Torquemada

That's pretty impressive work, JT. Amazing job, there's a lot of work being put in there for a great cause. Yeah, training the foster parents is exceptionally important, I believe. I must say that in the sessions we went to, some of the people there were not really the most obvious choices for people you would want to own pets, let alone foster a child!

Anyway, Loving what you're doing!

Torquemada

Thanks mate. Well, there are a few hoops we will have to jump and I have to get my full green card first (should be soon, I hope). It will be a tough journey, I reckon, but ultimately worth it all around

JTaylor

Rubbish day in work; dark when I got home; house is cold (heating goes on Nov. 1st) - really want a pint of Guinness.

Torquemada

Noooo, don't do it! (I know you wouldn't and are stronger than that) but resist the urge!! So close!

JTaylor

I know, I'm just attention seeking. Missus made perfectly seasoned mushroom soup for starters, posh sausages with onion gravy and vegatable mash for main and we were on chocolate cheese cake for pudding. Into The Wild on the box (great soundtrack), cuddles on the sofa - sorted.

Torquemada

lol, al good

Bloody hell, easy on the food name dropping though, I haven't had decent British grub for what feels like forever. Tried bangers and mash a while back and it was THE worst. 'British' style pubs here suck....

JTaylor

Sorry, buddy. It was rather indulgent of me, but there's something about home cooking that alleviates the blues. So you can't get decent sausages in your neck of the woods? That blows! We were in Provence in the summer and the sausages there were absolutely awesome! As was the wine...mmm, wine...

Turbohot

Into The Wild is a brilliant and a very emotive film; based on a real story. I've often talked about this film and its excellent soundtrack here. I'm glad you aren't drinking or you would have cried at watching it. Hope you and Missus Taylor enjoyed it.

'Guaranteed' is my favourite song!

JTaylor

Yeah, it's excellent. I've seen it before, but Lizzy hasn't. As a big Pearl Jam fan I love Eddie Vedder's music and voice.

Torquemada

Nah, sausages here just ain't the same. Provence sounds awesome, and the wine does too!

Turbohot

Ah, ok! Hope Lizzy enjoyed Into The Wild.

JTaylor

She cried, Swati. I think the ending's rather beautiful.

Turbohot

Yes, that's what I meant by 'enjoying' tbh.

When a tragedy is appreciated, it's 'kind of' enjoyed; similar to a sad ending being beautiful in the eyes of the spectator. I find difficult to call this positive feeling a sadistic one. Or, perhaps you're pointing out to the nature bits at the ending? Or, perhaps you find the ultimate liberation of a liberated, earthly soul rather beautiful? Me too, to be fair, but it makes my heart filled with deep, unforgettable sorrow when I think of the central character, who is so detached to the worldly world that he gives up everything, and just wanders and wanders this earth; to find the sense of liberation away from the organised settlements, which possibly makes him feel the safest and the happiest. Just my stark perception of someone's happy choice, in this case. I'm sure Lizzie appreciated the film. Deeply saddening and highly revealing to the 'self' of many, hence very moving. I don't know if it was a box office hit, but what a film. I really liked it. I don't think I currently have the courage to watch it again, as it will make me deeply saddened and painfully thoughtful again.

JTaylor

Yes, any art that moves one is good art.

I like your observation around 'ultimate liberation' - that's what I got from it. The natural conclusion of wanting to escape unnatural constructs and systems, setting the spirit free in an absolute way by leaving the material world.

Turbohot

...and there rests the climax of this heart wrenching tragedy called Into The Wild, since the natural conclusion wasn't intentional on the part of the ultimately liberated.

The solitary* wanderer was actually looking for, found and used a natural cure; with the intention to save his solitary existence on this earth at that time. That cure freed him in the 'ultimate' way. I don't think he wished for it, at that time. The story projects a silhouette of a person who tried the liberation to gain some control that he never possessed; due to his own out-of-his control childhood. But he lost that control to the cure; his chosen cure that should have saved him.

*Solitary not lonely. 'Lonely' is a victimhood, whereas the voluntary solitude for someone 'solitary' is an autonomous choice.

.

JTaylor

Yeah, agreed.


Back on topic, today is the last day of my little challenge. It's been surprisingly easy, perhaps if I were to commit the rest of my life to sobriety it'd prove somewhat tougher. I feel lighter (although I've not weighed myself) and slightly brighter in my thinking. I miss the relaxing effect of hops and the taste of good beer, cider, G&T, malt and fine wine. Meals are less of an event. Tea is no substitute reward for an alcoholic drink after a solid day's graft. I'm wealthier. All in all a positive exercise and one that I'll look to carry out more regularly.

My sincere thanks to those of you who've been so generous with your sponsorship and to anyone who's been thinking of chipping-in, it's by no mean too late.

Torquemada

Great work JT.

I must say, giving up for life is bloody tough, I still yearn for a Revolver, Bloody & Honey.

Again, love the commitment you put in for a good cause. Just a few more hours left!

JTaylor

Thanks for your encouragement along the way, friend!

What made you "give up for life"?

Torquemada

You're welcome

Well, I gave up for a few reasons.

I had heart surgery earlier in the year, as for the last year and a half my heart had been randomly going up to 200 bpm+. Got that fixed and had quit drinking prior to that but then I went back into it with a vengeance. I'd had a few times when my normally 'fun, lots of hugs and love' drunk became a 'I'd like to crush you mentally and be a complete @rse' drunk. I basically could get a bit ragey (there have been a couple of occasions where I wrote sh1tty things on here, in fact, all because of booze). Oh yeah, plus I was just doing it too much and I was at the stage where a few strong drinks would make me black out, although I would seem fine.

I gave up when I had come home drunk and was verbally abusive to my partner, she does not deserve that, ever. Gave up the next day, July 9th, started going to AA and that was pretty good for me. Stopped with the AA stuff but I'm firmly in charge of not wanting or needing a drink. The difference between me and a normal person is that, when I start, I really do not want to stop drinking until I am physically unable to drink any more.

And, I am a much better person for it. Don't drink, don't smoke - all I need to do now is give up the hookers and cocaine

JTaylor

Wow! Thanks for sharing, Torque. I thought I'd noticed a change in you and picked up on this:

https://www.scoobynet.com/non-scooby...l#post11882196

Great prayer and a big amen from me!

Torquemada

Spot on, you picked up right

Thanks very much!

JTaylor

I used to indulge in all sorts of things when I was younger and my dear mum would worry about me. I remember seeing or hearing the Serenity Prayer once and thinking how powerful it was. I typed it out on my computer and gave it to her and she put it on her desk in work. It came as some surprise when her colleague pointed out that it was synonymous with AA. She left it there anyway.

I'd not intentionally included the courage line in the post above, but it'd clearly lodged in my subconscious. The power of prayer.

On that topic, I've been asked to lead church worship at the end of this month as our pastor is away. It'll involve me going through notices, choosing hymns, praying and preaching the Word. I'm not sure I'm ready yet, so I'll certainly be praying for serenity, courage and wisdom. I understand that you're not a Christian, but I'd appreciate it if you'd spare I thought for little ol' me up there in the pulpit.

Back to your post, it's tremendously brave of you to confess your trespasses. Most men are too proud and carry them to their grave. Rest awhile.

Torquemada

As you say, I'm not religious but I do like to see positive elements in things I come across (nowadays) The serenity prayer is great, just as wise words generally, for anyone.

I shall indeed think positive thoughts for you when leading your church worship!

Thank you for your kind words, JT. Writing it on here is also some kind of a therapy.

And, back OT, I hope you raise a ton of money, now and with the future fundraising efforts!

Turbohot

Well done, Torquemada!

Great effort and a great result there.

Torquemada

Thanks very much

JTaylor

Shall I have a nice malt, a cider or a real ale for breakfast?

dpb

After a months worth drying out you could have all three.

urban

iTrader: (1)

And will likely be hammered as a result.
Go for it, and post the results in an hour

coupe_20vt

iTrader: (2)

You deserve either or all.

Well done!

JTaylor

I'm thinking of keeping it going. The missus wants to go out for dinner this evening, I think she'd be fairly shocked if I ordered a soft drink. It's either that I grow a moustache this month.