New 30 Day group

[Arial]

New 30 Day group

Things sure move fast around here - only about 15 hours after last log on and another 3 pages to read! - Love everyone's enthusiasm!

A warm welcome to Cindi, Sante, July, Janet and Starlight! - Glad you chose to jump in at whatever stage you are at - we're all mixed and just along for the same ride, same inspiration, motivation, entertainment, commeraderie, etc...

Janet - hope hotel experience went well and you ended up proud of your achievement! Capricorn - I absolutely agree about not going right back to the start - I would find that so disillusioning and soul destroying. The journey is the same one, so a couple of drinks certainly shouldn't mean start over. In the past if I have CHOSEN to have a drink or two I just knock that day off the total AF days. I did start again recently as after 3+ months AF I did fall off the wagon again and start drinking for the wrong reasons again - stress, 'comfort', escapism etc. but after a month of that I got my act back together so decided this time was a completely fresh start! So, I think day 10 and counting...(Actually I'm the same as Satori, so whatever he's on, that's me too! - brilliant job, Satori!)

Anyway, got to go, daughter nagging for the computer so got to move over for SWMBO!

Love to all - look forward to the next installments later! BTW - Happy birthday Janice!! :h

[Doggygirl]

New 30 Day group

Welcome Joesgal!! We're glad to have you here with this crazy bunch. We are proving, one minute at a time, that we don't NEED booze to loosen us up and make us nuts.

Arial, congrats on Day 10 AF. LOL on another SWMBO! (She Who Must Be Obeyed) Speaking of which, has anyone heard from Satori? Last he posted (that I saw anyway) was some concerns about going to the bar after the gym, and resisting the temptation to drink something with alcohol in it. I'm I hope he's OK. Are there other MIA's? I know several people have plans and are away for the weekend...hard to keep track of everyone!! It's like trying to herd kittens.

DG
Day 18 AF * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[vinophile]

New 30 Day group

Good Morning All,

I should still be up in the backwoods of Maine but shortly after I posted I got a call from my son who had already finished his program and was waiting for us at the dropoff point 5 hours away from us here at home. I thought the program ended on Sat as that's what was put in the brochure. So, to make a long story short we drove 51/2 hours up into Maine to get him. He wanted to come right home as he hadn't taken a shower in 21/2 weeks. He was grumpy and I certainly didn't want to spend the night in a hotel with him,especially with 3 bars,as we all know where I would have gone to escape the grumpiness of a 17year old. So we drove another 5/12 hours home and got home at midnight.
After 11 hours of driving I learned a few things.....
1) don't worry about situations too far in advance. I worried so much about those bars and I never even saw them (although I did pay for the hotel but that's another point)
2) keep extra l-glut and kudzo in your bag. I ran out the door yesterday and did not pack them yet so I did not have them with me. We did go out for dinner and I was tempted to order wine but didn't
3) I need to learn some relaxation techniques as my shoulders are still dangling from my ears like earrings from the stress of driving 11 hours with my husband.
4) I'm happy to be home and able to read all your posts.

Dealing with the prospect of a dinner out tonight will bring on other challenges which I shall try to work on this afternoon.
What ideas do you all have to remain AF this Sat night? How are you all going to do it?

Enjoy your Sat. all and I'll check back in later.

Janet

[lilaclover]

New 30 Day group

Hi All,

Don't want to me counted as MIA. Welcome to all the new members...more's the merrier !!! I love Hannah's suggestion...if you get the urge to have a drink, you are not allowed until you read this thread from the beginning. We would all be sober forwever..lol !!! I still haven't done it. Starting Day 4 AF for me after 31 days Af and then a brief 5 days of mods on vacation.

I don't know DG, you will surely be sprouting wings if you drive by Curves and decide to try that too...you are putting us all to shame !!! Seriously, your enthusiasm is most welcome. Janet, there is absolutely nothing that can reduce my stress of driving with my husband. It drove me to drink (at least one of the reasons !!) I commuted back and forth to work with him for about 6 years. Finally, our kids moved away and we moved into the city and I now walk to work...YIPPEE !!! Whenever we go anywhere together I either sleep or pretend to sleep...I absolutely cannot look. So if you find any stress relievers, please let me know.

Have to work today so have to run. Will check in later. Have a great Sat.

[Hannah]

New 30 Day group

Good Morning All!

Well, it's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, as they say. Can't believe the incrediably hice weather we've been having in Alberta this summer. Course the farmers are getting worried about their crops burning, but we sunworshippers are loving it!

Welcome, Hoesgal. The more the merrier!

Vinophile - I went out for dinner last night, successfully kept the BoozeBeast at bay. What I did is decide in advance some sort of non alcoholic cocktail I would order that was something I usually don't drink - for me it was tonic water and lime. Of course, the restaurant didn't have any so I had to downgrade to club soda and lime, but it still worked. I guess the main idea is to know ahead of time what you are going to order so when the waitress is hovering over you you are not going, "un, uh, maybe .......?" Good luck on staying AF, we are all rooting for you and know you can do it!

Also - Koodoos to you for avoiding the 3 bars! Sorry about the loooooong drive, I can understand the shoulder dangling from the earlobes!

DG - Curves is great! You otta try it. Takes only 1/2 hr out of your day three days a week, is a lot of fun, WORKS, and it's a grat atmosphere. There don't tend to be a lot of "Babes" in tight spandex there - just ordinary women in sweat shorts and T shirts, and no men in sight. No one cares what you look like, and you see all sizes.

I also have a membership at a fitness centre close to home, this is a multiplex, with a great running track, and a gym full of beautiful equipment. I have worked out there a time or two, but find the drawbacks being that it is really BUSY and you often have to wait for a machine, plus lots of men (some of them quite nice to look at, thou) and lots of babe's in spandex, so not quite so comfy an atmosphere. However, love the running track. No, I don't run, but hubby does, and I can do a pretty mean speedwalk. Haven't been there for a few months because in the summer we tend to walk outside, but will be back as soon as the weather turns again.

Arial, lilaclover and evreyone else, have a great AF day!

P.S. - Have finally found out that if you go to "advanced" when you post, and page down, all the previous posts are there and you can refer to them as you type - awesome! No more jotting down notes and forgetting things! Just a tip for you newbies!:rockon:

I do hightly recommend Curves. Great for starting out. But, just so you know, we will all be waiting in the "wings" with cans of black spray paint to "grafitti" out of jealousy those pearly white wings you will be wearing.

[diamond]

New 30 Day group

I'm in, even at 3 months af I still want to join for support please?

Diamond xx

[satori]

New 30 Day group

Hi 30 dayers

Just checking in briefly coz I got my butt paddled by Doggy for going AWOL.

Still doing fine - on day 10 (Hi Arial - its nice here on double figures - isn't it?).
All gold stars intact - See! ********* Ker-Ching!

Skillfully avoided Boozebeast on Thursday after gym by getting someone else to order the drinks! - His mouth wasn't insubordinate like mine and he ordered exactly what I told him to - ie NOT beer! YaY!:H

Wasn't able to get time to get on the 'puter on Friday coz was away from home all day till late.
Here for a short while tonite - but will be away again Sunday and Monday.
probably will be back on here Tuesday.

I fully expect to be able to report all stars intact when I get back from my travels - my mindset has definitely changed in some way recently.
I am actually enjoying the freedom of being AF - not having many cravings at all.
I am taking Kudzu regularly as a precaution tho!

Fraid I've not got time to talk to all the new members of this threat just now - but welcome everyone - it is a great gang we have here!

Gotta run - see you all again in a couple of days.

Satori
xxx

[Arial]

New 30 Day group

Very quick check in as got to do taxi service this evening - starting to teach my daughter to drive tomorrow so wish me luck with that! I so remember getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time - what power, what freedom!

ANyway, WELL DONE Satori for getting past the gym/drink problem - great move to have someone else order - see, we can still be cunning to avoid drink, not just to hide it when we were drinking!!! Glad we don't have to lose all our whiley tricks! And have a good trip ... Congrats on the 10 days - I'll have to get mine set up - hey, DG - where do I get my gold stars??!!

Vinophile - I would have driven twice that not to have to spend an evening at in a strange hotel in the middle of nowhere with 3 bars and a grumpy teenager! Also loved your reflections afterwards. It's true - we worry too much about things before they happen - and it often causes more problems or stress than the actual situation itself. I also agree that deciding BEFORE going for a meal or into a challenging situatuation how to handle it is a really good idea - I find if I've decided before hand then the decision is made - no dilemna when it comes to ordering what to drink - even if you look longingly at your partner's glass of wine, be proud of your decision and think how great youo'll feel in the morning - I think 2 gold stars for that!

Joesgal - :welcome: too! great to see you here - I love Ireland - family in Newtownards and fond memories of the south, esp Inniskillen and Donegal!

Anyway, taxi service got to go, so fun and sober Saturday evening to everyone - take care all xx

[dingo]

New 30 Day group

Hi planetjanet, Music Man, Buffy, Arial, and everyone else that I've read today,

[dingo]

New 30 Day group

Hi planetjanet, Arial, Diamond, and everyone else that I've read today,
This is going to be my day one also, you guys have inspired me and I think if I could make myself excercise (something I always used to do) I'd have a better chance at success. I am a female beeracoholic grew up in Pennsylvania but now lives in a small town in North Carolina (no AA meetings around here). I just happened to find this site today. I just recently realized that I really did have a problem. I guess I thought that as long as I stayed away from liquor I really wasn't a problem drinker but after reading websites today I know I have a serious problem. I've tried to quit before...made it 2 whole days last week.
dingo

[Paddy]

New 30 Day group

G'day People,

I'm back on day 2 AF. Had an emotional day on Friday. Had been AF for 34 days with 2 slips. Another one on Friday, after getting to know that 2 people on our project passed this week. How bad can it get? It's really true that severe stress, no the day to day, is what often breaks you.

Anyway, back on the wagon. Wishing you all a nice Sunday.

[pinkie]

New 30 Day group

Hello everyone and welcome to more new comers! Dont have time to signal everyone out but I hope everyone is doing good!

Satori, thank god you are back...we missed your humor and insight!

Arial good luck with the driving thing. Thankfully both of my kids already have thier license but talk about shoulders hanging from the earlobes! Take some extra calms before you let her drive and hang on tight!

Hannah, most of the Curves that started up around here (Chicago suburbs) have closed. Any idea why? I had also heard a lot of good things about them so I went to join one and when I went to the two that I know of, they were both closed.

Doggy, how did training go today? Hopefully as well or better than last week! Girlfriend we are so close to 20 now I cant wait!!!

My day 17 is just ending, looking forward to waking to day 18!

Have a great night everyone!

[Hannah]

New 30 Day group

Pinkie, I don't know why the "Curves" would be closed, but it scares me a little bit that they are. I have noticed that there is a lot less advertising for the franchises, and the attendance at my own Curves seems to be way down. I sure don't know why, because it's a great place. I would hate to see my own Curves close. They do have a website, you have to be a member to go on the forums. Maybe I'll be able to find something there.

[Doggygirl]

New 30 Day group

GOOD MORNING BOOZE BUSTERS!!

Or whatever time of day is it in Your Zone!!

Yesterday ended up $ucking the Big Wazzoo as my back decided to go spastic right about the time people started showing up at our house for training. (had surgery a few years ago). When that happens, it's like DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT TALKING TO ME OR I'LL GRAB A BUTCHER KNIFE Level 11 pain on a scale of 1 to 10. I suspect the difficulty sleeping finally may have caught up. But in keeping with my theory that the cup is ever half FULL, I laid down at 2PM and slept off and on until 4AM today. So I feel rather caught up in the sleep department. And believe me, there were NO thoughts of booze or smokes or anything else yesterday afternoon!

Vinophile, I'm glad your trip turned out fine and you didn't even have to face down 3 bars in the middle of the deep deep woods. I love your insights too! I like Hannah's suggestion about planning to order something "special" to drink ahead of time for restaurants. I'm filing that one away and figuring out what special thing I shall save just for that occassion. LOL on shoulers hanging from earlobes with Mr. driving.

Lilac, Congrats on Day 4 of your post vacation back to AF plan!

Hannah and the cutest evah Doggy Girlie Girl (avatar)! Thanks for that advanced tip on reviewing posts. I was writing everything down but will try that. I will defnitely drive past the place where Curves was today to see if it's still there. LOL on the wings. Last week or something like that I was saying we needed a Puking Smiley Face in the collection around here. That's so when I get truly perfect, and I mean PERECTLY Perfect in every way, which you KNOW is going to happen, right? I will be truly puke inducing. And there needs to be a smiley to go with something like that don't you think? (oh - I forgot to give the "put your boots on - it's about to get really deep" warning...sorry...) Oh - did I mention I'm planning an outing to the health food store today?? PUKE INDUCING I TELL YOU!!

Welcome Diamond!!! Glad you are joining us because I know with 3 months AF under your belt you will have tons of wisdom to offer us. And of course we will do our best to support you too!

Satori, it's great to see you and congrats on surviving the bar with your shiny gold stars intact!!! See you in a few days.

Arial, good luck with the driving lessons today (I'm scared just thinkin' about it). Where to get your stars. I'll tell you what, those stars are just as whiley as we are. They are always trying to hide. I don't know what it is about the number 8, but for some strange reason it seems that often hide near there. sorry I could not resist - just kidding you! CLAIM YOUR STARS!!!! * * * * * * * * * * * (Arial's gold stars)

Welcome Dingo and congratulations on your first day of AF!! Best wishes for Day 2 - WE CAN DO THIS!!

**waving to Paddy!** I'm sorry to hear of your recent loss. I bet that was very stressful. Good to have you with us back on the AF wagon, and congrats on Day 2 for this round.

Happy Sunday Booze Busters!! It's Day 19 here, my back feels better so far, and I plan to have a kick BoozeBeast Booty kind of AF Day!!

DG
Day 19 AF * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (my gold stars)

[july232007]

New 30 Day group

Hello Sunday Thirty-dayers,

I like the reading every post when you are tempted approach. So far, I've been able to read the posts ahead of being tempted and that has worked--the I'm not at it alone this afternoon attitude has incredible strength behind it.

Also, reading them after a challenge is rewarding too, tonic for the soul.

Vineophile--your trip to Maine was similar to my road trip with my wife to pick my daughter up from the Nashville Airport yesterday. The 10 hours round trip, with me doing the driving, is typically extremely stressful. (Of course my wife entertaining an excited seven year old in the back seat, wanting to see his sister is no picnic either.) I was amazed that I came home and did not drink a beer or six for that matter. That's the first time that has happened in ten years probably. All in the name of wanting to be a thirty day achiever!:wd:

Dindgo--good luck with today.

DG--thanks for the positive posts, they really help.

Compare this AF Sunday with yours from a couple weeks ago. Is your effort worth it? From the clear thinking I experienced at a mist shrouded sunrise today in the southern appalachin mountains, I'd say yes. What do you say?

Take care,

July