>There is a no-kill animal shelter just down the road, filled with nubile young ladies as well. But I was thinking more of people.

I bet the nubile young ladies would be offended by that!

My wife and I are dog-walkers for the no-kill shelter near here. My wife is over there every morning. I get there weekends when I have time. Good exercise too.

>
>>Call the nearest humane society or other animal shelter. They' are always looking for volunteers, and you won't find a more grateful bunch of recipients.
>>
>>>It's already on my list! I was heavily involved with a group called Chicago Cares when I lived closer to the city. My main involvement was with their Sunday meals for the hungry, as crew chief the second Sunday of every month and helping out most other Sundays, but was unable to find a substitute when I moved up here (approx. 50 miles from downtown Chicago). A counselor last week told me there is now a similar operation not far from here. I also went on a Katrina relief mission with Chicago Cares. It is on my short term To Do list to get involved with the Lake County group.
>>>
>>>They suggest this in AA as well -- get involved in things that take you out of your own head. As one regular puts it, that's like a walk through a bad part of town ;-)
>>>
>>>>I will certainly agree that our self-worth is often tied to having something meaningful to do (i.e. work). In the meantime, you might consider volunteering at a shelter or such. Helps to be less self-centered. Works for me.
>>>>
>>>>>I thought this over and discussed it with my daughters and have changed my mind. Disappearing for a while now is not such a good idea. I need to stay close to my AA group (even though there are many groups elsewhere) and look for work. I need calmness, not excitement.
>>>>>
>>>>>>Personally, I think any “big city” venue would be a downer.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I would go for a (safe) native American “sweat lodge”, or a dessert safari type of thing. Perhaps climb a mountain. Stay away from cold weather and keep in the sun.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I have been trying everything, to no avail. Maybe a change of scenery will do me good. One of the counselors in the hospital last week, one I trusted, suggested a change of scenery might do me good. We talked for a long time, way over her allotment, and she said you might be better off elsewhere.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I would like to come stay somewhere for a couple of weeks. It almost doesn't matter where. I will pay and work my keep. Before I leave I will make sure my daughters are covered.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Mike