July Jamboree - week 1

[rebirth]

July Jamboree - week 1

Good morning all.
It's hard to imagine that in other parts of the world it's weletering with heat. It's pretty chilly in the Uk for July.
xx

[Stargazerlily]

July Jamboree - week 1

So great to read every one's posts this morning. I am not sure if I will have access to a computer on my trip so if you don't hear from me, that's the reason.

I am tired as this heat is getting to me, even though I am in the air conditioning. I accomplished alot last night in preparation for my trip, but continue to have alot to do.

Sped, it was a good idea to take the antabuse, IMO, and I admire your honesty with yourself and us. The stinkin thinkin was starting and you made it stop. Funny what sets us off.

LBH, it stinks to have a summer cold, good to hear you are getting through the ordeal AF. Life is so full of interesting people, places and things, that to isolate with alcohol is a tragedy. Thinking back on my own tendency to isolate, I vow to go in the opposite direction.

Dill, thanks for the encouragement, I wish I had started this journey 15 years ago. Ah, regrets, they are useless. Taking stock and moving forward is the way I want to go.

Chill, I did not realize that you suffered so much before going AF. I am amazed at how well you are doing, how determined and healthy. You make it sound easy most of the time, but I know its harder than he**.

I'll try to check in tonight be fore I leave. Strength and hope to all.

[Chillgirl]

July Jamboree - week 1

Hi Gang!

Just back from my morning cycle, I dont know if any of you check out the "Tigger" thread under general discussion but Im hostess to Tigger at the moment and have posted lots of photos there.

Sped - Im so sorry you are still plagued with thoughts about drinking, when you describe your fit active life its difficult to imagine you wanting to drink. Is it that little voice who tries to paint the romantic senario of sitting some place beautiful sipping an ice cold glass of wine while watching the sunset? I get these too but now I just laugh and fast forward to the not so glamorous picture a few hours later when im suitably numbed & unable to appreciate anything beautiful...!!

I found AA a bit the same as you did, it was a huge help to me in the 1st 2 months when I was at my most vunerable but since then I drop in every few weeks to a meeting and I am being told that this is very dangerous for me as without following the program I am more likely to relapse and I am also being encouraged to get a sponsor. I have been mulling all this over and I really dont want to go down this route, I seem to have written my own program which works for me so I think I will stick with it.

What I love about MWO is that we are all doing it 1000 different ways and can still find all the support and encouragement we need. Rules and regiment have always made me uneasy, this forum allows us all to express our oppinions and what works for each of us but at the same time there is open mindedness to what works for others.

Is Sooty not still on her holidays in Cornwall??

Lav - Its nice your SIL offered her assistance, Im terrible at accepting anyones help but on the few occasions I have it has been a really heartfelt experience for both myself and the person giving it.

LBH - Summer colds - uugghh. You are such a graceful patient I have an image of you as being this really elegant lady.

Rebirth - Where in the Uk are you based? Im from Scotland originally and im heading back for a weekend soon to see my family. The weather in the London area looks like its been pretty hot.

Star - Yes! I was a disgraceful drunk getting myself into all sorts of trouble, last year was my "Annus horribilis" and I thank God for letting it get SO bad I had to stop. Where and when are you going on your trip and for how long?

[Lavande]

July Jamboree - week 1

Morning all,

Woke up to a very thick fog this morning - not sure where that came from!

Shelley, I was hoping you would make it here to the east coast before returning home - safe travels
I have had quite a few thoughts about drinking myself lately. Not that I want to drink now - just remembering why I did. AL never erased my feelings about being rejected, no matter how much I drank. Glad you thought it through!

Greetings Rustop & rebirth!

Red, where are you going on vacation? I'm jealous - I don't see myself going anywhere anytime soon.

Chill, it is a good day when we finally wake up & realize that AL has to go!!!!! I'm very grateful too

Still very warm here today but temps not supposed to be as bad as the last 2 days...............
Wishing everyone a terrific AF Thursday.

Lav

[rustop61]

July Jamboree - week 1

Hi everyone

Catching up on posts as hubby has gone out for the evening.

Star - Enjoy your trip, anywhere interesting?

Dill - Glad you enjoyed the netflix. We certainly have an interesting history. I love this thread as it is so diverse and you hear about all kinds of interesting things in the different countries.

Sped - I too have a supply of antabuse. I am a bit of a wuss regarding drugs but will take it if necessary. I found the supplements good before and am back taking them regularly again. I had the same experience as you with AA. Went for counselling and it was being rammed down my throat as the only way. I did go to a few meetings but actually found it depressing. OK I had not reached rock bottom but the people at the meetings I went to seemed to be going over and over and over the same stuff again and again. They did not seem to be able to move on. I dont think that is healthy and if you look at statistics they have a high failure rate.

LBH - Hope the cold is a little better.

Lav, Chill, Rebirth, Cyn, Rusty and anyone else I missed big hello.

Rustop

[rebirth]

July Jamboree - week 1

Chill.I live in the West Midlands which is west of the UK. It's cloudy and I have to wear a long sleeve top.But I am not complaining because summer has been good so far. Scotland is beautiful!

Chill. I also fast forword the clock when I suddenly yearn for that lovely chilled glass of wine. It's never one glass ( what's the point in that??), its a bottle and more if there is anymore. Then it's time to breakdance like a stupid idiot and either have a fight with my partner or tell eveyone I love them or burst into tears..falling over is my usual trick. I seem to like that one when I am drunk. It a surprise that I never broke my ankle because I always wear heels ( short ass me).
I don't miss that girl ONE bit!! Good riddance! Adios! Banished forever! That stops a craving.

Hi Star, Rustop, LBH, lav, sped.

[marriedgirl29]

July Jamboree - week 1

Yucky Morning

Well, awoke at 6:30 am by my husband informing me our cars were broken into last night behind our home. We had left them unlocked, like idiots, but never really had any problems in our neighborhood. They took his ipod and GPS device and a spare "valet" key that only works on driver's side door and ignition and apparently the cost of rekeying is over $1000 US. They didn't find anything in my car worth taking so they stabbed the leather in my passenger seat with a knife! How cruel!

Contacted police insurance etc. Off to get some breakfast and relax for awhile. I already feel like I need a nap. I was set to open at work and leave for a dr. appt. at 1 but fortunately they found someone to work for me so I can stay home until dr. then come in later, so that was really appreciated. It's nice when work comes thru for you in hard times.

MG29:upset:

[rebirth]

July Jamboree - week 1

MG29 Thats awful!! I am sorry to hear about your bad news.I just dont get the way some people are! Definitely not a good start for the morning.You must be really stressed .... I hope you are okay?

[dill]

July Jamboree - week 1

Sped, that is really awesome that you are so committed and dedicated to your sobriety that you immediately went to the antabuse when you felt weak! I do wonder what prompted your drinking thoughts.
Star, have a great trip. Check in when you can.
Chill, Sooty got back last weekend and posted just once. It’s not like her to stay away so long.
Lav, it is interesting that you are reflective lately about your past drinking. I wonder why. It’s great though that you are so strong in your sober thinking. Lately I have been remembering my past drinking behaviors too, and have been kind of horrified by it. I wouldn’t like a person like that. But, it was ME!!! I don’t want to go back there, ever.
Rebirth, you are so smart to “fast forward” the chain of events that that first "lovely" glass of wine would trigger. You are right that one is never enough anymore. What is the point? But, I guess what gets me is that I did used to be able to stop at one or two. This alc addiction for me evolved over the years until it became what it is now. Totally out of control.
MG29 I am so sorry to hear about the vehicle break in and vandalism. That is a terrible feeling when something like that happens to you.

[Lavande]

July Jamboree - week 1

Dill,
I'm actually pretty surprised with myself these days..........
All the freaking drama that Mr Lav is creating (and always has) And I'm not drinking to blot it (him) out.
IT'S A FREAKING MIRACLE
I chose to drink previously instead of pushing him out. Nothing & no one else has ever compelled me to behave like that. Am I cured?????
I have no way of knowing what the future will bring but I know I won't invite AL into my life again!

MG, so sorry about the vandalism! It's pretty common for communities to see an increase in vandalism when the kids are out of school for the summer. Keeping your kids occupied & off the streets is a must!

rebirth - the last time I fell down was the last time!!!! That's when I finally decided to quit once & for all

OK, back to work!

[ladybirdheart]

July Jamboree - week 1

That?s rotten about what happened to your cars, ML, the times in my life when I have experienced thieves and vandals have been rather disorienting. They can cause great inconvenience, hardship, and upset with what is usually a dimwitted and cowardly crime, the stupid stinkers. Chill, thank you for the delightful photos on the World Tour thread, it was good to vicariously participate in Casa Chill and I melted at the thought of walking in those lovely groves of trees bearing food. I am starting to feel myself today for the first time in a month; I have missed myself. Unfortunately the older of my two doggies is not doing as well. The gorgeous older fellow appeared ataxic, grouchy, and seemingly painful a few days ago, and I took him for comprehensive x-rays and blood tests. While they appeared normal, he is not, and the initial trial of medications do not seem to be doing much as yet. I feel really bad for him; I wish he could talk. It is good that WE can talk in any case and I love to read your posts. Redstar, enjoy your holiday and I look forward to hearing about what you see and think and question. Rustop, I don?t think I mentioned it but I am super jealous of your closet makeover; I have always wanted that sort of thing but in a seventy year old house the closets are what might be called ?cute? and don?t really lend themselves to much beyond curbing materialism:H. Carve your way, Lavie, I have lived alone more years than not and you have the right stuff to make it emotionally rich and rewarding; it certainly beats sustaining a relationship in which you genuinely don?t like and respect one another. Hey, Dill, Rusty, Shelley, Cyn. Keep on doing whatever you are doing Rebirth, it suits you just right; I am sorry that my ankle injury appears to likely preclude the wearing of my new splendid summer heels as even sober I would need a warning label when launched, so I shall have to envision dear you in yours. Sooty, where are you? Love, Ladybird.

[dill]

July Jamboree - week 1

Good morning friends.
LBH, I am glad you are feeling yourself again. I don't know if it is the hot, humid weather or what, but I have been kind of lost in a fog myself these last few days. I'm sorry about your dog. You and I share this in common. All these elderly pets! My two dogs appear healthy for the moment, thankfully, but our one remaining feline has a very odd sounding meow lately.
Well, I do believe I shall can some green beans today and tomorrow. We picked nearly two bushels the other day! Truth be told, I am not looking forward to the canning process. I hope Mr. D doesn't plant so many next summer, at least not all at one time! Pond news: the five additional koi we bought have enticed the original two out of their hiding spots. Safety in numbers I guess. Kind of like MWO! Now when we go looking for them we usually see several and sometimes all 7! They have so far eluded the heron. They are a good size now and have a great chance of surviving. They are beautiful. On the down side: the water lily that I shared a picture of here a few weeks ago is all but gone now, and it started disappearing with the introduction of the second batch of koi. I think they enjoyed it.
Have a great AF day, one and all!

[Rusty]

July Jamboree - week 1

Hello July Gang,

I haven't been here in a few days....for no particular reason other than worked two long days this week. Now, it's time to pack for my trip to Maine tomorrow. I'm writing today because I am filled with anxiety. I just found out that my aunt and uncle will be there, and I was hoping they would NOT come. My aunt is such a snob and even I weighed 125 pounds she would make snide comments about my weight. Now, I'm 65 pounds heavier, OMG, what is she going to say now? My sweet sister says, "Rusty don't stress. You and I will have a great time and we don't have to hang around them." I'll tell you what, my sister is so protective of me and my sobriety, she won't let anyone stand in my way. I wish I could convince my brain that what other people think of me is none of my business. I think I will go for a run and then a nice long swim in the pool. That should snap me out of this pity pot I am in this morning.

Rebirth-you're from the West Midlands....I've been to Leamington Spa on business. Loved it! I love love love the UK. I miss going there. You know it's strange, I've heard people from the US say the English are so reserved but when I was there, they treated me like gold and were so friendly. I have to laugh, because I'm Irish and I have alabaster skin and red hair (well, it's red and blonde....I have to BUY my hair color now) and I get some strange looks....as if to say, ummmm......I don't think she's from the UK! heh, heh ;-)

MG29- I am so sorry about the break-in and the damage to your vehicles. I suspect someone needed money to feed their drug habit. But to slash your seat, that little slimeball is going to pay a heavy price for that someday.

Sped-good for you in popping the Antabuse. I wish you were in Wisconsin right now. I would beg you to go for a run with me....although you would have to run in slow motion as I huffed and puffed along. Safe journey back to New Mexico. That is one of 5 states I've never been to. My friend's brother lives in Santa Fe.

Lav-I admire your courage and attitude with dealing with Mr. Lav. Maybe you can get away for a long weekend sometime. Are you from PA? My parents honeymooned in the Poconos.

LBH-sorry about your dogs not feeling well. I hope they get better soon. I hate it when my dog is ailing because he can't tell me where it hurts or how he feels :-(

Dill, Rustop, Chill-I love seeing your pictures. Please post more. They have a soothing effect on me. I've been doing some flower arranging (I have more time since I am not drinking) and I thought maybe I would post some of my work....even though I am a newbie, I'm kind of pleased with how my arrangements have turned out.

Star-how are you? I'm sorry you can't wear your summer heels. Bummer! Yup, I'm short, too, but I can't wear heels for work anymore....and I miss that.

You know what....I have some Antabuse here and I think I'll pop one. I am just feeling so vulnerable.

Thanks for listening you guys,

Love,

Rusty

[Lavande]

July Jamboree - week 1

Good Friday morning friends

Rusty, be grateful you have a good sister on your side! I was blessed with 3 brothers who never bothered with me except to give me grief. A trip to Maine sounds lovely, enjoy yourself & ignore the goofy Aunt I live in the southermost part of PA no where near the Poconos. I can walk to MD in 10 minutes or less not far from Chesapeake Bay. I think I've gotten my daughter interested in going out for a while tomorrow.

Dill, canning fruits & veggies in this heat is such a hassle. I've left the last of the raspberries for the birds & other wildlife to pick on. Can you freeze any of your beans? At least that process goes a bit quicker.

Glad you're on the mend LBH!

Have a great day - I'll be back later.
Lav

[rebirth]

July Jamboree - week 1

Morning everyone
Lav- Too right. The last time I fell down was the last time!
LBH You lovely garden has inspired me to do something with mine. I shall buy some roses this weekend. I dont have green fingers but maybe I will since ending the proccupation of drinking...
Rusty. I use to live in Leamington spa. I wonder if i have bumped into you???