Getting from the bed to my desk this morning was probably like most other mornings. I just notice some morning "rituals" more on some days - like today.

You start it out waiting your turn for the bathroom because you only have one and the two teenagers living in your home have decided the need to make themselves presentable for the hundreds of admirers at school is more important than your full bladder that's presently taking a beating by the twins in utero. Once you've managed to find your hairbrush and an outfit that doesn't need ironing and isn't stained, you make it to your car and head out of the driveway. On the route there's always that one person who thinks he can beat the yellow light making a left turn while you wait your turn and your green light to drive across the street. And, of course, there's always that one car behind the one that thinks he can beat the yellow light that decides to make the left turn anyway, even if you've already started your trek across the street. There's always the one parent rushing to get their kid to school, so much so that they cut you off in traffic without using their blinker. Nevermind the fact that you both end up pulling in to the same school at the same time. Then when you get to work, there's that one (or more) person who isn't the boss but has a power trip for some reason and she decides to see how much of that power she doesn't possess she can attempt to push on you. When you finally make it to your desk, you're inundated with a host of messages from people who have failed to plan and for some reason, they believe this has somehow become my emergency.

Days like today are my real tests. See, the Al-anon program isn't just teaching me how to deal with issues with my qualifier - this is the big "holycow" realization I've had in the last week. In all actuality, if I have to compare, dealing with my partner is a whole lot easier than dealing with the rest of the world and daily life :D. Aside from one blaring horn honking moment at the parent who nearly took off my front end while cutting in front of me, I pretty much kept my cool and just decided to take care of what I could take care of and deal with those things that are my responsibility. I even ordered two dressing tables for the teenagers so they don't need to hog the bathroom. A month ago, I would have been a raving idiot telling all these people the "truth, according to me".

I've heard it said a million times before - and I've joined in that choir - that working this program isn't easy - it's downright hard. But you know what? It's a lot easier to work the program than to go through life without it.

Peace and love .. and when you hear a horn honk on the road, laugh and think of me LOL.

-nalani