The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
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@heatheramoure Welcome to our kind and supportive group. We are glad you are here!4
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SweatsOnSunday wrote: »Hopefully as more and more people go AF (and it seems to be a trend) we will not have to justify not drinking anymore than justifying not smoking. My standard answer lately has been to make a sort of puzzled face and say, "I used to like it a lot but I somehow lost my taste for it. I don't know why or how." Who is going to argue with that? Or Ill say, "it gives me an immediate hot flash and you don't want to see that" This is especially effective with men. They won't ask me twice. lol
I am 100% using this hot flash line at work parties. I should also mention that I work for a professional sports team (don’t get excited - not a big one, minor league) and while we have a few women it’s pretty much 85-90% men so this will solve all of those conversations if they ever come up hahaha.
So day 9.... I’m not feeling so great today. I wouldn’t say I’m craving or questioning my resolve but I just feel strange. I’ve noticed I’m having really vivid strange dreams....can’t say I dream when I drink. My sleep has been not great and I woke up today actually feeling hungover and anxious but without the drinking. I don’t know... Maybe my mind is starting to work through all the stress from the past few years (I went through a lot of major change) and I’m starting to deal with myself? I guess to me dealing with myself is more terrifying than never drinking again. I have to do it though, it’s part of the journey.
I have a networking lunch to go to today. I don’t know if there will be alcohol...sometimes there is and sometimes there isn’t. I think it’s a pretty easy decline since I’ve got to go back to the office and continue my big protect which financially focused...can’t do math after drinking, plain and simple.5 -
@Sunshinelinzee Hang in there. Vivid dreams are normal. Also I didn't really have a good nights sleep until day 12. It will come. The poison is slowly working it's way out of your body.5
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DCRunnerGirl78 wrote: »Hi all, giving this another try. The last three months have been ROUGH, and my drinking is getting the better of me. I won't go into details, but if anyone has any thoughts, prayers, or good vibes to spare for my family and our situation, it would be much appreciated. Making today Day 1...hopefully for the last time. Reading your posts makes me think there's still hope. Just have to get through the next month or so.
Nice to see you! There’s always hope.4 -
Good morning, new friends! Today is the third morning in a row of waking up without a hangover in ages. I didn't sleep amazingly last night, but I do feel better than I normally would. I was even able to get up for my 3am workout again (I work in a bakery, 6am start time with a 1 hour commute). This will be the first morning of work without a drink (or 6) the night before in weeks. Looking forward to an easier day!12
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Good Morning!
Still dreaming bizzare things In hi def but at least it sounds like that’s normal hahaha. The luncheon yesterday was fine - no alcohol served and even had my favorite unsweet tea on the menu 🤪. I ate the lunch but did my best to portion, stay on plan and count too. Still going strong - today puts me in double digits starting day 10! I’m officially tired, cranky and not giving up.
I actually also just figured out what AE is - I honestly had never heard of it and had no idea what people were talking about. Anyway signed up for that too.
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Although Ive been sleeping poorly due to a nagging cough, I agree with you that it is so nice to wake up without a hangover.
I have been cleaning like a demon in our basement, box by box, throwing tons away and donating things. Streamlining all my belongings for the apartment. I could not have been so efficient these last few weeks if I had been drinking. The productivity skyrockets when you're sober. I’m so grateful for this thread. Xo12 -
Yesterday I noticed an open bottle of chardonnay with about 2 glasses full of wine left in it, left over from Mother's Day. I had such a powerful urge..it came out of nowhere. Luckily my husband was home and I called him into the kitchen to kill it off and he happily obliged. "Taking one for the team" as he so thoughtfully put it. Anyway I made a seltzer for myself. I thought that would have been OK to have that in there (I am fine with unopened wine around) but apparently I am not over it yet. Anyway, I'm staying the course. One damn day at a time!12
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Hello all,Jen dumb thoughts hit me like that too! My daughter is moving into a rental house that needs some fixing up and yesterday when we went to look at it my first thought was"cool drunk painting!" I guess cuz I always painted houses drunk in the past and couldt help but put them together,sorry phones acting weird! More later have a great AF day all!9
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I'm sure I've said this before, but I've become a fan of the alcohol removed, FRE wine and similar brands. There is trace alcohol (probably about the same as kombucha) so maybe some folks don't even want that, but I cannot detect it.
I have been AF for almost five months (minus one slip!) and have no desire to drink again. But I do miss some of the alcohol rituals -- toasting in a champagne flute, drinking a glass of red wine late at night with my husband after the guests have gone -- stuff like that. If I can have AF wine, I feel totally fine. I don't feel deprived or as if I am being cheated out of anything. It really has made this whole thing a lot easier for me.
Sharing this in case it helps anyone else! I'm not on the board much anymore because I don't have any more weight to lose -- and that is all thanks to cutting out wine. My life is better in every possible way. Best wishes to you all!12 -
You are doing so great @FeelinFooFoo! It's very cool to see you learning the same things I did and how it's changing your perspective on drinking. Stay the course!
I also loved the ritual and I've been able to have that while being AF. I've switched to flavored sparkling water, but I pour it in a wine glass and sip on it while making dinner or sitting down to watch a movie. I didn't think I'd even like sparkling water because I am not a fan of carbonation, that's why I just sip on it. It's more about that feeling of relaxation and amazingly, I get that with flavored water now and have zero hangovers and zero calories!8 -
Good Morning All!
It's a good day - the sun is finally shining here and it's incredible what that is doing for my mood. I signed on to start the alcohol experiment - man that Annie Grace just speaks volumes to me. That whole 2 bottles of wine and waking up at 3 am - yeah, so that's me. I've only just started with the videos but so far I'm really identifying with it. I'm starting to notice some things now that my head is clearer. First is realizing how much I was actually drinking - much like I don't always see how my weight has skyrocketed in my minds eye (you know, until I see myself in a photograph) - I didn't really see the quantity of how much I was drinking until I stepped back from it. Like I knew it was a lot - but now I'm like holy poop. Also calories - so I've gone full fitbit and am really measuring and counting and logging correctly and realizing I was absolutely incorrectly calculating/estimating my calories in vs calories out - and THEN ADDING ALCOHOL ON TOP so basically extra sugar and calories by the 1000s - no wonder I was feeling stuck, not losing and continuing a waistline expansion. I'm finally noticing in general I'm starting to feel a lot less bloated and my facial redness is half of what it was 2 weeks ago so I'm wearing a LOT less makeup. Also as I'm reading along posts from others I'm noticing how many women are stuck in a wine trap and am feeling so relieved that I'm not the only one.
So that's where I am today - I hope everyone is doing extra well!
AF Day 11
AE Day 111 -
Hope everyone has a fabulous AF Friday!5
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@DCRunnerGirl78 & @FeelinFooFoo Thanks for the reminder of the benefit of working without being dragged out & cranked up trying to work after "one" too many the eve before...THAT is a huge benefit for me especially because of the physical nature of my job...I can remember having to totally push myself to move & keep on moving...my employers certainly didn't get the best of me when I was feeling like crap dreaming of crawling in the nearest corner to rest!!5
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@RubyRed427 Isn't that the truth about motivation getting murdered with alcohol. @WhitPauly when you speak of "drunk painting" I was thinking that I may have started the paint job, but if I had more than one, it would have been game over for the paint job.
@JenT304 Interesting how our "alcohol brain" sneaks up on us when we least expect it!! It's like we are going along just fine and then BLAM!! out of nowhere we get hit with the "crave wave"...but like @FeelinFooFoo shared, once we realize what is happening it is so much easier to combat it and once we change the dialogue in our head from wanting a drink to NOT wanting the consequences of that drink, then the wave dissipates until the next one LOL
I also can absolutely relate to the "did I ever really enjoy drinking?" as in the taste. It's like @FeelinFooFoo shared from Annie, it is more like the lead up to the drink...the anticipation and all that she said, even when the thought would first hit, that I'm stopping on the way home at the LCBO and then the lead up to the first drink which signals the effect of that first drink...YET, I will admit it wasn't only the buzz for me because I only liked dry wines...I'd poor a sweet wine down the sink rather than drink it just to catch a buzz. After all I did have my standards LOL, but lots of times I didn't immediately love every dry wine either, but was chasing the buzz and so I'd force the first glass or two down & eventually it started tasting pretty good LOL . So pathetic really!! But that is the nature of addiction isn't it!!7 -
I'm making up for lost time on here, I had to catch up reading and everyone is doing so well...it is definitely inspiring for me and I really miss my friends here when I can't spend much time keeping connected. SO, I have today off and that is why I'm blah, blah, blahing after reading everyone's stuff (is blahing even a word? It is now!!) LOL
I've been dog sitting for a week now & have been staying at my daughter's for the past 3 nights. I'm thinking they are in the sky on the way back home now. She did post a few pics during their vacation on FB so I was glad for that, they had an awesome trip. Hard to believe it's already been a week.
The one last blurb I wanted to share was when I was watching "The Book Club" with Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda etc last eve and noticing how prominent alcohol was in almost every scene in that movie. I'm not sure why it hit me in that particular movie cause it is likely the same ol' in many movies...anyway, I just remember thinking WOW!! And it was older women drinking wine....mostly, in one scene they had a bottle of Smirnoff's. One of the common lines was, "I need a drink!!" If that isn't conditioning, I'm not sure what else to call it. So glad I'm not being conditioned any longer.
Happy AF Friday!!!8 -
I love everyone's comments and observations. Had a wonderful AF time with my daughter in from London. She goes back today but I am so grateful I was fully present for her visit. Happy Weekend to all!8
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@FeelinFooFoo, you are doing so well and it’s fun to read your reflections as you are on this new adventure.
Being AF has made my job in juvie SO much easier that I’ve been tempted to rescind my resignation and sign up for one more year. May 31 is my last day and I truly love the kids. This morning on my drive to work out of the blue I said a prayer for a girl who left the program in mid-April ( Our students come and go according to their sentencing; I only have 2 students now who were there when I started this school year). Anyway, this afternoon our registrar told me this girl tried to commit suicide yesterday. Apparently she’ll make it but just barely. I only share that because I’m thinking about the importance of this job and my mixed feelings about leaving. My husband is convinced it’s time, though and I’m almost positive he’s right.
I went ahead and sprang for Annie Grace’s Intensive course. It’s pricey but less than hubby and I were spending on alcohol per month. Tomorrow is Day 50 and I have a lot of fear that this is my threshold. It was last time and the work emotions have me feeling very vulnerable.
Xo to all and enjoy the weekend!!9 -
This is a long one, but please be patient with me cause I'm a little bugged and need some feedback!!
OK so I need some feedback to calm my puzzled and kind of frieked out mind. I am at a client dog sitting. I'm here for 4 days then I kennel her for 4 and return home...YAY...then get her for 4 more days. I've worked for these people for 10+ years and have sat with their dog a few times and feel trusted & valued etc. THIS is my little friek out. When I arrived here yesterday aft, I was getting myself organized. Even though they tell me to help myself to whatever, I bring my own food anyway and put that all away. Had a bit to eat and talked to a friend for a few mins and as I was sitting on the couch talking to her, I looked up at the entertainment unit and on the top shelf was a camera staring right at me...I tried to not react and look as if I was shocked to see it, I just tried to act normal like I was only looking in that direction and continue to talk with my friend. Then I went over to the island in the kitchen (it's all open concept so the camera captures most of the living area) and opened my laptop and began working on it and then looked directly at the camera, went into an adjoining room through several other rooms off camera & entered the living area at the other end where the camera was, got on a stool and disconnected it!!!!!!!!!
I looked online & found the camera and it was advertised as a doggy/nanny cam and am hoping they purchased it to watch the dog when they are out. It can be connected to their phone so they can have live coverage of whatever is going on in their home. Unsure why they would feel the need to do that though when they live in a remote area on a huge chunk of land and their closest neighbor is NOT close so it wouldn't be a matter of concern for the dog causing some kind of disturbance for them. It is a grown dog who is fine on her own AND the they don't work everyday...he can work from home and she has a very part-time, once-in-awhile job. So they are here most of the time with her. SO of course, I begin to search the other rooms to see if I'm being monitored and so far not!!
I had a gut reaction to this that brought back some old stuff when I lived beside a psycho for several years...In fact, that is the reason I've moved twice in 3 years. I loved my space then, and did not want to move but it was my sanity or my lovely view and location...I chose sanity. One of the creepiest events living beside the nut job was his monitoring my activities on my deck by means of a camera for who knows how long. I always wondered how they knew what I was doing in my space because there was a privacy wall between our outdoor areas & they would make comments about what I was doing (having a glass of wine, reading my Bible...just normal stuff) & I just figured someone in a building across from me must have been friends with them & would tell them this & that...THEN one day as I looked up above their door going out to their deck, there was a camera looking at me in my space...It was the creepiest feeling because not only would it be able to pick up activity out on my patio, but would have been able to see into part of my living area because my patio door was glass. Anyway, that was the beginning of the end of me living there....
Anyway, I cannot think of any other explanation than that the camera is here to spy on me!!! If they got it for that reason, they now know that I know and obviously disconnected it. I thought I'd wait for them to say something to me, but decided IF they put it there to spy on me...they will likely not say anything!! And I was thinking of not saying anything, but wait to see if they do. ANYWAY, I'm likely way overthinking this, but I feel violated. SO. I'm thinking of addressing the elephant in the room and directly asking them why they have a camera, and telling them how creepy that is for me. I know I had confided in the female when I was being tormented by my psycho neighbor and I also know I told her about him watching me....
I just need some objective feedback from anyone who may help me to address this in a way that isn't a reaction to other stuff...Even now that I've disconnected it, I wonder is there some other type of monitoring such as a hidden something that can hear me...?? IF I decide to address this at all, I will wait until they are back rather than text her or anything of that nature...but this REALLY bothers me!!!!! Cause my gut is telling me something that I don't want to hear!!
FEEDBACK PLEASE!!!2 -
@FeelinFooFoo thanks. Yes, I definitely need to address this for MY peace of mind. As far as the security end of things, these people leave their doors unlocked at all times even when they are out of the country or gone for other extended times. In fact, they gave me the only key awhile back because I do NOT like leaving the doors unlocked when I leave & they have never asked for it back. So, I'm thinking security isn't a huge concern for them.3
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@lorrainequiche59, first of all I’m sending you hugs because it’s obvious how upsetting this is for you. This is my suggestion:
First of all, realize that you have past issues that make this particularly freaky for you so you may be taking this more personally than maybe some others would. I myself am in camera every second that I’m at work ( in a classroom in a locked down facility) so I’m used to going into a closet to adjust my bra strap or whatever.
I would advise you to assume the best. Maybe these guys got the camera to check in their dog when he’s alone or because they saw a scary story or advertisement about burglars or whatever and have just gotten used to it and forgot to even mention it to you.
Then by all means ask them about it when they get home and tell them it freaked you out so you turned it off. Maybe you’ll all have a good laugh when they explain. Or maybe you’ll learn your relationship isn’t as good as you thought. But right now when you don’t know, try to just be peaceful and not let the “what if’s” drive you nuts
I do not mean to minimize your anxiety. You have every right to your feelings! I just hope you can minimize your own suffering until the actual facts come out.6 -
Morning friends, Lorraine,I know you have prior feeling of being spied on so you're probably more sensitive to it then most of us would be but my opinion is that it's their house and if they want to monitor what goes on when they're not home for their peace of mind so be it,most of us love our fur babies as much as our real babies so I understand why they have cameras I wouldn't care(unless there was one in the bathroom ) Feeling Foo Foo,I get that overwhelming urge! I've almost felt foggy headed and almost blacked out in a way on my quest to go get alcohol,not sure the biology behind it but it's STRONG! Glad you resisted and are building those sober muscles! Waves to all and have a great AF day!5
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@lorrainequiche59 I agree with donimfp.. While it's definitely something to be discussed upon their return, know that your previous traumatic experience will undoubtedly color this experience.. How could it not? But, you'll have a much better idea of how much of your emotions are fueled by past experience versus present experience after you address your feelings with them directly. I would also make sure things are addressed in person, as it will lessen the possibility of misinterpretation when you are face to face.. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this! I'm sure it was a very violating ordeal..2
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In the past, Friday nights were always pizza and wine. I truly loved pizza and drinking , it was traditional for Friday nights..............well, last night, I really, really wanted pizza....big time.........My wife made one and gave me just one slice........thats it. I m really trying to lose these last 25 lbs. Funny thing though...........I really craved the pizza but never........never once even thought of the wine. Actually, I never, never crave alcohol. Only sweets or pasta, of which I have for the most cut out.........seems I only crave sweets and pasta, but never ever wine
and there are 2 bottles in the fridge. She drinks on the weekend and has NO problem with alcohol.....just wanted to pass this on. I know there are a few of you guys who are fighting the cravings, but hang in there. Soon you wont even give it a thought. I know addiction is rough, just want to say that it does get easier. Well, for me it has and again, I know we are all different, but Im in a good place with my cravings..........now, just to lose this last 25 lbs.....I ve lost over 100 lbs, no thanks to drinking that put me in that place.............best wishes,9 -
Bah - so I posted a whole reply and it didn’t actually post so if it eventually turns up apologies for that. Here goes again for Lorraine! First I’m so sorry you had a bad neighbor experience - no one wants to feel like they are being watched. I don’t really like being on camera and while I understand that I’m going to be on camera at work 100% of the time being filmed by a neighbor would be different. All that said - I also 100% have security cameras in my home. We are in a suburban/city setting now but we would have them in the middle of nowhere. They are in the basement, near sensitive or valuable storage places, main living space and looking at doors. In the past I’ve also had them outside the doors looking at the property. They are motion sensored and send alerts to our phone and we can also check in via an app. At no time would I EVER point them at a neighbor - it’s just rude. Anyway - people have cameras for a number of reasons- we like that we will be able to see if we have something like a basement flood while away, or would have evidence of a package thief or a break in (or more likely the amazon delivery person throwing the packages 20 feet from the road to the front steps breaking everything... true story) We’ve had them for fun to watch wildlife in the yard or the cats during the day or to catch garden pests at night. I will say that when I’ve had pet sitters staying before I’ve informed them about the cameras and told them where they are... ie don’t walk naked here but that’s me and I know it’s because I’m a woman, our house sitters have been women and I’m sensitive to it. My husband probably wouldn’t think twice about it.
You have been working for these people for a long time and the camera is out in the open - not hidden in a teddy bear or something. I think you should just be honest and ask them - maybe in a way where it’s from a safety concern or ‘I noticed the cameras, have they’re been break ins in the area? Do I need to be worried while house sitting?’ And I also think it’s ok to tell them you are not comfortable with it.
Also I wouldn’t worry if the actual camera is marketed as a nanny cam - ours probably are too - honestly we just bought the most affordable ones that do what we want them too.
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FeelinFooFoo wrote: »lorrainequiche59 wrote: »@FeelinFooFoo thanks. Yes, I definitely need to address this for MY peace of mind. As far as the security end of things, these people leave their doors unlocked at all times even when they are out of the country or gone for other extended times. In fact, they gave me the only key awhile back because I do NOT like leaving the doors unlocked when I leave & they have never asked for it back. So, I'm thinking security isn't a huge concern for them.
I think the fact you have worked with these people for 10+ years would lead you to believe they have no trust issues with you. Maybe they just like to be able to check on the dog when they are out of the home. Perhaps they installed it for another reason that you are unaware of. Only other reason would be that they are spying on you. Do you think they are the type of people who would want to do that?
I would hate it. I would be thinking of a time I picked my nose and that was caught on camera ! Hope you resolve this issue with them. x
HAHAHA My niece said the exact same thing about picking her nose...LOL NO I absolutely do not think she, in particular, would spy on me. I for sure want to think that it was installed for the dog, but find it odd that they would do that. Anyway, I have trust issues. Especially with men, so my spidey senses engaged for sure when I spotted the camera. In addition, my experience with my former neighbor was very traumatic for a few reasons & that's why I asked for feedback so I could get a more objective view. Actually, throughout today I had some residual feelings, re: my wacko neighbor, surface because this triggered some stuff for me.
Thank you for replying & providing a more balanced view. I hope that I am assured when I confront her about the camera. I think I need to raise the issue & I'm trying to not fret about it until then. There is the next door neighbor that will attend to the dog if needed so perhaps they did it with him in mind...who knows...until I talk to them, I need to let it go for now. Thanks again6 -
My daughter, got home late last eve, & was told by a neighbor that her other neighbor right next to her died from an alcohol related fall while she was on her trip. It must have happened when I was at work. My daughter moved there in the fall of last year and described her as a "nice drunk." Apparently, her husband came home & found her in a pool of blood. Because it was alcohol related there is an ongoing investigation.
So sad for her husband. What a tragedy. A tragedy that can easily happen. I shared with my dtr that one time after a few drinks, I turned around quickly & ended up losing my balance & hitting my head on the corner of a wall resulting in a goose bump on my noggin...I was alone at the time & it could have been much worse because I did kind of catch myself before connecting with the wall. Would it have happened anyway if I hadn't had a few drinks? Likely the drinks disoriented me and I remember being so ashamed that I lost control and thinking how much worse it could have been. She reminded me of a time when she was a teen spending the weekend with her Dad and he fell down the stairs & put his head through the wall.
Too bad they don't paint this part of the drinking pic in their alcohol ads hmmmm!!4 -
@lorrainequiche59 I find it creepy. I would have liked them to be upfront and say “You know we bought a camera to keep an eye on the place; we just wanted you to know. “ I just don’t like that they did that.
But like FooFoo says, hear their side of the story. So sorry that ruined a good day!
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Have you seen the new Netflix movie “Wine Country” ; it’s about a bunch of women who go to wine country. I watched some of it but it’s not that funny. Plus they are drinking wine in every scene, and I kept thinking if that was me drinking, my head would be in the toilet by midnight. Not crazy about that movie for many reasons. I didn’t finish it. Maybe I’m judging it too harshly.2
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Today I was irritable. The reality of moving is setting in my mind. I was thinking how a wine would calm me down. But the craving and thought passed. I am getting the keys to my apartment this week and will move a bunch of things. Tonight, my daughter is at her senior prom. So, I am really happy for her. And equally happy to be sober and experienced the evening taking pictures of the kids with all the other parents. Wishing everyone a calm weekend!6
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