http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Staying Cyber Forums : Last 10 Posts Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:44:40 +0000 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:58:24 +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=761&PID=108845#108845 Author: Mary L A
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 1:58am

Sober & grateful early on Monday morning. (Goodnight Beth!) Woke up to hear that the MPLA has won the Angolan elections with a landslide victory which means President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos will have been in power for 30 years. Capital city Luanda right now is crammed with Chinese entrepreneurs buying up mining and oil rights, since Angola rivals Nigeria as an oil-producing nation. Not that you'd guess it from the slums of Luanda...

(Glen) good to hear some of your story. Love the livestock! And I know from personal experience that when the pink cloud of early recovery wore thin, the Steps became the way forward, especially that 12th-Stepping. Congrats again

Happy 27 years to (David/Moe)!

(SoberKat)I've always felt that one of the dangers of sponsorship as it has developed has been dependency and newcomers hoping the sponsor will do the thinking for them or motivate them when they can't be bothered. There is often a pseudo-therapeutic atmosphere. Boundaries and independent thinking are really important

(SteveM) (Ernie) I am more than ready to eat humble pie on this because I know zilch about mountain climbing, real or virtual. Am I thinking of Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air? I have heard about the Italian POW climbing Mount Kenya but don't know the title. And I agree with (Shannon) that 'crampons' sound like icky feminine stuff. On the other hand I can glissade with the best of them

((Herb)) ((JanBB)) ((Pats)) ((AnnieK & Patrick)) ((BethJ)) ((Beto)) ((BillJ & Isla))

Thanks to everyone for helping me stay sober another 24

]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:58:24 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=761&PID=108845#108845 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108844#108844 Author: Joni N
Subject: September 7 – 13, 2008: Relapse
Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 1:00am

Hi, (everyone).

(Ed)...That is a very important quote for me...page 58 of the BB...the one you quoted. THE most important word in that sentence is the word "completely": "Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not COMPLETELY give themselves to this simple program...". Then it goes on about people not being capable of being honest with themselves (about their alcoholism).

When I hit my bottom, I hurt so badly I was willing to go to ANY lengths to get out of that pain. Fortunately for me, I wound up in an AA meeting and found out what would take that pain away...SOBRIETY. I had come to realize that I was totally unable to stop drinking on my own...that I never knew where my drinking would take me. I couldn't take it any longer and I couldn't kill myself.

I even became willing to believe in a power greater than myself because I was told I would drink again if I didn't. Thankfully, I could choose what that power was/is. I truly believe that I have not relapsed because I have no reservation about me being an alcoholic...that I will die...or even worse won't...if I pick up that first drink...AND...I have a conscious contact with a Higher Power...and I make a commitment to my sobriety every day.

For those of you who are struggling, please keep coming back. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking...if you have that desire, you belong here and in AA. You don't have to do this deal alone...we can help each other.]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:00:31 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108844#108844 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1143&PID=108843#108843 Author: Joni N
Subject: September 7 – 13, 2008
Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 12:34am

Hi, (everyone).

Thank you for all your shares. Actually, what I'd like to hear about is whether you think that we should confront someone who we think is drinking...i.e. someone who has been coming to the meetings and suddenly you smell acohol on that person's breath. Do you say anything?

What if you suspect someone might be drinking who posts online. Do you say anything? I was taught to let that person know you are there for them and let them do what they need to do to finally reach bottom. What do you think?]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:34:29 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1143&PID=108843#108843 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=761&PID=108842#108842 Author: beth k
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 12:19am

(((A-M))))

Well football fans, Brady with a torn ACL, I would think out for the season. Another cutie in the line up...Matt Cassel. Do I think of men in those terms, hottie, cutie etc... of course, and I also check out their butts. A little confession is good for the soul.

((Chris)) just what all those guys need is the upheaval of hurricaines, talk about powerless, instant demo!

((Steve)) one model for IKE looks like it googled your address.

Maybe going to the west coast of Mexico, instead of Cancun or Cozumel later this fall was a great idea...

Morning ((Mary))]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:19:57 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=761&PID=108842#108842 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108841#108841 Author: beth k
Subject: September 7 – 13, 2008: Relapse
Posted: 08 Sep 2008 at 12:05am

((Debb)) you mentioned having a "weak will".. that is part of the point. It doesn't have a F#$&ing thing to do with will power. Nothing, Nada. Zilch.

It is almost counter-intuitive, makes no sense. But the more you try to control, stop, only drink when it is good, appropriate whatever... the worse it is!

Alcoholism has partly to do with the obsession in the mind. We get to be obsessed with alcohol. Buying it, hiding it, drinking it, not drinking it, drinking too much, drinking just enough, not drinking befor 5 pm, not drinking before lunch, brushing my teeth before drinking in the morning... it makes my head swirl just to remember how busy my brain was just thinking/not thinking about alcohol. It is NOT WILL, IT IS A DISEASE of the body, mind and spirit.

To stop drinking is simple... it really is, but it is hard to "get it", once you get it, then all things are possible one day at a time.

To stop drinking give up fighting it, accept that you will never win (control your drinking) and find a power greater than you that you can rely on to help you get through it. God, AA, power of nature are some that folks choose, the home group often,,, GOD=group of drunks.

The brain business when we try to stop drinking a lot of folks refer to as the "committee in my head", the good angel and bad angel. It, IMHO is just your will fighting your impulse/obsession/disease. It goes away when you truly accept that you are powerless over alcohol.

When you finally get to where the disease has beaten you down to where you don't have any fight in you (my experience) that is when you can just give up, admit there is no power left in you to control drinking. I screamed that I would not fight anymore. I ACCEPTED that alcohol won, I was powerless.

I had reached bottom, I was teachable, I was willing to do anything, including not drinking, to get a life back. Any life would have been fine... I happened to get my life back. It is ver nice.

Feel free to email.. that goes to all of you.]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:05:47 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108841#108841 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108840#108840 Author: Debb
Subject: September 7 – 13, 2008: Relapse
Posted: 07 Sep 2008 at 11:36pm

I sm suffering right now.]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:36:06 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108840#108840 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108839#108839 Author: Robin H
Subject: September 7 – 13, 2008: Relapse
Posted: 07 Sep 2008 at 11:16pm

Hey all,

Well tomorrow will be 30 days sober for this alcoholic. I really didn't think I would make it. I feel so grateful today.I have been through sooo much since my first AA meeting a month ago. It went by so fast but
feels like I've been there for a long time. It really is the most amazing fellowship.
So many different people. I have a new sponsor and l am so humbled and grateful I could cry
(and I do, often) Life is looking a lot different through sober eyes, for the better.

I worry about relapse. It's discussed all the time. I don't want an out. I fear relapse.
I don't want to start again.

I'm not sure I can keep this up for the rest of my life, but for now its ODAAT. I know I would be so disgusted with myself at this point if I picked up again. I know it's only been 29 1/2 days, but that in itself is major.

Love to all. Especially all the alcoholics who are suffering right now.
Thanks for all the love sent my way.

(((Rachel)))

Robin]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:16:05 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108839#108839 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108838#108838 Author: Debb
Subject: September 7 – 13, 2008: Relapse
Posted: 07 Sep 2008 at 11:03pm

Hey for today, tonight. I am also a bulmic drunk. Hubby just went to work and I am on my third bag of chics and cheeese only to get all crazy agian. ((((((((Annie)))))) I bet ya a million bucks we would have a lot in commin except I have weak wwill of some sort.]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:03:49 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108838#108838 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108837#108837 Author: Carole S
Subject: September 7 – 13, 2008: Relapse
Posted: 07 Sep 2008 at 10:27pm

Carole, an alcoholic. It has been awhile since I have posted here, but the topic and Ed's post brought me back to the keyboard. As usual Ed, your insight is amazing. I can very much identify with what you are saying. I have had many periods of sobriety interrupted by one night of drinking-so much so that I finally got fed up with myself and stopped taking note of sobriety dates. I decided to just take it one day at a time. I think as Ed mentioned, I have been having trouble accepting the concept of being powerless over alcohol because I have been able to return to sobriety each time. I do harbor the fear though that the time may come when I will not be able to quit and I really don't know when that time might be. From that standpoint I know that I am "playing with fire". I know that I am an alcoholic and that once I start to drink, the craving kicks in and I can not stop until I have had too much. Sometimes I just get really depressed and it just doesn't seem to matter. Perhaps you have something there, Ed, about the death wish......Carole]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:27:00 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1145&PID=108837#108837 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=761&PID=108836#108836 Author: Anne-Marie
Subject: The Coffee Pot
Posted: 07 Sep 2008 at 10:23pm


Good morning all, Anne - recovering alcoholic here.

My thanks as well as congratulations to you Glen for being the most patient, kind teacher I have met and reaching your 12th milestone. May you reach many more ODAAT.

Thanks Mary L A, Kelly F, Joni N for your support.

Soberkat you are so right about sponsorship being a big undertaking.
Prayers for tolerance, patience and a sense of humour heading your way.

Kerry B stay strong and find something to smile for today. It really helped me, as silly as it sounds.

Matthew you are my hero - a man who knows the effort of housework and doesn't grumble but takes pride in his efforts! The satisfaction jumped off the pages! The world could do with a few more like you.

Hey Roze you are so right about grandkids. They bring out the honesty and childlike attitudes we hide or deny as 'grown ups'. I love it now I've learned so what if someone comes to the door and I'm covered in glue, glitter and texta as we had been making 'happy people and what they'd look like'! it is MOST IMPORTANT Paige calls it so that they don't go dry and set before we finish dressing them. Enjoy it all.

Everyone else, may you have a peaceful day/night.]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:23:04 +0000 http://www.stayingcyber.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=761&PID=108836#108836