Dazzling and Diligent December

[Lavande]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Good morning December friends!

I just want to assure one & all that sober holidays rock :yay:
Honestly, to get thru an entire holiday season without a hangover, without guilt, shame & remorse & without falling on your ass (even once) is just awesome

Dark & damp in my neighborhood today, oh well at least it's still relatively mild temperature wise.

SD, don't think I would give a sick dog honey
A call to the Vet may be in order.

Chill & rustop, hope you guys stay warm & dry over there

Star, I have found that if I consume sugar and/or white flour I WILL have hotflashes. Even white pasta for dinner will wake me up at night

Blondie, hope you have a good day!
I haven't stepped foot in a wine store since I quit drinking because I vowed I wouldn't. I never mentioned that to my family but I think they just know I will not be buying any AL for them. If they want beer or something, they just bring it over &I'm OK with that. Once you lay down the law with your family/friends ~ they get it pretty quickly

OK, time to do some work!
Lav

[Chillgirl]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Evening Diligent Divas

Blondie - Well done on asking your Mom to take care of the wine, start as you mean to go on. Every occassions we conquer AF is a step higher in the sobriety ladder. The 1st party, 1st birthday, 1st wedding, 1st holiday. They all make us stronger and rid us of our doubts that we can handle them. Just think how great it's going to feel completing the 1st AF Christmas :yougo:

Star - I'm finding it much harder to exercise these days. It's easy in summer to go before or after work but like you when I've had a busy day I just want to get home and cosy in for the evening. We have had a lot of sleety weather and my gym is in the opposite direction to home, I'm not good at driving in the dark especially in bad weather but I'm really missing daily workouts.

I went to the dentist tonight then had to drive to my parents so I'm home tired out after doing 16 house inspections today. I had a molar filled and was given 3 injections so my mouth is numb. That's my excuse for having chocolate, it was the only thing I could taste as I let it melt in my mouth. I don't know if you get them in the States but my latest fav is Terry's Chocolate Oranges with honeycomb bits........ Pure indulgence!

[spedteach]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Okay Chill,
I'm ready for Terry's Chocolate Oranges; my mouth is watering. I hate that numbness after the dentist. I always drool.

Woke up this morning and thought it felt colder than usual. Said to myself if it's 15 or above, I'll run. Well it was only 6 degrees so I didn't get out there. Felt it all day long though, not exercising. Felt antsy, unsettled.

Star, your creek does sound lovely. Out here in NM, any kind of water (like in a bathtub) is wonderful.
And Blonde, how lucky to live by the sea.

Lav, thanks for finding Dill. Can't wait to hear from her.

I have a question for you all. I have been having cravings all afternoon. I'm not upset, depressed, there's no alcohol about tempting me. They just crop up, rear their ugly little heads. Don't feel at risk of drinking but am wondering if I will be like this forever.....

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Dang, Chill, that chocolate sounds awesome. No, I have not seen it here in the US yet. Sorry that your mouth is numb but at least you got the work done with!

Feeling more positive about things on the AF front for the holidays. Was scary the last few days since the weekend to be honest. I watched Rain in my Heart for the first time last night. It was an eye opener for sure. It will definitely make me think twice when I see someone else drinking...never mind myself. It was very sad but I'm glad I watched it.

Tonight I am feeling very much at peace. Just had a delicious dinner of roast organic chicken topped with goat cheese which had been cooking all day in teh crock pot (Lordy, I'm getting lots of use out of that thing, aren't I?) and it was so juicy it fell right off the bone! Then a big salad. I've started doing a liver cleanse program for 2 weeks (another thing that will keep me from drinking!), which requires me to drink non-sweetened cranberry juice with water all day long. It's supposed to have a diruetic, cleansing affect. Also, I have to drink a cup of hot water mixed with lemon juice before breakfast and dinner. Kind of feel like I am floating away right now LOL but it's supposed to be really good for you. Also, adding a liver detox formula with Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root and some other liver support herbs in it, morning and night. Lastly, L-Carnitine for burning fat. So, we'll see how that does for me in addition to the low carb diet. I just feel like I need to give myself a little boost and figure now's as good a time as any to do a liver cleanse since I have given up drinking once and for all.

Lav-I can't wait to say that sober holidays rock once this one is successful!

Hope you all are having a wonderful night...see ya in the AM! Sleep tight! PS, Bear, congrats on that raise!

[Rusty]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Good Evening December Dazzlers,

Shelley...I saw your post...... "I have a question for you all. I have been having cravings all afternoon. I'm not upset, depressed, there's no alcohol about tempting me. They just crop up, rear their ugly little heads. Don't feel at risk of drinking but am wondering if I will be like this forever...... I don't know if it will be like that forever for you...but oh how well I know what you're going through. I think I have an answer for you, though. Running seems to be your outlet....the way you can blow off steam. Exercise is my outlet, too....and I am a person who likes to work out in the morning. But, in my journey to be AF....I realized that I had to change my workout to the afternoon because I learned that after I had an exhausting workout, the last thing I felt like doing was drinking. I think what happened today was you missed your run.....and your body was telling you, "Hey....I'm craving something." The holidays are an extremely vulnerable time, though....and I am glad you re here with us.:l

Lav-thank you for contacting Dill. I miss her posts. Chomping at the bit here waiting for the UPS man to arrive. Ah, good thing that I work from 5:30 a-5:30 p.m. tomorrow.

It's only 7:15 p.m. but I am exhausted...have a great AF night!

[Lavande]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Good evening kids!

Just sent the youngest grandson home with his Mom, then sent YB home. He has been present rather often lately ~ he is enjoying the grandkids lately like a normal person. It's a good thing I guess, who knows?

Shelley, I think it takes a long time to really believe & convince ourselves that we have changed once we stop drinking. At first, at least for me it didn't seem real. I couldn't believe I was functioning without a glass in my hand. I believe it just takes the time it's going to take so hang in there. You know you are on the right path. Keep up with your running when you can, keeping working on developing your spiritual side. If all else fails check out Emotional Healing Arts Meditation Workshops | Chopra.com

Blondie, glad you are feeling better today. The approach of the full moon has been pestering me for a long time. Now I know to fire up a smudge stick (especially after YB has been here :H)

Rusty, have a good day at work tomorrow. Don't worry, UPS always arrives safely

OK, hope everyone has a great night!
Lav

[paguy]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Greetings old friends! I thought I would pop in to say hello. I've been away from the boards for about 8 months and I am doing very well. Although I've been absent, I frequently think of all of you and the support you gave me along the way. You truly are a wonderful group of friends. Simpy said, You all Rock!

For those of you who came along after I dropped out of sight, you're probably wondering who the heck I am. Well, I am like many of you who came across this wonderful community and it helped me stay focused on remaining AF.

I hope all of you are well and that the stressors of the holiday season are not getting you down.

Sending all of you my best wishes for happy holiday season.

Paguy (aka John)
Now - also known as 'Marathon Man' (I finished my first full marathon last month!)

[cyntree]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Quick note, magnificent DDers,

Home safe. Exhausted, will be thinking about this weekend for a long time. Feels a little like when I stopped drinking most recently, being sure that I was on the right path, but rudderless, in familiar yet unfamiliar territory. Last weekend I saw an inner landscape that I own, but that has no life support for me now. Now I move on, to make the unfamiliar familiar.

Being back with the beloved pups helps, as does lighted candles on the table, and a hot water bottle clutched against all fears. Good luck all with the waxing moon - smudge away, Lav! I hear you, Sped. I think it will not always be this way - perhaps Rusty hit it, the craving is just the craving. Dew, marathon worker, do take care and best on all your endeavors. Chill, hope you feel better soon. All, thanks for your continued presence and words.

[cyntree]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Cross-post, PA!! How wonderful to hear from you - cheers and congrats on the Marathon --

[ladybirdheart]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Goodness, to hear from you PA is so fine and so welcome. You are celebrated. Good timing as in other respects, this time of year can certainly be boozy. Alcohol has been passing through my life almost daily (there but for fortune not as yet through me) but just with guests and plans and visits and affairs. It seems so many people always-forever-and-ever-and-always drink, I never used to think about it in such terms. I am currently fine and peaceful, I just keep shifting the stash from one event/household to the next or asking people to bring things and then take them away to their next caper. I do like being sober when others are not, sort of like the designated driver or person who is alive (would that be the ?liver??). Nighty night, Ladybird.

[sdlovespackers]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Evening Friends!!

Not to much going here....very, very cold here!!!! We even made the Top 10 coldest places in the US today...how lovely!!!! Last I heard this morning was recess was cancelled...wind chill was negative 18 below....YIKES!

:wavin: Hey Pa!!! Nice to see you again!! Awesome job on the marathon!!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Sped--I'm feeling much like you....it seems like I've been thinking about having a glass of wine more recently then I ever did in the beginning....I'm hoping its just the stress of the holidays and things....I kinda figured once school started again (AKA stress) staying sober would be harder...plus the longer I'm sober the more I'm having to deal with all these emotions I have been so used to burying with AL. It's been hard...sometimes I don't know how to do that very well (deal with emotional issues)...

Anyway....I suppose I better try to get some sleep....good news...my dog was back to her perky self this morning!!! I did give her a little honey last night....and she had a little water??? I dunno....I've mentioned she's kinda strange, right??:H

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!
SD

[Chillgirl]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Good morning all

PAguy - great to hear from you and congratulation on the marathon. I can remember last year after your op how you had to start over again from scratch with your fitness, what a long way you have come.

Lav - I'm not sleeping at all well this week, don't know if it's the moon or the high winds we have been having as I usual sleep so great. I was reading again at 4am and listening to hypnotic CDs to try and get back to sleep. I'm usually so good in the morning but today I'm a bit grouchy.

Sped - I thought Rusty made a great point about the exercise. I'm not good either if I don't get my fix and I could see how that could lead to drinking thoughts. Focusing on our healthy habits is definitely a good way to over come the bad ones. I also agree with Lav that it's going to take time. Look how long our drinking careers were! I know how big a part of my life it was my entire adulthood so it's a big adjustment and relearning process.

I was driving home last Friday, it was a cold wet night, it was the weekend and I was heading for a night in. I had the thought that a nice bottle of wine would top it off. In a split second I also had the thought how it wasn't fair as there must be millions of single girls out there enjoying a bottle of wine on a Friday night, then in another split second I saw the truth and was grateful not to be one of those millions any more. It all probably lasted less than a minute but yes these thoughts do still come up and probably always will.

Cyn - I love your words "make the unfamiliar familiar" I guess that's exactly how we have to make our new AF lives too.

Ok I'm off to see what today brings and pray tonight I get a better sleep.......

[sooty]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Morning all and happy hump day! It's cold and very windy here but I'm looking forward to seeing my best pals for lunch today so all is good.

I had a fab time with the meditation teacher and have arranged monthly meetings for the next 4 months and have formulated a plan to include meditation into my daily routine and I'm going to e mail her of my progress in between meetings, so I'm feeling very positive about it.

Everyone here sounds good, despite dangerous thoughts and associations and that's wonderful. It shows how aware we are of the need for vigilance. We need as much armoury in our defences as we can muster at this difficult, stressful time of year. Let's keep doing whatever it takes, whether it's exercise, cooking, smudging ... we've got the power!

Have a good day everyone

[Stargazerlily]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Good morning all....

PAguy, so good to hear you are doing so well, AF and with running. We miss you. Stop in any time.

LBH, it is interesting for me, this is the first holiday season at my new place of employment and only one person drinks on a regular basis.....most are teetotalers or it just doesn't matter. Can you imagine, it just doesn't matter, not important? I know, it must be nice to feel that way.

Chill, I too woke up really early today, alot on my mind from yesterday and I did not drink enough water, so had a slight headache from dehydration. My goodness, how sensitive can I get? So, drinking water and now coffee, and writing to all of you.

Lav, yes, you are right, I have not felt right since my lunch at a chinese restaurant, swollen eyes again and hot flashes....not as bad as before but I am tired of my organ recitals and want to feel good, thanks for sharing your wisdom. Interesting that YB is around more, I wonder if this depressive episode is over?

Cyn, there's no place like home. It is unsettling to revisit our past, not bad but it can bring up old emotions and events that are uncomfortable. It can also bring up good memories too.

Sped, I don't know if the thoughts ever go away completely.....it stinks. I notice that if I am having an off day, or if I let myself get hungry, angry, tired or lonely, the thoughts are there.

I have a conundrum and thought I would share. Family relationships are so tricky, especially at this time of year. My daughter moved and I wanted to drive down to see her. She wants me to come the weekend before Christmas and I thought about it and said, "No," for various reasons. She tried to guilt me and I do have mixed emotions about it. However, I just decided that if I push myself I could get sick and since I do 99.9% of the Christmas work, it would be a poor choice. I have decided to stay strong and do what I know is best for me. Sometimes I hate the pressure of the holidays......

Is anyone a fan of Maeve Binchy? I have a book of her short stories and one that stayed with me is, "This Year It Will Be Different." It is a story about a wife and mother who is tired of Christmas and does not want to do all the work. It illustrates how her husband and adult children take for granted all she does. I related to that story so much. It takes preparation, planning, lots of shopping, cleaning and cooking to create Christmas. I don't think my daughter gets it yet. But she will in the next few years. Anyway, is anyone else feeling bah humbug?

To all, take care of yourself, make good choices and have a lovely day, AF.

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Dazzling and Diligent December

Happy Wednesday Abberooos!

Chill, you stated exactly how I am feeling "I also agree with Lav that it's going to take time. Look how long our drinking careers were! I know how big a part of my life it was my entire adulthood so it's a big adjustment and relearning process ". Yep, I've spent my entire adulthood to this point drinking pretty much everyday. We didn't get there overnight so getting sober is a process and a big adjustment. No wonder if can be so hard at times but anything worthwhile usually doesn't come without its hardcore challenges. Well done Chill on not stopping to get that bottle of wine. When I wake up in the morning sober, I thank my lucky stars that I am sober and also know that there are so many out there in the world that are waking up hungover and full of remorse. If you are lurking out there, come aboard MWO...we are here to help!

Star-I'm gonna squash your bah humbug girl...can I send you a Christmas card :H. Seriously, I agree with you on all the work and does it really get appreciated? At this point, I do it for myself. (I don't have kids, just Coco and the kitties). And a big kid called Hubby. But I have learned from you Star, what you said about TG, to not get too wrapped up in the housework et all and just enjoy the holidays for what they are meant for, enjoying your family and holiday peace. AMEN.

Hey, if anyone really does want a Christmas card, PM me your address and I'll pop one in the mail, seriously :l It's nice to get a real card in the mail, that's what I always think anyways.

PapMom, where are you? I don't think I have seen you on here in a while...unless I missed something which is totally possible for this Blondie. I hope you are well.

SD, for Pete's Sake...coldest in the country...DANG. That must be cold. Where are you anyways? I'm on the East Coast, north of Boston. It does get cold here but on the Coast we enjoy less snow than most of New England. However, as a young kid, I lived in Presque Isle, Maine for 2 years in a log cabin on a lake. Talk about friggin cold. Out in the fields when the cow's would pee it would freeze and you would see yellow sticks everywhere. Sorry for that visual but that was pretty freakin' cold. That was my father's dream, to have a cabin in the woods in remote Maine. Moved us from our beloved Long Island, NY to Northern Maine (we're talkin' potato country folks...lots and lots of potatos) and cows. My mother and I only lasted there 2 years and protested to the point where we moved only after 2 years down to "downeast Maine", which is more civilized and at least by the Ocean. Both my mom and I are ocean girls at heart. Anyway, long story and I don't know how I got off on that BUT, SD, I can sympathize with you on COLD. It's just not cold here yet but here's a warm hug for ya! :l

Speaking of cold, I just got a new winter coat from LL BEAN! And wouldn't you know it, I find a matching coat in a local shop for Coco...so I just HAD to buy it. Here we go...




Ladybirdheart: I really enjoy your posts! You are an inspiration having AL around you all the time and not giving in. I aspire to that. We don't have it in our house (at least the stuff I drank...I was a lush but a picky one at that...only drank good red wine, not the cheap stuff. Would even pour the cheap stuff out! Hubs still is drinking his beer most days, but luckily I can't stand beer or hard booze. He has a few bottles stored in a cabinet that I don't open anymore).

Hi to Sunni, Rusty, PAGuy, Lav, Rustop, Uni, Oney, Sooty, Cyntree, (oh, glad I'm not the only one who smudges and watches the moon phases! Got me thinking that I'll smudge today in preparation for all my cleaning and decorating. Might as well add some oomph while creating my sacred space) and all checking in (sorry if I missed anyone!). PS, who was it that was looking at robes at LLBean and did you get one? I was at their flagship store in Freeport, Maine, earlier this fall and eyed some fabulous robes. There was a fleecy type one that was so soft I almost got it on the spot...but then I didn't and I regret it. Also like their really long flannel ones but went to order one last week and they only had a few sizes left. And by the way, would you believe that I tried to order snow boots from them and they ran out of my size? LLBEAN for God's sake...arrrrgh. So I got that coat in the picture instead.

Gotta get to work here on my chores but just wanted to catch up with you all. Have a lovely, sober day!