re: getting my 30 day chip today!!!

 I'm so excited that I get my 30 day chip today.  I want to go to 3 meetings and claim a chip in every one!  I won't but I thought about it.  lol  My new AA friend is going to be there to cheer for me and I am imagining savoring the moment of hearing the clapping, getting my hug, and my chip.  I didn't think it would feel like such a triumph.  I guess I thought it would be more like desperate, white-knuckling until the day came I could meekly say I'd "managed" to stay away from alcohol for 30 days.  I've been picking up the phone and showing up for friends and appointments/commitments lately, which is a huge change in my usual isolating repertoire.  I've even been volunteering myself to be there and help other people (which I normally don't do so I can sit home by myself in peace).   My AA buddy is giving me a Step One and Step Two packet she got while in out-patient treatment which I'm anxious to have because I have felt that these steps were too easy and unceremonious.  I'm a ritualistic type person so I have to feel like something is finished before I move on to the next thing.  I saw my sponsor last night and we are on to meet for the first time next Wed.  My AA friend also suggested that since my sponsor hasn't been able to offer up much time so far, to tell her that we will try to work together on a trial basis and see how it goes.  That way if at any point I'm not getting the one-on-one time I need, I've given myself the okay to find somebody else.  I like this idea...especially since I have a really hard time severing relationships with nice people.  Wish me luck guys.  =0)