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Post Info TOPIC: Easter Sunsday 1974


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Easter Sunsday 1974
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I came into AA , like Bill W. an out of work stockbroker who at 30 drank around the clock 7 days a week..I figured if I could just control morning drinking I'd be all right..but that was impossible..It was a cold day so I came in the doors because I was with a friend who was going to a meeting I could get a cup of coffee to sober up and figured I'd get some literature to take to the sail loft and read while having a few bloody Maiys..maybe learn to cut down

I was blessed that for once my heart was open to reason... the message got through...I stayed sober...It was difficult. I planned to get drunk St. Patriock's day with about 75 days or so of sobriety...but a check didn't arrive so my planned trip to N.Y. and the festivities never happened.

I had I think 92 days of sobriety..A special morning meeting was being offered for a few potential Alkies who gave up drinking for lent and might drink with a vengence now that lent was over

In the course of those 90 days I was continually reminded to keep my mouth shut and LISTEN..It was difficult about day 60  i started up on a pink cloud and started to listen

When I got up to chair and sat at that desk looking out..I had a marvelous spiritual; experience..I knew EXACTLY why I was there...I was there simply to relate my EXPERIENCE of how I managed to stay sober 92 days...That's a pretty big thing when considering I drank 24/7 around the clock...I learned the spiritual principle...that how witty, urbane, or educated one is...that one has nothing to say at an AA meeting except how one is applying the solution for oneself to help others...

I never after that meeting have had a serious urge to pick up a drink...i GOT IT..One stay's sober ONLY by helping others through EXPERIENCE...Whining about problems is the road to self pity and going back on the sauce that philosophy and methodology has been working continuously now app...41 years plus..I don't remember the date of Easter Sunday 1974



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Great share Amigo, ... and Congrats on 41 years ... not sure I have enough years left to match that ... wow ... 41 big ones ... great job ...

cake.gif



Love ya and God Bless,
Pappy



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XLI Great -----

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Amigo wrote:

...In the course of those 90 days I was continually reminded to keep my mouth shut and LISTEN..It was difficult about day 60  i started up on a pink cloud and started to listen

When I got up to chair and sat at that desk looking out..I had a marvelous spiritual; experience..I knew EXACTLY why I was there...I was there simply to relate my EXPERIENCE of how I managed to stay sober 92 days...That's a pretty big thing when considering I drank 24/7 around the clock...I learned the spiritual principle...that how witty, urbane, or educated one is...that one has nothing to say at an AA meeting except how one is applying the solution for oneself to help others...

I never after that meeting have had a serious urge to pick up a drink...i GOT IT..One stay's sober ONLY by helping others through EXPERIENCE...Whining about problems is the road to self pity and going back on the sauce that philosophy and methodology has been working continuously now app...41 years plus..I don't remember the date of Easter Sunday 1974


Amigo, congrats on 41 years plus. What is your experience now with regard to the missed benefits of AA meetings? You mentioned that you did not attend them anymore. How do you still do it without meetings?

 



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Aloha Amigo and thanks for the share.  I've heard and seen similar which is all supportive of the program for me.  I was very oppositional and defiant coming into recovery myself however the simple instruction of sit down, shut up and listen worked for me also.  I can't tell you how exactly that overcame my defiance yet it did and it did keep me coming back even though uncommitted to what I was hearing for a while.  I believe what worked most on me then was spiritual...from the inside out.  I lost the anxiety which came with my drinking lifestyle an which demanded that I keep drinking.  I didn't drink because I had to...only because it was there and I could.  We had 439 meetings a month in the tri-valley area in while I found recovery and so there was always a meeting to be at not to mention the one on one's with sponsorship and other elders.

Thanks for the share...keep putting it out there.   wink



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ABOUT MEETINGS:

When I left Key West, wonderful meeting in the "Anchors Away Club"... 11 months there, I would attend 2 meetings a day...I knew my meetings would be significently curtailed sailing on...Arriving in Cancun area wonderful English speaking meeting...3 months there

Spending 3 months in Providencia Island no meetings..sought of got used to meeting deprivation...Interesting in a nearby Island..San Andraes..There was a Spanish speaking Meeting ...low bottom meeting...but one fellow who came up from Columbia...a higher bottom member could speak English...My Spanish, I was just learning...I would prepare remarks in the afternoon..Then translate on paper in the best spanish I knew from studying and deliver my remarks from paper in Spanish during meeting...It didn't go over well with the low bottom types who I learned they just wanted to vent about their drinking...they wouuld come in late after I shared..didn't want to hear what I had to say..Instead of being patient..I gave them the finger proverbially stopped going..then 2 months later moved on

I regret doing that now Why?....If I stayed with it would have been quite proficient in Spanish..Which I'm not..because I associated with English speaking people...so it was a lost opportunity I look at it now. Quite honestly it was an AA culture shock and I should not of retaliated that way...In Panama I was pretty much a regular...not particularly well liked..projected myself too much. I was never a model of humility..plus I was distracted with too many Panamanian and Columbian girlfriends..while there..

Do I miss meetings?...Not really got used to NOT having them but stick closely to the 24hr book..Daily Reflection..and as Bill Sees it. Meetings in first 15 yrs of sobriety were critical in formulating a new life.


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Amigo wrote:

ABOUT MEETINGS:

Spending 3 months in Providencia Island no meetings..sought of got used to meeting deprivation..

Instead of being patient..I gave them the finger proverbially stopped going..then 2 months later moved on.

...In Panama I was pretty much a regular...not particularly well liked..projected myself too much. I was never a model of humility..plus I was distracted with too many Panamanian and Columbian girlfriends..while there..

Do I miss meetings?...Not really got used to NOT having them but stick closely to the 24hr book..Daily Reflection..and as Bill Sees it. Meetings in first 15 yrs of sobriety were critical in formulating a new life.


 Do you think you will ever go to any AA meetings again, Amigo? You mentioned recently that you haven't gone to a meeting in over 4 years. I have heard of some longtimers eschewing meetings at some point. Are you one of those?



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THE REASON NO MEETINGS TaNIN..Where I am there ARE NO MEETINGS...If there are meetings where I sail..then OBVIOUSLY i will go If they of course are in English..My point Irrespective of my ability to attend..I am still comfortable with my program and doesn't inhibit working the steps on a daily basis....It's a way of living..

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Well, it's been over 4 years since your last AA meeting. And you don't miss 'em.  Could be years more til your next. If your program isn't inhibited by that, more power to you, I say. Keep doing what works...

Does your traveling inhibit other aspects of AA for you? Can you sponsor others? Do you have a sponsor?



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Thanks Amigo - for the experience. I believe offering experience needn't be confined to inside an AA room. Where ever I am able to express my capacity to live spiritual principles - the Universe/God will offer it's capacity to free me from self bondage.

Luckily - I live on Earth where just being in the presence of any other living thing offers me an opportunity to practice the principles in all of my affairs.

Peace to you and yours xxx

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Amigo wrote:

ABOUT MEETINGS:

When I left Key West, wonderful meeting in the "Anchors Away Club"... 11 months there, I would attend 2 meetings a day...I knew my meetings would be significently curtailed sailing on...Arriving in Cancun area wonderful English speaking meeting...3 months there

Spending 3 months in Providencia Island no meetings..sought of got used to meeting deprivation...Interesting in a nearby Island..San Andraes..There was a Spanish speaking Meeting ...low bottom meeting...but one fellow who came up from Columbia...a higher bottom member could speak English...My Spanish, I was just learning...I would prepare remarks in the afternoon..Then translate on paper in the best spanish I knew from studying and deliver my remarks from paper in Spanish during meeting...It didn't go over well with the low bottom types who I learned they just wanted to vent about their drinking...they wouuld come in late after I shared..didn't want to hear what I had to say..Instead of being patient..I gave them the finger proverbially stopped going..then 2 months later moved on

I regret doing that now Why?....If I stayed with it would have been quite proficient in Spanish..Which I'm not..because I associated with English speaking people...so it was a lost opportunity I look at it now. Quite honestly it was an AA culture shock and I should not of retaliated that way...In Panama I was pretty much a regular...not particularly well liked..projected myself too much. I was never a model of humility..plus I was distracted with too many Panamanian and Columbian girlfriends..while there..

Do I miss meetings?...Not really got used to NOT having them but stick closely to the 24hr book..Daily Reflection..and as Bill Sees it. Meetings in first 15 yrs of sobriety were critical in formulating a new life.


Oh, really?

Imagine that.



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This is that Tomas guy. I believe he was banned last time here for inciting people...particularly female posters.

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As you proceed through Life, following your own path, birds will S**T on you

Don't even bother to Brush It Off.

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Thank you for continuing to share the "MESSAGE OF HOPE" GREAT WORK OF 41 YEARS IN THE GRACE AND MERCY OF YOUR HIGHER POWER...Have a blessed and productive day,in the Journey of FREEDOM FROM ACTIVE ADDICTION...........smilesmile



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Amigo, I was living down in Marathon, in the Keys, last year when I qiut drinking. It's funny, because the Keys are famous for drinking. A lot of people who lI've down there drink an awful lot. Some people said to me: "you didn't pick the best place to live to quit drinking". But, it wasn't any harder than anywhere else. I was done, plain and simple. Wouldn't have mattered if I lived next door to a distillery. 



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peecee wrote:

This is that Tomas guy. I believe he was banned last time here for inciting people...particularly female posters.


Ahh, he had some wild and self-aggrandizing posts here under the moniker of Tomas...

And he was really proud (justifiably so) of his Facebook page. All about his many accomplishments sailing about the southern hemisphere.

High accomplishments and high level of entertainment value are staples of his internet postings (TJC1010101 and TOM967). Here's one, unmistakably in his indulgent style:

 

Amigo Charms Sailing Community 

 It's hilarious. That's our Amigo...



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Oh wow Read all 3 pages 



-- Edited by justadrunk on Friday 14th of August 2015 11:34:11 PM

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I read all that, too. That just cannot be the same man! All that bragging about being with lots of women, cussing people out, the bitter attitude--tell me it's not true......it just cannot be one of "us"!

(LOL)

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hopefulone wrote:

I read all that, too. That just cannot be the same man! All that bragging about being with lots of women, cussing people out, the bitter attitude--tell me it's not true......it just cannot be one of "us"!

(LOL)


 Here's another. Even better. Longer, though. Interesting, the difference between the theory (preaching) and reality. That's always instructive.

 

"Train yourself Amigo in the way of serenity...find that inner tranquillity and peace....Then, you will be a power for peace." 

 



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I wonder if this person still needs someone....I was reading over the qualifications and it said "if you can identify" and come to find out, I have quite a few of them. Like these:

"puke in the sink" (yes, I have and many times, and in other areas, such as tubs, floors, bushes, bf's cars, and on people. Lots of experience in that area!

"pissing in a Folger's can" (I am not sure if it was a Foger's can exactly. I have in many cans, a Mason's jar, drinking glasses and my MIL's vase.

"water on the charts" (well....if by that it is meant "peeing is off the charts" I used to think after I drank a bunch of beers I wouldn't ever stop. Also see above for more peeing experience.)

"smelling and unwashed" (much experience on this one. And if not brushing teeth counts for anything, I have that as well)

as far as the "nothing being broken or bruised" --lots of items --wine glasses especially among other things and yes, lots of bruising, so neither of those bother me.

Oh, no wieners or crybabies---well, I am a bit of both, working on it. Maybe that will be overlooked as I have so many other qualifications :)


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Tanin...I think you and I both have too much time on our hands, eh?

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So, this is Tomas ??? ... ... ... (That IS his old pic from long ago, for sure ...)

Thanks Pickle for the interesting info ... as long as he's sober in his endeavor, I guess he's okay ... so what if he's a little 'over-bearing'? ... many of us are, LOL ...



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AND ... H1 is correct ... Y'all DO have a little too much time on your hands ... LOL ...



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Pythonpappy wrote:

So, this is Tomas ??? ... ... ... (That IS his old pic from long ago, for sure ...)

Thanks Pickle for the interesting info ... as long as he's sober in his endeavor, I guess he's okay ... so what if he's a little 'over-bearing'? ... many of us are, LOL ...


 That's what his Facebook page showed...

http://aa.activeboard.com/t57597095/addiction-to-facebook-bad-for-sobriety/

a "little" over-bearing??    

LOL

Pythonpappy wrote:

AND ... H1 is correct ... Y'all DO have a little too much time on your hands ... LOL ...


 Coming from the fellow with 8,500 posts? Hmmmm.  



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Yeah well, ... there have been times when I had way too much time on my hands and I fig'rd spending that extra time here was way better than the alternative ... and I did so in hopes of trying to be of some help to others ... and to help put myself on a more solid spiritual foundation ... I have learned as much or more here than I have given, I think ... at least it has been 'fulfilling' to me ...


Thanks Pickle, and God Bless,
Pappy



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And that comment about looking good in Speedos!!!

I am sure he looks better than me. I am going on a diet soon. I cannot hardly get my big a** in my clothes now. This no smoking bit is good for my lungs, however not my appetite, as I am eating everything in sight!!!

(come to think of it, that was a silly thing for me to say, as Women don't wear Speedos do they? Hey, and I thought of a story....on my honeymoon with my ex DH, there was this very well endowed man, probably in his 60's, wearing a pair of those "mighty tighties". I had never heard of Speedos and my husband told me what they were. He was with a woman and they were frolicking all around in the water. I think I used that as an excuse to drink extra wine on that trip to get over that sight! )

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And of course it saved my life pappy... so there's that minor thing in the grand scheme of it all :)  There always being someone here listening and talking early on for me... I have no words to describe my gratitude.  Xxxxoxo



-- Edited by justadrunk on Sunday 16th of August 2015 10:01:43 PM

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You simply learned to place your faith in a power greater than you Tash, that's what saved your life, not me or the others ... all we might have done was 'point' in the right direction ... you had to take the initiative to act on what you were hearing ... Kudos to you ...

You have been one of my most favorite 'miracles' to witness here ... it was a 'joint' effort ... despite some accusatory remarks about some kind of underlying relationship between us, and questioning my motives, LOL ... people will always think what they will, ha-ha ... we cannot not control that nor should we allow it to effect us ... now, that that beginning for you has been years ago and I am honored to have been a part of it ... you are an inspiration to many, including me ...


As from the beginning, I love you and God Bless,
Pappy







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Pythonpappy wrote:

Yeah well, ... there have been times when I had way too much time on my hands and I fig'rd spending that extra time here... 


Thanks Pickle, and God Bless,
Pappy


 It's all good, Pappy.  We all know that there is not really a limit as to how much time anyone spends in posting on or reading here on the forum. One really cannot have "too much time on your hands" to post here. Everyone is equal, regardless how many postings they initiate. There is no special higher class here that can say some posts should be restricted, because of time or otherwise.

Have a blessed day, Pappy,and get back to 100% ASAP!



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Thanks for your kind words Pickle, ... very well said ... on a side note, things have been a bit better for me ... not 'out of the woods' yet as they say ... thanks for being there for me and others, as you have been for quite a while now ... you're a 'good egg' as my dad used to say, LOL ... (we had chickens on our farm, and occasionally we'd find a bad egg, LOL) ...



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There was a time few years ago

That i spent a lot of time checking out this board ,,i was ill kinda homebound could only get to maybe 1 or 2 meetings  a week could hardly walk & needed help ,,this board help me out alot ,, and for that i am Greatful, i joined this board in November 2006 i had to had a diferent username .  biggrin



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hopefulone wrote:

I wonder if this person still needs someone....I was reading over the qualifications and it said "if you can identify" and


As information only, H1, those were the qualifications for the male applicants. There are different requirements for females. You must be independent, adventurous, attractive, in good shape...and must be able to GRIND IT OUT!

Amigo advertises for female crew



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