Simply Sober October - Week 3

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Good morning friends,

Temps in the high 40's at the moment ~ not bad. Rain on the way tonight.....keeping things pretty green around here.

Sausage, I totally lost my ability to sleep at the age of 42 due to hot flashes/night sweats. AL wasn't even part of the equation yet. So after all these years, quitting AL, quitting smoking, totally rearranging my diet as suggested, guess what? I still don't sleep unless I load up on herbals & Benadryl I'm just grateful that I finally found the right mix of supplements to help this almost 59 year old granny get some rest :H

Blondie, I've never been on a cruise & am pretty sure I never will be but a sober cruise sounds like a good idea

Kaslo, the hardest working woman I know - have a great day
AL is so far off my radar I rarely even think about it these days. But I have to admit, yesterday while I was out with my friends for lunch we all started talking aboiut how much we miss smoking - YUCK! None of us want to start again but the damn thought is forfront in our minds....

Greetings papmom, star, Dill, Chill, LBH & everyone dropping by. Have a terrific AF Thursday!
Lav

[SAUSAGE]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi - posting again as I am feeling quite vulnerable. Interestingly this is as I approach the same amount of AF time when I relapsed over 3 years ago. I've been agonising over why this may be and I've tried to articulate my thoughts in a new thread in General Discussion. Please take a look as I'm desperate for help / suggestions.

Back later

[dill]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi Sausage, hang in there! It sounds to me like you could use one of Papmom's famous Pap Talks!:H I know you don't truly want to voluntarily return to slavery and that is exactly what you'll be signing up for if you pull the cork and jump in to that bottle. Don't go there!

I've just been sitting in a tedious all day meeting today and feel about ready to scream. This would be an occasion to pop a cork in the old days. Not worth it. Instead I'll put on some walking shoes and take the dog out for a run. (I'll walk, she'll do the running.) Hopefully that will restore my sanity.

[Rusty]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Good Evening Super Sober Sisters and (occasionally dropping in) Brethren:

Wow....we have new members on our thread....FANTASTIC!!!

Sausage:l:welcome:-It's great to see you here. I love your posts and have enjoyed reading them ever since you first joined MWO. So you're in the UK??? Ohhhh..... I love England....people there are so nice. I just giggle when people from the UK look at my fair skin and red hair and say, "Ah, you're from the States, are ya...you're so friendly.":H Ya, if they only knew. So, I'm reading that you're feeling vulnerable....because you're at the same time the last time when you slipped. Isn't it different this time? You learned a lot the last time you had a relapse so why borrow trouble (as my sister would say) instead of living in the moment...in the present (Lav's wise words)? Fear has kept me from doing several things I would have liked to pursue....but, I played it out in my mind that the WORST thing would happen. I would fail, look like a fool, embarrass my family....etc. Now I wish I hadn't been gripped by that irrational fear, and no, I was not a drinker at the time. Don't sabotage your AF status by thinking you'll fail. Don't let perception become reality. I know you're vulnerable and we are all here for you.:l

Well, I'm done with my Environmental Management Class. I did just fine, and made a few new friends along the way. I liked this class and learned so much more than I did in the first class I took in 2007.

Lav, I love ya but smoking....I could NEVER understand and still don't....how someone could become addicted to it. I took 1 puff in high school and said, "this doesn't taste good, so why do it?" AL, oh yeah, I get that. Good for you for quitting, though. So how is your terminally depressed patient? Is YB on the mend? Didn't he have any epiphany or ANYTHING of value?

BlondeAF-how are you?

Dill-boring meetings....not too many more of them you'll have to endure as you will happily be retiring.

Chill-good for you for recognizing a potentially negative situation with Mr. S's neediness. Like Lav said, he isn't going to change.

Ok, must catch my flight home....big hugs to Star, Pap, Rustop, LBH, Cyntree, sdlovespackers,
IMT, and anyone I missed....happy sober Thursday night!

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Why is Rusty always flying around somewhere while I sit here, day after day in cow country? :H
Honestly, some things never change!

Th weather was so nice this morning I decided to scrap work & go to Longwood Gardens. I sent YB a text, asking him if he would like to go along, get some fresh air, walk, etc. He was here in less than an hour. On the way to Longwood he starts talking about wanting to move to the Florida Keyes & would I like to move? WTF?
YB has always been a dreamer & an old friend of ours has retired down there. So what? I wouldn't consider moving that far away unless I could take the kids & grandkids with me - at least they talk to me :H

Wishing everyone a cozy night & safe travels to Rusty!
Lav

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hey abbers! Closing in on Day 4 here...reporting for duty

Had a great, busy day at work and squeezed in a good workout afterwards. Had a delish dinner with hubby and then spent the last few hours online looking at some properties for sale that we want to drive by, just to get an idea of what is in our price range in the area in Southern Maine where we are looking to live (possibly! It's a BIG move!). We are also meeting with a leasing agent at a nice apartment complex just north of Portland in case we decide to go that route instead of buy property at first. Maybe just test the waters and see if we really like it before buying. Sounds wise, right? It's all fun to look anyway.

Well, I'll be off to an early start again tomorrow but will stop in to wish everyone a wonderful Friday! I have to work Saturdays which is why I get Friday's off. I don't mind.

Hi to Rusty! How are ya? Good to see you here. Also, Saucy, do you need me to make you another virtual Gluten Free desert to get you to stop those harmful thoughts in your pretty head? Cause I will, you know it! We are here for you, just as you are for us. Lean on us and remember, cravings are only cravings and you don't have to act on them. Do something else until the urge passes. I know, easier said than done sometimes. But seriously, you have come so far, so many months ahead of the prison of AL...don't let yourself back in, please! It's not worth it, just that one drink. I realized earlier this week that it's just what we think that one drink will give us but in reality, when we drink it, it does not give us the feeling that the illusion of that first or second drink "used" to give us. It's the illusion that lures us back. But we will never be satisfied with what we think it will give us. It will only give us sorrow. Don't go there...just don't.

Pap, please step in here for a Pap Talk, will ya?

Ok, enough of my rant...I hope this helps you Saucy and maybe someone else lurking out there. Peace to all tonight...my eyes aren't red from booze but this screen is sure getting tiresome! Love to all.

Goodnight!

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

PS, to Kaslo, thanks for the words of kindness and support you said a few entries back about not imagining me drinking. Now I need to imagine myself not drinking...I'm trying, I really am! I have the tools, I have the plan. I have you guys. I have my life ahead of me. I just have to get used to the idea. It's all so scary sometimes but I know it is worth it. Let's all stick together for this glorious AF journey. We are not drinkers anymore. That is who we were, not who we are today.

Bless you all.

[papmom3]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Here i am! Here I am!!

Saucy-you've gotten a lot of wise words from some very wise people today so there isn't much I can add. All I will say is that in my opinion, there is NOTHING Al can fix or make better. NOTHING!! So you slipped 7 months ago after being sober for 7 months. Why in the world would you want to repeat that mistake? And then start over again? How many times do you want to go around that circle? Break the cycle now! Be the Saucy you really want to be-not the slave to AL Saucy!!

Blonde- you are sounding like your old self. It really can be different this time. As far as house hunting goes-make sure you tell your realtor the house MUST have a private apartment or a second house on the property for me and da boyz OK???

Rusty-good on ya for finishing that course! I sure hope you get some wonderful results from it!! Safe travels back home!

Lav-Is YB truly delusional??? Your jaw must have dropped open 20 feet when he made that suggestion!! Men. Really.

Dill-ah yes-the terminal meeting. I bet you are counting the days to retirement!!

Well, another job opp bites the dust. The salary being offered was about $15K less than what I'm making now and the amount of work/responsibility insanely huge. No wonder they have to go out on search every year or so for this position!! Oh well. Back to the drawing board. I really don't think its too much to ask to have a boatload of cash land at my feet so I can quit this damn job and do what I really want to do!!

Today was also my annual "be the interview subject for the Expository Writing Class" day. My good friend at work invites me every year so the students can practice interviewing and then writing skills. It's a lot of fun and some of the questions they come up with-Whoo eee!!

I also did Zumba after work and now can barely move but it's all good.
Tomorrow is carpool day again. We had a really good time today talking all the way to and from. She's a real sweetheart and I think we're going to be good friends.

Better get some sleep so I can be on time tomorrow.

Nite nite!!
:l

[Stargazerlily]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Good morning all...

I have been kinda busy the last few days, reading but no time to post. Off today, so here we go.

Sausage, wonderful you are on this thread! I don't know why craving thoughts hit out of the blue, but they are liars, promising fun, a good time, relaxation,etc. I try to focus on the reality: feeling sick, achy, ashamed, guilty, going over stupid things that were said and done, heart pounding, inability to sleep throught the night. ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION. Yuck. I don't know if the thoughts every go away. Last night we went out to dinner, and I thought a glass of wine would be nice? What? Ordered a water with lemon, truly enjoyed my food, lovely conversation, and here I am with no regrets, up early feeling pretty darn good. It is just the way it is for me. You too! We can do this long term.

Blonde, the Jason Vale book is so valuable, I have it on my Kindle and read it from time to time. Life is what we put our attention on, how we view things. His view is freedom...positive, and life affirming, and we know that is true. I loved the way you found out about the daily ports of call, that will be so much fun, feeling healthy and ready to go. I plan the same for my trip, lots of activity and feelling good.

Pap, maybe your job is pretty good, if a comparable job in your area pays so much less and more expectations. I too had to and continue to reflect on job choices, and where I used to work, the paperwork is horrendous, ridiculous, and all consuming. But, benefits, paid time off, were perks I had to leave. I don't know, a former colleague wants me to reapply, to a different department, and feels sure I would be hired, but I can't can't go back to that paperwork, right now. I wish I could car pool, sounds like the start of a beautiful friendship. Things are definitely looking up for you!!!

Lav, my husband wants to move to Florida, too. So unrealistic, and I agree, I would never see my kids. No Way. Sometimes I think they just like to hear themselves talk. The grass is always greener on the other side or something like that. Plus, we know winter is coming, and it is cold, dark, and life is much more difficult with snow etc. Just wanted to let you know the hot flashes are back, sleep is harder, but Benedryl's work wonders. Also, I am vegetarian most of the time, but a few times a week allowing myself chicken, fish or eggs, and notice an improvement in my energy level. I know you do this too, and it makes sense for me.

Rusty, glad to hear you enjoyed your class. Always on the move, traveling, and doing great things.

Chill, hope you hold out till you find a better job. I wish you could use your nutritionist certificate to help people with weight issues. I was thinking a job at a Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, or Weight Watchers; some type of organization that helps people get healthy. Do they have anything like that in your neck of the woods? Even if it was not a forever job, it would be a healing job. I would like to be a career counselor sometimes, imagining cool jobs people can get into. I saw a job for a wellness coach, some type of certification, and thought that sounded interesting. Hope you week is going well.

Dill, I agree, a tough day is better managed with a healthy outlet, not drinking and regrets. Thanks for sharing that.

This thread is fun to read with all you newer folk, thanks for contributing. Lots for me to do today, so off I go. Have a productive, lovely Friday.

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi Everyone!

Good morning, hope it's a wonderful day for all you. Pap, I'll see what we can do about guest quarters... Don't hate me but I plan to have lunch at a lobster shack in on the beach today near Old Orchard. I just hope they are still open this week as many shut down in mid October. I will call just in case. I was trying to find a place that doesn't serve booze and this one looks pretty bare bones but I do notice that glasses of chardonney are photographed with the lobster specials on the menu..crap. But so what, water with lemon goes just as well and I wouldn't want to be plastered at lunch and foggy for the rest of the day. I'll focus on the shellfish and not the booze! Hubs will prolly get a beer but that's OK. I need to have a heart to heart with him about my quit as I think he just thinks I am drying out before the cruise next week. Last night he was having a nightcap and I asked what it was and he said, want to try it? And I was like NO! :goodjob: And sipped my tea instead. He wasn't trying to tease me, he just doesn't know. I need to talk today, maybe on the ride up to Maine since we have a few hours to kill.

Gotta stop in Kittery for the outlets...hee hee.

Saucy, I hope you are having a better day today. So many wise and caring vibes are sent through this site, I hope you are taking them to heart and I'm sure you are. You are wise and strong. Keep up the right path!

Hi Star! Funny, here I am talking about a move to Maine (north of where I am) and your hubby is talking about moving to FL. You know, in the dead of winter sometimes that thought crosses my mind but as I get older, I can't tolerate the warmer temps longterm. I know that sounds opposite than normal but then again, I guess I'm not normal but that's OK. :H

I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday! I'll fill you in on my trip later. First, I have to into work for an early morning with my bosses to give them a run down of my coverage for my vacation next week. We are a small business and since I am the manager and do just about everything, they are feeling anxious to lose me for a week but I guess I should be flattered. However, going in at 8AM on my day off for a meeting kind of is a bummer but I love my job just the same. Oh, I'm still at the health food store peeps. Will be nice to get a break from the general public next week though...

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Good morning Octobers friends!

I apparently went into a granny coma last night because I didn't hear a thing until the generator kicked on :H
I knew it was supposed to rain over night but wasn't expecting anything big enough to knock out the power around here - geez!

Star, I am still on HRT & the hot flashes stiil come & go but at least they are milder & less frequent. I believe the dietary & lifestyle changes have helped quite a bit. I agree that YB's sudden desire to pick up & move to FL is yet another delusional grass is greener on the other side sort of thing!
There is no way in hell I'm going - end of story. How crazy would it be to put a couple of 60 year olds in a hot, buggy environment that's right in hurricane alley?

Blondie, having a solid plan in place along with a strong commitment will help you navigate your cruise AF Start thinking in terms of your health ~ physical & mental/emotional........if you really think about it then there is no room in your life for AL

OK, gotta get going to Curves then back to work.
Wishing everyone a great AF Friday.

Lav

[Chillgirl]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Happy Friday Gang

Lav - YB! His recent brush with ill health has maybe jolted him into reassessing his life and whats important. Its quite a romatic suggestion albeit not practical Perhaps he could take you there on vacation instead?

Blondie - You sound great! I would love to work for a health store as Im passionate about everything healthy.

Star - A wellness coach does sound pretty cool! I have thought about promoting myself in nutrition to help with weight loss but in the hard financial times its difficult to get enough private clients to earn a living. Yes, we do have weight watchers but again I dont think the pay would be enough to cover my rent.

On a real crazy whim I applied for a Real Estate job advertized in Dubai! It was offering a tax free salary plus an apartment and a car (couldnt really pass on all that :H) anyway to my surprise they came straight back to me and are calling me Monday for a phone interview!

Papmom - The inteview day does sound like fun! Good practice too Do you buy a lottery ticket? I have just started and only want enough for a small cottage back in Portugal to live out my days growing figs and oranges and to be known as the mad "dog-lady" living in the hills! I will make sure there is a spare room for you and boys to come visit.

Sausage - I hope you are doing ok. Milestones can bring pressure but also great relief when you pass a previous landmark and are going strong. Keep the focus on your new personal best. I just noticed you are in Scotland! Wow, Im originally from Glasgow.

Rusty - Great to here how much more you got out of your class and that you made new friends. You seem to be attracting lots of positive people into your life these days, you must be giving off wonderful vibes.

Dill - Hope the walk cleared your head. I have to say, getting out and walking for me is so theraputic, even in the rain, it re-centers me and calms my mind and is an essential part of my day.

I have made a healthy fish pie for supper and im looking forward to a quiet nurturing AF weekend.

[SAUSAGE]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Hi everyone, I'm feeling a lot stronger today but I really do appreciate everyone's comments on the thread I started last night, - however I wouldn't say no to another gluten free desert Blondie! Hope your trip today went well.

Hi to everyone else too and I'll drop by again later. xx

[ladybirdheart]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

Happy Friday. I got into a weird place in my head and cleared the air with a mini road trip for a couple of days. Just a long open drive through the enormous Navajo reservation, listening to radio broadcasts mostly in Navajo mentioning lots of politics, where the mammogram truck was, and a first hand review of what food was being served at the Inn (green bean casserole and sheep stew) all brought to me by Coca-Cola. I ended up playing some sort of "Family Feud" game with total strangers after dinner in Window Rock. I was not sure if they were laughing at me or with me. I love that area of the world. I love traveling alone. So now to catch up with everybody and say bon voyage to Blondie. I went alcohol free on a three week cruise, Lord Bird Heart and I had a late dinner seating and the hours between five and food at nearly nine were LONG, by the second week I had serious fantasies about going over the side. Glad you are feeling better Miss Sausage. Dubai, Chill, would be fascinating. Off for now to hunt and gather some weekend supplies. Love, Ladybird.

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 3

:upset:The hard drive on my dedicated embroidery computer FRIED this afternoon :upset:

I am out of business until I can get this resolved!
Here's the real kicker - the computer was originally built by one of YB's friends so I made sure YB got himself over here right away. The hard drive is now packed in a box & going out in the morning mail.
Now I have to pray that he can extract all of my designs & other software that I've downloaded over the past few years CRAP!

A tornado warning has just been posted for a neighboring county......watch it blow thru here too. this has not beena great week :H

LBH, it sounds like you had a nice distraction - good for you!

Chill, Dubai? Really??

Greetings Papmom, Dill, Blondie, Sausage & everyone.
I think it's time to end this day before anything else breaks or goes wrong.
Wishing everyone a cozy night!
Lav