A hard road ahead...

[Montgomery BOO...URNS]

BY THE WAY, sorry for the bad formatting!

David

"Montgomery BOO...URNS" <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:6YCdnRzUPu7wxKreRVn-ug@rcn.net...
>I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
>drinking.........
>
> Thanks for all the support.
>
>
> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
> by David Chandler
>
> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to
> stress me out. I have
> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well
> what I want to say
> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>
> It has been a month now since my last drink and I do feel a difference.
> Although I can do
> without the headaches and the mild insomnia, I find myself waking up in
> the morning clear
> and focused. I'm not dragging myself into work all bleary-eyed and weary
> and I feel a new
> sense of pride and a sense of control in my life. Now you might say that
> a month isn't
> long enough to feel this way but okay, maybe I'm just having withdraw
> symptoms then. :-)
> Maybe a lot of it is that I just want to put the past behind me. I want
> to feel strong. I
> want to feel that I'm alive and I really don't want to feel sick anymore.
>
> What has also pushed me to this decision is fear, really. I have watched
> my family, and I
> have watched friends of mine slowly spiraling into a pit of despair. This
> is what scares
> me. They try to drink their troubles away only to have a temporary
> euphoric feeling towards
> the world that brings them back to reality the next day when they wake up
> in a sickening
> hangover state. They are always angry, they are always upset about their
> lives, and mostly
> they try to drag those around them down with them when they have to face
> these painful
> daily realities. Those who don't drink are looked down upon by the
> drinkers of society as
> "goody two-shoes" or "lightweights" which the latter is actually a
> contradiction in terms.
> Those who feel the need to drink are the lightweights of society and they
> need that drink
> in order to cope. Facing up to reality is what makes you strong.
>
> I know there's a long road ahead of me. I know that it could mean the
> loss of some
> friends, and even an accumulation of social enemies. Then again, it's
> only true friends
> who will stand behind me in my decision to put this past behind me. I
> only want true
> friends in my life anymore, I don't just want an occasional drinking
> buddy. This will also
> mean having to face reality and the many stresses that life dishes out and
> not drown
> everything with a shotglass or a bottle of beer.
>
> I feel I am prepared for all of this.
>
> Another thing that I feel stands true to me is that it's hard for me to
> drink anymore. I
> have health problems which include bad stomach indigestion and acid reflux
> as well as
> asthma and what I've been told is the onset of sleep apnea. With those
> sort of health
> problems why should I complicate things further with another case of beer?
> Shouldn't I just
> say that I can't drink anymore.
>
> Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
> including music
> and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene
> Simmons, Frank Zappa,
> and Ted Nugent. These are three true role models for any young aspiring
> musician
> especially since they have lived a life of music and have avoided the life
> of excess (let
> alone the many women - which is a GOOD excess). Rock and Roll doesn't
> necessarily mean you have to be a drug addict or an alcoholic. I have
> lived this philosophy many times over.
>
> Just because you like music doesn't necessarily mean you have to tune in
> the radio station
> that everyone else listens to. Just because you have a computer in your
> house doesn't
> necessarily mean you have to use Microsoft software to run the darn thing.
> And just because
> there's a bar on every corner in your hometown doesn't necessarily mean
> you have to be the
> town drunk.
>
> Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how
> powerless you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I
> could snap my fingers and the loved ones in
> my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
> that after a year
> of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I
> am serious about
> quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it and
> what they would
> have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they won't
> care! I just
> know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.
>
> David
>

[Bryan]

Montgomery BOO...URNS wrote:
> I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
> drinking.........
>
> Thanks for all the support.
>
>
> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
> by David Chandler
>
> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to stress
> me out. I have
> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well what
> I want to say
> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>
> It has been a month now since my last drink and I do feel a difference.
> Although I can do
> without the headaches and the mild insomnia, I find myself waking up in the
> morning clear
> and focused. I'm not dragging myself into work all bleary-eyed and weary
> and I feel a new
> sense of pride and a sense of control in my life. Now you might say that a
> month isn't
> long enough to feel this way but okay, maybe I'm just having withdraw
> symptoms then. :-)
> Maybe a lot of it is that I just want to put the past behind me. I want to
> feel strong. I
> want to feel that I'm alive and I really don't want to feel sick anymore.
>
> What has also pushed me to this decision is fear, really. I have watched my
> family, and I
> have watched friends of mine slowly spiraling into a pit of despair. This
> is what scares
> me. They try to drink their troubles away only to have a temporary euphoric
> feeling towards
> the world that brings them back to reality the next day when they wake up in
> a sickening
> hangover state. They are always angry, they are always upset about their
> lives, and mostly
> they try to drag those around them down with them when they have to face
> these painful
> daily realities. Those who don't drink are looked down upon by the drinkers
> of society as
> "goody two-shoes" or "lightweights" which the latter is actually a
> contradiction in terms.
> Those who feel the need to drink are the lightweights of society and they
> need that drink
> in order to cope. Facing up to reality is what makes you strong.
>
> I know there's a long road ahead of me. I know that it could mean the loss
> of some
> friends, and even an accumulation of social enemies. Then again, it's only
> true friends
> who will stand behind me in my decision to put this past behind me. I only
> want true
> friends in my life anymore, I don't just want an occasional drinking buddy.
> This will also
> mean having to face reality and the many stresses that life dishes out and
> not drown
> everything with a shotglass or a bottle of beer.
>
> I feel I am prepared for all of this.
>
> Another thing that I feel stands true to me is that it's hard for me to
> drink anymore. I
> have health problems which include bad stomach indigestion and acid reflux
> as well as
> asthma and what I've been told is the onset of sleep apnea. With those sort
> of health
> problems why should I complicate things further with another case of beer?
> Shouldn't I just
> say that I can't drink anymore.
>
> Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
> including music
> and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene Simmons,
> Frank Zappa,
> and Ted Nugent. These are three true role models for any young aspiring
> musician
> especially since they have lived a life of music and have avoided the life
> of excess (let
> alone the many women - which is a GOOD excess). Rock and Roll doesn't
> necessarily mean you have to be a drug addict or an alcoholic. I have lived
> this philosophy many times over.
>
> Just because you like music doesn't necessarily mean you have to tune in the
> radio station
> that everyone else listens to. Just because you have a computer in your
> house doesn't
> necessarily mean you have to use Microsoft software to run the darn thing.
> And just because
> there's a bar on every corner in your hometown doesn't necessarily mean you
> have to be the
> town drunk.
>
> Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how powerless
> you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I could snap my
> fingers and the loved ones in
> my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
> that after a year
> of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I am
> serious about
> quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it and
> what they would
> have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they won't
> care! I just
> know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.
>
> David
>
>
very nice essay. Very inspirational. I'm
struggling on whether i want to quit or not.
Helped reinforce the fact i think i wanna. Good
going that's all i got to say.

[Bryan]

Montgomery BOO...URNS wrote:
> I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
> drinking.........
>
> Thanks for all the support.
>
>
> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
> by David Chandler
>
> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to stress
> me out. I have
> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well what
> I want to say
> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>
> It has been a month now since my last drink and I do feel a difference.
> Although I can do
> without the headaches and the mild insomnia, I find myself waking up in the
> morning clear
> and focused. I'm not dragging myself into work all bleary-eyed and weary
> and I feel a new
> sense of pride and a sense of control in my life. Now you might say that a
> month isn't
> long enough to feel this way but okay, maybe I'm just having withdraw
> symptoms then. :-)
> Maybe a lot of it is that I just want to put the past behind me. I want to
> feel strong. I
> want to feel that I'm alive and I really don't want to feel sick anymore.
>
> What has also pushed me to this decision is fear, really. I have watched my
> family, and I
> have watched friends of mine slowly spiraling into a pit of despair. This
> is what scares
> me. They try to drink their troubles away only to have a temporary euphoric
> feeling towards
> the world that brings them back to reality the next day when they wake up in
> a sickening
> hangover state. They are always angry, they are always upset about their
> lives, and mostly
> they try to drag those around them down with them when they have to face
> these painful
> daily realities. Those who don't drink are looked down upon by the drinkers
> of society as
> "goody two-shoes" or "lightweights" which the latter is actually a
> contradiction in terms.
> Those who feel the need to drink are the lightweights of society and they
> need that drink
> in order to cope. Facing up to reality is what makes you strong.
>
> I know there's a long road ahead of me. I know that it could mean the loss
> of some
> friends, and even an accumulation of social enemies. Then again, it's only
> true friends
> who will stand behind me in my decision to put this past behind me. I only
> want true
> friends in my life anymore, I don't just want an occasional drinking buddy.
> This will also
> mean having to face reality and the many stresses that life dishes out and
> not drown
> everything with a shotglass or a bottle of beer.
>
> I feel I am prepared for all of this.
>
> Another thing that I feel stands true to me is that it's hard for me to
> drink anymore. I
> have health problems which include bad stomach indigestion and acid reflux
> as well as
> asthma and what I've been told is the onset of sleep apnea. With those sort
> of health
> problems why should I complicate things further with another case of beer?
> Shouldn't I just
> say that I can't drink anymore.
>
> Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
> including music
> and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene Simmons,
> Frank Zappa,
> and Ted Nugent. These are three true role models for any young aspiring
> musician
> especially since they have lived a life of music and have avoided the life
> of excess (let
> alone the many women - which is a GOOD excess). Rock and Roll doesn't
> necessarily mean you have to be a drug addict or an alcoholic. I have lived
> this philosophy many times over.
>
> Just because you like music doesn't necessarily mean you have to tune in the
> radio station
> that everyone else listens to. Just because you have a computer in your
> house doesn't
> necessarily mean you have to use Microsoft software to run the darn thing.
> And just because
> there's a bar on every corner in your hometown doesn't necessarily mean you
> have to be the
> town drunk.
>
> Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how powerless
> you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I could snap my
> fingers and the loved ones in
> my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
> that after a year
> of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I am
> serious about
> quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it and
> what they would
> have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they won't
> care! I just
> know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.
>
> David
>
>
and don't underestimate my feeble attempts at
sobriety i notice within two weeks my head starts
clearing up. Yep, your doing fine whatever your
doing your doing it right. Your story will help
others i firmly believe it is helping me atm.
Very inspirational.

[Plug]

"Montgomery BOO...URNS" <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:6YCdnRzUPu7wxKreRVn-ug@rcn.net...
>I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
>drinking.........
>
> Thanks for all the support.
>
>
> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
> by David Chandler
>
> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to
> stress me out. I have
> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well
> what I want to say
> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>
>
>snipped

Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
including music
and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene Simmons,
Frank Zappa,
and Ted Nugent.

Hi David,
Well done on a month. I bought Zappa's Hot Rats (again - people keep
"borrowing" it) the other day and played it really loud. I really listen to
music now, whereas before, it was just something pleasant in the background.
Ted Nugent is great too - have you heard of Rory Gallagher? He's another
favourite. It does get easier and life gets better.
Deb

[Montgomery BOO...URNS]

"Bryan" <bekberg@charter.net> wrote in message
news:0lMZe.10157$eH2.9305@fe02.lga...
> Montgomery BOO...URNS wrote:
>> I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
>> drinking.........
>>
>> Thanks for all the support.
>>
>>
>> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
>> by David Chandler
>>
>> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to
>> stress me out. I have
>> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well
>> what I want to say
>> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>>
>> It has been a month now since my last drink and I do feel a difference.
>> Although I can do
>> without the headaches and the mild insomnia, I find myself waking up in
>> the morning clear
>> and focused. I'm not dragging myself into work all bleary-eyed and weary
>> and I feel a new
>> sense of pride and a sense of control in my life. Now you might say that
>> a month isn't
>> long enough to feel this way but okay, maybe I'm just having withdraw
>> symptoms then. :-)
>> Maybe a lot of it is that I just want to put the past behind me. I want
>> to feel strong. I
>> want to feel that I'm alive and I really don't want to feel sick anymore.
>>
>> What has also pushed me to this decision is fear, really. I have watched
>> my family, and I
>> have watched friends of mine slowly spiraling into a pit of despair.
>> This is what scares
>> me. They try to drink their troubles away only to have a temporary
>> euphoric feeling towards
>> the world that brings them back to reality the next day when they wake up
>> in a sickening
>> hangover state. They are always angry, they are always upset about their
>> lives, and mostly
>> they try to drag those around them down with them when they have to face
>> these painful
>> daily realities. Those who don't drink are looked down upon by the
>> drinkers of society as
>> "goody two-shoes" or "lightweights" which the latter is actually a
>> contradiction in terms.
>> Those who feel the need to drink are the lightweights of society and they
>> need that drink
>> in order to cope. Facing up to reality is what makes you strong.
>>
>> I know there's a long road ahead of me. I know that it could mean the
>> loss of some
>> friends, and even an accumulation of social enemies. Then again, it's
>> only true friends
>> who will stand behind me in my decision to put this past behind me. I
>> only want true
>> friends in my life anymore, I don't just want an occasional drinking
>> buddy. This will also
>> mean having to face reality and the many stresses that life dishes out
>> and not drown
>> everything with a shotglass or a bottle of beer.
>>
>> I feel I am prepared for all of this.
>>
>> Another thing that I feel stands true to me is that it's hard for me to
>> drink anymore. I
>> have health problems which include bad stomach indigestion and acid
>> reflux as well as
>> asthma and what I've been told is the onset of sleep apnea. With those
>> sort of health
>> problems why should I complicate things further with another case of
>> beer? Shouldn't I just
>> say that I can't drink anymore.
>>
>> Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
>> including music
>> and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene
>> Simmons, Frank Zappa,
>> and Ted Nugent. These are three true role models for any young aspiring
>> musician
>> especially since they have lived a life of music and have avoided the
>> life of excess (let
>> alone the many women - which is a GOOD excess). Rock and Roll doesn't
>> necessarily mean you have to be a drug addict or an alcoholic. I have
>> lived this philosophy many times over.
>>
>> Just because you like music doesn't necessarily mean you have to tune in
>> the radio station
>> that everyone else listens to. Just because you have a computer in your
>> house doesn't
>> necessarily mean you have to use Microsoft software to run the darn
>> thing. And just because
>> there's a bar on every corner in your hometown doesn't necessarily mean
>> you have to be the
>> town drunk.
>>
>> Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how
>> powerless you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I
>> could snap my fingers and the loved ones in
>> my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
>> that after a year
>> of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I
>> am serious about
>> quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it
>> and what they would
>> have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they
>> won't care! I just
>> know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.
>>
>> David
> and don't underestimate my feeble attempts at sobriety i notice within two
> weeks my head starts clearing up. Yep, your doing fine whatever your
> doing your doing it right. Your story will help others i firmly believe
> it is helping me atm. Very inspirational.

One thing that I'm sure will happen is that I'll be looked down upon by
those who were considered my drinking "buddies." But I think after a year
passes, they'll see that I'm serious and maybe my actions will inspire them.
Who knows!

Thanks for the support. Good health to you!

DC

[Montgomery BOO...URNS]

"Plug" <gluggaglug@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:U4ZZe.1224$TL4.1038@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Montgomery BOO...URNS" <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote in message
> news:6YCdnRzUPu7wxKreRVn-ug@rcn.net...
>>I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
>>drinking.........
>>
>> Thanks for all the support.
>>
>>
>> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
>> by David Chandler
>>
>> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to
>> stress me out. I have
>> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well
>> what I want to say
>> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>>
>>
>>snipped
>
> Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
> including music
> and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene
> Simmons,
> Frank Zappa,
> and Ted Nugent.
>
> Hi David,
> Well done on a month. I bought Zappa's Hot Rats (again - people keep
> "borrowing" it) the other day and played it really loud. I really listen
> to music now, whereas before, it was just something pleasant in the
> background. Ted Nugent is great too - have you heard of Rory Gallagher?
> He's another favourite. It does get easier and life gets better.
> Deb

Hi Deb!

As far as music is concerned, I'm always on the up and up on what is out
there. I have found myself listening to Indie rock recently. Only because
it's sooooo different from a lot of the rock that's out there now
(especially the dreaded Metal scene). I also have a liking for classic
rock. I just caught Paul McCartney at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia
and it was an incredible show. He's 64 years old and he's still inspiring
the younger generations as well as those who have been there all along. I
couldn't believe the age difference of the audience when I got to the show.
In fact, I was the youngest in the group of people I went to the show with.
The oldest being 54, the youngest (me) 34!!

Anyway, enough ramblings about Paul McCartney. Yeah, I'm a big fan of Zappa
and whenever I play his stuff, I play it loud. One of my faves is Sheik
Yerbouti! Great album with a bunch of great musicians including Adrian
Belew, and Terry Bozio! Speaking of Adrian Belew, King Crimson happens to
be another fave of mine. You could say that they've come full circle and
have actually turned into an Indie Rock band!! They play very little of
their early stuff when they play live.

So I appreciate your support and I'm sure I'll see you more on this
newsgroup.

Thanks so much and good health to you.

DC

[Montgomery BOO...URNS]

I have heard of that. In fact, I think that's on the online radio list on
my iTunes. I'll check it out! Thanks for the heads up!

"Dudley Do Rite" <lemondrop17@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:662dnQ_JXbaeEKTeRVn-iA@comcast.com...
> I've been listening to www.radioparadise.com a lot lately. Lots of great
> indie tracks, b-sides, peppered occassionally with some of the great
> classics. Artists like Beck, Vast, Snow Patrol, The Church, Blue Man
Group.
> Worth a list just to check it out.
>
> "Montgomery BOO...URNS" <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote in message
> news:EPOdnVycravMA6XeRVn-pQ@rcn.net...
> > "Plug" <gluggaglug@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:U4ZZe.1224$TL4.1038@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
> >>
> >> "Montgomery BOO...URNS" <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote in message
> >> news:6YCdnRzUPu7wxKreRVn-ug@rcn.net...
> >>>I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
> >>>drinking.........
> >>>
> >>> Thanks for all the support.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
> >>> by David Chandler
> >>>
> >>> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to
> >>> stress me out. I have
> >>> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well
> >>> what I want to say
> >>> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>snipped
> >>
> >> Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various
passions
> >> including music
> >> and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene
> >> Simmons,
> >> Frank Zappa,
> >> and Ted Nugent.
> >>
> >> Hi David,
> >> Well done on a month. I bought Zappa's Hot Rats (again - people keep
> >> "borrowing" it) the other day and played it really loud. I really
listen
> >> to music now, whereas before, it was just something pleasant in the
> >> background. Ted Nugent is great too - have you heard of Rory Gallagher?
> >> He's another favourite. It does get easier and life gets better.
> >> Deb
> >
> > Hi Deb!
> >
> > As far as music is concerned, I'm always on the up and up on what is out
> > there. I have found myself listening to Indie rock recently. Only
> > because it's sooooo different from a lot of the rock that's out there
now
> > (especially the dreaded Metal scene). I also have a liking for classic
> > rock. I just caught Paul McCartney at the Wachovia Center in
Philadelphia
> > and it was an incredible show. He's 64 years old and he's still
inspiring
> > the younger generations as well as those who have been there all along.
I
> > couldn't believe the age difference of the audience when I got to the
> > show. In fact, I was the youngest in the group of people I went to the
> > show with. The oldest being 54, the youngest (me) 34!!
> >
> > Anyway, enough ramblings about Paul McCartney. Yeah, I'm a big fan of
> > Zappa and whenever I play his stuff, I play it loud. One of my faves is
> > Sheik Yerbouti! Great album with a bunch of great musicians including
> > Adrian Belew, and Terry Bozio! Speaking of Adrian Belew, King Crimson
> > happens to be another fave of mine. You could say that they've come
full
> > circle and have actually turned into an Indie Rock band!! They play
very
> > little of their early stuff when they play live.
> >
> > So I appreciate your support and I'm sure I'll see you more on this
> > newsgroup.
> >
> > Thanks so much and good health to you.
> >
> > DC
> >
>
>

[Dudley Do Rite]

I've been listening to www.radioparadise.com a lot lately. Lots of great
indie tracks, b-sides, peppered occassionally with some of the great
classics. Artists like Beck, Vast, Snow Patrol, The Church, Blue Man Group.
Worth a list just to check it out.

"Montgomery BOO...URNS" <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:EPOdnVycravMA6XeRVn-pQ@rcn.net...
> "Plug" <gluggaglug@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:U4ZZe.1224$TL4.1038@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
>>
>> "Montgomery BOO...URNS" <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote in message
>> news:6YCdnRzUPu7wxKreRVn-ug@rcn.net...
>>>I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
>>>drinking.........
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the support.
>>>
>>>
>>> A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
>>> by David Chandler
>>>
>>> As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to
>>> stress me out. I have
>>> a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well
>>> what I want to say
>>> about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>>>
>>>
>>>snipped
>>
>> Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
>> including music
>> and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene
>> Simmons,
>> Frank Zappa,
>> and Ted Nugent.
>>
>> Hi David,
>> Well done on a month. I bought Zappa's Hot Rats (again - people keep
>> "borrowing" it) the other day and played it really loud. I really listen
>> to music now, whereas before, it was just something pleasant in the
>> background. Ted Nugent is great too - have you heard of Rory Gallagher?
>> He's another favourite. It does get easier and life gets better.
>> Deb
>
> Hi Deb!
>
> As far as music is concerned, I'm always on the up and up on what is out
> there. I have found myself listening to Indie rock recently. Only
> because it's sooooo different from a lot of the rock that's out there now
> (especially the dreaded Metal scene). I also have a liking for classic
> rock. I just caught Paul McCartney at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia
> and it was an incredible show. He's 64 years old and he's still inspiring
> the younger generations as well as those who have been there all along. I
> couldn't believe the age difference of the audience when I got to the
> show. In fact, I was the youngest in the group of people I went to the
> show with. The oldest being 54, the youngest (me) 34!!
>
> Anyway, enough ramblings about Paul McCartney. Yeah, I'm a big fan of
> Zappa and whenever I play his stuff, I play it loud. One of my faves is
> Sheik Yerbouti! Great album with a bunch of great musicians including
> Adrian Belew, and Terry Bozio! Speaking of Adrian Belew, King Crimson
> happens to be another fave of mine. You could say that they've come full
> circle and have actually turned into an Indie Rock band!! They play very
> little of their early stuff when they play live.
>
> So I appreciate your support and I'm sure I'll see you more on this
> newsgroup.
>
> Thanks so much and good health to you.
>
> DC
>

[someone in need]

>
>One thing that I'm sure will happen is that I'll be looked down upon by
>those who were considered my drinking "buddies."




Why would STAGNATION and dysfunction looking down at you be worth yhe
time of day ???



Keep up the GREAT work and don't look back.
















>
>Thanks for the support. Good health to you!
>
>DC
>
>

[rockhound]

On Thu, 29 Sep 2005 22:14:18 -0400, "Montgomery BOO...URNS"
<solitude439@rcn.com> wrote:


>Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how powerless
>you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I could snap my
>fingers and the loved ones in
>my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
>that after a year
>of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I am
>serious about
>quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it and
>what they would
>have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they won't
>care! I just
>know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.
>
>David

What will you tell them - I just quit? Started hanging around on
usenet and reading asthma books? Gee, that's revolutionary, bet
they'll thank you politely and envy your strength of character, and
not call you anymore...Who knows, maybe you'll even turn up drunk
again after your evolutionary shpeel, and suddenly find you have more
in common than you thought. And, maybe not. Who can say. Sure will
leave us all wondering for a long time.

[Montgomery BOO...URNS]

I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
drinking.........

Thanks for all the support.


A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
by David Chandler

As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to stress
me out. I have
a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well what
I want to say
about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.

It has been a month now since my last drink and I do feel a difference.
Although I can do
without the headaches and the mild insomnia, I find myself waking up in the
morning clear
and focused. I'm not dragging myself into work all bleary-eyed and weary
and I feel a new
sense of pride and a sense of control in my life. Now you might say that a
month isn't
long enough to feel this way but okay, maybe I'm just having withdraw
symptoms then. :-)
Maybe a lot of it is that I just want to put the past behind me. I want to
feel strong. I
want to feel that I'm alive and I really don't want to feel sick anymore.

What has also pushed me to this decision is fear, really. I have watched my
family, and I
have watched friends of mine slowly spiraling into a pit of despair. This
is what scares
me. They try to drink their troubles away only to have a temporary euphoric
feeling towards
the world that brings them back to reality the next day when they wake up in
a sickening
hangover state. They are always angry, they are always upset about their
lives, and mostly
they try to drag those around them down with them when they have to face
these painful
daily realities. Those who don't drink are looked down upon by the drinkers
of society as
"goody two-shoes" or "lightweights" which the latter is actually a
contradiction in terms.
Those who feel the need to drink are the lightweights of society and they
need that drink
in order to cope. Facing up to reality is what makes you strong.

I know there's a long road ahead of me. I know that it could mean the loss
of some
friends, and even an accumulation of social enemies. Then again, it's only
true friends
who will stand behind me in my decision to put this past behind me. I only
want true
friends in my life anymore, I don't just want an occasional drinking buddy.
This will also
mean having to face reality and the many stresses that life dishes out and
not drown
everything with a shotglass or a bottle of beer.

I feel I am prepared for all of this.

Another thing that I feel stands true to me is that it's hard for me to
drink anymore. I
have health problems which include bad stomach indigestion and acid reflux
as well as
asthma and what I've been told is the onset of sleep apnea. With those sort
of health
problems why should I complicate things further with another case of beer?
Shouldn't I just
say that I can't drink anymore.

Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
including music
and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene Simmons,
Frank Zappa,
and Ted Nugent. These are three true role models for any young aspiring
musician
especially since they have lived a life of music and have avoided the life
of excess (let
alone the many women - which is a GOOD excess). Rock and Roll doesn't
necessarily mean you have to be a drug addict or an alcoholic. I have lived
this philosophy many times over.

Just because you like music doesn't necessarily mean you have to tune in the
radio station
that everyone else listens to. Just because you have a computer in your
house doesn't
necessarily mean you have to use Microsoft software to run the darn thing.
And just because
there's a bar on every corner in your hometown doesn't necessarily mean you
have to be the
town drunk.

Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how powerless
you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I could snap my
fingers and the loved ones in
my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
that after a year
of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I am
serious about
quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it and
what they would
have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they won't
care! I just
know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.

David

[Dudley Do Rite]

No body would ever question my own lack of will power - they'd know there
was no way I could "just quit" on my own. So for this drunk, I'm grateful
for having found AA and for furthering my spiritual relationship with God.

I'm already finding friends and acquaintances are choosing not to drink
alcohol on some occassions when I'm present. My ego and alcoholic arrogance
says that I've given them a reason to lighten up on their own drinking
behavior. The real me knows it has nothing to do with anything other than
their own choices not to drink (for whatever reasons) on those occassions.
As far as snapping my fingers and "encouraging" my wife to scale back her
own alchohol and marijuana intake, I keep part of the 11th Tradition top of
mind: "Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than
promotion."

Actions do speak louder than words. I sign at one of my meetings (at a
Methodist church) says "Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary...
use words."

Have a great and sober weekend everybody!

steve

"rockhound" <user@null.org> wrote in message
news:9s8oj1tobagskg6qvcilhkjhiji7d6fhea@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 29 Sep 2005 22:14:18 -0400, "Montgomery BOO...URNS"
> <solitude439@rcn.com> wrote:
>
>
>>Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how
>>powerless
>>you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I could snap my
>>fingers and the loved ones in
>>my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
>>that after a year
>>of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I
>>am
>>serious about
>>quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it and
>>what they would
>>have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they won't
>>care! I just
>>know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.
>>
>>David
>
> What will you tell them - I just quit? Started hanging around on
> usenet and reading asthma books? Gee, that's revolutionary, bet
> they'll thank you politely and envy your strength of character, and
> not call you anymore...Who knows, maybe you'll even turn up drunk
> again after your evolutionary shpeel, and suddenly find you have more
> in common than you thought. And, maybe not. Who can say. Sure will
> leave us all wondering for a long time.

[someone in need]

Which is a harder road, to continue drinking or to be sober ????














On Thu, 29 Sep 2005 22:14:18 -0400, "Montgomery BOO...URNS"
<solitude439@rcn.com> wrote:

>I thought I'd write an essay that reflects my decision to quit
>drinking.........
>
>Thanks for all the support.
>
>
>A Hard Road Ahead. (The Absolute Truth about Alcoholism).
>by David Chandler
>
>As I write this essay, I am writing about things that are a cause to stress
>me out. I have
>a lot to say towards my family and their drinking problems and as well what
>I want to say
>about my drinking and how I'm trying to quit.
>
>It has been a month now since my last drink and I do feel a difference.
>Although I can do
>without the headaches and the mild insomnia, I find myself waking up in the
>morning clear
>and focused. I'm not dragging myself into work all bleary-eyed and weary
>and I feel a new
>sense of pride and a sense of control in my life. Now you might say that a
>month isn't
>long enough to feel this way but okay, maybe I'm just having withdraw
>symptoms then. :-)
>Maybe a lot of it is that I just want to put the past behind me. I want to
>feel strong. I
>want to feel that I'm alive and I really don't want to feel sick anymore.
>
>What has also pushed me to this decision is fear, really. I have watched my
>family, and I
>have watched friends of mine slowly spiraling into a pit of despair. This
>is what scares
>me. They try to drink their troubles away only to have a temporary euphoric
>feeling towards
>the world that brings them back to reality the next day when they wake up in
>a sickening
>hangover state. They are always angry, they are always upset about their
>lives, and mostly
>they try to drag those around them down with them when they have to face
>these painful
>daily realities. Those who don't drink are looked down upon by the drinkers
>of society as
>"goody two-shoes" or "lightweights" which the latter is actually a
>contradiction in terms.
>Those who feel the need to drink are the lightweights of society and they
>need that drink
>in order to cope. Facing up to reality is what makes you strong.
>
>I know there's a long road ahead of me. I know that it could mean the loss
>of some
>friends, and even an accumulation of social enemies. Then again, it's only
>true friends
>who will stand behind me in my decision to put this past behind me. I only
>want true
>friends in my life anymore, I don't just want an occasional drinking buddy.
>This will also
>mean having to face reality and the many stresses that life dishes out and
>not drown
>everything with a shotglass or a bottle of beer.
>
>I feel I am prepared for all of this.
>
>Another thing that I feel stands true to me is that it's hard for me to
>drink anymore. I
>have health problems which include bad stomach indigestion and acid reflux
>as well as
>asthma and what I've been told is the onset of sleep apnea. With those sort
>of health
>problems why should I complicate things further with another case of beer?
>Shouldn't I just
>say that I can't drink anymore.
>
>Being that I am a creative person and I have dabbled in various passions
>including music
>and playing in bands, my heroes include rock musicians such as Gene Simmons,
>Frank Zappa,
>and Ted Nugent. These are three true role models for any young aspiring
>musician
>especially since they have lived a life of music and have avoided the life
>of excess (let
>alone the many women - which is a GOOD excess). Rock and Roll doesn't
>necessarily mean you have to be a drug addict or an alcoholic. I have lived
>this philosophy many times over.
>
>Just because you like music doesn't necessarily mean you have to tune in the
>radio station
>that everyone else listens to. Just because you have a computer in your
>house doesn't
>necessarily mean you have to use Microsoft software to run the darn thing.
>And just because
>there's a bar on every corner in your hometown doesn't necessarily mean you
>have to be the
>town drunk.
>
>Well there's a lot more that I could say about alcoholism and how powerless
>you really do become when you succumb to drinking. I wish I could snap my
>fingers and the loved ones in
>my life would feel the same way. Life doesn't work that way. I do know
>that after a year
>of being alcohol free, people will take notice and they'll realize that I am
>serious about
>quitting. Maybe after another year, they'll be asking me how I did it and
>what they would
>have to do to do the same thing. Who knows? Then again, maybe they won't
>care! I just
>know that I care about living and living life to it's fullest.
>
>David
>
>