|
Post by jeyu0422 on Oct 2, 2015 12:51:58 GMT -5
Blue, The kids can always go on a 5K Charity Swim. (Just kidding, and admittedly, that's only funny if you DON'T flood. Good luck!) I agree completely about Australia. When I am there, I am always amazed at the complete lack of litter and billboards on the side of roads and freeways. For some reason, the Aussies seem to have a respect for their environment that we don't have. That is something that I wish we would emulate. Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Oct 1, 2015 11:40:44 GMT -5
Everyone,
I just visited our old home, or rather the bookmarked location of our old home. Apparently the dozers came in and it's all gone. I hear they're putting up some condos.
Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
For Kim
Oct 1, 2015 11:33:13 GMT -5
Post by jeyu0422 on Oct 1, 2015 11:33:13 GMT -5
Kim, Love the hat!
Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
For Kim
Oct 1, 2015 11:31:01 GMT -5
Post by jeyu0422 on Oct 1, 2015 11:31:01 GMT -5
Jenn,
"Life is somewhat different since my children have all left home, I've turned my eyes toward myself and am learning to put my best interests into the foreground. I'm trying to value myself for 'who I am' in contrast to 'who and what I fix'. Not sure if I'm making sense, I hope so. :-)"
It makes perfect sense to me. Maybe that's why so many of us have quit drinking and tried to repair our lives in the 40s and 50s. The kids are gone; it's time to face the reality of life as an alcoholic and try to find a reason or reasons to put one foot in front of the other. As an alcoholic, those are sometimes difficult to find. As a recovering alcoholic, they become necessary to recovery itself. Jenn, you sound good and very focused. That is so great to see.
Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 29, 2015 0:07:26 GMT -5
Like Sam, I don't usually discuss my recovery or not drinking, especially around my wife, mother, and the in-laws. They all drink heavily and I don't want to come across as a sanctimonious ass (it's the sanctimonious part that I have the biggest problem with, <grin>). I really don't have a problem with people drinking in my presence, but because I know all the tricks of how to drink significantly more than others without being obvious, I tend to notice that behavior in others. I have discussed my alcohol abuse and recovery with my kids individually because I want them to be the recipient of what I've learned, but I try to do so in a non-judgmental way. It is easier for me to discuss alcohol's potential for abuse with someone who is not (yet?) abusing it than with someone who is. When I was drinking, any suggestion of what I already well aware of, that I was abusing alcohol, was met with complete denial, so I expect the same from others in the same situation. Breaking an addiction is, in my opinion, a personal decision. One has to really want the freedom from addiction enough to do anything to make it happen. Short of that commitment, I don't understand how long term recovery can ever successful, or ever be the result of any forced intervention or even suggestions of alcohol abuse. I'm not the one who changed and became an alcoholic in an otherwise "normal" family. I'm the one who changed and elected then fought for sobriety. Perhaps others of my family will somehow see the freedom that I have experienced and want the same thing for themselves.
Oh, and Sam, remember the name "Handsome Sam". This little guy is by a California stallion anyway, so I think the name is perfect. Who knows, you may see him out your way some day.
Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 26, 2015 10:34:23 GMT -5
Hi Kim, Yes, I breed horses, Quarter Horse race horses. As opposed to Thoroughbreds, they are sprinters, usually running 440 yards or less. Australia has a long history of Thoroughbred racing, but Quarter Horse racing has just been introduced there. You should see the first of them beginning in 2016 or early 2017. Yeah, I'm disappointed that I had to reschedule, but things happen. It sounds like you are positive and upbeat about things. That's good to see. Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 25, 2015 12:05:01 GMT -5
Hey PJ, No, no shift, at least not in my eyes. But I think this is a good example of when and maybe how to avoid a conflict. Concerning the subject itself, we simply disagree. We can go on and on quoting passages and I won't change your mind, nor will you mine. No big deal. Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 25, 2015 11:51:36 GMT -5
PJ, Yeah, I'm certainly hoping to reschedule. I have a number of pictures to bring back to the U.S., one being yours. Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 25, 2015 11:50:21 GMT -5
Sam, Maybe I'll just name him Handsome Sam. That name kinda has a ring to it. Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 25, 2015 8:21:01 GMT -5
Hey Dana, Yeah, everything is OK. This was more of a scheduling conflict than anything. I have family in Australia as well, and the timing wasn't the best for them. I'm hoping to reschedule in a month or two. I guess I should give the airline some warning so they can make sure that they have room for the TuTusmanian art I plan to bring back! Mark/Jeyu
Oh, and, I was looking for a better picture of me and came across this one of a foal of mine that was born this year. He's a good race bred colt and I can't think of a good name. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 24, 2015 22:04:43 GMT -5
Blue,
"OMG, I'm just reading that Mark is visiting Tutes in Tassie! How cool is that! Photos please! I'm so happy for both of you. I've been fortunate to meet three peeps from this forum - Daryl, Larry (Larru) and Zenbear (James). Meeting all of them was a great experience!"
Well, you're right, it WOULD have been pretty cool indeed. Unfortunately, I had to cancel, or rather reschedule, my business and personal trip for business and personal reasons. But ONE DAY, I am going to make it to Tasmania for sure, and when I do, you can bet on pictures!
Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 24, 2015 21:55:30 GMT -5
PJ, The first link wouldn't work for me, but the second one did. There are some good points in the article. It's interesting how two people with opposing views on an issue can read the same article and find support for their individual viewpoints. I especially like the last sentence, "Sometimes, both sides in an argument can be in the right and this needs to be acknowledged." Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 24, 2015 17:30:10 GMT -5
PJ, I think that if one has recently quit drinking, then limiting the time spent with those who regularly abuse alcohol would probably be advisable. Agreed? Assuming the affirmative, I feel the same reasoning applies here. There is a big difference between running from or avoiding conflict and limiting "interactions with those whose presence increases the likelihood of conflict." The former is reactive while the latter is simply being proactive in recovery. While therapy might be necessary in some individuals and in some situations, common sense would indicate that my suggestion could also be of significant benefit as well. I suppose getting back on that horse is one strategy; another is to pick a horse that doesn't buck. Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 24, 2015 12:43:22 GMT -5
PJ, I agree; this is a very good topic. I think it is also important for the recovering alcoholic to, where possible, limit interactions with those individuals whose presence increases the likelihood of conflict. This is, at times, impossible, but where possible, this self-management tool allows for the gradual development of conflict resolution skills and strategies during the process of recovery. Mark/Jeyu
|
|
|
Post by jeyu0422 on Sept 16, 2015 18:24:27 GMT -5
Dana,
If one became addicted to bananas, would he or she then be deemed a bananaholic or a bananaddict? Sorry, just couldn't help myself, but I AM one step closer to a sticker for my locker!
Mark/Jeyu
"Whatever it Takes"
|
|