Obladi

So the format of group is:

First hour "check in." We go around the group and each person speaks for 3-5 minutes about the week, with questions only from the counselor.

Second hour is discussion with "suggested" topics chosen by the counselor from the first hour. The discussion often falls flat after a bit and so is then prodded along by the counselor. (It doesn't "feel" like one can go off the list... no one does)

Soberwolf

when you say off the list do you mean off topic ?

It's up to you but if your getting more out of meetings and you keep feeling like this maybe just go meetings ?

Obladi

So we discussed this at group tonight and it was quite a provocative subject with the added twist of I "confessed" to taking a Klonopin the other night. Counselor said basically, "You know I'll have to tell your caseworker." Yeah, I know... whatever. I don't have a problem with pills, but I do have a problem with this "random" testing and "confessing" jazz. (If I thought something would appear on the test, I wouldn't show up, or I would tell you.. what am I, a fool?)

A number of folks said, "the rules are the rules" and I replied "to that I don't object. But I'm pretty darned sure that people are cognizant of the rules and so therefore aren't necessarily 100% honest about what's going on with them. And furthermore, if I told you I took a prescribed medication for a legitimate reason and it is NOT a danger sign as evidenced by past and current behavior, what is the issue?"

That sparked a very interesting conversation...

With the bottom line coming from two of the guys:
1. I'm only two months in, so what do I know? and
2. If it's not hurting me, why not keep coming to something I know helps?

So for the moment, I'm still in because both of those make sense to me.

Next step is Last Chance Counselor tomorrow, with whom I am hoping it will be safe to be 100% honest.

Obladi

Last Chance Counselor was ok... I have an appointment for next week, so we'll see. And I'll go to group next week as well. And hopefully make it to AA tomorrow morning.

In short, keep on keeping on.

I was on the phone over an hour tonight with an IT support guy trying to fix my issue which he couldn't, but totally loved it because I get it. Being an IT support gal I understand there are times we can't fix it right now but we really want to help. That guy loves his job as much as I love mine and so I didn't even care that we didn't fix the problem.

In a nutshell, that's what I'm holding onto and it might be pathetic but it's something.

fantail

I've worked from home for the last few years, which means I've spent a lot of time on the phone with IT people about my internet (inevitably, as I tend to live in old apartments with roommates and inherited wifi set ups). Sometimes it is so fun! I've "met" some great people that way.

I'm glad Last Chance was OK.

Obladi

IT people are either drones or people who really want to help. Sorry for those of you who've encountered the drones, but if you've found us other guys, be sure to save us as contacts, cuz we're awesome.

sleepie

The IT guys were all cute at my old job, they always said the trouble was the end user...

dwtbd

Id say about 8 out of 10 times I speak with an IT support there is pleasant back and forth and a laugh or two, it's like they are really people

Obladi

Ok Sleepie, we now know your type is nerdy.
And yeah, dwtb, we ARE real. Weird and nerdy, sure. But real.

So I do support and I also lead a team that does configuration ("programs").
I'm not very techie smart, but I'm people smart and that's what makes my job so great. I know how to translate tech to human speak and vice versa and that's why I can get stuff done.

Hmm. Funny that I think knowing people is my very best work skill and my very worst personal skill.

Obladi

Oh and yeah, Sleepie.
That's a PICNIC
Problem
In
Chair
Not
In
Computer

Soberwolf

Have a nice day O, Sleepie, dwtdb

Fabela

Hi girl, don't have too much to say today. Just wanted to say hi.

Obladi

Well, I haven't had much to say either.
Spent the weekend doing some good things, though, and will tie them up today:
- unearthed the lawnmower from the basement which involved putting some semblance of order in down there. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I think I'll be able to stomach spending an hour or two putting it all back in order (again) in the fairly near future.
- mowed the lawn
- did some trimming to make things out there tidier
- most of the laundry is done and the house is reasonably tidy
- bills are paid

Aside from that, I spend a LOT of time reading novels. I've got Kindle Unlimited, which seems like a total waste for the months I don't read, but I totally make up for it when I do.

Also spent the afternoon with my eldest yesterday doing things she likes to do - went out for brunch and then thrift shopping together. It was very pleasant and made her happy. How can you beat that?

Obladi

I did not go to any meetings.
That's not good.
I'm going to the one tonight for sure.

Fabela

Sounds like you had a good weekend, all in all. Happy for you, my friend.

Obladi

All in all, yes.
But I'm not paying attention to my sobriety like I should be and that needs fixing. I know full well that not doing so will lead to the slippery slope that's more like a sheer drop.

Soberwolf

Excellent post & good job getting to a meeting tonight x

Obladi

Went to the meeting.
Glad I went.

At first was going to stay home because youngest was getting out of hand.
Then decided I needed to go because youngest was getting out of hand and I was in danger of going there with her.

Obladi

Tired tired tired after a trying day.
But I'm sober and will remain that way.

sleepie

Hi Obladi I don't mind nerdy that is true, my current bf has a very nerdy degree. I am a delightful contrast to his structured ways... lol.

What are some of your favorite novels?