Thank you @tailee17. That’s really cool your dad did that! What a great memory 
I never grew up watching them and felt really lost at trivia last week- so trying up catch up now that they aren’t as terrifying
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Kinda crazy to think that 4 years ago I was a stressed, anxious, frazzled, panicked mess, grasping at staws, trying to fight compulsively drinking (mind saying no, body reaching for the bottle anyway), trying to hide it, getting into fights with my husband, thinking I was getting divorced, on anxiety, depression and sleep meds.
I’ve come a long way- and looking back- i think the common denominator was alcohol. It was running my life and ruining it.
I am in control now. And I have to reflect and remember how bad it was. Because sometimes i miss getting tipsy- but I know how quickly getting tipsy turns into my drinking demon taking control.
So I’m still keeping Damon (my drinking demon) locked up. 4 years now.
It’s easier, alcohol is no longer controlling me it’s not the center of every event (happy things, after work things, angry things, dinner things, boat things,
pool things, summer things, winter things, sports things, every thing…). And my life has so much more going on, and even though I still have chaos- the chaos isn’t driving me to medicate with booze and prescriptions. I’m not getting the crazy ptsd flashbacks as often, i have less headaches, i wake up earlier, i don’t fight with my husband as bad, i have a more even keeled life.
So that’s my why today. I’m so glad I was finally sick and tired enough of being sick and tired and a passenger in my own journey that I used some grit and made a change.
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Congratulations on 4 years @Beachy! 
Sorry, I’m late to your party.
Hope you were able to do something nice for yourself to celebrate.
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Hoping everyone has a happy holiday. Been a busy fall. Hosting in-laws for a week.
Month 49.
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- Busy holiday. Back at work. Traveling to the frigid cold.
Wondering what people’s thoughts are on Cali-sober. I have some friends that quit drinking, but use THC drinks/ gummies, or the mushroom chocolates. I can’t due to my work, but not sure how I feel about it. I would love a way to escape, but is that really starting sober? I want to celebrate with them on their sober time- but it doesn’t seem the same. No matter what- quitting booze is hard. I wish I could escape sometimes, but are they really sober? Most times I see them they are partying with those other things.
Just random musings of my mind.
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I find it a weird concept. Just because something is legal now, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Exhibit 1 : alcohol 
If you’re addicted enough to have to work hard to quit one substance why pick up another? Because it’s LESS harmful but still harmful?
Doesn’t make a lot of sense.
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- “Happiness is by design” is my quote today. I want to believe that, but think it is only partially true. External factors can still play a big role. I was pretty sad recently. Just missing some friends who i thought were friends, but i guess were not. It’s hard to make friends- especially when you’re not drinking with them…
Not sure how to design that, but I’ll keep going. Winter is cold and kind of depressing, most of the stuff we like to do isn’t available. So it’s a quiet day today.
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- Is been a bit since i posted- but I’ve just been working the juggle… teaching, got some charters, working on marketing (ugh- that’s a lot!) fostering more kittens… all the randomness that is my life. Hope everyone is having a great day!
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- Sitting here waiting on our sunset cruise… not a bad day.. my consulting work dried up with the government stuff going on- so that might hurt this year. But we’ll figure it out. Still not drinking. So that’s a win. Hope everyone had a great memorial day weekend.
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1702.. i think it’s 4 yrs & 8 months- still trucking… busy, sun burnt, sober, and better then being stuck at a computer and compulsively drinking.
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Day late… 4yr 8 month +1 day check in. I do find checking in important- another day… got new foster kitties… sunset cruise tonight.. watching other people getting drunk and being their DD is actually pretty fun and a good reminder of why I don’t do that. And the view is usually good on the boat.
Hope your well!
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Five Years Strong!
I can hardly believe I’m writing this, but today marks FIVE YEARS away from my drinking demon!
When I first started this journey, five days felt impossible, let alone five years. This milestone isn’t just a number; it represents a complete transformation of my life, my relationships, and my perspective.
I know many of us struggled, but for me, 2020 was a turning point. When the world slowed down and the stress ramped up, my coping mechanisms—especially my relationship with alcohol—were really put to the test. It was the moment I finally had to look honestly at those habits and realize that what I thought was helping me relax was actually holding me back. Changing that pattern felt like climbing a mountain, but it was the most important decision I’ve ever made.
It’s proof that a better, clearer, and truly joyful life is possible on the other side of addiction.
If you are just starting out, or struggling today, please know that your strength is greater than you realize. Keep showing up. Keep doing the next right thing. The freedom and peace you’re seeking are waiting for you.
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Huge congrats on 5years sober! And thanks for sharing your experience, strength, and hope
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So very happy to read your post and 5 year milestone!! I am always amazed at how the days add up. It seemed so impossible to reach 30, 60, 90 days…yet look at what you have accomplished!! You have so much to be proud of!!! Congratulations!!! 
Five years! Awesome! 
Amazing! Congratulations on 5 years!
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Thank you.. it is nice to have a place to share.
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That is true! It’s really weird how it trickles by.. thank you so much - glad you’re still here too!
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Thank you so much! Glad your still here too!
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