Old New Orleans Groups

Got up super early and went straight to work. That went pretty smoothly. Went to my homegroup's business meeting afterward. Now that I really enjoyed. It was our regular bunch... Chatted alot beforehand. One of the ladies and I were talking about how old our group actually is and the traditions it carried. At about 50 years old, it's one of the oldest in New Orleans that is still going. If not, the oldest. I had no idea and am proud to be part of such an enduring institution.

She thought it was interesting that the group started before she started drinking. Heck I can't believe it's been around since before I was born... She also shared that in drinking, she had no interest in tradition or the program. She just wanted to party and have fun. We then discussed the evolution of drinking when I talked about it ceasing to be enjoyable and freeing, and turned into me sitting in my house alone... not answering the door. I learned alot in that brief conversation.

In other news, at our regular meeting, one of our members got her 13 year chip tonight. Two others got a 5 and a 21. Most importantly, though, a young lady got her 24 hour chip. That's one of the biggest moves you can make in recovery!

Have a great night...

Mountain Meetings and the Play-Offs

Had a great day at work. Got to catch bits and pieces of the Saints game. That's 8 in a row and it's play-off time. Woot!

Now I'm hanging back at my place. I have some research to do on the net, other than that, I'm going to relax. I have to work everyday until my vacation. Going to GA and AL Friday to visit my fam. It'll be a bittersweet trip because an important part of it will be missing this time around. But it's ok. I understand why. I can't wait to see my folks, though, and spend time with them. I plan on making every moment count! I'm also looking forward to those north Georgia mountain AA meetings. They are some of the best groups I've ever sat with. Hope they remember me... I have a LOT to share. I'll post about them while I'm up there. ;)

There's really not much more that I can write about the day except that it was awesome. Just absolutely awesome.

Well... Have a wonderful night. I hope the first day of your new year was blessed. Mine was.

Symbol of Life

For reasons that I'm not completely sure are appropriate to go into, I have to say that this has been the best day that I've seen in a very long time. I'm very grateful for it.

Work went well too. On the way in, something odd happened though. In all the time I've lived in New Orleans, I've never run across a snake. I know they're around, but I've never walked up on one in town. Outside of town is a different story. I gave the guy a little nudge to get him off the sidewalk. People tend to freak out at snakes and I didn't want it to get hurt. I'm sure there was no cosmic meaning behind the encounter, but it is interesting what Joseph Campbell wrote about their symbolism.

"The snake is the symbol of life throwing off the past and continuing to live."

I can relate to that because, in a way, that's what recovery is about. Shedding the skin of our past selves and behaviors and moving forward into a healthy, productive way of living. I'm not a great interpreter, but that's what I got from it.

Got the day off tomorrow. I'm going to a couple of meetings and I may try to make a New Year's party one of the groups is holding. It's my first Saturday off in a while, so I'm going to try and enjoy it.

Until then, friends, have a happy New Year's Eve Eve.

I'm Back!

I know... It wasn't even 24 hours. Just thought I'd post a really quick heads-up. Found a replacement piece that fits my charger so I don't have to go out and buy a new one. Woot!

I'm about to head up to my men's group then meet with my sponsor about my next steps. I'll write about it afterwards.

Off the next two days too. Not a bad day so far.

Holidays and Headaches

Today was the last Mustard Seed I'll be going to for the week. I have to try and get a new phone tomorrow (on the other side of town) and they wont be meeting Thur. or Fri. There are plenty of other meetings around though. I'll be going to one tonight as a matter of fact. I still make two on my off days.

I have to admit to being a bit put off by some of the shares at my group. I didn't say anything about it, though. It's just that everyone there seems to be dreading the holidays. The bickering, family squabbles, headaches.... The self-pity part of me wanted to interject and say, "Hey. You guys should be thankful you get to spend the holidays with people you love. There was a time in your disease that not very many people would have wanted you around." That's just the God's honest truth about most active addicts. I'm in recovery now and some people still don't want anything to do with me. I'm going to have to spend the holidays alone, so please forgive me for not being very receptive to those woes. I know it's my fault I'll be alone, but that doesn't make the hurt go away.

Once again, though, I have to step back and realize that triggers do arise at family functions, and that certainly needs to be addressed. Just don't make something so special sound like such a chore. It's a blessing. Still love ya Mustard Seed.

In other news, I got off the phone with a guy from California a little bit ago. I'm trying to enroll in their online school for an associates in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. I have an online appointment with him tomorrow to talk about grants. Woot.

Well. I'm just going to hang out here and surf for a while before my next meeting. Maybe listen to some music. I'll write again after my evening meeting.