Class of January 2020 PART 9
Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,425
Looks like it would have been a good day to fly a kite Willow. 
Jonathon must have been hunkered down somewhere.
Trying to finish up today and head home. Thought about drinking a couple of times on this trip but no big deal. It's easy to play it forwards and quickly second guess thoughts of drinking.
An old friend of mine, who I was helping out on this trip, quit drinking a few years ago. We used to do out of town work trips together and drank a lot. When he quit, he became very church oriented and started teaching a Sunday school class, going on mission trips, etc, which is cool. I haven't given any consideration to teaching a Sunday school class in the near future. It was the first time I've seen him since January, but he didn't seem to want to talk about it the way that we do here.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Jonathon must have been hunkered down somewhere. Trying to finish up today and head home. Thought about drinking a couple of times on this trip but no big deal. It's easy to play it forwards and quickly second guess thoughts of drinking.
An old friend of mine, who I was helping out on this trip, quit drinking a few years ago. We used to do out of town work trips together and drank a lot. When he quit, he became very church oriented and started teaching a Sunday school class, going on mission trips, etc, which is cool. I haven't given any consideration to teaching a Sunday school class in the near future. It was the first time I've seen him since January, but he didn't seem to want to talk about it the way that we do here.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,425
FK, hope you have fair weather, plentiful bait, no boat trouble, and good biting for striper season.
My big buddy fishing trip that got put off in the spring is this weekend. It's strange, I'm not looking forward to it the way I always have because I know that I won't be drinking but everyone else will. Not worried about that part anymore, the trip just doesn't hold the same excitement level that it did before because I'm not anticipating drinking an obnoxious quantity of beer. Hopefully I will have a great time with my buddies irregardless of not getting smashed and will be able to look forward to it in the future without the anticipation of drinking.
My big buddy fishing trip that got put off in the spring is this weekend. It's strange, I'm not looking forward to it the way I always have because I know that I won't be drinking but everyone else will. Not worried about that part anymore, the trip just doesn't hold the same excitement level that it did before because I'm not anticipating drinking an obnoxious quantity of beer. Hopefully I will have a great time with my buddies irregardless of not getting smashed and will be able to look forward to it in the future without the anticipation of drinking.
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 8,762
I agree Cityboy, I think Jonathan was hunkered down out of the wind somewhere.
I know what you mean about not looking forward to things in the same way as you used to when drinking. I’ve found that I’m a lot less sociable than I thought I was. Social gatherings don’t have the same appeal as they used to. I guess I’m working out my camping trips a bit like your fishing trips. I used to drink a lot on camping trips and I always thought that was a big part of the fun. It was definitely something I looked forward to. But I’m lucky I guess that I can also remember lots of family camping trips from when I was a kid and I wasn’t drinking but still had lots of fun. So now I’m trying to recreate those kinds of fun times without the alcohol. We’re going camping this weekend. I’m determined I won’t be drinking.
I hope you have a fun time fishing without the alcohol. Maybe you’ll have even more fun
I’m taking a bag of marshmallows camping to toast on a stick over the campfire
I know what you mean about not looking forward to things in the same way as you used to when drinking. I’ve found that I’m a lot less sociable than I thought I was. Social gatherings don’t have the same appeal as they used to. I guess I’m working out my camping trips a bit like your fishing trips. I used to drink a lot on camping trips and I always thought that was a big part of the fun. It was definitely something I looked forward to. But I’m lucky I guess that I can also remember lots of family camping trips from when I was a kid and I wasn’t drinking but still had lots of fun. So now I’m trying to recreate those kinds of fun times without the alcohol. We’re going camping this weekend. I’m determined I won’t be drinking.
I hope you have a fun time fishing without the alcohol. Maybe you’ll have even more fun
I’m taking a bag of marshmallows camping to toast on a stick over the campfire
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: German Village, Columbus with my love ♥
Posts: 88,503
lmao......opening the thread to "they taste better after they have been on fire" was a surprise.....he he.
Ohhhhhh, marshmallows....I also used to end up with mine in flames and then my dad would eat it. He liked the charred ones as well.
Ohhhhhh, marshmallows....I also used to end up with mine in flames and then my dad would eat it. He liked the charred ones as well.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: NC
Posts: 5,160
The ocean is a beautiful thing!
I find that to enjoy gatherings without alcohol I have to focus on the small things. When drinking we get loud and boisterous so we look for things that are loud and boisterous to do like running around like a fool.
Instead of looking forward to that I know look forward to the event for what it is.
If it is a birthday party, focus on celebrating the person's birthday.
If it is a fishing trip, focus on fishing.
If it is just a relaxing get away just focus on relaxing.
Alcohol will not let me do any of that. It wants to be the center of attention.
You have GOT TO burn the marshmallow!!
I find that to enjoy gatherings without alcohol I have to focus on the small things. When drinking we get loud and boisterous so we look for things that are loud and boisterous to do like running around like a fool.
Instead of looking forward to that I know look forward to the event for what it is.
If it is a birthday party, focus on celebrating the person's birthday.
If it is a fishing trip, focus on fishing.
If it is just a relaxing get away just focus on relaxing.
Alcohol will not let me do any of that. It wants to be the center of attention.
You have GOT TO burn the marshmallow!!
Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: NC
Posts: 5,160
City, Thanks for the well wishes!
I am chomping at the bit. Beautiful weather today, I know the fish are here and I have to work.
Oh well
Got the outside of the boat waxed yesterday, the lawn mowed, so I am just about ready
I am chomping at the bit. Beautiful weather today, I know the fish are here and I have to work.
Oh well
Got the outside of the boat waxed yesterday, the lawn mowed, so I am just about ready
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 8,762
I agree, you’ve got to burn the marshmallows!
I hope you can get out fishing soon fish
I’m on day 100. I was feeling really sad because last time I was on day 100 was the worst day of my life. Mum died. Over 2 years ago now. And I miss her sooooo much it hurts. And I question what’s the point of it all when the person I love most in the world is no longer here??? But after lots of reflection and lots of tears I have realised that Mum is still with me, every second of every day. She lives on through me and I need to listen to her wise words that I know so well in my mind, and see her beautiful loving kind eyes in my mind, and know that she’s with me always, and I know what I need to do. I need to embrace the richness of life with the same zest for life that she had, and make the most of every single moment. And I can only do that sober. So I won’t be drinking today. Or any day.
I hope you can get out fishing soon fish
I’m on day 100. I was feeling really sad because last time I was on day 100 was the worst day of my life. Mum died. Over 2 years ago now. And I miss her sooooo much it hurts. And I question what’s the point of it all when the person I love most in the world is no longer here??? But after lots of reflection and lots of tears I have realised that Mum is still with me, every second of every day. She lives on through me and I need to listen to her wise words that I know so well in my mind, and see her beautiful loving kind eyes in my mind, and know that she’s with me always, and I know what I need to do. I need to embrace the richness of life with the same zest for life that she had, and make the most of every single moment. And I can only do that sober. So I won’t be drinking today. Or any day.
❤️
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 941
Hi all
Congrats on triple digits Willow. You have moved on so far from we all started on this journey. I believe our loved ones, with fur and without, are somewhere and proud of what we are doing. I am sure your Mum is smiling for all you have achieved. They are lovely pictures. Full of life.
City, a fishing trip sounds great now.
I don't have the experience of many others with socialising sober while others drink. I am still avoiding scenes like that now, not just because of the pandemic. I don't really get asked anyway
A few months into this journey, I was with work mates and had non-alcoholic beer to avoid questions or discussions. It didn't derail me as there was no alcohol. It worked but, in hindsight, I might choose some other refreshment now. I have such bad memories of last year. I feel less need to hide my sober life now maybe.
I think FK's idea on focusing on the important aspects on the event, rather than what or how much we drink. Old friends reuniting each year is an awesome thing. Being up front and not drinking, shows you trust them about your life choice. Maybe others will do the same next year with you ?
This has turned into a busy week so I am going to crack on. Deciding where to focus first. Coffee will help that.
Have a healthy, happy and sober Thursday classmates. I saw it is "sober-October" around the world today. I can imagine the SR newcomers thread will be a busy one. I am very grateful to be part of this group.
dlb
Congrats on triple digits Willow. You have moved on so far from we all started on this journey. I believe our loved ones, with fur and without, are somewhere and proud of what we are doing. I am sure your Mum is smiling for all you have achieved. They are lovely pictures. Full of life.
City, a fishing trip sounds great now.
I don't have the experience of many others with socialising sober while others drink. I am still avoiding scenes like that now, not just because of the pandemic. I don't really get asked anyway
A few months into this journey, I was with work mates and had non-alcoholic beer to avoid questions or discussions. It didn't derail me as there was no alcohol. It worked but, in hindsight, I might choose some other refreshment now. I have such bad memories of last year. I feel less need to hide my sober life now maybe.
I think FK's idea on focusing on the important aspects on the event, rather than what or how much we drink. Old friends reuniting each year is an awesome thing. Being up front and not drinking, shows you trust them about your life choice. Maybe others will do the same next year with you ?
This has turned into a busy week so I am going to crack on. Deciding where to focus first. Coffee will help that.
Have a healthy, happy and sober Thursday classmates. I saw it is "sober-October" around the world today. I can imagine the SR newcomers thread will be a busy one. I am very grateful to be part of this group.
dlb
Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,425
This particular fishing group started with four of us about 15 years ago. Last year there were five boats and at least 20 guys. Too big for my taste really. This time looks to be four boats and about 12 guys or so. One of the charter group members, Andy, the oldest, had apparently been a serious drinker most of his life but had recently quit when I first met him. He would bring oduls while the rest of us were crushing real beer in vast quantities. On about the sixth trip, weather was bad and we spent a lot of time at the marina where there was a big party going on. He caved and drank beer on that trip and never went with us again. We're still friends and he has remained sober thankfully. I didn't realize the importance of it then like I do now, and wish I could have provided a better support system. So it's hard to be judgemental of my friends now that are still drinking. I plan to learn from Andy's slip and just avoid drinking though.
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 8,762
Cityboy perhaps you’ll set an example for others on this trip. They might remember it and think about their own choices... I hope you have an enjoyable trip without drinking.
dlb I also think Fish’s idea of focussing on the importance of the event and all the little things is a great approach. The whole essence of why you’re there, plus the special little details.
We’re heading off camping this weekend so I’ll be focussing on the whole reason for camping. Peace, quiet, bush sounds, sky, trees, wildlife, walking in the bush, collecting water in the river, collecting firewood, watching the campfire flames, making cups of tea with the billy, cooking on the fire, watching the stars at night, toasting marshmallows, sleeping in a tent.
I’ve packed lots of teabags and marshmallows lol. The fire will have the billy boiling water for me a lot!
And I now have a new marshmallow toasting fork!
I won’t be able to check in for a few days because there’s no phone reception out there. A complete technology break will be very therapeutic!
dlb I also think Fish’s idea of focussing on the importance of the event and all the little things is a great approach. The whole essence of why you’re there, plus the special little details.
We’re heading off camping this weekend so I’ll be focussing on the whole reason for camping. Peace, quiet, bush sounds, sky, trees, wildlife, walking in the bush, collecting water in the river, collecting firewood, watching the campfire flames, making cups of tea with the billy, cooking on the fire, watching the stars at night, toasting marshmallows, sleeping in a tent.
I’ve packed lots of teabags and marshmallows lol. The fire will have the billy boiling water for me a lot!
And I now have a new marshmallow toasting fork!
I won’t be able to check in for a few days because there’s no phone reception out there. A complete technology break will be very therapeutic!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London, England
Posts: 354
Hey everyone!
Well, I woke up this morning 9 months sober
. And to the news that POTUS has covid. Not two sentences I thought I'd ever be writing!
Have had a rough couple of weeks, nothing dramatic but been in a constant funk for a while now. So much so that I'm toying with the idea of going back on to anti-depressants. Swore I never would go back on to them (didn't like some of the side effects). But I've never tried them whilst sober (stupid huh!), so hopefully things will be different this time around. I have read/heard many a time that AD's are 80% ineffective whilst drinking (I conveniently always chose to ignore that in the past) so fingers crossed.
I haven't been at all tempted to have a drink per se, but I have sensed that I could head in that direction if things got any worse. I'm talking about a very tiny shift, but it's a shift in the wrong direction, so time to take action.
I have been reading all your posts, and that has kept me going
- it is always good to hear when things are going well, and likewise when things aren't going so well but you're finding ways to cope or find a solution to a particular challenge.
Take care everyone
Well, I woke up this morning 9 months sober
. And to the news that POTUS has covid. Not two sentences I thought I'd ever be writing! Have had a rough couple of weeks, nothing dramatic but been in a constant funk for a while now. So much so that I'm toying with the idea of going back on to anti-depressants. Swore I never would go back on to them (didn't like some of the side effects). But I've never tried them whilst sober (stupid huh!), so hopefully things will be different this time around. I have read/heard many a time that AD's are 80% ineffective whilst drinking (I conveniently always chose to ignore that in the past) so fingers crossed.
I haven't been at all tempted to have a drink per se, but I have sensed that I could head in that direction if things got any worse. I'm talking about a very tiny shift, but it's a shift in the wrong direction, so time to take action.
I have been reading all your posts, and that has kept me going
- it is always good to hear when things are going well, and likewise when things aren't going so well but you're finding ways to cope or find a solution to a particular challenge.Take care everyone
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
