One year sober.

"Your boy, BJR" (jerseyshoreben) 12/04/2015 at 10:33 • Filed to: None

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One year ago today I decided not to take a drink or smoke a bowl and instead go to an AA meeting. And one year later, I can honestly say that it was the best decision ever made. It’s insanity, not being able to go a day without a drink or smoke, hating yourself so much that you have to block everything out with mind altering substances. Those of you who’ve been around probably remember my drunken/stoned rants all too well hahahaha. But that was then. This past year I’ve learned more about myself than I could ever imagine. I’ve grown as a person, admitted to someone else all my wrongdoings and had them reflected back at me. I feel a lot different, and hopefully that difference is noticed by you, than the sick boy who started posting on here 2.5 years ago. It was here where I first learned that young people with only a couple years drinking experience could go to AA too, and thank you to whoever pointed that out to me. I also want to take the opportunity to apologize to all of you I’ve been a horrible dick to on here, I’ve been trying to get better, but as they say in the rooms, spiritual progress, not spiritual perfection lol. I try to stay away from feels posts, but I just want to let you know that I love you, Oppo. Stay awesome.

Without further ado, AMA!

(better pic of the headline car.)

bob and john > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:35

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congrats!

Nerd-Vol > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:37

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Good work!

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:38

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That’s fuckin awesome, congrats!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:39

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Good for you man.

Is that your Studebaker?!

Jcarr > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:39

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Congrats! I know you like Caddys, but I don’t know which ones in particular, so have this one.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:41

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Step 1. Admitted that I am powerless over my car and that my handling has become unmanageable.

Congrats.

vondon302 > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:42

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Congrats!

Gamecat235 > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:42

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Congratulations. From everyone I know who has done this, it is a hard, and very personal journey.

BringBackTheCommodore > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:42

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Congrats! Getting to the one year mark is *not* easy - I’m in recovery as well. One day at a time, and for this day only - and good on you for committing to it!

Your boy, BJR > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/04/2015 at 10:42

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No I don't own it. I wish I did.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:43

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Congrats!

And btw your "Without further goodbye" is driving me nuts.

Your boy, BJR > BringBackTheCommodore 12/04/2015 at 10:44

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Yeah it was particularly rough the first 7 months- especially since I didn’t have a sponsor and was doing 1 closed discussion meeting a week.

450X_FTW > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:44

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I prefer the Taco from The League method of getting clean. Have others come to you when they want to drink or smoke and we’ll share it, overtime I’ll take more and more of the drugs and booze from you until I’m doing all your drugs and booze for you.

Congrats on the self control, it’s far from easy.

Your boy, BJR > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 12/04/2015 at 10:44

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Progress, not perfection hahahahaha

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:45

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On topic: I’m very happy for you. I regret back in the day not really having been one of those helpful voices, being generally neutral to enabling. Count me among those who are glad your inner crazy kid has found a more stable way to be crazy. I do definitely miss one thing from back then - your red-faced Peter Thorndike avatar. How about them Caddies, anyway?

Off topic: We need a topic line or tag for posting Studebakers. “Stude up again”? “Beef Stude”?

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:45

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So does this make you a quitter?

In all honesty, congratulations. Keep it up!

Your boy, BJR > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 12/04/2015 at 10:47

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Get up, Stude up

HammerheadFistpunch > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:47

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Congrats man, it takes a big man to know when they need help and take it. I’m stoked you are happy with the way things have gone for you and hope things keep getting better for you.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:47

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Hey, nobody expects perfection from anybody. It was just going to really bug me if I didn’t say it :)

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:49

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Keep on rocking. Way to take control of your own life and make it your own by being true to you!

Pic unrelated

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:50

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AttiStude. (The ‘34 body kicks so much ass. Get yer Dictator on)

DoYouEvenShift > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:52

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Many Congrats seriously!!

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:52

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Congrats, and good job !

$kaycog > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:54

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Congratulations! Proud of you!

TheHondaBro > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 10:58

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Good for you, man. A couple years ago my father quit smoking and he’s never felt better.

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:01

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Atta boy! Keep doing your best!

EL_ULY > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:08

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CHIDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Much respect homie!!!!

JR1 > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:08

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Well done. And doesn’t it ever worry you that the Caddy will have issues with the N*? My uncle has the same car and it was plagued with the famous N* bolt issue.

Second question. Why didn’t you get a STS V6 instead? I remember you mentioned how much you loved those.

But seriously well done. I don't think I'd ever have the will power.

ttyymmnn > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:09

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Be as God made you.

Since this is an AMA, what made you decide to be sober?

Congratulations, and thanks. You’ve given the world an early Christmas present of your unadulterated self.

Your boy, BJR > JR1 12/04/2015 at 11:09

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No, I’ve seen 300k mile Northstars. You just gotta know what you’re doing.

Can't afford one

Roundbadge > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:10

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Congrats, and well done.

Have a Caddy that Brian Silvestro saw at a car show:

mcseanerson > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:10

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Congrats! Addiction is rough. Here’s to things sailing smoothly.

JR1 > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:12

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Well that is good.

And my mistake I though the V6 was a comparable price to your Caddy

CalzoneGolem > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:15

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I actually don’t remember your rants but that is probably because I’m only on here at work. I miss the later night shenanigans.

Regardless congrats on sobriety and your trip into self discovery. More people need to make that trip.

CalzoneGolem > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 12/04/2015 at 11:18

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Pixel > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:21

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Good for you man. Both for recognizing it was a problem and for sticking to it.

BringBackTheCommodore > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:27

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That would definitely be rough to get through - you made it, though, and that’s a testament to who you are. Dwell on that, your character has manifested itself to you, and it’s a good strength you have.

Tekamul > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 12/04/2015 at 11:30

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This is not a new idea.

I learned long ago (from the movie Truck Turner) when you pick your girl up for a date (possibly when she’s being released from jail) bring some KFC and Pabst to make the night go smooth.

deprecated account > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:35

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We’re proud of you, man. Congrats!

shop-teacher > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 11:35

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Fan-freaking-tastic!!! Keep up the good work!

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Tekamul 12/04/2015 at 11:43

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RIP Hayes.

You know he voiced Chef of South Park?

Tekamul > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 12/04/2015 at 11:55

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Yes. I am a student of both blacksploitation and deliberately unPC animation. Throw in my aggressive distaste for quirky religions, and I may indeed be an Isaac Hayes aficionado. This is something I am just coming to realize.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 12:15

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So this is why the Mercedes...the recovery is competing its final stage.

Seriously though, this is fantastic. So many people let substance abuse completely ruin their lives. Very glad to see you weren’t gonna let it ruin yours!

El Rivinado > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 12:20

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Congrats man. That’s all I can say is congrats.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 12:23

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Well done for taking care of yourself and putting your priorities in order. Cheers to another year of sobriety.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Tekamul 12/04/2015 at 12:25

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Excellent!

Wacko > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 12/04/2015 at 12:27

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also gave us this classic

also sang it live

RallyWrench > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 12:44

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Good on ya, man. It’s a hell of a journey, I’ve seen my mother-in-law fail at it several times. Way to stay strong, particularly without a sponsor.

PushToStart > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 13:04

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congratulations man! I’m sure it hasn’t been easy, but that’s just all the more reason to be proud of yourself.

Your boy, BJR > Tekamul 12/04/2015 at 14:26

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Truck Turner is the shit.

Your boy, BJR > ttyymmnn 12/04/2015 at 14:31

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Honestly, I nearly killed myself with alcohol poisoning twice and cutting my wrists once. I didn't want to die, but I didn't want to keep living the way I was.

Your boy, BJR > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 12/04/2015 at 14:35

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Yep! And I couldn't be prouder to be a quitter!

Agrajag > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 15:49

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Good on you, man!

For Sweden > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 20:28

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I refuse to accept this

#smoketireseveryday

Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 20:57

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Congrats man, and here’s to another year (and lifetime)! My question is, do you buy into all the God stuff in the 12 steps, and do you think the spirituality is necessary? I’m irreligious and I think I would have a hard time with a non-scientific approach to treatment.

Your boy, BJR > Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed 12/04/2015 at 21:04

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Well, yes. Another thing to remember is it’s a God of your own understanding. It could be literally anything.

mazda616 > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 21:07

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Congratulations, man! That’s so awesome.

I hope my family can make changes like you. My aunt is a couple months sober now. She totaled her car in October while driving drunk and got her 4th DUI. Her brother, my uncle, has 4 DUIs under his belt, too.

I'm so happy for you! It's a good life change for sure.

jariten1781 > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 21:25

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‘grats, keep it up.

Speed > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 22:22

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Congratulations. I remember realizing what my own drug abuse was doing to me in my early 20s and when I gave it up. The idea of not being able to have a good time unless I was high on something really bothered me. No matter what it was, from the fair or zoo to a party, I needed to be high to enjoy it.

I cleaned up the rough stuff and, while I miss the good times at times, the overall isn’t worth it nor is it missed. I still drink ocassionally and may toke up once in a blue moon, but it isn’t a daily thing like it was.

You may be a stranger, but I know where you are coming from and I’m genuinely happy for you and your accomplishment. The most important part is realizing it’s a problem and actually doing something about it. It doesn’t matter if your solution is quitting or just getting shit under control so long as it isn’t an issue anymore.

Kudos and congrats. Keep it up.

this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 22:34

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Well done man, that’s a huge deal and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Be proud.

Also, thanks for getting me thinking about AA being a real choice for young people who haven’t been drinking that long. My best friend started really drinking and smoking probably a year ago, and at this point is smoking 3 or 4 times a day and drinking too much and at inappropriate times (week nights, right before soccer games). Then he tells me the reason he had to drop a class is that he’s is just too busy with school and work and simply doesn’t have enough time to study.

I always feel like it’s too early to really push him to think about it as a problem, more than a couple conversations and a lot of ‘do you really think that’s a good idea?’ remarks. He always says it’s just right now because something kind of hard happened and that he’ll stop soon... But of course that’s classic addict reasoning.

I’m going to try harder.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 22:58

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think of the money you’ll save by not drinking , unless you spend it on more fuel.

ttyymmnn > Your boy, BJR 12/04/2015 at 23:35

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Well, I’m glad you chose life. Thanks for sharing.

Frank Grimes > Your boy, BJR 12/11/2015 at 17:47

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congrats. proud of you its hard to admit wrongs and apologize realize you need someone or something else to help. i hope you have good friends and family to support you. best wishes.