thu 29 dec af daily

[bear73]

I am off to work in a bit - positive thinking - i am lucky to have a job - have had 7 days off.
I need to get a big report completed today, taken i pod so I will be undisturbable.Then off again for four days.

I am so happy to be af - and am proud that i made it through Christmas booze free - some real white knuckle moments but on the whole good.Focusing on long term not just now helps.Still a long way to go but feeling good on bambi legs.
I am grateful for all of you.:l

[ThreeDogNight]

thu 29 dec af daily

Good morning, Bear and everybody else!
On Day 40, and that is a miracle! Praying for God's guidance as I go through the day. Having dinner with some friends tonight, and I know they saw my name in the newspaper(DUI arrest last month.) Thinking of emailing my friend to tell her about rehab, etc. so we don't spend the whole evening with the husbands talking about it. I am not bothered by the fact that they will probably each have one drink, but am still feeling a little uncomfortable with the DUI thing. Any advice appreciated!
Hitting my noon meeting again today. Will start making coffee on Mondays, and feel good about that!
Happy sober day to all of you! I am grateful for each of you!:thanks:

TDN

[Lavande]

thu 29 dec af daily

Good morning Abbers!

bear, you should be proud & happy right now
Have a great day at work!

TDN, CONGRATS on your 40 AF days, great work!
I suppose telling your friends about your DUI & Rehab experience has to be a personal decision for you. Tell them what you are comfortable telling them about everything then just drop the subject. There will be other things to talk about, right?

I had a great day out with family yesterday & now need to spend today cleaning up my surroundings & stuff like that!!!

Wishing everyone a terrific AF Thursday!

Lav

[Kaslo]

thu 29 dec af daily

Way to go Bear! You have every right to be proud of yourself, and should pat your self on the back for every day you rise feeling well.

Good morning Lav and all to come.

ThreeDogNight, you are really doing SO well, I am very happy that you are making a serious recovery.

You asked opinions, and for experience, and I thought about just letting those who have had DUIs discuss this, and I really hope the ones who have will speak up to and give you their thoughts. I have a slightly different perspective on DUIs than most people might have here. Ive never had one, but I was injured very badly by a DUI person, (details arent important here) but I have spent a lot of time thinking about what the whole thing means for everyone. I think Lav is right, there are other things to talk about, but the reason we have DUI penalties is due to damage done to completely unrelated people and property. And all I am saying is if you want to get through your evening with the thoughts of your friends for you in a positive light the best thing to do is acknowelege it seriously, atone for it with dignity (a few words will do, no more) and say that is part of your past and you want to move on for good now. Because that is what DUI penalties are supposed to do, they are punishment true enough, but they are also supposed to be a deterrent to something that happens in society that really should not happen. So if you dont joke about it, or try to blame it on something else, but just quiety afirm you are a changed person now, that is a win win for you, and your friends. And if one of them wants to talk about it all night, they are just being gratuous and inconsiderate, so for your sake I really hope that doesnt happen. There is also the possibility that no one will want to talk about it at all, its just too embarrassing and negative, and thats ok I guess, but believe me, if you acknowlege that it has helped to change you for the better you will really improve your own understanding of it, and your friends opinion of you.

That is just my take on it. Others will have more to say, I hope. Good luck, and enjoy your evening.

Kas

[Cinders]

thu 29 dec af daily

TDN,

I, too, have had a DUI this year. Back in May or June, finally finalized in November. In my case, 6 months driving suspension, car had to be impounded for 10 days, a victim's impact class (MADD,) and a DUI course. Since I was very honest about my three rehabs, detoxes, etc, the DUI coordinator deemed follow on therapy was not needed.

In terms of friends, etc, I am very blessed in that my friends are not judgmental about my alcoholism at all. However, as Kas has stated, a DUI is a serious offense. Period.

I am honest and open about my DUI. I have stated here on MWO and with my friends that in many ways, my DUI was a positive life-changing experience. I finally woke up and realized that I had to change my life for the better in order to tackle my addiction. I quit my six figure extremely stressful job and am working on ME, (as best I can with what is going on with my parents.)

Before I get my license back, I am going to ensure that any vehicle we own will be outfitted with an interlock device. Of course, it will not be one that notifies the police, since it will be voluntary, but it will make sure I cannot get at the wheel of a car and drive if I have been drinking. Period.

I am going to do this because I have been at home and awakened with a brand new bottle of vodka in my arms that I had no idea I had gotten. This means I drove in BLACK OUT down the mountain, on a very dangerous highway, purchased vodka and drove back home. In other words, the choice to drive was not one I would have done if I had not been drunk.

So, in my case, drinking is an unconscionable act because I can and have done something that endangers the lives of others. Putting an interlock on my cars means I can't do that even if I do relapse. It will be a tool.

This is probably way too much information but I thought I would share what has been going on with me and how I have dealt with my DUI.

In other news, I had three of the grandchildren yesterday. They are all so pleased that I have stayed sober through the holidays and able to spend time with them. We had a blast last night playing games and chatting. Sobriety is a blessing.

I hope all have a wonderful, AF day!!

Love,
Cindi

[scottish lass]

thu 29 dec af daily

Good morning all - Cinders, I loved your granddaughters posts last night - how old is she? What a motivator!! You must be so proud.
TDN - well done for looking to facing this - and not hiding, I am not sure how I would cope, but your willingness to step up is to be acknowledged - good luck to you.
I have signed on early as I am looking for advice. I really aim to make this state of living much more permanent. I reached teh 30 day goal using teh MWO supplements, and bought the starter pack - I could not take the all-in-one, tried, but found it too hard to swallow - so did all the rest.
My question now is what vitamins should I contiinue to take - just now I still have some milk thistle, bought evening primrose, and taking one-a-day multi vit. I am feeling so good that I really do wish to do right by my poor abused body. I am nearly 50 and otherwise healthy (thought I was getting menopausal, but amazing how the sweats went away when I stopped drinking :H) . What would be a good regime? Do I need to continue milk thistle? What else is wise I would love any advise, :thanks:

[Determinator]

thu 29 dec af daily

Happy Thursday AF'er across the fruited plains!!!!

Bear, Lavande, Kaslo, 3Dognight, Cinders so nice to see you all on this fine morning.

Cindi I was very moved by your post, and impressed with your attitude. to voluntarily install an AL interlock device on your car is very impressive. you rock!

Turn (and anyone interested in the Paleo dietary lifestyle) you have to check out Robb's latest podcast with scientist Loren Cordain Category: Podcasts
it's just fascinating and he has some insights/updates on supplements based on newly compiled scientific literature that are surprising to say the least.

I'm off to seize the carp!

off to carp the day!


be well

[Determinator]

thu 29 dec af daily

Scottish Lass, Xpost

honestly the money I used to spend on a rather extensive (and expensive) regimen of vitamins and supplements I now spend on good quality real food. the only supplementation I now recommend (I'm not your doctor so please confirm everything for yourself! *disclaimer*) is vitamin D3 and omega 3 based on fish (not flax) unless you happen to get a lot of good seafood in your diet in which case no worries there either. The latest large-population scientific literature is showing an increased mortality rate among several different populations that take supplemental vitamins and minerals. I know it seems totally backward but Prof Cordain has 50 pages of references in his latest book to back it up. the supplement companies must be TOTALLY po'd at him.

Dr Det's recommendations for a healthy you

-eat real food from local sustainable farms and ranches (meat, veggies, fruit)

don't eat processed foods especially those with wheat products and sugar and HF corn syrup and trans fats such as margarine.

-get lots of sleep in a dark room

-get regular exercise that is enjoyable

-play (make the time to do fun, socially interactive activities with friends and family)

*disclaimer*
Dr Det is not a licensed therapist and is wanted for fraud in 14 states. if you are aware of his whereabouts please contact authorities immediately. he is considered dangerous, has an abysmal sense of humor, and strong garlic breath.

[Lavande]

thu 29 dec af daily

Garlic breath :H :H
We can alway count on you Det!

SL, have you had a Dexa Scan?
How are your bones holding up? My scan was pretty bad at age 50 even though I had been supplementing calcium for 20 years!!!! It's all about absorption & apparently I don't absorb well You probably should be taking calcium & D3 at the very least

[Sarasmiles]

thu 29 dec af daily

Hello Ab Fabbers,
I haven't been here in a long time. It's always great to come back and see some familiar names!

I had a happy, solid 10 months without alcohol, and then had a glass of wine on Thanksgiving, when my mom was visiting. I was kind of overcome with this feeling of "why shouldn't I?" and the delusional thinking of "I just want to be 'normal'". Since opening that door I've had two-three drinks on a few occasions, and I have become increasingly depressed and lost. I haven't gotten seriously drunk, but I have let the beast back in. I think the depression comes in part from the physiological effects of alcohol, and in part from the stress of being 'confused' about drinking again. I was happiest when I just accepted that I wasn't going to drink.

I am ready to try to pull myself back up out of the blues. Ordered Amoryn yesterday (thanks, Lavande!) and am re-committing once again to being AF. The holidays were hard. Funny thing was, I had a sober Christmas and several social occasions, then drank alone two nights ago. I had made it through what seemed like big challenges, and then lost it at home.

Ugh!!!

I can't believe how long I've been struggling with this stupid problem!

[ThreeDogNight]

thu 29 dec af daily

Hi, Katie.

Nice to see your post, although I am sorry that you are struggling. You were kind enough to send me the CDs--would you like to have them back? It seems that they were of help to you. Also, I have a full bottle of Amoryn in the freezer, unopened, and would love to send those to you, too. I am taking Paxil and it is working well for me, so don't need the Amoryn. Just PM me your address and I'll get both things out in the mail to you.

Good luck! I know you can do it, since you did it before!

TDN

[scottish lass]

thu 29 dec af daily

Thanks Det - I do eat a good diet (the majority of the time) and living in the central valley I am spoilt with fruit and veg's. I have started krill oil as there is a lot of heart disease in my family and my optician said he saw high chol in my eyes (arcus), I have my check up beginning of January so I am getting ready to ask my questions. I had read some about the negative imapct of supplements, and in all honesty I love food, so would much rather increase my food bill, than my drug store bill! Does the same go for milk thistle???
I will ask about a scan Lav, good idea.
Sleep is a strugle, but I do ensure the ability to get enough hours when my brain will let me - I am looking at melatonin and will try the small dose as discussed yesterday - Calms Forte used to work but no longer. I will look into D3 too. I do exercise, not enough - but some. Am hoping life changes will allow for a dog, then I can walk the dog. The play is something lacking, and it would probably help teh sleep - I will work on that side of life in 2012 - have been chatting about the social side of life on another thread - thanks Dr Det - love teh sense of humor and garlic breath - you are porabably wanted in more than 14 states:H:H:H!!!

[Wally22]

thu 29 dec af daily

Hi fellow Abbers
Interesting post Det, thanks for asking lass
When I was younger I used to take a lot of supplements, but I dont' anymore. I too agree that a wholesome well thought out diet is a better course.
Now if someone could just print out a wholesome well thought out diet and send it to me I would really appreciate it.
Still on the antabuse. Cutting back to every second day for a while. I don't get urges until I don't take the pills. I am a good candidate for placebos if someone could convince me they were antabuse I could be AF for life with no problem.
Does everyone have plans for the New Year. I am looking forward to a quiet AF New Year at home. However if someone has more exciting plans I would welcome the chance to live vicariously through you.

[Lavande]

thu 29 dec af daily

Sarasmiles,
So nice to see you & glad you decided to jump right back onboard!
I won't go near the 'just one glass' thinking because I just know it doesn't work for me. Figured all that out actually before I found MWO. I was still harboring a tiny hope to return to 'normal' drinking when I started here but knewwithin a month it wasn't going to happen. I'm very happy & grateful now for taking the permanent AF leap!!!
The Amoryn continues to keep me calm & level headed, even if I only take one/day at this point. I hope you like it as well.

Wally, I have only ever been out to two NYE parties in my entire life!
I always worked the holidays so going out wasn't an option. These days I stay home & stay safe

[papmom3]

thu 29 dec af daily

Good to see some familiar faces back on board!!

TDN-sorry to hear about your DUI but things happen for a reason. Hope no one was hurt (thinking they weren't or you would have said something).

Sara-welcome back. Well now you know. Hope its a relief for you. I'm with Lav-After my 2 slips (which weren't "Oh, I can drink normally now"), I made the committment to total AFness in may of 2010. I feel very blessed that through 2 holiday seasons I have not had any thoughts of having "just one or two". I know it won't stop at that and my relapse will be full blown and very very fast. I would bet my life on it.

Well, one of the residents tonite mentioned that they wouldn't be seeing me on Sunday. Now she isn't one of the confused ones so it was my turn to be confused. When I was done with the program I decided to look at the schedule and sure enought, my hours were whited out for Sunday and another girl's was put in. Huh. I totally remember telling my boss that although working on Christmas was going to be very tough for me, working New Years Day didn't faze me at all. I'm kind of PO'd at this especially with spending $1000 this week on dogs and cars. Kind of need the time and a half. Hopefully I'll talk to her tomorrow and find out what happened. On the plus side it's day off!! (there's always a plus side!!)

Did I tell you guys that I had a agreed to foster a dog again? Turns out this one is right down the street from me. I couldn't go get her tonite because of work but my hoarder friend agreed to come all the way out and pick her up and take her for the night. She stopped here first to pick up a surrender agreement (she only gets internet on her phone) and then went to get the dog. I hadn't been on the road 2 min when she called and said the son who had just moved out and couldn't take the dogs was so upset his parents had put down the 15 yo (don't even get me started-my hoarder friend was going to take him and give him a good home for his remaining years) that he came and took the girl I was going to foster. So, no foster for me at this time but they're coming out of the woodwork so I'm sure I'll get a call soon. Ironic that I had 4 whole days to devote to acclimating the dog-something I've never had before when I took in a foster. Oh well.

Off to dream land and looking forward to haveing a whole day to do work work. If I get 15 evals done by the afternoon I'm going to reward myself with a trip to Joanne's Fabric and then my neph's hockey game.