JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

[scottish lass]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Thanks Avail! My witching hour is exactly the same - it is 7:30pm and almost past, but oh my - old habits die hard, and it is hard teaching an old dog new tricks! Even my car has had to earn not to check if i have wine at home and stop on way if not :H I haven't done very well at making new habits for after work during witching hour - I still rely on checking in here - I do need to find something else to do in this time...
yes, we will always be kids to our parents...

[available]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

i think my car is the same but it decides which bottleshop to go to as i have a few as i dont really have a problem lol. its not good if people think you have a problem. I work in the neuroscience dept of a major hospital and i have neuropsychologists who do cognitive tests on patients and she was saying today that she had to see a burns patient "who is an alcoholic" a trauma patient "who is an alcoholic" a psych patient "who is an alcoholic" and i just sat there thinking "i am one too". So even she has no idea i have a slight drinking problem.

I do the same as you and come on here but there are not many MWO'ers on when i am on, hate different time zones. but there is always sober fb or chatting sober, watching tv sober, cooking diner sober, going for a walk sober, cleaning (wont comment on which is better for that).

[scottish lass]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Wow - I am in healthcare too (there are a fair few of us here that are in the business!) and we evaluate patients by means of social and medical histories, and in discussion it is often dicussed that someone has history of ETOH abuse and then outline what they drink, and i am thinking only that much! I would hate to have my history reviewed, have to give up before someone gets to discuss that I need a liver biopsy as I am such a heavy drinker! totally know what you are feeling!!!

[canadian gal]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Hi Jammers,

Not much time to post.

SL- Believe me, I COMPLETELY understand. I have told my 2 best friends but that's it. I also told them through e-mail. I have not yet told my dad or my 2 brothers. I want to do it in person. My younger brother (26 years old in a month) is also an alcoholic and he has been sober for 1 and 1/2 years. He has told my dad and my dad was so proud of him. I will also tell him and my fam but want to do it in person. The problem is that I don't think I will be going home for another 2 + years. BUT one thing I do know, is that your family, regardless of where you are, will be your biggest supporters as all they want for you is to bed healthy and happy. Quitting al wil definitely make that possible.

Gotta go to work. Have a great day!

[available]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

i dont understand the units bit SL so i dont feel too guilty. i always figured units were hard spirits. derr i know i know. liver biopsy, now isnt that something we have in our bodies, i feel mine is pretty depleted. It has made me think twice though about having a drink which is good. Day 3 tomorrow and coping through the witching hour, just and helps i have no money and too damn hot to go anywhere. lemon lime and bitters it is!

[Vini]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Sigh, back to day 1. I want to kick myself, all so unnecessary but it is what it is. Someone mentioned somewhere that day 13 is the kicker, have other people noticed that too? Rather than feeling like crap, I am trying to concentrate on the fact that 12 days is longer than I have EVER done before and if I did it once, I can do it again. So 01/16/12 for me.

[available]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Vini dont feel bad, just brush yourself off and go again. congrats on day 12, i made it to day 11 and that was the most i had done ever i think. thought oh yes i can have a drink as "i deserve it making day 11" and well that was it. then thought yep moderation but nope, its a rollercoaster ride for sure but if we have done the days we can do it again. I am up to day 3 in 1 hours time and im craving like crazy as the weather is hot and the thought of a nice wine is appealing but i cant stop at one or one bottle so lemon lime and bitters for me. good luck and keep trying
xx

[spuddleduck]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

ive been struggling this last couple of days but have done everything and anything to stay sober..... which means i have spent a lot of time in bed under my duvet. it is safe and warm and if i have my pyjamas on i cant go out to the shops for booze. for me keeping busy sometimes makes me want to drink more... dont know why but im just going with whatever works at the moment. im still having probs with my computer so im not getting chance to read and post much. hope everyones hanging on in there.. it will be worth it

[Rups14]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

spuddleduck;1245624 wrote: ive been struggling this last couple of days but have done everything and anything to stay sober..... which means i have spent a lot of time in bed under my duvet. it is safe and warm and if i have my pyjamas on i cant go out to the shops for booze. for me keeping busy sometimes makes me want to drink more... dont know why but im just going with whatever works at the moment. im still having probs with my computer so im not getting chance to read and post much. hope everyones hanging on in there.. it will be worth it

Hi, of course everyone is different but i also find that if i've been extremely busy, then get home and relax time, that is the trigger for me for a big relaxing drink.
Sorry can't be more helpful, just agreeing with you on this point.

[spuddleduck]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

yep, unfortunately i find it easy to associate most things with drinking.... anything can be an excuse. boredom is a problem for a lot of people but not for me... i always seem to have a hundered and one things to do.... some for pleasure some for chore. if im doing something and start to think about drinking i stop and do something else...... even if its hiding under the duvet for an hour or 2.

[Chillgirl]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Spuds - good on you for getting through the cravings whatever you have to do. Hiding under the duvet does sound a bit grim though.
I know the weather is cold but getting out in the fresh air and holding our heads up can really lift our moods and remember to take deep breaths.

Keep reminding yourself of all the positive things about being sober, Greenie posted a great little article the other day which is good when that stinking thinking creeps in:-

When you are about to make/act on a decision or choice that sabotages your goals,
ask yourself these questions before doing it.
1. In an hour, what will I be more happy/pleased/proud that I did?
2. What choice would lead to the least amount of regret?
3. What would the person I ASPIRE TO BE choose right now?

We ALL know the answers to these Q's.......

[mylife]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Good morning Januaries.

I woke up at an early hour after sleeping like a rock all night. It's one of my favorite things about not drinking. This morning I finally forced myself out of bed however and actually got my butt in gear and did an hour long power-walk. It felt so good - I want to get my life back in the worst way and I feel like Alcohol has kind of hijacked me for the last 10 years...I know that sounds odd, but that's really how I feel!

Anyway, last night we saw chinese acrobats and I was just amazed at the things these people could do with their bodies. It was wonderful. Unfortunatley we missed dinner and stopped in to our one of our favorite restaurants on the way home for a late bite (it was around 9:30 pm). We had to sit at the bar and it was full of people drinking. I instantly started craving a glass of wine, but before I could even think about it my husband said to the bartender "we're just here to eat - two glasses of water with lemon please". I was so relieved and happy and thankful. I know he did it partially for me and partially because he's not an alcoholic and really was there to eat...!! LOL. But I was thankful anyway.

SL - good for you to send that email to your parents. I don't know if I'll ever be able to tell my Mom, she doesn't understand alcohol and doesn't drink so I might as well announce I'm addicted to heroine or something. My dear old Dad passed away in November. He was a lifelong alcoholic so he certainly would have understood...I might try to tell my sisters at some point.

CG - sounds like you're hanging in there! That's great you have a brother who can relate to what you're going through. No one in my family besides me has this problem, and like most non-alcoholics they are clueless! My older sister was once telling me about an alcoholic friend of hers who she suggested should cut her drinking down to one or two nights a week...I'm sure her friend found that very helpful!

Vini - just jump right back on. And Spuds, I agree with Chill - just keep reminding yourself about the person you can become without AL.

Chill - thanks for popping in and giving us some advice!

Jenny, Rups, Available, UW, and all others who come along today big "Hello" and wishing you all a wonderful AF day!

[Irie]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Vini;1245587 wrote: Sigh, back to day 1. I want to kick myself, all so unnecessary but it is what it is. Someone mentioned somewhere that day 13 is the kicker, have other people noticed that too? Rather than feeling like crap, I am trying to concentrate on the fact that 12 days is longer than I have EVER done before and if I did it once, I can do it again. So 01/16/12 for me.

11612 for me, as well. I got as far as 10 days and then lost it at a family get together this weekend. I actually had planned to stay another day, but I've come home early so I can concentrate on not drinking. I don't think I could have done it if I stayed there another night.

So, Vini, let's get on with it and break our old records. We know how great we felt the last week or two, and how regretful we are now about our decisions to drink this weekend. It's really a no brainer, isn't it?

Belle, how are you doing? Still hanging in there? I'm hoping that we can be examples of how to quickly recover from a slip!

[canadian gal]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Evening Jan Jammers!

Vini- We've all been there. Like I always say, treat this as a lesson. Learn from it and move on. This was a stepping stone on the way towards your ultimate goal. I'm not sure if day 13 is harder than the rest....everyday is kind of a challenge in the beginning. Just take it one day at a time and go from there.

Spuds- Good for you for doing anything not to drink. You might want to try a bit of light exercise. It'll give you so much energy and you'll feel great about yourself. It makes you not want to drink even more IMHO.

Chill- thanks for the great article. I will think of that when I am tempted! And thanks for thinking of us newbies! I can't wait to be where you are!

ML- I love my sleep too...I have no dreams and don't wake up until my alarm! Love it! Glad you liked the show! Even though I live in China, I've never seem em live. Maybe I should treat myself to a show. And yeah you for having such a great supportive husband. I also think that you would be pleasantly surprised if you did tell your mom you were giving up al. I'm sure she saw what the al was doing to your dad and also wanted him to stop. I think she would be proud of you for not wanting to take the same route as your dad.

Available- what are bitters? I have always wondered this when reading your posts. Congrats on 3 days! All the booze is out of your system so now comes the mind games! Good luck!

Things here are ok, I guess. The teen girls are seriously a handful...they are more like 7 year olds. They have learned many things so far while staying at mine. A few of the things I taught them that they did for the first time ever: put peanut butter on their own bread, put jam on their own bread, crack an egg, make cookies, paint their nails, and play wii. The thing that they taught me: ALL teens have Bieber fever (not just North American teens). At the end of day 18 and feeling good about being al free!

I hope all the other Jammers are doing great and hanging in there! Have a great night/morning/afternoon/evening!

[scottish lass]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

CG - bitters - angostura biiters, they are what make a pink gin pink - what a good idea available had not thought of that, tonic and bitters sounds like teh perfect summers drink, will add bitters to my shopping list, thank you! they do have AL in, but you add a couple of drops and in a long drink, it woudl be a negligible amount. I also used to use for a pick up in the dressing for fruit salad
"Angostura bitters, often simply referred to as angostura, is a concentrated bitters made of water, 44.7% alcohol, gentian root, and vegetable flavoring extracts[1] by House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago. They are typically used for flavoring beverages, or (less often) food. The bitters were first produced in the town of Angostura (Ciudad Bol?var, Venezuela) (hence the name), and do not contain angostura bark. The bottle is easily recognisable by its distinctive over-sized label."