Hey all,

Thanks for checking in Kate. I love it here too! I feel blessed to have such a great group to come to everyday. I really can't imagine coming this far without it. It's been essential to keeping myself on track. So you're absolutely right, it's "what it's all about!"

Happy anniversary Marcie! By this time of night I hope you're out of the basement & have slipped into something more comfortable...

Yes Donna, my nails are much stronger & longer now. In the past, when I've quit drinking and then started back again, my nails deteriorating was one of the telltale signs. They would start peeling & breaking, It was a constant reminder of what I was doing to my body. Especially in the morning when I was getting dressed, and one or two nails would get caught in my clothing, on top of the hangover & the bloating, it was just a little added extra bonus that would sometimes send me over the edge. >: So now my nails are a happy reminder that I'm healthier, and that quitting has bought many rewards, big & small, in a short time. I'm so glad you bought that up, it's one of those significant things for me, but I never would have thought to mention it. So thanks!

I did something BIG today folks. I went to Coney Island & I actually got on a roller coaster. I haven't had the "nerve" to ride one since...maybe the 80's...? It's hard to explain, but let me just say that I took a challenge VOLUNTARILY that I wouldn't do when I was drinking. I guess I was always so exhausted that I saw no reason to deplete myself further. Now I seem to have replenished my energy stores, and can use some of it to have fun & partake in unnatural, death-defying activities. It was great. Maybe next time we'll sit in the front .....NOT! I have to draw the line somewhere. ol

It reminds me of the movie Preluse To A Kiss. Before the dying old man took over Meg Ryan's body, she drank. But when he switches bodies with her, he wants to live LIFE to the fullest, and alcohol would dull that experience, so she/he doesn't drink. When Alec Baldwin starts to realize what's happened, he explains that it can't be his wife because his wife is "afraid of life".

Have a great night,
Deirdre