Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

[mollyka]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

How right you are staying in the leaba Rusters!! not long up myself - deffo pity party going on here!!! My son who has always lived at home - he's really really moody at the moment and tbh I think there's an element of Jilly being the prodigal son... she arrives home outta the blue and suddenly she's being (as he sees it - she will be paying rent) handed an apartment and he's still stuck in the house -mind you - he hasn't said ANY of this - but I'm reading between the lines--- there's a lot of back story going on... far too complicated to go into .. but yeah - it's all a bit gloomy round the house too...

Morning,
Well you wouldn't believe the turn around on FB after I posted the congrats and well dones. This young man started getting a load of congrats and asking how did you do it, does he enjoy it and is it worth it type of questions..........he's showing at 30 years old that life doesn't have to revolve around alcohol.

Now listen, I'm not banging on here about everyone in the universe being and getting rid of alcohol......a lot of people handle it very well and know their limits..............just its nice seeing light bulb moments going on in the younger generations.

Funny - dunno bout the UK - but there's a definite dip in the amount of drinking that the younger people are doing in Ireland - there's still the hard core - there always will be - but your average young fella or girl - it's not deemed cool anymore to go out and get wasted weekend after weekend - it's a welcome turn around - a bit like we thought nothing of drink driving when we were young but the generation after us were horrified... good to see

Morning ladies, probably just post Christmas but I am feeling a tad flat too. But then thinking thats only the case if I allow myself to be. I used to 'enjoy' the odd wallow/pity party, it was always a good excuse to drink.
So its been a odd last couple of days, we had some guests around and I handed one 2 bottles of wine to take home last night, they were annoying me looking at them there on the sideboard, the bottles not the guests haha. I also inquisitively had a sniff of a glass of red for the first time in a long time and guess what bang the memories flooded back, dangerous memories. I had absolutely no desire or intention to even take a sip I already knew exactly where that would quickly lead, not that I need confirmation but a sobering thought none the less. Sent a shiver down my spine if truth were told.

and that's another one - I rarely sniff out of a bottle - occasionally if there's a drop if I'm going to put it in cooking I may make sure it's alright... but yeah - it's a foreign land to me - I don't want any association with it -- your big day looming Mr T!!!!!

Morning all,
Have a full house, sisters kids here, they were on lash last night (not the kids :happy2
Good for you staying in bed [MENTION=15758]rustop59[/MENTION].. Dont worry too much about feeling a bit flat, its that time of year - it will pass. The ads on telly say we should on be in constant party mode, thats not real.. Is it lashing there, can you get a hike in today?
[MENTION=7008]JackieClaire[/MENTION] - I remember you talking about that guy, cant believe people are saying that to him. Maybe theres a lot to be said for not being so public?? Then you cant be influenced by those that just dont get it...

morning all!

omg -- just remembered - there's a fella I work with - he's a dote - and he's one of those purely social drinkers - loves a few pints and that's it - but his mate has quit for some reason - it's a couple of years now - and there were a few of them organising a week somewhere to watch the soccer finals next summer... and he said (my mate) AND I QUOTE ' hope ..... doesn't think he's going to ruin the week by being all abstemious or anything'........... jaysus -- this is a middle-aged - kind - lovely - well educated man..... ffs!!!

[JackieClaire]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Evening,
Took it upon myself to go into town. Was just going to the wool shop for some teddy eyes but the shops were surprisingly quiet............even Primark (Penneys in Eire)...........got myself a winter white parka and a pair of blue velvet walking boots...........well they're not exactly for walking but for £6 a bargain and fabulous with jeans.

Morning ladies, probably just post Christmas but I am feeling a tad flat too. But then thinking thats only the case if I allow myself to be. I used to 'enjoy' the odd wallow/pity party, it was always a good excuse to drink.
So its been a odd last couple of days, we had some guests around and I handed one 2 bottles of wine to take home last night, they were annoying me looking at them there on the sideboard, the bottles not the guests haha. I also inquisitively had a sniff of a glass of red for the first time in a long time and guess what bang the memories flooded back, dangerous memories. I had absolutely no desire or intention to even take a sip I already knew exactly where that would quickly lead, not that I need confirmation but a sobering thought none the less. Sent a shiver down my spine if truth were told.

:harhar: Had to laugh at the guests sitting on the side board........imagine the conversation between them going home.........that Tabbers hasn't half gone weird since he stopped drinking..........oh god is it now the done thing to pop your guests there.......was it in last weeks Sunday Times pull out and we missed it.

I can and do sniff wine now but that's come with time..........it is an interesting process wine making........but I'd rather pull my eyeballs through my nostrils than drink it, probably because if I did its exactly how I'd feel . I love the smell of a good cigar but I'd never smoke one.

This first year is all about building armour against booze and going into the second year is about maintaining it. Remind yourself why you're doing it, how you felt when you did it and be grateful you did it.

Molls, I get the feeling there is a gradual change in the young 'uns. For a start its getting very expensive. There's more emphasis on exercise........no one wants to go to a spin class with a banging hangover.......perhaps education is getting through........but I do feel a shift.

[IamMary]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

I can and do sniff wine now but that's come with time..........it is an interesting process wine making........but I'd rather pull my eyeballs through my nostrils than drink it, probably because if I did its exactly how I'd feel . I love the smell of a good cigar but I'd never smoke one.

If theres a dirty glass in the morning, I sometimes have a sniff and have a mini celebration in my head.
Like you Tabbers, I've had a proper sniff over Christmas, and let thoughts waft in. Stupid. But I like the cigar analogy.

Agree on the shift in younger kids..They are much more aware of physical health, mental health, well being etc, even from a young age - I suppose it all goes hand in hand.

New years eve tomorrow and this gang of temporary flat, crochet wannabees (+1 expert) will be blasting into 2018 with no regrets... bring it on. No more sniffing :happy2:

[Tabbers (a.k.a. KTAB)]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Good morning folks. I came across an article that explains very well what I had in mind when mentioning recently how 'us lot' need to look after ourselves, 'love and care' for ourselves. It isn't selfish to put ourselves first, especially in the context of our protecting our hard fought sobriety. I think low self esteem, even self loathing for what we had become is extremely common after years of alcohol abuse and personally an important part of my recovery is looking differently at this, being kind to myself feels right.

Self-care: 'Ireland is the only country where 'you love yourself' is an insult'

[rustop59]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Good morning Tabs and all to come. Thanks for that article, how very true and a timely reminder. I have taken on board what Molly said the other day as well. Have done so well over the Christmas period, don’t want to fall into the old, sure you deserve a treat routine. Am going back to taking all my vitamins and practicing meditation each day, starting tomorrow.

Just did early morning run to the airport so feet up with coffee and Sunday papers. Too wild to go hill walking and tired as was chauffeuring late and up early for airport. Think I’m driving again tonight but don’t mind, it is serving it’s purpose.

[mollyka]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Morning Tabs and Rusters and all the other lazy layabouts.... I read that article actually and agree entirely... as they say - if we don't love ourselves - how do we expect others to?
I know I sound like a right aul doom merchant when I say things like that Rusters but it was certainly my experience - - letting the guard down...
Still feeling a bit down - no idea why - and a bit pulled in every direction - Joe has cabin fever and as I was at work all week all I really want to do is put my feet up with a book - Jilly and baba are coming back from the other granny this evening so busy busy house again - dunno if that's a good thing or bad tbh - think I'm too much of a hermit when left to my own devices...

anyway - have a lovely last day of 2017 and onwards and upwards after that -- OKAY??!!

[JackieClaire]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Morning lovelies,
Ya sure its just Ireland, Tabbers

I've long been of the opinion that addicts have on the greater part low self-esteem. When we as addicts meet a fellow addict there becomes a bond between us.........not immediately but quicker than most.........we see in them what we see in ourselves.

When I met the long suffering Mr JC he couldn't believe how low my self esteem was........in fact its only with his help, counselling and the folk here that I've realised I'm pretty damned good at a lot of things. But I remember things like school reports.............how many down the page would say...............could do better........I wanted to ask help me to do better but just never had the nerve. Tbh I thought the no-one could be bothered with little old me. I was forever seeking approval and still do on some things..............I'm terrible for standing over people when I've cooked, wringing my hands and asking if its okay..........actually I've done that with an Indian take-away and then realised what a twerp I've been.
I have still got things to work on.........I know I over talk and only half listen sometimes.

There's one thing though we've got good hearts :heartbeat:

[JackieClaire]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Cross post there, Molls.
After typing that lot......it may be a small thing but I've decided to wear my boho long green dress instead of boring velvet trousers with a 'nice' top tonight.

[JackieClaire]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Total turnaround...............little grey boots, leggings and a jumper dress............must get going or I'll miss the salmon and prawn bites that Mr JC made this afternoon with the other volunteers..............................zooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooom

[mollyka]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

oh forgot you were going out - have a great one and a happy new year xxx

[IamMary]

Re: Join the Army Against Alcohol-December 2017

Hope your having a blast [MENTION=7008]JackieClaire[/MENTION].. good choice of outfits

Good morning folks. I came across an article that explains very well what I had in mind when mentioning recently how 'us lot' need to look after ourselves, 'love and care' for ourselves. It isn't selfish to put ourselves first, especially in the context of our protecting our hard fought sobriety. I think low self esteem, even self loathing for what we had become is extremely common after years of alcohol abuse and personally an important part of my recovery is looking differently at this, being kind to myself feels right.

Self-care: 'Ireland is the only country where 'you love yourself' is an insult'

Good article. I like the bit - “when you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself”
Another side, I think there is a generation of over praised kids growing up now, which I dont think is healthy either. My kids think they are deprived because we don't celebrate every single achievement - coffee and a bun for getting all your spellings right!! (maybe its just me!)...

Molly, hope things sort them selves out at your place:hug:

Happy new year buddies. :sendflowers: