Well that was one hell of a night!

[TonyB]

I was all excited to get my 6 month chip tonight. Went to my meeting, it’s a 4th step study group, that I am currently the chair. Anyway, a fight almost broke out half way through the meeting and the cops were called. People were leaving and just getting the hell out of there. The sad thing is that we had a couple of new comers and I don’t think they will be back. Anyway, I didn’t get a chance to pick up my chip . Oh well, guess I have a good reason to go to a meeting tomorrow.
The real sad thing to me is that this was my home group and I don’t think I will be going back. I don’t need the drama, it just gets too old too fast. So now I’m on a quest for a new home group, new sponsor and that ever elusive 6 month chip! I digress. I just left the meeting feeling bummed out. Bummed out that all that s#it happened and bummed out that I took the old lady to this meeting with me and she had to see that s#it too.
This whole thing just goes to show; though we may be recovering from alcoholism, some of us still suffer from a$$holeism.
UT

[chris k]

Sounds like my first home group. sorry your night got spoiled. Happy birthday anyway

[freebird]

Even if it didn't go as plan ain't it great you made it thru Sober? Thats alot of Drama just wondering if that meeting always had that much stuff going on.... I am just glad you made it thru some people would have used it as a excuse not to go back to a meeting,

[best]

Who knows...for some that could be a reason to go back.
They may have thought meetings could be boring.

Just as the Phoenix Rise from the ashes, there could be some good that is gained from things.
Still not nice to be in the middle of all the drama though.

[recoveringnky]

Tony, so sorry about the drama and that you didn't get your chip last night and that your wife had to see all that stuff. But, like others have said, you made it through sober and are still willing to go to meetings....that's awesome! All things in His time, not ours.....

Happy 6 months and one day!

Keep on keepin' on!
Kym

[TonyB]

Freebird:
You are right man. It could be used as an excuse to go back out. But thank God, that's not me today. The problem seems to be that the guy who's "in charge" of the meeting thinks he's an elder statesman, but he's got bleeding deacon written all over him. Said guy, also happens to be my sponsor. I've seen this coming for a while now. He's slowly "running off" all the old timers. I just think it's time for this rat to jump ship. I just don't want the drama in my life. I have to be around positive people, lest I fall back into that negative way of life. And I won't be a part of it. I have give this a lot of thought, as I said I seen it coming. But last night was the straw that broke the camel's back. I have a bunch of numbers and also have made some pretty good friends in the program so there are people I can rely on while I look for a new sponsor. Today, sobriety is a choice and I choose not to drink over this. This too shall pass. It's just another bump in the road.
I think it's in step 10 in the 12x12 where it says “Pain is the touchstone of spiritual progress” and it goes on to say that we must experience “Emotional turmoil before Serenity.” How true this is and on so many different levels. There is a big lesson in all of this for me. Not to get involved in the Bull$hit and keep it simple.
UT

[BillJ]

I've been to some AA meetings (all in "clubhouses" that remain open between meetings - never in a church-basement group) where violence and 911 calls were part of an on-going theme. It may have something to do with the fact that these clubhouses became "hangouts" for idle and/or less-than-recovering individuals, a social center for new members, and a sober "singles bar" for the lonely and misguided. Any time, day or night, you could drop in for some real-life soap opera drama!

I was an active particpant in that scene when I was young and single, but I don't care to be around it now.

Tony, I applaud your willingness to seek a new home group, and a new sponsor. I've been there, too, and that's what it took to kick my sobriety into a higher gear. Good luck with your search.

[TonyB]

I just read my last post. I didn’t mean to sound like I was badmouthing my sponsor, that was not my intention. He will remain a good friend. He has helped me more than I can convey on a public forum. It’s just that he refuses to go to any other meetings in the area because of said controversy and other things too, but that fodder for another topic.
The thing is. I know what I need to do. Today my sobriety comes before anything. Just like back in the day when my drinking way priority number one. I don’t know how else to live. I would like to reiterate something that I heard Kym P. say here. I am also grateful to have this place to find support. You guys are the safe harbor in a storm.
God bless.
Tony

[Rarly Harley]

Congrats on the 6 months Tony. I always have to remember that just because we are all in AA, not all of us are well. I have learned to seek out the "eagles" in recovery and without passing judgement, avoid the "buzzards". I also remember what my previous sponsor Pete told me when I asked him to be my sponsor. He said, "only on one condition, I can fire you at any time, and you can fire me at any time." Pete also taught me to be an AA "thief", to take what I like and leave the rest. Good move to find a new home group.

[TonyB]

Well,
I just thought I would check in with you all. I got a new sponsor. I'm still in the process of looking for a new home group, I'm not that worried about it. Sponsor told me "When you don't know what to do, do nothing." Guess he meant, don't worry about it so much, this is a simple program.... So I guess I should KISS.
I know that HP will give me what I need and according to His plan, not mine.
Anyway, hope all is well with you all... I'm off to take the scoot for a spin.
Ride Safe,
UT

[best]

Originally Posted by TonyB

I'm off to take the scoot for a spin.
Ride Safe,
UT

Some of the best meetings are done on a lone ride.
Enjoy the blessing of the wind.
Sure gets my thoughts running in the right direction.
302 heading towards Sebago sure would be nice in a few weeks.

[Rarly Harley]

Tony: Glad to hear you are doing better. I am so looking forward to getting my bike out. I find that riding strengthens me spiritually and I am very comfortable talking to my HP in the wind.

[recoveringnky]

Hey Tony! Glad to hear you got a new sponsor! He says the same thing my sponsor says....if you don't know what to do, then do nothing. That really works. It's then that I can wait on direction from my HP instead of acting on "Kym's" will which usually gets me into trouble.

Glad you got out on your bike too. I find that I can regain the peace in my heart once I shift from first gear and get rollin'! I get that sense of "ahhhh finally" in my head and in my body and it just gets better from there!

Keep on keepin' on!
Kym