Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

[halfway content]

Good Morning. Day Fifteen and Week Three begins. Need I saw more? I am still on board and feeling great. Even though I am not a wine drinker, that has been my biggest temptation at dinners and social deals. But I made it through with water last night, and have the clarity of mind to prove it. Sort of, been a little spacey and forgetful the past few days. Oh, well, there is always something, all I know is that I am halfway to my 30 day goal!

Hope all is well with the MWO group!

[halo]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

Halfway,, with determination and perseverance we've made it halfway to 30 days, congrats to staying strong during the social function you attended, I have been incognito this past two weeks: house bound pretty much , however will be attending a party this weekend, hope to get through it, am taking inspiration from members of the MWO..

Have a great day, we've made it through some hard days, and they are slowly getting easier...

[NoSugar]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

I LoVE following you guys!!! :h Your straightforward march to your goal is just the way to go! You don't pretend that it is no big deal but you don't let the vagaries of life derail you.

I hope you are REALLY PROUD!!!

xx-NS

PS. Don't HOPE to get through anything right now, ok? PLAN for it!

[mylife]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

Hello 311 gang. I like following you guys too!

I'm on Day 11 now and happy that I survived a party with an open bar over the weekend.
Great job getting to week 3!

[free at last]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

Dear 311ers,
Finally able to check in (email is sporadic here in remote parts of Southern Africa). Sorry to report I caved in -- arrived to a big dinner. My client had ordered best wines from South Africa, in my honor. So, I am back to day 1, again. But, I will continue with the 311 gang, as I want to keep focusing on 30 days with as llittle alcohol as possible.

I wish I could have 30 days respite from travel, hotel rooms, dinners, coctail parties, but this is not the case until mid July.

So, I will plod on, trying my best to slay this beast.

[NoSugar]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

free at last;1482834 wrote: Dear 311ers,
Finally able to check in (email is sporadic here in remote parts of Southern Africa). Sorry to report I caved in -- arrived to a big dinner. My client had ordered best wines from South Africa, in my honor. So, I am back to day 1, again. But, I will continue with the 311 gang, as I want to keep focusing on 30 days with as llittle alcohol as possible.

I wish I could have 30 days respite from travel, hotel rooms, dinners, coctail parties, but this is not the case until mid July.

So, I will plod on, trying my best to slay this beast.

Free, I am so sorry. All of this really is almost out of your control. You have pressures on you some of us cannot even imagine!

I wish I could kidnap you and keep you in my home for a month!

:h:h:h NoSugar

[free at last]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

Thanks, No Sugar. I have tears flowing right now, because I am really trying, so very hard. But, in the culture I work in, alcohol is so pervasive. I left before a work cocktail party started, only to arrive at my hotel to a group of clients (in town for the same conference) already sitting at the bar. I have a plan for getting out of the business, but that is not before Dec.

My goal now is to string as many AF days together as I can.

[NoSugar]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

free at last;1482843 wrote: Thanks, No Sugar. I have tears flowing right now, because I am really trying, so very hard. But, in the culture I work in, alcohol is so pervasive. I left before a work cocktail party started, only to arrive at my hotel to a group of clients (in town for the same conference) already sitting at the bar. I have a plan for getting out of the business, but that is not before Dec.

My goal now is to string as many AF days together as I can.

Under the circumstances, that sounds like a really good plan, Free. And even though you know I'm no Fan of Moderation, perhaps the more you can keep it in check when you do feel like it would be too awkward not to participate, you can avoid all of the biochemical chaos that comes from cyclic binge drinking. You know, when you are alone and can make the right choice -- do it!! Like you've done a couple times with the gift bottles waiting in your room. When you are in the social event, alternate each glass of slowly sipped wine with a glass of water. When possible, decline by saying you are on antibiotics. Whatever. Just try not to let what seem to be social/professional requirements set you up for personal bad choices.

I swear Free, this just makes me so mad. I might start crying, too. Its like you single-handedly having to fight the drinking culture promoted and believed throughout the WORLD. Before I came to this international forum, I thought the US and UK were the problems. Heck no, it is EVERYWHERE. And you seem to go EVERYWHERE.

Maybe in December your work life will change enough to enable you to live the life YOU WANT. I hope so. Til then, please stick with us and tell us how we best can help you.

:l NS

[free at last]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

Dear No Sugar,
Thanks for the immediate feedback. First, let me say that the alcohol industry and it's "relax, unwind, do a little business" culture is ubiquitous (sp?) and has sucked people like me into its marketing machine. When I say "I'll have a soda water." my colleaguess look at me like I am from outer space. Just last week, I told one colleague every day for a week, that I really didn't want to get together for a drink after our consulting gig. She thought there was something wrong with me.

When I read about all the success stories, of people like you who have managed to stay clear from alcohol for numerous weeks, I am inspired. I will keep reading, and trying to achieve an AF life, a life of blissful sobriety. Let me end, with what I know to be true "what you are seeking is seeking you." from the poet, Rumi.

All best to all who are struggling, trying, and succeeding in removing alcohol from your lives.

[NoSugar]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

free at last;1482858 wrote: Dear No Sugar,
Thanks for the immediate feedback. First, let me say that the alcohol industry and it's "relax, unwind, do a little business" culture is ubiquitous (sp?) and has sucked people like me into its marketing machine. When I say "I'll have a soda water." my colleaguess look at me like I am from outer space. Just last week, I told one colleague every day for a week, that I really didn't want to get together for a drink after our consulting gig. She thought there was something wrong with me.

When I read about all the success stories, of people like you who have managed to stay clear from alcohol for numerous weeks, I am inspired. I will keep reading, and trying to achieve an AF life, a life of blissful sobriety. Let me end, with what I know to be true "what you are seeking is seeking you." from the poet, Rumi.

All best to all who are struggling, trying, and succeeding in removing alcohol from your lives.

Please remember I have essentially spent the last 2 months in my house (I work on the computer from home) and my BFFs during that time have been those of you on MWO. I have had the luxury of isolating myself from everything that could derail me that you go out and face everyday. So, success comes at a price but a price that right now, I'm willing to pay.

I am in awe of you for having the considerable success that you've had.

And I am mad at the world right now for allowing itself to be hijacked by an industry that has managed to pull off the biggest, most harmful bait-and-switch in all of time.

NS

[free at last]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

No Sugar, appreciate so very much your support. We have this great community, which certainly helps me stay motivated. Whatever it takes, you have stayed on a path of sobriety for two months and that is a major accomplishment. Stay on course, and I will follow.

[NoSugar]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

:l:l:l

free at last;1482865 wrote: No Sugar, appreciate so very much your support. We have this great community, which certainly helps me stay motivated. Whatever it takes, you have stayed on a path of sobriety for two months and that is a major accomplishment. Stay on course, and I will follow.

[halfway content]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

I am so proud of everyone who is making it one day at a time. I can tell it is almost 4:00pm, as the spot in my left temple is beginning to pound. Wow, the dream I had last night! Downing a half pint of vodka in one sitting and then beating up someone that I dislike. I did wake up laughing, only a dream, only a dream. I am still AF.

[free at last]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

Dear Half way, Halo, and My Life,
Wanted to say -- you rock. Keep going, and I will be right behind you. We are a community.
Warmest,
Free

[I'mOnMyWay]

Day Fifteen for the 311 Gang

Hello all!! Happy to be here! Day 14 for me

halfway content- I too, had an AL related dream last night!!! I dreamed that I was going through one of my drawers looking for a shirt, and found 2 half empty wine bottles, drank both, then was upset with myself for doing so. Needless to say, woke up and was happy it was just a dream.

Congrats to making it to 15 days! Awesome!!

Candy is still my best friend right about now....again, better candy than booze!