AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

[keeta]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Lots to do today...sounds like every one is kind of in the same boat.
Have a party tonight (no alcohol will be there, a family/kid thing), so going to make a lasagna and two loaves of french bread to turn into garlic bread for that...need to do a batch of butterscotches (easy drop cookie) and some butter tarts.

This up coming Friday I have a party to go to that WILL invovle alcohol and likely lots of it. I am already dreading it. I don't want to screw up before Christmas (or ever for that matter), because I think if I do, I will give myself permission to drink myself right through 'til 2009. I suppose if I feel this nervous on Friday I could just NOT go...that is always an option!

Have a great day everyone!

[Determinator]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Keeta, I've given up on parties in the past to preserve my most valuable gift to myself: my sobriety. if that's what it takes then do it. parties will come and go be we really NEED to be healthy. Not saying to not go...just know yourself.

....pass the lasagne and garlic bread!

[greeneyes]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Keeta, this summer I skipped a friend's milestone birthday party and then his retirement party for that very reason. I later explained why and he completely understood. I have no regret whatsoever in my decision. Do what is best for you!

[Cinders]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Keeta,

Absolutely do not go if you think you cannot handle it. One, you don't want to be miserable and two you do not want to go down that slippery path. I have done it myself, too many times, and we both know where it leads.

I have forgone parties and gatherings or the same reason.

I have been working my hiney off today with work but it is lookin' good for the client, so I am happy.

I was going to go to an AA meeting tonight but a blizzard is coming in. I think I'll stay settled into the hotel with my book.

Love,
Cindi

[Doggygirl]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Hi Cindy, Deter, Mary, and anyone else I didn't say hi to already! LOL Deter at the image of you arguing with the fighters on TV. Mary, I hope you are feeling better soon! Cindy, a good book with the blizzard coming sounds like just the ticket.

Keeta, I'm so glad you brought up the Friday party now since you are a bit worried about it from the sound of things. All I can say is "DITTO!" to what the others have already said. I too put my sobriety as #1 - I have to in order to have quality in any other area of my life. So...I too have skipped many a social situation if I didn't feel comfortable with it.

Other alternatives are to go in, but with an air tight plan. What will you drink? (take it with you if that's appropriate or even if it's not) What will you say if someone asks you why you are not drinking alcohol, or does the "just one" thing on you? (if you are not in a position to tell the truth or not ready or whatever, "I'm on medication" is a good excuse, but there are plenty of other good ones) WHEN WILL YOU LEAVE? An exit strategy has always been my best friend. I can choose to stay longer if staying there AF is not posing a problem for me. But I decide in advance the minimum stay that is appropriate, and if it seems challenging I'm out the door at the witching hour.

As we talked about last week, DECIDE IN ADVANCE - FIRMLY - THAT YOU WILL NOT DRINK ALCOHOL PERIOD. Get that option off the table - don't "hope" it will turn out that way. That is just the small opening that voice in your head is waiting for.

OK - ENOUGH!! (sorry to ramble on again) Just rooting for you Keeta! You can do it AF - either by not going or going in with a strategy. You will be so happy with yourself with either decision!

Have a wonderful evening everyone. I'm going to watch the rest of The Illusionist which I am enjoying, but couldn't keep my eyes open for last night!

DG

[Pamina]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Hi all,

Yes Keeta, I agree with the others. If it feels too much, just skip it. Or do a quick run thru with sparkling mineral water and leave early.

Cindi, I've just been watching news footage of the NE US ice stroms, pretty scary. Hopefully this is not as bad and you'll get out from underneath that blizzard tomorrow.

WIP, well done looking after your mom. It is what it is. Some things we just can't change no matter how much we'd want to. And sadness is okay, is the conclusion I've come to.

Good for you, Sausage, I've also felt quite positive today and went for my first long walk. I pulled some muscle in my lower back lugging my bags when leaving London and acupuncture is slowly relieving the nerve pain.

We had sunshine today for the first time in ages. It gets dark very early up here, and cloudy days only manage this grey dimness before all light is gone again. It's really nice to be able to enjoy simple, ordinary things. Right now, I don't miss AL at all.

[Cinders]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Well, it appears no blizzard for me. Whew.

Just 1* F and windy so feels like -23* F.

I want to go back home!!!!

Love,
Cindi

[kaponium]

AF Daily - Sunday, 14th December

Hey Cinders - if you still about it be nice to hear from you - by the sounds of things you are still working away? Hope you make it (or made it) to the AA meeting you posted about earlier! Great to see your atavar and know you are about, girl!