09.23.05

It's Friday morning and in 24 hours hurricane Rita will have made landfall. This morning's computer projections show it hitting just east of Houston and we will probably be hit by 75-100 mph winds. The roads are still jammed. Yesterday I noticed while driving that when I braked there was a rough sound/feeling, like the brakes were dragging. If that is the case, and I won't know until all this is over, then that is another thing for which to be grateful...that I did not have to drive in the world's biggest parking lot heading north out of town.

I am all packed and ready to take the little bit of stuff with me and Chester. We will ride out the storm at Randall's and Jim's apartments. Their building is brick and seems to be pretty well protected. The car will be under a carport instead of on the street. There are some people staying in their apartments including one newly sober again. We all have plenty of food and water and the bathtubs will be filled for toilet flushing.

Today I will go to the TGIF noon meeting and be with my recovering brothers and sisters. There will be talk of anxiety and humor about the approaching storm. Late afternoon Chester and I will go over to where we will be staying. And from there on it's in God's hands and it will be what it will be.

Wednesday I was asked, 25 minutes before the meeting, to share my story as the scheduled speaker had to evacuate his home. This is the second time I have been asked--the first time I had about 5 minutes to prepare. The most interesting thing about doing this service work is to put one's life story out there, in front of others, and experience how the events of one's life fall into place. I got a new perspective each time and really felt more a part of the fellowship than ever before. I forgot to mention anything about my Dad's addiction but didn't forget the time I was taken in on suspicion of bank robbery (totally unrelated to my alcoholism). It was comfortable to sit there and I was a little emotional (but I can cry at the drop of a hat anyway).

Today I am grateful...

• that Dennis R will make it through the hurricane sober and sane
• for my good buddy Dave and his supply of Cheetos
• that I will be connected to my recovering brothers and sisters through prayer and meditation
• that I have a program more powerful than any hurricane
• that I have more peace and serenity in my life than ever before
• that the days before me will shine infinitely brighter than the days behind me
• to strive daily to live honestly and authentically, and to practice the steps in all my affairs to the best of my ability
• for your thoughts and prayers for me and everyone involved in this weather event--and for those suffering both inside and outside of the rooms of AA

I'll post more later this afternoon.