The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Not looking forward to New Years Eve/Day. A husband will be having his A friend come spend the night. For the most part they'll be in the basement. They're both so excited that its New Years Eve - what are we having for dinner/snacks/drinks?
I just want to spend that night here on the computer and early to bed.
I am so glad to know about the alanon marathon! My husband's f2f aa group had one of those on Christmas day and I thought how cool! I have never heard of them, and I think it's a wonderful idea for those of us who have to deal with the old ways of stinkin thinkin that keep popping up on holidays!
I will definitely be at the marathon. My neighbors go into fireworks overkill and I resent it deeply. It starts about now and goes on until about January 3rd bang bang bang bang night and day.
I alternatively fear my boyfriend getting a dui, being killed in an accident (he had one this year that may cost me my truck since he did not have enough insurance). I have to let go of that. I know that I do not wish to go out with him as keeper. Lucky for me the bar in town (where he used to go) is persona non grata. It has basically been blacklisted by everyone. I think my boyfriend is aware that he is standing on the edge, get a dui and he is done working so I think he is holding off on drinking and driving. He is also aware that I will not come and bail him out.
His mother used to call and insist that he went to her house (11 miles away). Then she would ply him with drinks. He has been to jail twice on drugs/alcohol. Why would anyone give him drinks and then let him drive? I think she has her own signs of alcoholism and does not like to drink alone. Like my younger sister she does a great job of hiding it but there are some tell tale signs the never ending ramble on about herself being one of them. I swear she talked about working at a candy store for 8 hours once. Perhaps I had to experience her to be willing to learn boundaries :).
Thanks for posting this, Barbara - New Year can be a difficult time, for all of us.
It is funny, how we come to realise things. In my f2f, we had a newcomer, very keen, who went to tons of meetings, and wanted us to do the joining hands thing at the Serenity Prayer. Now, I like this part of the meeting, I like the quietness, the peace - and, when, in other meetings, they join hands, they go on to shake hands up and down, and chant....keep coming back, keep coming back.... takes away my serenity.
A year or so ago, I suddenly realised why I dislike this practice so much - it reminds me of New Year. Long before I had any knowledge of alcoholism, I used to pretend, even to myself, that I liked N Y parties. Actually, they have always made me feel uncomfortable.... when it gets to auld lang syne, I look round and think, Oh no, I will have to kiss this person next to me! As a Scot, you can imagine, I always felt in the minority!
Anyway, these days, I tend to stay at home, like you, I have neighbours from hell who let off fireworks, they scare the life out of my dog. But, if any one of my 3 grown up children is here - then, I feel like I should make an effort, invite people round, sigh, why do I feel like this?
I am glad the chatroom is here - stupid thing this year, am not in least worried about my A daughter drinking - but, one son is here with me - he has had mental health issues this year, and isolates. Remind myself, I can not fix him!!!!!
Sorry for rambling, but thanks for giving me the opportunity. Think I might stick the slogans round the house - progress not perfection - keep it in the day!!!
I don't know how I will be but I know that at least part of the time I plan on being at the local Alcothon for NewYears. Celebrating recovery of all of us. I will also likely go to a friend's house to watch a movie same as on Christmas Eve.
Trying to become healthier and saner. Need all of you everyday. Thank you for being here.