Tuesday 1st April

[Janice]

Well here it is, a new month and a new start for many of us!! What a busy thread yesterday - far too many people to name but lets keep it going in April!!!! It was great to see some new names, old faces returning as well as us regulars!!!! Just wanted to say:

Mary, hope you are okay - 60 days - another milestone!! Remember to keep distancing those feelings from the drink.

Cindi, I loved your description of your garden - it really got my juices flowing - I love gardening but can't get out at the moment cause the weather's too bad here. Can't wait for the azaeleas and rhodys to come out.

Charlee thanks for your thoughts - can so relate to your term "sobriety is clearing the cobwebs".

Secondchance - hope you enjoy the book - I still dip in and out of it, its my bible.

Barebones hope you're okay, you sounded down yesterday.

Thankful, just wanted to say I always enjoy reading your posts.

Optionsgirl & cmhguy3 :welcome:

What does everyone plan on doing today - 1st April? Going out with work friends for lunch - will be having one of those tonic waters with ice & lemon!!! Hope you all have a great day - remember to stay focused, determined and positive...we can beat this thing together.

Janicexxx

[optionsgirl]

Tuesday 1st April

Hi Janice,
:thanks:
The posts have been great. Really helpful and supportive.
It's late night/early am for me and I am off to bed.
I intend to do whatever it takes to stay AF for all of April.
Meeting and chatting with great people.
Gail

[kaddy]

Tuesday 1st April

thanks for the post Janice,, am finding it hard today,,, l was out working with the dogs and alc keeped comming in to my mind am on 23 days af,,, the more l was telling myself not to do it the stronger it got,, am going hospital today to see b,freind got day off work,, l so much want to do it in april

hope you all have good day

[Pebbles]

Tuesday 1st April

My day 1 on the monthly abs board.

I'm going to do all 30 days of April.

I need to turn my life around, in the wise old words, I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

[Janice]

Tuesday 1st April

Hi Kaddy & Pebbles......Kaddy you are so close to your 30 days....don't let the beast get you now. Garden Girl once said treat drinking like getting into a boxing ring with the beast.....you know you won't win so why get in.....just walk away. Read Bear's post on Abstinence or ODAT (Longterm abstainers); read anything you can to motivate you; keep up with the vits/supps and most of all stay on here if you have to. You can do this Kaddy. You too Pebbles, 30+ days ago I felt exactly the same...I wouldn't trade how I'm feeling now for anything. Good luck, Janicexxx

[aquamarine]

Tuesday 1st April

Hi Everyone- welcome to April and an AF month for us all.
Janice- Have fun with your friends, you sound really good and strong. Keep up the good work.
Pebbles- Welcome and congratulations on Day 1. Keep coming here and do the month with all of is, it really helps.
Kaddy- Hang in there. Sounds like you are really being tempted. Remember eventually that urge will pass. You have to ride it out. I think everytime you are able to do that it makes you a little bit stronger. You want to be AF for April and you can. Your mind makes you think that it's not in your control what is going to happen when in reality you have complete control. I know it is hard- I'm sending positive strong thoughts and prayers your way. Come back on and let us know how you are doing.
OptionsGirl- Hi, and welcome. Glad to have you joining us for April.
Reteacher- Congratulations on Day60!!!!!!!! I didn't realize you were there when I posted yesterday. That is so fantastic. You have worked so hard and been so helpful to everyone you should be proud. You should do something special for yourself, sounds like you are always doing for others. Congrats Again, I'm really happy for you!
Hello to everyone who comes along today . Have a great day and Stay Strong!

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF YOUR OWN DETERMINATION

[charlee]

Tuesday 1st April

Morning all
Janice, enjoy your lunch. Sounds like we are on the same wave length..."you know you won't win, so why get in".....Bear's post is sitting right beside me, and I would encourage all to read. Truer words....
Optionsgirl, kudos for the positive attitude...whatever it takes..
Kaddy and Pebbles.....one day at a time, one step if need be....Make it a great April.
Aqua, I like your last line about our own determination............the more AF time we get under our belt, the stronger the mind becomes. It doesn't happen overnite and there is no magic....It just happens!!
Mary, Welcome back, your words of inspiration were missed. Whoo hoo...another milestone!!!
Hope everyone has a good day!

[4theboyz]

Tuesday 1st April

Happy April Abbers!!

Got through my funeral last night A-OK but I had to laugh. I go to put on my suit jacket and in the pocket is an empty mouth wash bottle that I put Vodka in last funeral I wore it. Hah! .

That experience really brought home just how far out of line my drinking got, what a lush I was. Sheesh!! Glad that's behind me and only awesome AF days ahead. Lots of AF smiles all around today everybody!!

[retteacher]

Tuesday 1st April

Everyone: I'm doing well. I'm sorting out my feelings, & yes, trying to separate them from drinking. It's important that I keep telling myself that feelings are only energy & won't overwhelm me. If I feel sad, mad, or any other "bad" (feelings are neither positive nor negative) emotion, it won't go on forever. Sunday, I did feel pretty rotten physically & emotionally, but the feelings passed, & I feel pretty much my old self today. I don't think I realized that when I was drinking. I drank, got depressed about the drinking, tried to deal w/life, & drank again...vicious cycle. I'm not doing that anymore thank God.

New People: If you come to this thread regularly, you find strength & hope. Share your own struggles & triumphs. Take care. Love, Mary

[Beck]

Tuesday 1st April

Hello everyone,

Can't post nearly as early as the rest of you folks! I have to get my kids off to school - so much easier without a hangover. Day 58 for me.

Can't possibly mention everyone - but 4thBoys, your post reminded me that a few years ago I used to carry vodka around in a water bottle all the time. I'm laughing right now - but it is so pathetic. I had almost forgotten. Knew you would get through the funeral. It is good to remember how far we have come.

Mary - Congrats on your hard won 60 Days!

Kaddy - sometimes you just have to "power through" you are at Day 23 - this is no time to go backwards. Stay close and stay strong.

Options, pebbles, CMHguy3 - one of the best things you can do to get to your 30 day goal is to keep posting on this thread. We sometimes get folks who drop in and announce their intentions and then inexplicably vanish. Stay committed and keep posting. It does work.

Janice, Aqua and all those to come. Have another great AF day.

It's drizzling today but I've decided I will run anyway. Not going to let the weather get the best of me.
Beck

[Miss October]

Tuesday 1st April

April Fool's and the jokes on AL !

Good Morning Everyone,

I had a nice long post, and then I got logged out. Oh well, I'll have to make this short and sweet since I am at work.

Janice, thanks for reminding us about Bear's post. Must print it out and re-read it.

Completed my 1 AF day last night toward my 30 day abstinence goal. Absolutely no cravings. Had a great workout, came home and microwaved frozen dinners (know that's cooking and keeps me out of the danger zone). After dinner sat down with my 12 year old and we read our books. So nice to remember what I read.

I'm so looking forward to my 30 day journey for complete abstinence. This time I really feel that my mind is set for it. Usually, I look to only drink on weekends and abstain during the week, but the weekend drinking slowly but surely turns back into weekday drinking once again. Such a vicious cycle, and I am so aware of it. On my journey I'm looking to:

1) Cook without drinking and enjoy it
2) Drive right past the liquor store
3) No blackouts
4) Feel good - No Bloating and feeling like crap
5) Be happy
6) Be positive
7) Think clearer
8) Save lots of money
9) Post every day

Sorry I just talked about myself, but I got to run.

Jancie, kaddy, Pebbles, optionsgirl, aquamarine, charlee, 4theboyz, and Mary, and Beck good luck on your goal for today.

Enjoy the first day of April alcohol free, and remember today.......

The jokes on AL :lalala:

[Determinator]

Tuesday 1st April

Happy "We ain't no fools day" ABland!!!

just a quick howdy as I'm setting up for work.

had so much fun on chat last night it was just a hoot

some great posts here and hope I get a chance to be more detailed when I get back to the hotel room.
April is kick Al's butt month! I'm in for sure!

feeling great and strong, hope you all are too.

be well.

[optionsgirl]

Tuesday 1st April

Hi All,
Day 2 AF for me....Last night's chat really helped me stay the course....was starting to rationalize but waiting until April 1st...so I could sneak some more wine....didn't do it just was ''stinking thinking"...
Stayed away from the store and close to my laptop....I agree the chat room was really fun...:thanks: Thanks to all who shared...I know with support from everyone here...we all can do this together. April is the turning point on a new way to live ......happy, joyful, loved and all that shame in the past.
Have a great day....
Gail

[tylyr]

Tuesday 1st April

I keep losing my posts - I am sorry. I've posted twice today, but I can find neither. Anyway, another good day. hope everyone is doing well. This is certainly a help. Day 4, again, for me. I hope I can crack it this time. I've been exercising, and feel better, so perhaps this is a good start. Hope everyone is happy ,Tylyr

[Thankful]

Tuesday 1st April

Hello all.

Just wanted to pop in for a quick, Hi!

I too can not mention everyone today - post would be too long and I would make you fall asleep! lol!

Janice ~ thanks for enjoying my posts. That's sweet of you to even mention.

Mary ~ congrats on your 60! Woo hoo! You've worked so hard for it. Be proud, girl!

4theboyz ~ your post reminds of those types of things I did too! Just told my best friend the other day that I took beer in a lidded coffee cup to supermarket (more than once) because I hate shopping so much. He (a fairly heavy drinker himself) sat open mouthed. Boy I was embarrassed that I even told him. Oh, well...

Welcome to all the new posters ~ You will love the people here. You will receive a lot of support and inspiration. This is a great thread.

Love to all....

Love, Me
:l

PS - Forgot to mention....I won the $50 gift certificate to the Health Store!! I'm so excited!! And very grateful to RJ!