I haven't had a drink in over 18 months , but I don't go to AA meetings so I don't have any 'chips'. In fact, I don't have much to show for my sobriety except: a functioning liver; a valid driver's permit; a full-time job; 3 part-time radio shows; a renewed passion for my one true love-music; a handful of great new friends; my self-respect and a generally hopeful (if a bit cynical) outlook for the future.
Kinda sucks that I don't have any chips. It makes me feel all invalidated-like.
I suppose I could troll around until someone felt sorry for me and gave me some 'virtual' chips, which I suppose are just as useful as the real thing...but I have a better idea.
I'm giving myself an Award. It's called That Crane In The Picture.
Why?
Because I used to get into trouble when I drank.
That Crane is two blocks from my house.
When I drank, a multi-story crane left unattended a couple blocks from my home would be trouble.
Even sober, it's tempting.
I shouldn't have to explain why breaking into a construction site and scaling a 100-ft piece of machinery whilst heavily intoxicated isn't such a good idea- but if I was still drinking, I'd probably be able to give a detailed , first-hand account of exactly why it's a poor decision.
Unless I fell.
That would be self-explanatory.
8 comments:
ahh, congratulations my friend..I don't go to AA either...I would rather go to tripple A..If I wanted to sit around and listen to a bunch of people telling drunk stories..I'd still be drinking..besides I think AA is to negative.."Hi I'm Jackie and I'm an alchololic.".....bullshit..I'm Jackie and I used to be an alcoholic..now I'm an ex..alcoholic...them people start each day being reminded of the worse part of their life..fuckthat.
I have a chip they gave me the one time I went..for 24 hours...if I find it I will send it to you..ha..
Great post! I'll give you a virtual anything for your accomplishment. Congratulations!
Hey Allan! Chips, Ahoy! I wish I could bake you a sugary batch of homemade cookies and leave them on your doorstep with a note that sez, "Thanks for making my life sweeter!"
Great post as always. Sober is good. Sober and alive is optimum!
Take care, E. XX
Oh, you gotta get the chips! In NA they are key chains and as you get each one you can add it to the others to have a chain of key chains. Oddly enough, I haven't touched my 'chain' in eons but I was just fiddling with it last night, and finding a new place to put it. It must be fate, 'cause as it happens, I have an extra 1 year key chain, and if you ask very nicely, I will send it to you. It glows in the dark (because you don't any more! lol)
Lastly, my word verification is: bmvtaxub
WTF?? Wouldn't 4,5,or 6 letters be enough??
(updated to add: and OFCOURSE I typed it wrong the first time!)
JS- It works for some, just not me. I don't even feel like drinking any more...it really, really HURT when I got sick and that memory keeps me dry.
Whim- Thanks! Hey...isn't 'virtually anything' the same as 'literally nothing'? Hmmm...beggars and choosers...
E- I wish you would bring those cookies...and a trap set and an old Ampeg bass amp...and a Morley Echo Volume...sigh.
M- Thanks for the offer but I don't exactly qualify for NA...just AA.
The word verif is always wrong the first time- freekin' blooger....
Sorry I have not participated in AA or NA so don't know what the chips and keychains are. Do they give you something for each meeting you attend? What is the goal with the little artifacts?
Congratualtions on the Crane Award! 18 months is a good long time, and I think the other things you mentioned (the working liver, etc) and pretty great rewards, too. To life!
i'm very impressed- and i'll give you a chip if you really want one! my baby sister will be 2 years sober on june 1 and she doesn't do the whole hi-my-name-is-such-n-such-and-i'm-an-alcoholic thing either... sometimes i wonder if she'd do better with it, but at the same time she seems to be doing okay without it. i'm very proud of both of you.
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