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I’m new here and grateful for all of you as i thought i was alone. I haven’t quit yet but have cut back and i’m planning the “great escape” for the 4th time. I’m a woman, a mother, a wife, and a closet drunk. No one knows. My family, my friends, my employer. I find it tough when i get home not to drink. I’m chronically bored by nature and think this has been my issue when analysing how i got caught up in this situation. I went most of my life without any alcohol to being a closet drunk the past 8 years. Are there also supplements to help cure this problem? And i heard eating grapes 3 times a day works wonders. Thanks again everyone! Love you all.
How are you doing Anonymous? I tried to cut back dozens of times and it finally got so hard, and I got so tired of disappointing myself, that I finally said F it and quit altogether. Amazingly, it’s been much easier than moderating! Definitely get yourself into some hobbies if you are able–find something that really lights you up inside, something good for yourself or the world that you would do even if no one knew just because it feels good and right. In the meantime, milk thistle is good for your liver, and I have heard kudzu supplements can reduce the cravings. Good luck and I hope you are well!
Going to start scheduling regular massage. Can afford since not drinking. Also, since I recklessly wasted a good sum of money playing slot machines..realized could of had a massage daily and a nice shopping spree for myself. When I’ve properly saved back that money..I will do a small version of just that!
Every morning I wake up and tell myself Iwon’t drink tonight. Then somewhere throughout the day, I find an excuse to not resist that impulse to stop at the store on the way home. There’s a couple beers left in the fridge, still, but trying not to stop on my way home today.
I can so relate to that
i found the thought of going the first day without my “best friend” the toughest. i couldnt imagine how i would do it. the thought itself was way worse than doing it. i remembered what a non drinking friend of mine said when i told him i couldnt imagine how id break the habit. he said “just dont buy it and bring it into the house.”. i keep focused on that. i keep many different things in the fridge i CAN drink. i also have “unfriended” my alcohol and remind myself that no matter how innocent it seems, it is NOT my friend. just another bad relationship i have to say NO to.
Ooops, sorry, meant to post this as a daily reflection, wrong section!
But in the spirit of this thread, I love to cook and finding my interest declining. If I had to start with something to treat myself for not drinking, I think making some very tasty meals would be where I would start.
Feeling the need to journal through this af day. Need to post and share. It is only lunchtime. I went for a walk outdoors, but it was overcast and windy so I cut it short. Started a Netflix movie while having a slice of ham, sweet potatoes and field peas for lunch. I’ve cooked a lot the last two days so have plenty of good leftovers. Feeling content so far. Thank goodness the old habit of having wine with an early movie isn’t beckoning right now. It is a vacation day, so will keep you posted.
My main treat is time for me. I too have rediscovered reading and I also try to escape to my room just for ten mins or so and listen to a track I love and just lie and rest.
Am aware that this is a dangerous time for me. The main festivities are over and I am back to the reality of everyday life and problems.
Am trying to put things in place to ensure my safety, phone calls, meetings, texts, this site and routine.
After my relapse am now on day 11 which I am pleased with especially over Christmas was very stressful but I had support from my long suffering family.
Am making a plan each morning at this time which has helped me focus in the past and seems to be helping me now.
Would be grateful for any ideas from others.
New Year to negotiate now. We are staying home and relaxing quietly and watching fireworks at midnight. I don’t want to go out. Have got in lots of interesting soft drinks and no alcohol in the house.
Happy , Sober New Year to everyone!
Here’s to a peaceful 2017.
Lindy x
Am aware that this is a dangerous time for me. The main festivities are over and I am back to the reality of everyday life and problems.
Am trying to put things in place to ensure my safety, phone calls, meetings, texts, this site and routine.
After my relapse am now on day 11 which I am pleased with especially over Christmas was very stressful but I had support from my long suffering family.
Am making a plan each morning at this time which has helped me focus in the past and seems to be helping me now.
Would be grateful for any ideas from others.
New Year to negotiate now. We are staying home and relaxing quietly and watching fireworks at midnight. I don’t want to go out.
Happy , Sober New Year to everyone!
Here’s to a peaceful 2017.
Lindy x
I am going to put the money I would have spent on alcohol in a jar. I’m saving for a horse!! I am nearly 43 and have always dreamed of having my own horse. This is the year for it
Living on my own I was concerned about what I would replace drinking with, particularly with no one “to keep an eye” on me. But for the first time in I don’t know how many years, I have embraced the freedom to drive at night because I’m no longer drunk by 6pm! Now most evenings I drop in on a friend or family, or go to an AA meeting, hang out at the library, catch an evening movie or just drive into the city and take in the city sights and lights. I get such a kick out of being able to leave the house after the sun goes down and it reinforces my pride and commitment to my sobriety!
I am enjoying having clean clothes! And I also am happy to clean them
Clean fizz, Kombutcha or clean juice.
Moore Wilsons have a great range and I have always loved goodbuzz.co.nz
Day 15 , and I feel strong and dedicated ….I love the way my brain and body get healthier everyday !!
sorry ,think I may have posted a message on Sober Treats instead of Member’s Feed (which I can’t find) I didn’t mention any actual sober treats apart from reading but must say I am loving green tea & cake X
I can’t believe I missed my 800 days on the orange counter yesterday..Guess I was too busy with my family & celebrating my son’s 44th birthday. Anyhow so happy to continue my sober journey, I am going on holiday this week & on a holiday to the same place,where over 2 years ago I decided to have my last alcoholic drink ..right in the middle of the holiday..no one was more surprised than myself but I had been reading a lot of books about giving up & the clincher was Allen Carr’s book ‘Stop Drinking Now’, I often think about it now..must have been the right time for me..After that I read Jason Vale’s book & Mrs D’s which led me to this great site which is so supportive..Happy sober day to you all X
I really don’t know what this is but I’m very interested
I have been treating myself with all the money that is now in my account. I made a garden room, bought plants and thrifted cool items so my ‘hang out’ space is inviting, no booze allowed. I bought an instant camera and I am making a summer book of photos what I did, after a suggestion from Prudence. I get a mani pedi every once in awhile and take care of my skin, hair and nails to try to maximize what the change has been for me physically. I allow myself some carbs (sweets) once in awhile they help with the cravings. Good stuff helps.
Playing ping pong with my teenage son…..we laugh and laugh and laugh because I’m usually the one winning.
Also I enjoy reading Jesus Calling daily devotionals. If I find that I’m needing help or struggling a little bit, rereading that day’s devotional gets me over the hurdle.
I am just starting out and today is my last ever hangover. I have decided to treat myself every third month to a facial or body treatment. I am also going to join the leisure centre to do some fitness classes.
Oh, a facial Lucy! I should do that too. And scented candles.
I have read through all the comments and envy you people the peace you have found! I am still a bit frantic, being newly sober. Here is a list I am making up on the fly:
– buy a new puppy; she is my treat for doing something right for myself
– buy a new book? So many of you on here seem to find comfort in reading
– garden, garden, garden–buy a pretty new birdhouse for the garden? Lots of new plants and run out even in the middle of the night and plant something to avoid drinking
– keep a jug of green smoothies in the fridge so I can have a refreshing sip whenever I want. I just drank 900 ml of “extreme green” smoothie recipe…oops. That’s 540 calories. Oh well
– keep some delicious snacks on hand…but what. Will think about that.
– start exercising. But what? A little run down the street at night? yoga?
I’m just looking online at buying myself some RayBans and then I’m going to fix up my car so that it doesn’t look like a drunk/crazy person has been driving it!
need to share
How about being honest ?
I’m an alcoholic and cannot drink responsibly
Or, I have an addictive personality and one drink will not be enough and I’m unsure when I will be able to stop, 1 day, 1 week, 1year I don’t really know so I’ll leave it this evening. But thank you for asking……
Then look at the faces
Tazo green lemongrass ginger tea. Mmm.
Dried fruit is my new go-to treat in the late afternoon. Especially dried cherries. Totally weird and random… must be needing a sugar fix! 🙂
So this might sound a bit odd … but since I’ve stopped drinking, I’ve really been enjoying dried fruit as a little snack/treat in the late afternoons as a little pick me up. Must be a sugar craving but the cherries are really good! 🙂
No -Cook Ginger Slice (gluten,dairy &refined sugar free)
2 Cups of unsalted nuts (I used almonds,cashew and Brazil)
! cup fresh dates (or dry soaked 15mins and drained)
2 tbsp coconut oil (melted or soft)
! tsp ground ginger
Process and then press into a lined swiss roll tin.
Chill in the fridge while you make the icing
ICING
3/4 C Soft or melted coconut oil
1/2 C honey
1/2 C cashew butter
3 tsp ground ginger.
Whizz up and smooth over with a wet knife or spatula
store in an airtight container in fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
Yum! Gonna make this right now thanks, might have to hide it from the rest of the fam tho!
I brought myself a `pandora’ bead saying `faith’ for my evolve (like Pandora) bracelet the other week, and this week a massage – yep i’ve gone all out, but don’t feel so guilty or would have spent it on wine anyway!
That’s a lovely idea 🙂 my Pandora only has room for one more bead and it’s reserved for my grandson due in July. Will get his initial. Then I am going to start an Evolve bracelet.
Searching the internet for nice recipes, making desserts, new little rituals like eating in the garden. Make simple stuff more fancy and luxurious, buying lovely fruits which i usually found too expensive in the past. Basically spoil yourself with lots of small inexpensive things.
Each week that I stay ahead of the ‘fray’ (alkie), I put $30 in a jar. Each month, I now treat myself to a nice mani/pedi….SO RELAXING, and when they offer that complimentary glass of vino, I ask for water instead. I leave the salon hydrated and relaxed, with jazzy hands & feet! Fellow sojourners, treat yourself well, be good to yourself, be PROUD of your decision, and don’t let any slip-ups sink your sub…..carry on~!
Thats a great idea putting the money to one side
My sober treat has been a new skin care product each weekend. Something slightly expensive( saving so much money on the weekend not drinking!). People are telling me I look good lately. I like to think its a combination of no alcohol in my system and the new skincare products in my medicine cabinet:)
@davenajean-great idea. I too notice how my face,eyes look less haggard when I don’t drink.
Chia dessert or breakfast or snack
I have a plan for sugar cravings. Got chia seeds? Shake them up in almond or coconut milk, throw in vanilla or favourite flavours, a bit of stevia, honey or coconut syrup, & voila, a gorgeous healthy treat to have with pure yogurt &/or cream, any fruits. Mixed with whipped cream & frozen berries, put in freezer, & voila, icecream, but with a powerful protein & nutrition hit. Love it
Yum! That’s a great idea – I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Just thought I’d share this gorgeous, and it truly is gorgeous, mushroom soup recipe I made this week following a pretty bad stomach bug I had where i couldn’t eat anything solid, but this was a bit more filling than tinned soup so I gave it a go. At the end of the recipe, I blended the whole thing into a smooth soup rather than with the chunky mushrooms in but that was only because after putting the 2nd batch of flour in, there were lumps of flour i couldn’t get rid of. I didn’t think it needed the extra flour so may well be worth just leaving that bit out if you want it chunky. But it is still beautiful as a creamy soup so either way you want to do it will be great still.
INGREDIENTS
SERVINGS 6
8 ounces fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons onions, chopped
1 -2 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 -3 tablespoons flour (separated)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup light cream or 1 cup evaporated milk
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
Cut the mushrooms into slices.
Melt butter in large frying pan. Add in onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until onions are soft.
Blend in 2 T. flour and stir.
Add in the chicken broth and heat until slightly thickened while stirring frequently.
Stir cream with additional 1 T. flour and seasonings. Add in cream to soup. Heat to thicken while stirring frequently.
Serve and enjoy!
Lovely!!! So trying this!
That looks great. Cooking for myself and others is a great pleasure of mine as well.
@Davey Yum-o. I def need to try this recipe. Thx for sharing!
Looking forward to making that soup tomorrow, thanks
Thanks Davey! I’m off to get mushrooms! Hope a variety will work. Chanterelles, Oysters, Buttons, etc.?
I have discovered online jigsaw puzzles. I do small ones – 100 pieces – which gives me a 20 minute burst of pleasure. Doing doing jigsaws is apparently very good for getting both sides of brain to work together and producing good brain chemicals. I certainly find it very calming and there are so many beautiful pictures to choose from – like chocolates in a box!
I’m going to try that. Lately, I’ve been playing this dumb-ass game named “Candy Crush”. It takes me to la-la’ville. Perhaps the jigsaw thing would be a little more appropriate, heh. xo
what a great idea Salvia, thanks xx
I too recently discovered jigsaw puzzles. They are fun and quite satisfying. Glad to hear they are good for the brain. I do some word games too. I think the games may be addictive and I’m okay with that.
I’m going to search these out … Thank you!
My two eldest kids (10 and 8) have to read every day for school and I have to sign their diaries to say they’ve done so. So, we started a new little routine…. once the two babies are in bed, 7pm ish, I light candles in the living room while hubby and kids make hot choccie, then the four of us sit together in the living room, just for 20/30 minutes, reading our books and sipping our hot choccie. I absolutely love it. I’m ashamed to think that not so long ago I would be three quarters of a bottle down by that point.
Long may my children humour me in this pleasure 🙂
What a great time for you and a wonderful memory for your children to make!
I love this.
My son has been doing his gratitude journal every night but I am slack. Doing it together sounds like a plan 🙂
Beautiful idea. Thanks for sharing. xx
Yay! That’s amazing, Keep going!
that is awesome, calm peaceful relaxed atmosphere, best thing to teach the kids, time and patience
awesomely +ve alternative that builds you & your fams
aw thats so lovely x
My treat came unexpectedly: to be fully present in the evening after 5:30–to walk dogs in cool evening, read a book and remember it, and not wonder who I emailed or texted in the morning.
On a crasser note, calculated how much I spent in wine for a month and used it to buy an iPAD, with $ left over.
Omg that’s what I always did too…would see all the facebook posts and emails I didn’t even remember sending. :~
Love the fact you bought an iPad. I’ m finding mine great at 3 am when I can’t sleep and log onto this site. I did Dry July last year and sponsored myself. Worked out what my alcoholic consumption would normally cost in a month and did something way more useful with the money. Been with out booze 5 days this time. This time think I’ll treat me. Thinking about a pair of winter boots, really expensive ones.
My treat / reward for reaching Day 30 is a beautiful Bitossi ribbed glass tea mug ( with filter and lid) and a one cup stainless steel tea pot. Looking forward to trying out loads of new special teas – just for me!!
lovely treat, Im going to buy a new tea pot with a internal tea leaf strainer and buy loose tea leaves, I might wait till Christmas as im hoping hubby will get me one x
I’m trying to remember the things I like…..I have lost some of who I am in the fog I was in. Between being mum and wife, and hiding from myself by drinking – I’m really not sure who I am anymore. I know I am finding more pleasure in the simple, every day things. I hope that in time, I can be the person I am meant to be – whoever she turns out to be.
These words resonate even in 2018 for people like me. A lot has happened over the years and I realized I did for others to the sacrifice of finding out who or what I really am. What do I truly like or have interested in. Foods, clothing style, hobbies, etc. I have only just begun at 4, almost 44. Why is it so easy to give to others and do what others want….it almost is to selfless that it is selfish…does that even make sense? Day 6 for me today and I am just barely out of my fog
Your comment really hit home. I’ve been trying to understand what it is I’m going through in terms of losing my old self and becoming my “new” me. I used to have FOMO (fear of missing out) but now I have JOMO (joy of missing out) as I’m really tuning into ME and luckily, I am really liking who I am. I have the patience and the gratitude to move forward with this new identity; healthy, strong, loving and hopeful.
Wow That describes me too. I can’t remember all the little things I like…my life has been in a big fog. Im looking forward to find out who I really am without the booze 🙂
Deede
I also identify with your comment. I’ve known for a while that I lost myself but didn’t connect it to my drinking. How’s that for denial. One more reason to quit.
I know this is an old post, but, I am new to the site and your description is exactly one of the things that scares me about becoming sober…I have lived this way so long, I have forgotten who I am and even what I like…and what do you do with all of the time when you’d usually be drinking? I’d love to hear an update of how it looks to you now, further on. Thank you for sharing!
Yes I too can really relate to what you are saying. I too had a persona that I feel was clouded by drink and all the carry on that went with that. Plus it lasted on and off for 3 decades! I find it weird getting to know myself. I also find it scary that I can’t blame my drinking/hide behind my drinking and have to deal with feelings that seem so raw!………happiness included. All power to you and you are not alone x
I really relate to this comment so much of my identity was a party hard drinker. I was a guarantee for a party quite often by myself unfortunately, but like you I am finding simple pleasures wonderful! I am training hard and eating well and my mood has benefited 10 fold! I also am not sure where my new identity lies but I just know its not the big fat party guy anymore! Should I aim for a new persona or let one develop organically? whatever…i’ll be doing it healthy smile on my face.
I’m only on Day 5 but I can really relate to this. Felt today that I’m not really sure who I am without the wine! The day is soo long – what did I used to do to fill up the time (for me, I mean – not for others like hubby and kids) before wine came along? But I’m looking forward to finding out and rediscovering or inventing a whole new me.
Music!! I’m a music fiend now. I hook up my earphones to my phone and jam away while cleaning the house (hope no one EVER actually SEES this). I listen to the bubble hour while walking the dog….that’s a great treat. I listen to TED talks while walking the dog too. My dog is loving this! Treated myself to full body massage for reaching 30 days. Lots of baths, reading books, lunches with friends (never felt I could justify the cost/calories but SO great for the soul).
Well I can afford (price wise and waistline wise) to have a lot more treats in general now. I love going out for a morning tea of lattes and cake and sitting in the sunshine watching my children play and laugh. I love going on shopping expeditions and buying clothes I like that fit since I’ve lost weight from not drinking. I love feeling full of energy and getting to regular gym classes that I really enjoy because I’m not hungover. I love waking up to a clear head- that in itself is a treat..when for so many years the opposite has been true! I love reading books again. I now take the kids out to all sorts of places I never did before..like the library, the park, and the market, because I am thinking of them instead of myself and my addiction. So then, my treat is seeing my children happy…I could not hope for anything more really! Feel so blessed to be sober and have my life back.
I am 12 days sober and already I have a completely different contact with my children, like you say it’s about them and not me and my addiction….
Lovely post..Thanks
Great post nursestel…filled with so much happiness & joy…well done! 🙂
I am reading Allen Carr’s book on alcohol and “The Signature of All things”; having hot chocolate in the evening while watching ONE episode of a series I follow instead of 4 while smoking and drinking…; Taking hot baths while reading and listening to music. AND every now and then, reminding me of the money I save.
Being sober, Ive remembered the person I was before I started drinking. Ive rememebered the things I used to enjoy; reading, eating, watching a movie (and remembering the ending!), writing, painting my toe nails, crosswords, helping my kids with their homework, buying jewelry, writing a diary, burning incence, making photo albums, walking in the sunshine, me time – too name just few! I relize now how alchol was just stripping me bare of all the things I enjoyed to do.
So true. Your post hits home.
Oh how I needed to read this today! I was thinking the same last night. All the interests I had before this got out of hand. Drinking, then hangovers, thinking about not drinking, then feeling unwell all the time and beating ourselves up takes us away from our true selves…I want me back too 🙂
I can so relate to this. I am looking forward to seeing the ‘END’ of a movie and being able to remember it!
Simply do something for someone else. It helps them and gives you a great sense of self worth.
Day 15 for me. Yipee!!! I am enjoying lots and lots of chocolate, but I have decided exercise really works for me during the witching hour. Especially hitting the trails and biking.
yes, i ate alot of chocolate in the first few months 🙂
Books, lots of books. I’m devouring them now the way I used to, now that boozing isn’t taking up my whole evening. A book costs the same as a bottle of wine so I feel it’s a good exchange 🙂 And knitting, agree about far fewer mistakes and more complicated patterns. Rather than adding to my enormous stash of wool, I’m treating myself to new more ambitious patterns. 🙂
Can relate love reading
Me too with the books! I forgot how much I liked to read! A good book gives me the same escape feeling
same. I never read much when drinking, would just about manage a drunken stumble through a trashy mag before passing out. Now, books books books!
I bought myself an inexpensive silver plated bracelet that you thread murano glass beads onto and a bag of said beads – also not expensive – so that I can thread one on for each month I accomplish. Three so far. I haven’t told anyone what it’s for- it’s my little secret reminder.☺️
What a great idea – once I get to one month I think I might do this too
I liked this idea, and love bracelets, so decided to give myself one bead for each day I stay a.f. it’s just going on a week since I decided I need to seriously look at my increasingly regular binges. Anyway, I have 5 beads on my bracelet, which makes me feel pretty good about myself. I bought some bigger beads to add when I get 30 small ones on. It’s baby steps, but it’s more a.f days than I’ve had in a looong time!
I’m on day 2 today also and I LOVE your idea! I saw in the “shop” that there was this pin that says “not today.” And since I am a crafty person, I thought I could make a pin with polymer clay that says “not today” on it. But now, I’m also going to add 5 little hooks from it. One for 30 days, 60, 90, 180 and 365. And I’ll hang a special little bead/stone or even a little coin medallion I can also make in polymer clay for each of these milestones. Oh how powerful that will be for me! I can feel it. Great idea!!!
Lakelover – I’m on day 2 and I love your idea of the daily for now then exchange for a bigger “monthly” reward!! Going out today to start my new jewelry collection!!
What a fantastic idea!
That is fabulous 🙂
I absolutely love this idea! Thanks!
That is a cool idea. I have a Pandora bracelet so may try something similar:)
Me too. Going to look for it now
I’m going to do this! I need a visual reminder of what I have accomplished. I don’t have daily support from my partner. He lost his drinking buddy and is mourning her I think.
What a great idea!
Lovely idea! 🙂
Thanks @Finallydawned I love this idea. When I reach 1 month I’m going to do the same.
Love that, like an old fashioned charm bracelet. Might steal your idea. No, no might about it. I am stealing it. Exciting.
That is so lovely. .. what a wonderful idea
I love that idea 🙂
What a gorgeous idea!
That is such a gorgeous idea. I think I will steal it too. Not sure where you get murano beads tho?
Love this idea!!
This is a great idea…love it and gonna “steal” it. 🙂
What a cool idea!!!
Lovely idea!
Great idea! Love that!!
Great idea !
What a wonderful idea, nothing like visually seeing the beads mount up.
One thing that gave me tremendous pleasure and confidence in my first year sober was learning to cook well without alcohol. As a keen home cook I’d always sloshed in red wine, white wine, sherry, port, liqueurs. I used alcohol in marinades, gravies, sauces. I couldn’t imagine how to do without that flavour-base.
Then I discovered cloudy organic apple juice, slightly dry. This works very well in many dishes because it gives a little sweetness and taste of fruit. I also use orange juice diluted, home-made chicken stock and vegetable stocks. I thicken sauces with almond milk, flavoured bread crumbs or reduced stocks. My cooking now has lighter and cleaner flavours and nobody ever asks if I left out the wine.
For baking I scrape fresh vanilla pods rather than vanilla extract with an alcohol base, store pods in small canisters of sugar. Though I prefer to use honey or agave syrup rather than refined sugar.
Another great treat for me these days are homemade vegetable smoothies — and I use them in soups and to flavour casseroles as well. I use spinach, chard or kale as a base along with fresh parsley and rocket, fresh ginger and broccoli in different combinations and flavoured with mint or basil or origanum, a little sea salt and black peppers. A dollop of Greek yoghurt. I also have smoothies with avocado, cucumber and fresh herbs. Really good pick-me-ups for an early lunch or late brunch. Fennel juice with lime and orange combinations or cucumber, ginger and celery, cilantro or coriander to taste.
Other favourites:
Pistachio Milk: Soak 1 cup pistachios / 5 oz overnight, covered, in filtered water. Drain, combine with 3 cups water, and ladle into juicer. This was my favorite non-fruit juice by a stretch. Flavour this with orange blossom water, or citrus zest.
Grapefruit and ginger juice with a little honey. I can’t give quantities and a little fresh raw ginger goes a long way. Great with a fairly bland bowl of oats for breakfast.
Zoom- boom-vroom-va-rooom energy savoury drink alongside sourdough bread or crackers with cheese. Juice 1/4 cup carrot juice + 1/4 cup almond milk + 1/16 teaspoon cayenne + 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice + 1/8 teaspoon fine grain sea salt + 2 tablespoons celery juice.
Thanks for those food tips !
I am definitely going to try one of your Smoothie recipes
Thank you Mary LA, inspiring!
Reading a good detective thriller with tea and choccie
Buying a soda stream (with all that money I saved by not buying wine) was the best investment I ever made. I keep a lemon or lime in the freezer and grate some of it with a microplane into my icy cold fizzy water.
That and my sudoku gets me through.
Don’t what I’d do with out my soda stream. Get thru about 2 litres a day of ‘bubbly water’. At wine o’clock put in nice glass and add some citrus.
I was talking to someone today who was suggesting that soda stream is a great investment. I relish the quest to find ace good drinks that are delicious. She was also saying about Lime in them. Going to get one! Sadly I don’t see much marketing of them as a great alternative to booze.
I buy uplifting songs on iTunes. My latest favorite is “Secrets” by Mary Lambert. It would be a fitting anthem for this site!
Perfect…what a great tune…I’m going to purchase that on on iTunes Thanks
Just listening to it now for first time..made me tear up….Spent most of my life hiding and hating myself…I’m sure we can all relate to that one huh? Great song..:)
Love that song! Agree it could become the signature song for this site!!
I love the recovery related song idea. Frank Turner Recovery is worth a listen, though totally different to Secrets.
Wow love it! Had never heard it, she’s fantastic!
Cute song!
Just listened to “Secrets” – oh wow, LOVE IT
Great song! Going to show the teen daughter it tonight.Thanks
OMG I LOVE THAT SONG!!!!!!! EVERYONE GO AND LISTEN TO IT ON YOUTUBE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favourite sober treat is making the time to read a good novel, which I do a little bit every day. It gives me a chance to drop into an alternate world, which I kind of need, without all the nasty parts of blotting out the world with wine. Reading like I used to read when I was younger has been one of the great pleasures of sober living.
Yes me to love reading it’s my fav thing
@thirstystill, I love how you said reading drops you into an alternate world because that’s why I drank -to escape. I’ve a stash of books on my bedside table so am going to start reading again. Thanks!
I love the books by Robert Galbraith (the outed JK Rowling) first one was great, second one which came out recently even better.
First post by me (!) – I’m at home on a Saturday night with lots of wine around and trying not to drink it! I started reading Mrs Ds blog which resonated in all kinds of ways – and have now been following everyone’s comments on this site. Not many days sober for me though – only 7 as I have a had a few failures.
Me too. How great to open the book the next day and REMEMBER what happened in the last chapter before bedtime! I get lost in stories when I’m looking for a wine-time cop-out (though more often I’m cooking, and I find if I get over the first ten minutes of pangs – trusty lime and soda in a wine glass – I can relax with that too).
Yeah I’ve been a bit slack on the novel reading front lately and am feeling it… I’ve got Caitlin Moran’s new book maybe i’ll try to get in that tonight