Wankerbastards move to 2020. With moderatin' a plenty. We rage against flouncers, strops and teens, and of dryness we have big dreams. We want teacups not fuckups!

[Frouby]

Thread 9 for the tryers to be dryers. Join us if you want some support to reduce alcohol. All welcome for support, laughs and moderating.

Will tag a few peoples name I can spell as I am useless at clicky links.

@flossie
@madameforest
@longestlurkerever
@dionoysa
@waterandlemonjuice

I am thinking about pledging dollface! I think i can commit to 4. I sometimes find i get to humpday and cave and i don't want to feel like a failure. I am going to pledge not to have more than half a bottle ever and less on weekdays though. Good luck!

Yay well done hun ! Also I've drank quite a lot in the last few weeks with only one day break 😫and this morning I woke up with a dull ache under my left rib cage ! Does anyone get this from drinking ? I've taken meds but still there 😭 I'm convinced it's the drinking ! Xx

I'm going to aim for 4 as well. Did 5 last week somehow! But I also get humpday blues, mainly because its ds swimming lesson and I can't drink Thursday cos I have dd to taxi around.

Her training away day was cancelled thankfully due to the weather so I drank slightly more than I wanted to, 2 beers, 3 small wines and a gin. But that was spread over from 4pm to 9pm so wasn't pissed. Back feels much better today. Been for a lovely long walk round the lake with the dog and actually worked a bit of a sweat up. Going to have a coffee, get dinner prepped (roast beef and all the trimmings) then tidy round. Been for a mooch round B and M, ds and dh been on allotment for an hour while I took dog out and dd been training on the lake. Ds wants to finish his massive lego set this afternoon so dh can help him do that while I make dinner.

Need a new series to watch tonight. Call the midwife has finished and I get tv to myself sunday evenings. Don't know whether to try The Stranger or the first series of Liar. Am hoping Line Of Duty starts again soon.

Either of those is good Frouby. DS2 and I binged The Stranger a few weekends ago. We were hooked from the get-go. I need something new to watch too. Any suggestions?

I’m going for four days this week. I’ve drunk loads this weekend as we’ve all been comforting each other after our friend died. I was with my friend (his wife) in Friday for takeaway and wine, and planned a quiet night in front of the telly last night, but I got a call to say ‘we’re in the pub raising a glass - get yourself down’, so of course I did.
Might have my quiet night in tonight.

I need to go and get my car which is parked somewhere it shouldn’t really be, so I’m hoping I’ve not got a ticket. I think Sunday should be ok, but we’ll see...

I’ve been a bit awol this last week but hope everyone’s ok xxx

Hmm, have just remembered it's dh's 40th on Tuesday! And dcousin is staying Wednesday. This makes even a four day pledge a bit dicey but will see how I get on.

Both kids went to a party together this morning so i had a speedy swim and speedy lunch with dh. Bit clock-watchy but nice. Dd1 is being a predictable ratbag after her sleepover though and am wondering whether the swimming pool will close due to virus fears.

About to agree to next door guy doing up our front garden and repainting the house. Bit spendy (as Frouby would say) but needs doing.

Hello all
LongestI've been wondering the same about the pool threat. In France there are more cases of Coronavirus than anywhere else in Europe except Italy. I don't think there is too much danger in the water but I'm sure the changing rooms (damp and warm) are areas where the virus would thrive.

NC4 Of course you haven't been dry this weekend. How is your friend doing? Was her husband ill for a long time?

Frouby I'm fed up with the weather too. My 'lawn' (I can't really call it that at the moment as it is so untidy) looks like a field the grass is so long. Every time I go out for a run the dog gets filthy.

Not dry this weekend but will be tomorrow and hopefully a few more days. Somehow I've put on weight and need to lose 3kgs to get race fit, although many running races are now being cancelled due to the virus as are all events with over 5000 people.

2020 has been a bit shit so far.

Madame and NC4, I wouldn’t have been AF in the circumstances at all either.

Fucking Coronavirus, I’m trying not to worry about it. I had an email from Ailsa Frank this morning about steps to take to mitigate worrying, will copy and paste if. I can.

Frouby, I’m glad your back is better. I’m watching The Split, which is riveting, so I’d recommend that, it’s on iplayer

Longest, I hope the chimney stays put. Hope you do something nice for Dh’s 40th.

Doll, I’m up for another 5 days 🙂

We had a lovely time at friends yesterday and nobody was drinking so that was easy, got home about 8.30 and watched a film. Today have managed a row with dd about revision, (FFS it was like arguing with a terrorist) 2 miles on the treadmill and not much else so far. She then asked me to take her and her friend to the shops, which is an hour round trip so I did. There’s a book about teenagers called something like “Get out of my life but first take me and Alex into town” - so appropriate.

Today is day 7 in a row AF, day 34 overall this year. Don’t intend drinking all week but may allow for some wine on Friday, not sure yet.

Here are the tips from Ailsa Frank (hypnotherapist):

“Have you been worrying about Coronavirus?
Do you worry about getting ill?
Or are you stressed about your relative's health?

Health is the most important thing in anyone's life, so with an ever-changing situation with the Coronavirus it is easy to worry about the unknown situation. Once you begin overthinking a problem you begin to actually hypnotize yourself negatively, then it becomes a self-perpetuating which exasperates your anxiety. So to help put your mind at ease I have put together a 4 step guide for you to feel relaxed and stay safe. And I have an offer on my 'Let go of Health Worries' hypnosis download so you can offload your stress.

Here are 4 ways to help you keep calm. You can apply the techniques to any worries you may have;

1. Take control of your thoughts - Visualise a red triangle in your mind, imagine putting your problems, health worries, anxiety and even the Coronavirus into the shape, then shrink it down in your mind. By reducing the image in your mind you will break the habit of worrying.

1. Write down a plan of how you can minimise your exposure to the virus e.g. avoid heavily crowded places, avoid mixing with people from affected areas, wash hands regularly. By writing a list this will help you to feel more in control of the situation and it will also give you a clear plan in your mind so you action sensible routines.

1. Visualise yourself fit and healthy. By seeing a positive image of yourself in your mind it will stop you from worrying. What we see in our minds we become, so you are more likely to behave in a way that will keep you safe.

1. Money worries - One of the biggest challenges for people is that if they have to self- isolate this will mean that they can't go to work. Many people don't receive sick pay or are self-employed so won't earn if they don't work which can leave people financially exposed. Think of 3 things to help your finances by taking control of your spending or increasing income. By getting into a mindset of boosting your finances you will be better off now and once the Coronavirus passes. If you are financially vulnerable use this time to make a pact with yourself to find a way to become financially secure in the future.”

I don’t think Corona virus has made it to my city yet, thank god. Those tips are useful though Water.
I’m with you on the weather madame and frouby. Heartily sick of rain. There’s a hint of spring in the air though.
My friend is doing ok in the circumstances really. She’s got a lot of people looking after her. It’s a difficult time though. Her husband been ill for a while with alcohol and mental health, but in hospital for a week.
It’s so sad. He was a lovely bloke and was surrounded by so many loving friends and family through the week.
It will take a while to process but we’re all just sticking together, and remembering the good times.

This week I want to get back to the gym, eat healthily and keep alcohol down.

Longest what birthday plans have you got for DH?

NC I started watching Hunters last week on Netflix with dh. The fucker watched half of episode one, fell asleep then binge watched about 4 episodes without me. Have been watching bits and pieces and it's quite good. A bit Tarantinoish. Quite dark but also a bit far fetched but quite gripping. I've started watching Liar. Am not sure if I am enjoying it, am on episode 2 but think it's a bit depressing and predictable.

Madame ddog was filthy when we got home this afternoon and the little sod dived on the sofa on my clean throws and new cushions. She's usually dry by the time we've walked through the housing estate back home (shes a whippet so very short hair) but was still a muddy mess today. Had to shut her in the kitchen til she had dried then brush off most of the filth. And while I was at it I I clipped her nails which pleased her greatly.

I'm worried about the financial implications of Corona. If dh can't work (either because me or him are ill, or because they shut non essential work down) he won't get paid. And if they start cancelling sporting events it will make matched betting difficult. It's Cheltenham a week on tuesday Dion! Be good money to be made, top your exchanges up a bit and give your sky bet and bet 365 and betways a check over.

Been dry today. Tend to have a good week if I get sunday in. Just had a glass of milk and a bannoffee pie. Living the dream 😃.

I'm so sorry about your friend and her husband, NC4. What an awful thing.

Welcome, Doll. I can't make any pledges as I'll just feel crap if I don't manage it. Minute by minute at the moment.

Weirdly, I'm not worrying about Corona. This is very strange for me as I am the world's worst worrier. Perhaps it's because so many atrocious things have happened already this year on the domestic front that I'm kind of thinking: "bring it on", in a fatalistic sort of way.

Sick of bloody rain, too, Frouby.

Longest, I hope you get the chimney problem sorted. Now, I would very definitely have been worrying about a chimney falling on my DC when they were little!

Water, 33 days this year is brilliant, and all the more so when you are having revision arguments.

I have, incredibly, managed two nights AF. I think I am probably still hungover. I still feel horrible, and have not forgotten how incredibly ill I was on Friday. Will see how long it lasts.

Crossed with you, Frouby. Thank you v v much for the tip. I'm working my way through all the signups, so will check the ones you mentioned as well...

Yes just check they are still active and that you have your sign ins etc. Skybet are doing a risk free offer worth about £8, I think probably every day. Betway did risk free 1st and last race every day and Bet365 did up to £50 free bet if you get a 4/1 winner. Profit Accumulator should have guides up on all the offers, you won't be able to do them all so just pick the most profitable and the ones you feel confident doing. It's definitely worth blocking an hour a day out (preferably around 12ish) just to get a couple of bets on. Even if you dont have much in your exchanges you can combine liability (lay more than 1 horse in each race) and get a few bets on. £30 a day is very easily achievable and that's £120 for the week.

Well done Dionysa on 2 nights 🙂

£30 a day, Frouby? Yes please!!!

Thanks so much.

And thank you too, Water. It feels like a huge achievement, especially after the appalling slide into absolute non-AF recently.

Well i am doing terribly so far. Had shouting match with overtired dd1 over party bag sweets all over the floor combined with pmt so dh poured me leftover wine, presumably as self preservation measure. I was powerless to refuse.

Going out for lunch on his birthday while kids at school and have just ordered fancy meat box from the ginger pig for his birthday dinner (with leftovers for when dcousin is here). His present is a weekend away but that may be under coronavirus threat along with Venice trip with the dc. Will see.

Have applied for dream but underpaid and overworked job. Still unsure if it's wise but have been reading about the home office drama and thinking that a break from Whitehall may be no bad thing, and would still be civil service so no bridges burned.

Good news on chimney front. Neighbours popped round. They don't live there any more but are slowly doing it up to sell so were there today and are taking it seriously. Also bank account is not quite as bad as i thought so going to go ahead with works to stop house falling down and maybe even redecoration of living room too.

Birthday plans sound really nice Longest. I’ve not heard of Ginger Pig - may be a London thing - but as a fully paid up carnivore, it sounds ace.
I’m also very glad your chimney isn’t going to destroy the house.
I’ve got loads of house jobs I’m putting off. XH always did that stuff, so it’s a bit out of my comfort zone, although not too much. The recent storms have played havoc with the damp patches in my vestibule (fnar frouby) so they need looking at. I’d like to get someone in to paint the kitchen too. I could do it myself but I was a bit spoilt with XH being a one-time decorator and I’d be annoyed with my amateur finish.
As goes the job, nothing ventured, nothing gained, I reckon. Personally, my ambition levels are on the floor, but they’ll pick up again. I’m slightly worried about my incomings:outgoings ratio this month but again, it will be fine.
I can’t believe it’s nearly Monday. I feel very unprepared for the week ahead.

My god, I'm hungover. I don't usually feel rough from drinking but headache and nausea are ruling today. I'm going for minimal effort today.

I think I've run out of feelings. I can't get worked up over Corona, XH messaged me this morning about the divorce and I was just like, 'yeah, whatever just get on with it...' I just feel like I'm going through the motions.

I could do with a holiday I think.

How's everyone's Monday going? Fair to say I will be AF today.

Sorry about the hangover, NC4. I think I've still got mine from Friday. Had a small glass of wine at lunchtime as a school friend called in briefly, but determined not to carry on later on. I'm still a bit horrified by how bad I felt on Friday morning.

I could have written every other word of both your posts for you (including relief about Longest's chimney problem.

longest good luck with the job application.

Frouby I’d love a dog but not until dh is at home as well as it’s a lot of work and I don’t want to do it on my own.

NC4 sorry about your hangover.

doll how are you doing?

I’ve had a nice day, woke early but went back to sleep until 11am, chatted to a friend on the phone for 2 and a half hours, then another friend rang so talked to her for half an hour. Did a mile on the treadmill which is better than nothing. Just had salmon fillet with lemon butter plus salad and puy lentils for supper.

Day 8 AF here, day 2 in March and day 35 AF overall in 2020. Definitely drinking on a Friday as we are going out for dinner but won’t until then.

I reckon that’s 56% of the time AF so not as good as I’d like, Feb half term scuppered my stats really. Never mind, onwards!

Day 8, water. I'm in awe.

Just checking in here as I'm finding Day 3 hard work, especially after wine for lunch.

Evening all

Day 8 is amazing. The only way I'd get beyond day 5 is Corona virus or something equally as dramatic. Ddog isn't too bad. Shes happy to snooze 23 hours a day, doesn't always want a walk if the weather isnt to her liking (too cold/wet/windy/hot) and is a nice size for the house. Not to.small to create a tripping hazzard but not too big to be in the way.

Have been dry, day 2 this week. Was slightly twitchy when we got in from school and ds was winding so we took ddog for an hours walk. Was cold and muddy but calm and peaceful and dog and ds had a ball blasting round the path at the side of the nature reserve. We took a nerf gun in case we saw monsters.

Dion have a cup of tea, or a cold drink with ice and lemon. If I have a drink when I am twitchy it usually passes. Day 3 would be amazing!

The only reason I don't drink more is I can't cope with hangovers anymore. Hate wasting a day feeling rough.

Had a combination of leftovers for dinner. The dcs had freezer surprise, turned leftover roast beef into chinese beef curry for dh and I had a baked potato with leftover cauliflower cheese. Nice easy dinner.

Am going to tidy the kitchen and go to bed. Am knackered. Had weird dreams and keot waking up last night, plus with school run and dog walk have racked up about 6 miles today. It's not that unusual for me, but have used car for school run for last few weeks due to the weather, and what dog walks we have got in have been short and sweet, mainly because ddog was constantly turning round to come home cos wind/rain. So have felt it today. Am soooo unfit. Soon as Cheltenham over after next week BabyPony is coming back into proper work and LittlePony as well for ds.

Gosh well done for all the AFing. I am teetering on the edge of fuck it we are all going to die anyway, but am talking myself down.

Not much to report today really. Nothing terrible but no highlights either really
Worked, came home, took delivery of online shopping including modest quarantine supplies and have only just got dc into bed. Period is heavy and gross and my back hurts. Meh.

Poor you, Longest. I hope you've got a hot water bottle for your back.

I had two glasses of DD's horrible Dr Pepper, which filled the need to drink, then had some chips.

Love the photo and walk story, Frouby.

I've just counted up, and today must be Day 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Friday was the day I was sick. So I haven't had an evening drink since I had about a month's units on Thursday night. I have had two days when I have had a small glass of wine for lunch, but that is much better than my normal intake. So not quite AF, but one of the main things for me is to try to break the link between 6-8PM and alcohol. So it's better than nothing.