Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

[LVT25]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Thankful--

I say your niece is a very, very lucky girl to have someone like you in her life. :l

[Thankful]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Whoa! We were on page 7!! I didn't mean to bring the group down folks!!

Thank you all very much for your support. I means the world to me. Thanks to those who were cheering me up in chat the other night and for the PMs as well.

I finally got to talk to my niece last night (first time since I dropped her off) and she made me feel like I was bothering her. I have left her 4 messages since Wed night and I still had to be the one to initiate this call. She was playing Guitar Hero, so heaven forbid if she stopped what she was doing to chat for a second. I have been worried sick wondering if she received the Visa on the account I set up for her yet. So I find out last night (within the 4 minutes time she gave me to talk) that she has not. And I mean 4 actual minutes clocked on the cell phone - no exaggeration there. So right now, no Visa = no books yet and classes start today. She gave some crap about not knowing how to use the phone in her dorm and she lost her the paper with her long distance calling code on it, and blah, blah.

I made sure that I was cherry and light hearted when talking to her so she wouldn't know how upset I have been. She is so damn cavalier about the whole thing (and with calling me) that I think she is setting herself up for a fall. And maybe she needs one at this point to teach her a lesson, but it's still hard when all I want to do is protect her from it.

She really seems so unlike herself already and it hasn't even been a week. It's so scary to me how different she is already acting. So now I am worried about who is she hanging out with that seems to be making some sort of bad impression on her. Ugh! For all intense purposes she is an adult now and I have to let it be.

But now, I not only miss her tremendously, I am pissed and hurt too! So glad college is suppose to be the "time of her life" , cause this really sucks for me!

Liv, thanks for your encouraging words. So sorry that you are also saying goodbye to your little girl. Makes me a little sad to know that it does not get easier, but it's must be encouraging to know that she is successful and moving on. I know tears can be cleansing, but I always stop myself when I start to cry. I think this is why I am crying every few hours. I really need to let it out in one big sob feast and I probably would be ok, but my mind just won't let me. I wish I could because I would probably feel some much better. I really have tried, but I just can't. I keep telling myself that I am being foolish and I just need to get over it.

The family reunion was ok. It was nice seeing some of the people and we had beautiful weather. My brother got so drunk and my sister got tipsy. So, once again that left me to do 90% of the work. People were coming over to me as if I could do something about it. Last year I would have been so ashamed and sick over their behavior and I would have allowed it to ruin my day. It was a bit embarrassing, but I am learning that it's simply not my problem any more. When I told my brother the next day how drunk he was and how he acted, he basically denied the whole thing as if I wasn't even there. You know the lines - "I wasn't that wasted", "I never said that", "I wasn't stumbling at all, what are you talking about". This man is King of Denial.

Anyway, thanks again to all of you for your support. You all are so awesome.

Love, Me
:l:h:l

[Beck]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Thankful,

You know you don't bring the thread down - that is just how this one works...real quiet then real busy...

As for your niece, her behavior has nothing to do with you. Nothing. She is just trying to fit into her new environment. She knows you are available when she needs you, that is really all you can do for her at this point. I remember being in college - we never learned to appreciate our parents until senior year. Then we realized they were usually right. Give her time and space and she will come back.

I know this is a trying time for you, but it should also be an exciting time. I know much of the reason you are in the situation you are in is because you were raising your niece. Now it is time to take care of you.

Oh and I am glad you didn't let the family drunks ruin the family reunion. It must be difficult being the only grown up in a family of adults.

Love,

[Determinator]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

heyo from "burning man" in the middle of the dusty blazing desert! managed to find a wifi spot and so far so good. All is going well and Im very comfortable in my sobriety here in the midst of the kwaziness I'm so happy to report.

Thannkful, extra hugs for you dear.

miss you all and hope to be able to type more later....stories to tell. like the naked group leader of the AA meeting I went to yesterday. LOL!!

be well my friends XXXXXXXX

[LVT25]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Well, I hate to jinx it, but my Internet has been working all day today for some reason. I have spent way too much time here trying to catch up!
I'm feeling really well right now. I've had several occasions to partake, but just doesn't seem worth it, I guess. Had a test on hubby's birthday, I appointed myself designated driver!! We had the kids with us and I was quite proud of myself drinking water all night. Of course I made him go home early so I could go to bed!:H
Then, we had family visiting that we ALWAYS drank and (I) smoked with. Things just worked out so it wasn't an issue really. Times when I used to drink beer, I drink something else now.

I've been wondering about everyone on this thread, hope you all are well.:h

Det, I'll be waiting breathlessly to hear about the naked group leader!:H

[livingfree]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Det - ok buddy ... pictures of the naked group leader :H Details on the burning man week!!

Hey LVT - did you get your internet fixed? This has to be driving you crazy !

Hi Beck - You are doing so great. Keep up the good work hun

Believe has been off the boards for so long now. If you check in ... stop and say hi buddy!

everyone has been so quiet on this thread I think we need to take a pulse. WW is MIA on this thread ... how are you doing? I am just going to have to find you in a search on the threads! I don't spend enough time on the boards to reads lots of threads, so I will have to go hunting!

Kate, Thankful, DG and all posters l hope you are filling your days with great tools and come here to share how you are doing. I learn so much for all - Thanks! :h

[A Work in Progress]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Hey LF and everyone, yeah it is quiet here! Lots of activity on the 30-day "sister" thread, though. I am finding it hard to keep up with this one along with the other threads I am most involved in: the 30-day thread, the "hello I am a non drinker" thread on General, the "booze-buster" one, and the "AF Army," which is a lot of fun. So, for me, this one ends up getting neglected.

wip

[Thankful]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Hello, my friends.

Pulling myself up by the boot straps. Finally heard from my niece on Wed. Gave a bit of an update on what she is doing and what clubs and sports she has joined, so I feel much better knowing that she is adjusting and doing well. I can't believe the difference in my mood these past 2 days since hearing from her. It's all I need, just a friggin update once in a while, you know? I think it's not too much to ask, but then some think I am making a big deal out of this. But I feel, until you walk a mile in my shoes.........

Had my dad back in the ER again yesterday. His blood pressure was extremely low (70s/50s). AGAIN, he was extremely dehydrated and they can not figure out why this keeps happening. I feel so bad for him, because when they can't find out what's wrong, they just come to the conclusion that he is not drinking enough water. He drinks 1-2 gallons a day! But they choose just to not believe us, because that way they don't look like they are doing anything wrong. They keep adjusting his meds, but the same blood pressure meds he's on also control his rapid heart rate (Atrial Fibulation (? spelling). So changing these meds is a Catch 22. This is so frustrating because once his health starts failing from this, it comes hard and fast and there is no warning. I have to check his blood pressure at least 3 times a day now and he is already fed up with this process. Ugh!

Well, I just started a new exercise program. Feels good, but it's only been a couple of days. My mind needs it at this point more than my body! lol But I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will keep it up. Helps to have a plan written down on paper.

Anyway, just thought I'd check in. I hope you all do the same. I may not get here everyday anymore, but that does not mean I am not thinking of each and every one of you.

Love, Me
:l:h:l:l

[mwo2]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Hello All,

Checking in....day 62 for me.

Things are great....not having any drinking urges. Sometimes I will think, hmm...I used to want a drink here when doing this or hey I didnt even think about a drink then....but that is all.

The kids have been home for a couple of weeks now and we have been so involved with being together and just having fun and getting ready for school..start back on Wed.

The kids being home have filled me up and have also left me talked out...

I do think of you all and am glad to read how everyone is doing.

MWO is has been a life changing place for me and I will always be around to check in and post. Life is busy in a great way....

[Determinator]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

I'm back from burning man. just got in tonight. gory details to come when I get rested up.

MWO2, day 62 is fab! well done dear!

[Beck]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Hi everyone...

Well I guess I'm checking in and out. I've decided to take an MWO break in September. I have other areas of my life that need more attention/work right now. I am leaving as a non-drinker and I intend to return as one.

I wish everyone the best and sincerely hope this thread is still active when I return.

Love,

[A Work in Progress]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

We'll miss you, Beck! Your posts are helpful and level-headed. I hope you have a great September!

wip

[Determinator]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

be well Beck!

well, I figured a good way to kickstart Sept was with this educational video:

[ame=

]YouTube - Drunk animals[/ame]

[livingfree]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Hi everyone!

Had a great weekend ~ got to spend the weekend riding baby bike in the Mountains with hubbie. Just a great weekend.

Beck - I am going to miss you in Sept. Please come back refreshed in Oct. with lots to tell us!!

Night all ~ ~

[Determinator]

Day 31 and Beyond: Hello, I'm a non-drinker

Liv, what is baby bike?