Checking in daily to maintain focus #8

Not throwing up is good…I hope?! :blush: Yes, a little rest and pamper after your hard work is necessary! I won’t drink drink with you today!!!

1 Like

you and me both @Jane.c , job hunting is horrible, never get any replies, but got to keep going, not wrecking my sobriety, good luck and dont let it get you down

1 Like

Checking in on Day 29 :slight_smile:

Good to see lots of posts - can hardly keep up, so will catch up later Hope you all have a good day.

Keep strong and sober :innocent:

18 Likes

Checking in on Day 210.

Band practice for the reunion was a bust last night, as the bass player/singer and drummer no call/no showed. I’ve bowed out, as I don’t think we’re going to deliver a solid set given the circumstances. There’s still two guitarists, so those bases are covered. One practice, last week, after five years of not playing…not optimal.

Oh well. Still off on Friday, so that’s tight.

Have a strong day!!!

20 Likes

Definitely good, but I still feel nauseous. It will pass.

… and thank you for joining me in not drinking today :+1::joy:

3 Likes

@Dolse71 and after 107.77 days so you should like the look of it mate. :+1:

1 Like

image

Loving your numbers Paul :clap:t2::clap:t2::clap:t2::clap:t2::kissing_heart:

Hey,

Sorry to hear about the bandmates. Flakiness is a regular annoyance in the music world. No call/no show is just a total lack of respect.

Anyhow, I was wondering – as an adult (think you have 3 or 4 years on me, but we’re close), it can be hard to make new friends in general. How the heck does one find new people to play music with? The one guy I have played music with in the past 4 years is totally flaky as well. I don’t know anyone else.

I’ve wanted to start a new wave/synth band since I was 15, never happened. Always found myself in psychedelic bands in high school, and funk bands in college. Now I have the time and mental capacity to really go for it – and the timing is right, as new wave/synth is kind of coming back into style.

Part of me just wants to say fuck it and just buy all the instruments I need and do it myself…but it’s so much more fun with other people.

Edit: I also do not enjoy being the “leader” of the band. You kinda have to be when you’re doing it by yourself!

3 Likes

been craving for about a week over here got very drawn into myself but if this sad excuse of a man can do it then someone as wonderful as you will find the strength and be blessed with the same determination or higher power as me. Its meant to feel crappy at times, I hate not drinking atm but we both know what we hate more. Be strong, thank you for all your inspiration and support over the last few months. Take some time out and put some of that caring energy into yourself for a change.

4 Likes

Awww. Thank you Paul. Dealing with feelings, rather than numbing them, is so hard at times. You’re right, we can find the strength. We’ve come too far.

I’m sorry to say that I like the solidarity. Helps when I don’t feel alone in the crazy journey. Thank you for being so supportive and inspiring. :kissing_heart::heart::kissing_heart:

3 Likes

Man, it’s damn near impossible, sometimes, to find new people to jam with. Our scene is very cliquey, and there’s a lot of gatekeepers, and it makes it hard to find people to jam with.

Another difficult thing here is the fact that a lot of us are in multiple bands, and that makes it hard to get any new projects going since there’s no time to devote to it. The band I quit last month, our drummer is literally in five active bands…and there are guys who are in more than that.

I’m at the point in my playing that, after 25 years of playing live, I’m kind of over it. The one band I’m still in, at least it’s still fun, and we’ve got a new album, new merch, and there’s still a buzz around us. They’ve been going for 10+ years, so that’s like a lifetime in the local scene. Hahaha.

I totally get that feeling where just buying everything and doing it myself would be easier, but yeah, the comradery and creativity between bandmates is something that can’t be replicated when going that route.

I’m not a front man, or leader by any means. Never wanted to be, but I hate being in bands where I feel like a “hired gun” and none of my ideas are acknowledged.

4 Likes

Even more difficult thing is that I’m pretty well far outside the city at this point. Not mny people, let alone musicians. I wouldn’t call what we have here a “thriving” scene by any stretch.
That’s nuts having people be in so many bands. Five! I’ve never done more than one at a time, but I understand the allure. Seems like a ton of commitment needed though.

The longer I go without the musical outlet, the closer I get to just forking over the cash for ProTools/Reason and a midi controller. I had access to such great recording equipment and a studio when I was in college, but of course I was too busy getting drunk to put it to good use :roll_eyes:

2 Likes

Love it!! You’re doing great Paul. :blush:

Day 360. Heading into a new phase of my journey, addressing some important issues. I was ignoring/avoiding it but it all seems so inevitable now. I wish it hadn’t caught up with me in the way it has, but at least it has forced my hand.

19 Likes

Went to the Doctor yesterday; new dressing was put on foot—it looks good although a bit swollen. I felt a few cravings last night out of sheer boredom—wish I could go to the gym but I found couch exercises online. My goals for today: shower, journal, pray, call people…I have a very interesting guided journal called “getting to good” found on Amazon. I’m reinventing myself and I know it’s good.
Last night we had popcorn, Pepsi and watched Indiana Jones RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK haven’t seen that in a bazillion years. Oddly enough there is a new one in the works—to be filmed this summer and YES Harrison Ford will be in it even though he’s in his 80’s I believe

9 Likes

Coming to end of day 14,busy day with kids 1st day skiing,ski schule,lots of falling over,watching their determination to get it and watching them get tired but persevering and wanting to ‘get it’…like staying sober!..bro in law is a drinker so beer in the apartment,I haven’t been offered and I haven’t said anything of my choice not to drink,I just action that I’m not touching alcohol,…soooo tired!..
need to get myself up on the piste tomorrow as today was mostly the kids,went up and down once (it’s only my 2nd time skiing),just to get my ski legs going again…
Done a bit of yoga,
Checked in here,
Been more calm and patient and tolerant and considerate than I would be if I was drinking.
I’m grateful for that today.
Thanks :sparkles::pray::dizzy:

19 Likes

Checking in day 191. Had some stressful Shit to deal with regards my sisters death today but instead of drowning it all out with booze I decided to do some self care/love instead. Keeping keeping on :+1: sending strength and peace to anyone that might need it today. :pray:t2::two_hearts:

26 Likes

Day 42. Clean from acting out and all substances.

6 weeks of pretty intense work. More amends to make but there truly is something miraculous to getting through the steps. I do feel like I have to steel myself and find a good way to be of service and carry the message. It feels ominous given the amount on my plate but I do have some ideas about people in my area that I can go to for guidance with that.
I still catch myself distracted by selfish thoughts often. But I’ve got a plan of action and I know I’ve gotta walk before I can run. Still have a lot to clean up on my side of the street.

22 Likes

Sorry to hear that @Blondie1:pray::dizzy::sparkles:,.you sound strong in how you are choosing to deal with that :heartbeat::blossom:

1 Like

Checking in day 1 almost complete :white_check_mark: getting back into it.

@GVLNative @Hopeful777 glad to see you guys are still going strong. Well done :sparkles:

14 Likes