Daily blog

As I sit here with my electric heater on overload, battling the arctic blast that has turned Cedar Rapids into a giant freezer, I can’t help but chuckle at the sheer absurdity of it all. The temperature’s a crisp minus 10 degrees, making my central heating look like it’s waving a white flag. The house is as cold as some tin pot dictator's heart, but hey, I’m grateful—it’s a house, not a cardboard box.

Thank heavens for plenty of blankets, heaters, and a well-stocked fridge and pantry. We’ve got enough food for me, the wifey, and our two dogs. We’re snug as bugs in a rug. With projects galore inside, there’s no risk of cabin fever setting in. Despite the frostbite threatening to nibble at my fingers, I’m feeling pretty thankful.

Now, about the OWI mess I created back in September of last year—I’ve got a date with the judge coming up. Accountability time. Rolling the dice with a public defender because no attorney for me. It’s all about no more money but taking responsibility, right? Haven’t called my sponsor, and he hasn’t called me. Maybe we just don’t click. No worries, I’ll find another sponsor from my home group in Cedar Rapids. Got a guy in mind, even have his cell number. I’ll give him a ring soon.

In a moment of sheer genius (or utter foolishness), I decided to walk to the corner store with my dog, Fred, for cigarettes. Big mistake. The arctic wind bit into my soul like some hungry ethereal wolf. Desperately searching for warmth, I found two kids' gloves on the sidewalk—clearly meant for a 4-year-old. Without a second thought, I picked them up and slipped them on.  Scampered on home before Fred and I turned into popsicles. Fred’s doing just fine, happy and paws are frostbite-free no less thank goodness. Should have listened to the wife’s wise words before I went out the door, but hey, you live and learn.

That’s a wrap, folks. Stay sober, my fellow misfits, and never lose hope. Until tomorrow… ❄️🐾🧤