The dog is doing good. We enrolled her in Petsmart classes and she is probably one of the best in her class, although as soon as we leave there her gloves come off. I have several wounds from her nipping healing right now. She especially likes ears, and not letting go.

Lab puppies are an odd thing. I was wondering if that extra stressor may be a contribution to your relapse? A lab can be the most loyal friend you ever have, but they can also frustrate you to no end.

As far as wise... no way. I have my own problems in life and an addiction I am dealing with also. I'm not as open with it as Kevin and treat it as my deep dark secret. I have been pretty good over the past few years, but came close a week or two ago - and almost punched myself in the face for putting myself in that position. Addiction is hard and something that never never goes away.

>Thank you for the encouragement. You are one of the youngest regulars here and also one of the wisest.
>
>There are a couple of good things in my life today. For one the girls still love me even though they were disappointed yesterday. Today we had a normal weekday morning, except I drove them to the school instead of leaving at 6:30 for the train. (That I will NOT miss). Emily asked if some of her teammates can sleep over Sunday night and I said sure. So they haven't given up on me. The other is I am finally committed to going to meetings. I really hate the thought but what I have been doing has not worked. It works for a while and then it breaks again. If it was just me maybe I would fall into the abyss but there are people who depend in me. I am grateful they are such good kids given all they've had to put up with.
>
>How is your dog doing? Crash is still majoring in aggro but there are signs of improvement. I have to be honest and say I didn't know what holy terrors lab puppies are. The vet tried to warn me and I was too dumb to listen. But we'll get there.
>
>
>>I'm sorry to hear that. I was wondering the other day how you were doing. I guess everything I can think of to say sounds really cliche, so I will skip that crap. I hope you find what you are looking for, and I wish you luck in your journey.
>>
>>>I have been fired from my job.
>>>
>>>The reason is my drinking problem has come back with a vengeance. I can't explain why. I missed last Thursday and Friday and then again today due to drinking. It's a really rotten problem to have. My boss said I am the best programmer he has ever seen but they can't go on like this. I can't blame him.
>>>
>>>The girls don't know yet. They are going to be very disappointed. Moving here has been the biggest decision they have made in their young lives. And now they are going to be worried. S**t! I have let them down.
>>>
>>>Mike