High 'n Dry - JUNE 2007
"The purpose of the High 'n Dry is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous by providing a resource in print, where alcoholics can get information about the activities and meetings in Volusia County. "
from the High 'n Dry Guidelines, established February 2006
Contents:
- Suffering Alcoholics go way back
- The Measure of My Worth
- Am I Alcoholic ??
- Anger
- Open Positions, Vice Chair
- Intergroup Activities, Service Opportunities and INFO
- Memorable Bits of Wisdom from my sponser
- From the Archives
- District News
- Group & Club Activities and info
- June Anniversaries
Suffering alcoholics go way back
as does their cravings, obsession & powerlessness.
The following was written about alcohol around 1000 BC
Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things.
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.
“They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it!
When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"The author is unknown however many believe that Solomon, a ruler of Israel, wrote it.
I can relate to this 3,000 year old description. Sounds like my story!
The Measure of My Worth
"A business which takes no regular inventory usually goes broke. Taking a commercial inventory is a fact-finding and a fact-facing process. It is an effort to discover the truth about the stock-in-trade. One object is to disclose damaged or unsalable goods, to get rid of them promptly and without regret. If the owner of the business is to be successful, he cannot fool himself about values." [Big Book, page 65]
The Big Book is full of sections like this....short, sweet yet fully loaded. The excerpt above is in Chapter Five where the Big Book starts getting into the "meat and potatoes" of a personal inventory. As a business person, I really relate to the analogy of the inventory because it is so true! In this article, I am going to attempt to explain what's getting me so excited.
First, let's say you own a grocery store. If you didn't regularly check your perishable foods such as meats or vegetables and they "ripened" on the shelves, how long would it take before people quit shopping for fresh food at your store? If a business makes money by selling its products and these products get stale or outdated, customers won't buy them. Over time, the products lose their value and the business goes broke.
What does this have to do with personal inventory, you ask? Plenty, I say! In my case, my inventory included perceptions, habits, resentments, beliefs, relationships, choices...I could go on and on. I had a lot of stale, outdated stuff running through my head and my heart that took a lot of space. More importantly, my sense of well being and sense of worth had gotten greatly diminished. The phrase that comes to mind is an AA favorite - "spiritual bankruptcy". In my case, you might as well add emotional, mental and physical bankruptcy to the list. Yes, I was totally broke!
I love the "fact-finding and a fact-facing process" phrase too because, if you haven't heard this already....feelings aren't facts!!!! I remember my sponsor saying things to me like, "just make a list!", "how's the inventory going?", "let me see what you have so far", "I need you to do it exactly like it's written in the Big Book”, “keep it simple"...and the dreaded, "so, what are you doing next Saturday at say...9 am?" She talked louder than all my "Yeah, but...!", "But you don't understand!!!" I wrestled with the feelings, and she helped me focus on the facts. Most endearing was her comment that my inventory was who I was, not who I am.
It wasn't until many days, months, years after that I understand what a personal inventory had to do with my worth. Sometimes, you noticed before I did. First, my perceptions changed. When a meeting ended right before it was my time to comment, I didn't get insanely resentful that the chairperson "did it on purpose!" Instead, my new perception said, "Gosh, it's already been an hour? What a great meeting!" My habits also changed. Suddenly, my bed was made every morning, my dishes weren't piling up, I showed up at work on time, I started eating breakfast and I showed up at meetings regularly. My resentments became short-lived and they didn't eat me up like they used to. My beliefs became more solid and sure. My relationships became healthier and I was no longer attracted to unhealthy people. My choices started to reflect a person with healthier self-esteem and a better sense of well being.
My personal inventory gave me a measuring stick with which to measure myself and value simple things like my time, my energy, and my choices. Nowadays, when I find that I've made a poor choice or decision, I know that it's time to do some fact-facing. Once I realize that, my next step is to call my sponsor. After all, in order for me to be successful in my sobriety, I can no longer fool myself about values.
Anonymous
Am I Alcoholic?
Have you ever asked yourself this question?
Have others asked you; “How do I know if I am Alcoholic?”
There are numerous pamphlets, doctors, shrinks and scientists out there that offer tests, scans and probing that may help you or others find the answer.
Of course we could take the simple approach and just look in the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book.
“If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. “ Page 44
It appears that the first question addresses the mental condition and the second question the obsession.
Simple works for me. Thanks, Bill W.
.Alcoholics Anonymous 4th Edition
Anger – Personal and Group Enemy
“As the book ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ puts it, ‘Resentment is the Number One Offender.’ It is a primary cause of relapses into drinking. How well we of A.A. know that for us ‘To drink is eventually to go mad or die.’
“Much the same penalty overhangs every A.A. group. Given enough anger, both unity and purpose are lost. Given still more ‘righteous’ indignation, the group can disintegrate; it can actually die. This is why we avoid controversy. This is why we prescribe no punishments for any misbehavior, no matter how grievous. Indeed, no alcoholic can be deprived of his membership for any reason whatever.
“Punishment never heals. Only love can heal.” As Bill Sees It: page 98
Intergroup Service Opportunities:
We are still taking applications for a new Office Administrator at your Volusia County Intergroup Office. Anyone interested in applying please contact the Volusia County Intergroup office at: 386-756-2930.
Part time position (25 hrs per week)
- Minimum continuous sobriety: 5 years
- People and computer skills required. Microsoft Excel, Word & Quick Books
Pay: over Minimum Wage
You can mail a resume to the office at 345 South Beville Rd., South Daytona, FL 32119.
STEERING COMMITTEE
These vacant positions, like the rest of the Committee, were filled in October 2006 by election by the Intergroup Representatives. As they were vacated in mid-term, the Bylaws provide that:
Any vacancy of a permanent nature, whether for cause or resignation, shall be filled by appointment by the Steering Committee for the unexpired term. Art. II, Sec. 8
If you would like to be considered for Vice Chair, duties and service requirements are shown on the following pages.
In addition to this openings, there are two Standing Committee positions newly vacant. A Special Events, deals with coordinating the work of dinners, picnics, and workshops. Group Service position open, Member Group Vital Statistics Records.
Positions of Vice Chair,
The Vice-Chairperson: The duties and service obligations of the Vice-Chairperson include, but are not limited to:
- Chair Steering Committee and INTERGROUP Rep meeting in the Chairperson’s absence.
- Act as Chairperson, or appoint a Chairperson of a Group Relations Committee. This committee may operate in the following manner:
- Visit each AA group as often as practicable, but at least once a year, and explain the function of the INTERGROUP office.
- Maintain records of visits to groups by the Group Relations Committee members.
- Coordinate all committee information with the INTERGROUP Office Administrator.
- Attend all INTERGROUP sponsored events.
- Vote in all Steering Committee matters.
- Perform any other duties the Chairperson may request.
Intergroup Activities, Service Opportunities and INFO:
12-Steppers Wanted
Our 12-Step call list is increasing (slowly). But, we still need more volunteers! Calls into the help line are answered 24/7. Intergroup maintains a list of persons willing to help another alcoholic get introduced (or re-introduced) into sobriety through one-on-one contact. As calls for help come in at all times of day and night, and current volunteers are not always available, we still need more Twelve Steppers. If interested in participating as a Twelve Step volunteer, please complete the form (please print) and send or drop off at Volusia County Intergroup Office.Should you have any questions, please call Intergroup at 386-756-2930.
INTERGROUP REPRESENTATIVES MEETING - Intergroup reps attend the monthly meeting and then bring back to their group items of vital interest to the group, present items and motions on behalf of the group, and are eligible to vote on motions and for officers of the Intergroup Steering Committee. If interested, please attend or call 756-2930 for details.
Groups represented at May, 2007 meeting: (17) ) Adventures in Sobriety • Back to Basics-Deland • Big Book Study, HH • Came to Believe/Living Sober • The Choice is yours • Friday Night Men’s • Lest We Forget • New Dawn • New Smyrna Beach • Peace of Mind • Primary Purpose • Riverbridge • Saturday Matinee • Step Sisters • Wednesday Closed • Wednesday Women’s • Road to Recovery
Was your group represented?
The Volusia County Intergroup financial sheet is now available at the office. It is also available through your Volusia County Intergroup Representative. If your group is represented at the monthly Intergroup Reps Meeting, then your group has a copy. Ask your IGR to show you the financial's.
Celebrate your anniversary with an act of gratitude that will help your Volusia County Intergroup Office continue to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic. Make a commitment to send a dollar (or whatever amount you wish) on your anniversary, for every year sober.
Anniversary Donations this Month:
Jeanne Y. $25 for 25 Years!
Jim H. $8 for 8 Years!
Dick E. $6 for 6 - Hooah!
Memorable bits of Wisdom that your Sponsor 1st imparted on you
When I finished my 90 & 90, I asked Charlie, my sponsor, “How many meetings do I have to go to now?” He said “Only 2” and I said, “That’s great!” “Yeah” he said, “When you want to and when you don’t want to.” Now 25 years later when I think about not going to a meeting, I think of Charlie’s advice.
My Sponsor told me “If you thoroughly work these steps and hold nothing back, I guarantee that you will feel better and your life will change.” I did and it has.
My sponsor was a hard nose. I told him that I had enough of his stuff and was going to get a new sponsor. He assured me that he would only suggest corrective action for my stupid actions. Thank God I was stupid enough to believe him. Now I have 14 years.
Send your “Sponsors Wisdom” to editor@aadaytona.org
From the Archives
The group history for this month is the Sunrise Group which meets on Sunday morning at 9 am in Sunrise Park in Holly Hill. The first meeting was held on Easter Sunday as an extension of the Early Ducks Group which meets at the Easy Does It Club also in Holly Hill. In June of 1996 the Sunrise Group became a separate group founded by Al S. Early members were Ed and Pat D.
This group still meets in the beautiful setting of Sunrise Park and has a membership of 50.
Information provided by Al S.
Carolyn C.
District News
DISTRICT 19: Open GSR Workshop 3rd Tuesday 6 p.m. 1st Cong. Church, 201 W. University, Orange City
DISTRICT 32 : Picnic! June 3, 11am-2pm. Celebrate AA Founders Day at Magic Forest Park 440 N. Nova Rd (north of Granada Blvd by the Trails), Food, Fun and Fellowship, Grapevine Speakers, 50/50, bring a dessert or side dish to share, Tickets just $5. KIDS FREE ….Support your District!
Group & Club Activities and info
Almous Club: New management, kitchen open daily. Open times available for new meetings
Silver Dollar Club: Sunday June 10th Founders Day Celebration. Everyone please bring a covered dish & dessert to share. 1st Meeting at 12:30, Food served from 1:30 – 3:00 and 4:00 – 5:30. An Old Timers Panel starts at 12:30. Open meetings at 5:30 & 7:00. FREE to all A.A. Members and their families.
Friday night at the movies: June 29, 7pm “My Name is Bill W.” Free popcorn
"Experience demonstrates that a club can live in harmony with the AA community and serve a very useful purpose for those who find a club helpful. "
JUNE 2007 ANNIVERSARIES
5:30 GROUP Jack H. 15 06/10/92 Bruce O. 6 06/04/01 Mike W. 4 06/20/03 Chris S. 2 06/18/05 Bill P. 2 06/22/05 Edie M. 1 6/9/2006 Phil M. 1 6/3/2006 ALOHA Bo M. 40 06/26/66 Mark H. 1 06/06/06 ANY LENGTHS - DELTONA Romilie 29 06/25/78 BACK TO BASICS, DELAND Marlene L. 27 06/15/80 Janet S. 5 06/20/02 Bob B. 4 06/30/03 CAME TO BELIEVE Dorene A. 10 06/02/97 Jessica J. 2 06/10/05 CHOICE IS YOURS Trish G. 18 06/12/89 Russ L. 1 06/15/06 David M. 1 06/??/06 DELTONA DEBARY GROUP Carley 39 06/28/68 DELTONA ENTERPRISE GROUP Chris Y. 3 06/16/04 FOUR TOWNES NOON Tom K. 38 06/26/69 Trish T. 21 06/18/86 Lois E. 18 06/26/89 Richard B. 15 06/15/92 Mark 7 06/05/00 Linda P. 4 06/18/03 Bob B. 4 06/30/03 Caroline G. 3 06/16/04 David C. 1 06/10/06 Cecil C. 1 06/10/06 FREE TO BE - DB Mark M. 24 06/24/83 Loanne L. 22 06/02/85 Beth H. 12 06/10/95 Ti P. 6 06/27/01 FRIDAY NIGHT MEN'S Ron T. 17 06/06/90 Chris M. 3 06/23/04 FRIDAY NOON MEN'S DISCUSSION Wes 32 06/15/75 Normand D. 29 06/20/78 John R. 24 06/13/83 GRATEFUL GROUP Frank P. 51 06/07/56 Gus M. 31 06/17/76 Sherri L. 16 06/10/91 JUST DO IT James R. 5 06/01/02 LEST WE FORGET GROUP Randy C. 13 06/06/94 Patricia O. 2 06/07/05 Tricia L. 1 06/20/06 LIFESAVERS Doug P. 14 06/10/93 NEW BIRTH GROUP Peter H. 14 06/12/93 Howarth P. 14 06/12/93 William B. 9 06/24/98 Barlow W. 9 06/24/98 John D 5 06/23/02 Davis J. 5 06/23/02 NEW DAWN Kathleen 31 06/26/76 Mike D. 7 06/21/00 Helen A. 5 06/23/02 Bonnie 2 06/17/05 Rick F. 1 06/15/06 NEW HOPE Lance H. 9 06/12/98 NEW SMYRNA BEACH GROUP Ann H. 23 06/06/84 John C. 6 06/09/01 Joanna M. 3 06/18/04 ORMOND BEACH GROUP Annette Z. 26 06/02/81 Joe C. 23 06/16/84 Jim H. 8 06/20/99 PASS IT ON Stephanie N. 20 06/12/87 Joe A. 16 06/11/91 PEACE OF MIND Ray F. 3 06/01/04 Joanna M. 3 06/18/04 Gayle R. 1 06/04/06 Tim D. 1 06/14/06 PRIMARY PURPOSE Nancy M. 13 06/01/94 RIVERBRIDGE Lori 6 06/14/01 ROAD TO RECOVERY, DAYTONA Bob W. 31 06/07/76 SATURDAY NIGHT BEGINNERS Jim D. 26 06/01/81 Lois 18 06/26/89 Matt 1 06/18/06 Sandy D. 1 06/24/06 SHORT TIMERS Richard S. 13 06/16/94 Daniel L. 5 06/01/02 Sidney S. 2 06/06/05 SOBRIETY FIRST Chris C. 19 06/05/88 Vinny O. 7 06/08/00 STEP SISTERS Debbie P. 11 06/05/96 Brandy 2 06/20/05 Gail R. 1 06/04/06 Amy E. 1 06/10/06 SUNRISE Trish 18 06/12/89 Al S. 16 06/22/91 Jack K. 15 06/23/92 Nancy M. 13 06/01/94 TURN THE PAGE Kim S. 20 06/23/87 THURSDAY NIGHT MENS Ron P. 18 06/26/89 Mike S. 7 06/10/00 Scott M. 1 06/16/06 WAY OF LIFE Glenda 23 06/14/84 Erika T. 3 06/14/04 WEDNESDAY CLOSED John D. 9 06/08/98 Sid R. 7 06/09/00 WOMEN'S NEW BEGINNINGS Pat C. 6 06/20/01 WEDNESDAY WOMEN'S Jean G. 29 06/12/78 Eleanor S. 24 06/03/83 Mary Ann B. 22 06/19/85
If you would like to submit an article for publication, or have an idea for something you would like to see in the High 'n Dry, you may contact the editor at: editor@aadaytona.org
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