Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

[charlee]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

Mary
Peace of mind...you hit the nail right on the head for me...I have been trying to figure out a phrase to capsulate the way my AF life is thus far. Yes, more energy, confidence, lack of guilt etc., etc...all wonderful feelings happening both physically and mentally, but it is peace I am feeling with myself that is the absolute best...Yes, I still have thoughts of drinking, stressors and difficulties but everything is just so much easier.....Will always take it just one day at a time, making no promises for tomorrow.... this has worked for me since making that AF committment 73 days ago.

[jane jane]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

Good job everyone! I posted elsewhere about making it through my 2nd AF French-group meeting last night (while the 6 others guzzled happily away!) and am pleased as Punch to shout "Aujourd'hui, c'est jour numero quatorze!" (Today, Day 14!)

That's the good news. Now for the next challenge, which has come this morning like a bolt from the blue: I got an e-mail early this a.m. from a cooking teacher/food writer in the south of France, who teaches week-long courses at her country house near Aix-en-Provence. I've been on a waiting list for 2 years (she's quite famous, and her small classes are booked way in advance) but...a place has opened up for her late-April session and I'm NEXT IN LINE! I have to decide TODAY if I'll accept, and book a flight, because there are plenty more waiting for a slot. Mr. Jane says, "Go!" but...it's also a wine course, with vineyard tours, tastings galore, and of course wine all through the meals (Hell, wine all through the DAY, in France...)

I'm of two minds. Of course, I am dying to do it, for all the obvious reasons. On the other hand...I'll have been AF for almost 4 months by then, and dare I risk that much exposure? Could I trust myself to moderate that week, then return to AF ways afterwards? Abstaining completely would be ridiculous, as a sizable portion of the tuition is for these wines; if I decide I just can't have even a sip, it's wasting money (and it's not cheap) to go.

Baby Jane has offered to skip her senior exams and go in my place (she's had 4 years of French)...what a loving generous thoughtful daughter, huh? Oh, peeps, what a time for this to happen...advice s'il vous plait!!!

[Diamond7]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

Jane Jane,

Congrats on day 14 and getting through that meeting for the 2nd time :goodjob: That alone shows your strength!

I can't and won't tell you what to do. However, it sounds like an opportunity I wouldn't miss out on. By that time you will have almost 4 months under your belt and, already, only 14 days AF you are strong enough to breeze through those wine guzzling meetings. Do you really think you would just go back to where you were before? Only you can answer that but you just don't sound like someone that would allow that to happen, no matter the temptation.

I hope you can take advantage of this and trust in yourself to do what's best for you.

:l

[Suzanna]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

Great opportunity Jane Jane!! Jeepers I don't know what to tell you. I guess I would have to go, moderate and get back to business when I got back. If it were me!!!

Could not get moving this morning but that's because it was cold last night and I was in a deep AF hibernating sleep, wonderful! Today is day 3 for me.

OK back to work, ttyl ODATers! :h

[jane jane]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

Thanks Suzanna and Diamond! Just what I wanted to hear! I really think I'll be able to moderate by then, although my plan will be to go totally AF again upon return. And not ONE DROP on the flights to/from...promise! OH gosh oh gosh ohgosh...I am SOOOooooooo excited. All the more motivation to stay strong between now and then.

[TiredofHiding]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

Oh Jane! I'm so jealous! That sounds like so much fun! What a perfect time of year to go too. You know its perfectly acceptable when doing serious wine tasting to sip and spit and many of the teachers in french caves will do that. You might want to do some thinking about putting cues in your hypnosis that you will take a few sips and then dump. I know its wasting money and wonderful wines but it may help you enjoy the flavors, preserve your palette (correct sp?) and still feel in control.

whatever you do - you have the tools to make it work for you!

[Bessie]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

pant..... pant.... pant..... rushing in and straight back out.....! :thanks: to RN for starting the thread....the early bird and all that. Real quickie - Jane Jane - go on that trip! Sounds wonderful. You will have enough in your 'batterie de AF' to kit you out to cope with it. Enjoy the trip for all it has to offer, drink like the French do and come home to continue with your AF like YOU do.

Rushing off again.. will check in later....

Bessie xx

[Miss October]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

GO !!

Jane Jane,

What an opportunity ! You should go. You have been waiting for this for so long. It's only sips, so just drink plenty of water in between. And while you are there, you might want to give some of the French people the WWW.MYWAYOUT.ORG link :H

[jane jane]

Newbies in need ODAT- Tuesday

Too funny, Miss O! Don't think I'll win many converts over there, though. Think I'll lay low, sip slow, and drink l'eau...as you suggest.