I'm back again, starting over

[spottydingo]

Hi Everyone,

Just logged on for the first time in a few months and though it seems like mostly new people, I spotted a few of you that I talked to before. Hello again!

The past few months have been really difficult but we successfully made it back to California from British Columbia, bought a new house and moved in last week. With the stress of everything we've gone through in the past 2 years I'm finding it hard to focus on unpacking and sorry to say that we've been in this house for 6 days and have gotten drunk 3 of those. Not a good start for our new life; of course I thought it would all fall in place easily ... that eternal optimism that if you get all your ducks lined up in a row the drinking will end and healthy living will spontaneously start.

So, I am here to put my commitment on record to start over. Today is day 2 and I'm still feeling a bit off and my blood pressure still feels elevated, but I did take my dingo out for our first walkies in our new neighborhood, then came home and ate a healthy lunch. As Bullwinkle says "This time fur sure!" Just hope I can make it through the weekend. I'll be checking in from now on.

Cheers! Lisa

[vera-b]

I'm back again, starting over

Hello Spotty,

Don't believe we've met. Welcome back. I know moving can be stressful, even when it all goes outwardly "smoothly." Have moved a few times myself and the first 6 mo. to a year are definitely in the fog arena. There is so much effort to settle in, find new doctors, dentists, schools for the kids, your local Target, bank accounts, and the list goes on. We would make a beeline to a church so that something felt familiar. I think I, too, drank my way through a few of those moves which is no badge of honor. Probably missed some of the good things because I wasn't fully present. But in the clarity of the rearview mirror, each move held a growth experience that made life so much more interesting.

Hope your time back here helps get you back on track. I love Rocky and Bullwinkle by the way. "Not that lesson, THIS lesson!" Welcome back.

V.

[MyHeartIsDrenchedInWine]

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Welcome back Lisa : ) I know how overwhelming moving is. Try to drink water tonight and I'll be sending positive vibes your way!

[Dolly Sunshine]

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Welcome back. Moving sucks but it's much easier to conquer sober. I know because I've done it both ways!

[kriger]

I'm back again, starting over

Welcome back Lisa,
You'll find all of us newbies quite a Hoot! I have grown to love so many people her in just 2 short weeks. It sounds like you are ready and rarin' to go... Join us on our "happy trails". I look forward to your posts and getting to know you better! kriger Day 11

[Dolly Sunshine]

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I just want to say Kriger you have come so far. I always read your posts and you should be very proud.

[Starlight Impress Forever]

I'm back again, starting over

Good to see you back, Lisa.

Take heart!!.......you`re doing well. Hoping it just keeps getting better and better for you.

Darling x

[tlrgs]

I'm back again, starting over

:hello2::colorwelcome: back ..

[lorisunshine]

I'm back again, starting over

Hello Lisa, my favorite spotty sheep dog.

So you deserted beautiful rainy British Columbia to be roasting in the sun. If I had to move pan continent now I would hang myself by a silken rope. You should cut yourself some slack. Moving is a nightmare.

For a little while all you need is two bowls and some cutlery, a teeshirt and shorts and you can wear them till they stand up by themself. LOL.
Drink lots of benign fluids and take your doggie for walks. You'll get her done sooner or later.
Hugs Lori

[spottydingo]

I'm back again, starting over

Thanks so much!

For all the nice comments from people past and present! Its nice to be back though scary. Last time when I was participating here I think it was in the back of my mind that I didn't REALLY have to go AF completely as I knew I had some hard months ahead of me. But now here I am on the other end and I need to commit to this for real. I feel physically terrible and have no energy at all, and I'm really worried about my blood pressure and that I may be on the verge of diabetes. I just turned 43 last week and I'd like to live another 30 years! My uncle died of a massive heart attack at age 52 ... not sure how much he drank but he was obese and smoked. I am overweight and smoke when I drink (another reason not to, right?)

Anyway, I was pretty depressed yesterday and finally dragged myself and my dog for a walk on the beach. Even though it was foggy it made me feel so much better. (I'd like the ocean to become my new addiction). Also I caught the tail end of Oprah yesterday and though I'm not a big Oprah fan I started watching it because Anderson Cooper was on the show. The episode was about how many Americans are living in poverty and still managing to go on with their lives. It made me feel pretty stupid as my life could really be SO MUCH worse. So, I got off the couch ...

Well, hubby is taking me out for a nice dinner tonight (belated birthday celebration) so I'm concerned about that moment when the waitron asks: can I get you anything to drink? Can I really say: Pellegrino, please??????????????????????????????? Frankly I don't feel like going out. Oh well.

Looking forward to chatting with you all. Lori Sunshine, you rock! Congrats on so many days ... so glad for you! :goodjob:

cheers.

[Doggygirl]

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Hi Spotty and welcome back. I am 50 and over the last several years in my 40's, grew to share many of your same health concerns. We CAN change the course. For me it started February 26 2007 with quitting smoking. I honestly thought I NEVER EVER could. What a bugger it was - but I quit. Next I tackled my drinking addiction. I had to go through that stupid "maybe I don't really have to quit...maybe I CAN drink moderately..." BS like so many of us. But that didn't work for me either and now I am 87 days alcohol free with the intention of making that for life. It's a relief once that decision is finally made. I'm also tackling my weight problem - I started out with about 60 pounds to lose. Since May 22 when I quit drinking and started exercising and eating right, I'm happy to say I'm almost half way to goal. I also went to the doctor and had my hormones checked, and problems there have been corrected as well.

I feel like a totally new person. Yes, I still have thoughts of drinking sometimes, and the occassional thought of smoking, although not very often any more. I have LOTS of thoughts of eating bags of potato chips and Snickers bars. But I don't do that stuff, and it's been worth every bit of the hard work and stress missing my addictions to reach this place - and I'm not done yet.

Life will happen. There will always be stress of some kind. Alcohol, cigarettes and bad food choices have NEVER solved any of life's real problems, and never will.

Best wishes and sorry for this long post!!!

DG

[Dolly Sunshine]

I'm back again, starting over

Good luck!

[hulagirl]

I'm back again, starting over

Welcome back Spotty. You are soooo lucky to live near the ocean in California!! I have found that when I have moved I somehow expected my inner self to automatically change with the change in the outer surroundings. How confused I always felt when I found my same old self, wherever I was. You know what you need to do. You have the skills and knowledge for dealing with stress. (I know...easier said than done). But, anyway... Happy Birthday.