AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

[AAthlete]

Morning everyone and happy hump day to everyone!

I had an opportunity to be truly grateful for the little things in life last night. Seems that lately I've been stewing over some husband/wife relationship stuff that bothered me, but in the grand picture wasn't a huge deal (I need to work on getting those feeling out a little quicker btw - they lose their power when I do). My son and I have read the Harry Potter series together from book one, and we are halfway through the last book. It has taken us a long time but it has been something that we've done together at bedtime for probably a year now.

For those of you familiar with the series, in the last book Dobby the House Elf dies saving Harry Potter's life. Dobby has always been one of his favorite characters, and I looked over at him after leading that section as he was crying softly. While the last thing in the world I want is to see him cry, I remember reading a book that did the same thing to me when I was his age and we were able to talk about what he was feeling and why. That was a very special moment for me and one that I will keep with me for a long time.

So, I just need to remember to cherish those little things, because I never know when or how often they are going to appear. Big presentation today at work, so I am off to prepare for that. Hope everyone has a safe and rewarding day!

[rustop61]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Hi AA and all to come

Dont know what age your son is AA, my daughter started reading Harry Potter around 8 so I am guessing its around that age group. You are right to treasure those precious moments with him while you can. I have two teenagers 15 and nearly 17 and believe me those kind of moments are treasured memories.

Getting ready to go on vacation next week. Apprehensive as I have very little AF time under my belt. We are going to a family wedding and I plan to use the antibiotic excuse to get me out of drinking. As I have said before I am very functional and nobody realises that I have a problem with alcohol. I feel too fragile at the moment to go into explanations, I just want to get through each day AF using whatever means I can.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Rustop

[dill]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Morning all!

AA I was so touched by your story about the Potter books. What a special thing for you and your son to share. He is an unbelieveably lucky little boy! Any you, are a lucky man in that you had the brains and the courage to pursue sobriety so that you, and your family, could have a wholesome life.

Hi Rusty! I can totally relate to your fears about the upcoming vacation and especially the wedding. Just keep checking in here, can you? When I went on vacation I took my laptop and checked in everyday. That was really important and kept me AF throughout.

I'm still plugging along here in Ohio. Hope you all are doing well and having an AF Wednesday!

[Cinders]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Hi AF friends!! I am in a stellar mood today and glad to have awakened sober.

AA - I loved your post. There is a song callled "Walk a Little Straighter" by Billy Currington about his life growing up with an alcoholic dad and what it meant to him. Your son will never have to sing that song. I am happy for you that you have found such peace and serenity in sobriety and that you are living a life that adds positive moments to your family's lives.

RU - Yes, use whatever it takes to stay sober. That is one of my mantras.

Dill - I'll keep plugging along in Alabama and we can plug along together. Thank you for being here.

All to come, please have a wonderful and sober Wednesday.

Love,
Cindi

[free bird]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Hello AF fers,

AA -- Loved your story. Such precious moments money cannot buy and probably would not be, if you were drinking. Hmm..alcohol is such a stealer, but a thief no more. My youngest is 8 and has not read the Harry Potter series; my teenagers read them the minute they are published. I haven't been able to get into them myself, but I was thinking of following your lead and start a bedtime ritual with my youngest....I will let you know. And thanks for the great idea; it has been in the back of my mind of things to do.

Everyone else -- I am just happy you are here and I am here.

Feeling a bit odd today, but a good/happy, sober odd. I read something today on another thread that really inspired me to finish 30 days come hell or hight water. I feel more determined at this point. My 30 days (ironically) is up when our vacation starts, and I must admit, I am not sure what to do then.

Rusty -- I think I want to do what you have decided to do and not do it.

Dill -- Love your posts -- They are so upbeat and positive.

Cindi -- Keep fighting the fight with boths fists up...don't drop your guard. You are an inspiration to me.

Everyone else -- Have a great day.

[Accountable for Me]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Good morning, Abbers!

Not much for me to say as I am about to dash off of this computer and get showered, etc.

I have an all day Occupational First Aid course, as mine is about to expire. I must be out the door by 7:30 am and Little AFM is not impressed with eating breakfast so early. hahaha

Be well everyone! I will catch up here later this evening. xoxo

[LVT25]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Good morning friends!

A quick check in for me as well. I am trying so hard to not let the stress of life (nothing major) get to me. I guess I didn't realize when I started doing all these part time jobs what a chore it was going to be to fit it all in in a day! Mostly it is the frustration of getting the boys where they need to be AND getting my work done. We are going home for my class reunion this weekend, and I have a mountain of laundry, plus I need to replant my garden.
I just keep plugging away, and try to keep it all in perspective. You know--at least I have a job(s), my kids, our health, a home, the opportunity to live a happy, sober life......I've got it made--the other stuff that gets to me is just petty BS really. Now, if I can just get my brain to believe that!!!
TG--you got some great advice on yesterday's thread--you are not alone. I would encourage you to follow that advice--stay off the AL--you don't need it! See if you can get some professional advice at least for a little peace of mind.

Ok, gotta run--best wishes to all here!!!!!!:h

[Determinator]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

top of the morning ABeroooos!

sorry to be so brief. early meeting so I'm off and running.

nice beginning to the day, thanks AAthlete

keep up the good fight and be well everyone

[Doggygirl]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Good day everyone! Haven't had much on-line time lately but wanted to say hi. A big thank you to all for your support going through this current rough patch with Dad. I am so very glad to be sober. I am realizing that my brain works a lot like my Dad's in many ways - some good ways and some not so good ways. He is really struggling (understandably) right now and I am ashamed to even think about how I would be acting if I were still active in my addiction and living in a completely self centered way. I don't like to imagine the kinds of things that would be coming out of my mouth. In terms of personal growth, this situation helps me understand how far I've come, but also how far I have yet to grow to be the kind of person I want to be.

AA thank you for starting us off today. I'm so glad you chose to share that story. What a perfect reminder to all of us about the importance of the little things in life. The stuff that money can't buy and that AL often robs from us. Each moment of life is precious - we can't get those moments back. Another reason I'm glad to somehow be able to keep my mouth mostly shut right now within the family.

Rusty I think you will be fine at this wedding so long as you make a firm decision ahead of time that you will not drink, and stay determined to stand by your decision, no matter what, during the event. YOU CAN DO THIS!

LVT it sounds like things are hectic right now for you. I too need to remind myself often that I've got it so good, and I need to be grateful and not whine (out loud OR in my head) about the little stuff.

Hello Deter!

AFM have fun at your class.

Free Bird, I guess I have 2 questions re: the expiration of your 30 days. What do you think will happen if you decide to drink? (this is not a trick question - I think we all have to ask ourselves this. I wish I had asked it of myself before chosing to drink after 60 days in 2007)

Cindi and Dill I have a vision of you two "plugging" together. I am using my imagination about what "plugging" is. (what is it in that saying anyway??)

I'm on hold today. They originally thought they would be doing surgery on Dad today but they are not, but ARE doing more tests. So I'm waiting to find out if he will be released today or when. I need to get my head wrapped around some actual work which hasn't been easy here this morning. No time like the present to change that.

Hello to all yet to come and anyone I might have missed.

DG

[free bird]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

DG -- Thanks for your question and thoughtfullness . What was the 2nd?? :thanks:

Honestly, I have been asking myself this question too and this is the reason for my post regarding my 30 day expiration date. Until I can come up with the right answer, I will choose not to drink unless the right anwer seems perfectly clear to me.:nutso: Right now nothing seems perfectly clear (at all) especially WHY I would choose to drink. What I would really like to think is that alcohol is just like butter as referred to in RJ's book.

go

[dill]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Well, DG, the definition of "plugging along":
informal ?verb (used without object) ... to work with stubborn persistence (often fol. by along or away): You're doing a fine job?just keep plugging. Some writers will plug away at the same novel for several years.

Me, I'm plugging away at maintaining a sober lifestyle!

One of the definitions I read said, to work doggedly. I thought you might be able to relate to that one!

[Cinders]

AF Daily - Wednesday - 17 June 2009

Dill,

:H:H

Cindi