Did I Even Wake Up Today?

Solemn Moments....

2011-01-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

Sitting here listening to Karen Carpenter sing about Rainy Days & Monday's. This Gal truly did what she was born to do. The world really lost something when she left.....

2010-09-09T11:25:00.001-07:00

Test

Awesome Acoustic Guitar....

2007-12-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Fido Gets Revenge.....

2007-12-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

I Think the Pentagon would like to speak with this Pooch....

It Doesn't Take Much....

2007-11-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

Howdy, I hope this post finds you preparing to thoroughly enjoy the upcoming Holidays!

As we begin the Thanksgiving feasting, I just wanted to point you to something that is quite entertaining, and helps feed the ones that need it the most....

This is a vocabulary game that, as you play, (Warning, Quite Addicting!) for each correct selection, 10 grains of rice are donated via The United Nations World Food Program.

So join in! It's fun, it stimulates the ol' gray matter, and it's all for a darn good cause.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Ever Have A Song Stuck In Your Head?....

2007-11-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

This Is One Of Those....

Capitalism At Its Finest....

2007-10-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Amazing Idea, Amazing Work, Obvious Point....

2007-10-25T02:43:00.000-07:00

Primate Crush....

2007-10-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

A Light Has Been Extinguished....

2007-10-15T21:41:00.001-07:00

I got a phone call back several months ago from a guy in Bullhead City, Arizona. The Gentleman on the other end of the line wanted to inquire about being admitted to our facility. I began to ask him a series of routine questions that went like this:
~~~~~~
~~~~~~
Me: Why do you want to be admitted to this facility?

Prospective Client: Because I want to stay sober.

Me: That sounds reasonable enough, so how long have you been sober? When did you last take a drink?

Prospective Client: Oh, a little over 22 years ago.

Me: I'm sorry, what did you say?

Prospective Client: A little over 22 years ago.

Me: A little over 22 years ago? Really?

Prospective Client: Yep.

Me: You need to understand that we are a "Front Line" facility, that we deal with folks that are trying to escape the ravages of active Alcoholism & Addiction, that we are rigidly structured, and that everyone is a newcomer, and is treated as such, as it relates to the 12 step program of their choice. There are expectations and levels of accountability that you may not be entirely comfortable with.

Prospective Client: Well, I've been around long enough to know that when things get really squirrelly, and my life starts to feel like it is spinning out of control, that structure and accountability are two of the things that can save my ass. I need to get back to the roots of the program, and since I don't do things halfway, I aim to jump in with both feet.
~~~~~~
~~~~~~
Rodney arrived a few weeks later, after several more conversations over the phone about how we do things here, what we would expect of him, and what he in turn could expect from us.

He explained that though he is a retired Drug & Alcohol counselor, he is here to "gather his life back in" so to speak, to get his life back on track, and to start fresh in the recovery program. He also mentioned that he was grateful to us for admitting him here, and that he would be more than pleased to help out around the facility wherever needed, not so much as a counselor, but if we needed someone to help in the kitchen, or the property in general, then he was our man.

Rodney was true to his word, most days he could be seen in the kitchen, making up all sorts of salad concoctions, from the run of the mill dinner salads to special "Rodney Salads" that had any number of delectable treats in them. He really enjoyed doing that - He took his time, and when he was done, they looked liked a masterpiece that you just didn't want to disturb - everything was arranged just so.

Rodney also took interest in a part of the property that had been somewhat neglected. It is an area that is kind of set aside, and was used mostly to put stuff that really had nowhere else to go, kind of like a drawer that you could find in most people's kitchen at home, full of, well, stuff.

He began cleaning it up, and soon it started to become usable space, complete with some furniture, a couple small tables, chairs & such. Later on, he added (at his own expense, mind you) a really nice shelter to block the hot sun, wired some lights up, and also an old wooden table that at one time was used in another area of the facility, but had been replaced due to it being so worn & ugly. He would spend many hours stripping and refinishing it, turning it into a beautiful piece of furniture.

Rodney put so much effort into creating this area so that Folks would have a nice outdoor place in which to gather for 12 step meetings, and fellowship.

Rodney passed away in his sleep in the wee hours of October 15, 2007.

Just hours before, he had taken the last few swipes with a rag to complete the polyurethane finish on that now beautiful table, & in turn finishing off the warm, embracing environment that he worked so hard to create.

We only had the privilege of knowing Rodney for 82 days, but he will be a lifetime in our hearts & minds.

Just over 22-1/2 years ago, 8262 days to be exact, Rodney set out to accomplish something. He set about the task of getting sober, and to doing whatever was necessary to remain a sober & productive member of society for the rest of his life.

He did it, he made it.

So long, Rodney - Rest Easy, Friend.

This Kid Deserves An Oscar!

2007-10-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs / Macintosh - Class Of 1984

2007-10-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Whoopie Cushion heaven!

2007-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

These Were Great Commercials!

2007-10-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes! The Trunk Monkey!

2007-10-05T08:46:00.001-07:00

Now I know where I'm getting my next car from! This is great!

Does Anyone Know A Good Chiropractor?

2007-10-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Got This One Off Of Matt's Blog, As Well. Thanks Matt!

Aw Geez - I Don't Know If I Could Stand It Either!....

2007-10-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks To Matt For The Lead On This Giggle!

Oh My Gosh!

2007-10-01T12:49:00.001-07:00

If This Don't Getcha, Nothing Will!

2007-09-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

You gotta check out this post by Ambulance Driver - Grab a rag before ya do, though (If you don't then don't say I didn't warn ya!).

This guy is a class act, a true professional.

Temp Link

2007-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Cool Retractable Field

Retrospect....

2007-09-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

Lazy Me!

2007-09-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Camping Trip was amazing, you absolutely would not believe the difference in climate & landscape that just a few hours drive from Phoenix brings. I am tardy in posting some pix, so without further adieu:

White Mountains - August 2007

Made It Back Alive....

2007-08-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Had a GREAT time out in the White Mountains.

More on the trip later, I'm BEAT!

Exciting Week Ahead....

2007-08-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

This coming week is going to hold a bunch of fun for yours truly! I'm leaving Wed afternoon for the White Mountains, over by the AZ-NM border, specifically Big Lake, in Greer - for 5 days of Camping, 4-Wheeling, Trout Fishing, and LOTS of Naps!

I will post some pics when I get back next week.

Can't Wait! Can't Wait! Can't Wait!

Did I mention I can't wait?

Geez, This Is One Of The Reasons....

2007-08-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

I leave The "Sauce Slurping" To Others These Days....

Ambulance Driver Had This Posted Over On His Blog

Dang - Made Me Wince Just Looking At It....

Move Over Bocephus!

2007-08-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

I'm Ready For some FOOTBALL! I get to go to the game Sat! Its only pre-season, but Football is Football, aint it?

What An Adventure!

2007-08-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

I happened across this Blog today while goofing around, it's a chronicle of one Couple's quest to stay at sea in thier Clipper for 1000 days, they are only on day 112, so the saga should continue for another 888 days. There is also a link on the Blog to view their current location via Google Earth.

How cool is that, eh?

A Casualty Of The Age In Which We Live....

2007-08-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

We live in a wonderful time - from a technology standpoint. We have devices that practically scratch our feet for us, information from all corners of the globe is literally at our fingertips.

However, there may be a price to pay for all the technological goodies that we enjoy.

Are pencils & Pens going the way of the 8 track tape?

Hello "echo" "echo" "echo" "echo"

2007-08-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

Its kinda lonely in here. But ya know what? It's kinda cozy, as well - because hardly anyone ever comes in here, so I can do anything I want, and hardly anyone will see!

Weeeee! Yipeee! (Run) (Jump) (Spin Around) (Do My Sorry, Sad Rendition Of Dancing)

This ER Doc Has Got It Going On!

2007-08-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

Check out what he has to say here, its a hoot! Its not a normal conversation, mind you, just must have been towards the end of a really long day for him....

Gave me a good chuckle.

WOW! Incredible Footage! Buffalo/Lion/Croc Fight.

2007-08-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Gee whiz, did this guy luck out & be in the right place at the right time, or what?

Lesson: Do. NOT. Mess. With. Mama-San!

Marriage....

2007-08-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

This Is Great!

I Had No Idea....

2007-08-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

Lately I have really been into reading Peoples Blogs. I enjoy reading, always have. I seem to be drawn to the Medical ie: EMT / ER Nurse - Fire Fighter - & Police Blogs.

I suppose there is a flair to these Blogs that really isn't found elsewhere. These people do jobs that, literally, are life & death. They deal with the some of the worst that humanity can present them with - and they do it professionally, with pride & tact.

There are things in life that I have never really given much thought to - things like the smell of a GI Bleed, or in order to provide adequate care, put their face inches from someone that has not bathed in months - literally - or having to watch as someone that they have worked their ass off on for in the pouring rain in the middle of the night when its 33 degrees, and their having to lay on the ground and afford what little shelter there is to the patient - only to have said patient die anyway.

The Police Man that, on a regular basis puts up with drug crazed assholes that have gotten themselves in a twist because the Police Man is there to stop them from raping some innocent soul, or robbing someones Grandma for the pittance she has in her purse, to pay for more crack, or meth, or booze, or whatever.

I am really getting an education in what it is to do these jobs. Through out the course of my life, I just haven't thought about these things much. I have only used the services offered, then grumbled to myself and my friends about how long it took, or how much it cost - or the inconvenience of having to sit there on the side of the road while the ticket is written out, all the while never even considering just how much senseless tragedy this very Police Man has probably seen, due to what I was doing to get the ticket for in the first place.

I myself have been guilty of some of the selfish, self centered crap that I read about in these peoples blogs.

I have had no idea just what it is to do what this person does, or this person does or this one , or this one , or this one . I could go on for an eternity here, the point is this: I've always taken for granted what the people that are in the trenches taking care of us and protecting us do, cause hey - their always there, right?

I'm really taken aback by it all, & dont really know what more to say other than....

Thank You.

Its been a real eye opener, to say the least.

Hmm....

2007-08-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well, the sprucing up thing is turning out to be a bit more involved than I counted on. I have done a little webdev stuff in the past, using primarily Macromedia stuff; Dreamweaver, Flash, & Fireworks. I think that I have gotten so used to the 'point & shoot" method that the Macromedia software allows, that I have forgotten a bunch of the basics! - That, and all the stuff I did was pre-xml, soooo....

Back to the drawing board.

Justice!

2007-08-02T18:35:00.001-07:00

Dammit Man! This is funny stuff! - I am, and always will be a Falcons fan (Used to have a really cool Steve Bartkowski Jersey AND Helmet, mind you!)- I grew up in GA, & suffered through the 70's, 80', and a good portion of the 90's with these guys.

They are a bit more competitive these days, thank goodness, so I take a little less grief from the fellas for being a fan, that is until recently. For the record, I think Michael Vick is a stinking thug that probably deserves a trip "up the river" to meet Bubba.

Ya gotta love PhotoShop - good stuff, man, good stuff!

Thanks to Mad Mike for the image!

Changes....

2007-08-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

I will be making some changes to the layout & such of the blog over the next couple of days.

This template is just too widely used. It was sleek enouph when I first started the blog, but now its time to spruce things up a bit.

I have been doing a bit more blog reading lately, and I gotta tell ya, there are some very nice ones out there!

Dust Storm!

2007-07-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

If you have ever lived or visited Central Arizona in Summer during Monsoon Season, then you have likely seen a few Dust Storms - For those that haven't, these occur primarily in late July & early August, when the monsoonal storms arrive. They pack big winds with them - the wind picks up dust & dirt off of the Desert floor - sometimes blowing it a mile or more into the sky. Its quite a site.

Monsoon Season In Phoenix

2007-07-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

Its officially Monsoon Season here in Phoenix - these images were all taken by the local newspaper - "The Arizona Republic" - they were all taken within about a 50 mile or so radius of downtown Phoenix. I live & work just on the east edge of downtown.

Black Friday - Pt 2

2007-07-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

A Phoenix Police Officer was murdered in the line of duty

As if two helicopters crashing into
each other weren't enough for one day - My heart goes out to his Family.

Black Friday - Pt 1

2007-07-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

Friday - July 27, 2007 will be remembered in the Phoenix area for sometime to come. A pair of local News Helicopters crashed into one another while covering a story - Read About It Here

The Great Push Pin Caper....

2007-07-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Just to left of the desk here, is a rather large bulletin board - We keep lots of stuff on that board, Clients ID photo's, schedules, bed charts, reference lists, ect.

Over the past couple weeks, stuff has been disappearing from the board, seemingly unexplained. Now, I gotta tell ya, it was a hell of a puzzle - surely no-one was sneaking in here at night and taking stuff off the board, we thought. Well, the office remains locked at night, and with no evidence of forced entry, that idea was out.

Inevitably, there are brief periods of time through-out the day when the office is unlocked with no-one in here, very short periods of time - quick run to the kitchen or restroom, whatever.

Well, today the culprit was exposed. Who is this clever Push Pin Pilfering Culprit, you ask?

We have a Cat here, his name is Boo Boo. He is a fat black cat - fat because he gets lots of table food at mealtime, the clients enjoy this.

Anyhow - I walked in the office today and there's Boo Boo, up on the desk, gnawing away at a push pin, he got it pulled out, and then carried the piece of paper that the pin held to a storage area behind the office here, where he hangs out quite a bit. I went back there, and there was a pile of stuff - schedules, charts, pictures, and some other stuff he had snagged from elsewhere in the bldg.

Case Closed! Though I fear the recidivism rate on this will probably be rather high, the cat is here to stay, he's been here for a couple years now, he came in as a stray when he was but a tiny thing, besides the interaction is healthy for everyone here.

Sherlock Holmes outta be proud!

Yea, But....

2007-07-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

If I had a nickel for every time I've heard "Yea, But...." as it relates to the program, I could probably go out and buy a brand spanking new Bass Boat, with all the trimmings.

If I were to combine that with a nickel for every time I've said it, then I could go ahead and throw in a nice new Truck to pull it with.

I was talking to a prospective client today, from out of state. The fact that this person went through the trouble to find out about us, then look into transportation costs to get here, then call us - speaks volumes about what state he believes his life to be in.

Everything goes well, until we get into some of the rules & policies, and then I start hearing a series of, - you guessed it - "Yea, But...." We Alcoholics & Addicts can be some pretty fickle people sometimes, me included.

We have to cease fighting anything & everything, and until we learn that acceptance is the answer, then we will continue to struggle.

Ok, I'm done whining....

Ain't It just Crazy.....

2007-07-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

I got to chat with someone I haven't seen in a long time, I mean a really long time. it was quite fun to reminisce about stuff from way back - (we're talking Smoky & The Bandit days, here - late 70's) - Little did I know, but those years were the "age of innocence" for me.

We chatted about things, people, situations, and places that hadn't entered my mind in probably 25 years, or so. It was almost like I was transported back there, at least in my mind.

Soon after that time period, I got out in the world and began the wild & crazy trip that would be my life up to this point.

Wow - Ain't It Just Crazy....

Ain't It Grand!....

2007-06-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Flagstaff Roundup. I, along with several friends camped out in the woods just a smidgen south of Flagstaff on Friday, Saturday, & came back home today. It was a GREAT time! I had not been camping in quite a few years, so the experience was somewhat exilerating. I got to make some new friends, see some folks I hadn't seen in a while, and RELAX for a bit around a nice campfire & act completely GOOFY with others who were acting just as GOOFY, without the everyday stresses of life to think about. This was a privilege, indeed.

The speakers were interesting, I was really impressed with the Friday Night, and the Saturday noon speakers, but, as always, all of the speakers had something to offer.

The temperature there in Flagstaff, ( 7000 feet higher in elevation than Phoenix ) was perfect, mid to upper 70's, maybe touched the lower 80's. Compare that to 100 plus here in the valley!

The Flagstaff roundup is something everyone should have the chance to experience, so if your not doing anything around the first weekend in June next year....

You gotta see this....

2007-05-23T21:23:00.001-07:00

I watched this over & over & over, and I still think its hilarious!

The Great Middle Age Endeavor....

2007-05-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

I feel like this when I am shoe horning myself into my current wardrobe. I will try to avoid buying all new clothes in lieu of a diet - I'm hoping the Atkins Diet will fit the bill
( Pun Intended ) I like eggs, beef, & such - we shall see!
Wish Me Luck!

Acceptance....

2007-05-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

The meeting that I went to tonight had a topic that is well worn, to the point of being rather comfortable, sorta like that one pair of sneakers that have been laying around for years - "Acceptance".

After listening for awhile to what was being shared on the topic, I started thinking -( I know.... I know.... my sponsor tells me this is a dangerous activity ;~) )-

Anyhow, I think that its too bad that acceptance is voluntary, in other words I have a choice, whether or not to accept the fact that I am an Alcoholic.

If there is a really big Grizzly Bear in my vicinity looking at me with loving eyes, then acceptance that I'm in really deep sh*t isn't a problem.

However, acceptance that I have a disease that will kill me sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly, but will surely make me die a miserable death if I continue, for years was simply ignored, its not like I didn't know it, its just that I CHOSE not to accept that I had to change my life or I was gonna die, and the people around me would suffer my unacceptable behavior.

If I happen to get the opportunity to talk to God before he decides to do his next project, I'm gonna suggest to him that acceptance be mandatory, sorta like not leaving any of that Snickers Blizzard in the bottom of the cup....sjust something ya do....

Update To Previous Post Re: Last Meal

2007-05-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

Here is an update to last nights post about the death row inmate & the pizza.

This Is Interesting

2007-05-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from CNN regarding a prisoners last meal. Pretty interesting, considering the state of Tennessee's reaction, I think.

Fun In Sobriety

2007-05-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

Today (Sat) a facility that is a sister to ours here threw a big party, complete with swimming, a HUGE Barbecue, great music, speaker cd's ( If you all haven't had the opportunity to listen to Earl Hightower, then you're really missing out ) and topped off with a 7, count em, 7 speaker meeting, all of whom are alumni of the facility we attended the party at.

I took some of the guys from here up in the van, all of whom are relative newcomers. Most of the guys came up to me at some point and expressed that he was just having a great time, and that he would probably in all likelihood have not even considered attending a function like this, what with Shasta Soda & Marlboro's being the strongest things available to drink & smoke.

I wonder how many folks that re-lapse do so out of boredom with their life.

This Is What It's All About

2007-05-05T23:47:00.000-07:00

This is a very short story about a guy that got here almost a year ago. On entry, his attitude was TERRIBLE. he clearly did not want to be here, and in fact was only here at the behest of his Probation Officer. He had trouble getting along with others, with staff, and generally was NOT a happy camper.

At some point, something clicked, and he began digging into the program whole-heartedly, he began to take the advice of his sponsor....he began to see a different way.

Since then he has re-acquired his Drivers License, purchased a car, and a couple of evenings ago, he walked into the office with two certificates, one for completing drug court, and one that released him from probation.

The smile & happiness that radiated from him could have maybe been seen from Tuscon!

That, folks, is truly an example of the power of the program.

It's real.

Giggles

2007-05-01T23:29:00.000-07:00

I got a pretty good giggle outta this.

Fore! No, Wait, Wait - louder - FORE!!

2007-04-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

I got to go Golfing today at Encanto, a wonderful course nestled just a couple minutes drive from downtown Phoenix. Phoenix is pretty good at building and maintaining golf courses, and Encanto is no exception. Its got 3 par 5's, 4 par 3's, and the rest are 4's.

Lean back and JACK one, baby!

The thing about golfing in the desert is that the pricing structure is opposite from other parts of the country in that, when it gets warm, as it is this time of year, the prices plummet, whereas in other places, they just start getting jacked up. So if you don't mind playing golf when its 115 degrees out, then you can really play on the cheap.

I did ok by my standards, only lost 3 balls, & shot an 84. Thats better than average for me.

Now its time to unwind and head to a meeting.

If Only A "Spiritual Experience" Could Be Canned.

2007-04-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

I really wish that having a "Spiritual Experience" could be something that we could gift others with. I firmly believe that a spiritual experience is key - absolutely clutch, to enjoying success in the program, be it AA, NA, CA, or whatever your choice is.

Pretty Quiet Day, all in all.

2007-04-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day, the weather was pretty nice - mid 90's, slight breeze. All of the Clients were up & out today, the house was quiet. Meatloaf, Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy are for supper. Good stuff man, good stuff. The cook here is pretty dang good at Meatloaf.

Ok - Time to eat....

Just Getting Started

2007-04-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well, Howdy! This is my first post. I will be posting when ever I can, sometimes daily, sometimes more than daily. and sometimes less than daily. I am really hoping for some dialog and input along the way.