STEP 2 MEN’S GAZETTE

August 1, 2020 Vol. One No.34

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The GSR Says!

GENERAL SERVICE REPORT FOR AUGUST

General Service meeting was held on line Wednesday,July 8

16 General Service Reps took part in the meeting.  A pretty good turnout. In addition we were joined by Dist 07 Delegate, Tom A.

As reported in last month’s report, the 2020 General Service Conference was held on line over a period of five days.  According to Tom, it was an experience he would never forget.  There was not much decided on at this year’s conference, however, there will be plenty of items to discuss for next year’s conference since many of the agenda topics pertaining to literature changes, and a proposal for a new addition of the Big Book will be ongoing into 2021.

Here in Sacramento, nearly all groups are meeting on line. Some groups have gone to smaller size meetings in public parks.  No one is certain when groups will begin meeting in person.  The majority of groups reported increases in attendance and 7th Tradition contributions.  Unfortunately, no groups are able to host special events, and members are missing the fellowship of AA picnics, Birthday meetings, and the “meetings before and after the meetings”.  Additionally there are no meetings being held by AA in prisons or recovery programs.  There is an overall concern about our ability to reach out to persons who are seeking AA.  We are all learning as we go, trying to remain flexible, open-minded, and willing to go to any lengths for our sobriety and the sobriety of our fellow alcoholics. 

Thank you for allowing me to be of service.

George T.

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Pass the Basket…please?

As we enter the twelfth twenty first week or so without meeting in person…there’s a big elephant in the room! You guessed it…revenue from our contributions. Our trusted servants, Step 2 Men’s Group Treasurer Dan Mc. and General Secretary Tom W. are asking our help. 

In fact, we’re all asking each of you and us…to make a contribution to the group. Please make your check or money order payable to “Dan McKinley” and mail direct to: Dan McKinley P.O. Box 221756 Sacramento, CA. 95822. 

While an amount of $50 is ideal, we understand this may not be possible for all or even desirable. Any amount is much appreciated, any amount is thoughtful. As always, it is an entirely voluntary contribution. There will be no judging! Well…not much anyway. Just kidding, no one share whether or if you assisted.

Please give what you can. Our group remits a great deal to Central Office, St. Francis Church (both rent & causes) and other expenses.  Thank you in advance all of you…you guys are awesome!

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FORGIVING AND FORGETTING

Or is it the other way around? 

If you are new to AA, here is some news. Step 8 is difficult. Where it says this is a program of progress and not perfection, for me, this is the Step they were talking about. 

For one, the reflection of the past is very difficult. The measure of honesty, trying. I am constantly reminded of how there were things I wouldn’t have said, had more energy to do the right things, hesitated or even perhaps not had the transgressions. If only I wasn’t so drunk and high at the same time. 

There are still people who were there for my self-destruction for whom I still hold grudges and may or may not forgive. Some days I do, some days I don’t. 

I try to reckon with a Higher Power or even myself the woulda, coulda, shoulda’s that have plagued my life. It’s not easy. I know I should do it, it’s coming up on eight years. But on the day in and day out of being sober, it comes and goes. 

The thing is, I feel I feel success in AA is hinged to a certain amount of comfortability. And I guess I am comfortable in being a little imperfect. Progress, not perfection. Commitment to working “at it”. Which is the Steps, Going to Meetings, Reading, Talking to my Sponsor and Meditation. 

My commitment may not lead to perfecting all of these pieces to the puzzle, but I have to stay committed to trying. 

And you know, its ok. I feel that so long as I can wake up in the morning and answer this question by say at least 9 in the morning. Am I still committed to AA? So long as that is a positive yes, then forgiveness and forgetting, can be a project, no matter how long it takes. 

That’s what I think, anyway. 

I apologize if you feel this is a bit high handed. And this month I am bereft of humor and word plays. 

But it is a serious Step and month. 

Don’t let it or me, get your dauber down.

Contributed by John M. 

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THE LITERARY CORNER:

“A man who drinks too much on occasion is still the same man as he was sober. An alcoholic, a real alcoholic, is not the same man at all. You can’t predict anything about him for sure except that he will be someone you never met before.” 
― Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye

“I want a new liver to replace my heart.”
“Um, why?”
“Because then I could drink more and care less.”
― L.A. Casey, Alec

“All that alcohol does for them is to liberate the sense of sin, which reason suppresses in saner moments.”
― Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness

“An elderly man with gray hair said, “Every bottle should come with a warning: ‘This bottle may cause you to lose your job. This bottle may cause you to get a divorce. This bottle may cause you to become homeless.”
― Akhil Sharma, Family Life

“In 1969 I gave up women and alcohol – it was the worst 20 minutes of my life.”
― George Best

“When you are young your body cannot handle alcohol, and when you get old your mind cannot handle it. Either way, alcohol has its way.”
― Robert Black

“People spend half of their free time drinking alcohol and the other half watching totally sober people on television. And they want to be those people, live those lives. Ever wondered why we rarely see a person actually drinking alcohol on television? It’s because they would come across embarrassing sad-assed losers. They just wouldn’t be entertaining. They would think they were.”
― Robert Black, The Control Sickness

“Alcohol was for people who basically wished to be dead but lacked the courage to kill themselves.”
― MacDonald Harris, Mortal Leap

“I don’t drink no whiskey but I’m a fool about my home made wine. I stays around Dallas cause I makes it there all the time” 
― Blind Lemon Jefferson

“As I lay awake alone
I know you are waiting home
And there’s really nothing going on I never wanna hurt you again
I tried to change my life, I promise this
The only trouble is you know
I think I like it the way it is
I think I like it the way it is”
― Pete Townshend, I Think I Like It the Way It Is

“In a Bombay street an urchin was distributing business cards. He took one. ‘Are you alcoholic?’ it read. ‘We can help. Call this number for liquor home delivery.’ Excellent business model, he thought.” 
― Salman Rushdie

From an idea by George T.

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OUR TRUSTED SERVANTS CONTINUE TO BE:

The current ‘Step 2 Men’s Group’ meeting schedule is Monday through Sunday at 11:30 AM. All meetings are online for now until further notice. The Thursday meeting is a ‘Book/Step Study’ format. Each of the Monday – Sunday gatherings are one hour. Great job men!

Monday: Tim C.

Tuesday: Dick M.

Wednesday: John M.

Thursday: George T.

Friday: Dan Mc.

Saturday: David K.

Sunday: “Guitar Dan” T.

Want to add your name to the “Back-up-Help-Substitute Secretary List”? Just contact Group GS, Tom W., Treasurer Dan Mc. or any Monday through Sunday Secretaries and let them know!

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Step2mensgroup.com (!!!)

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If any secretaries are looking for the meeting readings, PDF versions can be found here or there’s a handy web page here.

Here’s the connection info for joining the meeting, in case anyone missed it. If you’re have any trouble connecting, contact Mark C.

Contributed by Mark C.

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Mouse’s Corner

“We are obliged to choose between the pains of trying and the certain penalties of failing to do so.” 12 Twelve Steps & 12 Traditions, pg. 74 Step Seven’

“A.A. fellowship has a very special meaning. In this fellowship we begin to learn right relations with people who understand us; we don’t have to be alone any more.” As Bill Sees It on “Fellowship” 

“Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” Anonymous Thought for the Day“We’ve begun to see that God’s will for us is the ability to live with dignity, to love ourselves and others, to laugh, and to find great joy in our surroundings. Our most heartfelt longings and dreams for our lives are coming true. These priceless gifts are no longer beyond our reach. They are, in fact, the very essence of God’s will for us.” NA It Works and Why,The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous

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First Wednesday… August 5^th

John reviews the step corresponding to the number of that month on each first Wednesday. It’s a rewarding meeting with John outlining the step of the month, how he was challenged by it and how we tackle it ourselves, with and without success! Look for his monthly contribution in this edition!

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THURSDAY ‘Book & Step Study’ 

 George T. takes us through the Twelve Steps and Big Book portions to start the meeting every    Thursday. Each missive is packed with fine prose, fascinating insights and challenging reading. Following the read (about 20 minutes)…the floor is open to everyone’s thoughts on how they may have been influenced or impacted by that writing. It’s really fun to be a part of and members are enjoying it. 

 Get on in here and show George support and contribute something to the newcomer. Every Thursday at 11:30. 

We’ll try to make readings available ahead of time on the website.

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August Birthdays …IF They Make It!

If your birthday has been missed….there are TWO ways to get included:

* PLEASE ‘reply’ by email now…OR…log-on to step2mensgroup.com with…

1.  Your First Name w/ Last initial
2. Your “AA’ Birthday (ex.8/1/18)

We really want to celebrate your AA anniversary because your birthday made ours possible!

Thanks everybody and apologies to you if you were missed or incorrectly noted.

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Alcoholics Anonymous ‘Daily Reflection…’

1

August

LIVING IT

The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83

When new in the program, I couldn’t comprehend living
the spiritual aspect of the program, but now that I’m sober,
I can’t comprehend living without it. Spirituality was what
I had been seeking. God, as I understand Him, has given
me answers to the whys that kept me drinking for twenty
years. By living a spiritual life, by asking God for help, I
have learned to love, care for and feel compassion for all
my fellow men, and to feel joy in a world where, before, I
felt only fear.

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Joke Box  Selections From August Grapevine 2014

AUGUST 2014

At Wit’s End 

The Road Less Traveled 
There are many paths on the journey through life. I think I might have chosen the psychopath.

—Gary M., Atwater, Calif.

Elevated Thoughts 
I had a hard time turning my life over to a Higher Power because I never believed there was anything that ever got higher than me.

—Paul P., Fox Point, Wis.

Home Remedies 
Drunk #1: “For better digestion I drink beer; in the case of appetite loss I drink white wine; in the case of low blood pressure I drink red wine; in the case of high blood pressure I drink scotch; and when I have a cold, I drink schnapps.”

Drunk #2: “You ever drink water?”

Drunk #1: “I’ve never been that sick!”

—John K., Sanford, N.C.

Under Cover
Mike to Charlie the bartender: “Pour me a stiff one, Charlie. I just had another fight with the little woman.”

Charlie: “Oh yeah? And how did this one end?”

Mike: “She came to me on her hands and knees.”

Charlie: “Really? That’s a switch. What did she say?”

Mike: “She said, ‘Come out from under that bed, you gutless wonder!’”

—Will N., Arlington Heights, Ill.

Thanks to Anthony S. for being the founding contributor to The Joke Box section of Step 2 Men’s Group newsletter.

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My First Meeting 

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Memory Lane…Remember the FUN We Had?

Funny Papers

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Step 2 Men’s Group Believes…

 “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

We’d never presume that the 12 Steps are not clear. Nor would we imply that they need ‘improvement’. However…for purposes of assisting to keep the meeting pointed in an important direction each day, the ‘Step 2 Men’s Group statement is read as follows:

Step 2 Men’s Group is founded on the belief that spirituality is essential to our sobriety. Our group is non-religious, but we do not oppose anyone’s religious beliefs. We believe that respect for others and their beliefs are essential to our spiritual development. Accordingly we ask that avoid criticism of others or of their religion or lack of religion, their race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical appearance, trade or profession, length of sobriety, or personal beliefs. Our goal is to further our spirituality, our sobriety and our personal development, not to confront or belittle others. Always remember to be kind to others.

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SPECIAL THANKS DEPT:

Thanks to both George T. and Mark C. for taking over together the Editor’s desk the last three editions. Great job gentlemen, I needed you.

Thanks to our ‘GSR’ George T. for “The GSR Says” and “Literary Corner”. Thank you John M. for “Forgiving and Forgetting”. Thanks to Mark C. for your contributions in making our online meetings a reality. Thanks to Dave Mc. for “Mouse’s Corner.” Thank you Anthony S. for the ‘Joke Box’. We’re still waiting for YOU gentle reader…Why YOU don’t contribute a short “something?” Any length, most any AA related topic. Reply now and it will get included next month!                                                         

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Editors Note:

On a serious note…the sender’s email address [email protected] has been created specifically for this newsletter. The ‘inbox’ may not be reviewed often. Every effort will be made to NOT share your email address with anyone w/o express written permission from you. You may ‘opt out’ at any time from this newsletter by simple reply…” Stop sending me this junk”! Please suggest columns, advice…ideas. Your comments are always welcome.