Happenings....

Oh yes, it has been awhile (once again!!). Let's see since the last time I posted I ran a half marathon, turned 44 and was named Head Coach for my daughter's softball team!!! That is only the highlights of the past few weeks because everything in between was as usual; wonderful!! I did have an interesting happenstance at work and I called on those things I cannot control as it was "strange" moment. That moment passed and yes, everything worked out great and continues to work out great; I even have an assistant which is a good thing. I am really good with people and there are some things that I am not really good with such as organizing. My offices always tend to be a mess and even in recovery I can't seem to shake my old habits of having a very messy office. Thankfully I found someone who is organized and will whip me into to shape, yay!!

I ran the America's Finest City Half Marathon for the second time. The first time was five years ago and although it was my best run since I was suffering from a horrible case of shin splints. My time was only 11 seconds slower than it was five years ago but those last two miles were very much the last two miles of a marathon. I have taken some time off from running only cycling because my legs need a break from the pounding and I was advised that it would be best for my shin splints. I was thinking about running the Long Beach Marathon in October but now that I have "softball obligations" I think it would be best to run the half marathon instead of the full marathon.

Yes, I have "softball obligations" as I have volunteered my services to coach my daughter's team. I have been promising her for the past year and this season I got the call that the league needed one more head coach. I was the "warm body" and this past week I have been immersed into all things softball. I am very excited and I met the entire team for the first time last night. I have a nice mix of girls and it should be a very good Fall season.

Earlier this week I did turn 44 and it was a very low key event which is the way I like it. We just went out to dinner as a family and that was all I needed. I had a great talk with my Dad prior to my birthday and we have come a very long way in the past four years which is very cool!! Life is indeed wonderful and I wouldn't be truthful if I said it was all wonderful. There are some down times but the "up" times far exceed those down times and I am eternally grateful for everything and everyone in my life!!!

Full Days and Weeks

Yes, it has been two weeks since my last posting and I was really hoping to post on a weekly basis; however; the days and weeks have been very full. All of this is positive and my goodness the time is moving so quickly. Over the past two weeks we had visitors and I made a visit to of all places Las Vegas. Our visitors were in the form of family members and hopefully everyone had a great time. I have even played some golf in the past few weeks to fill in some of those days. The visitors made great use of their time visiting some of the hot spots in Southern California such as the San Diego Zoo, Legoland and the beach along with visiting some local wineries.

Yes, I did make my way to Las Vegas last week for a work event and had a very good time bonding with my two bosses. I had no urges to gamble and really entering those resort casinos still makes me very angry. I know at some point I need to "let it go" but as of now I am not ready to "let it go". I lived in Las Vegas for over 7 years, my children were born in Las Vegas and I was building a very good career in the casino industry until my transgressions caused by my compulsive gambling addiction took that all away. This is why I still get angry when I visit Las Vegas because I really understand that business and did have a "good thing" going. I do realize that everything does work out for the very best and I am at a place where I should be.

I was in town for three days and three nights. The first night I spent at a very dear friend's house and we played golf the next morning at a great course. I hadn't played that particular course in nearly five years and I was very impressed. I do like the town of Las Vegas and it does have a soft spot in my heart knowing that is the birthplace of my children. I passed the hospital where they were both born and I had to smile. Those seven plus years weren't so bad and it has led me to where I am right now. I couldn't see raising our children in Las Vegas and thankfully we are in one of the most family friendly places in all of Southern California. Sure California has its problems but really I am so blessed for everything in my life.

The past week I had a surprise visitor in my sponsor coming in from Colorado. I hadn't seen my sponsor since last year and we met prior to the Saturday morning Gamblers Anonymous meeting. My sponsor is a great person who has overcome some tremendous adversity and is a huge influence in my life. We had a wonderful time together and it was great having him in a meeting for the first time in a very long time. I continue to learn so much for this incredible person and I know everything will work out for the very best in his life.

It was a great weekend with my sponsor visiting and the following day my family attended the Mets/Padres game in San Diego. It was almost five years to the day that my son and daughter had attended their very first Major League Baseball game and yes, it was also the Mets/Padres. My son and I are Mets fans and surprisingly so is my daughter. The Mets are having such a tough season with all the injuries they have faced. They were victorious yesterday and lately those victories have been few and far between. It was great being at the game with my family and this time unlike the last time (yes, five years ago) my son stayed awake for the entire game!! He did fall asleep at that first game as a three year old but this time everyone was having a great time.

Life does move so quickly and those full days and weeks are whizzing by but I am so blessed being able to enjoy each and every moment. Yes, I had a great time in Las Vegas and it didn't involve gambling whatsoever. I was able to bond with my bosses and I am so fortunate to be in the position I am in. Wow; life is wonderful!!!!!