As I read everyone's posts, and it seems that -- nuances aside -- we all struggle with the same dilemma of defining our relationship with AL, i.e., what it is now and what we want it to be in the future. The answers are as individual as we all are. But, it appears that one of the major stumbling blocks to mapping the our future relationship with AL is that many of us view it as a constant thing. Over time, we've settled into our habits, and we say things like "I'm a one-bottle-a-night wine drinker." We also tend to view AL's effects on us as constant, for example, "I always have a hangover, but it doesn't seem to affect me otherwise" or "I've always been able to handle vodka, wine, whatever -- and it never affects my work or relationships."
Here's the problem. Much like that puppy with the big paws that was SO cute we just had to take it home, the AL relationship and its effects DO EVOLVE over time. It no longer curls in our lap or gives us little nips on the hand. No, this thing has now taken over our favorite sofa and it's eating us out of house and home!
What's sad -- and what seems to cause so much grief and trouble for us -- is when we still view it as a puppy. When I read posts that say, "I don't know what I'll do with myself without the AL," or "It's boring [or not fun or whatever] without it," I think we're still talking about the puppy.
The answer? I have some thoughts, but I'm not sure. 'Would really appreciate some of the great opinions, insight, and wisdom that are so readily found here from the "pros" and newbies alike. I suspect it lies in maintaining an honest view of what AL once meant to us and what it means to us now. Maybe it's OK to miss and grieve for what it used to be without lumping that into what it's now become, i.e., I miss the way a good glass of wine used to relax me after work, but I don't miss the bloodshot eyes and gnarly-headed morning after feeling from the 10 glasses that I always seem to snarf down now.
I realize that some of this does not apply to the successful modders (and GREAT for them!) but I'm afraid that many of the rest of us have a Great Dane drinking out of our toilet.
Your thoughts?
Here's the problem. Much like that puppy with the big paws that was SO cute we just had to take it home, the AL relationship and its effects DO EVOLVE over time. It no longer curls in our lap or gives us little nips on the hand. No, this thing has now taken over our favorite sofa and it's eating us out of house and home!
What's sad -- and what seems to cause so much grief and trouble for us -- is when we still view it as a puppy. When I read posts that say, "I don't know what I'll do with myself without the AL," or "It's boring [or not fun or whatever] without it," I think we're still talking about the puppy.
The answer? I have some thoughts, but I'm not sure. 'Would really appreciate some of the great opinions, insight, and wisdom that are so readily found here from the "pros" and newbies alike. I suspect it lies in maintaining an honest view of what AL once meant to us and what it means to us now. Maybe it's OK to miss and grieve for what it used to be without lumping that into what it's now become, i.e., I miss the way a good glass of wine used to relax me after work, but I don't miss the bloodshot eyes and gnarly-headed morning after feeling from the 10 glasses that I always seem to snarf down now.
I realize that some of this does not apply to the successful modders (and GREAT for them!) but I'm afraid that many of the rest of us have a Great Dane drinking out of our toilet.
Your thoughts?
). Dinner out? No, I like wine with nice dinners. Wedding? Open bar - don't even think about it:H
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