 |
PM |  | |
Quote | | |
Reply | | |
Full Topic | |
| Joined: | Mon Mar 9th, 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 14 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
Hello, Mike.
I am here this evening to begin my steps towards recovery.
(Polite but subdued applause.)
It all began for me with a simple Hamilton Boulton. Small, and heck, it was only quartz. I thought I could handle the light stuff.
I think it was the classic case shape. Or maybe those beautiful applied gold numbers. I don't know....
I found myself dazed, just staring at it for hours. I would come to and realize someone had been speaking to me. I didn't even know what time or date it was - ...and I didn't care.....
Tell it Brother !!
I should have known I was in trouble when I bought the Khaki King Automatic instead of paying the mortgage. Just a little of the Swiss stuff I thought. I'll try it and I'll just put it away and not do anymore. I seriously underestimated the need for ETA. It would become my life.
My friends left me one by one. The dog ran away. I didn't notice.
I became obsessed. I would stay up late, just to watch the day and date change. I would time the power reserve period instead of going on to work.
When the power was finally shut off, I reacted by buying a Seiko dive watch, just for the lume. It was cheaper than monthly bills anyway, I thought.
Amen!! Been there!! (several people callout in encouragement and a woman begins to softly sob near the back of the room)
I couldn't say "no". I bought an Oceanus on the sly. So what if I was late on the house payment again. So what if I were late to work, and had not shaved for days. Just watching the "O" sync up with the shortwave signal was enough.
I would go to FourBucks Coffee and plug in the laptop there, and surf for watches. Ah, the naked glistening stainless steel. I knew I shouldn't look at Pamerai - I looked anyway.
I said I'd reformed, but I hadn't. My wife found those temporary internet files - that finally ended the marriage.
I stand before you a broken and ruined man. I can only afford the cheap stuff now. The odd Raketa or maybe a Bulova - I no longer notice the harshness. I just have to have it. I've even worn a Timex with a cracked plastic case.
(The crowd gasps and mutters)
Oh, I have a vintage 50's Hamilton Automatic from happier times put away - I'm not a fool. I know to have a secret cache. My last friends tried to intervene before they gave up. They can't find all my little secrets..
The Host stands and interupts - "Thank you, Mike. Realizing you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Let us tell you about the other steps..."
{Actually - I'm glad to be here and look forward to learning and sharing - thanks}