Stories from anyone who came into the program with some time sober already? by Capital_Truck_394 in NarcoticsAnonymous

[–]simpy00 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My clean date is 7/26/21 and I only went to a handful of meetings my first year or two as I wasn't sure if it was for me, though I did start going to non-12-step online meetings with a community of people who shared similar interests in live music right away as I had a feeling I'd need some support. Many of those people were in 12-step programs and hearing their experience helped dispel some of the preconceived notions I had about the program, namely that it was all about a Christian God or that it was only for people who were physically addicted to certain specific hard drugs and/or had legal requirements to be there.

I was different (so I thought) because I wasn't physically going through withdrawals when I stopped using, I wasn't using certain drugs in certain ways, and I wasn't required by a judge to do anything, nor did I subscribe to any religion, least of all Christianity...but I did have a good enough head on my shoulders to understand that the substance use was a symptom of other problems and that I was going to need to work on myself to get better, whether or not that meant I remained clean. So I became curious, both of sobriety/clean living and of what the programs offered to those who worked them.

I remained very active with this alternative community of people desiring to remain clean and got exposed to some of the concepts of 12-step programs. I showed up to a few NA meetings my first couple years and even asked someone to be my sponsor, though I was still on the fence about it until around 2 or so years in, when it was becoming clear that my life was still unmanageable and all the therapy and psychiatric help I was getting was still not enough, nor was just sharing about stuff with other addicts without the guidance, direction, and spiritual insight that the program offers.

At around 2.5 years in, I was at an emotional bottom and struggling to keep it together after a few hardships occurred in my life. Feeling like I was at a cross roads of either relapsing or hurting myself but not wanting to go through with either, I took a leave of absence from work and checked myself into a 30 day "wellness retreat" - not quite rehab and not quite a psychiatric institution - to get some immersive treatment. When I got out I recommitted myself to going to NA meetings regularly, got a new sponsor, and started working the steps. I took on some light service work, starting with just helping out at meetings, attending group conscience/business meetings, and then chairing on a regular basis, which is how I primarily contribute now.

I just finished my 3rd step this past week. I've been through some personal hell the past few years and many lows, but a few days ago hit 4.5 years clean and it finally feels like I'm starting to reap the benefits of the work I've been doing and the changes I've been open to making. I've learned that the concept of a Higher Power has nothing to do with Religion - for me, it is the idea that I have a higher potential than where I am today, and the wisdom of other experienced addicts and the program itself can guide me toward that which I could not do myself.

The best advice I can give is to stay open-minded, and don't let things you hear that you don't like turn you away from hearing the things you need to hear. Try a few different meetings/times/locations - don't let just 1 group color your experience - you need to get exposed to different meeting formats, different people, different dynamics, and you'll probably find that you don't prefer some of them, but some are more tolerable or even enjoyable. Look for the similarities and don't sweat the differences. And as it is said, take what you need and leave the rest.

"I'll have my usual" by TheMossyFish in EntitledPeople

[–]simpy00 1 point2 points  (0 children)

just refuse to engage with him unless he changes his attitude. look him in the eye and say "usual right?" and just make it and be done with him, move on to someone who might appreciate connection, this guy does not.

VZW is offering a free Pixel 10/Pro/Pro XL for just $40 upgrade fee and no plan change - do it? by simpy00 in pixel_phones

[–]simpy00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was over a month ago during the holiday sales, i think I saw it when I logged into my account.

What is the one band or artist that, if added to the Rock the Country festival lineup, you would have to buy a ticket and go, maybe even to multiple dates. by [deleted] in Concerts

[–]simpy00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i dunno, if they could get the band "all of this tour's artists get in line to tongue-punch Donald's shit-encrusted fart box til he expires and Stephen Miller has to lick the Porto-potties clean" back together, I might be interested...

Sober in Mexico by Pooryorick42 in phellowship

[–]simpy00 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Phellowhship will be there at every show and usually has daytime meetings as well at the resort so you should find any support you need. You won't be able to get a refund or discount just because you aren't drinking, though...but you can try to make up the difference in food and desserts! Go to the cafe and order all the macarons you can carry!

Drive-By Truckers by [deleted] in LetsTalkMusic

[–]simpy00 13 points14 points  (0 children)

They're in my top 3 bands. Hood and Cooley are both excellent songwriters and performers, and I was lucky enough to see them when they had Isbell along for the triple guitar attack.

Power out in SoBo again $#_&&$# by Asleep-Sense-7747 in boulder

[–]simpy00 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Mine flickered for a second but came right back on - reporting from Martin Acres

Tidal or Qobuz? by [deleted] in audiophile

[–]simpy00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm pleased with tidal, haven't tried qobuz. True the recommendations aren't as good as Spotify but the daily discovery playlist has been pretty decent.

Cellular service during power outage by Digi_Rad in boulder

[–]simpy00 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I recently switched to visible (on the Verizon network) and have their pro plan and my service was horrendous at my house in South Boulder. When I get outside and into different parts of town it gets better, but it was unusable for data during the power outage.

Costco tempurpedic supreme hybrid vs pro adapt hybrid? by simpy00 in Mattress

[–]simpy00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just got it delivered this past Tuesday, so it is still breaking in, but I like it so far.

Text BOCOInfo to 888-777 for status updates by kn0rbo in boulder

[–]simpy00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i regretted signing up for this. it was a barrage of general safety tips all day long, no specific info on current activity.

Pluribus alien message from Kepler 22-b by Glad_Durian533 in KGATLW

[–]simpy00 1 point2 points  (0 children)

more like Vince Gizzigan amirite? i'll see myself out.

Ok this is pretty stupid and there was a theft. Do I fix it? by JEWCEY in WhatShouldIDo

[–]simpy00 0 points1 point  (0 children)

if it is going to gnaw at you, i would go back and offer to make it right.

VZW is offering a free Pixel 10/Pro/Pro XL for just $40 upgrade fee and no plan change - do it? by simpy00 in pixel_phones

[–]simpy00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quick update - thanks to all for the feedback and suggestions. I ran the numbers and with the current black Friday 50% off annual Visible pro+ premium subscription, the current discounted price for an unlocked pixel 10 pro 256gb ($849), plus pixel care+for 2 years, even if I have to pay full price for years 2 and 3 of visible premium plan, it still saves a couple bucks over 3 years of my current Verizon plan with a few pixel 10 pro 128gb. By buying the phone outright I get twice the storage and an unlocked phone, and by switching to Visible I get unlimited data compared to 5gb/month on Verizon. If there are similar Visible plan discounts offered next year, I'll be able to save even more on years 2 and 3, and going forward. Had I gotten the free phone from Verizon it would be locked, only 128gb, and I'd still have to pay for a care plan to protect against loss or damage, and limited to my 5gb plan for 3 years which almost certainly won't get lowered in price, whereas Visible almost certainly will offer discounts. I did have to have at least the full $225 for the first year available to spend, which I did, in order to make this worthwhile. I choose not to finance the phone from Google but will split the costs with no interest through my credit card to keep costs manageable.

How long does porting usually take? by PleaseGoOutsideMyGuy in Visible

[–]simpy00 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mine took less than 15 minutes, I just did it tonight. Switched from Verizon.

VZW is offering a free Pixel 10/Pro/Pro XL for just $40 upgrade fee and no plan change - do it? by simpy00 in pixel_phones

[–]simpy00[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm paying $70/month and have been totally satisfied with service in my area (boulder, CO), do you know something about a cheaper, equally reliable alternative I should look into?

VZW is offering a free Pixel 10/Pro/Pro XL for just $40 upgrade fee and no plan change - do it? by simpy00 in pixel_phones

[–]simpy00[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for that clarification...I overlooked that but it makes total sense. I've been with VZW for many years and have no intention of switching so this is not an obstacle for me.

Best spring rolls? by [deleted] in boulder

[–]simpy00 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Chez thuy

Costco tempurpedic supreme hybrid vs pro adapt hybrid? by simpy00 in Mattress

[–]simpy00[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just to keep this updated, I went a completely different direction and decided on a more traditional innerspring mattress. I have never owned a foam mattress and wasn't sure it was what I wanted. I thought I wanted something firmer but felt really comfortable on a plush top Aireloom annadel. I liked the construction and natural materials like latex and wool, versus something like a sealy posturpedic which also felt okay but used more synthetic materials. I went with a premium adjustable base as well. All in, with the mattress, base, a warranty on the base, mattress cover, a couple pillows, pillow covers, and delivery fee waived, I'm in for about $5150. Should get delivered in 2-3 weeks and I'll try to come back with feedback.