BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

[july232007]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Motivation

Well with Reteacher, DG, and Pinkie now on the other side of the first thirty day AF goal, this thread is showing some great follow through on a worthwile challenge. I sometimes get confused on where eveyrone stands on his or her own thirty day challenge. I know Satori is close around AF day 25 I think, and Hannah you must be at 23. Lynnie and Finding my Feet are in the challenge, and lilaclover your posts are so full of support but I'm forget whether your are over or approaching this 30 day challenege.

Why don't folks check in today with their star count and we as a group can continue with the positive energy to try to get everyone to AF day thirty.:racer:

AF day 16 for me.

July

[Arial]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hi All,

Haven't posted for a while, but thank you for remembering me in your posts!.

As I started the same day as Satori I should by now be shouting "25!" from the roof tops, volume turned up loudly and pompoms waving madly - and I am waving them, but for everyone else's achievements, not mine! Unfortunately to say am back to square one - actually not as far back to where I was about 4 months ago which marked the start of my first stint of 3 months AF, but to where I was about a month ago. I 'm afraid things haven't been good with my daughter who's diagnosis of MS has now sent her spiralling back towards a depression for which she needed psychiatric treatment 3 years ago. My heart just breaks for her as this should be an exciting time in her life - graduated, off to university , the world is her oyster, and instead she's stuck here learning how to self-inject every other day, feeling physically lousy, not sleeping, etc. On top of that as we are in an international environment, all her friends are off to univeristy, her boyfriend's left for Canada, her father's moved to Africa (we are divorced but he lived locally) so all in all life sucks for her just now and I am totally helpless. I can't give her what she needs. I'm lucky in that as a teacher I've had the summer with her, but I start school next week again and she feels that I, too, am leaving her. I also have my other daughter to worry about as she's scared and feeling pretty vulnerable and isolated at the moment... We do have some options in the pipeline so hopefully things will start looking up soon...

So sorry, don't usually share troubles - just find a way or working through them on my own but have had a bit of difficulty doing that this time - I've really enjoyed still coming here and reading about your amazing successes but I haven't felt I had anything to contribute and I didn't want to put a damper on anything. However, also didn't want to disappear without a trace! Although I have had a few drinks over the last weeks, I haven't actually had that many - but what worries me is that yesterday I just picked up a bottle of wine and thought 'to hell with it' and didn't even try to talk myself out if it. I only drank a half bottle which is great for me, but the attitude surprised me as I haven't felt that like for months and I don't want to start again.

So, with the help of you wonderful, wonderful people I aim to be back on that wagon and will get another 30 days under my belt, and will find my energy and sense of humour! Just bear with me if it doesn't work out quite like that - I know I've got a number of things ahead to deal with so I may not be able to make it every day, but my thoughts are with you all!!

Many, many congratulations to DG and Pinkie for getting their first 30 under their belts - what an inspiration - and also to everyone who's following close behind - look forward to celebrating your successes too! Hi to Lilaclover, Hannah, Starlight, Reteacher, Satori (Triathlon??!) July, FMF and anyone else I missed - And a big 'hello' to all newcomers - glad to welcome you to this mad house! Thank you all so much for the time you give and the positive energy you share - it has really helped keep me going!

[satori]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hi folks - just a quick post to say Hi - weekend is busy as usual - but still AF and lovin it!

Nearly finished day 24.

Arial - sorry you are having a rough time - you and your family are in my thoughts.
Hannah - you and yours too!

Doggy, Pinkie, Lilac, Retteacher, Starlight, feet and everyone else I've missed!
HI!

Must fly - things to do - places to go - people to see!

talk to you later!


Satori
xxx

***********************

[Doggygirl]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hi Arial. The situation with your daughter must be VERY difficult for her and for you. I can't even imagine what she must be going through trying to accept this diagnosis and all that it means, and rediscover a positive and healthy approach to life. Especially at this timing - I always think of graduating high school as the "end" of childhood and the "beginning" of adult life. And of course I'm sure you would trade your soul (well, maybe not that, but something huge) to make this "not so" in her life. I can't imagine what walking in your shoes must be like right now either.

I am so fortunate for all the support and learning I got when I quit smoking, and for me anyway, applies equally to getting booze out of my life. here is one of my favorite sayings.

"Nothing in life is SO bad that smoking again won't make it worse." For me that is a true statement - smoking cigarettes won't improve anything no matter how bad it is, and for me drinking won't improve anything either.

Anyway enough of my rambling on and on. Arial I'm just glad you posted and I'm glad you are here so we can support you as best we can.

July, I love when people give their star count. I can't remember them all, and one of my fears is somebody getting to 30 days and us not realizing it immediately, or knowing a little ahead of time so we can plan the celebration threads!!!

To the group at large...opinions? I'm thinking since we're back over 100 posts again maybe we should start a new thread come Monday morning? I just don't want any newcomers who are interested in joining us in a 30 day challenge to get scared off trying to read all the history!! (all that reading is best put aside for when one needs to be SAVED from a CAVE to the CRAVE(tm).)

Dog training went really smooth today!! I didn't need the life line which was a first for this Saturday activity. I even sat through part of the "after glow." When I left the boys to the rest of their beer, it wasn't becuase I was craving a drink - it was because I was bored with their conversation LOL! PROGRESS!!! Baby steps. Cool!

Later all!

DG
Day 32 AF - 30 day challenge #2 underway!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * + * *

[Guest]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hi all,
Just popped in with my best wishes to all my allies currently engaged alongside myself in this Battle of the Booze.

Am still firing on all cylinders........still going strong........on Day 13 AF......just don`t feel any great "need" of wine any longer, although admittedly, I could still thoroughly enjoy some!!! LOL

Am happily sat here with a mug of tea and a ciggie.

I will not drink...........NO WAY.........NO HOW!!

Nor will I surrender my ciggies...........NO WAY.........NO HOW!!! LOL

Love and endless luck to all for continued success.

Aren`t we just amazing!!!!

Starlight Impress x

[Hannah]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Winding down, late Saturday

Just checking in before I crawl into bed - was on a few other threads today but didn't check in here.

Arial, so sorry about the difficult time your daughter (and yourself) are going through. Sometimes the things that happen to us in life seem very unfair. I don't know if you are a person of faith or not, but I once had a minister, who I thought a great deal of, compare the evil in the world to a virus on a computer screen. Despite all the defense mechanisms we can put in it's way, sometimes that virus makes it's way through. Doesn't help the situation much, I know, but sometimes it's actually comforting to know it was completely randum and nothing you did or didn't do contributed to it. I'm sure that you are much more comfort and support to your daughter than you realize, even if you don't feel that way. Thinking of you, and praying that things will start to look better soon.:h

DG - You have a talent for striking the nail right on the head - I love what you said about "Nothing in life is so bad that smoking again won't make it worse." Simple statement, very profound, very true, whether you are talking about smoking, or drinking, or whatever vice you choose.

Like you idea about starting a new thread on Monday. Probably time. And congrats on sailing through the dog training AF once again.:goodjob: and also for 30 + 2!

I don't know if anyone remembers in my "life story" post I said that I wondered sometimes if my hubby and I could still relate to each other unless we were both half cut? We went out for supper tonight, and it was actually awkward!!!! I think that he would really like a glass of wine, but he hasn't been drinking either (he really is a great guy), and was feeling pretty stressed, and was sitting there stressed out, and not relaxing. I was feeling guilty because I felt like it was because of me that he wasn't having wine, so I finally said to him "Why don't you have a glass of red wine? It really won't bother me" and he said "No, I really don't want one" but then we said barely a word to each other over supper - and going out for supper and having two glasses of wine with it was such a big deal for us before - we REALLY enjoyed it. It is hard, isn't it, to actually give up those things. I don't miss the wine, but I do miss the feeling. Anyways, we'll just have to get past it. We do talk to one another, don't misinterpret this, but seems like going out for supper is awkward because we are still so missing the way it used to be.:sigh:

Satori - Sounds like you are having a good weekend. Congrats on 24!
Starlight - Day 13 AF - almost to the middle! Good for you, you are doing sooo well!
Good luck to everyone on a good AF day again tomorrow!

My 23 gold stars:***********************

[Doggygirl]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Good Day Booze Busters!

It's Day 30+3 here, and the Dreadmill and Torture Trak are done for the day. That always feels good.

Starlight, Congrats on Day 13 - now onto Day 14, right? Good for you! Show us them stars girl!

Hannah, I'm sorry dinner out with hubby seemed awckward. I'm betting that with more "practice" you both will migrate to a different and better place - conversation will resume and feel natural again, and all that jazz. It IS awckward at first to do the things we are used to doing with some degree of buzz going on. I hadn't really thought about this part before, but I bet it's especially different since BOTH of you aren't drinking now - and it was just the two of you - no "familar ground" as a buffer zone while you each get used to things being different. I hope this blabber makes some sort of sense - just thinking out loud here. "Thinking" can be dangerous for me. At any rate, Happy Day 24 today!

Well, just when I thought dog training was over..... As everyone was leaving, our trainer's old rickety van wouldn't start. So...that became a guy project of huge proportions that did not end until about 11PM last night. And of course they all had to have a few more beers to celebrate the manly success of getting said rickety van to run again. That was WAY too long of a day with "unexpected company" through too much of it. I didn't drink - didn't really want to. But I was feeling like a MAJOR bitch. Self discovery - I'm not really ready yet for lots of "impromptu" unexpected situations - especially those that I cannot control or escape from. Today has some unpleasantness in store as well. Let's just say I will be VEREE happy with Day 30+3AF is over, and we move on to Monday!

**wise great pumpkin please make me forget where the guns are** (just kidding of course....)

DG
Day 33+3 AF * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * + * * *

[retteacher]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hi everyone: I'm doing fine & just wanted to check in. Hannah, I too have found social situations a bit awkward wo/the social lubrication of a drink. I think we'll get used to it as time goes on. Today, I have my grandson's b-day party. It's a loud, boisterous affair w/loads of drinking. I blacked out last year, but this year I want to be there for the presents, cake, games etc. I know it'll take me a while to feel comfy. I'm getting used to it. Keep going. Mary

[pinkie]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Good morning to all, I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Aril, my heart goes out to you as I do understand what you are feeling. My son is a diabetic so I know how hard it is to watch one of our babies suffer when there is nothing we can do about it. Gone are the days of kiss the boo-boo and all is ok! I spent a long time keeping my feelings inside and hating the world because of his disease and felt there was no one that would “understand”. I was wrong! I don’t think that there are any words of wisdom that will help what you are feeling but know that we are all here whenever you need to just vent.

Hannah, I fear that I will have the same problem going out to dinner so we haven’t in about 5 weeks; which is really unlike me since Im not allowed in the kitchen - at least not alone! Keep us posted on how you work that out as I would like to be able to enjoy an evening out but my fear of drinking is outweighing it.

DG, what is this unpleasantness that you speak of today? No matter what it is, you are a rock and a true inspiration so I am sure you will overcome whatever it is and make the best of it.

Satori, glad to hear you are having a great weekend. Hopefully you and the boys are preparing for your world tour!

Reteacher, good luck at the party today! Hang on to knowing that come tomorrow morning you will remember everything, presents, cake, grandsons happiness at having you there and best of all, who made an ass of themselves! Ahhh, memories! lol

Hello to Feet, Lilac, July and any others I may have missed, go get your stars!

[Chief]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hello Booze Busters! Today is Day 2 for me. Only 28 to go! Arial, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your daughters. You will get through this. I know that you are providing more love and support to both of them than you realize. Sometimes that's all we can do as parents is just be there for them. Please be strong and let us know what we can do. Don

[pinkie]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hello Chief! Day 2 is great...keep getting those gold stars!

My vote for the start of a new thread - YES!!!!

[Finding My Self]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hi all!
Just had a really quick read - must cook the supper! Will get back with specific hellos but wanted to check in and say going well - can't believe it's 78 today (lost count and gained two days..what the heck, if it's from when I cut right back to 1cm in a big glass 3 times a day then it's 82!! 26th May 2007 was day 1 AF...)
You're all doing so well and thanks for helping me keep my thinking sorted...it's great just knowing you're all 'out there somewhere' ALL over the world...wow, what a great site and just the best thread, eh(?!?!)... (Yes, new one'd be good - but can we still read the 'old' one? Want to catch up with all your news tomorrow - will it disappear?
Love to you all.
feet x

[Arial]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Good evening friends! - many thanks for your kind words of support - much appreciated :h

It was really nice to feel comfortable enough to unload as I tend to keep things to myself and just deal with it - it's easy to do when the girls are around as they need the strength, but sometimes on my own the cracks start to show a little! I have an appointment with the psychiatrist later this week to see what he suggests, my eldest daughter is now thinking about going out to see her father for some time which will give her a change of scene which might be a good idea, and she did her injection today without a problem. I know there will be many ups and downs but I also know that we will move forward and things will get better. But you're so right, Pinkie - when it's your children it's harder to deal with - you feel so angry and wish it could be you. I'm really sorry your son has diabetes - that's also a tough one to handle - how has he adapted to it? Has he had to make many adjustments? ... DG - you're right about drink not making anything better - even the temporary sleep it induced wasn't a good sleep... and Hannah, thank you for sharing that metaphor - I also believe things are random, that sometimes things happen over which we have no control or choice. However, what I hold to then is that the only thing I do have control over is how I react - the course of action I decide on. That's why I find this difficult because I have no control over how my daughter handles the situation - yes I can be there for her but I find it really hard when she doesn't do things the way I think will help her! I know I sound like a control feak, but I'm not actually - as her mother I want to make things right for her and I can't - she has to be able to do this herself (with support, of course). Chief, you're right - sometimes all you can be is a parent and that's enough ...

Anyway, both girls were out today for a period of time so I had a bit of down time, so I followed my own 'nagging' and went for a long bike ride - the sun was out, the country was beautiful and it was a glorious 1 1/2 hours - my knees are now complaining bitterly, as is my butt (saddles were not designed for comfort!) but it was a wonderful feeling and it certainly helped lift my mood. I really need to keep it as a regular part of my non-drinking life. So today is day 1 again! Funny, yesterday I had a half bottle of wine to finish off which I thought I was looking forward to - and I ended up throwing the last of it away! I had one glass, poured the second and realised that I wasn't even enjoying it, so down the drain it went!

DG - sorry to hear you've got tough things to handle, but you're doing brilliantly so get through 30+3 and +4 and you'll be flying even higher after your trials!
Chief - thank you for your thoughts - you're now a day ahead of me, so I hope never to catch you up!
Hope you enjoyed the party Mary - I'm sure you managed it with great success - and maybe even enjoyed watching others drink too much and make fools of themselves??!
Sorry the dinner was a little awkward, Hannah, but it's another step in the right direction - it's just the change in situation that needs a little getting used to I suppose. I felt the same in the evenings with the girls - what do we talk about now I've got the whole evening to fill?? Actually that was one of the first improvements - we actually started talking more - and not my usual drink-induced ramblings, but real talk, so it sounds like a good excuse for more meals out to me!
Congrats to you, Starlight! You sound like you're in a good comfortable place, so budge over and make room on that couch for the rest of us - teas all round I think!

A big hello to everyone else too - I think I've more than used up my alloted space so I'll keep it shorter next time! Many thanks again - you are truly friends.

[Finding My Self]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Hey DG , I still felt like that at 33 days if it helps to not feel on your own - well, you know that here! I still feel a bit overwhelmed too, at times...don't want to drink but... We're buddies in that feeling then! I hope you get to feeling stronger like me and I get to feeling stronger like someone on 120 days (?!) etc. etc. etc.

I feel much better at 78 days - BUT I know the old hormones seriously don't help some days! OK at mo but who knows in a couple of weeks?!? But at least it wont be booze driven paranoia!

Partner goes away for 3 weeks on Thursday - I'm really not looking forward to that at all; he is my pillar of strength to me...a real test for me...so...I think I'll be here quite a bit! A time to test my theory about feeling stronger now...!

Love Feet - losing battery quick!!! Bye!

[Finding My Self]

BOOZE BUSTERS 30 Day Challenge - Week of 8/1

Sorry DG! That was to do with lots of people staying round after training....wasn't clear! Well done for coping! Building your' living' muscles there!
See you'all tomorrow!
Feet x