today's quotes

In my day, we didn't have self-esteem, we had self-respect, and no more of it than we had earned.

- Jane Haddam

Pursue truth and people will be true to you.

- Arthur Twining Hadley

Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl chain of all virtues.

- Bishop Joseph Hall

Never 'for the sake of peace and quiet' deny your own experience or convictions.

- Dag Hammarskjold

If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true?

- Oscar Hammerstein II

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

- Thich Nhat Hanh

Life really can be so simple... You create your opportunities by asking for them.

- Patty Hansen

The 3 hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats nor intellectual achievements, but moral acts: to return love for hate, to include the excluded, and to say, "I was wrong."

- Sydney J. Harris

Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.

- Vaclav Havel

There is little room left for wisdom when one is full of judgment.

- Malcolm Hein

meditation for today

daily meditation from InTheRooms.com;

December 25

The Light Has Come

Christ’s eyes are open, and He will look on whatever you
see with love if you accept His vision as yours.

— A Course in Miracles

Today is a precious and holy day on Planet Earth. It is a day when the world calls a halt to insanity and acknowledges the presence of divinity It is a day of joy and appreciation and celebration. It is a day to be happy

The birth of the Christ as a human being bears tremendous meta–physical import. It means that humanity is ready to accept its own divin–ity. Jesus brought God to Earth; he discovered his divine identity, he had the courage to live it, and the world has never been the same.

The image of Christ being born in a manger symbolizes that God comes forth in a place of humility. Spirit seeks not fanfare, human riches, or accolades, but the simplicity of an open heart.

The most important message of Christmas is that the Christ is born in you, through you, as you. When interpreting a dream, we must recognize ourselves as all the characters; the same is true for events that occur in the outer dream we call life. The birth of Christ is the emergence of a new con–sciousness of your own holiness.

Today is your birthday, and every day is Christmas. Thank God that you have remembered your divine nature. Throw off the cloak of small-ness, and claim the truth about you: You are an expression of a perfect God, and everything God is, you are. You are the holy one. Jesus seeks not our worship, but our equality. He is our elder brother who came to remind us who we really are. We are one with the son of God.

Thank You for bringing Jesus to life, that I may walk
the path of divinity with him.

Christ is born in me today.

----------

Merry Christmas...

have a happy and safe holiday season!

Christmas humor from Motifake,com;

Monday quotes

A bad day only comes in your own hands.

- Christopher Acedillo

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.

- Ansel Adams

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

- Joseph Addison

We all live under the same sky, but we do not all have the same horizon.

- Konrad Adenauer

Every truth has two sides. It is well to look at both before we commit ourselves to either side.

- Aesop

There are 40 kinds of lunacy, but only one kind of common sense.

- African Proverb

You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.

- Leo Aikman

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead.

- Louisa May Alcott

Four things come not back: the spoken word, the spent arrow, the past, and the neglected opportunity.

- Omar Idn Al-Halif

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

- Muhammad Ali

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.

- James Allen

weekly roundup

recent news from around the country

from About.com/Alcoholism;

Mother Admits to Killing Infant With Methadone

A Tennessee woman is being held without bail after she admitted to killing her 11-month old daughter by giving her methadone pills. Angela Davis Murphree was charged with homicide after she admitted to police that she crushed the methadone pills a put them in the baby's food.

Former NFL Linebacker Busted for Cocaine

Former NFL linebacker Keith McCants is facing cocaine possession charges after being arrested as he left a strip club in St. Petersburg, Florida. His vehicle was searched after police saw a crack pipe in plain view in the center console of his SUV.

Kings Assistant Coach Facing DUI Charge

Maria Elie, assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings, was been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after police stopped him for a broken tail light. In a statement, Elie said, "I'm very sorry, embarrassed and disappointed for the position in which I put myself and team. Rest assured, it won't happen again as I take full responsibility for my actions."

School Chief Had Blood-Alchol Level of .316

A State College, Pennsylvania school superintendet has been arrested for drunk driving after recording a blood-alcohol level of 0.316. Police said they followed Richard Mextorf for more than two miles with their lights and sirens on before he pulled his Jeep over.

Drunk Driving Killer Charged Again

An Illinois man who was convicted in 1999 for in a drunk driving case in which a 10-year-old girl was killed has been arrested again with aggravated driving under the influence. Glen Ray Higginbotham was stoppled for drunk driving again just two months after pleading guilty to diving with a revoked license.

5 Columbia U. Students Arrested in Drug Bust

Five students at Columbia University have been arrested for selling cocaine, LSD, marijuana and other drugs on campus and out of a fraternity house. Arrested in early-morning raids were Michael Wymbs, 22, and Chris Coles, Harrison David, Adam Klein and Joseph Stephen Perez, all 20.

Monday quotes

Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it is too late.

- Robert R. Updegraff

Winners have the ability to step back from the canvas of their lives like an artist gaining perspective. They make their lives a work of art - an individual masterpiece.

- Denis Waitley

Flatter me, and I may not believe you.

Criticize me, and I may not like you.

Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.

Encourage me, and I may not forget you.

- William Arthur Ward

Success is not measured by th position one has reached in life, rather by the obstacles overcome while trying to succeed.

- Booker T. Washington

The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances.

- Martha Washington

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

- John Wesley

You're never too old to become younger.

- Mae West

Two and two continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.

- James McNeil Whistler

I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.

- William Allen White

Not I-nor anyone else-can travel that road for you. You must travel it yourself.

back online

had no net service for a week

here are this week's entries from

About.com/Alcoholism;

Willie Nelson Busted in Texas for Pot

Country music legend Willie Nelson has been arrested once again for marijuana possession after six ounces of pot was found on his tour bus. Because this bust was in Texas and was "felony weight" some observers believe he might actually be facing jail time. One thing is for sure, the 77-year-old singer's mug shot is not getting any better.

Faith Evans Pleads No Contest to Reckless Driving

Grammy-winning singer Faith Evans, widow of Notorious BIG, dodged drunk driving charges when she was allowed to plead no contest to a lesser charge of reckless driving in Los Angeles. Evans, 37, was arrested after being stopped at a Marina del Rey checkpoint.

Ohio Man Arrested For 12th DUI

When 45-year-old Kelly Dorler was arrested on Thanksgiving Day for drunk driving, he was familiar with the process. It was his 12th arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Police say Dorler was stopped after a citizen called police to report his erratic driving.

Georgia Police Seize Meth Worth $45 Million

Police in Norcross, a suburb of Atlanta, are claiming one of the largest meth seizures in history after they found 933 pounds of methamphetamine in the home of Jose Galvez-Vela, 33, of Weslaco, Texas. Investigators are searching for other suspects in the case.

Driver Claims Engine Failure Caused Crash

A New York man facing trial for driving drunk and running down and killing a pregnant woman on a sidewalk told a jury that he lost control of his vehicle because the engine failed just before he killed Ysemny Ramos. It had nothing to do with the three beers and the shot of cognac he had prior to the incident, he said.

Man Gets 12 Years in Fatal DUI Crash

The first time Cesar Acosta-Castillo crashed his car on Sept. 9, 2009, it wasn't enough to get his attention. He kept driving until he collided with another vehicle, killing 45-year-old Leah Miller. Acosta-Castillo was sentenced to 12 years in prison this week for vehicular homicide.

reminiscing

Friday night, it was late I was walking you home We got down to the gate And I was dreaming of the night Would it turn out right Now as the years roll on Each time we hear our favorite song The memories come along Older times we're missing Spending the hours reminiscing

The "little river band" has a song titled reminiscing, and for me, reminiscing and  romanticizing  has always been a 

stumbling block. I wish it didn't have to be  that way and it takes a concerted effort to think it all the way through,

  and also remember the pain, misery and feelings of regret that came along  with my drinking career 

found some good advice on Psychology Today, from Claudine Black PhD;

Practice staying in the present; don't sit in the past or project into the future.

Validate the gifts of recovery for the day - practice gratitude daily.

Identify, build and use a support system - you need to stay connected. History and experience have proven time and time again that recovery is not a solitary process and cannot be sustained in isolation.

Trust your Higher Power is on your side.

Monday quotes

The highest form of wisdom is kindness.

- The Talmud

Reality is a mysterious changing thing, because one's perception of it never remains the same.

- Joe Tan

The greatest evils, are from within us; and from ourselves also we must look for the greatest good.

- Jeremy Taylor

I make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes.

- Sara Teasdale

Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth... Happiness comes from giving, not getting. If we try hard to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also. To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it.

- John Templeton

Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.

- William Makepeace Thackeray

Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.

- Margaret Thatcher

It's never too late, in fiction or in life, to revise.

- Nancy Thayer

Do not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.

- James Thurber

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.

- Brian Tracy

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.

- Harry S. Truman

photo from Motifake.com

rules for today's youth

one of my all-time favorite lists;

Charles Sykes' original rules:

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

weekly roundup

this weeks news around the U.S.,

from About.com/Alcoholism;

Porn Star to Sue Charlie Sheen

An adult film star who locked herself in the bathroom at New York's Plaza Hotel to get away from actor Charlie Sheen has filed a lawsuit charging the "Two and a Half Men" star with assault. Capri Anderson claimed Sheen grabbed her around the neck in a drunken rampage. Sheen has counter sued Anderson, claiming extortion.

Rapper DMX Back in Arizona Jail

Rapper DMX is back in jail after being arrested in Phoenix for violating his probation. Maricopa County probation officers said 39-year-old Earl Simmons violated his probation by using cocaine and OxyContin, failing to submit to drug testing and driving on a suspended license.

Tampa Bay's Mike Williams Arrested for DUI

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams has been arrested for driving under the influence after police observed him speeding and weaving through traffic in his Escalade. Although his blood alcohol level was below 0.08, he was charged with DUI because deputies said his eyes were glassy and he smelled of alcohol.

Former Yankee Acquitted in Fatal DUI Crash

A Florida jury voted to acquit former New York Yankee Jim Leyritz of DUI manslaughter charges stemming from a 2007 traffic collision that killed a mother of two. The jury did find Leyritz guilty of a lesser misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.

Man Indicted in Death at NY Rehab Center

A New York man has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder and felony assault for his attacks on two employees at an upstate drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Richard Giga is accused of killed a 60-year-old security guard and stabbing a nurse at the Renaissance Project in Ellenville, NY on Oct. 6.

Feds Move to Make Synthetic Marijuana Illegal

The Drug Enforcement Administration has taken emergency measurers to declare ingredients in so-called fake weed products illegal. The DEA action would place five chemicals used in herbal blends to make synthetic marijuana into the same drug category as heroin. The "legal bud" products are currently sold legally in the U.S.

Monday quotes

Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.

Never look down on anybody unless you are helping them up.

People who are wrapped up in themselves make very small packages

It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice.

Conscience is the inner voice that warns us somebody is looking. - H. L. Mencken

Experience is what causes a person to make new mistakes instead of old ones.

Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is ready cash. Spend it wisely.

Don't worry about temptation - as you grow older, it starts avoiding you. - Farmer's Almanac

Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity. - Joseph Addison (1672-1719) --English essayist and poet

Time wounds all heels. - Jane Ace

photo from Motifake.com

weekly roundup

this weeks recap of substance abuse antics

of the famous, from About.com/alcoholism;

Broncos' D.J. Williams Faces Second DUI

The leading tackler for the Denver Broncos, D.J. Williams, faces disciplinary action from the team and the courts after he was arrested for the second drunken-driving charge. The defense co-captain of the team pleaded guilty in September 2005 to driving under the influence and was order to perform 24 hours community service.

Celebrity DJ Indicted in Cocaine Ring

Darrin Ebron, who runs Goodlife American Clothing and who works as a celebrity DJ, was one of 14 people indicted on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Investigators said the ring used private jets to transport drugs coast to coast.

Jury Gives DWI Offender Two Life Sentences

A Texas jury voted to give a drunken driver two life sentences for taking two lives in an Easter morning car crash. John Patrick Barton, 30, pleaded guilty for the Interstate 35 deaths of Kandace Hull, 33, and her daughter, Autumn Caudle, 13.

Alaskan Drunk Driver Convicted of Murder

An Alaska woman who has been arrested for drunken driving five times and convicted three times has now been found guilty of second-degree murder after crashing her SUV into another vehicle, killing the driver. Police said Lori Phillips, 46, had more than a dozen drinks before the fatal crash. She will be sentenced March 4.

Woman Dies After SUV Crashes Into Bedroom

A 48-year-old Chicago woman died in her own bed after an SUV slammed into the side of her home. Killed by the suspected drunk driver was Josefina Prospero. Police said the 17-year-old driver tried to flee the scene, but was detained by neighbors.

Teachers Find Drugs in Preschooler's Shoe

When a 3-year-old Boston girl complained to her preschool teacher that her foot was hurting, the teacher soon found the cause of the problem. While trying to adjust the girl's sneaker, the teacher found 17 small plastic bags containing crack cocaine in the youngster's shoe.

heading home

on my way back to Connecticut
after 4 weeks at the retreat.

I managed to lose 16 pounds through
smart eating and 2 to 3 walks a day
on the treadmill, 4 short of my goal.

it's time to seek employment. get
active in the community and continue
my daily walks.

my outlook has improved and I
will continue to make daily affirmations
and set goals for myself.

Monday quotes

Don't waste a minute being unhappy. If one window closes - run
to the next window - or break down a door.

Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind and fills it with
a steady and perpetual serenity.
- Joseph Addison

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange
for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.
- H. L. Hunt

You're not a failure if you don't make it. You're a success
because you tried.
- Susan Jeffers

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't
help them, at least don't hurt them.
- The Dalai Lama

What you think of yourself is much more important than what
others think of you.
- Seneca

The whole process of mental, spiritual, and material riches
may be summed up in one word – gratitude.

Give the gift of attention today. Listen to someone without
giving an opinion.

Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind and fills it with
a steady and perpetual serenity.
- Joseph Addison

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.

A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange
for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.
- H. L. Hunt

You're not a failure if you don't make it. You're a success
because you tried.
- Susan Jeffers

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't
help them, at least don't hurt them.
- The Dalai Lama

What you think of yourself is much more important than what
others think of you.
- Seneca

The whole process of mental, spiritual, and material riches
may be summed up in one word – gratitude.

Give the gift of attention today. Listen to someone without
giving an opinion.

weekly roundup

news of substance abuse from
About.com/Alcoholism;

Lil Wayne Given Three-Year Alcohol Ban
Rapper Lil Wayne has been ordered not to consume any alcohol for the next three years or be in violation of his probation, according to court records. After his release from prison after serving eight months for criminal possession of a weapon, the rap artist was told he "may not consume or drink any substance containing alcohol" for the next 36 months.

Former NFL Player Arrested for 6th DUI
Former NFL player Reggie Rogers has been arrested for his sixth drunk driving arrest in Seattle. Rogers' football career came to and end in 1988 after he crashed his vehicle while drunk and killed three teenagers.

Rapper Wiz Khalifa Arrested for Drugs
Rapper Wiz Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Thomaz, has been arrested on drug charges after police found about two ounces of marijuana on his tour bus at East Carolina University. Khalifa, who has released his own brand of rolling papers, gave police permission to search the bus after they smelled a strong odor of weed coming from the vehicle.

Washington State Bans Alcoholic Energy Drinks
The Washington state Liquor Control Board voted to ban alcohol energy drinks from the state effective Nov. 18. The action by the board comes after nine Central Washington University students were hospitalized after drinking Four Loko at a party last month.

Driver Faces Fifth DUI and Murder Charge
A woman who has been held without bail since November is facing DUI and murder charges in the death of a 23-year-old Alaska man who died after a head-on crash. Police said Lori Phillips, 56, had a blood-alcohol content four times the legal limit and was out on bail for another DUI arrest at the time of the fatal crash.

Teen Driver Sentenced in Drunken Texting Case
An 18-year-old Illinois man has been ordered to perform 40 hours community service and take alcohol and drug counseling after he was arrested for drunk driving while texting his girlfriend on his cell phone. Montie L. Skaggs Jr. was stopped after police saw him driving erratically and texting at the same time.

changing perspective

I've come to realize that I need
to change my outlook on life.
some steps are to;

accentuate the positive
acknowledge the negatives
maintain a "can do" attitude

plan each day
recognise triggers and stressors
initiate dialogue and conversation

focus on making the days count,
rather than counting days.

become more available, reliable,
responsible and accountable.

continue to reinforce the benefits
of continued sobriety;
health and well being
mental clarity
social awareness
family harmony

Monday quotes

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.
—William Arthur Ward

Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.
—Alfred A. Montapert

Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.
—Spanish Proverb

There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem.
—Harold Stephens

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.
—Lily Tomlin

Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.
—Unknown Author

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.
—Michael Althsuler

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.
—Harry Truman

"Laugh as much as you breath and love as long as you live."

Anonymous

"Worrying about something is like paying interest on a debt you don't even know you owe".

Mark Twain

update from Iowa

starting my third week tomorrow;
after six months of couch-potato life,
I found myself walking the second day
after arrival.

I seem to have had a "forrest gump"
experience and have been walking
daily ever since.

also added 3, 30 minute sessions on
the treadmill, in addition to our daily
trips to the gym.

so far, I have lost 12 pounds between
the exercise and healthy diet;
no snacks, desserts, bread, potatoes
or rice--lots off egg whites, salads,
and fruits and vegetables.

hoping to lose 8 more pounds by the
end of next week---wish me luck!

risk vs reward

why did I drink?
relaxation, self-confidence, social
interaction, less inhibition, and
humour.

quite the list of positive experiences
that explain the allure that drinking
has had for me.

the drawbacks of my imbibing were
weight gain, high blood pressure,
increased depression, emotional
instability and decreased responsibility.

research shows that heavy drinkers tend
to believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks

the data shows the major dilemma for many
as the immediate, positive social and
emotional results tend to reinforce drinking;
while ignoring the negatives that accumulate
and impact them later.

to me, and surely many others, powerful
reasons for relapse.

euphoric recall

for me, the most difficult aspect
of maintaining sobriety.

having had so many pleasurable,
memorable experiences for many
years, despite knowing the consequences,
the thought of a drink still persists.

what I must also remember are the
negative, harmful effects from my
compulsive drinking years.

the absolute worst events of my life
involved alcohol either directly or
indirectly.

the old mantra, "think it through",
is certainly relevant and important
in my life today

most harmful drug?

according to the latest research,
the 3 most harmful are;

3.) crack
2.) heroin
1.) alcohol

surprised?

I was, yet I wasn't--
the far reaching effects of
drinking in our daily lives
at work, on the road and on
the health professions, make
alcohol a triple threat.

the impact on physical, mental
and emotional health is devastating.

add to that it's legal, and socially
acceptable.

Monday quotes

It is the trouble that never comes that causes the loss of sleep.
Charles Austin Bates

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.
William Arthur Ward

Ask yourself this question: "Will this matter a year from now?"
Richard Carlson
Writing in Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.

What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you.
Seneca

When everything seems like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top
Author Unknown

Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.
Theodore T. Hunger

It's easy to make a buck. It's tougher to make a difference.
Tom Brokaw

Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual, but you have an obligation to be one.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Those who follow the crowd are quickly lost in it.
Author Unknown

The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.
Thomas Huxley

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Don't spend your precious time asking "Why isn't the world a better place?" It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is "How can I make it better?" To that there is an answer.
Leo F. Buscaglia

weekly roundup

from About.com/Alcoholism, the
latest antics from around the country;

Jury Convicts Anna Nicole Smith's Boyfriend
Howard K. Stern, Anna Nicole Smith's boyfriend/lawyer and Dr. Khristine Eroshevich were found guilty by a California jury of conspiring to provide drugs to the former Playboy model by using false names. But none of the defendants in the case were convicted of providing drugs to a known addict.

Drunk, Naked Charlie Sheen Trashes Hotel Room
"Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen was hospitalized briefly after police were called to his New York City hotel room where the drunk and naked actor was in the process of causing more than $20,000 worth of damage to the Plaza Hotel. Sheen's publicist blamed the rampage on "an allergic reaction to medication."

Chris Klein Back at Work After Rehab
Actor Chris Klein has returned to work after a two-month stay in rehab following two alcohol-related arrest. The 31-year-old "American Pie" actor is reportedly scheduled to guest star on the season finale of the television show "The Good Guys."

Bucs Release Jerramy Stevens After Drug Arrest
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Jerramy Stevens two days after he was arrested on drug charges. The 30-year-old tight end was signed by the Bucs in spite of a series of legal problem Stevens had when with the Seattle Seahawks and the University of Washington.

Razorback Lineman Arrested For Drug Possession
University of Arkansas Defensive lineman Dequinta "D.D." Jones was facing possible suspension from the team after he was arrested with nine grams of marijuana in his pocket. Jones was searched after police stopped him for not having lights on his license plate and noticed an "overwhelming" smell of marijuana coming from his vehicle.

Texas Finally Gets Him Off the Road
It only took nine drunk driving convictions for a Texas jury to finally take serial drunk driver George Lee Harvey off the road. With eight prior DWI convictions, Harvey backed his vehicle without lights on out of his driveway and into the path of another drunk driver. He was sentenced to life in prison.

I'm back!

well, I'm back at St Gregory Retreat
after a rough couple of weeks.

life has been handing me a few lemons
and I couldn't make lemonade.

getting back on track and looking forward
to sharing my experience

hope all is well with my readers

Monday quotes

It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.

- Rabindranath Tagore

The highest form of wisdom is kindness.

- The Talmud

I make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes.

- Sara Teasdale

Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.

- Margaret Thatcher

Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others.

- Danny Thomas

Do not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.

- James Thurber

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.

- Harry S. Truman

Dwell upon the brightest parts in every prospect... and strive to be pleased with the present circumstances.

- Abraham Tucker

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.

- Dale Turner

weekly roundup

this week's news from About.com/Alcoholism

Rapper Ra Diggs Indicted on Drug Charges

Brooklyn rapper Ra Diggs has been indicted on federal charges of dealing drugs out of the Gowanus Houses. Ra Diggs, whose real name is Ronald Herron and raps in a group with Uncle Murda and Waka Flocka Flame, was accused of flooding the Gowanus Houses with drugs over a two-year period.

Former Alabama Standout DJ Hall Busted

Former University of Alabama wide receiver DJ Hall and former walk-on Darwin Salaam have been arrested in Tuscaloosa for first-degree possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Hall and Salaam were arrested at a hotel in Tuscaloosa.

Panthers Receiver Dwayne Jarrett Arrested

The Carolina Panthers have cut wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett after he was arrested for driving while impaired in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jarrett, 23, was given a second chance in March 2008 the first time he was arrested for DWI, the Panthers said.

Girlfriend Calls 9-1-1 on Pot-Smoking Boyfriend

When police in Missouri received a hang-up 9-1-1 call from a motel room in Lebanon, they went to investigate. The girlfriend of a 35-year-old man told police she called them because she was tired of him sitting around smoking pot all day and not looking for a job. Police found marijuana in the man's car.

We Don't Want to Know How It Got There

When deputies in Florida searched a 25-year-old man after stopping him for speeding they found bags of marijuana and cocaine stuffed between his buttocks. Raymond Stanley Roberts told them "The white stuff is not mine, but the weed is." There were 27 piece of rock cocaine in the bag Roberts claimed wasn't his.

Drunk Dad Runs Over 1-Year-Old Son

A 27-year-old California man has been charged with driving under the influence after he ran over his own 1-year-old son in a parking lot. Police said Alejandro Ramirez Lopez was intoxicated when he ran over the child in a Masonic Lodge parking lot at 12:45 in the morning.

Monday quotes

To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.

Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.

The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see

when you take your eyes off your goal.-Henry Ford

Our greatest glory consists not in never falling,

But in rising very time we fall.-Confucious

Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you don't have a leg to stand on.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength. - Corrie TenBoom

The truth is like ice water, it shocks you when it hits you, but no one's ever died from it.

People who are wrapped up in themselves make very small packages

It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice.

weekly roundup

this week's news from the world of substance

abuse from About.com/Alcoholism;

Lindsay Lohan Headed for Rehab Again?

According to media reports, actress Lindsay Lohan has once again checked herself into a alcohol and drug rehab facility. Lohan is due back in court October 23 for a probation violation hearing after failing a drug test.

Snooki Hospitalized For Alcohol Poisoning

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, star of the television show "Jersey Shore," was hospitalized while filming the show in South Beach. Reports said she was treated for alcohol poisoning, but the pint-size star later denied that alcohol was a factor.

Pete Doherty Charged With Possessing Cocaine

British singer Pete Doherty has been charged with possession cocaine after an investigation into the overdose death of magazine heiress Robyn Whitehead. Doherty was one of four people questioned after Whitehead died in January while working on a documentary about the Babyshambles frontman.

Murder Suspect Withdraws from Heroin in Jail

A man suspected in the death of a North Carolina police chief's daughter has not yet been returned from New York to face changes because he is going through drug withdrawal in a New York jail. Michael Harvey is suspected in the death of 23-year-old Valerie Hamilton.

Drunk Driver Guilty in Death of Angel's Pitcher

A drunk driver has been found guilty of murder in connection with a auto crash that killed Los Angeles Angels rookie picture Nick Adenhart. Repeat offender Andrew Gallow, 23, was convicted of three counts of second-degree murder and single counts of drunken driving, hit-and-run driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol and causing great bodily injury.

Drunk Driving Trooper Headed to Jail

Colorado State Patrol trooper David Dolan, 48, has been sentenced to 10 days in jail and 18 months probation for driving his patrol car on duty while intoxicated. Police arrested Dolan after several drivers reported him swerving in and out of traffic. His arrest was captured on a television helicopter video.

quotes for tuesday

It is much more difficult to judge oneself than to judge others.

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The only place where success comes before work is a dictionary.

- Vidal Sassoon

I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time.

- Charles M. Schulz

Life is too short to waste. Dreams are fulfilled only through action, not through endless planning to take action.

- David J. Schwartz

Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?

- Frank Scully

You cannot find yourself, only create yourself.

- Anne B. Sekel

Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.

- Maurice Setter

Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.

- R. E. Shay

weekly roundup

this weeks news from About.com/Alcoholism;

Lindsay Lohan Fails Drug Test

Actress Lindsay Lohan is in trouble with the court again after she reportedly failed a court-mandated drug test. Judge Elden Fox issued a bench warrant requiring Lohan's appearance in court after she admitted on Twitter that she failed the test. She was scheduled to make a court appearance today.

Paris, We'll Always Have Japan?

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton managed to avoid jail time in Las Vegas on drug possession charges, getting a one-year suspended sentence for cocaine possession and obstruction of a police officer. But authorities in Japan were not so hospitable, barring the celebrity from entering the country to promote her cosmetics line because of her plea on the drug charge.

Bruno Mars Arrested for Drug Possession

Singer-songwriter Bruno Mars has been arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of drug possession. Police originally arrested Mars for possession of 2.6 grams of a "white powdery substance," which was later found to be cocaine.

Jets Receiver Braylon Edwards Arrested for DUI

Braylon Edwards, wide receiver for the New York Jets, has been arrested on charges of driving under the influence. "We are very disappointed in Braylon's actions this morning. The Player Protect program is in place for our organization to prevent this situation. Braylon is aware of this program and showed poor judgment," the Jets said in a statement.

Family Sues College Over Teen's Alcohol Death

The parents of a freshman student at Wabash College in Indiana have filed a lawsuit placing some of the blame for their son's death on the college because of its lack of enforcement of underage drinking laws. Johnny Smith died in October 2008 at the Delta Tau Delta fraternity house with a blood-alcohol level of almost 0.40.

Cop's Daughter Died of Overdose?

A man accused in the death of a 23-year-old daughter of a North Carolina police chief told reporters that no murder took place. According to Michael Harvey, Valerie Hamilton died from an overdose of heroin in her sleep after a night of partying. "There is no murder at all," Harvey said.

Monday quotes

Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.

Alcohol is a good preservative for everything but brains.

The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.

Be careful of your thoughts, they may become words at any moment.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Experience is simply the name we give our

mistakes.-Oscar Wilde

Don't go through life, grow through life.-Eric Butterworth

There are two lasting bequests we can give our

children : one is roots. The other is wings.

-Hodding Carter, J.R.

The truth is like ice water, it shocks you when it hits you, but no one's ever died from it.

Some succeed because they are destined to. But most succeed because they are determined to.