Number 1 "A FEW 24 HOURS"

Frequently in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, I hear somebody announce--during their 'share'--"Now *I've been around AA for a few 24's", usually meaning he's been sober a long time. My question: if ya been sober 49 years...well, why not SAY it? Let the new Peeps know that it CAN be done. Show them that long-term sobriety and a happy life can be achieved by following a few simple suggestions. 

When a Peeps asks, "How do I stay sober?" I answer, "If ya don't drink...you'll never get drunk! GUARANTEED!" I'm getting away from my 24-Hour story.

In one meeting I attended today, this morning in Sebring, FL, an old fellow (Well, not as old as ME--but he looked a lot older--grin!) said in that snarly manner of one who is practicing the virtue of humility in reverse, "I've been sober a couple 24-hours!" (Later, I found out he'd been sober 28 years...OK, so what! Do he want flowers, or a cake? Sheeesh!").

I couldn't wait to tell my own experience. At my FIRST AA meeting in 1974, a guy announced he had a "couple 24's of sobriety". So I--a newbie--figured he had been sober TWO DAYS. Does not a 'couple' usually mean TWO? Anyway, I planned it that THIS guy would be my sponsor--he'd not been sober long enough to 'know the rules', etc. LOL!

Turned out he had 25 years--and did become my sponsor. Whatever he did with me must have worked, because I've not had even a sip of alcohol during these 38 years.

Alcoholics--recovering or not--will understand my story, and maybe others will also. It (a happy life) all comes down to "BE MYSELF". Popeye the Sailor Man, pipe-in-mouth always said "I-YAM WHO I-YAM". 

I YAM neither ashamed of my good self, nor my sometimes human, wavering self. If I'm unhappy with who I 'yam' then I got to fuckin' CHANGE who is that face in the mirror.

This enough from me today, Peeps. My Suzuki Bergman Scooter trip is awesome so far, and future is looking even better. I'll be riding about 3,000 miles and figure about 18 days And I'll tell y'all how it IS, instead of how I'd like it to be. Although lately those two characteristics are the same--grin! A couple surprises await which I'll tell you when/if they happen.

LOVE AND PEACE to all you Peeps...
Steve E (steveroni)