Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Sparks

I’m not 100% sober, but I’m much better now than I was when I started my journey to stop the madness. November 2015 is when I stumbled across Mummy was a Secret Drinker’s blog, from there, I found other wonderful bloggers dealing with the issues of alcohol (or on paths of soberity), Wendy, Michelle, Anne, Hurrah for Coffee, PDTG, and so many more…this led me to start my own blog this past June. Of course, it was started the day after a horrible evening of drinking to excess.  Blogging has and is helping me to deal with my drinking problem.

I don’t want to be caught up in the nightmare cycle of drinking to excess.  But I know even moderate drinking, for me, can/does trip into indulgence. I know it’s the addiction.  The only solution is to not drink at all.  And this is what I’m fighting myself with at this time.  I know I’ve turned a corner.  I know I can do this, it’s a matter of sticking with it and not letting temptation call.  With that being said, reading blogs helps so very much.  Michelle at givingupdrugsandalcohol.blogspot.com wrote an empowering post recently, which struck a chord with me.  As long as I’m honest with myself and others about my drinking (or anything really), I can face the problem.

It’s sparks like these, which help me to get closer to my goal.  

Thank you Michelle; I don’t want to drink.  

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Roller Coaster

I'm still doing okay; haven't drank much, manage three, four day stretches without drinking, but then...well you know.  Haven't gotten drunk, over-the-top, or blackouts since the last episode on September 30th.  The goal is still to be alcohol free.

On a separate note, I've been dealing with separation anxiety, as my only biological daughter is moving to Germany in a few days.  She married a very nice guy who is in the British military, who happens to be stationed in Germany.  She married him last December.  Their romance was a whirlwind affair.  I still can’t believe it at times, but the bottom line, she’s moving far, far away from me.  We are very close.  I’m having a hard time with her leaving.  I know she’ll be fine.  She’s an adult.  She’s bright and capable.  And with modern technology, we can stay in touch in all kinds of ways.  But not getting to see her in person, hug her…it’s saddens me. 

And lastly, today is my 21st wedding anniversary.  I don’t write much about my husband, but he’s a great guy.  This is our second marriage for both and we are so fortunate to have found each other when we did!


Actually, I'm better then okay.  I’m loved.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Still Here...

I'm okay, but I've not written because I feel bad for drinking these past two months.  Not like before, but I know it's a slippery slope.  And I did have one episode of blacking out on September 30th.  Which you'd think would stop me in my tracks....I'm in a place where I don't want to share my feelings.  Not a depression, but a feeling of defeat in this road of not drinking.

There I did it!  Baby steps again.  I'm okay.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Black Friday

Yesterday, my company laid off a couple people, cut some positions to half-time, and lowered salaries for others.  I was fortunate, as I was not affected.  However, after my supervisor explained all the changes to take place, the last thing he shared, was I would have to move from my current desk location to another one.  I currently work in a space which has floor to ceiling glass sliding doors that look out to the Pacific ocean.  The new location, one which recently became vacant, is in a dark, no windows three-walled cubicle.  Reason for the move, I talk too much and my voice carries.  I've been told, by him prior, I talk too much, but I've always argued that I don't agree.  I'm social, I do talk, but I don't at the point of hurting my or other's' work.  People don't avoid me, or put earbuds in their ears when I approach, etc.  People like to talk to me.  In fact, three months prior I was given a promotion (unfortunately, no pay increase to support the added responsibilities).  When I said I didn't want to move, he said I had to, as he spoke to me about this before.  Which is true.  What was more hurtful this time, was he said a number of people (4 and our company only has 21 people, well now it will be less) spoke to him about my talking, saying I was disturbing them, and doors had to be shut because of my talking.  I asked for names, and he gave them to me.  I was surprised by this, as I never sensed anything from anyone of these people, nor did I ever noticed doors closing around me.

Given what happened to others, I felt petty feeling bad about my situation, but it did not take away the hurt, demoralizing feelings.  I've worked at this job for four years now, and talking in the offices is frown by a few people, specifically my boss.  He rarely comes out of his office, and he's known for his cynical attitude, so not many chat with him.  In fact, I've been credited for working with him, as well as I can, given his demeanor.  The first two years were very hard, but I thought I finally got to a place where I fit in.  Now I don't feel that way any longer.  I need to let these feelings go, and just accept the situation.  If I want it to be different, I need to look for another job.  Something I think I'll do.

For a brief moment, driving home yesterday, I wanted to drink to numb my feelings.  I was angered, masking my hurt, and drinking seemed the thing to do, but I got home and thought, "Don't make things worse."  Because even though for a brief moment, the pain would subside, all I would ultimately do is make matters worse.  I don't want to do that to myself.  So I didn't drink.  Something positive, something very positive to hold on to, given what I'm feeling for now.

A side note, my sister is on Day 6.  It's very hard, as we all know, and this is the longest she's been without alcohol and/or pot in ages.  For this I'm grateful.

So in the scheme of things, my life isn't awful or bad; but I'm still human, so I'll get hurt from time-to-time.  I know this is part of life.  Just wish I could let it go sooner, rather than later...

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

My Sister

My sister's long time partner (20 years +) called me Monday evening to tell me my sister is out of control.  (This man has never called me for anything, we aren't close.)  She's drinking to the point of damaging ALL.  I know my sister drinks too much, in fact, I've drank with her way too many times to count.  When I started this blog, I let my sister know so she could follow me, if she wanted.  She's been supportive ALL the way with my decision to quit.  This has made her think about her own issues with alcohol, but I now know, it's also pushed her to stop sharing with me her fears about her own drinking and many other problems she going through right now.  Getting this phone call from her significant other was scary, as he shared he's at his wits end, and wants to walk away from it all.  I can't, and won't, blame him for feeling this way, but it hurts to think my sister will be left alone in this state.  I asked him if he was okay with me letting my sister know he called me to discuss this problem.  He said, "that's why I called you."

I did call my sister, but she didn't answer.  I texted her and she said she was busy and would call me soon, she hasn't as of this writing.  For the moment, all I know is, I'm here to support her however I can~BUT, I cannot make her stop drinking.  This I know for a fact.

So, I've sent her numerous texts, telling her I love her, she's not alone and "you can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." C.S. Lewis.

I need to stay strong for the both of us right now.  I need to be the BIG sister and show her the way by my actions and examples.  She deserves that and more.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Hurricane Irma

Sunday morning and all I've been listening to, reading and watching is the major storm taking place in Florida (actually been paying attention since Saturday night).  Between the Houston flooding, Mexico earthquake and this hurricane I feel like "Mother Earth" is saying enough with you insensitive human beings!

But I also feel like this is a sign for me as well.  The past year and a half, I've been trying to stop drinking for good.  My inner turmoil with drinking felt like all three of these episodes happening right now.  The degree of angst was extremely high.  While I'm not 100% sober, meaning I had a lapse last month after a good start, I'm back on track.  I don't want to have raging emotions concerning drinking to be part of my life anymore.  I don't want to self-destruct.  I want peace.

Please keep all the people in the world, who have or are dealing with these catastrophic events, in your prayers.  I cannot image what they are going through, but I know they will need as much help and support they can get.  My heartfelt prayers to them all.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Yeah for September!

I'm back on track, feeling pretty good this time about NOT drinking.  Instead of feeling sorry for myself, that I cannot drink, I'm feeling positive that I won't drink.  I know drinking isn't ALL fun, especially when one doesn't know how to drink moderately like myself.  It's a good thing to not "want" to drink, only took me 25 years to figure out!

I wish I was a better writer, more engaging, etc., but I'm not, so head over to Mummy was a Secret Drinker's blog and read her latest post:

5 Reasons Why September is a Great Month to Quit Drinking

And may I add a 6th reason, you'll love yourself more for it!

Thank you Mummy!!