9 Years

Nine years ago tonight I was having one of the saddest, loneliest nights of my life. Little did I know what I had in store for me the next day, or the next decade!

I was by myself trying to get through a 12-pack of MGD, not getting drunk. It was as if I had become immune to the effects of alcohol. So I just packed a bag for the rehab I was going to the next day, and went to bed.

The rest is frickin' awesome history! Yes, there have been some seriously difficult challenges the past 9 years. Mostly of my own making and never too big to get over with a little help from my friends and a higher power.

Talking about believing in a power greater than myself is a little strange, but the actual belief part feels natural, like it's always been there. I guess in some ways it has. I can say that my higher power speaks to me through my fellow alcoholics. I have had many people in AA say just the right thing at just the right time, when I was ready to listen.

In the past 8 months I've had to rely more on my abstract faith than the concrete contact with other alcoholics that I had depended on my whole sobriety. It's been quite a learning experience, and I wouldn't change a thing. I'm happy, joyous and free due to working the 12 steps and practicing an upright and honest life.

I'm SO excited to be sober for so long (even though I can't really take all the credit)! Who knows what kind of life I'd have--if any. Instead of misery and hopelessness, I have a way of life that allows me to have a purpose. And I never have to do anything alone. That in itself is worth the price of admission.

Cedric Meets New Heights

I went to Bishop's Peak again with some ladies from work, one who dubbed Cedric "the roamin' gnome." I like it. Here's Cedric at the bottom of the mountain. He has no idea the bouncy ride he's in for at the bottom of my hiking purse. Yes, I carry a purse when I hike. And yes, I know that's ridiculous. But how else can I hold my pepper spray, chapstick, water, driver's license, credit card, $20 bill and a freakin' gnome in my hands all the way up a mountain? What? I like to be prepared!




















These are my co-workers soaking up the view from the top.



























Some people like to climb rocks that hang over long drops. I'm not sure that I can appreciate that. Cedric is so nervous about it, he can't even watch.




















This is a beautiful view of the men's prison facility, with my lovely gnome posing smugly in front of it.





















And finally, the Ladies of Starbucks. From left to right it's Brandi, Megan, Cedric and then ME!

The weirdest thing about me climbing a mountain is that I want to do it again. Like, a third time. And I don't plan to stop after that. What's weird about it is 1) it's outside and 2) it's exercise. Together. I don't know what is happening to me in my old age.

In other non-mountainous news, Jennie arrived late last night for her regularly scheduled visit. YAY! We were going to go the water park but it's CLOSED because school starts again this week. Yes, that's right, I didn't go to the water park one time this summer. Fortunately I'm going to have another chance next year, or else I'd throw a fit.

So we're going to the beach instead. SPF 50, here I come...

Izzy and Scooter

This is a photo of Cedric with my co-workers, Isabelle and Scott (aka Izzy and Scooter). They are very nice young people! Unfortunately, today is Izzy's last day so we are sad to see her leave.

I am still enjoying my time at Starbucks although my hours have stepped up a bit because so many people are leaving. School is starting and a lot of people have moved... so we're a bit strapped. But hey, it's all an adventure.




I have been a bit more active lately. I went to the park Saturday night and listened to a live band and chatted with a friend. Sunday was a pool party at an AA woman's house that was well attended. It was good for me to see so many women together in one spot, not at a meeting.

It makes me hopeful for my own party that is brewing in my head...

Bishop's Peak

I know I've been a little whiny one-note lately... But I'm being proactive.

Yesterday evening I hiked up Bishop's Peak with a new friend... But, Angela you say, you don't go hiking for the love of Joseph! And I reply: Hey, I was invited somewhere and I wasn't about to turn it down.

I was sucking some serious wind but I made it to the top. I was so grateful to my feet for making it to the top, I snapped a picture of them and promised them their 15 minutes of blog fame: I'm not sore, thanks to the step classes I take I guess. So that's good. I would even do it again. Especially since I forgot Cedric, and he would just love the panoramic views. You remember Cedric:

And here's the view from the top:

There are many reasons that choosing to say yes to a hiking invitation was a good thing to do, but the biggest reason is definitely that I'm showing the universe some willingness.