Class of June-Part 2

[bjork]

Hello everybody!

CONGRATULATIONS REB!!!! You are doing great! Yep, alcohol and smoking dry your hair out. I was fine until 35. Seems like maintenance gets a lot more intense in your mid-late 30's LOL

Chameleon-You are so right about Ronnie. Lydia drives me crazy. She was all for the underdog until she became a part of the "Jessie harem". Now she's becoming a bully (everything she cried about and said she hated in the beginning). Russell....not sure if he's just stupid or playing? I love Jordan and Jeff! I abhore Chima I have been watching after darks too. I've got to stop and just watch the show.

Today is day 32 for me (2 weeks no cigs).

Ummm....this may be TMI for some, but I am constipated for the first time in my life. UGH! I'm going to hold off on cutting the caffeine out of my diet.

[bnme247]

Jut a big ole hey everyone and thanx!!!!!!!!!

[Lindsay]

haha...I'm a big BB fan too! I love that it's on 3 times a week...especially during the summer when there's nothing else on tv! I've got my boyfriend hooked on it. He has DVR so he always records it for us. I've also got him hooked on the Bachelorette...haha...but that's almost over!

I can't stand Ronnie!!!!!!!! He's so annoying.

I'm feeling a little irritable today, probably because it's approaching that time of the month. ugh. I hate feeling like this. I'm dragging big time and just...a &%*$& in general. I haven't had any cravings lately, but I have had some..."i wish i could drink like a normal person" thoughts. I hate those!

How's everyone doing today????

[bjork]

Hey Lindsay! I have those thoughts about normal drinking too. I can't help but feel a little jealous. It might be wrong, but it's how I feel. Ronnie is annoying and is WAY TOO COMFORTABLE right now. However, I think he may just get away with what he's doing. ??? Bachelorette, just watched it and I can't believe Reid is coming back!!!! WOW!!!

Irritable??? That time of the month??? Ummm, light up the grill for steaks and get the chocolate drip going! Hope you feel better soon!

+ =

[waterfountain]

Lindsay,
I hear ya! I'm approaching that time too, and my fuse seems to shorten every day as my "moon time" gets closer. I too get the jealousy/wish I could drink like a normal person thoughts from time to time...
I had my first drinking-related nightmare last night. I dreamed I drank a lot of mixed drinks while at something with someone (don't know who, and I can't remember if it was a movie or what), and just that one night of drinking put me in the ER with dire problems with my pancreas and blood pressure. It was terrible! And it has certainly left me shaken enough that I physically shake my head "no!" at the mere wanton thought of drinking.
... weird that I would dream that on my 6 WEEK MARK!

I hope everyone is doing well. I'll try to get back on later tonight, but I have no idea how long my condo association meeting will run. Ah well.

Be well, and best wishes!

[Jade19]

Oh waterfountain, I had one of those too, not last night but a few nights ago. I woke up sweating thinking I had blown it all!!!! ughhhh

Now onto BB, I CAN NOT believe he put Jordan up!!! AGGGHHHH I can't stand Ronnie, I hope he goes soon!!!

Anyway, I am sooo tired but will write more tomorrow..

Night all!!
HUGS!
Reb

[bjork]

I started a Big Brother thread in Cafe Central so we could discuss the show! Come tell who you think is going to be eliminated this week....Jordan or Laura?

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ther-11-a.html (Big brother 11)

[bjork]

Hello everybody!

Waterfountain: Wow....what a horrible dream! I hope you don't have any more of those. I haven't had any phantom drinking dreams in quite a while. Your post reminded me that I used to have them. Sometimes I would even wake up with alcohol on my breath (so I thought). I hope tonight's rest is more peaceful.

I am getting myself ready for a 4 week trip into the mountains. The isolation kind of has me in a panic. However, I have quite the checklist of things to keep me busy. I will be working for 4 hours every day (7 days/wk) One day I am planning to ride a bicycle to Austria. It's only a 4 hour ride. LOL Knowing that a change of environment can make me have cravings makes me nervous. but, I guess knowing that that is a trigger alleviates the chance for relapse.

Hope everybody is having a nice day!

[bjork]

Hello? Hello? Hello?

Echo Echo Echo

Crickets chirping......

Well, it is going to be a hot one today! It's supposed to get up to 97. I don't have AC as I really haven't needed it. Italians have alternative ways of keeping their places cool. I have let the cool air in, closed the shutters so air can still come thru and the sunlight is out. My apartment is now a cave. Let's hope it stays relatively cool.

I leave for the mountains in 3 days! Yikes! At least it will be much cooler there.

Hope everybody is doing well today!

No alcohol=34 days
No cigs=16 days

[waterfountain]

Bjork,
lol, both my cubicle at work and my home are caves :P I just prefer the darkness... I hardly ever turn on more than a low-watt lamp or two.
I hope you didn't melt today!

3 days and then you're gone for a month, huh? Wow.... I envy you! I wish I could get away into the mountains for even a week, especially at this point in my sobriety! What a treat! Then again, I am really into the whole east-asian, monk, Taoist, Buddhist, Walden, spiritual-journey type stuff, *giggle*
I know you're a little nervous about it; that's okay! Know that you've got us back here cheerin' for ya!

Day 44, over and done *happy dance*

Doing pretty good. No thinking or dreaming about drinking today; no anxiety; no depression.....
I have been feeling a little depressed though. Well, more like some combination of depressed and apathetic. *shrug* I figure it will pass. Just looking forward to another sober weekend!

Best wishes everyone *waits for the echo*....



I hope you junebugs are doing okay! It's getting kinda lonely in here...

Later!

[Jade19]

CONGRATS on 44 Days Waterfountain!!! and Bjork your going to have an amazing time!! I would relish in the beauty all around you and just think your going to remember the WHOLE thing!! Can't wait to hear how it all goes!!!

I have been battling the 100+ heat here, it's driving me insane!! Too hot!! I keep thinking my a/c in my car is broke! LOL

I am starting day 25 today and I am just freaking loving it!!!

It has been so quiet in here...I wonder what has happened to everyone...hopefully they are just to busy living a sober happy life!! =)

I am so ready for the weekend! My husband and I are playing tourists in our own town...we went to The Alamo and Riverwalk last weekend and it was hilarious!! I found an old fanny pack at the thrift store and we totally went as the tourists!! Loved it! This weekend we are hitting some art exhibits and trying some restaurants we saw on "diners, drive-ins and dives"....

Anyway, I am off to bed...hope everyone has an amazing weekend!!

HUGS,
Reb

[bjork]

Hi Waterfountain! Yesterday was hot, but I did OK. I have the windows open now so the cool air can get in. In an hour or so, I have to close the shutters to keep the sunlight out. My apt. building is in a 400 (?) year old stone building so it really holds the cool air in. Given your east Asia affinity, what would you do during a mountain retreat? I could use some activity suggestions LOL

Congrats on day 44!!!!

Ahhh, the depression. I'm not sure if I am getting depressed or lonely. I usually feel depressed when I'm lonely, but I really don't feel like doing a lot of things that my friends plan. I'm in a situation where there are language barriers and my opportunities to network with other english speakers are more limited than in the US.

A colleague is planning a dinner at her place tonight, but I am completely annoyed with her (and have been since I have been sober LOL). She emailed and said "bring a bottle of wine" She knows I'm not drinking. UGH! Two other times, she was just very inconsiderate. I'm pretty sure I just never noticed how selfish and controlling she was before.

I'm looking forward to going to the mountains. I am going to be in Cortina d'Ampezzo. I will have a lot of time to admire the Dolmites via hiking and biking. I am also taking my laptop and a long, time-consuming list of things to do.

It is getting lonely in here......

I hope more people come in and post.

[bjork]

Reb-Congrats on day 25! That's great!!! Try to stay cool. I hate being a sweaty mess LOL It has been hot here too. You're so right.....I will remember everything!

That is so cute that you and your husband are playing tourist!!

[Jade19]

Bjork,

Your friend doesn't seem very considerate at all...especially if she knows your not drinking...I am sure there is something else you could bring. Maybe bring some sparkling cider ;-) Maybe she'll get the hint and stop putting you in that position. I am going to a party this weekend and my sister asked if I wanted to bring beer or make an app., (she doesn't know I quit drinking) but I never realized how she always put two offers out there (clarity and my memory are coming back) and I always chose beer before....she is not a drinker so i knew she was doing that on my behalf...so I gladly chose appetizer and she said really??!! LOLOLOL I look forward to a sober party!!!

Waterfountain and Bjork, I am finding myself a bit blue and lethargic as well...I think the clearer things get the more I am seeing things that maybe I didn't want to see before, especially in the company I was keeping. Now that I'm not drinking the phone calls have stopped and I am a bit lonely myself...I think my hubby is picking up on it and trying to keep me entertained. I know I need to get out there and meet new people...but I haven't been to a meeting in a while but I did make a HUGE mistake. I placed an ad on craigslist. LOOKING FOR SOBER FRIENDS was the title...omg...I got pictures (use your imagination), lesbian offers, if I was one some of them were not half bad looking LOL, and then crazy crazy emails...I strongly advise against this..LOLOLOL lesson learned and noted...anyway...just wanted to respond since my knees are bothering me and I am waiting for my aleve to kick in...

Have a great weekend everyone!!

[waterfountain]

Thank you very much Reb, and congrats to you for your 25+days! Oh man, does your weekend sound fun! I hope you have a great time! If any of your dining is particularly unique, I say take a picture and post it

And thank you too Bjork! Your building is that old?! WOW! Well, my building is a fallout shelter, so nyah :P *giggle* As far as a mountain retreat is concerned.... I would meditate a little, but mostly do a ton of Tai Chi and play around with free movement. I'd probably climb some trees if possible, and, if I could find a really quiet and secluded place, then I'd dance wildly for a long time, maybe twenty minutes, until I became exhausted - then collapse on the ground and listen to my surroundings in that heightened state of consciousness....
But going for hikes and sitting on rocks would be fun too, lol.
A real bummer about your friend. I hope that you don't end up too stressed out about it.

Reb, your whole post at the end here made me lol! I hope you have a fun "sober party", heheheee. What are you going to bring for an appetizer? Oh and your Craigslist mishap had me giggling too; ah, the learning experiences of the internet.

I hope everyone has/had a good Friday, and I hope Saturday turns out well too! I'm looking forward to sleeping in, that's for sure!

Take care!

Oh, and to the room: Room, work your magic! Draw some folks back!

[bjork]

[QUOTE=Jade19;2307310] I placed an ad on craigslist. LOOKING FOR SOBER FRIENDS was the title...omg...I got pictures (use your imagination), lesbian offers, if I was one some of them were not half bad looking LOL, and then crazy crazy emails...I strongly advise against this..LOLOLOL lesson learned and noted QUOTE]

Reb-LOL That is so funny! I sold almost everything I owned on Craigslist (right down to my shower curtain and shower rings). I had to be careful about meeting people. I would always got to Dunkin Donuts across the street to meet people. The funniest scenario would be selling my coffee pot in Dunkin Donuts. Once a scary guy got really PO'ed and left w/o even looking at my TV when he realized that I had a neighbor with me. Crazy!!!I have used the personals on CL as well. Not the best place LOL I know that Match.com has ads for friendship. I met a woman off of Match and we used to go out and have so much fun!! Symphony, movies, restaurants, etc.

Waterfountain-VERY COOL about the fallout shelter!!!! Is it just attached to the building or what?

It's going to be another hot one today! I leave tomorrow and I need to call the vet today. I think one of my cats has a uriary tract infection. Lovely!

[waterfountain]

Bjork,
lol - apparently the entire building must be one, since the signs (with the radiation symbol and everything!) are at two of the entrances. The basement/storage area is obviously fortified (and thus kinda creepy in some parts)...
How did you manage to sell so well on Craigslist? I have several things I'd love to part with, and since I live in a downtown area, I have plenty of public and safe places to meet with people - any suggestions? Did you always include photos? Did you give out an e-mail or phone number, or just use the anonymous filter built into craigslist?

Yikes, your clock is ticking! I sincerely wish you the best and I hope that nature chooses to interact with you in an inspirational and beautiful way (here, I'm thinking of just the right sunbeam breaking through a canopy and illuminating your area in an almost mystical fashion, or a redsquirrel chattering to you at just above your head, or maybe even a swarm of dragonflies appearing and leading you to a private clearing).... I think I'm a romantic when it comes to the wild
Sorry about your kitty - and on Caturday of all days I hope everything works out with a minimal amount of yeowling and impact to your wallet.

I hope everyone is doing well! I've got a partly-cloudy and warm Minnesotan day to work with. The boyfriend's been rather inconsiderate the past few days - just kind of doing his own thing. Disheartening..... but I guess I just have to find things to keep myself occupied, and keep my mind off of it. Farmers market today maybe?

Also, I've finally noticed my own cravings for sweets coming to light! I had seen Reb and Chamma talk about it, and various others in numerous threads, but I hadn't noticed it myself. Well, realization dawned on me when I felt inspired to buy sour Skittles and the Health Valley brand of Oreos. I do NOT like cookies, unless they're SUPER moist. And I the only time I'd ever liked skittles was when I was younger and would get them for Halloween. How's this then: that pack of skittles is sitting next to my laptop here, with only about 6 left >.<
....at least I haven't gotten to the cookies yet, heheheeee.
All right folks, I'm going to go play in photoshop or illustrator for awhile. Have a good morning!

Oh! Also, Reb, how did day 25 go? Looking forward to 30? Maybe I could mail you some of these cookies *sly grin*

[Lindsay]

Hi all! I've been in Houston all weekend...my friend and I flew over here to see the Fray! The concert was last night and it was AMAZING! we were down in the pit so we were super close. It was my first sober concert in...forever...but it was so much better for so many reasons. Didn't have to spend lots of money on alcohol, wasn't constantly running to the restroom, FELT better, i actually REMEMBER the concert...haha.

Anyways, day 56 & feeling stronger than ever. I worked out sat morning and this morning in the hotel gym. We're leaving for the airport shortly here.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

[bjork]

Hello everybody! I just got to Cortina and my mind is playing some serious manipulation games! Anyhow, I am feeling much better now. I think it was just my initial response to "Holy crap! You are in a new place alone for four weeks!" I unpacked my bags and ran through my mind what someone on here suggested earlier, "What is this going to accomplish? Will things be better after?" I pictured myself sitting in my room drinking alone and smoking in a no smoking room b/c I know that's what would come next. Oy vay! I don't want to drink nor do I want to smoke. I just had to talk myself out of this. I feel better now. Thanks for letting me ramble.

Waterfountain-I had photos for everything. If I did not have a photo of an item, I went to target's website or wherever I bought something and used their photo. I always used CL's annonymous email. I also made sure I put things in categories that were most likely to find a new owner (ie humidifier in baby section, crutches in medical, etc.) At first I was putting everything in household (I think). I sold everything last Spring in Chicago. I alos reposted stuff all the time so it was always on there. Meet people wherever it is convenient for you, because sometimes they don't show up. Dunkin Donuts was conveniently right outside my building. We almost always met out front. The employees inside were pretty entertained with me bringing lamps, crutches, bread machines, etc over there all the time. I also put up signs (with pics) in my building's laundry room that had the little tear off phone numbers.

Lindsay, you Rock! Glad you had a great time at your concert and stayed sober! Have a safe trip.

[bjork]

Today was a great day! I am so happy I didn't drink yesterday!!! It was a really intense mental struggle. WTF?! I don't think I have had to fight so hard before. Anyhow, I am glad I didn't drink.

This morning I woke up happy I didn't drink or smoke lastnight. I had a really good lesson with my student. Afterwards, we had lunch at a chalet nearby. I was offered wine and declined with no problem at all. I spent the afternoon walking around looking in shops.

The Dolmites are just breathtaking! I'm glad I am sober and able to really enjoy myself.

Hope everybody is doing well!

[Jade19]

Hey everyone!!! I am so glad everyone had a great weekend!!! SUCCESS!!! and Bjork I wanna see pics!!! I can send you my email...I just can imagine how beautiful it is there!!

Well I went to my sister's for her party, and LO and BEHOLD it was a full blown drink fest!!! I was really taken aback...I seriously thought I was going to crawl out of my skin and hit that barrel of ice cold beer and go to town...I had to walk outside to compose myself..I was shaking a bit!!!! I went in got a huge plate of wonderful food and tried to socialize as much as I could. It was hard not to stare down at their drinks like a man (forgive me for generalizing men) stares at a womens chest!!! I had to keep telling myself, look into their eyes, look into their eyes...I wonder if men do that!! LOLOL After I ate and got full It really faded and we landed up having a wonderful time. On the drive home my husband and I just started laughing because we knew that there is NO WAY we could ever drink like them....I was like lightweights wouldn't know where their beer went...and it really was humorous and a bit comforting to be able to realize and acknowledge our drinking habits. We are not social drinkers and we will never be, we be alcoholics. =)

On a side note, today I will be working on day 30....you guys have no idea what this means to me...I haven't gone 30 days since I was 13 and neither has my husband...it's an awesome awesome feeling and I just pray to my God that he continues to guide me down this road that He has paved for me....I just feel so DA&M HAPPY!!!

Well I just wanted to check in and I love reading that everyone is rocking on with their lives soberly!!

THANKS YOU GUYS!!! Your posts have helped keep me sober and I really appreciate you opening up about your lives....


~Rebecca

[jade09]

Hello Jade19...so glad to see you are here....!!!
I've been away for TOO long....have not posted in over a week i think....
I'm burnt out....school is killing me, well....school/work/love/life/addiction/ ?!?!?!?!
Hope all is well / OK wih everyone...have to catch up...but SOOOOO happy when I saw Jade19 as the last post on the JuneBugs
Is everyone still around????

[Lindsay]

CONGRATS ON 30 DAYS REB!!!!!!

That's awesome...so proud of you! Also, it sounds like you did a great job staying strong at the party. YAY!

Day 58 here. I'll check in again later tonight when I have a bit more time...Until then...

[bjork]

Reb- Congrats on 30 days!!!! You should be proud!! And good job at the unexpected party! Way to stay strong!!! I laughed so hard over you and your husband joking about them being lightweights LOL Your posts have helped keep me sober as well. I'll send some pics. Send me your email. I'm not sure how to do that on here, so let me know.

I am doing well. I feel fat as h*ll, but I think that may have something to do with Flo just showing up today. Other than that, I am pretty much just chilling out here. I'm feeling very blessed to have this opportunity and I am feeeling very thankful to be sober.

On a side note.....
I knew Jill was going to pick Ed!!!! Poor Reid! Kipton will be the next bachelor.

[Jade19]

HEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOO JUUUUUUNNNNEEEBUGS!!!!!!!

I can't believe I made it to 30 days!!! I am sooo pumped!!! WOOHOOO!!!

Bjork, my email is modwalla@aol.com, you can email me anytime =) Would love to see the pics....I feel fat too but mine is due to the fact that I hurt my knee and haven't been able to exercise in 4 days...BLECH

Did any of you read that post in the newbie part about the 34 year old? OMG I HATE reading stuff like that because it scares the sh&t out of me but then I know I have to read that stuff to keep me sober....here is part of the post:

I am 34 years old, and I went to the emergency room about week ago for extreme stomach pain. I had occasionally vomited blood; I believed it was an ulcer. I didn't think anything about the dark color of my stool, except that I haven't made a solid bowel movement in months, if not a year. I figured it was all related to my ulcer problem. Boy was I wrong. At the ER, I underwent an ultrasound and three CT scans. I have been a heavy drinker since I was about 16 years old. The CT scan revealed my ulcer, which was no surprise, and then the ER doctor asked me to sit down. I did, and he then revealed to me that I have cirrhosis of the liver. He told me in the best case, I have 17 to 24 months to live. Since I don't have insurance, this is my fate. My hands are shaking as I type this. Sorry, I just can't believe that I have just been given an expiration date like what's on a battery or a gallon of milk. The only thing I can say to this is: If you have children and they like to party like I did, please inform them of the fate that might be in store for them.


Makes me wonder who the original poster was and if they are still with us. It just freaks me out because I started drinking at 13 and am 36....I was googling cirrhosis all morning trying to figure out if I have it...I get paranoid like that...I think I am okay but my God!!! WE CANNOT KEEP DRINKING MY FAMILY!!!

Anyway, hope I am not bringing anyone down....sorry if I did....

Have a BLESSED BLESSED day everyone!!!

HUGS HUGS HUGS!!
Rebecca