Simply Sober October - Week 3

[Chillgirl]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Good morning guys

Sausage - glad you dropped by, I love your idea of tallying up the drinks cost! Blondie, with the money saved you can treat yourself to something special and it's a great added incentive.

I had an intelligence test yesterday as a pre interview for a job in real estate. I dont actually want the job, it's the most terrible pay for very long hours but I need interview experience and the test was rather fun! The job I really want is for the Insurance Broker and I drove to the offices yesterday and parked outside just to visualize myself there.

I also found a great yoga studio! I can't afford to join it right now as well as my gym but I can take the odd drop in class, one of the things really high on my list to try is hot yoga and they have just started doing it. I so love this town and it would be just great if I can find work here.

Wishing you all a wonderful humpback Wednesday

[rustop59]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Good morning everyone

:welcome:Back Blondie,good to have you on board. Big welcome to Kaslo and Sausage, I enjoy all your posts, always find them helpful.

Tired and grumpy this morning. Daughter babysat for neighbors last night. Checked regarding times as school night and she is in exam year and was assured, just going out to dinner at 7.30 and be back early. Ok 1 am and she still not home, I wanted to go down from about 12 and let her go to bed but she would not let me! Got home at about 1.15am and I did not go to sleep for ages after that, grrrrr, my guess is that AL was part of the equation.

I agree with you Chill, we probably are stronger in ourselves after giving up al and won't put up with the same nonsense as we did while drinking. Like you Star I have been married 28 years and together 35 and hubby does put up with a lot. I agree that spending time apart does help. I have always been very independent. I try to appreciate his good points and ignore the bad ones, thats not easy if they are under your feet all day!

Everyone else big hello and happy hump day. Off to get coffee to try and wake myself up

Rustop

[dill]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”
― Eckhart Tolle

Blonde, on the cruise, try to focus on that space you are creating, that freedom, and fill it with something you enjoy. For me, it would be sitting on the deck and taking in nature and all its glory, grateful for the presence of mind to truly appreciate it. For you, it may be something quite different. What would you like to fill that space with?
:welcome: Sausage, post here whenever you like, it's lovely to have you.

My internet was actually ok, it was my laptop that was having issues. All settled now.

Star, I often wonder if my marriage will survive retirement!!:H We love each other and both are willing to forgive and forget when needed. But being together 24/7? It's gonna take some planning.

Lav, LBH, Rustop, Rusty, Papmom, Kas, Chill, etc......be well and enjoy this day, AF.

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Good morning all,

My coffee is starting to kick in

Greetings Chill, Rustop & everyone!
Sausage, nice to see you as well.

Your conversatio re time apart from husbands has me thinking......
Due to our lifetime of shift work, YB's heaving involvement in community volunteer activities (fire company), his part time side business ~ we spent damn little time together since our union in 1973. I always thought that we would have more time to spend togther after all that was done, when we were older, etc ~ apparently not

Oh well, off to get my day started with a trip to Curves, meeting old friends for lunch then back here for a bit of work.
Wishing everyone a great AF Hump day

Lav

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi Abbers,

Well, another day coming to a close without booze. Sausage, so proud of you for making it to 7 months...glad that gluten free cake helped in the early stages :goodjob: Thank you for taking the time at your early hour last night to write some suggestions about my upcoming trip on a party boat! I think there is an internet sort of room I can pay access to. Didn't do it last cruise so I'm not sure but I will look into it. I do have the Jason Vale book and started re-reading it again this week. And keeping track of how much I'm saving by not buying drinks is a great idea. Thank you for all the feedback!

Hi Rustop & Dill, Lav, Chill, Star, Pap, Kaslo, LBH, and every one else checking in tonight. I had a busy day at work and then worked out at the gym. I have gotten in the habit of reading books while I'm on the exercise bike or eliptical trainer. Right now I am reading one called "When In Doubt, Add Butter", which is a humorous one about a woman in her late 30's who is a personal chef. It's pretty amusing. Good chick lit! Reading makes the time fly by when on the machines...most of the time anyway.

It's a bit chilly right now so I'm going to have a cup of tea and stick my feet in a hot foot bath to warm up a bit. Hard to believe next week I'll be in the tropics! Looking forward to the trip and feel well equipped to handle the challenges I face.

Hope you all have a lovely, peaceful evening! :h

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Thought I'd share my Note From the Universe today ~ something we all need to remember

There are only 3 things that can make your dreams come true, Lav: your thoughts, your words, and your actions.

Be the spark,
The Universe

[LillyE]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Kaslo;1393198 wrote: Stopping by to say Hi again. I havent been on the daily thread which used to be my usual hangout. I was feeling sort of bad about stuff cant put my finger on it. Or maybe I can but i dont wanna.

Kas, I've missed you on daily and I hope you come back! I was really worried my recent posts about drinking might annoy you or Lav but I have to say I'm glad I posted because the responses are really helping me to screw my head back on straight, which was desperately needed. Anyway, please consider coming back to Daily too. Your posts are valued and missed.

Hi everyone else! I read this thread sporadically and always get a lot out of everyone's posts here even though I've never posted here myself til now. I may try and drop in more often.

Lilly

[LillyE]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi also Blonde! I remember you too. I am where you are - trying to get back on track after relapsing - so fully relate. All I can offer about the cruise (never been on one myself) is this... I took a trip to Thailand in May. Beforehand I stressed and worried about drinking/not drinking, especially as the friends I was visiting are big boozers. In the end I drank as I hadn't really committed 100% to not doing so nor made a plan. In hindsight, the WORST parts of my trip were directly as a result of drinking. It was only afterwards that I could really see that drinking had not added anything but had in fact taken things away. Focus on the things that you will enjoy MORE sober, be they activities or fine food or massages or reading or anything that will be enhanced by a clear head and body that feels healthy rather than hungover. And enjoy

[papmom3]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Evening everyone! Quick check in for me.

blonde-I wish you peace and happiness on this next cruise. I really really really hope you will board that ship with a 100% committment to the AF life. Not just for the cruise. I do hope that your hubby will be 100% supportive as well. I'm rooting for ya!!
Do you have one of those footsie baths that bubble and vibrate? I bet that would be so nice-my feet are always the coldest part of my bod these days!!

Lily-sorry to hear of your relapse. Hope you are ready to live again.

Dill-that was some powerful quote this morning! Thank you!

Rustop-sorry you had such an exhausting nite last nite. Hope you are in la la land as I write and sleeping deeply.

Hey Chill-will be sending pink vibes that you get the job you want!! You've got a great attitude. I just know things will pick up for both of us!!

Sausage-good to see you again and big CONGRATS on your seven months of AF living!! You go piglet!!

Lav-how was your lunch? Its so nice you can still get together with your friends even tho you are now in cow country.

Well, here I go again-phone interview tomorrow for yet another job. This is one I applied for about a month ago and is at one of the schools in the city I live in. Its for the same position I have now but slightly different job description. I know I shouldn't worry beforehand but I sure wish they had posted the salary range. I had getting all worked up for the interview only to find out at the end it's far too low for me to even consider. But, I will try to stay positive, just like the Universe told Lav today! I have no control over whatever the salary is-I only have control over my attitude and how I conduct myself tomorrow.

Be well my loverlies!! I'll let you all know how it goes!!

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi again gang,

Still on the web...another cup of tea later and feet soaked and all smelling pretty with lavender essential oil Need to get to bed soon but just wanted to say thank you to Lilly for sharing your Thailand experience with me. Yes, I am beginning to think of cruising sober as not a sacrifice of what I am giving up but as a positive switch as to what I am gaining! Like snorkeling sober (believe me, I have snorkeled buzzed before...not worth it!) and also waking up hung over on a ship just plain sucks. I do have a coffee passion and so in lieu of not investing in drinking, I bought a travel French press and even an electric kettle for our cabin so I can have my early morning coffee fix right in the room. Then another hit around mid-day while everyone is getting drunk on boat drinks! I'll be buzzed on my own organic coffee!

Thank you, as always, Pap, for the "Pap talk". Geez, girl, I wish I could pack you in my suitcase for moral support! Plus I'm sure we'd have a blast . Yes, I see this voyage as not just a vacation but an embarkment on an AF vacation...my first one ever, and the celebration on my new found freedom from addiction. I have already played the first day in my mind...once we get from the airport to the ship and get settled, we are going to eat...that will deter my cravings straight off as they are usually triggered by hunger. The last cruise, they had a poolside BBQ as the kickoff meal before the cruise left port and I fully intend to indulge in something off the grill And sparkling water . I hope they serve diet gingerale...I'm digging that over ice with a squeeze of lime lately. I'm thinking of even bringing my favorite brand along in my suitcase in case they don't. I think it may save me! But again, in the end, it will be mind over matter and the action of embracing my new life full of sun and freedom instead of living in the fog and swampy muck of AL.

Peace out all, this Blonde's goin' to beddie bye!

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

PS, Pap,

I used to have one of those foot spa bubbling things but got rid of that a while ago as it was just too plain old. Got lots of use though. Now, I just use a big deep plastic bucket which is the perfect square size for my big size 10 feet! Not fancy but it does the trick. You know what also works and is the perfect size and depth? A kitty litter box...new, of course. Bought just for the purpose of a foot bath. You can pick up an el cheapo one and make your own foot spa. It's a wonder that something so simple feels so good! Especially before bed.

Well, I'm off!

[Kaslo]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi everybody, so nice to see such positive stuff goin on. Lilly never worry about me not being around because of others struggles. I wish I could do more to help. Truth is I am busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.

And that is pretty busy.

Blondie, we are all watching you with awe. I cant imagine you drinking. You just seem to be so fresh and full of grace and fun and life! I have never been on a cruise but I am hoping you will describe it so I can have a cruise without being onboard. Ive always wanted to go on one of those literary ones, where authors do readings and there are debates and stuff. Then I can argue about the various solubilities of inorganic arsenic compounds. Ya think?

So here is my thing. I recently past my 19 month anniversary, and its been so long since I have had alcohol, and just have simply started to forget the addictive obsession with it. I cant believe that I spent so much time plotting out the who, where, when, what and how much during the day. Its so far back in my memory now I cant remember being so occupied but I know I was. I find I can still remember how bloody awful I felt for up to two to three days after way too much. I was super sensitive to too much AL. It didnt take much for me to feel like ten pounds of poo in a one pound pail.

Sausauge, did you get my message re peanut butter on toast and warm milk as a way to get back to sleep? I hope you got some sleep. Thought about you all day as I did my writing and farting around on the phone with my assistant thinking you must be dead on your feet by now, etc.

Pap, I didnt get your thing by email maybe send me a pm on here and I will send you my email address again.

It looks like I will be working some more on a huge subarctic tox issue, its very interesting and I am lucky but I am going to have to read a LOT of environmental impact law and proceedure. So if I dissapeer again, that is where I am up to my hieny in ....stuff.

Big shout to Rustop, Lav, Chill, Dill and Star, and all others,...Turnagain you rule and that is all. Thanks for being so kind to me you guys.

[SAUSAGE]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi again everyone

I really like this thread - wish I'd posted on it before!!

Yes Kaslo, read the message about the milk and peanut butter - think i will try it! I like peanut butter on toast ( gluten free bread of course - which generally tastes like hamster bedding,but it's ok once toasted or with some sort of spread on!!). i often do make tea or a hot milky drink if I've been awake over an hr - I don't normally feel hungry and I am trying to shift a few lbs too but I'm prepared to give the toast idea a go! Nothing is worse than lying awake for most of the night after waking ridiculously early, which I regularly do, even without alcohol! I've just woken up at 5 am today ( thurs) which immreally pleased with as it's an improvement on 1.45 - previous nights!

Blondie, thanks for the foot spa idea. Hopefully you will get Internet access on your cruise but just to stay on the side of caution I'd still take a notebook of motivational quotes / hints with you in case you can't. I know how hard it is so stay sober ina holiday situation without MWO or similar. Everyone around seems to be drinking and then stinking thinking voices start in your head - I can have just one, I am on holiday after all etc etc. once you make it through sober you will feel incredibly proud of yourself and stronger in every day life too. These ships have gyms don't they and a wide itinary of stuff to do so focus in healthy living and all the other stuff. I can't remember, if your husband drink much - if alcohol is no big deal to him it may really help you if he stays AF too on the cruise. My problem is Mr Sausage drinks on holiday every day - in fact he drinks every day all yr except in Lent, but I encourage him to have a grappa or something I can't stand when we go away and then I smell the glass and it really puts me off alcohol. And definitely keep a note of what you are saving in $ ? € or whatever !!! ( had to try out all my currency signs on my iPad there!!!!) and work out a reward to do with the money.

Must go, have emails to check and I'll be getting up soon. Have a great AF day everyone. The leaves are really starting to change colour over here in UK, I guess for those of you in the USA they are even more spectacular especially anyone in New England area? I was in New England for the fall in 2000 and it was wonderful.

Back later.

[papmom3]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

new England girl hear Saucy!! The colors are just gorgeous this year. Haven't been so the past few.

Kas-didn't get a chance to send you the resume. Will try to day at some point. I feel the same way about AL-its a very distant memory of what is was like to socialize with it but the memory of how shitty I felt the next morning and the 3am wakenings are right there at the front of my brain. I never ever want to feel that way again. It truly is like being poisoned. Have fun with your report. There is a special place in toxicology heaven for you my dear!

Must get going-today is my first carpool day and I don't want to be late!!

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hiya all,

Greeting the new day fresh and sober...despite staying up reading late last night. Read some of Jason Vale's book for the second time. The section about not feeling deprived but lucky that you got out of the trap and can now celebrate freedom from AL instead of so call celebrating life's occasions with AL. Helps me think of the cruise sober. Yes, Sausage, they usually have decent gyms on these ships. The last one we went on in June to Bermuda had a good one and I went every morning. Now, maybe I will go in the late afternoon during witching hour. Plus we are in ports every day on this one with no days at sea. This is also better since we have tours booked every day which are active ones where it isn't conducive to drinking.

Yes, Hubs will drink...he drinks all the time but more in moderation than me. But I do wish he would slow down a bit. He's not mean or obnoxious when he drinks and it's mostly just craft beer and I know that when I cut my drinking out he drinks less which is good! All in all, I feel stronger every day and there's seems to be something different about this time. Maybe because I just hit 40 in August and am on to a new decade, symbolizing a positive change in my life and not wanting to be trapped for another 10 years in booze prison! I am free from that now and hold the key...why would I ever want to escape a life in prison only to climb back into the cell???

Gotta run, another cup of joe and breakfast awaits and I'm out the door for work. See ya later Gators!