One Step at a Time - November 2016

[aihfl]

Hi Everyone, sorry I've been AWOL. I've been across town at the gf's for a little "retreat." I don't want to get into politics, but I was not pleased with the outcome of the election, and she doesn't have TV and I just wanted to be in a news blackout for a while. I didn't get on the internet; I barely answered the phone. I did however, make a lot of progress on that Joe Hill novel I've been reading: NOS4A2. Much more of a mainstream horror novel than the book I recently finished by him, The Fireman.

Nora et. al., the doctors office cancelled the appointment, so I have to reschedule. I'm not nearly as bugged about it as a week ago. I'm not beating his door down to go, but I know I will have to soon.

I hope some of you are able to get out and see the supermoon tonight. It is overcast and drizzly here, so no moon viewing for me. I'll just curl back up in bed with NOS4A2.

Good night everyone.

[NoraC]

I read that- good book.

Lucky you were able to go on a news blackout.

[NoraC]

Hope everyone is doing well.

Nursie - are you going to AA? I can't remember. You are sounding positive.

Pauly, Rusty and everyone - big hugs

[mario]

Good morning folks, I couldn't see the moon last night because of the clouds, but did notice the huge glow from it, hope your doing all well, have a good day.

[Rusty]

ood Morning Everyone, and a Cheery Hello from Alexandria, VA!!

I am on the 30th floor, the top, of the Alexandria Hilton, and I have a balcony and a splendid view of the city. Can't ask for more! :-)

Aihfl-great to see you here! So glad you got in a little retreat with your girlfriend. I went on a news blackout, too. Enough already!

Nursie-I have been reading your posts on other threads and you sound amazing...full of a clear plan and a cheerful, AF mind. GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Hey Pauly-so glad to see you back. How was your visit with your Mom and brother?

Mario-you dear man...thank you for popping in to see us.

I had a lovely visit with my aunt (now sober for 8.5 years) and uncle. She is a totally different person. I lived with them for a while when I was in graduate school in Washington, DC. She had a quick temper and I saw her many outbursts. She is so calm and happy now.

Missed the super moon last night. I was already in bed.

Nora, so glad you found support on other threads after the election.

Hello to everyone I missed! Happy Tuesday!

[paulywogg]

Hey all, Aihfl, you're so lucky to have been able to avoid the media throughout this election bs! I did the same but unfortunately my escape was to stay drunk through it all Rusty, you asked about my mom and brothers visit, OMG what a shitshow that was! Clearly my brother has lost his mind, he's been following some internet spiritual guide who believes in mermaids and fairies, he seems mentally out there,my mom is mentally out there in a different way, she loves to drink and the first night she was here she wouldn't leave the casino, finally got her out of there and brought her back here where she proceeded to stomp and whine about which bar was close enough to walk to,so I had Kell come get her to take her over to her place, my mom told Kell to take her to the bar,Kell said it's late,mom threatens to jump out of the car so Kell just dropped her off at the nearest one,Kells boyfriend had to drag her out stumbling at 2 am,I just couldn't deal with all of that, so I stupidly drank too and joined some of the misery Nora,was a wonderful help in getting me through and off the grog, you're a special friend Nora I'm sorry I wasn't there for you and that you had to babysit me,I swear I'll be a better friend to all of you and not so me,me,me! Much love to all and I hope we all have a great AF day

[aihfl]

Pauly, I'll be honest, that was about as close to drinking as I've come since I got sober but I called my ex and she said, "Donald Trump is not worth drinking over," and she was right.

I just made Thanksgiving dinner reservations. It sounds like an amazing buffet spread. It's a little spendy, but what the hell, I have a reason to be thankful because my last Thanksgiving dinner was in a psych ward being detoxed.

Rusty, have a great time in DC. I haven't been in years.

I hope everyone has a great day.

[aihfl]

Also wanted to add, if any of you out there have Amazon Prime, the new Billy Bob Thornton series "Goliath" is great. Even though he's a fine actor (Monsters Ball, Sling Blade), it's funny how he's been typecast as an alcoholic washout (Bad Santa, Bad News Bears). I loved the line, "I don't drink too much. I drink just the right amount. For me." It's something I would have said!

[NoraC]

Upset tummy so I'm going to bed. xxx

PS - Pauly......you never have to thank me. We're friends :hug:

[paulywogg]

Morning everyone, Nora,yes I do need to thank you cuz you always have my back and never give up on me you took time out of your day to help me with no judgment, no preaching,just a hand to hold and some lighthearted humor even though you were going through upset about stuff, I'll always love you for that,Aihfl, your ex was right, Trump is not worth drinking over! I was just in such disbelief and already on a roll so I did,I love Billy Bob Thornton, even Bad Santa,there's a #2 coming out on Thanksgiving, I'm there! Hello Rusty, Liz,Nursie,Mr,V everyone else, let's have a nice hump day

[NoraC]

Another quick check in from me nthego: . Haven't had much to say but I'm sticking close. As I was in the grocery store yesterday, I stood and looked at all the champagne bottles. Not tempted to buy and still a little gaggy at the thought of alcohol. But, standing there is probably not a good sign.
So, I am being proactive. I'm sharing with you the event. I stared for a minute at the most. I am logging in Roll Call. I am being happy & positive. And that is going to get me thru. :heartbeat:

[aihfl]

Nora, as alcoholics, our challenge is unique among addicts. When I quit pain pills, it was in a way so much easier. I had to expend a lot of effort to get pills. Even though, at the time, they were much easier to get than they are now, I still had to find a bogus doctor, make an appointment, and drive there to "see" the doctor. And I never bought off the street, so I wouldn't know where or how to get them that way. I quit pot because my dealer was one of my former college students and he moved away to pursue graduate school. Again, even though everyone seems to be smoking weed, I have no idea how to get it anymore, and I'd have to expend a lot of energy and time to find out. Alcohol, on the other hand, is as simple as walking to the corner convenience store. It's the most difficult challenge of all to stop when it's legal, and there is a "dealer" literally on just about every corner.

[NoraC]

Oh my gosh - ok, this is going to start negatively but I promise I'll get better. Everything is driving me crazy or hurting my feelings. Honest to Pete, I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. But, seriously people - give me a break.
We are trying to sell some stuff on Craigslist. So, this guy is interested in a magazine. $12.00. Hubby has turned it into a big production. Trying to set up the place and time. Wanted me to read his e-mail. I suggested leaving out the day & time, just tell him where. Because hubby doesn't drive and I'm sure not driving very far for $12.00. Not worth my time & gas. I swear, we just about were fighting. Why did he ask me if everything I suggested was wrong. Shit!
Ok - all better........well, not really better but it was nice to let it out. :harhar:

[NoraC]

aifl - excellent point about the alcohol. You are right that it was harder for me because alcohol is in your face everywhere. I don't usually pay attention. But, I certainly did yesterday.

Rusty - I have got to go back & find out where you are. I know you are on the 30th floor somewhere in Virginia with a balcony and a view. Wonderful. Is this work or vacation?

Pauly - I'm really sorry for what is going on with your brother & your mom. That has to be so hard on you. :hug:

Nursie - I hope you're still doing great!

Mario - I don't remember if I already told you but great to see you.

AG - hope you are doing well.

I'm going to sign off for now just in case I don't get back to this. Mom seems to not be feeling well and I need to try to figure out what it could be. Have a great night, morning or afternoon wherever you may be.

[Rusty]

Good Evening, Friends!

On the plane and almost home!

Nora-vent away..that's why we are here. I was in Alexandria, VA for work. Thanks for asking!

Aihfl-brilliant post about the difference between a pain pill addiction vs. alcohol. I agree with you except I've never been addicted to pain meds.

Pauly-I am so sorry the visit with your mom and brother was a disaster!
It sounds like your brother truly has a mental illness. I bet you were glad to see them go home. :-( I know you love them, but GEEZ!!

I am going to try and take a snooze before we land. LONG Drive home!

I hope everyone is having a peaceful evening.