On A Mission To Moderate or Absolutely Abstaining? Join us for encouragement, support and non - judgemental chat CONTINUED....

[Determineddoris]

Hi all,

Shiny new thread!

Thank you to @Amdone123 for the last few, she's been around longer than me and always so supportive and kind, thank you!

Tagging people I can from the last thread but please tag any others please!

@texy @Manyrivers @Bigbus @JulieHoney @Mj20 @Starlia

Hi @Amdone123 - thank you. I don't think it is stupid to dread the hangover - they are pretty grim and I'll take any motivation not to drink. The bored thing - yep - it is quite a hole to fill sometimes.

I didn't drink last night - the junk food continued though. Today that goes too as I'm starting the ZOE scoring. I'm not entirely convinced not least because of all the recording but I'll do it anyway for a while at least...I was in quite a good routine with my eating before this week away but now it feels like a big deal to go back to it. I really need to go shopping for a start. I really need to do lots of things...

Morning all.

@Coppergate4 it's good to have a plan. I need one too.

@Amdone123 I'm admirative that you are staying on track. Pouring with rain here too. But the nature needs it.

Fell off track last night and had a glass of wine, and carbs. Then finished off the bottle. Swam it all off this morning in the pouring rain. I find swimming very meditative as I really have to think about my breathing.
Positive no 1 : I now know that swimming in the rain is very nice, had the pool nearly to myself, plus warmer in the water than out.
Positive no 2 : I just dust myself off and start again. No bones broken. It's only my resolution that has taken a blow.
Positive no 3 : I now know for certain that I can't just have one glass.
You live and learn. Onwards and upwards. Back on track.
Will have to think of a tactic for my holiday.
Hope you all have a good day

Swim sounds amazing @Nowstrong ! Was this at an outdoor swimming pool or open water? I like your attitude!

I need lots of plans...at least I have an alcohol one now (no drinking at home, moderate when out, record using stickers).

Looked up 'holistic lifestyle' this morning - my current categories aren't the same but the idea is...that it is all interconnected. My drinking is both a symptom and a cause, I get it now - that I have to work on my whole lifestyle if I want to stand a chance of getting on top of this, and enjoying my life (and being a positive in others lives) more in the long-term. Maybe I should use the holistic categories...

DH and DS have just gone out for the day. I'm still not dressed! Somehow need to break out of procrastination mode and get one with enjoying the day!

I attended my first AA meeting last night - think I have already said that my son has said if I don't attend one every night for 2 weeks then I can't get to see him or my new grandson. I was cacking myself but everyone was really nice and welcoming and I am going to stick with it.

@Nowstrong I'm loving your positives, especially the second one.
I think we have to remember this sometimes, we haven't killed or hurt anyone - and we're trying to find a solution. Even admitting it in the first place is admirable.
I'm excited to hear your plan for the holiday now 🤣.
Just nearly booked a flight to Spain tomorrow. I think I'm restless. I can't go away again - my sisters are calling me Shirley Valentine.

I can go to visit family tomorrow though. They're on holiday. It's a 3 hour drive but I guess it's something to do. I know I'll drink tomorrow. You're right @Coppergate4 , it's not stupid. Actually, if I do go ( or stay), I'm going to drink sparkling water too - ward off the potential hangover.
Hope you're getting your stuff done. I've just cleaned house from top to bottom, took 2 hours - if I don't do it in the morning, it will never get done.

@Mummykins54 well done ! That's a massive step. I'm glad it went well.
You've got help, here and any other 'tools' you find along the way.
One Day At A Time - sometimes 1 hour. And if you have a setback, it's ok - you're trying.
You can do it ❤️

@Amdone123 thank you so much - don't get me wrong it did feel weird and I heard some real horror stories but it is true alcohol steals your life and all the good in it. The support on here has been fabulous!

@Mummykins54 one AA story was the woman in the beige mac that beat up her elderly mother to get her purse. How ashamed she was made such a impact. You would never think looking out her but she did it to buy the drink.
Some stories are horrific but the story teller was once a casual drinker. It makes you think.

@WendyWagon last night I heard stories of a women who worked and at lunchtime went to Wotherspoons for a drink pretending she was taking the mail to the post office. Another guy was shop lifting alcohol.

That's great @Mummykins54 - a big step to attend your first meeting. So pleased to read that everyone was nice and welcoming! ❤

I've managed to have a shower and eat an out of date ready meal (not a great Zoe score for that!) but not got dressed. I need to do some cleaning! Go to the supermarket! I'm very impressed with your two hour cleaning stint this morning @Amdone123 in contrast!

I've been cleaning today (and throughout the week). I'm beginning to wonder how I've had the cheek to inwardly call myself a 'functioning alcoholic' because I'm not sure I've been functioning that well at all. This place is a filthy hole - equally as embarrassing as the drinking. 😮

Still, plenty of sober evenings to sort it out - bit by bit.

Still, plenty of sober evenings to sort it out - bit by bit. very true @Thepeppapigfanclub !

I came back from the holiday let place and immediately REALLY noticed how dirty my kitchen was. I've had all day to do something about it...I'm hoping this is just a re-group day before I get my cleaning motivation going...I think I enjoy it when I get going!

Another Slack Alice here.
I used to ignore the house in favour of wine and a magazine.
When we moved into our new house I realised how dirty things get. We lived in very old, dark houses This modern gig takes no prisoners.
Drinking milk tonight. Dishwasher already loaded.

Not been so good this week. Basically drank every other night. Had a bottle of wine tonight and I really, really want another. We live next to a pub which sells mini bottles and I know they do them to takeaway (past experience). Really want another but I know DH will judge if I suggest it.

Why does it have such control over me??!

@enoughisenough4 you dont need another bottle - it’s late now.

no judgment - I was the same on wine, that’s why I stopped drinking it because it was too moorish, I didn’t have an off switch with wine. I switched to vodka instead as I didn’t like the taste so much.

@Touty you're right. I didn't need anything else. I didn't have anything more and I'm now tucked up in bed. I did mention another mini bottle to DH but thankfully he shut it down and said he was good, and then a few minutes later said he was moving upstairs, so I did too and we're now having a cup of tea.

I probably will regret the wine tomorrow, and I have had wine frequently this week which isn't great. My only saving grace is that whist it's basically been every other day, I've not exceeded a bottle. Once I cross that point I definitely don't have a stop button.

Morning all!
Well done @Mummykins54 you must be proud of yourself. If you're not, then you should be. One day at a time.
@Coppergate5 and @WendyWagon I'm a bit of a housework freak. My kids tease me about it. I live in a flat so easier to keep clean. It comes from my ex who was a really lazy and dirty slob at home and wouldn't clean after himself. I find it calming to have a safe, clean and tidy haven.
@enoughisenough4 well done for getting tea instead of another bottle. If I run out nowhere to buy anything after the shops close. Which is helpful (to me).

Had a glorious sleep, woke up at 08:00, which is rare. Feel really reposed (is that a word?).

Stayed clear of the WW yesterday and of course telling myself that it's because I didn't have a drink that I slept so well. Have to encourage myself. Any little help helps.

Going for a swim in the pouring rain (again), this time one of my daughters is coming with me. I managed to sell the practically empty swimming pool and warm water experience. I can't remember who asked, but it is a heated outside pool. Closes beginning of September. I will then have to go to a covered, but not so warm one, until it opens again next May.

Wishing everyone a relaxed Sunday

@Mummykins54 well done! That's an amazing step forward. I hope it helps you, do you think it's been helpful already?

@Nowstrong I did mean a mini bottle, not a whole bottle (no judgement to those who do though!) but still, it would have been far too much and I didn't need it. So glad we switched to tea and went to bed.

Hope everyone has a great day whatever you're up to!

@Nowstrong an outdoor swim in the rain sounds amazing!!!!

@enoughisenough4 , I always had 2 bottles of wine when I drank. Then, with the help of this thread, I started with 1 bottle then beer. Now, I'll often just have 1 bottle, which is progress for me. I know what you mean and @Touty is so right - it's really addictive like that. I often don't even like the 1st glass, but by glass 3, I'm off !
I'd struggle living next door to a pub. Can't you move ?!!
Fell off the wagon spectacularly yesterday. 4 x beers and half a bottle of brandy. God knows how many cigarettes.
I'm ok with it though - I was going to drink today anyway. I'd done 8 days I think so a respectable break.

It is!

Hi anyone got a link to the online AA meetings?

Good morning and hope you are all doing well. Nothing really interesting to say, apart from going to enjoy another wet swim 😉.

Am staying strong AF wise, struggling a bit with the carbs. Didn't help that lovely MF went out in the pouring rain for fresh bread early this morning for breakfast.

Had a chat with sibling to say that I was in one of my good health periods and that alcohol wouldn't be downed too frequently. A drink here and there would be all. It went down pretty well, even though a lot of tongue in cheek gestures. So I might be able to manage with just a wee whisky from time to time and steer well away from the carbs as much as possible. I'm also planning on drinking VERY slowly to make one drink last a long time. That will be a challenge as I tend to throw in down my throat pretty quickly normally.
Soooo plans are in place. The difficult bit is sticking to them.
Will keep you informed of any progress, or lack of.
Have a good day. Stay strong

Morning @Nowstrong good you've spoken to your sibling. On holiday I would just stay focused on what you want. You sound like you don't really want to drink on holiday - that's great.

I was hungover yesterday. That's 1 day out of 10 I've drank so it's not too bad. But it was quite a lot.
I'm supposed to be going out on Wednesday with friends who drink. One of them really when to not drink would be a bit frowned upon. I don't want to go - I don't want hangover so I think I'll cancel.
I've had enough of the holidays now. I want normality. One last holiday in September for husband's 60th then nothing til next year.
Bank Holiday Monday and previously, historically, I would drink today - because that's what bank holidays are for right ?
I've no intention of drinking today.
I think I'll get ready and go for a long walk.
Have a great day everyone.