Class of May 2012 part 12
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 137
Soleil, you crack me up. Two loving and intelligent leaders, you and Dee…I feel safe and secure 
Congratulations Saskia, you must feel soooo good!!
Tanja, I agree, it is such a gift to be able to learn from others here. I appreciate all of it so much.
Good to hear from you Lee! Glad you are finding your way. Much love to you.
Uninvited, I love that you are giving yourself credit for all the sober days you have. How wonderful you are here sharing, Hugs and love to you!
Jane, you sound wise way beyond your years. It is amazing what you are doing with your life so early on. Bravo Jane!!
FrenchPink, when your tantrum is good and over, and you remove your mammoth tummy from the windshield, come on in to the back of the vehicle. There are plenty of us who want to be near you now..to hold your hand and let you know how much we love you. Wishing we could be there physically, but can only send you cyber hugs and good wishes for your up coming surgery.
Congratulations Saskia, you must feel soooo good!!
Tanja, I agree, it is such a gift to be able to learn from others here. I appreciate all of it so much.
Good to hear from you Lee! Glad you are finding your way. Much love to you.
Uninvited, I love that you are giving yourself credit for all the sober days you have. How wonderful you are here sharing, Hugs and love to you!
Jane, you sound wise way beyond your years. It is amazing what you are doing with your life so early on. Bravo Jane!!
FrenchPink, when your tantrum is good and over, and you remove your mammoth tummy from the windshield, come on in to the back of the vehicle. There are plenty of us who want to be near you now..to hold your hand and let you know how much we love you. Wishing we could be there physically, but can only send you cyber hugs and good wishes for your up coming surgery.
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,002
Hello Mayans,
I am feeling much better, thank you all for your well wishes. Antibiotics rest and homemade chicken soup did the trick. Getting ready to go to work now, just wanted to give a shout out to you all.
First off, Soleil and Dee… that is some serious shenanigans there! FP I think you need to crush the engine and make us get a new bus! Of course exactly when I’m on line to sneak in front:rotfxko
FP- Thinking of you and wishing you strength this week. 140 days, that’s frickin awesome! Keep it goin buddy!
Saskia, I am loving that you made the break through and you are on a roll now. I have a feeling there is no stopping you now!
Emily, I’m sorry you are having more pain and that a proper bed did not help matter. Hopefully the doctor will get to the bottom of it.
OLL, Wishing you an uneventful and restful Sunday. So glad you were able to share with us and are getting through it without drinking. Way to go!
Jeni, Sorry you had to deal with the broken window yesterday, but glad nothing was taken and that it gave you a little comfort and peace being able to take care of it for your family. Also a good reminder of how we do not want to end up, with bottles stashed under cushions and strewn around the place.
Tanja, I love your thoughtful and caring posts. Pack leader in Training, I am wishing you well.
Wehav, Like FP, my artwork is completely stolen…But with good intent if that makes it any less a crime.
Deserto, Thinking of you buddy and hoping things are going well for you.
Solieil, Yeah, my sweetie tried to take good care of me, but I am a bad patient. Seriously though I think you will be a great leader for this new thread! I am glad you are in the driver’s seat.
Dee, You always know the right things to say to people and how to say em! Thanks!
Pink, Welcome back sober mate! You were missed very much. So great to hear your doing well.
Lee, Jane, Uninvited, good to see ya again!
Big hug to all and wishing everyone strength for the upcoming week
I am feeling much better, thank you all for your well wishes. Antibiotics rest and homemade chicken soup did the trick. Getting ready to go to work now, just wanted to give a shout out to you all.
First off, Soleil and Dee… that is some serious shenanigans there! FP I think you need to crush the engine and make us get a new bus! Of course exactly when I’m on line to sneak in front:rotfxko
FP- Thinking of you and wishing you strength this week. 140 days, that’s frickin awesome! Keep it goin buddy!
Saskia, I am loving that you made the break through and you are on a roll now. I have a feeling there is no stopping you now!
Emily, I’m sorry you are having more pain and that a proper bed did not help matter. Hopefully the doctor will get to the bottom of it.
OLL, Wishing you an uneventful and restful Sunday. So glad you were able to share with us and are getting through it without drinking. Way to go!
Jeni, Sorry you had to deal with the broken window yesterday, but glad nothing was taken and that it gave you a little comfort and peace being able to take care of it for your family. Also a good reminder of how we do not want to end up, with bottles stashed under cushions and strewn around the place.
Tanja, I love your thoughtful and caring posts. Pack leader in Training, I am wishing you well.
Wehav, Like FP, my artwork is completely stolen…But with good intent if that makes it any less a crime.
Deserto, Thinking of you buddy and hoping things are going well for you.
Solieil, Yeah, my sweetie tried to take good care of me, but I am a bad patient. Seriously though I think you will be a great leader for this new thread! I am glad you are in the driver’s seat.
Dee, You always know the right things to say to people and how to say em! Thanks!
Pink, Welcome back sober mate! You were missed very much. So great to hear your doing well.
Lee, Jane, Uninvited, good to see ya again!
Big hug to all and wishing everyone strength for the upcoming week
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: South East England
Posts: 8,009
I realised this afternoon how much I've distanced myself from the real world since I've been sober. I've had work, AA, SR and my immediate family. In that order actually which isn't probably a good thing! I had to do this, and have no regrets. Anything that might cause a trigger has been shut out. My whole focus has been on staying sober.
I was thinking today though how I really should start expanding out a bit. Pick up with old friends a little, accept invitations to go out. Obviously these would have to be carefully chosen so they didn't threaten or challenge my sobriety, but I think that I work very hard and need to possibly have an outlet for stress.
It's no good being sober and well if I'm not enjoying life, and having new experiences and actively seeking out like minded company could possibly be a good thing for me. Otherwise I can be a little serious and prone to over-thinking issues.
Recovery doesn't always have to be hard work does it? I guess I'm missing aspects of my old life. Not the drinking, but the socialising.
I've many friends, most of them but not all, drinkers. I'm sure I could start making wise choices now about what I could handle when I went out. I think I could be safe.
Do any of you have similar thoughts? I just feel kind of removed from life at the moment!x
I was thinking today though how I really should start expanding out a bit. Pick up with old friends a little, accept invitations to go out. Obviously these would have to be carefully chosen so they didn't threaten or challenge my sobriety, but I think that I work very hard and need to possibly have an outlet for stress.
It's no good being sober and well if I'm not enjoying life, and having new experiences and actively seeking out like minded company could possibly be a good thing for me. Otherwise I can be a little serious and prone to over-thinking issues.
Recovery doesn't always have to be hard work does it? I guess I'm missing aspects of my old life. Not the drinking, but the socialising.
I've many friends, most of them but not all, drinkers. I'm sure I could start making wise choices now about what I could handle when I went out. I think I could be safe.
Do any of you have similar thoughts? I just feel kind of removed from life at the moment!x
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: US East Coast
Posts: 14,286
Jeni, I think you are progressing rapidly! It's natural to batten down the hatches and withdraw for awhile when we are dealing with difficult things such as becoming sober, dealing with long-buried issues, etc. I think most people do it at times, sometimes unaware. I think the way you are talking about approaching this sounds really good. Doing it gradually gives you many chances to back off if that's appropriate.
Xxxx
Xxxx
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: springfield, va
Posts: 1,385
HRB - So glad that you are feeling better I know how miserable I can be when I have a bad cold.
Jeni - I know how you feel! You have a lot on your plate. Your priority list looks right to me. I am trying to do the same thing "shut out all triggers". I am in an ideal situation, in that I don't have to work and deal with all the stress and triggers that it entails. Recovery takes time and a lot of work. Often, I feel like I am not getting enough done. But, I tell myself "these projects will always be here waiting for me" and clearly without sobriety I can't get them done or be the person I want to be. I have a good book on working the 12 steps and advises to make AA your social life in early recovery. My old sponsor emphasized that and getting to know people. For me that is very difficult because I am an introvert. I have attended a few meetings after the meetings and one party.
Have you tried socializing with people in AA? That way your not taking any risks with your sobriety.
I am getting ready to go to an AA meeting. Hoping everyone has a beautiful day.
I know how miserable I can be when I have a bad cold. Jeni - I know how you feel! You have a lot on your plate. Your priority list looks right to me. I am trying to do the same thing "shut out all triggers". I am in an ideal situation, in that I don't have to work and deal with all the stress and triggers that it entails. Recovery takes time and a lot of work. Often, I feel like I am not getting enough done. But, I tell myself "these projects will always be here waiting for me" and clearly without sobriety I can't get them done or be the person I want to be. I have a good book on working the 12 steps and advises to make AA your social life in early recovery. My old sponsor emphasized that and getting to know people. For me that is very difficult because I am an introvert. I have attended a few meetings after the meetings and one party.
Have you tried socializing with people in AA? That way your not taking any risks with your sobriety.
I am getting ready to go to an AA meeting. Hoping everyone has a beautiful day.
Sober Mammoth!
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,086
Happy Sunday, May mates! Can you believe we’re on thread part 12? What a lot of gabbing we do as a tightly knit class. Love it! Made time to visit the ocean today. With all of the vacationers gone (for the most part) we’re celebrating “locals' summer.” Beautiful calm, blue/gray sea with seagulls floating along the light breezes. Walked quietly along the water’s edge looking down into the sand over pebbles, muscle shells, scallops, crabs, blobs of jellyfish, and even a starfish that had washed ashore. Got caught in a light sun shower of rain which felt good, but passed quickly. Nice way to spend part of the day.
Bionic Lee: Congratulations on 45 awesome days, buddy! So nice to hear from you again. Thank you for your great advice to Uninvited and to us. “I don't think we all talk enough about the troubles with STAYING sober on here.” Interesting point. For me, I don’t discuss it much simply because I am not faced with many unexpected triggers to compromise my resolve. Weekend binges were the biggest sobriety challenge to overcome, and now I only think about drinking on weekends on a rare occasion. I purposely avoid situations where alcohol will be present, so when I do face those times every now and then, my sober strength is at full force. Keep up the great work, classmate!
(((Councilman Uninvited))): Congrats on Day 2! It is great to hear from you, sobermate! Keep up the good fight. You did it before and you can do it again. Good deal on keeping a foot in more that one support class. I hope that works out well for you in October, too, if you go for it. Personally, I like to hang out in the same class where I’ve developed solid relationships with people who have come to know my ways and potential triggers, and can send me PMs or posts of pokes and prods to keep me on track. I prefer that over hopping over into a new class and starting over, but again that’s just my druthers. Hugs to you!
SoberJane: Congratulations on one full week today! So glad you posted with us again, girlfriend. Excellent that you’re zeroing in on outside interests to maintain your sobriety. Distractions and hobbies work well for me, too. Wishing you strength on working through resentment and learning to forgive. That had been a challenge for me in the past, too. Hugs to you!
Teacher Jeni: “…I've distanced myself from the real world since I've been sober.” I hear ya, transatlantic sis. Me, too. It’s good to get out and socialize, as you say. It’s a learning experience to push ourselves back into life after so much drinking. I think the key is knowing yourself enough to know when you’ve had enough of the social scene, and have an escape plan in place, so as not to compromise your sober strength. Tanja posted great advice to you on this. Hugs to you on your sobriety!
Tanja: Thank you for your good wishes my way. Awesome that you beat down the liquor-in-you-coffee urge. “That these cravings will pop up even after 4 months or more of sobriety.” This is correct. I do think about picking up a bottle of wine every now and then, but don’t act on it. Remembering what will likely happen and how I will feel if I do that usually stops me from going through with buying it and/or drinking it if offered. Love your advice to Jeni today. Keep up the great sober strength!
Pink in a poke buddy: Thank you for your wonderfully heartfelt wishes on my health. “…when your tantrum is good and over…” Yeah, that’s not likely to ever be over completely while rolling through day to day. I’m just too accomplished at it. Wonderful to see you posting with us more, sobermate! Great caterpillar/butterfly pic for Jeni. Love to you.
(((You-Rock))): So glad you’re feeling better, my friend. Go easy on yourself, though, to avoid running yourself down into a virus relapse. Thank you for all of your personal messages of advice and inspiration to our boaters. “…make us get a new bus!” Not sure how cost effective that would be, seeing as I’m in chronic crush-kill-destroy mode at most shotgun calls that aren't mine.
Saskia: Congratulations on a full week of sobriety! 7 days is a terrific accomplishment and I am proud of you, iPad G-ma. Way to go! Thank you for your good wishes on my health. “So much seems to depend on the chemistry of the particular group.” Agreed. I’ve been in other classes that are not as cohesive and dynamic as ours, and I ended up leaving. Establishing relationships with people you really like and respect is so important to my continued sobriety. I feel blessed to have found and entered our class, so you’ll have to fire off your elephant gun to try and get me out. And even then… Hugs to you on your continued good health as well, girlfriend.
Errands to do and bills to pay. Weekends go so fast and then bam! it’s Monday at work already. The plan is to get to bed on time tonight, but I’ll probably fudge that a little. Terrific to see returning boaters on our thread again! Maybe more will join us soon. Congratulations to everyone celebrating continued sobriety and to those making today their Day 1. Love and hugs to all.
Bionic Lee: Congratulations on 45 awesome days, buddy! So nice to hear from you again. Thank you for your great advice to Uninvited and to us. “I don't think we all talk enough about the troubles with STAYING sober on here.” Interesting point. For me, I don’t discuss it much simply because I am not faced with many unexpected triggers to compromise my resolve. Weekend binges were the biggest sobriety challenge to overcome, and now I only think about drinking on weekends on a rare occasion. I purposely avoid situations where alcohol will be present, so when I do face those times every now and then, my sober strength is at full force. Keep up the great work, classmate!
(((Councilman Uninvited))): Congrats on Day 2! It is great to hear from you, sobermate! Keep up the good fight. You did it before and you can do it again. Good deal on keeping a foot in more that one support class. I hope that works out well for you in October, too, if you go for it. Personally, I like to hang out in the same class where I’ve developed solid relationships with people who have come to know my ways and potential triggers, and can send me PMs or posts of pokes and prods to keep me on track. I prefer that over hopping over into a new class and starting over, but again that’s just my druthers. Hugs to you!
SoberJane: Congratulations on one full week today! So glad you posted with us again, girlfriend. Excellent that you’re zeroing in on outside interests to maintain your sobriety. Distractions and hobbies work well for me, too. Wishing you strength on working through resentment and learning to forgive. That had been a challenge for me in the past, too. Hugs to you!
Teacher Jeni: “…I've distanced myself from the real world since I've been sober.” I hear ya, transatlantic sis. Me, too. It’s good to get out and socialize, as you say. It’s a learning experience to push ourselves back into life after so much drinking. I think the key is knowing yourself enough to know when you’ve had enough of the social scene, and have an escape plan in place, so as not to compromise your sober strength. Tanja posted great advice to you on this. Hugs to you on your sobriety!
Tanja: Thank you for your good wishes my way. Awesome that you beat down the liquor-in-you-coffee urge. “That these cravings will pop up even after 4 months or more of sobriety.” This is correct. I do think about picking up a bottle of wine every now and then, but don’t act on it. Remembering what will likely happen and how I will feel if I do that usually stops me from going through with buying it and/or drinking it if offered. Love your advice to Jeni today. Keep up the great sober strength!
Pink in a poke buddy: Thank you for your wonderfully heartfelt wishes on my health. “…when your tantrum is good and over…” Yeah, that’s not likely to ever be over completely while rolling through day to day. I’m just too accomplished at it. Wonderful to see you posting with us more, sobermate! Great caterpillar/butterfly pic for Jeni. Love to you.
(((You-Rock))): So glad you’re feeling better, my friend. Go easy on yourself, though, to avoid running yourself down into a virus relapse. Thank you for all of your personal messages of advice and inspiration to our boaters. “…make us get a new bus!” Not sure how cost effective that would be, seeing as I’m in chronic crush-kill-destroy mode at most shotgun calls that aren't mine.
Saskia: Congratulations on a full week of sobriety! 7 days is a terrific accomplishment and I am proud of you, iPad G-ma. Way to go! Thank you for your good wishes on my health. “So much seems to depend on the chemistry of the particular group.” Agreed. I’ve been in other classes that are not as cohesive and dynamic as ours, and I ended up leaving. Establishing relationships with people you really like and respect is so important to my continued sobriety. I feel blessed to have found and entered our class, so you’ll have to fire off your elephant gun to try and get me out. And even then…
Hugs to you on your continued good health as well, girlfriend.Errands to do and bills to pay. Weekends go so fast and then bam! it’s Monday at work already. The plan is to get to bed on time tonight, but I’ll probably fudge that a little. Terrific to see returning boaters on our thread again! Maybe more will join us soon. Congratulations to everyone celebrating continued sobriety and to those making today their Day 1. Love and hugs to all.
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: US East Coast
Posts: 14,286
Quote from FP "I feel blessed to have found and entered our class so you'll have to fire off your elephant gun to try and get me out...and even then..."
Hmm hadn't thought about trying that until you suggested it, lol! Seriously, though, I wouldn't try or want to get you out of here! I do want to see you feel better soon :-)
Hmm hadn't thought about trying that until you suggested it, lol! Seriously, though, I wouldn't try or want to get you out of here! I do want to see you feel better soon :-)
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Aussie
Posts: 382
Man I love every single person in the class of may. The level of support everyone provides each other is just unreal.
Today I discovered the best way to flavour water.
In a 2 litre/ 2 gallon jug add a sliced lemon, sliced cucumber and a handful of mint stalks. Cover with water and place in the fridge overnight the drink. I've found my new summer drink.
Today I discovered the best way to flavour water.
In a 2 litre/ 2 gallon jug add a sliced lemon, sliced cucumber and a handful of mint stalks. Cover with water and place in the fridge overnight the drink. I've found my new summer drink.
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: US East Coast
Posts: 14,286
Originally Posted by FrenchPink 
Thank you, Sas. A gloriously pain-free day. Full moon, too. Should be an interesting week.
How are you feeling this evening?
How are you feeling this evening?
Jane, I agree about the amount of support we have here and also acceptance!
I like the sound of your flavored water, sounds very refreshing and much better than alcohol!
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: South East England
Posts: 8,009
Pink-love the pic!!
Thanks for all your wise words classmates, I've got to remember that I'm basically an 'all or nothing' kind of girl. I throw myself into projects with everything I've got, but then run out of steam and run myself into the ground. Getting sober required all my efforts, but I must learn how to be a more well-rounded person. Doing a little of something is ok too. H and I have decided to do something nice every Sunday just for us, otherwise I just spend the day working. My school get the best of me, and I need to take time to re-charge and have fun too.
I must remember that sobriety comes first always. If I do that, I should be ok.
Off to work now xxx
Thanks for all your wise words classmates, I've got to remember that I'm basically an 'all or nothing' kind of girl. I throw myself into projects with everything I've got, but then run out of steam and run myself into the ground. Getting sober required all my efforts, but I must learn how to be a more well-rounded person. Doing a little of something is ok too. H and I have decided to do something nice every Sunday just for us, otherwise I just spend the day working. My school get the best of me, and I need to take time to re-charge and have fun too.
I must remember that sobriety comes first always. If I do that, I should be ok.
Off to work now xxx
Administrator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,442
It was my day off today - not that I spent much time away 
...but apologies for not getting here til now...
There are threads for those farther along Saskia - there's the Under and Over 1 years threads and I'd recommend them to everyone
I guess the fact we have those threads means there are challenges ahead, but personally I still approach my recovery the same way I did on day one...
I'm not going back and anything in my life that is leading me that way needs to be attended to.
I've had my challenges, mostly health related, and the odd thought of screw this...but I've really never doubted my ability to deal with things and stay sober? There is no other option.
I hope noone interprets this as arrogance or disinterest or even worse a passive aggressive slap...it's just my honest story
I certainly had many years of getting complacent, or cocky, or just plain fed up with recovery, but I knew from the start this last time I was playing for keeps...and so it's proved to be...
Welcome back Univited - good to see you Lee and Jane
I'll be back alter to catch up with the rest of you guys
D
...but apologies for not getting here til now...There are threads for those farther along Saskia - there's the Under and Over 1 years threads and I'd recommend them to everyone
I guess the fact we have those threads means there are challenges ahead, but personally I still approach my recovery the same way I did on day one...
I'm not going back and anything in my life that is leading me that way needs to be attended to.
I've had my challenges, mostly health related, and the odd thought of screw this...but I've really never doubted my ability to deal with things and stay sober? There is no other option.
I hope noone interprets this as arrogance or disinterest or even worse a passive aggressive slap...it's just my honest story
I certainly had many years of getting complacent, or cocky, or just plain fed up with recovery, but I knew from the start this last time I was playing for keeps...and so it's proved to be...
Welcome back Univited - good to see you Lee and Jane
I'll be back alter to catch up with the rest of you guys
D
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: West Coast USA
Posts: 63
Gosh, I sit in the front seat for once and you guys are discussing the cost analysis of destroying our vehicle over it? And what are you doing to our car in that photo, FP?? Think I'll just turn the radio up and ask Dee over and over again "Are we there yet??"
Really though, I think this is going to be a good ride. Leemzer, Uninvited, SoberJane- it's great to hear from you. Leemzer, that's an interesting point that you bring up- that we don't talk enough about the trouble with staying sober. I think you should give some specifics and we can discuss it more in depth. I have some thoughts on this.
Jeni, I like what you brought up too about getting back into "normal" life and being more social. It's certainly been on my to-do list for a while.
FP, that sounds like a beautiful day at the beach. I felt like I was right there in your shoes as you described walking in the sand. Lovely. I'm sending my most positive healthy vibrations your way, as well as tight (but gentle) hugs of support as you face your surgery.
Everyone have a peaceful night and a splendid day. Love to all
Really though, I think this is going to be a good ride. Leemzer, Uninvited, SoberJane- it's great to hear from you. Leemzer, that's an interesting point that you bring up- that we don't talk enough about the trouble with staying sober. I think you should give some specifics and we can discuss it more in depth. I have some thoughts on this.
Jeni, I like what you brought up too about getting back into "normal" life and being more social. It's certainly been on my to-do list for a while.
FP, that sounds like a beautiful day at the beach. I felt like I was right there in your shoes as you described walking in the sand. Lovely. I'm sending my most positive healthy vibrations your way, as well as tight (but gentle) hugs of support as you face your surgery.
Everyone have a peaceful night and a splendid day. Love to all
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