High 'n Dry - OCTOBER 2006
"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:
- Feature Article
- "ABSOLUTE"
- Fellowship Prayer
- From the Archives
- 12th Step Works
- Humor
- Friends
- Overheard at Meetings
- What kind of a builder are you ??
- District News
- Group & Club Activities and info
- October Anniversaries
ABSOLUTE
Tonight, I picked up a sponsee and we went to a meeting. It was the first meeting I was introduced to when I moved here in 1997. It became my home group back then. I saw many of the old familiar faces, and a lot of new ones. When the secretary asked if there were any newcomers, in the rear of the room, a familiar face stood out, with his hand raised--not real high, but just high enough so I could see it with my 20/50 eyesight! It was the face and voice of a double digit member of AA, someone in the medical profession, with MD after his name. It was someone I've seen in the rooms for years, someone who had major medical issues in the last couple of years. Someone who knew about self-medicating and its inherent dangers, someone who just could not bear the physical pain. One thing led to another, and in his mind, the self-medicating was more tolerable than the physical pain. So now he identifies as a newcomer.
What would I do in a case like that? I don't live with the man; I don't see the physical pain he's in; I'm not in his head. I just don't know what I would do in a case like that.
I have arthritis and this weather is kicking my ass, physically. I have awakened several times in the middle of night to take aspirin. That's highly unusual for me. When the dentist prescribes a painkiller for me after major oral surgery, I use it if I need it. I can read the label on the bottle; and when it says one every 6 hours for pain, as needed, that is the way I take it. I don't give a rat's butt if someone else thinks I'm not sober. I am sober, and it's between me and my God.
I have a higher power I identify as God. Frankly, I am more terrified of displeasing my HP than a fellow alcoholic. I'm more concerned about my spiritual future than someone's personal opinions. Bill Wilson fought his own demons in terms of depression and various drugs used to combat that terrible affliction. Who the hell am I to say what is ok and what is not ok?
One of the things my HP has done for me is He has allowed me to see the Truth. I do know the truth and it has indeed set me free. After a fashion, He has given me a clear mind and the ability to make informed choices. Most times, my choices are good ones. I am truly sorry that my friend experienced a lack of control, an inability to use the vicadin as prescribed, by his own admission, but I honor his willingness to come to a meeting and raise his hand, a form of confession (don't cha' hate that word)......one of the four absolutes that early AA was governed by....
In Cleveland AA, back in the very early days of the fellowship, there was literature that described the 4 absolutes--
- Absolute honesty - "is it true or is it false?"
- Absolute unselfishness - "how will this affect the other fellow?"
- Absolute love - "is it ugly or is it beautiful?"
- Absolute purity - "is it right or is it wrong?"
My friend, the newcomer was practicing what for him was absolute honesty, by admitting a misuse of a prescribed chemical; unselfishness (carrying the message so that others might learn from his choices; after all isn't that what the 12th Step is really all about? Who other than another alcoholic would understand that?); love (he knew he would be accepted and respected for his decision when he shared his actions and he also knew there is a higher power that would love him unconditionally because of his humanness) and absolute purity, because for him, it was wrong to overmedicate. In my eyes, at this moment, he was a good example of his HP at work in his life, his heart & his mind. Took guts for him to do that.
Truthfully, it was the first time in all the years I've known him that I could see him as he really is--when I could look him right in the eye and he looked me in the eye and it was just 2 human beings sharing a moment of truth. It is a wonderful time of fellowship in the spirit of this HP that 2 people could share. I wish him much peace and continued surrender. And there, but for God's grace, go I.
(Soberly submitted by Ann S. of Vista, CA)
The Fellowship Prayer
Dear Higher Power, I am grateful that:
I am part of the Fellowship, one among many, but I am one.
I need to work the Steps for the development of the buried life within me.
Our Program may be human in its organization, but it is Divine in its purpose.
The purpose is to continue my spiritual awakening.
Participating in the privileges of the movement, I shall share in the responsibilities, taking it upon myself to carry my fair share of the load, not grudgingly, but joyfully.
To the extent that I fail in my responsibilities, the Program fails.
To the extent that I succeed, the Program succeeds.
I shall not wait to be drafted for service to my fellow members, I shall volunteer.
I shall be loyal in my attendance, generous in my giving, kind in my criticism, creative in my suggestions, loving in my attitudes.
I shall give to the Program my interest, my enthusiasm, my devotion, and, most of all, myself.
FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Wednesday Closed Group
The group was formed in April of 2003. Bob G., Pete C. and Kenny P. were the three original members. Pete approached Kenny and offered a meeting room at The Positive Living Center Church at 528 Tomoka Ave. in Ormond Beach. The Church really wanted to do something for the AA community.
Bob and Kenny had been looking for a place to hold a closed meeting on Wednesday nights in Ormond Beach. They met with the pastor of the church and were given the keys and security code to the church and held the first meeting the following Wednesday, April 16, 2003.
The group quickly started to pick up attendance, largely because of the format and the strong AA commitment. This is an AA meeting, not a one hour meeting. We stay as long as we need to. We ask that all readings are read as Bill and Bob wrote them, no cutesy comments from the readers.
As more people attended the membership started to grow. In October, when we realized that we were going to make it, we applied to GSO for a group service number. We were assigned the number 657949 on November 20, 2003. Darren S. became our first GSR, Kenny became treasurer and secretary. At that time we had seven members with an average attendance of twelve AAs.
In 2004 the Positive Living Center was sold and the group moved to its present location at the Clubhouse at the Life Village Mobile Home Park at 500 South Nova Road. The group has continued to grow and now has fifteen regular members and welcomes all AAs.
The group format has changed from open discussion to a Step meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month and a Tradition meeting on the last Wednesday. It is open discussion on the remaining 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.Kenny P
Giving It Away Each Day
Heroic qualities, shining beauty, and natural talents that seem to impress most of society are but little in comparison to our all important twelfth step work. Twelfth step work brings our every faculty, intuition and gift into play, but in very different ways than those of the "professional."
Through God we acquire the power to sooth, to empathize, to suggest, to endure, to relate and to love. These daily encounters far outweigh the work of the statesman or hero. It is by this giving that our program exists and is perpetuated. Do I give it away every day?
Lord, reveal to me the joy of being loving and self-sacrificing.
Bubba and the Lawyer
Down south, Bubba called his attorney and asked, "Is it true they're suin' them cigarette companies fer causin' people to git cancer?"
"Yes, Bubba, sure is true," responded the lawyer.
"And now someone is suin' them fast food restaurants fer makin' them fat an' cloggin' their arteries with all them burgers an' fries, is that true, Mista Lawyer?"
"Sure is, Bubba."
"And that lady sued McDonald's for millions when she was gave that hot coffee that she ordered?"
"Yep."
"And that football player sued that university when he gradiated and still couldn't read?"
"That's right," said the lawyer. "But why are you asking?"
"Well, I was thinkin' . . . What I want to know is, kin I sue Budweiser fer all them ugly women I slept with?"
Friends
Many people will walk in and out of your life.
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger,
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.
He, who loses money, loses much;
He, who loses a friend, loses much more;
He, who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
Overheard at Meetings:
It's not old behavior if I am still doing it.
Resentments are like stray cats: if you don't feed them, they’ll go away.
Sponsee: “When will I get a good job?”
Sponsor: “When you’re ready.”
Sponsee: “How will I know that I’m ready?”
Sponsor: “You’ll have a good job.”
“If I am not the problem,then there is no solution.”
“I can’t do His will my way.”
The Retiring Carpenter
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family.
He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor.
The carpenter heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter.
"This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.
So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built.
If we had realized, we would have done it differently. Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely.
It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.
Your life today is the result of your past attitudes and choices. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and choices you make today.Author Unknown
District News
District 8: Bob W. needs a list of individuals or groups taking meetings or commitments into facilities before he became treatment chair.
Example: Lest We Forget took a 9am Wednesday time slot at detox and the last two weeks of going out there we discovered 2 other groups at this time of which Bob was not aware of—what we are trying to do is, if you or anyone else you know takes a commitment to any detox, treatment or Act facility please let Bob know.
We need the following information: who you are or group name, phone number you can be reached at, the time of day and the place which you take a meeting to. Please be specific as to the facility because Stewart and Serenity House have many different addresses and names of centers.
Bob is concerned that 2 people show up one week and assume that someone else is covering and eventually no one is taking meetings anywhere. Thank you for all service commitments wherever you may choose to serve.
Please Contact Volusia County Intergroup at 386-756-2930 with the information.
District 19 Annual Gratitude Dinner is being planned for November 11th, details to follow.
District 20 Annual Gratitude Dinner is being planned for November 4th, 2006.
Group & Club Activities and info
Biketoberfest Picnic at Club Yana Saturday, October 21, 2006 from 1pm til 6pm—Lots of fun, food, and music---Speaker meeting Come join the party. Celebrate sobriety—Visit with old friends—and have a great time. Donations appreciated!!
Silver Dollar Club 3rd Anniversary, Sunday, November 12, 2006, 12 noon-4pm., Karoke contest, Auction, free Bar-b-q dinner
5:30 Group Ron M 6 10/24/00 Tina W 5 10/28/01 Mark H 1 10/03/05 Debbie U 1 10/12/05 Dan D 1 10/27/05 Adventures in Sobriety Ed D 1 10/08/05 Back to Basics, Deland Dave S 28 10/00/78 Jim H 20 10/29/86 Cressy B 3 10/01/03 Beachside, NSB Kyle L 7 10/31/99 Big Book Study, HH Jim M 19 10/10/87 Sonia B 10 10/22/96 Boulevard Group Kevin M 10 10/02/96 Terry C 8 10/30/98 Tony 1 10/09/05 David M 1 10/14/05 Chris 1 10/29/05 Came to Believe Ormond Larry C 14 10/25/92 Doug D 8 10/06/98 Choice is Yours Don R 'Tat2' 35 10/31/71 Jacques S 33 10/05/73 Dave A 15 10/04/91 John C 'Pop' 15 10/16/91 Deltona-Enterprise Tom D 18 10/25/88 Elmer C 16 10/15/90 Four Townes Noon Group Lillian 11 10/01/95 Joanna 4 10/01/02 Steve 3 10/16/03 Kim C 2 10/09/04 Loretta B 1 10/01/05 Friday Night Men's Jim M 19 10/10/87 Norman H 18 10/04/88 Bob Cat 2 10/10/04 Friday Noon Men's Discussion Ernie Y 37 10/13/69 Lee M 24 10/31/82 Dallas 16 10/13/90 Al I 2 10/28/04 Grateful Group Frank B 20 10/10/86 Last Call Chuck Y 38 10/15/68 Megan G 13 10/22/93 Diane W 11 10/08/95 Tom W 11 10/08/95 Mechelle K 11 10/29/95 Nadine O 7 10/29/99 Barry M 3 10/15/03 Felisha F 3 10/18/03 Brian W 3 10/20/03 Pam L 3 10/26/03 Todd H 2 10/24/04 Scott D 2 10/30/04 Lest We Forget Ken H 20 10/17/86 Jeanne C 18 10/30/88 Lyda L 16 10/02/90 Josh G 12 10/10/94 Trish S 7 10/01/99 Pat F 4 10/08/02 Ed D 1 10/07/05 Lifesavers Mike R 31 10/30/75 Virginia H 25 10/15/81 Ken T 23 10/28/83 Love and Service Neil A 5 10/15/01 Reed A 2 10/16/04 New Dawn Group Janie (NY Jane) 38 10/31/68 Kay M 17 10/03/89 Tara K 4 10/01/02 New Hope Sherri Z 11 10/01/95 New Smyrna Beach Group Virginia H 25 10/15/81 John C 23 10/05/83 Michelle V 21 10/15/85 Keith B 14 10/24/92 Bob H 13 10/08/93 OB Big Book Step Study Mike R 31 10/31/75 Dan H 19 10/28/87 Peace of Mind Rose D 22 10/14/84 Lee F 22 10/26/84 Jeff G 18 10/17/88 Keith B 14 10/24/92 Mark H 14 10/31/92 Christine S 5 10/05/01 Tim L 4 10/12/02 Primary Purpose Stevie S 24 10/18/82 Mark S 6 10/29/00 Riverbridge Jim M 16 10/13/90 Short Timers Richard K 9 10/28/87 Chris M 7 10/08/99 Harry C 6 10/14/00 Stephen G 2 10/18/04 Sunrise Group Art B 32 10/21/74 Lyda L 16 10/02/90 Larry C 14 10/25/92 Bob Cat 2 10/10/04 Turn the Page Pam B 13 10/23/93 Way of Life Dorothy 3 10/18/03 George 2 10/11/04 Wednesday Closed Shelby K 3 10/14/03 Women's New Beginnings Cindy T 7 10/20/99 Women's Weekend Group Shelly R 1 10/00/05 Maureen G 1 10/00/05
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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