another Friday in the hood

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my friend, Scott W. (Attitude of Gratitude) celebrated 7 years of sobriety yesterday. Drop by and give him a great big wet kiss! Scott exudes a gentleness that only a serene and spiritual life can produce.

for the following excerpt from page 27 of The Big Book ...

Here and there, once in a while, alcoholics have had what are called vital spiritual experiences. To me these occurrences are phenomena. They appear to be in the nature of huge emotional displacements and rearrangements. Ideas, emotions, and attitudes which were once the guiding forces of the lives of these men are suddenly cast to one side, and a completely new set of conceptions and motives begin to dominate them.

that today is Friday and I get to go to 3 AA meetings before dark

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,
to leave the world a better place,to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

out and about

(left) the coast of Morocco

(right) in Dakar, Senegal with 2 friends



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I got to lead my first Al Anon meeting last night; I brought up the topic of Attitudes. I shared honestly about my domestic problems and others shared too. I thought it went pretty well.

that my friend, Scott W. (Attitude of Gratitude) celebrates 7 years of sobriety today. Drop by and give him a kiss.

for the decade of foreign travel and living that was bestowed upon me. I got to spend 4+ months in over 20 countries and had the opportunity of becoming part of the culture of many African nations along with European and South American places.
These experiences have undoubtedly shaped my thinking forever.

that I live in Houston, Texas and have no desire to live anywhere else.


Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.
- Mark Twain

... from both sides

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I have just enough to be satisfied (I always did, I just didn't know it)

that I feel a lot better about myself (today, at 7+ years sober) than I ever have before during my 56 years on this planet

that the only reason I drank too much (daily, for 33 years) is because I'm an alcoholic. I didn't drink because I thought life sucked or because life was good.

that I know that I'm not quite ready to make some difficult decisions that I hoped I was ready for. It's OK, those things can wait until I'm ready.

that I think, feel and act differently today than I did yesterday or anytime before then


Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe,
dreaming more than others think is practical,
and expecting more than others think is possible.
- Anonymous

Principles

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I got to see my good friend, Jessie J. yesterday morning after about a month of absences from our morning meeting. He is to undergo major surgery today but the prognosis is good. He's a fine example of recovery and this experience will add to his 29 years of sobriety.

for Step 1 and all its implications; it's amazing how long it took me to recognize how unmanageable my life had become during my 33 years of alcoholic drinking.

for the principles of honesty, faith, integrity and compassion. Now, if I can just remember to practice them.

for others


Real excellence and humility are not incompatible one with the other, on the contrary they are twin sisters.
- Jean Baptiste Lacordaire

Staying clean

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my sponsees are really keeping me on my toes

for some meeting/discussion about the concept of fight or flight. I can somehow identify with this but have not yet given it the thought it deserves. Do you have some experience to share on this?

that I seem to stay so damn busy on any given day, even when I have no plans

for Step 3


If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
- Mother Teresa

The Unseen Sea

Just enjoy this for the next 3 minutes.

The Unseen Sea from Simon Christen on Vimeo.

Hollywood Squares revisited

Friday morning stuff

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a great! Step 8 meeting yesterday. There can be soooooooo much more to the steps than just the words as they're written.

That I got to work with 2 of my sponsees yesterday. They keep me straight.
Wait. Maybe I should re-word that.

that strange words come from my mouth when I work with another alcoholic one-on-one. Ideas, suggestions and overall comments that come from somewhere deep inside of me. Does this happen with you too?

that this seems to have been a very productive week. I am due to close the deal on my home re-finance this afternoon. Over the course of my mortgage, I would save over $100K.
We'll see how that works out.


To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.
- Kofi Annan

Broiled chicken breast

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for some awareness of how easy it is to fool myself into wrongful thinking -- otherwise, called a mis-perception

that I have been pretty damn forthcoming in a couple of meetings about my domestic problems; I've probably said enough though

that solutions to just about anything is in the Big Book

that my friend Jessie seems to have a pretty good attitude about some new, serious health problems -- Love ya Jessie!!

for the efforts and sacrifices of all servicemen and women throughout our history without whom I would not have had the freedom to drink in all the bars that I drank in


Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can't are both right.
- Henry Ford

Nasty Peach!

todAAy i AAm grAAtful & thAAnkful

that doing the next right thing never involves hurting someone and rarely involves criticising them either

that my home life is challenging me to practice these principles in ALL my affairs and that is a good thang!! Very difficult too.

for the continuing evolution of my higher power

that if you're going to talk badly about me behind my back, you're in the perfect position to kiss my a_ _.


Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
- Lao Tzu

I'd rather be happy than right.

I'd rather be right. Which probably explains why I'm so miserable today.






todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the slogans I've learned in recovery. Today's title hits me between the eyes because I am currently taking some drastic action regarding my partner and my home. I'm not particularly happy about these actions, but I know I'm doing the right things.

I guess it will all come full circle.

I know this -- I have absolute faith that everything will work out the way it is supposed to work out. Of this, I have no doubt.


It is hard to do what you fear, but harder to keep thinking about it.
~~ unknown

change

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful


that I get to learn more about people and friends every day, especially when they relate their experience, strength and hope in AA meetings

that I have changed so much since September 2003 (my sobriety date).

for some patience in dealing with some important life decisions

that my sponsor is right on top of things (in my life)

that I don't live in Mexico nor do I need an armoured vehicle just to feel safe when travelling


Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain

When did YOU choose?

Old vs New

CRASH OF 1959 Chevy With 2009 Chevy




Stay with this 'til the end as there are several camera views.... A 2009 car vs. a 1959 car in a crash test.... Guess which one wins. No sound but the video is enough.

How many times have you heard: "I wish they would make cars the way they did in the old days."

This video dispels that myth.

You know how we always think about what big huge tanks the old cars of the 50's and 60's were for size?

And how we talk about how there is so much plastic on the new cars that if one of the old tanks ever collided with a new car, the new car would be demolished?

Well, someone in the insurance industry put that theory to the test. Be sure to watch toward the end to see the overhead view - and the assessment of driver injury.

end of week

I hope you like Johnny Carson.





todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that it's not my job to keep you sober, or anybody else sober

to be reminded that life is not getting any shorter

that I got a second chance to do my life and I'd better not waste it

for AA's Tradition 7 -- it's not just about finances but about service to one's group as well


Gardening is all about optimism.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

it passed

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my sobriety opens me up to so many possibilities and opportunities

that I'm not stuck on a barstool, wondering when tonight's blackout will begin

for the years I spent travelling, living and working in Europe and Africa. I could never duplicate those experiences as a tourist. My exposure to so many cultures has provided me with a unique (I think) perspective on the human condition.

that I have something to offer when I'm willing to give it


The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.
- Benjamin Disraeli

I've had better days, but I'm still sober

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the practice of pause when agitated AND restraint of tongue and pen.

I was told, in no uncertain terms, to go f _ _ k myself when I defended my right to anonymity on Facebook as regards the program of A.A. This was from a person who just got out of rehab after 6 months in prison from dealing drugs.

that my home life sucks right now, so I'm hoping that this too shall pass

for friends (besides my sponsor) who will listen to me when I need to vent

for the concept of courage to change the things I can


It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.
- Dale Carnegie

Gratitude -- what a concept!

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I got to substitute-chair the 6:30am meeting yesterday and started the new month of November with a gratitude meeting. I'm sure it's the first of numerous ones this month and that's a good thang!

that I picked up on the tools to stay sober after about 6 months in the program. First, I had to develop some honesty I didn't want to face, then I had to become open-minded enough to allow the concept of a higher power into my life and finally I had to become willing to try something different.

for all those people who just keep coming back, for whatever reason

for some rain here in Houston - finally! It's been a record-breaking dry run here - 41 days without measureable rainfall.


Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.
- Anonymous

Back to ...

adversity


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for another day to practice the principles, as I understand them

for hope and faith, in everything. Well, I wish I had it all the time, but it may always be a work-in-progress.

for a nice weekend, weather-wise and recovery-wise

that my little game show project was successful; but mainly that it's finished. It was something in planning for almost 2 years (in my mind).


Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.
- Epicurus

Pumpkins galore!

Happy Halloween!!

Click HERE

Step 7

I'll post some great! photos of Halloween pumpkins this weekend. Drop by and see 'em.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for those days when I remember to actively practice Steps 6 & 7. We read and discussed Step 7 yesterday. Here's a few of my favorite parts ......

... the attainment of greater humility is the foundation principle of each of A.A.'s Twelve Steps. for without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all.

... never was there enough of what we thought we wanted

... we never thought of making honesty, tolerance, and true love of man and God the daily basis of living.

... The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear, primarily fear that we would lose something we already possessed or would fail to get something we demanded.

the quote below. My kind of humor.

In order to fly, all one must do is simply miss the ground.
- Douglas Adams

change & awareness

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that it's OK to be angry and that I know a method to prevent that anger from becoming a major resentment

for Step 4 and the freedom it gives me -- awareness

that I finally learned last night in my Al Anon meeting that I don't need to keep protecting my partner from his own behavior. I allow him to make his mistakes and live his life, but I have always tried to keep those things a secret and I am the one who suffers when I do that.
Hopefully, I can remember to stop protecting him. (this is HUGE for me)

that I'm so blessed and fortunate -- I must always remember to pay it forward.


To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.
- Elbert Hubbard

I really identify ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for these excerpts from one of the stories in the Big Book ...

... I tried to hide my drinking by going places where I was unlikely to see anyone I knew.
... I made excuses for trips in order to drink without restraint.
... the creeping up of the frequency and quantity of alcohol and what it does to a person is apparent to eveyone but the person involved.
... never having enough, always craving more
... Drink planning became more important than any other plans.
... Not knowing where I had been or how I got home was making me desperate.
... Resenting anyone and everyone who might interfere with my personal plans and ways of doing things -- especially for any interference with my drinking.

This is all from just one page of the book. I totally identify with it all.

Damn!

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.
- Raymond Lindquist

staying current

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for Step 10

for the little, but noticeable, changes occurring during my 8th year of recovery

for the preparations I'm making for a fundraiser this weekend. It's a local version of the old TV show, Let's Make a Deal. I am playing the host.

for my mother -- she taught me so much without really trying. She's been on my mind a lot lately and I miss her. She died back in August 2008 from the effects of a major stroke. I was able to be with her during her last 3 years on Earth as her health gradually declined.
A few of you guys travelled this part of my journey with me and for that, I am grateful too.
If you still have your parents, cherish them if you can. There won't be another chance.


Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.
- Thomas Jefferson

Honesty -- really?

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I had a full weekend of fellowship -- both with friends in and out of the program

that people trust me enough to handle large amounts of cash -- unsupervised! LOL

that I can resist almost everything, except temptation

that my Corvette actually won 1st place in its category (1970-1979 vintage cars) at a local car show


I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
- Thomas Jefferson

Truths for mature Humans

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

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

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

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

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

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

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

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

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Bud Lite than Kay.

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

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

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

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

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important. Ladies.....Quit Laughing.

Rich Little presents...

which way?

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for smiles in AA meetings

that my problems aren't as bad as my solutions

that I have no reason to relapse on alcohol -- others do that for me (does that sound crude?)

that I no longer look for love in all the wrong places (you wouldn't believe some of the places I looked!)

The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.
- Oscar Wilde (Irish writer, poet, and playwright)

Learning about life

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that sometimes I'm a fast learner; sometimes a slow learner. I don't know why or when either of those will be dominant.

for some awareness that much of my learning took place before I was 8 years old

that bad habits can be broken and new habits can be formed

that by being the best person I can be, I will remain teachable


Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.
- Helen Keller

round & round

Cell phone for seniors ...



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

to be sober and relatively happy

that I got to substitute chair the noon meeting yesterday

that my sober life is so different from my drinking life

that I know the trick -- to stay spiritually fit (pass it along!!)

that a good defense is the best offense


In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
- John Muir

the big red wagon

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for a 12-step sponsor that took me thoroughly through the steps in my first year

that after I had completed my ninth step, my life and recovery leaped forward

for the people who show me the way -- some intentionally, many not

that an old friend showed up in the 12:15p meeting yesterday - had not seen him in about 5 years

that we got a little rain yesterday - first precipitation in 27 days


A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.
- William Arthur Ward

the parade of life

It may not look like it, but this is my car in a parade a couple of days ago. There's a high school band in front of us and many cars and such behind us.


todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that my expectations of life are few. I heard early on that my expectatons have a direct link to my serenity, so I found a way to lower my expectations of most things. Now, in my relationship with my partner, that's a different thing. I am at a loss there.

for excitement and passion in myself and others -- I love to see it!

that Mary Christine (Being Sober) ran in and actually completed her first marathon (running). She was originally a marathon drinker, has been in marathon recovery since then, is a marathon blogger and is now a running marathoner!

that I had the opportunity participate in the 50th anniversary of my high school. I drove in a small, local parade and carried the longest-serving state senator of Texas. We had a good chat and then shared a catered BBQ lunch. A lovely afternoon. I would NEVER have done this if I were still drinking!!


It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out; it's the grain of sand in your shoe.
- Robert W. Service

Boeing 797

Look at this new aircraft....

Boeing is preparing a 1000 passenger jet that could reshape the air travel industry for the next 100 years.. The radical Blended Wing design has been developed by Boeing in cooperation with the NASA Langley Research Center . The huge plane will have a wing span of 265 feet compared to the 747's 211 feet, and is designed to fit within the newly created terminals used for the 555 seat Airbus A380, which is 262 feet wide.

The new 797 is in direct response to the Airbus A380 which has racked up 159 orders.

Boeing decide to kill its 747X stretched super jumbo in 2003 after little interest was shown by airline companies, but has continued to develop the ultimate Airbus crusher 797 for years at its Phantom Works research facility in Long Beach, Calif.

The Airbus A380 has been in the works since 1999 and has accumulated $13 billion in development costs, which gives Boeing a huge advantage now that Airbus has committed to the older style tubular aircraft for decades to come.

There are several big advantages to the blended wing design, the most important being the lift to drag ratio which is expected to increase by an amazing 50%, with overall weight reduced by 25%, making it an estimated 33% more efficient than the A380, and making Airbus's $13 billion dollar investment look pretty shaky.

High body rigidity is another key factor in blended wing aircraft, It reduces turbulence and creates less stress on the air frame which adds to efficiency, giving the 797 a tremendous 8800 nautical mile range with its 1000 passengers flying comfortably at mach 0.88 or 654 mph cruising speed, another advantage over the Airbus tube-and-wing designed A380's 570 mph.

The exact date for introduction is unclear, yet the battle lines are clearly drawn in the high-stakes war for future civilian air supremacy.

Old Rock Stars -- updates

Click HERE for some updated songs

tidbits

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I get to hear so much wisdom on a daily basis

for Step 6 - "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."

that when I'm "entirely ready" my life seems to run a lot smoother

for having the proper attitude -- it allows many good things to happen


A good life isn't measured in material goods. There is no quicker path to misery than coveting your neighbors' stuff.
~~ anonymous

Going Slowly ...

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that we got to hear a fantastic speaker yesterday at our mid-week noon meeting. He really hit the nail on the head.

that I don't always have to be up front and in charge -- it's great to let others do that

for consistency. I've said it before, but need to remind myself.

for a return to Al Anon after a 3-week absence. I needed it last night and heard some things I needed to hear. My home life is going through one of its most difficult times and I'm kinda tired of trying to figure things out. Right now, I'm taking no action other than just talking. And then, I have the Confucius quote below. LOL


Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
- Confucius

It's Real!

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the ongoing rescue happening in Chile - watching the drama is a great reminder for me to keep my thinking in perspective

that we read CROSSING THE RIVER OF DENIAL yesterday -- one of my favorite stories in the 4th edition of the Big Book.
I really identify with so many of her feelings and experiences .......

*** "I just kept lowering my standards."

*** "I got drunk, blacked out, threw up, had dry heaves, was sick to death the next day, and I knew I would do it again."

*** "Finally, I made some friends who drank just as I did."

*** "After a day's drinking disguised as softball ..."

*** "... the thought of getting sober terrified me."

I love this program.


A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.
- Cicero

Tuesday lite

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

the color green

silliness without hurt

that I rarely take myself too seriously; when I do, life ain't much fun

for Step 8 and the willingness involved. That was an interesting process.


Is a small rainbow any less a miracle than a large rainbow?
~~ anonymous

Keep the Faith

CLICK ON THE PIC TO ENLARGE



todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for perspective to see that things happen the way they do - for a reason. I rarely see those reasons until much later. Thus, I must always keep the faith that everything will work out just the way it should.

for the time I get to spend working with other alkies

that yesterday, I celebrated 4 consecutive years of NO SMOKING!

for the past 10 days of beautiful weather here in SE Texas

A coincidence is a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous.
- Anonymous

ten-ten-ten

Dancing at the Movies

Service

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that we had a tremendous Tradition Five meeting yesterday morning. It was all about our primary purpose.

that I was able to put aside my selfish instinct to say NO! and accept another sponsee

for so many ways to be of service to others

for THIS link to some recovery sloganz

that I'm gonna have a great Friday, if I choose to


Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.
- C.S. Lewis

being there

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for the feeling that I'm doing mostly the right things; I rarely feel a need to make amends anymore

that a few people actually ask me for help; often, that's just to be a good listener and I am very happy to do that

for a busy day yesterday; I didn't get to sit down and rest until after 8pm -- and I'm retired folks!

that I no longer live in hotels. I did just that for many years when I was working overseas. It's great to have a home. And a home group.


Listen to the compass of your heart.
All you need lies within you.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

Blog post # 2,700

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I'm still eager to fullfill my commitments to myself; this blog is one of them

that I'm one of the few alcoholics on this planet who is now a non-drinker; I hope you are too!


that I don't blame my drinking on anyone else

that my journey through active alcoholism was not fatal

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone.
- Bill Cosby

bright & shiny

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I have not had a drink in over 7 years, no matter what!

that I'm accountable; to myself mainly and to others as well

for those who make it back to AA after a relapse; they teach me a lot

that I lived through another baseball season; I've been a Houston Astros fan since their inception in 1962. It's been a lifelong lesson in loyalty and patience.

If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.
- Yogi Berra

Ten-Four, good buddy

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful


that our friend, Zane, told us his story of experience (lots of it), strength (it's obvious) and hope (everlasting) at the Saturday Night Live speaker meeting at Lambda Center

for a relatively quiet weekend

for naturally funny people; I am around many of them every day

that I came across The Recovering Alcoholic. He's the "best drinker ever". Drop by and help make him welcome to this unique world of recovery.

for beautiful weather to be one of many who showed off our cars this weekend; I took a lot of pictures and will psot some of them this week


Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.
- Mark Twain (humorist)

Choke!

I can't imagine how THIS guy must have felt!

Hay!

How drunk does somebody have to be to do this?

one-oh-one-one-oh

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that today is Friday

for a day spent listening to other alcoholics and practicing my compassion

that I get to go to my 3 recovery meetings today

that if I ever get burned out on being sober, happy, joyous and free, I can always go back to being absolutely miserable

that I didn't freak out when my gym went out of business last Friday. I found another one on Saturday and joined it.


It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.
- Benjamin Franklin

Freedom (as I understand it)

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that Step 9 catapulted me into the next level of recovery. I instinctively knew that my side of the street was as clean as it could be. No more secrets, no more lies, no more grudges and resentments. Freedom!

that I got a second chance to be the human that I should be

that I have NO intention of blowing that chance and must keep a conscious contact with my HP in order to make good on that chance

for my sponsees and my sponsor

for the contributions of Arthur Penn, Tony Curtis and Greg Giraldo
(and many more; these just made the news)


Follow what you are genuinely passionate about and let that guide you to your destination.
- Diane Sawyer