How did this start you might ask yourself. I will give you the very abridged version.
My birthday.
Drinks with friends.
Far too many drinks.
Accosting and hugging Cuba Gooding, Jr. - twice.
Dancing and more drinking until the club closed.Sitting on the steps of Fairmont Southampton and refusing to get up.
Falling into bed at 4am and not being able to get up until 4pm.
Needless to say, my husband was not at all impressed with my behavior. Once sober we exchanged a few terse words which involved vehement denials from me on my ability to control my occasional drinking.
Between a rock and a hard place I finally stated that 'I can stop drinking at any time' and to prove it I won't have another alcoholic beverage until Labor Day - September 1. You may remember that my birthday is May 25. I am now 72 days in and feel wonderful. I will admit I've had a number of challenges during this period.
The book club. I don't think I've ever been to a book club meeting and not had a sip of the great wine the ladies serve. However, I stuck to the fruit juice served and didn't give in to temptation.
Then there were the intimate dinners Mark and I often share ... the glass or two of shiraz went wanting.
Outtings with friends where it is only natural that you have a cocktail of some sort - make mine an appletini.
A pool party on the first day of Cup Match ... everyone, and I mean everyone, was drinking something or the other and yours truly sat back, watched and totally resisted when I would otherwise have sampled at least one of everything. Still your girl didn't crack. I held on strong!
Yesterday afternoon was the most recent test. The champagne came straight from the fridge and as it sat on the coffee table looking extremely tempting I resisted, yet again.
What am I learning from this? I am steadfast and resolute in my vow and not to mention somewhat self righteous - now I am preaching to my friends that if I am not drinking neither should they. This plea seems to be falling totally on deaf ears.
I have 25 days left. I am more than 3/4 of the way there and know I can attain my goal with the worst of temptations behind me.
Who knew sobriety would be this great? Having said that, I already have my first drink planned - a glass of champagne to break the alcohol fast - 5pm September 1, 2008.
