Nearly 8 months
01/05/12 • 5 Comments

It’s been nearly eight months now. Not drinking has become part of my life. I don’t write many blogs but HSM has been the crutch that I’ve needed, to keep me going this long. I love reading everyone’s stories. I relate to so many of them. I’m feeling more confident now and am able to admit I’ve had a problem. I told a work colleague about HSM recently. (Can be risky, I know). I’m her manager and I’ve not spoken to anyone at work about my HSM. I had a feeling she may use alcohol more she needs to too. She came into work this morning and said she read all my blogs on the train to work. She looked me dead in the eye and said my blogs inspired her, which was really nice.  But I must admit I had a minor feeling of panic. Like I hope she doesn’t spread [...]

Aghh six months
23/03/12 • 5 Comments

The little squirrel in my head is running on its treadmill non-stop at the moment. I feel like I’ve done so well with this HSM but there’s something more I’ve got to do. I think I need to get serious about the health and fitness of my body now. I can’t just give up booze and replace it with huge quantities of sugar. Now that’s becoming a problem. I’m not sure what to do though? Do I go madly into my yoga. Do I swim laps? Do I do group fitness classes. I like all these things but can’t wrap my head around whether I should do all of them or just concentrate on one.  I’ve been having serious cravings today and thoughts of having ‘just one’. I’m going to a really nice restaurant with my husband tomorrow night and I’m already thinking, hey it’s been six months.. I’m cool now.. I’ve [...]

Fantastic lunch
20/01/12 • 4 Comments

I saw one of my best friend’s for lunch today. Traditionally, this friend and I would drink about 2 bottles of wine between us and then have a few cocktails to finish off! And today we had none. I started with a coffee, she a juice. We had brilliant conversation. I didn’t have to keep looking around and be all anxious about getting a waiter to get me another drink. The whole thing was really relaxing and very enjoyable. After lunch we sat under a big shady tree at the beach and talked more. Gee, it was good. Much better than getting totally drunk and abnoxious by the end of the day. And it only cost me $30 instead of over $100. It does get easier…

Watermelon Juice
15/01/12 • 2 Comments

I had a dinner party last night and everyone was drinking champagne. I was hanging out for a glass at first, but had my standard lemon, lime & bitters and got over the craving. But this morning when I woke up I made my first fresh watermelon juice. It’s absolutely amazing! Next time I have a dinner party, I’m making this for me and anyone else whose interested. And I’m not gonna feel like I’m missing out because it’s a beautiful drink.  We have to find little ways to make things easier for ourselves. And they do work. We just need to discover them. Have a great day everyone.

Brother in detox
13/01/12 • 6 Comments

My brother went into hospital detox this week to dry out from booze. He’s 6 years older than me and a mess. Poor thing has been an alcoholic for years. Started drinking in the 70′s like everyone else… Just heaps of partying. Then broke up with his wife of 13 years and really hit the bottle. Found another wife and that broke up to. Back and forth to Alcoholics Anonymous. Joined the Jehovis Witness group and finally seemed to be drinking a bit less. My family said my brother had the booze under control (the whole family was in denial). But I knew he was an alcoholic and basically he can’t ever drink alcohol. He’s had a least 3 or 4 stints in detox and a couple of stays at rehab facilities. Still to no avail. This may be his last go. He’s given himself brain damage. He now falls over [...]