Draft Pick

Edited cover art for the Alcoholics Anonymous text, a/k/a the "Big Book." Artist unknown, originally found here.

Self-flagellation is
the mode of the day.
It won't be pretty,
so please
look away.

Splinters protrude
from my bloody back.
This yardstick's broken,
grab one fresh
from the stack.

Too spent to cry,
too broke to spend.
The luxury
of apathy
I cannot defend.

Anger is moot,
discussion is brutal.
Hate to its ends,
passions many,
are futile.

Loneliness,
emptiness.
But what of faith?
Another bad jest,
a whimsical wraith.

Stupid fragments
from an addled mind
whose inner comittee
critiques in
a manner unkind.

Moebius marathon,
infinite and ceaseless.
Excersize ball,
steel hamster wheel,
greaseless.

The old junkie,
long departed,
speaks from beyond,
"Girl, dont get
me started."

"I chose you,
make no mistake.
The main war is over.
Give yourself
a damned break."

"Tommy, it's tough."
"No @!$%#," he replied.
"It's not like
I could choose
the day that I died."

"The nightmares refuse
to leave me alone."
"I know," he nods.
"But look how
you've grown."

"Growth? You're kidding."
I light up a smoke.
He counters,
"So, a liar am I?
That's one hell of a joke."

"I swore to you that
I'd haunt your ass
if you, my draft pick,
used over my death.
Too soon did I pass!"

Tears freshly flow
down my dumb face.
"Dude, I can't bear
any more of
this place."

"Dry your wet eyes,
then open that book."
He points to the shelf.
"Page 168.
Go take a look."

"It's blank!" I growled.
"No it ain't, kid. Think.
Personal tales of
those gone before,
their lives on the brink."

"168 is empty," I sighed.
He chuckled this wee hour.
"Kid, it's a gift
from your
Higher Power."

"It's no coincidence
that this page is bare.
Because, dear girl,
your story
goes there."

10 Votes
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8.8

{"commentId":2675764,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

I wrote this piece a few nights ago, but deleted it almost immediately after publishing it. Some 12-steppers consider mental illness an "outside issue." Bull@!$%#.

Anyway, I'm working on another piece. This one, if it gets published, will focus on PTSD. Thanks for reading.

{"commentId":2675764,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

4 votes

#1 - Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":2676807,"authorDomain":"gilemrys"}

Trog-221687

I never liked poetry growing up, but but between Sedekka, Djehuty, Winsome and you, I'm gaining a fondness and appreciation for it. Thank You.

{"commentId":2676807,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"gilemrys"}

3 votes

#2 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 1:34 AM EDT

{"commentId":2677201,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Thanks, Trog. It's rare when I attempt anything close to poetry. I'm my worst critic, mostly because of whom I judge myself against. My mom, a professional artist and published poet, shall forever remain The Poetry Queen in my book - and not just because she's Mom. ;oD

Admittedly, I haven't read much poetry by the fellow 'Viners you mentioned. Gotta do something about that. The one 'Viner who's poetry hits me between the eyes with both barrels is that crafted by my brother from another mother...

DaRrO... where are youuuu?

{"commentId":2677201,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

3 votes

#2.1 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 2:34 AM EDT

{"commentId":2677370,"authorDomain":"gilemrys"}

Trog-221687

Strange that you would mention him. I read his 'Never Punch a Tree' earlier today. I should have included him on the list. As far as the others I mentioned, I would start with Sedekka Islam. She's very gifted.

{"commentId":2677370,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"gilemrys"}

3 votes

#2.2 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 3:14 AM EDT

{"commentId":2679375,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

Hello Queen Fugi. I was waiting for something like this. Yours are the words or the trues of poetry, the kind that are naked and exposed, no disguises or costumes.

These are the ingredients of poetry. Not the finely decorated metaphors and insinuations. The bold "Here's Hell Please Have It." that makes reading my pleasure and sharing my struggles with (at least you) a mutual, even playing field.

Glad we wound up on the same team, whoever drafted you.

{"commentId":2679375,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#2.3 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 11:37 AM EDT

{"commentId":2680329,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

{{{Darrell}}} Thanks, hon. Tommy D. was a patron saint of sorts for a lot of Beltway 12-steppers. He was well known for his dedication in working with veterans and others deemed hopeless in the halls of recovery, in VA hospitals, and in the MD/DC court system.

Tommy had an uncanny instinct for spotting, then molding, select individuals to fulfill specialized needs within the 12-step community. These are Tommy's Draft Picks, and I was his last. Tommy went to court with me about a week before he passed.

The Honorable Judge Dennis McHugh (retired, Montgomery Co., MD) was having a bad day, having handed down a consistent slew of harsh sentences on every case which preceded mine. Tommy was not a lawyer, but he was a highly respected friend of the court.

My attorney presented the case before Judge McHugh, including service work I had been doing with my fellow alcoholics and addicts over several month's worth of court continuances. About a dozen men and women from my old AA home group stood up for me in support.

Then Judge McHugh posed the classic question, "Well, Ms. _, what should I do with you?" I was scared, literally trembling. I met his gaze briefly, my eyes welling. My head dropped as I replied quietly, "I don't know, sir."

At this point Tommy politely asked to be heard. Judge McHugh graciously obliged. It was right then and there that Tommy made me an official Draft Pick, in a court of law, on the public record. Thirteen years later, I still take Tommy's decree in all earnestness.

{"commentId":2680329,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#2.4 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 1:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":2680372,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

Wow! Really? You had told me about Tommy's influence on your life, but never did I know he stood in that gulf for you. No wonder your respect for him remains infinite. As it should.

{"commentId":2680372,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#2.5 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 1:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":2678962,"authorDomain":"pmags"}

magz

Its a good 'un.

Poetry starts with truth, and that is why you can always spot tricksters trying to be poetic. I try to write one piece a week. My discipline is to empty all my thoughts and imagine a blank page, waiting for a clear line or two to appear from nothing. I rationalize it as my muse appearing next to me then whispering into my ear. Its not as pleasant as it sounds, its pretty difficult, especially when you feel you don't hear her as clearly as you should, but when she grabs you and lines bleed from your writing hand in the instant it pops into your head, its almost orgasmic.

Writing poetry is good for you fooj, I know it helps to keep me relaxed and stay sane and true.

{"commentId":2678962,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"pmags"}

2 votes

#3 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 10:38 AM EDT

{"commentId":2680737,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Howdy, magz. Thanks for your kind insights on both this piece and methodology approach. Muses can be elusive, and I'm not quite sure what might spark mine at any given time. Though, I guess this piece's source was pretty apparent.

Muses. Wow. I observed the creative processes at work within my mom for years, never really able to pinpoint any single font of inspiration. She has so doggone many! What I have found is that each of her poems are fueled by honest emotions, passion, and a good deal of real life experiences. This, to me, is what gives them credence beyond skillful use of language and meter. After all, we're not talking about those wacky little blurbs of prose one might luck into while playing with fridge magnets.

Discipline. Now that one is a tough nut, personally. Not that I need to be treated like a hot house orchid, but finding the time, peace, and quiet in which to write... **sigh**

{"commentId":2680737,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#3.1 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 1:34 PM EDT

{"commentId":2683887,"authorDomain":"pmags"}

magz

Fair enough, creative writing does take a chunk of time. Don't let go so easily though. Its a gas to see one you'd swear came out of nowhere.

Is your Mom's work published? I'm in a rut right know so reading up on other people's stuff.

Hope you and Shorty are both good.

{"commentId":2683887,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"pmags"}

1 vote

#3.2 - Mon Sep 1, 2008 5:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":2689922,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Mom's not a computer person by any stretch of the imagination. She'll go for up to a week at a time without even checking email. In years past she was active in a few Eastern Florida poetry groups, and her work was published in a couple of Driftwood anthologies.

A search query a few minutes ago revealed that Mom's name popped up in the Barnes & Noble database as well. Back in 1997, she had contributed some of her poetry to one of her friend's Florida nature guides. As far as online access to her poetry, I haven't found any yet.

I'm tempted to ask Mom if she will let me post my favorite piece, The Battle. It was written in 1984, as she, my sister and I were sprucing up our former home to put on the market. The incident? Let's just say that wet paint on stairs, a little hellion of a snow white cat, and a freaked-out me don't mix!

{"commentId":2689922,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#3.3 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 1:28 AM EDT

{"commentId":2690773,"authorDomain":"pmags"}

magz

Hello? She's your Mom. It's up to her and you and no one else. Just curious about the genes is all.

;-)

{"commentId":2690773,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"pmags"}

1 vote

#3.4 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 3:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":2691871,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Whether or not any of Mom's poetry gets published online is strictly at her discretion. I would no more take liberties in posting anyone's non-public work without permission than I would assume permission to take their vehicle out for a joy ride just because the keys are sitting on the coffee table.

Not trying to be argumentative here. It's a matter of ethics and respect. Besides, like so many writers, Mom's rightly concerned with protection of her intellectual properties.

But yes, if there's any correlation between genetics and creativity then Mom's the immediate suspect.

{"commentId":2691871,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#3.5 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 8:38 AM EDT

{"commentId":2692664,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

I would assume permission to take their vehicle out for a joy ride

Please? I have gas money.

{"commentId":2692664,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#3.6 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:46 AM EDT

{"commentId":2692975,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Sure, D. You can go play Undercover Soccer Mom, cruising around in my minivan. Don't forget to have Ozzy, Offspring, or Papa Roach blaring through the stereo, got it? LMAO!!!

{"commentId":2692975,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#3.7 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:08 AM EDT

{"commentId":2693035,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

Cut my life into pieces, this is my crazy train, suffocation, no breathing, don't really care cuz I got no self-esteem?

{"commentId":2693035,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#3.8 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:12 AM EDT

{"commentId":2693116,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

There's a schweet hearse for sale up near Moko. Or would that be too cliche'?

{"commentId":2693116,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#3.9 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:19 AM EDT

{"commentId":2693177,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

Too cliche, methinks. I want to ride a horse.

{"commentId":2693177,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#3.10 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:22 AM EDT

{"commentId":2693287,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

I prefer cowboys. Saddle up!

{"commentId":2693287,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#3.11 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:29 AM EDT

{"commentId":2693408,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

That has delightful implications. Did I tell you about my spurs?

{"commentId":2693408,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#3.12 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:38 AM EDT

{"commentId":2693675,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

I hope they're not any kind of bone spurs. ;oD

(Quitting now before either of us gets into trouble - I'm too up for some!)

{"commentId":2693675,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#3.13 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:54 AM EDT

{"commentId":2693871,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

I'm too up for some.

Story of my life.

{"commentId":2693871,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#3.14 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 11:05 AM EDT

{"commentId":2707830,"authorDomain":"gilemrys"}

Trog-221687

Is it a little warm in here or is it just me?

{"commentId":2707830,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"gilemrys"}

1 vote

#4 - Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:55 PM EDT

{"commentId":2803108,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Not sure, but would you mind unplugging that hair dryer please? It's a little to close to the hot tub. ;oD

{"commentId":2803108,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

1 vote

#4.1 - Sun Sep 7, 2008 1:35 AM EDT

{"commentId":2801975,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}

Hey Fugie... Sorry I'm late, been a little busy.

Everyone should have a Tommy in their life. Someone to lift you up and make you feel like you matter. I'm glad he was there for you, or you might not have been here for us.

My life is enriched by knowing you and Darro. I know that anything is possible...

take care friend... (((hug)))

{"commentId":2801975,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"azsky13"}

2 votes

#5 - Sat Sep 6, 2008 11:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":2803180,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

{{{Mary}}} Thanks, dear. No apologies necessary. It's always a pleasure to see you, no matter when or where. As long as we all manage to suit up and show up we generally make it work, right?

I wish everyone could benefit from the honesty and wisdom of a Tommy, Mary, Darrell, Mel, Tedd, Elizabeth, Ron, Angel, Digits, and so many others over the course of their lives. You all help to keep me and countless folks fighting the good fight. ♥

{"commentId":2803180,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

2 votes

#5.1 - Sun Sep 7, 2008 1:46 AM EDT

{"commentId":3397330,"authorDomain":"ronco104"}

hi fugi, i AM late to your article. i have been so out of touch with everyone. i read your poem and it really does hit close to home in a lot of ways. i have not gone all the way through the 12 step thing. i have been at odds at times with the aa tenens myself.i believe that substance abuse, and especially addiction and mental illness go hand-in-hand. i really don't see how they can be separated. i would agree that as far as your basic aa meeting, the question of mental health issues might be...i don't know, really. but it has to be apart of recovery, i think. i know that, as for myself, i was not in my right mind, trying to virtually drink myself to death the last 2 years before God stepped in and straightened my ass out. i held a job, and i worked hard for a friend who was there for me. he carried me, to be sure, but he knew i was sick physically and mentally and he had the love and caring of others, and the patients of a...but, there was, of course, a long-running fight with depression that i feel was, if not responsible for, at the very least it was a symptom of my alcoholism (or vice versa).but in any case, i thank you for this poem, it helps. i have lately been kicking my ass over things that happened years ago, and dredging up old crap that i have been carrying around and have yet to make peace with. this is a complete waste of time, and actually interferes with my life and just kinda cancels out the thing God has forgiven me for. i am trying to deal with these issues (problems?) as best i can, by myself, and that ain't good.fugi, i would appreciate it if you have any advice, suggestions. i see you as strong and you certainly have good stuff to say. please holler at me if you ever get a chance. thank you.luv,ron

{"commentId":3397330,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"ronco104"}

3 votes

#6 - Thu Oct 9, 2008 10:17 AM EDT

{"commentId":3399132,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

{{{Ron}}} You're not late, sweetie - honest! Thanks for sharing your experiences. We addicts/alcoholics are probably hardest on ourselves. Sure, those to whom we've owed amends weren't/aren't usually easy on us, but they don't have to live in our respective skins. Once actually IN recovery, we have no choice by to own our part of the chaos we created.

12-step recovery isn't for everyone, but the 12 Steps outline a realistic set of achievable goals based on spiritual principles. The steps are tools, but like any tool, they're worthless unless they're used. Becoming adept with their use comes from regular implementation of individual or combinations of tools. I don't know how extensively you may have worked the steps, but I'm more than willing to field general questions publicly. Of course there's recovery groups here on NV, some of which are private. Ron, I'm no recovery guru. There is no such person, really - and if anyone ever tries to pass themselves off to you as one, please steer clear of 'em! Pretty please!

Ron, the Higher Power of your understanding didn't flub when giving you this daily gift of recovery. What you do with this precious gift is how you show your gratitude towards your Higher Power. Hon, I've told you before that you're a diamond in the rough. Guess what? I see you shining! ♥

{"commentId":3399132,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

4 votes

#6.1 - Thu Oct 9, 2008 12:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":3400651,"authorDomain":"ronco104"}

hello, luvthank you for answering so quickly, fugi. i have completed some of the 12, but not all. i was in rehab twice, years ago, and i did some of those at htat time. some i did over time in the last many years. i have made my amends, ect. many, many times, hahahah. in fact, i still find myself apologizing. that is, i guess at the root of what i meant by still rehashing, in my mind, things i've done to myself, and those i've hurt by the drinking. i, like a lot of people, maybe, hurt mainly myself, but, we do have an impact on others, nonetheless. it can't help but impact others, theiy have to put up with ya. but i really did a number on me. i am one of those with no self-esteem or ego...whatever you call it. so the worse i felt about myself, the worse i treated myself...the worse i treated myself, the wor...see?right now, i have no close resources for help. this being a very small town (glen rose, tx.) if an aa chapter gets started, it doesn't last long. i really need to be in a counseling program but that isn't available either. thats why i am grateful for people like yourself who are willing to share what you know, luv. and as always, anything is appreciated.i do have, as i said, things i am not in agreement with in the aa philosophy. essentially i don't agree with calling non-members, or those who have not gone through the steps, 'dry drunks'. i feel that we have had enough names and labels hung on us by family, friends, enemies, and especially society as a whole, that we should know better, and have more sympathy (empathy) for our bretheren (sisteren ?) to be hanging one more on...ourselves. our addictions are what we share in common, and many of the things that lead to it. should we not be more keenly aware...more finely attuned to the pain that labels cause us?i'm sorry, that probably sounds...self-serving or just plain whining. i have never had anyone say that to me personally. maybe they did and i never heard them, i don't know. but i have heard some refer to others with that term and i always felt anger, and a little sad...for them.again, i apologize, fugi, i got a lot of anger built up over the years. i think that is a problem also. but being alone for so long, as i have been, has a tendency to do that. i really need the counseling, luv. there are just too many things i need to deal with, and i can't on my own.please, i don't want you to have the impression i am an old fart @!$%#ing at the world, or pissing in the wind. and i do thank you for your kindness, luv, it is a blessing.luv,ron

{"commentId":3400651,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"ronco104"}

3 votes

#7 - Thu Oct 9, 2008 1:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":3402869,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Ron, here's a question for you. I don't expect you to answer it to anyone but yourself. Think on this for a while. Again, no response is expected. This question deals with awareness...

Ron, have you forgiven yourself?

Guilt is a sonofa@!$%# which lies to us by telling us we're not worthy of having healthy self-esteem. Do whatever it takes to break this cycle. I love you, bro - no matter what. {{{hugs}}}

And no, you're not "an old fart @!$%#ing at the world, or pissing in the wind." ;oD

{"commentId":3402869,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

4 votes

#7.1 - Thu Oct 9, 2008 3:37 PM EDT

{"commentId":3407691,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}

Ron,
You have value to many people here, me included of course. Do not sell yourself short!

(((Hugs!!)))

luv, Mary

(((Hugs))) to fugi too!

{"commentId":3407691,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"azsky13"}

2 votes

#7.2 - Thu Oct 9, 2008 8:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":3408367,"authorDomain":"ronco104"}

...yes...

luv,

ron

{"commentId":3408367,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"ronco104"}

2 votes

#8 - Thu Oct 9, 2008 9:44 PM EDT

{"commentId":3409254,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

Look, I came all the way over here on my own gas money to tell you I agree, you have much value. I always am glad to have you comment on my column, Ron, and get a lot out of what you post.

{"commentId":3409254,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#8.1 - Thu Oct 9, 2008 10:44 PM EDT

{"commentId":3416475,"authorDomain":"ronco104"}

i, mary and darro, my friend, i am sorry, i took over this article and that wasn't my intent. i really wanted to thank you, fugi, for your insights and the good stuff you do. yall arte some really good friends. i've had a dream from years ago, that i wanted to help other alcoholics. i had changed my dgree from a general business degree to social work, with that desire. i never got to realize that dream. i would love to return to it some day and finish my degree and be a counselor.. thank yall so much for being such fine people. i i love you all.luv,ron
p.s. actually, i thought the question was if i had LOST myself. there are many times that the answer is yes. i have been in that mode for awhile. but it will pass, it always does...well...

{"commentId":3416475,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"ronco104"}

2 votes

#9 - Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:55 AM EDT

{"commentId":3417517,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}

Hey Ron, I think that it's great that you want to help othersby being a counselor, but help yourself first. You are important, take care of you!

We all lose ourselves at times... For me it was my friends who helped me find my way back. Life can suck and really beat you down. I find myself continually picking myself up to start again. But each time I was beaten down, a lesson was learned. I am a much wiser person because because of those lessons. And I like the person I have become.

Mary

{"commentId":3417517,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"azsky13"}

2 votes

#9.1 - Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:48 PM EDT

{"commentId":3421202,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

Ron, Mary and Darrell... Y'all never cease to amaze me. Thank you for being so honest, compassionate and just plain awesome!

{"commentId":3421202,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

3 votes

#9.2 - Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:29 PM EDT

{"commentId":3424401,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

I don't feel like a very good person right now. I don't like my new job, new struggle and I feel like I am in an I Love Lucy skit every time I go to the office.

What is life for? I really don't want a bucket of cliches. I want like a destination map, a set of rules to get there, and the abililty to run night and day toward that target.

I used to say that life was a race toward death I'm dying to win.

Shoulda brought roses instead of thorns...SORRY

{"commentId":3424401,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

2 votes

#9.3 - Fri Oct 10, 2008 6:15 PM EDT

{"commentId":3425761,"authorDomain":"azsky13"}

hey Darro,

It's no fun if you know where you re going! I look at life as an adventure and everything I do as an opportunity to learn. So you must ask yourself, What is the lesson I am being taught here? The quicker you learn it, the quicker you will move on.

{"commentId":3425761,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"azsky13"}

#9.4 - Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":3425994,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

I'm sick of school, ma.

{"commentId":3425994,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

#9.5 - Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:59 PM EDT

{"commentId":3426233,"authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

D, you're not under contract to this enterprise yet, right? And you just updated your resume. How flexible is Deb, work/home-wise? Can you two change the doggone channel? Even I Love Lucy finally got canceled, ya know.

Funny you should mention that show. Tommy's version of hell included being stuck in a VA hospital, drooling from meds, and doing time in a day room where a @!$%#ty old television showed only reruns of I Love Lucy and Gilligan's Island.

What is life for? I really don't want a bucket of cliches.

Life is its own damned cliche, be it good, bad, or indifferent. 'Nuff said, huh?

I want like a destination map...

Tape US map to large bulletin board. Throw three darts randomly. Do research on points hit. Seriously.

a set of rules to get there...

Don't use!
Pray. A lot.
Don't panic.
Repeat as necessary.

the ability to run night and day toward that target.

You've already got that, bro. Just don't go nucking futs in a half-assed mad dash. Trust your Higher Power to not dish out more than you can handle - and respect His limits when indicated.

There's living, racing, winning, and dying well. Choose wisely for each, but please don't prematurely strive for the latter. Roses... Thorns.... Bro, just bring you. ♥

{"commentId":3426233,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"fugitive247"}

3 votes

#9.6 - Fri Oct 10, 2008 8:13 PM EDT

{"commentId":3467020,"authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

Well Fugi, my CT is whack. I just see this. Thanks for your help all. The waters are settled. I keep forgetting to breathe.

{"commentId":3467020,"threadId":"345156","contentId":"1810628","authorDomain":"darrellgrey-1"}

1 vote

#9.7 - Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:01 PM EDT

{"commentId":3466904,"authorDomain":"ronco104"}