Monday 14 December 2015

First Christmas challenge completed

I made it through my first big Christmas challenge. We went to our local carols in the park on Saturday night and I didn't drink!! And I am so proud of myself. If I'm honest with myself, I was a bit worried about it. I was scared I wouldn't be strong enough and that I would say stuff it and give in. But i didn't!

The night started with a bbq with our friends C and her hubby D, and their son, before we headed over to the carols. I had already told them that I wouldn't be drinking, and thankfully, they didn't offer me a drink once. Maybe they are finally getting it?! I did look at C's glass of sparkling longingly a couple of times but I just had to remind myself that I wouldn't be able to  'enjoy' just a few glasses of bubbly. The first few would have been enjoyable but then I would have to have more. And the sparkling wouldn't have been enough. I would then have had wine throughout the night. I would have drunkenly thought what a lovely evening we were having and think it was because of the alcohol and not all the things that actually made it a good night. Things like the company, the beautiful evening, the sheer fun the kids were having running around together. And not to forget the choir and the brass band and the festive spirit. They were really lovely.  I had my diet coke and got to appreciate the actual night for what it was. And I'm so glad I did. I woke up yesterday tired but so glad not to have a hangover. I went to work and was able to function at normal capacity and be there for my patients and my colleagues. So much better than the alternative.

When I got home last night the little guy was sick. He was complaining of a sore tummy and couldn't get to sleep.  Then he had the hugest vomit I have ever seen!! It was all over his bed, the carpet, his books on the floor... everywhere! Now, being a nurse, I am used to cleaning up bodily functions and I have a strong stomach, so it doesn't normally bother me. But I was overwhelmed bythe sheer amount and was wondering how the hell I was going to clean it all up! And all I can say is that I am glad I hadn't been drinking. I got stuck into the cleaning and it wasn't fun but it had to be done. Then the poor little guy finally went to sleep and had a couple of more vomits (smaller thank goodness!) during the night. He had a very restless night but I was able to be fully present for him. I am tired today but I am fine. And just so relieved he is ok today. We don't get gastro in our household to which I am extremely grateful! (touch wood!!) so I feel sorry for those people that do. Hoping it was just a virus which I'm pretty sure it was as he is much better today. Thank goodness!

So I got through a challenging weekend. I'm beginning to think I can do this. That I can get through Christmas sober. I just hope that I can stay strong and think of how good I will feel afterwards. I am going to apply the 5 points that SoberMummy mentioned on her blog. This is going to be the best Christmas ever!

A x




14 comments:

  1. Angie!!
    That is awesome!
    You thought through the end of the drink, and were able to be there for your little guy and work.
    xo
    Wendy

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  2. Wonderful.
    Sorry about your son. Those nights are awful. I am not a nurse and I do not do well with barf. But it is much easier sober than half drunk. Yuck.

    Just keep taking things as they come. It's really not about getting through, it is more about adjusting to this as the new normal.

    It's a process. And you are moving along nicely!

    Anne

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  3. Really glad for you that you got through the challenge! Sounds like a fun night, except for the vomit. But as you say, tat's not something that would have been improved by facing it drunk! Hope the little guy is feeling better now. Anne is right, dealing with all these things one at a time makes them really quite doable. Nicely done! xo

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    1. Thanks Thirsty, he is much better. Off to his 2nd last day of school today. Dealing with these this one at a time makes it easier I think. One day at a time seems to be working for me. A x

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  4. So amazing to read your blog - I can't remember hearing you sound so positive and upbeat before! Thank you, Angie, for sharing the joy. Yay! Xx

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    1. Thanks SM. it's lovely to hear that. I do feel positive at the moment. I just hope it lasts! A x

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  5. well done angie, delighted for you : )

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    1. Thanks Kats. How are you? A x

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    2. hey angie, i am great. everything is better without alcohol. Christmas can be a confusing time but really its only a couple of weeks and i am just focusing on the little ones and the joy they bring. xx

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  6. So so proud of you. You keep going, please, and I will keep following.
    Sorry to hear about your son. Not fun night! Glad he is doing better.

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    1. Thanks Time. I am slowly getting there. I'm beginning to think I can do this. Get through this challenging time sober. It helps to have all your support. A x

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  7. Lovely and positive. Hope your little man has fully bounced back. SO x

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