40 Years

 Forty years ago yesterday I had a glass of beer in Vienna, Austria.  All it did for me was make me want another beer.  That seemed like a silly and dysfunctional reason to drink alcohol.  And I never really liked it all that much. I just liked the effect.  So today, forty years ago, I did not drink any alcohol and have kept up this habit ever since.  Being shy and introverted, I have not missed the big whoopee parties.  I am hardly noticed in a crowd of people now.  Unless of course I have my priest clothes on.  I can be alone and not be lonely.  I can be in a crowd and be lonely.  Alcohol could fix that, but fixed nothing else.  I go to bed early and get up early.  My blogs are one result of this seemingly “dull” life.  I live more on my insides than my outsides.  The insides are never dull, and I share my experiences with others in “talks” I give now and again.  I like my life and I believe God still has plans for me.  And people miss me when I leave places.  People used to be glad when I finally left.  Happy Anniversary to me.