You are too funny St V-remember way back when I said TSM was going to finance a vacation for me from all of the $ I'm no longer spending on wine (~$300/wk) ? Well, I promise to post a bikini pic when that trip does happen --at the rate I'm going I'm looking at a 5 star luxury someplace fabulous to rub elbows with the rich and famous. When is our first TSM conference/reunion happening?

I'm all for a TSM gathering. It would be a great way to get the word out about the method.

St. Jude, I've missed you! So glad to see you doing well.

St. Jude, I just saw your comment on my thread. Thank you.

As far as you going back out into the social scene, I think that when that time comes you will find it much easier than you think. I'm predicting that the control you have now will carry over with you to the bar and club scene and even if you do have a crazy night here and there, it will be because you choose to. I have faith in you.

Thanks guys. After much debate and reflection I decided to add my name to the "Cured/Regained Control" list. I had to convert my weekly numbers to monthly averages to fit in my signature and I realized that it was time. I', surprisingly emotional when I think about where I was a year ago, in an intensive outpatient alcohol rehab that left me MISERABLE and worse about myself than alcohol did, dragging myself to AA meetings feeling like there was something so wrong with me that I just couldn't buy into the whole "higher power" crap. I feel a strong responsibility to pay forward everything that I've gotten from our good doctors S & E, and the wonderful people of this forum. I am working on a book and I'll keep you all posted on both its and my progress. I'm going to be gone most of the summer, traveling in Africa and Europe, but I'll keep checking in and post when I can.

3 of my favourite board members are now promoted to the Cured list - what a fantastic week.

let's break open the Champagne / Sparkling water*

Let me know when you are around n the UK.

Well done!

Andy.



*delete as appropriate.

St. Jude, I am so very happy for you. You have maintained your sense of humor and sharp wit through some rather trying months and you have persevered and have grabbed that brass ring. I remember when you first came on the board, always ready to lift someone else's spirits and share so openly your own story. I have no doubt your journal will help others. I look forward to hearing about your continued self-improvement. Here's a big virtual kiss on both cheeks and a big bear hug, congratualtions.

Hi StJ!

Congratulations on your amazing progress! I look forward to seeing that bikini pic! I remember when you started, and it is so wonderful to see where you are now. I quit for a while, but I am back. I'm looking forward to reading what has been going on with everyone while I have been away.

YG

Hi all-just wanted to update you that I'm STILL cured/in control. Spent the summer traveling and no issues with alcohol at all. I was in Paris for a week and drank wine/beer on a few occasions, always with NAL and never to excess or intoxication. I just got back from a resort in Central America, actually forgot to bring my NAL with me and had absolutely no problem not drinking for the week even though alcohol was readily available and my traveling companions would have wine every evening with dinner. I didn't even have to think twice about it and was quite comfortable not drinking, I didn't feel deprived or self conscious. I've also lost 75 lbs since January and am feeling like my old self again. I still lurk on the site but rarely post. As a newbie I appreciated hearing back from some of the told timers and I promise to to the same. Oct 8th will be my one year anniversary of starting TSM. As you can see from my signature I was an unbelievably heavy daily drinker and I can't believe how different/how much better my life is now. For those of you just starting out, stick with it-give it a chance and never give up (I just about had).

Thanks for posting this update, StJude. It's an inspiration to those of us in the early going!