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[Choochie]

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K9Lover,

I just couldn't be better - not sure if there's a term for it, but I'm feeling like I've overcome something that was in my way before about drinking. Very optimistic -- just different this time.

It's a lovely day here - we're just doing our normal weekend thing -- I usually make a long trip to Whole Foods for some healthy groceries, maybe lunch out. Nothing out of the ordinary. I've learned to appreciate peaceful in my "old age."

Hope yours is a good one........

[K9Lover]

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Hey Chooch!
I hear ya, a good Saturday for me is sleeping in, then moving from the bed to the couch with a good book and 2 dogs "Boring" is fine by me these days!

[bratty57]

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Choochie,
I can relate so much to all your posts . Just reading them and their response has been very helpful to me.
I am only on day 2 of AF, and still having a headache , but feeling better than during the past fews days of hangovers.

[K9Lover]

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Hi Bratty!
Glad you're feeling better. Stick around here today if you start having cravings.

[bratty57]

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Thanks K-9 Lover.... I will be here alot today. reading, etc. I need all the support I can get. I have failed too many times. I have to make it this time !

[K9Lover]

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Bratty-
I remember my first alcohol free weekend, it loomed before me like a black hole, I had no idea what I would do with myself! Here's what I ended up doing: Going OUT to eat (not bringing in fast food), renting a lot of addiction type movies, reading a lot, long hot baths (if you have some, pour in epsom salt, it draws out the toxins and also relaxes the muscles), and sleeping as much as I wanted to. Treat yourself as if you have the flu, pamper yourself and rest. Before you know it, you will have a sober weekend behind you...

Let us know how you're doing :h
K9

[bratty57]

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Thank you K-9

I will take your suggestions. I know i need to stay away from triggers that i very well know. Like the gas station that i usually stop at for liquor and staying away from the Mexican restaurant that i love so well.

Hardest part is my boyfriend. He owns a big bar/restaurant, although he rarely drinks, it puts me around it alot. I rarely drank there, cuz he knows my problem , so i hid and drank alone most of the time.

[Choochie]

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Bratty,

We aren't far apart on AF days - so hang in there with me. There's strength in numbers, you know! We are not losing anything - only gaining!

Part of what is inspiring me is this. I'm telling you in the hopes that it will help you. My husband is only 55 years old, and has had recurrent cancer. He's been through chemo, radiation, and a very radical surgery called abdominoperineal resection. It was after watching someone who wants to be healthy unable to have good health that jolted me into this mode (not to mention the horrible recent hangovers). It's like, "how can I be electing to hurt my body when I should be kissing the ground every day that I feel good." Do you know what I mean - it's crazy if you really think about it -- to compromise your health that way.

Non-hangovers are my new favorite thing - so much better than the short term supposed pleasure of alcohol!

[K9Lover]

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Choochie;977115 wrote:
It's like, "how can I be electing to hurt my body when I should be kissing the ground every day that I feel good." Do you know what I mean - it's crazy if you really think about it -- to compromise your health that way.

Non-hangovers are my new favorite thing - so much better than the short term supposed pleasure of alcohol!

I could NOT agree more Choochie! To willingly, deliberately make ourselves sick is so unreasonable...yet so many of us did it for years and years...

There are so many people in this world that would give ANYthing for one day free from pain...I think about that a lot now.

[bratty57]

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Choochie,

Thanks for the encouragement.
I am so sorry to hear what your husband is going through cancer and its treatment. I lost my husand at 52 to lung cancer.. I am 52 now, so I need to slap myself and remember how he fought and how he wanted to live. I have that opportunity and have been giving it up.
Drinking is not worth it. I have lost so much time with my Grandchildren and family. It is just sooo hard, cuz it is easy to pick up the bottle.
But i dont want to live like that anymore. I dont know how i will get myself through this, but i know there has to be hope.....

[Choochie]

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Bratty,

Watch tv programs like Intervention and medical shows that show people going through bad things - it will inspire you to appreciate your health!

Here's what I'm doing to stay away from the witching hour -- usually 5-7 for me........actually I would start at 5 and stop at 10 but if I can make it until 7-8 the craving is gone:

Put a puzzle together, watch tv, read, cook, eat, go for a walk, stay on this website A LOT during that time!

[bratty57]

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Choochie,

My witching hour is almost any time it is convenient to stop and pick up alcohol. After work is tough and right before i go to bed. I think this web site will be a great help to me. I work 2 jobs, so 10 to night will be my roughest time. I get off work here at 5 , next job starts at 6 and off at 10. Then i usually go to my boyfriend's bar where it is ladies nite. All you can drink for $5...not a good atmostphere for me. I think i will cop out and tell him i am going to bed early tonight. He will understand anyway.

[Choochie]

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Bratty - if you could stay away from your triggers for a while I think that would be enormously helpful. I can't imagine a worse one for now than a bar.

[bratty57]

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Choochie,

I totally agree. Even tho i rarely drank there, it still always made me want to drink and justify my drinkin cuz everyone else does, so WHY CANT I...one of my many excuses. My boyfriend seems to want to help me, but he doesnt understand why i am not strong enuf to resist the urges, cuz he can.
I guess i am just in a time in my life when i cant. And i know that now.

[Choochie]

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Bratty,

Same for me with my husband - I think he gets it now. He is even saying that he will give up drinking to help me. He's much better than moderating than I am. It will be good for him too -- esp since he's trying to recover from the Big C!

Signing off for tonight - may check in late this evening, tho. Stay strong girlfriend!