Compulsive Gambler in Recovery
It is better to build character than to be one.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Meanderings of a Magnificent Monday
With the Sunday evening GA meeting complete I stayed in the office for a little while mostly completing some paperwork and formulating my plan for this morning. I decided I had enough of the paperwork I needed and could certainly finish what I needed as long as I arrived in the office early. After this I departed for home and slowly my energy level was coming back from the dip caused by the massage. I arrived home to find my good friend watching what we normally watch on Saturday evening.
This was a marathon session of “Deal or No Deal” and I decided to join him for the brainless exercise. It is very good (at least in my opinion) to have some “brainless” time and this is what I had last night watching “Deal or No Deal”. The program is fascinating and I have to give it to the producers because each time I watch it is interesting. Unlike other game shows these producers seem to reinvent themselves each program. On Saturday evening it was a “Spring Break” theme and last night the prizes were increased. I don’t know how long this program has been on the air but it seems that it will last for awhile as they reinvent themselves often.
This was a good way to end my last Father’s Day without my family and I was very happy to see the day come to a close. I can check off another one of “those days” as the time I have spent a part from my family. Conceivably I can be with them on the 4th of July this year and God willing everyday forward. I am so looking forward to reuniting with my family and it won’t be much longer. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given and in recovery I will continue to make the best of everyday. I do feel that something is missing in my life and that is quite evident with my family 3,000 miles away. I maintain a good attitude and know everything continues to work out for the best. We will be together very soon and it will be wonderful.
I went to sleep knowing I wouldn’t workout this morning. I have decided to keep Monday as a day of rest especially after a hard run and the massage. My body needed the day to recuperate and I need to keep a closer watch on how my body feels. I really thought I was feeling very good since the marathon two weeks ago but during the massage a few aches and pains were felt that I didn’t even know existed. I do believe the mind is a powerful tool and I need to be more in tune with my body listening for the cues so I don’t overwork it. The day off felt very good and even though I took the day off from exercising I was in the office early as I had planned.
I wanted to get some schedules done in preparation for the meeting and I also wanted to have everything completed prior to the start of the 18 hole playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate. I was happy to see the broadcast would be carried on the internet just like on Friday. I had everything completed as the playoff commenced. However; I guess the website was a bit overwhelmed because the connection kept freezing and going in and out. It became frustrating after a few minutes especially when the video was well behind the audio. I did some actual work and fortunately the timing of the golf match coincided with lunch time. I decided to take lunch at an establishment which was broadcasting the golf match. As it turns out I took an extended lunch as the match went much longer then expected.
I was pleased to see Tiger win but I have to admit I was rooting for Rocco Mediate the self proclaimed “old guy” even though he is only 45 years old. This man has a great attitude and he did have an opportunity to win the playoff but his driver let him down. I don’t expect any ill effects on losing the playoff because Mr. Mediate’s attitude is so good and I am sure he would have wanted to win but he even surprised himself. I don’t usually go out for lunch especially to a restaurant and I was shocked to see how crowded it was and it had everything to do with the golf match.
I could barely find a seat in the bar area and my line of sight to the big screen television wasn’t the best but I did enjoy myself. I had no idea so many people followed golf and my suspicion is it had all to do with Tiger Woods. Tiger transcends golf and I am sure the majority of the patrons at the restaurant could barely name three other professional golfers but they all knew Tiger. The restaurant was boisterous during the match and I thought this was wonderful. Yes, Tiger did prevail and he is most likely the best to have ever played the game and his best years (as long as his knee holds up) are yet to come. He is in the “scary” good category and can do things no mortal can do with a golf club and he never seems to crack under pressure. It was very cool experiencing these moments over the weekend.
I returned back to work and the buzz was all about the golf match. I don’t know how productive the rest of the business world was today because I spoke with two very good friends who spent most of the morning watching the golf match as well even though they (like me) were supposed to be working. I thought more about the golf match and the fact that it was only 60 miles down the road. I have played the same golf course (Torrey Pines) a few years ago knowing the U.S. Open would be played in 2008. Yes, 2008 came very quickly and things certainly have changed for me in those few years but all of those changes are for the better. Life goes by so quickly and thankfully now I know to cherish each moment because I have no idea what the day will bring. Today as usual brought a great day and I am eternally grateful.
A quick program note; there is a documentary that has aired on the E Network regarding “The Winners and Losers in Las Vegas” (that is the title) and it is supposed to highlight the good and bad of gambling. It will air again tomorrow June 17th at 4:00 pm Eastern Time and this may translate to 1:00 pm Pacific Time but to be sure please check the local listings. I am hoping my good friends can record this so I can watch it at a later point. The full name of the program is “THS Investigates---The Winners and Losers of Vegas”. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to see it this week.
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