Re: The Two and Three Month Challenge

Sammie · Post by **Sammie** » 20 Nov 2019 07:06

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JJ $\:)/$

. Enjoy the fabulous day you have planned xx

Mackintosh · Post by **Mackintosh** » 20 Nov 2019 07:54

Happy birthday Jj have a fantastic day!!

Congratulations on day 51 $\:)/$
Riding lesson with an old friend this afternoon so should be fun, then a swim. Hoping you are ok Dougal?
Day 72

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 21 Nov 2019 20:35

Thanks Macintosh had a great day. Soo tired today straight to bed after work managed to Hall myself to Pilates! Here now but asleep in my feet. Anyway made it past my big 50 so Next hurdle is my party next Saturday. This has been a big worry for me since I started as there are 60 people coming and most don’t know I’m sober. Hope the night isn’t full of excuses and constant discussions around it. Just need to get through it and hopefully enjoy it. It was planned way before I knew I was going af.
One thing I know is I won’t drink at it.
Day 52
Have a great day toMorrow team
JJ

Cherry10 · Post by **Cherry10** » 22 Nov 2019 16:10

Happy belated birthday JJ

Hope all you guys are ok
Happy Friday

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 22 Nov 2019 21:30

Hi cherry
Lovely to see you you are doing so well.
Well in bed after 15 hour day 5 hour round trip and full on training day with the dogs. It was awesome but shattered now. Had big trigger when I got in hungry and tired but soup and AF beer ( morretti) got me through.
Also heard back from the hotel where my party is that I can bring my own AF drinks to the party. Club sober have some great ideas.
Day 53 and 1 week today until the big party!!!
Had a difficult conversation today with a friend who is A very occasional drinker. She couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t have a drink at my party and I started to explain to her and I could tell she didn’t understand the “ it’s just easier for me, it’s become an unhealthy habit , I’m not good at stopping at 1 or 2 like you” but why would she. Proud to have even practiced these conversations. She ended up saying good for you a lovely friend.
The other breakthrough is my OH who continues to drink in moderation 1 glass with his tea a few times a week brought me the aforementioned moretti beer after hearing me say I liked it.
Baby steps but feels like my sobriety is slowing changing the world around me too.
Thanks my lovely friends. Dougal are you okay how’s your hip? Macintosh any riding today?
Take care
JJ

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 25 Nov 2019 06:36

Hi guys you okay. Hope everyone had a good weekend?
Day 56 today 5 sleeps til my party
JJ

Mackintosh · Post by **Mackintosh** » 25 Nov 2019 09:47

$:\:$ morning all.
Had a couple of days away in London. Went to the Royal Albert Hall, was amazing. Oxford street shopping yesterday and visited the Animals in War memorial....brought a tear to my eye.
Glad your preparations for the party are going well, I ended up doing very little for my 50th a few years ago but hey ho.
It's difficult isn't it seeing old friends who always knew you as a drinker and cannot understand why you're not drinking, have a few of those conversations to get through myself.
Hoping everyone is well.
Day 77

Dougal · Post by **Dougal** » 25 Nov 2019 11:35

Hello all,
I’m sorry to not have wished you JJ a very happy 50th on the right day! Party sounds great, if anything like the ‘do’ situations that I’ve been in - people tend to not even notice what you’re drinking. You might have a few questions but then you get left alone whilst they get stuck into the wine etc on offer. I find I’m much more able to be chatty and fun, sober as I can think clearly! It’s a revelation! And you’ll remember everything, and that’s priceless!
It’s all a bit yeuck in my life with one thing and another (hip mostly) and my cold has turned into sinusitis hence my silence! I’m also in a hip brace thing and under orders to do as little as possible for 4 weeks then physio.......no horse riding until the 20 something of Jan when I see the hip man again! I’m so upset this has all happened but I will get well, fit and strong In the future. What I really don’t want is to drink, I’m starting to think I may never do so again. I’ve been to my local pub a couple of times and drank AF beer - there’s been a bit of sniggering but mostly people get on with tucking into their own pints and leave me alone.....and I can hold sensible conversations with anyone, it’s a revelation!
Went to see my neddy compete yesterday under his temp pro rider (dressage) They won both their classes with good scores! He was clipped and plaited beautifully, looked absolutely stunning. He’s a big lad and a real head turner anyway, I was so proud, especially as I started this horse from a 4 yr old.
So much to look forward to, just a rather large bump in the road to get over for a while yet!
Hope you all have a great week, thanks for all being here.
Big hugs all round.

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 25 Nov 2019 20:34

Thanks for birthday wishes and support about party means a lot.
Dougal I hope you feel better soon you are doing so well to stay sober through all this stuff inspirational
Macintosh London sounds awesome nice to have some adventures alcohol free. You too are racking up some serious numbers impressive.
I’ve been inspired by you too to take up riding again haven’t ridden for 20 years but saw an itison deal at a local stables and I’ve signed up. Excited and terrified in equal measures!!!
Cherry you’ll be back in 2 monthers in no time
Keep on guys nice to have you on this journey side by side.
JJ

Cherry10 · Post by **Cherry10** » 27 Nov 2019 14:41

Mackintosh wrote: ↑
25 Nov 2019 09:47
$:\:$ morning all.
Had a couple of days away in London. Went to the Royal Albert Hall, was amazing. Oxford street shopping yesterday and visited the Animals in War memorial....brought a tear to my eye.
Glad your preparations for the party are going well, I ended up doing very little for my 50th a few years ago but hey ho.
It's difficult isn't it seeing old friends who always knew you as a drinker and cannot understand why you're not drinking, have a few of those conversations to get through myself.
Hoping everyone is well.
Day 77

Doing amazing Mackintosh!

see you on here in a few days

Cherry10 · Post by **Cherry10** » 27 Nov 2019 14:42

Jj123 wrote: ↑
25 Nov 2019 20:34
Thanks for birthday wishes and support about party means a lot.
Dougal I hope you feel better soon you are doing so well to stay sober through all this stuff inspirational
Macintosh London sounds awesome nice to have some adventures alcohol free. You too are racking up some serious numbers impressive.
I’ve been inspired by you too to take up riding again haven’t ridden for 20 years but saw an itison deal at a local stables and I’ve signed up. Excited and terrified in equal measures!!!
Cherry you’ll be back in 2 monthers in no time
Keep on guys nice to have you on this journey side by side.
JJ

Thanks JJ hope you have an amazing birthday party. $\:)/$
See you on here very soon

Cherry10 · Post by **Cherry10** » 27 Nov 2019 14:44

Dougal wrote: ↑
25 Nov 2019 11:35
Hello all,
I’m sorry to not have wished you JJ a very happy 50th on the right day! Party sounds great, if anything like the ‘do’ situations that I’ve been in - people tend to not even notice what you’re drinking. You might have a few questions but then you get left alone whilst they get stuck into the wine etc on offer. I find I’m much more able to be chatty and fun, sober as I can think clearly! It’s a revelation! And you’ll remember everything, and that’s priceless!
It’s all a bit yeuck in my life with one thing and another (hip mostly) and my cold has turned into sinusitis hence my silence! I’m also in a hip brace thing and under orders to do as little as possible for 4 weeks then physio.......no horse riding until the 20 something of Jan when I see the hip man again! I’m so upset this has all happened but I will get well, fit and strong In the future. What I really don’t want is to drink, I’m starting to think I may never do so again. I’ve been to my local pub a couple of times and drank AF beer - there’s been a bit of sniggering but mostly people get on with tucking into their own pints and leave me alone.....and I can hold sensible conversations with anyone, it’s a revelation!
Went to see my neddy compete yesterday under his temp pro rider (dressage) They won both their classes with good scores! He was clipped and plaited beautifully, looked absolutely stunning. He’s a big lad and a real head turner anyway, I was so proud, especially as I started this horse from a 4 yr old.
So much to look forward to, just a rather large bump in the road to get over for a while yet!
Hope you all have a great week, thanks for all being here.
Big hugs all round.

Hey Dougal life can be sooo rubbish at times right! But you are staying strong & that's amazing

Mackintosh · Post by **Mackintosh** » 28 Nov 2019 12:32

Hi there rather damp and yuk here today.
Great to hear from you cherry....you're doing so well $\:)/$
Hope you're beginning to feel a little better Dougal.
Swimming later and dinner with my folks.
Day 80 $\:)/$

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 28 Nov 2019 21:43

Hope swim and dinner good Macintosh?
When do you join us cherry?
Day 59 2 sleeps til party.
Excited
JJ

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 29 Nov 2019 07:02

Day 60
Party tomorrow
Soo excited. Off work for 10 days now sooo looking forward to some r and r. Bit of pampering now then up to hotel where some of my best friends are coming for a pre birthday party meal. Tomorrow will be spent at hairdresser and beautician. This is something I never do normally to keen to start the “celebrations “ early ie early fizz before everyone arrives. This party weekend is going to be so different full of early morning breakfasts and dog walks in the crisp highland air and being full of thanks for my wonderful friends and family.
Then up north to visit my lovely dad who is in a nursing home with dementia to enjoy birthday cake and living in the moment. Going in this journey is strangely like learning to live with a loved one with dementia. Enjoying the now is so important.
Feeling hopeful excited and if I’d honest nervous all my emotions feel very intense but bring it on.
Thanks Macintosh dougal and cherry for being there. I hope you guys have a good weekend
JJ

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 01 Dec 2019 02:44

Well I did it. Lying in bed at 240 am buzzing from what was the most amazing day and night. I’m so blessed with such wonderful friends and family and do happy to be fully present through the whole day.
Had my af Prosecco behind the bar and the lovely barman kept my glass topped up the whole night. It felt awesome and just spent the last hour chilling with my 13 yr old son reflecting on the wonderful evening after everyone else had gone to bed. I will never forget that hour and sobriety gave me that gift. Today it truly was better being sober.
Worst part of the evening taking 45 minutes to get my contact lenses out with newly applied false nails!!!
Thanks for all your support guys.
JJ

Mackintosh · Post by **Mackintosh** » 01 Dec 2019 09:55

So pleased for you Jj what a great achievement $\:)/$
Must get some of that AF Prosecco what a fab idea.
As for the contact lenses, I feel your pain

Nothing to report here a quiet weekend.
Enjoy Sunday everyone!
Day 83

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 01 Dec 2019 21:52

Thanks Macintosh tired now but happy
Day 62.
JJ

Cherry10 · Post by **Cherry10** » 01 Dec 2019 21:54

Hey guys I made it back here...day 29 $\:)/$
So pleased you had an amazing AF birthday JJ well done

Mackintosh 83 days is superb!
Happy to be back on this challenge. I have learned that starting over is tough but doable

Jj123 · Post by **Jj123** » 01 Dec 2019 21:56

Yeah cherry great to see you you are awesome
JJ

Bright Eye