Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

[Anna B]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Liath-- after you posted on my board, I found your thread. I hope this is going well for you.

To Hockeymom & others-- re: the personality change issue. My husband has said the exact same thing to me--that my personality totally changes when I drink. Of course I have no idea what he's talking about b/c I was drunk. I've asked him for specific examples and he says that sometimes I get very angry at people (including him) over small stuff and, in general, that I'm emotionally numb and unavailable (not exactly his words--I'm interpreting his "guy speak" into what I think he's trying to say).

I guess I have to take his word for it b/c I have no objective way to assess how I'm acting when I'm drinking (even though I feel charming and wonderful). It's pretty depressing & definitely a good motivation to "quit the sauce"....

--Anna

[8Belles]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hour by Hour

That's my plan Liath and its gotten me these 6-days now along with everyone's support including yours. Have never even tried to stop until after the incident Friday night. I took my first Naltroxen today and I don't think it really did much except I felt a little "foggy". I've been a cranky @#$#@ all day. When my husband called and told me they were going out for a big dinner and shabang to wrap up his conference I got off the phone and cried - guess thinking of the unfairness of it all. I had a voice in my mind that kept telling me to find the cough syrup in the house, and that's something I've never even thought of drinking. So I took a hot bath and signed on here. I'm going to need to find the voice in my mind that will argue back or change the subject when that happens. Its hour by hour for me still, not one day at a time. Maybe you can think of it that way until you lay your head on the pillow for the night. :happyheart:

[Tulipe]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hi y'all,
There are a lot of good ideas and honest thoughts on this thread. I like it!

I think the only way we can help ourselves and help each other is by being honest. And I think keeping track of the big picture is important - what is the overall trend, what are we doing each day to improve? Reminds me of a song from grad school - "Continuously Im-proving!" And here's another thought just for fun and I think it's an original from my little head - "Teamwork is the opiate of the people." Keep in mind I'm an only child and I just don't see the upside in sharing! Especially not my drinks! Or my sushi!

OK I digress.

Looking forward to making it through today and I can't think beyond that. More on that on another thread.

Tulipe

[Liath]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Kimberley- I am so glad that you are going to spend the weekend with your parents, even if we don't get to hear from you as much. I hope that you will find a little clarity and peace of mind. I know how I feel after a breakup and I think you are doing great.

Belles- I was also super cranky and cried today. I didn't say it before but I pulled a stunt earlier this year where my boyfriend didn't want to leave me alone because he thought I might be suicidal. He even threatened to call someone. Dark days indead. We are putting distance between ourselves and those days, and thats really important. We can build on that. Well, I need to get some sleep so I can enjoy my Saturday... a hangover free Saturday!


Liath

[Liath]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Oh hi Tulipe!

Great to hear from you. I feel like we are all struggling but also Im-proving! Thanks. Its so easy to only see negative aspects. (there are many)

OK, whats going on with everyone this fine hangover free Saturday?

[Tulipe]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hi Liath,
Welcome to a hangover free Saturday! I am happy to be in the same boat.
8Belles - glad you made it last night. It's no fun thinking DH is out there having fun and we are home fighting the bull. But I'm proud of you for using your tools. But I think I would have cried a little too. Maybe it's a matter of feeling lucky to wake up perky and proud of your achievement, which is better than going out partying. With age, the cooler people are the ones with the quick wit. The dim ones tend to get left aside.
Kimberly - have a great weekend!

To staying sharp,

Tulipe

[Grim]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hello friends! Well Saturday dawned on a cold windy day with the sea churned up and looking very nasty at the moment and it is on day like today that I did not join the navy!
It also dawned on day 10AF for me....always loved round numbers!
I am simply loving LIFE right now, I know it sounds terribly cliched but I am being totally honest. I am seeing and enjoying even the small details and finding it easy to "stop to smell the roses". My mind is focused and I feel I can face the world head-on! This after only 10 days, I can just imagine what good can come.
Anyway, enough babbling, just wanted to say hello, will check in later when back at home.
Regards to all, Grim.

[Kimberley]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hey all, glad to see so many of you all enjoying a hangover-free Saturday! Feels great doesn't it? I came home a day early as a friend of mine lost her baby and I wanted to be with her for the evening.

Just got back in and am counting my stars I was able to be there for her - anyone else remember all the promises to meet and committments you made to friends, but you let them down as you were drunk or in hangover/withdrawal territory.

Ok well that's all different when you're sober. We had a nice evening - I bought her a box of chocs and we had a chat and I think I cheered her up. I can actually be quite witty when sober, so at least I made her smile in her difficult time.

Anyway, well done for avoiding the weekend binge - and here's to many more clearheaded Sundays! Good to be back with all you lovely people

[Lemonhead]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hello to all on this hangover-free Saturday. I've spent the day walking to the library and reading a wonderful book, both activities I seldom undertook when drinking. The book is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - yes, women co-authors! It is a series of (fictional) letters written in post war Europe and is so engaging that a drink would be only an unwelcome interuption. It does, however, inspire me to check in here with best wishes and great interest in everyone's activities. Mr. Lemonhead is also involved with hobbies now that his drinking buddy is otherwise occupied.

[Liath]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

How well I remember the excuses and broken promises in relation to drunk/hungover days. I recently had to explain why I didn't call my mom on her birthday or my dad on father's day. (last weekend- I was binging) But that's in the past!

Guess what I did today? I submitted my modified manuscript to a scientific journal after 5 hours of work! This may be the last day I ever have to work on it. After 3 years (Master's thesis) this is hard to imagine but a great feeling so far. Instead of going out to bars and getting loaded in celebration I am going to take it easy at home w/ my boyfriend. I am making baked salmon stuffed w/ crab for dinner.

And so, my day is on the right track so far!

"Mr Lemonhead" LOL

Liath

[Grim]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hi Liath, that sounds great. Well done on submitting your manuscript. By the way the dinner sounds scrummy!
Sounds like you are most definitely on the right track, well done and keep it up!
Regards Grim.

[Kimberley]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hey Liath - wow that's great! What an amazing buzz that must be! Bah I don't feel so great today as I have a full-blown cold, but I just got an email from my dad saying how nice it was to see me and how much they miss me already, so that's nice.

It is so fantastic to see so many people on this thread doing really positive things. Although it may feel a little hard at first not to be out partying (personally I can be around people drinking and still go to the pub and not want a drink, though that took time) look at all the other things you are doing. After some time, I know you will start to embrace sober life rather than feeling envious and like you've setnenced yourself to a life without al or whatever. I suggest reading the two threads on here describing 'three months sober' and 'six months' - they are very inspiring.

Happy clear-headed Sunday everyone

[Liath]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

hangover free Sunday!? Yes!

Thanks guys!

Honestly, my goal is to mod but I just can't do it in situations that trigger my old destructive habits. (i.e. the bar scene- drink until oblivion) Today I have a family party to go to. Its my dad's side and there is a major history of alcoholism with them. Sadly, one of my Aunts died of this. (wake up call!) Most of my dad's other siblings have quit drinking (though not my dad unfortunately) so it should be easier to drink NA stuff and be the driver for my sis and her kids. Usually I drink too much at family parties and I am happy not to have to worry about driving home and all that.
Life really is better when I am not drinking like a maniac.

Also, today I am starting formally starting the CDs and supps, exercise, etc.. Its time I give the program in the book a serious try. Oh yeah, and I get to start studying for the GRE. Anyone one else tried the CDs?

Grim- just wondering, what kind of stuff are you editing?

Kimberley- Sorry you are sick. Take care of yourself and get better, OK?

Happy sober Sunday!

Liath

[Kimberley]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Hi Liath,
It's good if you think you will be able to mod. I know I can't do that after several times of trying, but then drinking at home was when I got in trouble more than drinking in bars, although I did both.

Guess that's why it's easier for me to go to the pub and not have a drink, but the cravings really kick in if I have to spend time alone doing nothing in particular. This is why I know that if I can get through this time of breakup (lots of time alone in the house), and I WILL get through it, then I can do any time I want sober!

My goal is forever, cos I've had too many slips and binges to trust myself ever again. I am happy with this goal now, although I wasn't when I first started.

I am at this very moment drinking a horrible concoction of hot water with garlic, ginger, black pepper, vitamin C powder, cloves etc to try and get rid of this cold. It's a shame to have it right now as I'd like to get out and about and do stuff, but hey I haven't watched crappy Sunday TV for a while, so....always look at the positive

Hope you enjoy your party

[Grim]

Today I start over again.. anyone want to join me?

Liath;647772 wrote: Thanks guys!

Honestly, my goal is to mod but I just can't do it in situations that trigger my old destructive habits. (i.e. the bar scene- drink until oblivion) Today I have a family party to go to. Its my dad's side and there is a major history of alcoholism with them. Sadly, one of my Aunts died of this. (wake up call!) Most of my dad's other siblings have quit drinking (though not my dad unfortunately) so it should be easier to drink NA stuff and be the driver for my sis and her kids. Usually I drink too much at family parties and I am happy not to have to worry about driving home and all that.
Life really is better when I am not drinking like a maniac.

Also, today I am starting formally starting the CDs and supps, exercise, etc.. Its time I give the program in the book a serious try. Oh yeah, and I get to start studying for the GRE. Anyone one else tried the CDs?

Grim- just wondering, what kind of stuff are you editing?

Kimberley- Sorry you are sick. Take care of yourself and get better, OK?

Happy sober Sunday!

Liath

Well Liath, I have to agree with you on a number of fronts, how nice it is to jump at the opportunity to be driver and to be unfazed if someone around you is drinking.
I am busy putting the finishing touches to a documentary about a salvage that happened off our coast a while back. The ship was carrying approx 9000 huge hard wood logs from Gabon on its way to china (to be turned into veneer!?!). Some of the trees must have been very old and some of the logs were in excess of 20 tons. The salvage company brought in the worlds largest helicopter to lift the logs to land. The ship eventually was pounded into oblivion but storm seas and thousands of logs had to be salvaged from hundreds of miles of coast line. Kinda cool to see the work coming to fruition. Off to the client next week for their first look!