I used to think blogs were for assholes; for people who honestly believe that everyone else is interested in their lives. I thought they were for people with an over-inflated sense of self worth. I thought they were for people with way too much time on their hands. So, why am I creating a blog?     
    Presumably there will one day be at least one follower of this blog (my mom), and they will no doubt respond , "Because you're an asshole?" No (mom). I'm creating this blog as a reminder of where I've been and how far I've come. I hope it will be a reminder to live life. I'm creating this because I need to tell this to someone. Most importantly, I'm creating this with the sincerest of hopes that at least one person will relate to what I write and find it helpful.
     You see, I'm an alcoholic and a drug addict. I just celebrated Halloween sober for the first time in probably 15 years. By celebrated, I mean I worked at the new job I started a couple of months ago. Prior to that I had been working at the same job for almost 10 years. I left work one day and drove myself straight to the hospital. I guess that's one way to quit. It wasn't a well thought out plan, it kind of came to life as I thought I was dying. I think I'll save that story for another time, though.
     Along with a new job, I live in a new apartment in a new city, I've just started going back to school after a ten year "break", and I almost never see any of my old friends. In nine months I've changed practically everything about my life and I rarely stop to think about it. Maybe that's the purpose of this blog. I need to stop and think about life.
     Today I heard someone use the always popular phrase, "Life's too short". No it isn't. Life can be to short, but it doesn't have to be. The way I was living, life was going to be too short. Even if I lived to be 110, life was going to be too short. I wasn't living, I was just existing. Oh, and I was slowly killing myself everyday. The main point is, I wasn't doing anything to make my time here worth while. I wasn't creating any memories, and I wasn't giving myself anything to look forward to.
     At this point in my life, I know I have a long road ahead of me, and I'm so excited to see where it takes me. However, I plan on taking my time getting there and creating memories each day along the way. Sobriety is a life long process. Before, the thought of never reaching the end of something would have stopped me from even attempting it, but now I hope it takes as long as possible...

...I coincidentally got this letter in the mail today:
     "Son, Since you have no memories... I have a memory from long ago when your sister told me that you said Dad and I never told you we were proud of you. It has always bothered me and now I can tell you that we couldn't be prouder. We are so happy with what you have accomplished in such a short period. I am thrilled that you are enjoying school. You are very smart and I am so happy that you are finding learning to be so enjoyable. I am also happy that you are learning and discovering yourself. I know you are proud of yourself and that is the most important. We are proud parents and love you to death. Love to you always. Mom and Dad. Xxo"

     I hope this reaches the people it's intended for one day.