kittybenn Member

So great to read everybody's new comments. @donimfp - yes, heartily agree with what you said about younger people getting a grip sooner rather than later. And congrats on your new chapter - how wonderful! @JulieAL1969 - thanks for remembering the story about my son and girlfriend's breakup. Shocking turn around for sure.…

Wow @edmudman - sobering is right. And terrifying.

@JenT304 @donimfp Oh man, do I get the mortification. I almost didn't post this here because it's so mortifying, but in solidarity . . . I think I've mentioned that my son and girlfriend have been pretty much AF since March after a breakup that had to do with her excessive drinking. Prob his too, TBH. So, they're back…

Did some "occasion" drinking (happy hour with husband). Had two glasses of Chardonnay. Woke up in middle of night and was awake for hours. Ugh. Headache this morning. I have become a pretty serious lightweight, drinkingwise.

Me too, @erikNJ -I would always come home and drink more. I think most of us have come a long way since January.

I feel for ya, but thanks for sharing that. A great reminder for all of us.

@janejellyroll - "It's like addressing your engine check light by putting a piece of duct tape over it." Well said. Sometimes when that wine is calling my name I try to imagine how it's going to change anything and, more particularly, how I'm going to feel after I drink. There's a little bit of visualization involved, not…

@erikNJ - very sorry you're struggling. Many hugs to you. I cannot do any better than the great thoughts @JulieAL1969 has passed on, but thinking of you. I think we have all gone through these dark, out-of-control periods and it's no fun. You've gotten control of this before and you will do it again.

@jecky74 - Wow, that is a fantastic accomplishment. You should be so proud of yourself! I managed a dry January, and it's an amazing feeling. You have a lot more confidence that alcohol is something you have control over.

@Sophieanna17 - welcome! I think you'll find this group absolutely nonjudgmental and supportive. The first couple of weeks can be tough, so just put one foot in front of the other. Hugs!

@tamera_g - second Julie's suggestion of Le Croix - so many great flavors. I've also done plain club soda with a little grapefruit or other kind of juice. Something about bubbles seems more drinklike. You can also put that in a wine glass, which for some bizarre reason helps me. Low calorie cocoa might also work for you?

@AnnPT77 - love your story about the grocery store parking lot. I'm 68 and inspired by you, especially by the fact that you are proud of your age and excellent health, which you should be!

Just got back from a cruise, and I did gain a little bit. But my husband and I vowed we would not step foot on the elevator on the ship and we stayed true to our vow. I regularly got 15K steps a day and went up and down at least 50-75 flights of stairs per day. So, I think the weight gain might've been way worse had we not…

This is so hilarious. I've been there! @NovusDies - <3 :)

It doesn't sound at all silly. I'm getting very close myself to being out of the obese category and, believe me, I'll be thrilled! Congrats on your success.

@JulieAL1969 - first, thanks for the nice words! I did have a great time, but it also feels good to be back in a routine, with no alcohol and a reasonable diet. I'm so intrigued by your visit to the therapist, so thanks much for sharing how that went. Will be glad to hear more if you go again. And, yes, the lack of…

Hi, friends, just reading all your messages, catching up and reporting in after our cruise. Eeeegads - drank wayyy too much. The mojitos, margaritas, bahama mamas - so many, so sugary, so much alcohol. I'm not necessarily sure I regret anything, because I had a great time, but it's time to get back to health, both…

@donimfp - Forgot to send you a hearty congrats. @WinoGelato mentioned people predicting it would all lead to something good (I was one of them). Sounds like you've landed in an excellent place! Must be such a relief to be heading back to work and not stressing about finding a job.

@Leeg5656 - I totally feel your pain. Very sorry you're going through this. @WinoGelato - Thanks so much for your (always) smart thoughts. I'm chugging water as we speak! Great idea. @NovusDies - Such a fantastic reminder of how to cope with stress. Thank you! This really helped me today.

@NovusDies Oh yes, exactly right. I've also gained 2 lbs. Very frustrated with myself right now. BUT today's a new day. I begin again!

Arrgh. For the last two nights I've engaged in "occasion" drinking, once at a friend's house and last night out with my husband for dinner. Two glasses of wine each night, but I felt pretty subpar the next day both times. And both nights I wayyy overate. There was something about the wine drinking that seemed to promote an…

@ceiswyn - I adore your posts. They inspire me every single time. Many congrats to you on all your success and your new life!

OMG, yes, exactly. I drank every. single. day. I know I've forgotten how bad I felt and I take for granted how great I feel now. And that level of drinking screws up SO many other areas of your life: exercise, weight, finances, performance at work, relationships. I could go on and on, but not telling anyone here anything…

Just wow. Makes you realize there's no end to the escalation. Thanks for this, @JulieAL1969. Always appreciate what you pass along. You've worked that AF muscle a bunch and I know it's going to be like riding a bike for you when you get home. I've had to prove to myself over and over again since January that it just ain't…

@NovusDies - oh I totally get the scheduling of the moderation. I've stopped because it was turning into a requirement that I drink X on X days. I'm now shooting for "occasion" drinking, which mostly means away from home. I've had, I believe, two glasses of wine in the last three weeks, and they've all been away from home.…

@JulieAL1969 - I'd count last night as a huge victory. You practiced moderation successfully, so many kudos. You did it and you definitely strengthened that control muscle. It's got to give you at least a little confidence that you are getting a handle on these situations. I absolutely know that feeling of one isn't enough…

@JenT304 - absolutely a massive win. Congrats. SO sorry that the day was sad. Time heals.

@erikNJ - wow, such an impressive loss - congrats! Super motivating to see that scale go down. You need a reward once in awhile for all your hard work, and for me that's a big one.

@donimfp - so sorry about the sleep issues. That's the worst. Have you heard of an app called Insight Timer? They have all kinds of guided meditation-thingys to get you to sleep. I use them all the time in the middle of the night.