Chrissie!!!

You are such a joy! Looking at your numbers your not doing to bad yourself, at least you have some AF days. I haven't gotten there yet. Another big thing this is teaching me is to just enjoy myself and not take life so d*m seriously. I also find not worring about my weight helps too, I've been cutting out the carbs and eating small meals. I just starting exercising, helps to burn off the alcohol along with the mental release. I want to join a Zumba class, this looks like a lot of fun. I love dancing... Feeling really good again today, I am soo happy!!!

How'd ya do last night? Hope your not being too hard on yourself, even though I haven't meet you in person, I know you are beautiful! I like you for just being you. Have a good one!

Zippy Smiles

Zippy,

In addition to your other good qualities, you must be clairvoyant, as yes, I am quite beautiful, often mistaken for Kristin Scott Thomas...(heh-heh-heh..)

To answer your question about last night, yes, YES, YES, did GOOD!!! I didn't pop a beer until we sat down with dinner. FURTHERMORE...(drum roll)...I used another moderation technique, which is to switch to a drink that is less desireable. As a lover of heavy, dark, interesting beers, I can really imagine nothing worse than a Mich Ultra, so that's what I had. I mean, I've never actually tasted "pond water", but I'm thinkin' it might be similar. After dinner, I had one more beer - one of my usual faves - and then I quit. Drinking that light beer along w/ food + having taken Nal means I was barely, barely buzzed and that was fine, great in fact - the Buzz Train never really left the station.

I realize in chugging 2 beers before dinner I've been probably "drinking through the nal" since Day 1 on TSM, and I'm ready to move forward now. I think the "habit breaking" part of working TSM is extremely relevant to my situation.

I'm glad you're still in such a good, positive place, and I always appreciate seeing your smilin' face!

Chrissie

Zippy and Chrissie both, it sounds like you are making great strides. I agree that starting to drink quickly (and strong alcohol esp) right away is one of the biggest problems for a lot of people - it sets you up to drink through the nal. If you can moderate yourself at the beginning of your drinking session, I bet that you will get bored of drinking/not get the high and stop earlier. (This is my experience and appears to be that of a lot of people on the board). Drinking on an empty stomach is another. I know that gets me into trouble quickly.
2012 is gonna be a great year for all of us I hope.

Will done Zippy. You deserve this success! I'm so happy for the good week you had.

Just for our accumulated information files, where are you again in terms of weeks and current units/vs Pre-TSM?

Green Zone Steady State
Imagine to yourself anything is possible!!!


Zippy Smiles

P.S. My signature indicates Pre TSM units. Then weekly progress the first number signifies cravings on a scale of 1 - 10, 10 being high. The second number is the number of units for the week, American units. I keep a daily journal independent of the forum. I'm still drinking daily, with much greater control and moderation. Moderation is key for me, I believe the AF days will come. Remembering slow, steady, and I am ok!

On to Week 9...

Hi Zippy

I've just read thru all your posts as I've been away for 2 1/2 weeks. Well done last week - that's great! Your job sounds interesting. Are you actually a pilot? I was a flight attendant for Air New Zealand for 6 years back in the 80's then worked in several roles in Sales & Marketing in Air NZ for another 6 years. Also I am now responsible for the marketing for the 2 businesses my hubby and I run. My self esteem has never been great but my airline work did help. Finding out I was an alcoholic didn't help, but doing something about it has helped (on & off over the years.)

Are your night sweats pre-menopausal? I have been suffering from them on & off for several years. Not much fun, but better than hot flushes/flashes during the day. They may be yet to come. The joys of being female!!!

Nal on
Sticky

Sticky!

Hi! Happy New year, really good to hear from you! How are you doing with TSM process? What have your cravings been and units? How has your emotional state been?

It's really cool you have an aviation, sales and marketing background. We definately have to talk more about this. I use to work with my x husband doing the same thing. Our most successful business was developing electronic products for Model Railroading. Our downfall was working 24/7 not drawing a line between personal and work life. Our life together was all work.

A really good read is "The Six Pillars of Self Esteem" by Nathaniel Branden. There are also books published with daily meditations that help give a little boost every day.

I'm in menapause now, I think the night sweats are either this or my body's way of processing the alcohol. Lucky I didn't have that hard of time pre-menapause, it still was not a joy ride. Glad I've made it without have to take hormones.

Remember positive thoughts only! Talk Soon.

Zippy Smiles

Hey Zippy

I have noticed that too much alcohol exacerbates the night sweats. That book sounds good thanks - I'll request it from the library.

My hubby used to be a workaholic (IMO) and at times it has been hard for me working with him. I don't have his energy and enthusiasm for work and have tended to put being a mum before work. (Not that he objects to that.) Hubby had a heart attack at 49 and doesn't have the energy he used to. Also I have had more time for our businesses as the boys have gotten older, so things are evening out quite nicely. TSM has helped our relationship too, as I am far more comfortable with social situations and having alcohol in the house.

Cheers
Sticky

Hey, Zippy, are you smiling these days? Inquiring minds want to know...

Chrissie