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Been planning to blog for weeks but there's always one more thing to do first. Sometimes it's necessary to just make the commitment.
In Rome that's 29. For anyone who doesn't recognize the medallion, it's what AA gives out to celebrate years sober. The only possible drawback to accumulating sober time is getting old in the process. But as the saying goes, getting old sure beats the alternative.
I came to AA out of desperation when I was 29-years old. On the one hand I wanted to die, on the other, I didn't and survival won out. I made a phone call to a former drinking buddy who had gotten sober a few months before I did and the rest, as they say is history. I made a commitment to sobriety the first night--hangover and all--by saying when my turn at the meeting came, "I'm John, an alcoholic, and I pass". That was it, but it says it all.
My actual sobriety date is 21 January, but the group holds anniversary meetings on the last Saturday of the month, so I celebrated last night. It was a really nice meeting. My buddy Adam gave me the medallion and the discussion part of the meeting that followed was interesting. Anniversary meetings are to show others that the Program of recovery works and it's not supposed to be an ego-feeding proposition, but I was really good to hear that things I've said over the years are remembered and have helped others on their journey.
If you recall the story of Bubba and his brother who were working on the house; they are gone. They finished the inside work and made a deal with another contractor (pending my approval (which I did)) to do the outside work. It's a bit too cold to do siding, and since there has been virtually no snow this winter, I'm not even too concerned with getting the snow guards on the roof and the gutters up. There shouldn't be any flooding this spring unless something really strange happens--like several feet of snow all at once. but the pattern has been for a little to fall and melt, and rain instead of snow, so no big deal at this point.
As much as I prefer to spend time outside, it really don't like doing it in mud, and the boyz don't too much like being out in the cold. Buster spent an hour or so outside today--sunny and 34--but he couldn't get in fast enough after the hour. I figure I'll get some good days to split wood and even if I don't I should have just enough to get through the rest of the season.
That is a picture of the front entryway. It's no where near as dirty as the one in the back was. I had tried floor stripper, Awesome and I don't remember what else to clean it and nothing worked. Then I read Jeri's blog and vinegar had worked for her. I was about ready to try that, but I had ordered a steam cleaner for Christmas, so I waited. I can't believe how well steam cleans. I had watched infomercials on the subject and they were telling the truth. A shot of steam is all it takes. Works great on other surfaces too. Next I'll try it on the stone around the fireplace. The floor area in particular is darker in front of the fireplace insert than the rest, so hopefully it will be all one color when I'm finished.
How about I leave you with a political statement....
Not much else doing... spending time on FB... political posts are poppin' and there are many, many months to go.
My group gives gold (plated) medallions for 30 years. I order medallions, so I know how much the gold costs. I'll probably take one then put it back in stock and carry bronze. I always carry the current year in my left pocket.
tired of burning holes in my clothing and smelling like tobacco so I gave it
up 25 years ago and it was really hard for me to quit smoking. The white
vinegar worked on a level floor but it didn't in the shower with the drain. I am going to get a hand held steamer. The steam mop works great.