http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Staying Cyber Forums : Last 10 Posts Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:11:04 +0000 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:51:27 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.08 30 www.stayingcyber.org/forum/RSS_topic_feed.asp http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_images/sclogo3.gif http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/ http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1472&PID=145308#145308 Author: Susan E
Subject: March 7-13, 2010: Powerless Over Alcohol
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 3:51pm

Hi All

I had a real mental day yesterday. I've been thinking alot about my drinking and trying to get to the bottom of it all. Yesterday my thoughts were here, there and everywhere. What I would believe to be true about me one minute later on I would think was not true. Any way I finally decided that this early in sobriety I don't have to figure it all out I just have to not drink. The rest will fall into place. ]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:51:27 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1472&PID=145308#145308 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145307#145307 Author: GlenH
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 3:10pm

PS..At the last job I had before I got sober, I had to produce a large number of specifications and requests-for-proposals. I also won an attendance award.

I have had the "privilege" of being able to re-read some of my past work through the prism of sobriety, and there is simply no way that the quality is comparable. I may think I was functional because I never missed a day..but as mentioned above..for me, that thought is a "load of rationalizing crap"]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:10:53 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145307#145307 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145306#145306 Author: GlenH
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 3:04pm

The two quotes to remember as I head out for the day -

Ann W about our past but this may also be applied to many things I hear daily - "What a load of rationalizing crap"

Tim V on life in general - "All of the demons are unfailingly mastered with prayer, the 12 Step program, and the support of my fellow AA's"

Thank you, those will ring in my head all day..



Edited by GlenH - Today at 3:05pm]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:04:55 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145306#145306 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145305#145305 Author: alcira c
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 2:58pm

Morning (ALL)

(Beth and Annw) That too sounded like me. I was very functional. Never missed a days work due to drinking, always got things done at home etc, etc..... I have many YETS and hopefully I will never see them.

Not much else to say so Later Gaters

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:58:06 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145305#145305 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145304#145304 Author: Tim V
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 2:24pm

I'm reluctant to post comments on this subject out of concern for hurting feelings or appearing insensitive, but the consequences for ignoring myths about sobriety outweigh the risks.

First, let me qualify by saying that I was physically, sexually and emotionally traumatized buy 2 alcoholic parents, at least one of them came from a similar family system. The highlights: being lined up in the kitchen at 2AM on a school night under the point of a loaded 12 gauge, forced to sing for a drunken maniac to be spared life; being repeatedly held under water in the Oneida River gasping for air and life to be taught some lesson that escapes me now. I guess that's called water boarding.

Second, anything that happens to 85% of a population is "normal". Being a retired school counselor, I have some exposure to the research on sexual abuse which indicates more like 20-25% for girls and 5-10% for boys.

Third, after coming to AA and taking half measures for a couple of weeks by following the slogans, "take it easy", "do it my way", and "just drink beer", I made a commitment to AA and sobriety for a day. Shazam! My life changed, I changed, and I started to have a better life that continues to get better.

Occasionally over the years, demons from the past rear their ugly heads and interfere with the joys of sobriety. All of the demons are unfailingly mastered with prayer, the 12 Step program, and the support of my fellow AA's.

Thanks for helping me stay sober today.

PS I later 12 stepped both parents who subsequently enjoy sobriety and AA.]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:24:49 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145304#145304 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1472&PID=145303#145303 Author: beth k
Subject: March 7-13, 2010: Powerless Over Alcohol
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 2:20pm

((John)) two thumbs up!! ]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:20:48 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1472&PID=145303#145303 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145302#145302 Author: beth k
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 2:17pm

Morning Glories !!

Ahh.. ((Tim)) and ((Chris)) have a grand time :) Got time to head out to Tortuga?? That is such a fun trip :) blisters and all..

((AnnW)) you have recited part of my history it sounds so much like me.. I was a functional drunk for years.. then the wheels came off YIKES!! I still can count my blessings as I never lost material things.. just became copeless :) Not a typo.. I finally got so tied up by my drinking that I lost the ability to cope with anything after a death in my family. Thank god for that because that was when I managed in a very circuitous way to get my butt to AA :)

It does progress.. and I am sure I could find much worse things if I went back now 8>)

Back at the little house, and thank god I am on the day shift. I remember now working nights for 7 years.. it must have been youth that allowed that. Doing a few nights a few times a month takes a lot to recover from. Well.. if they are busy nights and I actually have to w*r& :)

Have a grand day ((ALL)) Hope every one is having weather even almost as nice as this is...YeeHaw!!]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:17:49 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145302#145302 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145301#145301 Author: Chris W
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 1:53pm

God Morning, ((Everyone))

It's fianlly seasonal here in Key West, though it looks like we may have some little bit of rain this morning...but that's only the weather.

I have most of today off and will be spending a great deal of it with a special guest, touring our facilities (and maybe even out to the shop for a quick look/see). Maybe some late lunch or early dinner or something like that will unfold. I sure hope the weather cooperates but I have no control over that and will happily deal with whatever comes our way. I am looking forward to getting together with ((Tim V)) within the hour!

Breakfast this morning is a delightful combination of tastes what with some hot, buttery waffles, made just for ((you)), and a very tasty selection of mixed fruits to balance things out.

There's a very unique shop in San Francisco where we can enjoy the coffee - one cup at a time.

Thanks, ((all y'all)) for being here and helping me get this one day at a time started sober.

Love and Peace from Key West and from...Chris ]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:53:10 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145301#145301 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145300#145300 Author: Robert B
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 12:33pm

Bill J,I think from reading up on it(Toyotas problems)that it could well be the computer software(engine management) thats the real problem. If so,this could be disatorus,because its very time consuming,expensive recall. Toyotas built a solid reputation and though Ive never owned one,I know they are quality cars. How this storm weathers is open to speculation,but I thik it could be an auto makers worse nightmare.
I dont like "drive by wire",or electronic steering and such stuff either.Ive finally got used to seat belts.

Back at work]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:33:49 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145300#145300 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145299#145299 Author: AnnW
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 10 Mar 2010 at 12:24pm

((Emily)) Thanks ((Tinas))

Back to the subject of camping just to make a point. I was a HIGHLY functioning alcoholic. I fooled most everyone, including myself. When I would go on my camping trips, I would haul my kayak with me and everything else on my 500 mile road trip. Up early at 5:00 a.m. and doing something, at every moment, hiking, kayaking etc. until returning to camp at 8:00 p.m.

So, what is my point you ask? I kept beer in the car. I drank a couple in the morning before my hike etc. When I finished my several hour hike, I celebrated with a few more beers. I then would kayak, and when I finished that, I would resume my drinking. When I settled in at camp, I made gourmet meals on my cook stove (Not kidding). Then, I would uncork that wine and drink those two bottles and finish the beer. Next day, same thing. Would return on Sunday, back to work on Monday, the drinking continuing all the same.

My point: I was an alcoholic then, as I am now. I answered 15 yes's to that little quiz. I took many tests before I stopped drinking. I bought many books analyzing my drinking before I stopped drinking. I stopped drinking for a period of time on my own. I continued my physical exertions as an in my face sort of thing ie. "Your not a regular alcoholic. Look at all the things you accomplish every day. You have a stressful job. You deserve that drink. Your not living on the streets. You don't have financial problems. Your business is thriving. If you want to drink, then drink. F*** them, F*** you."

What a load of rationalizing crap. All of that then, stemmed over a period of time (probably 15 years. I am 43 years old)from drinking a glass or two of wine after work a couple of nights a week; then a bottle a couple of nights a week; then a bottle 4 nights a week etc. After years of this,my drinking increased to an obsession and addiction 7 days/nights a week. All the while still functioning, although on an emotionally and physically sliding pendulum. Like a ticking time bomb. My blood test revealed elevated liver levels. The Dr. was concerned.

Tina, you don't have to get to that point if you choose. But maybe a person just can't be told. I know it would have had no effect on me. Maybe that is also the nature of this disease of the mind and body. Just more food for thought for you on your journey, nothing more and nothing less.

Take care ((ALL))]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:24:20 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1176&PID=145299#145299