Member: Lorraine
Location: S
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 22:25:02
Hi everyone! It has been a while since I posted a message here. I have been working my program to the best of my ability but find this last little while that I just can't get to enough meetings... one each day this week and 3 today... I know that there is nothing wrong with lots of meetings, but I also know that there must be an underlying problem that I need turn over. Or perhaps I just need to get a life *LOL*.... Think now is a good time to call my sponsor.
Thank you for letting me share. Amazing what just talking and will do eh!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and to each of you, many 24 hours.
Lorraine (~.~)
Member: kay h.
Location: vegreville, alta can.
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 23:13:19
hi everyone out there in cyberland . this kay from alberta in canada. good to be sober and FREE. sobriety is the first and foremost thing in my list of priorities, as without my health I am nothing, am really looking forward to EASTER. it,s been really warm here lately. so hope EL NINO keeps his promise and the weather holds for the holidays. cause when all my grand-daughters come it,s alot easier on grandma if they have the freedom of the out doors.I can remember holiday,s when the bottle was present and those were not so great times. I owe my life to A.A. AND THIS WONDERFUL FELLOWSHIP. HAPPY AND SOBER HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL, LOTS OF LUV.
Member: Lou.S
Location: New Jersey
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 01:16:47
Hello.I am in recovery and looking to talk to others in recovery through e-mail and chat.Can you help?
Member: Randy S.
Location: Baton Rouge,La.
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 08:27:19
Hi everyone I'm Randy and I'm an alcohlic. Hope everyone is doing well today!!I am doing better than I've ever done before,because of a very loving GOD and the fellowship of A.A.,I have not had a drink in 3130 days,WOW.Every time I think about it,it just blews me away.When I got sober,I just knew that GOD was going to open the gates of Heaven and let me in,but GOD had other plans for me,HE did not open up the gates of Heaven and let me in,instead HE opened up the gates of HELL and let me out!!! Soberity and Peace within Randy S.
Member: Lorraine S
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 09:06:44
What a wonderful day! The sun is bright, the snow is melting and the birds are coming back!
Yesterday, I shared the fact that I felt I was going to too many meetings and perhaps there might be a problem. I called my sponsor when I was done posting that message , we got together for a coffee and today I am on my way to yet another meeting because that is where I want to be, that is where I belong. The people in those meetings have become my family.
She reminded me of the mini slogans which have never really meant very much to me until now. "Live and Let Live" -- that includes letting "me" live the life that I am becoming comfortable with. "By the Grace of God" -- I need to be grateful that I am sober today, and I trully am! "One day at a time" -- just what it says, don't look for what yesterday was or what tomorrow might bring, I need to see today. "Think, think, think" --- I need to think about my situation and do exactly what I did yesterday, share it with you "my family", call my sponsor and go to a meeting.
By the Grace of God, I am sober again today and have no desire to drink.
Again, thank you for allowing me to share and have another wonderful 24 hours of sobriety. If you are new here and don't have 24 hours yet, keep coming back!
Lorraine S
Member: Glen H
Location: Denton, TX
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 12:39:47
Does anybody have guidelines from a step study they have participated in? We're starting a new step study group, have some old guidelines we've used before, but want to see what else we might be able to use.
Member: Jackie J.
Location: Texas
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 14:48:42
Coupla guys were driving around, drinking beer, having a "high" ol' time. All of a sudden the passenger says: "Ah hell! There's a cop right behind us" The driver says, "Don't panic -- just peel the labels off of two of the beer bottles, we'll stick them on our foreheads; and let me do the talking." Cop pulls them over and asks if they've been drinking. Driver says, "Oh no, officer. We don't drink". Cop says, "Look fella, I've been following you for the last few miles, you've been weaving ALL over the road ... don't tell me you aren't drunk. And by the way, WHY do you two have those beer labels on your foreheads?" Driver replies,"That's how you know we haven't been drinking, sir. You see, we're alcoholics, but we're both on the patch".
With hopes that we all enjoy a week of laughter in sobriety, Jackie
Member: jrr
Location: harmony on the Lake
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 17:59:22
all right Jackie...that was great ! ! hope you got note...glen, i will look for them...know i got a few...be a few days at least... how is that land of oil an b. s. anyway? and jackie stay the way you are ...you and mary w are the BEST...till next time...and Denton..I think my e-mail was posted by my friend Phil T. I will look around...and all other alkies..God Bless
Member: usa
Location:
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 19:15:49
PISZ OFF!!!!!!
Member: Elle
Location: New York
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 20:20:14
I am just getting back into this trying to get sober today. I had been sober for two years and then this past year I got back into drinking. Its time for me to stop. I work so hard and take such good care of my family. Now I need to care for me and tackle this. I feel ashamed after time after I have drank too much
Member: mark d
Location: las vegas,nv
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 22:28:03
guidelines? try the 12 and 12....or maybe this site http://www.sober.org
Member: Ed C
Location: Memphis
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 22:39:18
Elle, It wont do you any good for anybody to tell you not to beat yourself up for doin what we do best,so here's what I tell my pidgeons...Go stand in the corner and beat yourself up for 20min,then turn around,walk out of the corner and leave the crap behind.Remember today's just another day(that's what my sponsor has to keep tellin me VAYA CON DIOS
Member: Robb W.
Location: Mississauga,Ontario,Canada
Date: 05 Apr 1998
Time: 22:51:29
Hi gang, Robb, alcoholic. Had a great weekend with my kids. Went to dinner with my sponsor and some other guys who are part of a step discussion group I'm participating in. We celebrated my sponsor's 30 years of sobriety. Good time had by all. One of my pals is going to Blenheim (hope I spelled that right!) down near Windsor, Ontario in May. I was wondering if anyone has any information regarding meetings in that area? Well I gotta go to bed and sleep 06:30 is coming an hour earlier this Monday!! Wishing everyone another 24 hours sober... Robb W.
Member: Amy G.C.
Location: Switzerland
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 01:48:49
Elle I have also slipped before, as have many but not all, and I can tell you that it is so easy to fall into but with God`s help you can pull yourself up again. Heck if I could become sober you can, believe me. PS, Thanks to Randy S. and jrr for the good advise in the discussion room, much appreciated!Amy G.C.
Member: Elle
Location: New York
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 10:10:42
Dear Amy G. C. and Ed C., Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I woke up this morning really feeling that today is a new day. On some level I feel concerned too much about what others think of me. I need to start focusing on just getting healthy.
Member: Kate T.
Location: On Wisconsin
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 12:56:22
Lorraine--meetings are like jello, there's always room for more.
Member: John S.
Location: Phoenix
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 18:20:17
I'm John and an alcholic, reading all of these posts has helped me. I was sober for 13 months but have been drinking for the year and a half. Each time I wake up with a hangover, I swear it off trying to think my way through things. Doesn't seem to work. I know that sobriety needs to be the number one priority and until I'm willing to accept that and put it into action, it won't be. I want what AA's have, I spend too much time in myself and deep into myself to let anything else take priority. This is what led me to going out after 13 months, quit meetings, was frustrated because I wasn't getting the things I wanted and my way and decided sobriety wasnt important any more. In the time since, I've had a lot of opportunity to forget all of what I learned in AA, about myself and the world around me and especially about God. I took over and forgot about him. Thanks to all of you on this site for sharing.
Member: mark d
Location: las vegas, nv
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 19:18:15
so JOHN.....did ya forget step one, or did ya ever take it? God help me if I ever forget step one....I can only suggest that you quit trying to quit and get yerself to a meeting....ask the leader to appoint you a sponsor and go from there....how you have been given another shot at this stuff is beyond me.....doesn't surprise me that some of us go back to drinking....hell I don't drink any more, and I don't drink any less either....what surprises me is when they show up in a meeting instead of the obits....but there is one who has all power, that one is God...may you find him now....glad ya made it back John....God Bless
Member: Ali
Location: California
Date: 06 Apr 1998
Time: 23:42:36
Ali, alcoholic. To John S. - Ditto what Mark d. said AA isn't for those who need it, it's for those who really want it. Elle - 90+ meetings in 90 days with a sponsor. As for this alcoholic, I'm so tired of God's time table. The only thing up for me is wait and see. I want to whine, stamp my feet and scream, maybe I will then I think I'll call my sponsor. Any thoughts on God's time would sure make my night.
Member: Fayla G
Location: Gelena Ks.
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 00:36:28
Hi I am Fayla I have 17 months sober time .Sometimes its been a real strugle but I thank god and aa and friends and family .My boyfreind has been one of my strongest means of suport we sobered up together I can only tell you to hang in there and keep doing what your doing and you ll keep getting what your getting .I have peace of mind and a love for other people. A wonderfull over all outlook on everything God bless you all may you take God and aa with you every where you go .If we do this I belive our chances are very promising My love & prayers to all of you love Fayla.
Member: Mel W.
Location: Florida
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 00:42:05
Mel here alcoholic,Ali as I understand God's time in answer to prayer, it is yes, no, or not now. The yes is obvious it is God's will and the time is right, no means it is not His will for us or not right for us. Not now means there may something better planned for us, or something that needs to take place first that we don't see or understand. It is not easy to wait, but the reward is always worth it.This is as I said my understanding, maybe it will help you as it has me. Mel
Member: Amy G.C
Location: Switzerland
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 01:42:30
Elle, keep on keepin`on, call a Charter RAPHA which I highly recommend. That is also especially a note to Eva from the discussion page, I hope she checks here. Elle I also used to be obcessed about what others thought of me when I was drinking, I actually thought I was center stage. Now you can relax and don`t even smile if you don`t feel like it, the AA group loves all its members. Ali, my thoughts (for what they are worth) on God`s time have also been skewed in the past year. I think I want a family but since nothing has happened with my mate in that regard I tended to let negative talk tell me there was something wrong with me, God provided babies to women who would be good mothers, I had failed as a woman drinker for years and made too many mistakes for such a blessing, then a friend said "woah, chill out one day at a time you are only 31 forchristssake! Sorry for rambling but I guess i wanted to empathize with you about waiting but the Bible says for everything there is a season, a time a place and a purpose. I try my best to believe that and it helps, best of luck to you Ali, Peace to all, Amy G.C. going away for a week...Just something I read by Kate to pass on that really made me think "Expectations (towards others) are premediditated resentments.
Member: Ali
Location: California
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 02:18:29
Ali, still an alcoholic. Thanks a bunch Mel and good night to all.
Member: Josh J.
Location: Portland, OR
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 03:05:09
Hi Everyone! Josh alcoholic here. Celebrating 11 exciting days sober. Elle, when I went to my first meeting, I told a guy I met here online (an alkie) that I was afraid everyone would think that I hadn't lost enough or been a drunk long enough. He told me that I was exactly where I was supposed to be AND it was none of my damned business what people thought about me. That hit home, and I'm trying to remember it everytime Mr. Huge Ego takes over and starts up with his (my) shit. Thanks everyone for sharing and for the strength it continually gives me. All you folks feeling on the low side, I'm praying for you when I read your notes. It helps me and you both. Here's to a spectacular, surrendering 24 hours. Peace, ~Josh
Member: Bonnie C
Location:
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 04:07:15
bonnie, alcoholic, ahhhhh God's time, God has 3 answers for my life, yes, no and wait. I tried to move last yr to another state and every time I put a for sale sign on the car, it broke. I could have left it and taken the plane but that inner gut feeling was, not yet, so i tried a little later in the yr, it broke again and again, much to the anguish of my machanic, 2 engines and 3 heads later, I don't have the heart to tell him its just a God thing, by the way, it's becoming very apparant why I wasn't supposed to leave. my God definately has a sense of humor. Life is so very good today. thank God for AA and thank AA for my God. God please bless all those who enter here. bonzoc@webtv.net
Member: Fran P
Location: Buffalo, NY
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 08:59:26
If all things were known or seen there would be no merit in doing the right thing. Just do the next right thing.
Member: Debbie V.
Location: Danbury, CT
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 12:01:49
Hi! I'm Debbie and I'm an alcoholic and drug addict. It feels so different to type it instead of saying it. It still feels good though. A little reminder every time. And there are the days I need all the reminders I can get.
I wanted to share something that I heard at another time and another place. There was a new-comer at a beginers meeting who had been having the thought that she could NEVER, EVER have a drink or a drug again, and how frightened she was by that thought. Another member of the group shared that, as alcoholics, nobody ever said that we could NEVER drink again. Instead we were given a CHOICE. Any one of us could make the choice and pick up today. As for me, I CHOOSE not to. "If I'm having a crappy week, the only thing that drinking will do is make it crappier!" The list of things that I really NEVER have to do is much more managable. I never have to wake up with a hangover again. I never have to lie again. I never have to lie to cover up the lie that I told yesterday. I never have to lay in bed with my heart pounding out of my chest, staring at my watch, wondering when the drink will kick in and I can finally fall asleep. And most importantly, I never have to do anything alone again, thanks to my many friends, my sponsor, my home group, and place just like this.
I am very grateful to everyone in AA for helping me stay sober for today!
Member: fayla g
Location: galena ks
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 22:47:35
hi this is fayla agin here is a cute little verse from a book my brother gave me. sailors prayer . dear god , be good to me, the sea is so wide , and my boat is so small i think it,s neat still sober love fayla .
Member: mary w.
Location: KISSin Ks
Date: 07 Apr 1998
Time: 23:14:20
hi y'all, i'm getting a garden in and it's so nice to be able to make the rows straight. and to be able to plan and do it sober! i've learned when i don't turn it over to god that gods answer is no or wait.... but when i truly give it to god, and really let go, god does.. hugs, mary w.
Member: Glen H
Location: Denton, TX
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 07:18:16
All the discussion on both pages regarding choice and willpower makes me nervous, because things are going pretty well. When my will happens to coincide with God's, I think somehow that I'm the one doing it, and forget who's really responsible.
I'm an alcoholic, and what I do best is drink. Without help, I will drink again. I cannot simply CHOOSE not to drink; all I can do for today is to seek sobriety.
Member: Mary Ellen M.
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 12:37:10
Hello, Mary Ellen M., alcoholic- greetings from sunny Orlando .My Home Group is Made a Beginning, but I also go to Central, Sharing and Caring(women's) and many other fine groups. Drop in and see us if you're ever in town to visit the "House of Mouse", which, by the way, just raised the admission prices again! Happy Easter/Passover to those who are celebrating
Member: J.L.
Location: Massachusetts
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 13:33:21
Hi! My name is Jay and I am an alcoholic.
Just returned from the doctor's,(some of you may know from previous postings that I had an accident last November and have been laid up ever since). Through alot of prayer and the Grace of God it appears that my medical journey is heading for the finish line. I am scheduled for a muscle repair the end of the month and 6 to 8 wks. later, if all goes well, they think they will be able to reverse my colostomy and put me back together pretty well.
There is no doublt that the healing has been the result of alot of prayer and I wish to thank all of you and A.A. for that.
Thanks to all! For the newcomers "hang in there", the best is yet to come; don't leave before the miracle happens.
Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Jane
Location: Northern Illinois
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 15:02:38
Hi! I'm Jane and a Happy alcoholic. God's time.... Well, I know that it isn't fast enough for my liking and if it is that usually means that it isn't God's time but my own. I try to work Step Two everyday. God has shown me alot in my soberity of 8 yrs and when I wait for his answer it is always better for me then mine. I know this because I tried my way for too long and still try it sometimes today. Somehow I always know when it is his answer because I feel good about it-no doubts-no questions. All it takes is prayer for "HIS WILL" to be done not mine or yours.
You know since I found this site I feel so uplifted. I am growing and my home AA group seem to be staying in one place and sometimes stepping backwards. My sponsor moved out of town for the winter and never bothered to call me. I sponsored someone for 6 months but she is more interested in the dinners, getting fun things together then working her steps. So, I let them go, found a new sponsor that I have admired her program since I came into the program and we are going to an all Women's Group.
Thanks for letting me share and I will be back.
Member: John C
Location: Ohio
Date: 08 Apr 1998
Time: 23:50:22
Hi people john here. Buried my friend charlie today. He was a true alky. Had been comming on strong for the last 6 mos, going to lots of meeting, but got a girlfriend before he did his 5th. Again. This time he decided to drink one more time and the police got a phone call from some guy saying "there's a dead man in my basement " Course the fact that the guy's son had been living in the basement and dealing dope out of there since he got back from 'nam must have slipped his mind. Its amazing how some people can go in and out for years and live. I'm sure charlie thought he could start over tommorrow. We went to school together and got drunk together and fished together and went to meetings together and he's dead The funeral was and interesting mix of old drinking buddies and people from our home group. I'm ashamed to say I saw more self-absorbed , juvenile crap from some of the AAs in atendance than from our old drinking buddies. Fortunately , there were a few guys there who were both old drinking buddies and sober for some yrs. and we just looked at each other and shook our heads. Some people really need to grow up. One of the old buddies somed it up better than anybody, when he said "it feels like we've been through a war and left somebody behind" Anyway I didn't confront anybody because I figured the main objective was to comfort his family and each other, so I'm afraid I'm dumping on you all. Sorry, but when you're in pain you go to a meeting and share Thanks
Member: fayla g
Location: galena ks
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 01:04:45
fayla to john thats what were here for ,god be with you in your time of need . its like the old saying, togeather we stand , devided we fall .my love and prayers to you brother in recovery, fayla g
Member: fayla g
Location: galena ks
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 01:05:23
fayla to john thats what were here for ,god be with you in your time of need . its like the old saying, togeather we stand , devided we fall .my love and prayers to you brother in recovery, fayla g
Member: Glen H
Location: Denton, TX
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 05:23:46
John, that's ok. As you are aware, that's what we're here for.
God bless
Member: mark d
Location: vegas
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 07:25:45
Sorry about yer friend.......jails, institutions, or death......alcohol related deaths have hit me square in the face many times.....and every time I hear about somebody going back out, I know that the reaper is waiting for me too.....hey GLEN....I cant't quit drinking either...shcucks, I tried....almost for a year once....guess I just aint tuff unuf....but somewhere along the line, I quit trying to quit....I surrendered to the disease, and to the program of AA......been over 5 years since now.....given the choice, I will drink every time....so every day I ask HP for just one more day....and during the day I put into practice the principles of this program as best I can.....for those of you that have been able to quit drinking with the help of AA....God Bless...AA didn't teach me to quit drinking....AA taught me that I have a compulsion of the mind, coupled with an alergy of the body....that I am powerless over alcohol....and that by taking the steps, I too would be relieved of the compulsion to drink....and today by the Grace of God, perhaps that compulsion will be relieved again....I have no reason to believe that it won't....HP has been doing for me what I cannot do for myself for a whole bunch of days now....this stuff works folks...take the steps....use yer knees...real hard to get to the liquor store on yer knees....but hey, if yer tuff enuf to quit drinking....cool...I ain't...God help me if I ever "get" this program....
Remember, no matter where you go....there you are...Buckaroo Bonzai
yours in 24's...........mark.....alcoholic of the powerless kind....
Member: Martina G
Location: New England
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 16:50:46
sorry about your friend, John. I'm glad you shared it with us.
I'm going to church tonight... when you hear about someone dying, it is a good time to slow down and really relfect on being grateful for alot of things, including my sobriety. that's what I'm going to do.
God Bless You.
Member: rich
Location: ca
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 17:19:54
I'm an AA member who really loves hearing newcomer's share where they are in the infancy of recovery. I remember how confusing it all was when I started to trudge down my happy road of destiny, but only reading the big book gave me an unbiased, egoless, and non piest view of the program. However, I know how hard it is for some to sit down and finish the big blue book, so many, like me, turn to others in meetings or in private to help us form our recovery. This approach may cause even more confusion, however. And, can lead to a relapse if the sponsor has to be right: because he/she simply has more time. There are many functional yet mentally ill old-timers. See our program is based on a constitution, which we call the twelve steps and the big book helps us learn how to live by this new constitution. By turning to others, no matter how long they have in the program, you receive their perception of the program: no matter how distorted it may be. Now, there are many good clear-minded old-timers around here that you can learn from, but they only have their perceptions and opinions. It is your job to sift through their garbage in order to find your treasures. No one person has the answer, so use what you can and politely leave the rest. Everything needed for recovery is in the big book, and it is the least distorted sponsor you will find. Its ego is long gone, for most of its authors are dead, but its message is still strong. Just as an example of how many people distort the book which I live by to the best of my ability, the big book never tells the new comer to find a sponsor, but now old timers brag about how many sponcees they can acquire and preach how in order to stay sober one must have a sponsor: sorry the big book says nothing of this premise. I'm sorry if I bruised any egos. What the big book says is for old timers to find a protégé and commence working with them. This was meant to help us who have been sober awhile to stay sober, not the other way around. We need to find sponcees, not preach at meeting for newcomers to find sponsors: according to the big book anyway. I'd appreciate it if anyone could find the word sponsor in the big book. The big book does talk of frothy emotional appeal, and this seems relevant to the way I see members courting each other for sponsorship relationships, as if, they were getting married. Now, don't get me wrong I have a sponsor and have found it quite helpful. But, he is an anchor or someone whom I can be assured will probably be sober tomorrow if I need help with something. He is not however my spiritual guru, higher power, girlfriend, or wife.
I don't mean to preach about this issue, for it is just an example of how I've seen ego distort what the original program was based on: we must crush our egos not find new avenues to exhibit them. I love this program and it has saved my spiritual life. I, however, find it hard to stomach when meetings focus on a few newcomers to practice driving in the program. Rarely do these spotlighted newcomers return: until adding a few chapters to their story. We as somewhat experienced members should practice what we preach and leave the preaching to preachers. I've never met a good preacher in AA, but I've met many preachers whom would be quite successful at preaching fire and brimstone in the Bible belt. Finally, the only thing a good sponsor needs to say to a newcomer after going through the big book with them: minus the newcomer having any other mental problems other than alcoholism, is read the big book again and ask me for my opinion about any subjects that you find confusing or unacceptable. After all many have seemingly recovered from a hopeless state of mind and body with only the big book: no meetings. Meetings and sponsors are simply a modern day luxury. As a new comer you must find your own way. After all cloning has not been perfected yet. Again, sorry if it sounds like I'm preaching, but AA needs to keep it real, and those people who think they have the answer, should stop trying to re-write the big book. Maybe they should just read it again. Than to all those members of AA who are also trudging that happy road of destiny if god wills it someday we might just run into each other.
Now, again I'm sorry to step on any toes, but I'm just tiered of hearing people I know preach at new comers about what they have to do. If you are a new comer I have only one suggestion about what you may want to do: read the big book. If it is not in there then you may not need it to stay sober, but if you do find issues not covered in the book seek a professional in the field that you have questions about. Don't rely on laymen whom since they got sober have become experts at everything. Your higher power will guide you in the direction you need to go: even if you don't believe in him/her.
Member: Glen H
Location: Denton, TX
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 17:42:38
True in many places, however, do we reject the 12x12 and other literature? Or do we accept them as clarifications and enhancements?
Member: Libby W.
Location: Glenside Pa.
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 20:39:06
Hi everyone! Libby and I am an alcholic. Rich from Ca. I just finished reading your post and got more insight as I do each time I come on here and read.I"d like to share something with you I just found while surfing. Perhaps you already know about it But if not here goes--It is called a big book concordance. While doing homework for myself I also found these Pages-- Sponsor---239,245,246,322.343,355,430,472,476,477,494,495,512,559. sponsored---550 sponsors---360,363. sponsorship---293,577. If you choose--Happy reading,as I will too. Thanks to everyone who contribute to this page I am learning alot Libby .
Member: Carl M.
Location: Canary Isles, Spain
Date: 09 Apr 1998
Time: 22:32:49
Hi. I'm a new user of the net and I'm trying to get into online meetings, or communicate via e-mail. For discussion I'm usually available 5 am GMT, and I'll check e-mail nightly, and respond. e-mail is neilmac@arrakis.es. I'm over six years sober now. Look forward to hearing from you. Carl
Member: LorraineS
Location: Ontario-Canada
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 06:22:22
John, please accept my sincere sympathies. The loss of a loved one is never easy... God Bless You.
Kate, you are so right and I have been to many meetings in the last week and will continue to attend as many as I feel I need for as long as I feel I need them. Because I have made a decision to go to ANY LENGTHS to stay sober. It has been 10 months since I have had a drink and it is absolutely wonderful to know that I am beginning to be in control of my life again... with the help of this fellowship and my Higher Power. I was a lousy drunk and have no desire to go back there.
Thanks for sharing and allowing me to share with you.
May you have many more 24 hours.
Lorraine
Member: Sandy A.
Location: Black Hills, SD
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 07:32:51
Sandy, Alcoholic, Thanks for sharing your pain John - I need to be reminded of those who go back "out there" and don't make it back to AA..
Rich, from what I understand the big book is the opion of about 100 people, and that they argued about it a lot, before it was printed.
I know that I wouldn't have kept sober just from reading a book - I'd have thought you were crazy and maybe I'd need a lot of drinks to get through a book of that size.
Wonder how the BB would have turned out if Bob and Bill would be alive today to write it - Do you think they would have included the Internet as well?
I know what has worked for me - my opion - is using the many tools that I have found in AA. I know of a group of people in AA that fire walked - not my idea of a way to stay sober - but then maybe you can't walk to get another drink? Hummm.....
Celebrating Sobriety ODAT, add a quick prayer for me, going to go visit the family for Easter.
Sandy, near the Heads in South Dakota.
Member: Andrew D
Location: Melbourne Australia
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 09:13:08
Hi room, my name is Andrew and I am an alcoholic, it is so great to see that I am not the only "martian" on this little old planet ( I know that fellow martians will undertand exactly what I mean).
Most recovering alocoholics share that they have a higher power as they understand him, then go on to share about how much they dont understand him - cunning, baffling, powerful ???
Member: SUNSHINE
Location: CT.
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 10:18:16
HI room my name is Kim I am an aloholic. I just came from a program last night. and it feels great to be home after being gone almost one year. I have two kids a ten yr old and a five yr old and its hard to get adjusted again. this was a four MO program and i have learned so much. I did 8MONS in prison. A i learned my lession and it my sound strange but i thank my higher power that i got arrested. Saved my life THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTING.
Member: Lesli D
Location: MN
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 23:25:18
Hello, all. My name is Lesli and I'm an alcoholic. Welcome aboard, Kim -- They say "it takes what it takes" to get to this program and sounds like you've had a long road. Thank your Higher Power EVERY DAY for the chance to be a Sober Mom!!! My son is unaware of how awful I would be if I weren't sober. Being sober is my greatest gift from the HP. It allows me to love him unconditionally, TELL him I love him, NOT beat him up, and be there when he needs me. This program is great--I get down on my knees every night and thank God for being sober.
Blessings to all!!
Member: Nancy M
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 23:30:14
Hi Everyone, I'm Nancy an Alcoholic & Addict. This is my first time in the Net and I am overwhelmed with the sharing I have read. It is powerful. Kim, I will be thinking of you with the new adjustment to family, I have been there and understand the fear. Keep reaching out and sharing with fellow AA's, those PROMISES are just around the corner for you with the guidance of your higher power. I wish you another 24......
Member: Chuck S.
Location: Cntrl WV.
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 23:48:43
Glen H.in Denton TX --Please re-post the address for AA Humor!! Thank You Again!!cs
TFTS!!cs
Member: Ali
Location: California
Date: 10 Apr 1998
Time: 23:52:18
Hi, I'm Ali an alcoholic. Boy, kids in sobriety aren't they grand. I am powerless over both of mine, 2 years old and 5 years old. I was 7 years sober when I had my first and I cannot imagine what it would be like being drunk and being around my kids. I am so grateful. Even now when my oldest scarred me to death running into the room. She looking at the moon through a telescope with her dad. I have used this program so much when it comes to my family and have had to look at my part in more situations than I care to count and many more to come. I don't always do the right thing but I try to remain honest, open minded and willing. Kim--pick your fights, don't sweat the small stuff and look for the miracles.
Member: Eric D.
Location: Dallas
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 00:41:56
Hi my name is Eric & I am an alcoholic. Is anyone involved with Rational Recovery or S.M.A.R.T. Recovery?
Member: jrr
Location: Harmony by the Lake
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 01:15:20
well rich...as you said ..everyone has an opinion..in my experience...the longest and loudest opinions are from the biggest ***holes.. of which everyone has also.. you might work on your anger and resentment with these areas ...find a sponsor.. better still-- as Glen said...find the truth .. 12 and 12 is a great start.. keep coming back... you may get sober yet.. peace, jrr
Member: Glen H
Location: Denton, TX
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 08:21:23
Eric - here's 2 pages
http://recovery.netwiz.net/smart.html http://www.rational.org/recovery/
If this works for you, go for it. At least they're abstinence based. The problem with them is that they have very few groups left (all the ones around here have closed; maybe they got well). If you're having trouble with the higher power stuff, find a good sponsor when/if you come back. Your higher power will find you with just a little effort and open mindedness on your part.
Member: Glen H
Location: Denton, TX
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 08:25:44
Chuck - I didn't post that humor URL. I enjoyed it, didn't bookmark it. I think Mark posted that. Maybe he'll repost it after the page is refreshed tomorrow AM.
Member: LorraineS
Location: Ontario-Canada
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 08:38:04
Good morning to all!
Glen H. -- I used to think that I could not "simply" choose not to drink and you know what? Now I can and that is a gift! It is my choice today and with the help of this fellowship and my Higher Power, the choice "not to drink" is an easy one -- "one day at a time". I thought I had everything I wanted and needed when I was drinking and the truth is, I had nothing. I had no respect for myself, for others and they had no respect for me... and why would they? I gave them no reason to respect me, I was a drunk. Alcohol...Cunning, Baffling, Powerful... oh yea and how, it took over my life! Thank you for sharing Glen!
JL, Good luck with your surgery... that's great!
Pat, still thinking about you and hope that your Higher Power is with you each day to guide you through the rough spots.
For the newcomer... this site is fantastic! If you have not tried a live meeting yet, give it a shot they are even better.
Many more 24 hours to you.
LorraineS
Member: Mickilus Belcourt
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 11:36:20
Hey! True to all things I have heard...Do not get into a relationship in early recovery!!!Yep, it'll drain you, leave you blinded and shaking, and then you wake and go...Where'd I go?
It took me one month to figure out my focus has to be on myself. Having only four months sobriety, really I was playing with fire.
But alcohoolics, me that is, I think I can handle all!!!NOT>
Oh, well, lesson learnt...Now, comes the part where I pick myself up and learn to do things I need to do to have serenity, and a clearconsious contact with my Creator.
Any suggestions? E-mail me at mickilusb@hotmail.com, or post here.
Peace, and may the Great Spirit guide you on your journey.
Member: jrr
Location: harmony by the Lake
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 12:28:17
glen...how the heck do you get sites posted here to become cyberlinks...everytime i try i get a no-access circle w/ a line in it...anyway here is a good humor site...http://www.webfooted.com/humoranonymous.htm hope it helps...but if you can tell me how to fix it for the point and click type please let me know...and if you missed my e-mail thanks to my good friend phil t...here it is SoberChef1@aol.com everyone welcome...peace,jrr
Member: FAYLA G
Location: GALENA KS
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 22:21:27
Hello everybody Fayla Alcoloholic from ks. here I wish every one a sober and happy Easter , I am going to watch my grand kids hunt eggs , That may not sound like much to some but it means everything to me , To look into there little faces sober, I S A WHOLE NEW exsperence , for 17 monthes now ive walked so many new roads in life ,I never knew were there , just by being sober , We all know how the song goes , I once was lost ,but now IAm found , was blind but now i see . When i first got sober ,that song played in my mind once in awhile ,latter i heard other AA members refere to it pretty neat i think.i love you all FAYLA G
Member: Chuck S.
Location: sloan@iolinc.net
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 23:52:02
Randy S. in BR, La.--Hey dude I just Got your email last nite But Deleted your address bofore I could respond OOPS!! Please re-post I'd like to talk more.Thanks in advance!!cs
Member: Chuck S.
Location: sloan@iolinc.net
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 23:52:18
Randy S. in BR, La.--Hey dude I just Got your email last nite But Deleted your address bofore I could respond OOPS!! Please re-post I'd like to talk more.Thanks in advance!!cs
Member: kay h.
Location: vegreville ,alta can
Date: 11 Apr 1998
Time: 23:52:34
HI kay h. from alberta in can. wishing you all a very HAPPY EASTER. STILL AN ALCHOLIC AND STILL SOBER BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
Member: Wayne C
Location: Asheville, NC
Date: 12 Apr 1998
Time: 00:13:52
hi! My name is Wayne and i'm a grateful recovering drunk and addict. I sure am glad that i found this web site. I've been clean and sober since "93", go to meetings regularly and do a lot of service work. Only thing is, i've been having alot of trouble accepting the fact that i am having medical problems. For 31 years of being a drunk and addict i never got sick that much. But since i've been sober, i all of a sudden have been told i have diabetes, and possibly heart problems. Now i'm eating pills for blood sugar and seeing doctors. I've been questioning God's will for me. Anger and depression have been my main problems lately. Anyone got any good suggestions on how to cope? I need all the help i can get.
Thanks imasickman@yahoo.com