Hi Optimist,
I love your username.
I'm a newcomer too even though I've been here forever. My last drink was on the 13th.
I decided awhile ago that disappearing from a place that's purpose is to help people with their drinking problems because I go back to drinking is really... counterproductive. Right?
So here I am, trying again. Only this time, I'm not trying. I am doing. I am done. As bimini says (and I said above), I've had my last drink.
You mentioned cooking for others. There are agencies that have kitchens that do this - I've volunteered for one in my city from time to time. It's pretty fun, you meet other people, and don't have to clean up at home! If you're in the United States, I think you can call 311 anywhere and they will help you look for such a place.
Glad you're back with a vengeance!
p.s. Some people put that money in a jar and save it for a treat later on. You could go on a pretty nice trip for $4000.