Hands Across Time Zones, Part 3: The sun is always rising somewhere in the world
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Posts: 487
Wow!! I take a day trip into Tokyo, and this thread is growing like bamboo!! Awesome.
Budha, welcome. I've only been to Ohio once, to Cleveland. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best of times as my mother was having heart surgery at the Cleveland clinic. Her surgery turned out fine, but I also got food poisoning while there, so I was laid up for a few days with that as well.
Dreamz, reading your thread reminded me of when I lived in Hawaii--RAINBOWS!!
To everyone else, stay strong if you're having troubles and remember, wherever you go in life, there you are!!
Take care.
Budha, welcome. I've only been to Ohio once, to Cleveland. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best of times as my mother was having heart surgery at the Cleveland clinic. Her surgery turned out fine, but I also got food poisoning while there, so I was laid up for a few days with that as well.
Dreamz, reading your thread reminded me of when I lived in Hawaii--RAINBOWS!!
To everyone else, stay strong if you're having troubles and remember, wherever you go in life, there you are!!
Take care.
Guest
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,525
Scotty! You lived in Hawaii?? How do you get to live in all these interesting places? (I've never even seen a real live ocean.) How cool!
Dreamz, I'm sorry your having "issues" with that friend. It sounds really annoying. But I am so proud of you and encouraged by your wonderful attitude. And I think CONSIDERATION is an excellent word for today! Think what a better world it would be if all of us everywhere took that to heart. Bless you today, girl!
Little Penguin, it sounds like you're having a bit of a tough time. Please remember what a helpful, good person you are. I appreciate you a lot.
Welcome to the thread, Buhda! Nineteen months? Whoa, Nellie--that's great!
Well I'm off to settle in for the night. Got "Animal Planet" on the TV, then we'll just hang out and relax. It's nice to get ready for bed without being totally soused. I know I'll wake up with a crystal clear mind in the morning.
Dreamz, I'm sorry your having "issues" with that friend. It sounds really annoying. But I am so proud of you and encouraged by your wonderful attitude. And I think CONSIDERATION is an excellent word for today! Think what a better world it would be if all of us everywhere took that to heart. Bless you today, girl!
Little Penguin, it sounds like you're having a bit of a tough time. Please remember what a helpful, good person you are. I appreciate you a lot.
Welcome to the thread, Buhda! Nineteen months? Whoa, Nellie--that's great!
Well I'm off to settle in for the night. Got "Animal Planet" on the TV, then we'll just hang out and relax. It's nice to get ready for bed without being totally soused. I know I'll wake up with a crystal clear mind in the morning.
Paused
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 5,093
Searching...searching for happiness in a bottle. To all of you who are struggling, I want to reassure you that it does get better. There will come a day when the battle is not constant. There will be days where alcohol doesn't enter your mind. I no longer have craving or the desire to drink. There is hope and a solution.
Today, I can see the bottle for what it truly is. It represent the pain I experienced as a result of my drinking. Alcohol was never the solution, but was always the problem. I never resolved one single thing through drinking, other than finding drunkenness and chaos.
Always searching...searching for happiness. Today, I find happiness in each sober day. Things will never change for me as far as drinking goes. I turned to alcohol to fill the void. It resulted in empty emotions and an empty bottle. The bottle is always empty for me. When it comes to alcohol, there is never enough. If I don't drink, I can put an end to the infinite insanity. Today my searching has come to an end. Abstinence.
Today, I can see the bottle for what it truly is. It represent the pain I experienced as a result of my drinking. Alcohol was never the solution, but was always the problem. I never resolved one single thing through drinking, other than finding drunkenness and chaos.
Always searching...searching for happiness. Today, I find happiness in each sober day. Things will never change for me as far as drinking goes. I turned to alcohol to fill the void. It resulted in empty emotions and an empty bottle. The bottle is always empty for me. When it comes to alcohol, there is never enough. If I don't drink, I can put an end to the infinite insanity. Today my searching has come to an end. Abstinence.
Soberus Maxus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 298
Hey Everyone,
I was talking about when I was a kid and I broke my arm. Im fine totally fine.
Actually never better. Amazing!!!!!
But yesterday was a biotch and today it all worked out.
I am so lucky to have such a great life right now and equally lucky to have all of you to help me thru.
Rae.
Now as your son and therapist I want you to work on your hand strength.
I want you to work yourself up to 2 postings a day.
I have alot of explaining to do to you but I need you healthy enough to respond. So you tell whatever aid or whoever your suragate son needs you to be healthy.
Mr Scott. I'm so glad your doing well and Im proud of you. We are going on almost a year together and I remember my first days here when you challenged me and inspired me.
As for the rest of you..(and you know who you are) Onward and upward
the best is yet to come.
Max
The egomaniacal, cocky, frisky,
Self assured, Supercalifragilisticexpealidotios one...!
I was talking about when I was a kid and I broke my arm. Im fine totally fine.
Actually never better. Amazing!!!!!
But yesterday was a biotch and today it all worked out.
I am so lucky to have such a great life right now and equally lucky to have all of you to help me thru.
Rae.
Now as your son and therapist I want you to work on your hand strength.
I want you to work yourself up to 2 postings a day.
I have alot of explaining to do to you but I need you healthy enough to respond. So you tell whatever aid or whoever your suragate son needs you to be healthy.
Mr Scott. I'm so glad your doing well and Im proud of you. We are going on almost a year together and I remember my first days here when you challenged me and inspired me.
As for the rest of you..(and you know who you are) Onward and upward
the best is yet to come.
Max
The egomaniacal, cocky, frisky,
Self assured, Supercalifragilisticexpealidotios one...!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: in the present moment
Posts: 2,060
(((Budha))) Its great to see you here and to know that you are finding reasons to be positive and sober in Ohio!
((DREAMZ)) You rock! I LOVE that you offered up "Consideration" and all the joyous expressive colours of your heart for us today. You inspire me.
((Scotty)) Yeah, how DO you end up living in all those cool spots?
((Rae Mom)) Its always a happy moment when I see your sea gull avatar here. Thanks for keeping us in your day!
(((Max))) Ouch! Poor you. Hope the arm is better today.
(((Jane))) You just got over what used to be one of my hardest hurdles...day 5. I will never know why. But anyway, YOU DID IT!!! Feel the momentum building in sobriety! If I was closer to where you are I'd call you up and bring you with me to a meeting that I like alot. I know how hard it is at first to just go in the door, but if you had a HATZ escort, would it be easier?
(((C'est))) Yechh!! Aaarghh! I would be in bad form over that too...but, it does appear that you are finding strength to keep chin up and spirits good. Here, sending you good cheer~~~~~~
(((2DayzMuse)))) Such peace you bring us! Very true, searching ends with total surrender.
((expenguin)) Thank you for all of your prayers tonight
And, on this note, with all of my consideration for y'all, I say
Good Night""
Good SOBER Night
((DREAMZ)) You rock! I LOVE that you offered up "Consideration" and all the joyous expressive colours of your heart for us today. You inspire me.
((Scotty)) Yeah, how DO you end up living in all those cool spots?
((Rae Mom)) Its always a happy moment when I see your sea gull avatar here. Thanks for keeping us in your day!
(((Max))) Ouch! Poor you. Hope the arm is better today.
(((Jane))) You just got over what used to be one of my hardest hurdles...day 5. I will never know why. But anyway, YOU DID IT!!! Feel the momentum building in sobriety! If I was closer to where you are I'd call you up and bring you with me to a meeting that I like alot. I know how hard it is at first to just go in the door, but if you had a HATZ escort, would it be easier?
(((C'est))) Yechh!! Aaarghh! I would be in bad form over that too...but, it does appear that you are finding strength to keep chin up and spirits good. Here, sending you good cheer~~~~~~
(((2DayzMuse)))) Such peace you bring us! Very true, searching ends with total surrender.
((expenguin)) Thank you for all of your prayers tonight
And, on this note, with all of my consideration for y'all, I say
Good Night""
Good SOBER Night
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: in the present moment
Posts: 2,060
ooops, Max, sympathies for your arm are being recanted .
You just keep on keepin on being "The egomaniacal, cocky, frisky,
Self assured, Supercalifragilisticexpealidotios one"!!! We need you here,
XX C
You just keep on keepin on being "The egomaniacal, cocky, frisky,
Self assured, Supercalifragilisticexpealidotios one"!!! We need you here,
XX C
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: A place of special Dreams....
Posts: 4,018
Hi everyone ....I came by to say goodnight for the last time.......................it is now 9pm here in california and all the little ones are asleep ready to take on another day of school tomarrow..........
janeeyre.....thank you for your sweet note.....I am doing ok....Just got my feathers fuffled a bit by someone who thinks he knows all in Recovery....But this person is still very young and has lots to learn like the rest of us.........I have been in this a long time and still have lots to learn each day of my life........................as so do the rest of us............I am grateful for what today has brought and look for fresh ideas tomarrow..................
As for everyone else.......be good and know that the good Lord is watching all us in this program.........One day at a time and one little star at a time for all those that now must find their beds for the night..................Good morning to those that now get to stay up and keep watch for us sleeping kittens..........................Little Penguin
janeeyre.....thank you for your sweet note.....I am doing ok....Just got my feathers fuffled a bit by someone who thinks he knows all in Recovery....But this person is still very young and has lots to learn like the rest of us.........I have been in this a long time and still have lots to learn each day of my life........................as so do the rest of us............I am grateful for what today has brought and look for fresh ideas tomarrow..................
As for everyone else.......be good and know that the good Lord is watching all us in this program.........One day at a time and one little star at a time for all those that now must find their beds for the night..................Good morning to those that now get to stay up and keep watch for us sleeping kittens..........................Little Penguin
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: A place of special Dreams....
Posts: 4,018
zzzzzzzzzzzzz ......I thought I was asleep.....I got a message and want to thank you miss communicat ....you are special and I know you can always use a few good prayers..............I have lots of Angels watching over us tonight as I asked the man upstairs for some extra help..............See ya all tomarrow ................Hugs to everyone............Little Penguin
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: in a better place
Posts: 1,406
Good Morning HATZers!! I'm feeling rather chipper this morning. After my sponge bath yesterday in a pot of hot water (yuck) I took the kids to the doctor for a check up (first time in France so I was really uptight). All went well and it led to a good night. This morning I woke up early and decided to soap up in the shower and have my husband pour the warm water over my head like a mini shower roflmao! It was MUCH better and I can't even imagine doing something like that with a hangover. Sobriety is amazing on the brain!!
So when the water heater breaker comes back I will do my best to be conciderate and not try to rip him a new one. hehe
That really is a wonderful word and it would really serve me well to alway keep that in mind, especially when I'm angry. Almost always there is some reason that we can't see that's causing another person to be mad or irritable, and we should consider that before we react. Who knows, maybe they just got word their mother is sick or they just lost their job.
So, after the water heater is fixed, I'm off to take the kids to a special exposition on the making of Star Wars (they're HUGE fans).
Have a great day all!!!
PS. DREAMZ, HAVE YOU MET DONE-WITH-IT? YOU COULD BE SOUL SISTERS!
So when the water heater breaker comes back I will do my best to be conciderate and not try to rip him a new one. hehe
That really is a wonderful word and it would really serve me well to alway keep that in mind, especially when I'm angry. Almost always there is some reason that we can't see that's causing another person to be mad or irritable, and we should consider that before we react. Who knows, maybe they just got word their mother is sick or they just lost their job.
So, after the water heater is fixed, I'm off to take the kids to a special exposition on the making of Star Wars (they're HUGE fans).
Have a great day all!!!
PS. DREAMZ, HAVE YOU MET DONE-WITH-IT? YOU COULD BE SOUL SISTERS!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: A place of special Dreams....
Posts: 4,018
Good morning everyone....It is still early here and about 6:43am ....I need some coffee and have lots to do today.......I am going to go on a walk in the fog..........But need the time to clear my head................WOW....c'est la vie .. you have a wonderful hubby taking time to carefullly poor hot water out for your shower..............Now for the Star Wars thing I want to come..........I haven't missed one yet.......But I got into Harry Potter and need to pick up the last DVD that was put out.................Well time to get my morning started and Hugs to all you lovely people...........Little Penguin
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,525
Originally posted by spirit:
hi i am kath in perth western australia, isnt the net a wonderful place to join the world
hi i am kath in perth western australia, isnt the net a wonderful place to join the world
Originally posted by c'est la vie: So when the water heater breaker comes back I will do my best to be conciderate and not try to rip him a new one. hehe
Penguin & C'est--my boys (husband and sons) are all Star Wars nuts! We even have Obi Wan Kenobi's voice on the computer telling us when we have mail.
Miss C-- If I had a HATZ escort I'd go right to a meeting! I have a hard time meeting new people who all know each other already--it makes me really anxious, so that's a big part of my reluctance to just show up at a meeting somewhere. But I LOVE having all you HATZers here--what a difference you've made in my life! (oops--there I go, channeling Kenny Rogers...) Thanks for the encouragement.
Welp, it's official. I've come down with a really "fun" cold & fever. Ugh. But you know what? It's GREAT to know this cruddy feeling is not the result of a hangover! Everyone else in the family is well now, except for our little beagle, poor guy (he's not too bad, just sneezing a lot--maybe it's allergies). So the pup and I will cozy up on the sofa and take it easy while the kids are at school. (Unless I take him to the vet. Hmmm.)
EVERYBODY, I appreciate you all and hope you have a great day/night!
Love,
Jane
"HAPPINESS IS A WARM PUPPY" ~ Charles Schultz
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: in a better place
Posts: 1,406
I have a hard time meeting new people who all know each other already
Welcome Spirit, we have some other Aussies here so you'll feel right at home. It is pretty cool that we're truly from around the globe.
So where is everyone? We've had lot's of people post once or twice. I hope you come around more often, whereever you are! I like to pop in to feel like I have a "regular" spot, and you can too.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Posts: 487
Hello everyone,
I usually keep my posts a bit lighthearted, but I just got an email I want to share. I thought about posting a new thread, but then I decided to share with all of my friends on what is, without a doubt, the most important thread to me at this site. It's also the most important thread in my sobriety, and therefore my life.
Often times on the site, we read about people who were abused by family members in one or multiple ways, whose parents were/are alcoholics, who lived with drug abuse in the home, etc... When I read these I feel both sad and guilty. I feel sad because everyone should have a chance to lead a full and happy life. I feel guilty because as a white, middle-class, American male with two non-alcoholic, non-abusive, loving parents I was pretty much given a life on a silver platter and yet here I am, a drunk pretending to be more than he really is.
Well, onto what I wanted to share. Today is my 18th day without drinking. Nothing remarkable in that. About my 3rd or 4th day in, I screwed up the courage to email my parents (I couldn't call yet) and tell them I'd fallen off the wagon. I wanted to give myself a few sober days to think clearly. Well eventually I did call, and of course they were unconditionally supportive.
I don't know if I'm being selfish by posting this, but I need to tell some people how great my parents are. I really wish everyone could have had the chances I had. This is what my mom wrote to me:
I know I must now work hard to reclaim that which I should have never lost--all those opportunities to do good for other people, all those chances to enjoy the beautiful and meaningful things in life, all those chances to love and be loved.
Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you.
Take care all.
I usually keep my posts a bit lighthearted, but I just got an email I want to share. I thought about posting a new thread, but then I decided to share with all of my friends on what is, without a doubt, the most important thread to me at this site. It's also the most important thread in my sobriety, and therefore my life.
Often times on the site, we read about people who were abused by family members in one or multiple ways, whose parents were/are alcoholics, who lived with drug abuse in the home, etc... When I read these I feel both sad and guilty. I feel sad because everyone should have a chance to lead a full and happy life. I feel guilty because as a white, middle-class, American male with two non-alcoholic, non-abusive, loving parents I was pretty much given a life on a silver platter and yet here I am, a drunk pretending to be more than he really is.
Well, onto what I wanted to share. Today is my 18th day without drinking. Nothing remarkable in that. About my 3rd or 4th day in, I screwed up the courage to email my parents (I couldn't call yet) and tell them I'd fallen off the wagon. I wanted to give myself a few sober days to think clearly. Well eventually I did call, and of course they were unconditionally supportive.
I don't know if I'm being selfish by posting this, but I need to tell some people how great my parents are. I really wish everyone could have had the chances I had. This is what my mom wrote to me:
Michael, please don't feel that you can't communicate with us if you're having a difficult time. We know that what you are going through is not easy. I wish there was a group you could join in Japan for support. Don't hesitate to call **** ******* if you think he could help.
I always admired the way you dealt with the break-up of your marriage and all of its implications. I know there were times when you didn't feel like moving forward but you worked hard, made positive steps and kept going forward. Having openly acknowledged your alcoholism is a huge step in overcoming it. You are in a culture that views it much differently than in the U.S. which makes it more difficult. We will not be ashamed of you of think less of you if you have some bad times. You seemed very positive and optimistic when you were here in February. Don't beat yourself up over some bumps in the road.
I always admired the way you dealt with the break-up of your marriage and all of its implications. I know there were times when you didn't feel like moving forward but you worked hard, made positive steps and kept going forward. Having openly acknowledged your alcoholism is a huge step in overcoming it. You are in a culture that views it much differently than in the U.S. which makes it more difficult. We will not be ashamed of you of think less of you if you have some bad times. You seemed very positive and optimistic when you were here in February. Don't beat yourself up over some bumps in the road.
Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you.
Take care all.
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,525
Oh Michael, that just put tears in my eyes.
How beautiful. Thank you for sharing it here. It's so neat to hear about such a supportive family, and you shouldn't feel guilty about having been blessed with them (though I can understand why you might). You are a generous person who shares what he's been blessed with in many ways--I don't really "know" you, but that just shines through in all your posts.
Take care,
Jane
How beautiful. Thank you for sharing it here. It's so neat to hear about such a supportive family, and you shouldn't feel guilty about having been blessed with them (though I can understand why you might). You are a generous person who shares what he's been blessed with in many ways--I don't really "know" you, but that just shines through in all your posts.
Take care,
Jane
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: in the present moment
Posts: 2,060
Wow,
Michael, that share was the gift that keeps on giving~~~I am soo touched, and reminded of how much impact, for the good, we have the choices to make ever single day.
It reminded me to be a more supportive parent and friend. Thank you immeasurably!I rejoice in your good fortune. Never hide the good stuff!
Michael, that share was the gift that keeps on giving~~~I am soo touched, and reminded of how much impact, for the good, we have the choices to make ever single day.
It reminded me to be a more supportive parent and friend. Thank you immeasurably!I rejoice in your good fortune. Never hide the good stuff!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Posts: 487
There is a saying in Japanese:
両*********に花 （りょうてにはな=ryoute ni hana)
Basically, this says, "in both hands a flower" and it is said when one is between two beautiful women. Well, I need a third hand, because right now I feel like I'm in the midst of three beautiful women. Thank you so much for your thoughts and sentiments.
This thread does mean so much to me. All of you keep me stronger and focused.
Take care,
Michael
両*********に花 （りょうてにはな=ryoute ni hana)
Basically, this says, "in both hands a flower" and it is said when one is between two beautiful women. Well, I need a third hand, because right now I feel like I'm in the midst of three beautiful women. Thank you so much for your thoughts and sentiments.
This thread does mean so much to me. All of you keep me stronger and focused.
Take care,
Michael
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