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**StraightLines** · February 20, 2008, 08:47 PM

Meetings.

Hey Ripple, how you going, looking like you are going good

As I"ve said somewhere else in a thread, I dont do meetings. They arent my thing but sometimes I kind of wish they were. Thing is, my ex is very involved with AA and everyone knows him around here and I cant really go to any because of it, I'm not comfortable about BOTH of us attending/him knowing how bad things are for me/it goes on.....

I'm really happy they are working for you, they work for the ex wonderfully, he goes at least once a day, chairs, runs conferences, is a sponsor to many, etc. I'm grateful for them because they have kept him in line. I'm REALLY grateful for them I should say, I know what he is like without them.

I shoudl add that I've attended many meetings in support of him, or picking him up hanging there a bit, whatever. Been part of them for over a decade and I agree it's not all whinge and doom and gloom - i've met the most amazing people thru them and they are together, funny, intelligent, amazing, it goes on. Guess you have to pick thru the meetings until you find one that you are comfortable with. I hope you get more involved as the days go on Ripple, sounds like you are feeling very welcomed and settled there.

SL

**Ripple** · February 20, 2008, 09:09 PM

Meetings.

well SL because people are amazing and brilliant they have desires to be more healthy minded persons. its winter here and i have time to go often, ya know, be around people with the same disease for awhile. fills a void for me at present. i cannot shut the door to learning or new experiences that will improve life. there is so much to learn about the human mind/personalities and how they work with and without substance. one can be an Ahole sober or not. i hope i am not one of them. although i am cooperative with myself being patient taking tiny steps towards this sobriety battle. i can see people in the meetings who are just as screwed up as me, but they are humans there for a reason, and that is to send a message to others, we are not in this alone..

~Ripple~

**tlrgs** · February 20, 2008, 09:40 PM

Meetings.

hi there ripple.i knew there was something about you. that i like. yea i go to aa meeting too but only about 4 times aweek and yes they really do help and they so friendly as well. and same here i dont have or want a sponsor .too controling for me. but i love the books .and i too have a home group.this one meeting is outside so i can listen and smoke and just relax so for now see ya maybe in chat zap zap zap

**Cinders** · February 20, 2008, 10:18 PM

Meetings.

Ripple,

I go to meetings, too.

I like being around "people like me" who understand what I am going through.

I don't have a sponsor but I do have people who have shared their phone numbers with me and shared their hugs and shared their feelings with me.

A lot of the experiences I have heard have been just like mine. It is good to hear from people who have been sober for so many years share how they have figured out how to be sober for so many years.

My only problem with AA is that I DO NOT WANT TO GO TO AA MEETINGS in lieu of being addicted to alcohol. i.e. I do not want to swap one addiction for another. Some of the people there do that and some do not. I try to learn from those who have figured out how to use AA's teachings without using AA as another crutch and avoid those who use AA as a big crutch.

My take on it.

Love,
Cindi

BTW, Ripple, I enjoy you... You are not yanking my chain. :H Of course, I lost my chains years ago with Merlot and Voddy...

**Ripple** · February 20, 2008, 11:31 PM

Meetings.

well, there was a young fellow today about 22 as i spoke with him outside; in meeting after the reading he talked about how he had been acting out lately even though he has been sober for some time now, his behaviour is that of a "dry" drunk. meaning, his thoughts and actions are like when he was using. well, i related to that immediately and thats what meetings are about. if it does not come out of your mouth one can be sure someone will speak your exact thoughts. after awhile you can really see how un-well some of the people really are. this is just one example of what AA does for me.

Like Cindi what you said..yes there are a few who are addicted to program and that is noticeable. They are only a few men and women who try to save people, they provide transportation, then they speak that persons story to encourage they care, the person crys, then they hug, now thats a crock of shit to me. but i will not tell them.

I am a friendly member who is always asking off the wall dumb stuff, on the side to people not in meeting, checking around who is doing what and how they feel. Chat about sweets, the weather, when is the next womans social. I always say hello to all some way some how. I'll wave to someone across the room, if someone crys, i get a tissue...they know i am missing a few bolts and i do too. I even go to lunch with men at times.

Meetings work for me and they tolerate my being there.

~Ripple~
:l

**Ripple** · February 21, 2008, 12:00 AM

Meetings.

Its me again, i am not too thrilled about the sponsor thingie, and i don't like calling people when i'm upset cuz hubby scoulded me about not cooking. i don't need a velcro buddy at my age guiding me through the fussy times. also the 'veterans' i call them, repeat stories, that can be repulsive. all in all, one knows what is best for them...i am not a follower but i will participate. i am careful as i do the steps and that includes who i hang with. AA is there to help anyone willing to take it...

~Ripple~

:h

**tlrgs** · February 21, 2008, 12:13 AM

Meetings.

hi there.. ripple. i like how you tell it . straight and to the point. keep on keeping on i am going to be awake for a while had to take my gf back to the hospital something else wrong she is belly pain. lucky the hos is only down the street from the house.she told me to go home and rest. so now am waking. but hey everthing will be just fine .and i had fun tonight .too funny

**Ripple** · February 21, 2008, 01:31 AM

Meetings.

Thanks T...hope your GF is okay. :l

Getting back to AA...in my home group there is a nurse, a school teacher, some work for the state, small business owners, there is an elite private school nearby, students and some staff members come. its a mixed bunch along wtih ordinary ones like myself, etc. what i find most amusing is the quality of speech some have. i have only spoke 3 times since i started 3.5 months ago. On Thanksgiving day i went and spoke as i was weepy that day, then on another day i expressed, i am new, you will see me at many meetings, i will not be saying much as i am not ready. spoke at a womens private meeting a few weeks back to give a bit of info about myself. at times i feel intimidated by the smarts of other members, thinking i may be less of a person in brains? at this point i believe and feel i may always be in touch with AA.

~Ripple~

:thanks:

**KatieSmiles** · February 21, 2008, 01:38 AM

Meetings.

Wonderful Ripple!
I am not the "going to meetings" type of person.
But good on you! I am happy to see you flourish dear.

Keep at it!
love
K

**Ripple** · February 21, 2008, 01:42 AM

Meetings.

I didn't want to go either, i was just lucky my first day was womans day and since then i have felt like home.....:h

~Ripple~

**KatieSmiles** · February 21, 2008, 01:57 AM

Meetings.

my best wishes for you ripple!

**Cinders** · February 21, 2008, 05:53 AM

Meetings.

My MWO Sponsors

Speaking of sponsors, though, I have a couple here.

As a matter of fact I called my "sponsor" Mags last night and she talked me through a rough patch. It was so nice. Time flew by and I learned a bit and had some fun and felt good by the time we got off the phone.

We are an AA group of sorts. A group of people who support each other and care.

The important thing for me is that is the FIRST time I had a huge desire to drink and did call someone instead of caving. A big first step for me. It worked!!

Love,
Cindi

So did chat, Hart and Charlee were there and saved my butt, too!!! Thanks guys!!

**Guest** · February 21, 2008, 09:15 AM

Meetings.

Ripple, cindi,
I am glad to hear that you find AA meetings helpful to you. I can`t really put my finger on it........maybe it`s the idea of exposure and the few "crock of shit" type of members to whom ripple referred, that puts me off......can`t say for certain.

I do however sometimes feel that there`s "something" missing. I have connected with so many people at MWO, and could never in all my life give anywhere near enough thanks for all the help I have received here. I think the "something missing" element for me is probably a real live tangible person/people with whom I can confer about my addiction........this is probably why I can be found in chat most nights........I need the company to help me on this sometimes lonely road. And, just as you say about the AA meetings ripple........I like to go to chat to talk about all sorts of things and have a laugh........it`s not all about drink.........it`s about all that happens in our daily lives as my life continues despite it no longer including alcohol.

Starlight Impress xxx

**Ripple** · February 21, 2008, 09:46 AM

Meetings.

i heard another mention Mags, that is so nice to hear. Although you are correct, chat is very helpful to reduce tension, no doubt. i have no cravings at all with the treatment i am receiving along with the other tools i am putting to use. i have the inner strength to know what i have to do to accomplish what needs to be done. (keep myself safe) on the other hand when i am in chat and someone says i am drinking, thats a taunt, that shit has to stop. that is a drinking behavior to bully another. i rather have a direct comment like your an idiot rather than accusing me of something i know i do not do anymore. does this clear things up for some?

~Ripple~
:upset:

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