I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

[Gardening Gal]

I've only been visiting this site for a week now and have never, never even posted to a message board, (I'm assuming I'm doing it right) but I'm very curious about this program and the success and struggles of those who have been involved in the plan. Please share!

[tawnyfrog]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Hi Gardening Gal,

You just made me smile. I remember the same feeling of "I can't believe I'm doing this" ... some 14 months ago!

I would suggest you keep reading posts - you'll find all the struggles and successes - then consider downloading the book and deciding if the MWO approach is something you'd like to try.

I've managed to get my drinking down to a level that I find totally acceptable. I'm so happy with that aspect of my life.

So - from one gardening person to another, I'd like to say :welcome:

[Gardening Gal]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Thanks Tawneyfrog, I've seen your postings before. I have the book, read it in one day and I'm not much on reading. I've ordered supplements and CD's, and have a Dr's appointment so I'm in. I just want to hear from others, it's kinda freaky.

[sickofit]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Same as you two weeks ago never posted that is !!!!! but just had a go. My drinking has had a dramatic reduction funny enough my self esteem has had a sudden increase. Keep on here I never know where or sometimes what to post but have decided that I'll just do what I think is right at the time.....so give it a go gardening gal tell us about your roses.

[Arial]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Hi Gardneing Gal and :welcome: - from someone with ambitions but no ability to help anything green grow!

People pick and choose elements of the program that they feel right for them - I have not needed the medication, have enjoyed the tapes and have the Kudzu for back up if/when necessary. The strongest part of all of it is this web site - the inspiration, support, friendship that is to be found here I find enough to just keep me going - coupled with a new excercise regime, a new found zest for life, new energy ...Somone asked me how I could keep the motivation - but thinking about it, it's gone beyond that - it's a real enjoyment of being AF (60 days now) - it's just a new way of living and I'mm loveing evry minute of it!

You sound well prepared and determined, so great to have you here! I hope you can work out a program that works for you, and although it's freaky at the start, it gets easier. Keep posting here as there are so many wonderful people to help you through the sticky patches and celebrate the successes - I'm sure there will be both along the way but keep your goals in sight and you'll get there!

Warmest wishes,

[Paddy]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Same here - welcome!

I have never considered myself an alcoholic (even though in medical terms I could have been considered such), but a problem drinker - at one bottle of wine per night. But through this programme at the comfort of MY HOME, I got my life back on track. At this stage, I'm not abstinent, but similar to Tawny I got my drinking to a level which is more or less acceptable to me 1 - 2 glasses of wine per night (as opposed to 1 bottle!).

The door to abstinence is still open to me, and I am still considering it. And this is the beauty of it all - the MWO programme and the friendships here. We can learn from each others experiences. And the advice that comes sometimes at the right moment.

Welcome!

[SKendall]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Gardening girl, love to have you. Keep posting. Read the book and do what RJ has suggested.

[rottrod]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Paddy,
Did you drink a big bottle or the normal one?

[rottrod]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Gardening Gal,

I too am a gardening gal. I'm just learning the challenges of trying to garden in Houston, Tx. Hubby and I moved here last summer. Lots of bugs, lots of heat, lots of rain. Tomatoes, my favorite are a real challenge here. Herbs do OK. this year trying bell peppers and cukes, we will see what happens.

Glad to have you, I'm a newbie as well. I've ordered the Topa, not here yet. good luck to you.

Melissa:welcome:

[Gardening Gal]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Thanks for all the thoughts and encouragement

Didn't think my "handle" would bring out like minds. When I chose my log in name I had to really think about it but gardening is one of my outlets, so it worked. My husband and I moved from a Metropolitan City to a rural area with five acres of fully developed land. We have over 150 rose bushes, a garden with as much as I can plant and 450 grape vines... oh yeah, and do I love wine. Luckily, haven't gotten the skill of wine making down... I truly appreciate all the comments sent my way. I will continue to post and read postings as I know that keeping in the loop is the best therapy there is.

[goingsobermum]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Hi Gardening Gal,
Welcome to MWO, I'd been thinking of starting a gardening thread but was too slow, you've done it without meaning to. 5 acres is a lovely big plot we have about 1/2 acre here at home and grow lots of veggies and lots and lots of weeds! We also have about 1000 vines a few miles away, my partner makes very good wine, which I guess is why I drink so much and am always trying to cut it down. At the momment I'm pregnant so thats sorted me more or less for now, I haven't managed to stop completely yet but am drinking very small amounts that should be okay.
Glad to have you here
Suz

[dilayne]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Welcome Gardening Gal...from another gardener! I just put in my vegetable garden last weekend. The program is great if you work it. I've had great results when I've followed the full program as recommended in the book, especially the first few months, then I went abstinent and off the topamax for almots 5 months. I've resumed my drinking, but I've not followed the program and need to ...so it can be a zig zag road for some of us. Depending on your level of dependence, if you are 'out of control', then I would suggest that you try to follow the entire program for a while, I think RJ suggest the 35 days, with 30 days alcohol free in the beginning, then experiment with it to suit your needs. It seems to work best when approached holistically..each element complimenting and supporting the other. The topamax is a powerful drug. It was very effective on me, but I didn't like how I felt on it and I've resisted going back on it...or staying on it for long periods of time, but it's an option for me, and I like knowing that I can always go back to it if I can't moderate.

Good Luck, and again, welcome.
di

[SKendall]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

Gardening Gal and other gardeners - don't we just do it dirtier, lol

I love gardening too and spent this afternoon having afternoon tea in one of the fabulous gardens here in Victoria, B.C. I am challenged in my home in WA state due to the fact that we are in the rainforest and surrounded by so many tall doug firs.

[rudemama]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...

:welcome: Gardening Gal, I have been here since mid march i have been af since then. I think about drinking not craving but wonder if i will resume drinking i take each day as it unfolds . i love to garden but let my veg garden go the year my mom got sick.....upped my wine intake then too she's been gone 4 years now maybe time to plant a tomato and basil again......hope to hear from you again Rudemama

[southernbelle47]

I Can't Believe I'm Doing This...





Welcome Gardening Gal.....I guess we're "sisters" in more than one way!
I live in the southeast USA and have about 60 acres.

I think a gardening thread is a great idea!

I look forward to hearing more from you.
I post in several places....if you click on my avater and go to my profile, you can find all my post....been here a year or so!
It's always great to have garden-company.

:welcome: Nancy