit."

You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.

"I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never going to drink that much again."

Helping others / Being of service

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a good Tradition Twelve meeting - principles over personalities, anonymity, humility. You know. The good stuff.

that I have a whole lot better grasp on twelfth step calls -- I was involved in one yesterday and was able to help guide another person how NOT to enable the using addict. Allowing a user to hit their bottom is a significant step for this people pleaser.

that I really got a lot done yesterday - very productive day

that I get to go to my 3 Friday meetings today

Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.
- William Faulkner

little reminders

I think you'll like THIS video. It's about friendship.



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I go to an AA meeting early every morning; in case I don't get to another one, I've made my meeting for the day (this is hugely important to me)

for the tools I'm learning in Al Anon. My catchphrase for this program is whatever.

that I'm a slogan whore

that the universe takes care of itself pretty damn well, with or without me

Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.
- Franz Kafka

my mind was a terrible thing to waste

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

to know that spirituality is a gift, not an achievement

that I have a wild imagination and someone to settle it down

for the impact that people-in-recovery have on me

that Houston has caught up on our 2010 rain deficit

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.

~~ somebody

Now hear this!

The Passive Cat




todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful


that I'm willing to listen to just about any point of view

that I can be of service just by listening

that I'm not deaf

that I'm not unique nor special -- that would be some unnecessary pressure on me

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
- Mark Twain

Sold! I hope.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for some good exercise over the weekend, both in the gym and outside in the yard. Damn, it's hot though.

that I have been going out of my way to contact some friends who've relapsed. I hear their excuses and am learning some really f***ed up ways of thinking.

that we don't have toilet rings

that I sold one of my collector cars on eBay - now I just hope the buyer pays as promised.

Quotations help us remember the simple yet profound truths that give life perspective and meaning.
- Criswell Freeman

It's the law

1. Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.

2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

3. Law of Probability -The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

4. Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

5. Law of the Alibi - If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

6. Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

7. Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

8. Law of Close Encounters -The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

10. Law of Biomechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

11.. Law of the Theater and Hockey Arena - At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies, and stay to the bitter end of the performance. The aisle people also are very surly folk.

12. The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

13. Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

14. Law of Physical Surfaces - The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

15. Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

16. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.

17. Oliver's Law of Public Speaking - A closed mouth gathers no feet.

18. Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

19. Doctors Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. But don't make an appointment, and you'll stay sick.




Here's some extras, but they aren't laws. Yet.


A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, took the husband aside, and said, 'I don't like the looks of your wife at all.'
'Me neither doc,' said the husband.
'But she's a great cook and really good with the kids.'

An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the last 40 years.
The Wizard says, 'Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you.'
The old man says without hesitation, 'I now pronounce you man and wife.'

While shopping for vacation clothes, my husband and I passed a display of bathing suits. It had been at least ten years and twenty pounds since I had even considered buying a bathing suit, so I sought my husband ' s advice..
'What do you think?' I asked. 'Should I get a bikini or an all-in-one?'
'Better get a bikini,' he replied. 'You'd never get it all in one.'
He's still in intensive care.

The graveside service just barely finished, when there was a massive clap of thunder, followed by a tremendous bolt of lightning, accompanied by even more thunder rumbling in the distance.
The little old man looked at the preacher and calmly said, 'Well......she's there.'

commercial

What an awesome ad for the new AMG Mercedes SL!

If any of you were ever to roll a car ... this is the proper way to do it!!

The stretch of highway that this ad was filmed on is in the Fraser Canyon, British Columbia, Canada

The tunnel they did this in is the China Bar Tunnel on Highway 1 just North of Spuzzum ...

The car is a new Mercedes ... make sure that your sound is on ... enjoy!!

consequences

My life can be categorized with 4 distinct bottles.



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the damn good life I had before getting sober; I traveled and got to live in many cultures

for the damn good life I have now

that it can be so rewarding to do something because it's the right thing to do

that I have no particular plans for the weekend; we'll just see what happens

that I'm off to the gym when it opens at 0500, then to the first of 3 AA meetings today


If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
- Mother Teresa

Today, I won't drink any alcohol.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful


for so many recovery tools. Too bad I don't always wanna use them.

that Kevin C. gave us a little more of his experience, strength and hope yesterday. He is one-of-a-kind.

that when a relapser walked into our noon meeting yesterday drunk or really high (or both) no one over-reacted. She made a complete fool of herself and had to be removed and taken to the hospital by paramedics. Damn, I'm glad I'm sober.

to be the recipient of so many blessings

Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

flooded

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I know my motives are good in the things I do. I often question myself and make instant corrections to my behavior when I see myself doing something for the wrong reason(s). Is this Step 10? I think so.

that my colonoscopy went well/without a hitch yesterday. Everything came out just fine.

for the professionalism of the medical personnel who dealt with me; they could not have been more caring and kind; in turn, I flooded them with my stupid humor. They seem to have lived through it.


There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Overhead and Behind

todAAy i AAM grAAteful & thAAnkful

that today is the 41st anniversary of men first landing on the moon. I well remember watching it on television with my parents. I was 15 years old and fascinated by the space program. It was also my last year of sobriety until I would be 49 years old.

that I'm pretty damn happy, joyous and free. There's not much new in my life today but there's no big drama happening either. Life is just flowing. That reminds me ...

that I'm having a colonoscopy this morning, my second. I had one about 3 years ago. This brings to mind the story about a friend who had gastrointestinal problems and they eventually removed part of his colon. He did just fine without it except we always called him semi-colon. At least he was punctual.

Study the past, if you would divine the future.
- Confucius

Monday morning

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my sobriety has a life of its own

that I'm not an angry person

that I'm able to be honest with others but everyone doesn't have to know everything about me

that I'll chair a noon AA meeting today and we'll discuss Step 9

that I'm so damn lucky


Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
- John F. Kennedy

No horsin' around

You're just NOT gonna believe this!

Protect yourself

Protection for you and your home ...

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you.
(I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.)

Wasp Spray
A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection.

Thought this was interesting and might be of use...

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."

Maybe even save a life.

Attitude

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a bit of a realization that the things that were happening in my life that led to my alcoholic bottom weren't really much different than the things in my life today. The difference is my ... attitude.

that I like the concept of fake it until you make it (I know many people don't ascribe to this, but that's not my problem).

for the beneficial effects of the Al Anon program for me

that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has been contained, at least for now


The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes. . . . than what other people think. . . . . or say. . . . . . . . or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.

The remarkable thing is ….. that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day.

We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play the one string we have … our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. And so it is with you.
We are in charge of our attitudes!
Author unknown

another foot forward

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that we got to hear the story of someone relatively new to us at Lambda; she spoke with candor, humility and humor

that I've been able to reach out a little more lately; I hope this continues

that Hayden is back home safely after 6 weeks in the UK

for a nice, clean house home

that we now go to the 2nd half of the baseball season


Never argue at the dinner table, for the one who is not hungry always gets the best of the argument.
- Voltaire

Belling the Cat

The Mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free themselves of their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day.

Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. At last a very young Mouse got up and said:

"I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be successful. All we have to do is to hang a bell about the Cat's neck. When we hear the bell ringing we will know immediately that our enemy is coming."

All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. But in the midst of the rejoicing over their good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said:

"I will say that the plan of the young Mouse is very good. But let me ask one question: Who will bell the Cat?"

Moral: It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.

a fable by Aesop



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the things I get that I didn't know I needed

for the things I don't get that I think I wanted

that I love to share my experience of recovery with anyone who's willing to listen

that I love to hear about the recovery experience of others

One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.
- Lao Tzu

Gratitude today

Don't do the steps without a sponsor.





todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I am still absolutely amazed that I don't get drunk every night -- or any night, for that matter!

for a recovery program that teaches me how NOT to start drinking again

that so many emotional and spiritual changes seem to take place in me when I'm not watching

that my life is better than I could have ever planned it

for a life of (slowly) diminishing addictions


With gratitude, all life appears as a blessing - without gratitude, all of life is perceived as a burden.
~ somebody

back to work

CLICK HERE to view a cool advertisement by KLM Airlines.



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a busy, yet peaceful and serene weekend

that I didn't see any people drinking alcohol because I didn't go to any bars or any place else where people drink

for the almost imperceptible changes that continue to occur in recovering alkies (me too!) years after the last drink

for excellent results from my physical exam last week (a little low on the HDL cholesterol though)


Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
- The Buddha

Word origins

In George Washington's days, there were no cameras. One's image was either sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, But by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are 'limbs,' therefore painting them would cost the buyer more.
Hence the expression, 'Okay, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg.'
(Artists know hands and arms are more difficult to paint)

As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October) Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term 'big wig.' Today we often use the term 'here comes the Big Wig' because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.

In the late 1700's, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long wide board folded down from the wall, and was used for dining. The head of the household always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who
was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the 'chair man.' Today in business, we use the expression or title 'Chairman' or 'Chairman of the Board.'

Personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, 'mind your own bee's wax.' Should the woman
smile, the wax would crack, hence the term 'crack a smile'. In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt. Therefore, the expression 'losing face.'

Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front. A proper and dignified woman, as in 'straight laced'..... wore a tightly tied corset.


Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only applicable to the 'Ace of Spades.' To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people were thought to be stupid or dumb because they weren't 'playing with a full deck.'

Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered important. Since there were no telephones, TV's or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, and bars. They were told to 'go sip some ale' and listen to people's conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. 'You go sip here' and 'You go sip there.' The two words 'go sip' were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and, thus we have the term 'gossip.'

At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers. A bar maid's job was to keep an eye on the customers and keep the drinks coming. She had to pay close attention and remember who was drinking in 'pints' and who was drinking in 'quarts,' hence the term 'minding your 'P's and Q's.'

One more and betting you didn't know this!

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method
devised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem...how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or
rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a 'Monkey' with 16 round indentations. However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make 'Brass Monkeys.' Few landlubbers realize
that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally, 'Cold enough to
freeze the balls off a brass monkey.'
(All this time, you thought that was an improper expression, didn't you?)

Could this be the future?

Today is my 2500th sober day. All of them are back-to-back, including weekends.

If the government takes over dental care, this might be your dentist ...

Anonymous Rant

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for reminders about personal ANONYMITY in the program of A.A.

The internet should be treated the same as any other media. Tradition 11 reads, in part ...
... "we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films."

I bring this up for several reasons. (1) I attended a meeting at the International Convention about anonymity on websites. It made me realize how often I personally have violated this tradition. (2) Earlier this week, a friend posted Facebook pictures of a July 4th swimming party and identified the people in the pictures as members of AA and CMA. When I brought it to his attention as a violation of this tradition, he said everyone does it so it's OK. (3) Only yesterday, I looked at a recovery blog where the writer identifed themself as an AA member and then posted pictures of themself. It goes on and on.
I mention this not to embarrass anyone but to remind us that we must be more careful, including me.

Have a lovely Friday and weekend.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

simplicity

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful


that I can observe a lot just by watching

that I can hear a lot just by listening

that drama-free days = serenity

that I love to participate in my recovery - 24/7


As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

humility

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for another day of sober growth

for those who step up to the plate when asked

for the different concepts of humility. My personal feeling is that I must be teachable to new concepts which will help me to become the best person I can be.
What is your definition or understanding?


Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
- The Buddha

observations

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the meetings I attended at the convention. Topics included ...

... emotional sobriety - a friend from Houston was there whom I've know since I first entered the rooms. She hates me because of a wrong perception of something she thinks about me (contempt prior to investigation) and would not even acknowledge me when I said hello as she sat with one of her sponsees. At a meeting on emotional sobriety. I want nothing of her 20+ years. A reminder that everyone has a lesson for me.

... AA websites and anonymity - this is causing me to be much more aware (and hopefully careful) about the information I put on the internet, including social-networking sites.

... healing with laughter - there were about 3000 members at this meeting. After opening with the regular readings, the chairperson (jokingly) asked that we go around the room and indentify ourselves. Got a big laugh. LOL


Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Love & Service

A couple of images from the International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in San Antonio.



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the messages I got over the last 4 days -- to love and to be of service to others

for some really fine experiences in San Antonio and that we made it back safe and sound

for the weather whilst we were there; it was mostly cloudy with light rain most of the time which meant that the temperatures were rarely over 90 degrees. Had it been sunny, the temps would have reached 100 deg.

that we went to the closing meeting yesterday at the convention. I got to hear the finest recovery speaker I have yet to hear in my sobriety. Steve L. from Nashville, Tennessee.

that I had to deal with myself the last few days; someone I am getting to know a little better


Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.
- Swedish Proverb

An experience you must not miss ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

I found time to write this short list

we made it to San Antonio safely; just a little rain

that we're staying in a hotel right in the middle of everything and this place is swarming with sober people; I've heard estimates that by tomorrow there could be as many as 90,000 people registered for this convention


Getting to know someone is not a task--its an art.
- Pierce LeBlanc