Food and Drink #21

Jay-cloth Cow · Dec 24, 2021

emm said:
im going back to my parents today, they are going to Drive me as i have both cats with me, not looking forward to the hourdrive with my kitten who hates cars and just endlesdly miaows, should have thought of catnip

Oh I hope you and the kitties have the most wonderful Christmas!!

My dad also came to collect me as I've just got over Covid and didn't feel comfortable getting the train as I'm still coughing a lot - parents are wonderful aren't they?

@MaineCoonMama we watched Paul O'Grady for the love of dogs last night (not sure if you get it in Oz?) And there was a maine coon on it - told my mum I have an Internet friend with the best maine coons (hope you don't mind i referred to you as a friend haha) and showed her your pics of Susan - she now has a new fan!

MaineCoonMama · Dec 24, 2021

@Cookiecookie I saw there's a cyclone headed your way. Hope you guys stay safe!
My brother is about 45 minutes inland and said it's raining full on.

Cookiecookie · Dec 24, 2021

MaineCoonMama said:
@Cookiecookie I saw there's a cyclone headed your way. Hope you guys stay safe!
My brother is about 45 minutes inland and said it's raining full on.

Yes, and it can bugger off! Still just a watch, not a warning atm, so fingers crossed it stays that way. People always get a bit twitchy when cyclones and Christmas are mentioned in the same sentence because of Cyclone Tracy.

Into_the_tunnel · Dec 24, 2021

Cookiecookie said:
Yes, and it can bugger off! Still just a watch, not a warning atm, so fingers crossed it stays that way. People always get a bit twitchy when cyclones and Christmas are mentioned in the same sentence because of Cyclone Tracy.

Ugh. Is that like a hurricane called something else because it originates somewhere else? I hope everything is ok where you are

.

Thank you so much to everyone who has responded… it really means the world. We have been out for a walk and are planning another later so the day is punctuated and isn’t dominated by my obsession over food. I am trying to take each hour as a win. I think I will have to look for help after the NY as I am nowhere near mended and my thoughts are all over the place.

Sending the biggest hugs to those who are also having a rough time, whatever the struggle- alcohol, food, family, MH. All I can say is that this place has been my sanctuary and I will try to offer help in whatever way I can or be a box to reply to at 3am to discuss anything and everything to take the mind off the darkness.

Edit- I have just read the latest updates on the MT re “ baby steps out of the darkness”. I honestly don’t know whether to edit my post or just leave it.

Jay-cloth Cow · Dec 24, 2021

You are so lovely @Into_the_tunnel - I really hope the next few days are ok for you. The cabal are always here if you need us! Hope tunnel dog also has a wonderful treat filled Christmas!

heretoreaditall2019 · Dec 24, 2021

Jay-cloth Cow said:
I feel you ED fraus as although different, I also struggle at this time of year. I stopped drinking for good last year, as although I don't think I'm an alcoholic I was a binge drinker, so if I had a drink I'd want more and more...since getting to my parents house last night I've been asked (with good intentions) if I want one "as it's Christmas" so many times - my dad gets it but my mum genuinely doesn't understand - "oh it doesn't matter if you get a bit drunk, it's Christmas after all" - no mum, if I have a drink I'll ruin my MH for days, and Christmas won't be fun for anyone

On a positive note, I'm spending Christmas at my brothers house, I've bought his cat some super strength catnip in the hope that if I get her high she will be my best friend and sleep on my pillow (she's not the most affectionate cat but when she stayed with me when he went on holiday she did just that, purred in my face, I got next to no sleep but I loved every second of it)

Not at all pushing AA on you but I identify with exactly what you wrote re: binge drinking. I was never physically dependent and was

thriving

as a recently graduated gal doing well at work, didn’t drink every day but loved a

party

but Friday night would roll round to Monday morning in a whizz and it just wasn’t sustainable. Then Thursday became the new Friday. It was exactly the same for me with poor MH for days/weeks after and an increasing vault of shame and self esteem issues. I’m not saying you need it at all but if you are struggling you may like listening to the big book or some speaker notes or chairs (they’ve even got famous ones like Sir Anthony Hopkins which I keep meaning to listen to!) on YouTube? It’s not gonna indoctrinate you or make you think you’re doomed unless you do the steps I promise, I think a lot of people have an ever changing and occasionally challenging relationship with alcohol *on some level* and whilst I have faith AA works for me I also know that some people don’t need such serious interventions to sort themselves out - maybe they already had an emotional toolbox from good parenting & secure attachments in childhood, or maybe they’re doing therapy, etc etc. Really hope this doesn’t come across as recruitment to a cult, just they’re fab resources available to anyone!

I’m so sorry my love, sending tons of solidarity and compassion for you. I’m sorry I have no advice other than to take it easy and try to be your own loving parent with food?

And thank you guys - husband is okay has woken up with a slightly swollen hand and I wish he’d get x rayed but we’re going to see if it still hurts tomorrow and review

Cookiecookie · Dec 24, 2021

Sorry Jack's upsetting you so much @Into_the_tunnel I'm sure she gets some kind of sick thrill out of it.

Mustard · Dec 24, 2021

heretoreaditall2019 said:
Not at all pushing AA on you but I identify with exactly what you wrote re: binge drinking. I was never physically dependent and was thriving as a recently graduated gal doing well at work, didn’t drink every day but loved a party but Friday night would roll round to Monday morning in a whizz and it just wasn’t sustainable. Then Thursday became the new Friday. It was exactly the same for me with poor MH for days/weeks after and an increasing vault of shame and self esteem issues. I’m not saying you need it at all but if you are struggling you may like listening to the big book or some speaker notes or chairs (they’ve even got famous ones like Sir Anthony Hopkins which I keep meaning to listen to!) on YouTube? It’s not gonna indoctrinate you or make you think you’re doomed unless you do the steps I promise, I think a lot of people have an ever changing and occasionally challenging relationship with alcohol *on some level* and whilst I have faith AA works for me I also know that some people don’t need such serious interventions to sort themselves out - maybe they already had an emotional toolbox from good parenting & secure attachments in childhood, or maybe they’re doing therapy, etc etc. Really hope this doesn’t come across as recruitment to a cult, just they’re fab resources available to anyone!

I’m so sorry my love, sending tons of solidarity and compassion for you. I’m sorry I have no advice other than to take it easy and try to be your own loving parent with food?

And thank you guys - husband is okay has woken up with a slightly swollen hand and I wish he’d get x rayed but we’re going to see if it still hurts tomorrow and review

That same accident happened to an ex of mine also wearing socks. It was on my staircase and the carpet was a few years old so not worn out. He ran down them without using the bannister either. I’ve tripped on my stairs while wearing wide legged trousers and got caught up in them, fell and sprained my ankle. I also didn’t use the bannister that time. It’s very frightening. I attended the hospital a few days later for an X-ray and they confirmed the sprain. It was hugely swollen and I couldn’t walk on it.
Stair accidents are very common, unfortunately. Do you have a bannister?

I hope your mister feels better very soon.

Hollaaa · Dec 24, 2021

@heretoreaditall2019 I fell down the stairs (in slippers on carpet) and broke my pelvis a few years ago, there's still a dent across my left arse cheek

where I landed so I'm eternally grateful I didn't land on anywhere less padded. He has my full sympathy and definitely go back for an x-ray if you think he needs it.

Universal · Dec 24, 2021

My friend fell down the stairs after getting caught up in wide leg pjs and broke both her wrists - not sure why I am telling you this sorry??? I just remember she couldn't wipe her bum. She is fully recovered now and to this day I cant wear wide leg long pjs!!!

Sideboard Bob · Dec 24, 2021

Into_the_tunnel said:
Ugh. Is that like a hurricane called something else because it originates somewhere else? I hope everything is ok where you are .

Thank you so much to everyone who has responded… it really means the world. We have been out for a walk and are planning another later so the day is punctuated and isn’t dominated by my obsession over food. I am trying to take each hour as a win. I think I will have to look for help after the NY as I am nowhere near mended and my thoughts are all over the place.

Sending the biggest hugs to those who are also having a rough time, whatever the struggle- alcohol, food, family, MH. All I can say is that this place has been my sanctuary and I will try to offer help in whatever way I can or be a box to reply to at 3am to discuss anything and everything to take the mind off the darkness.

Edit- I have just read the latest updates on the MT re “ baby steps out of the darkness”. I honestly don’t know whether to edit my post or just leave it.

Hey Tunnel, I have no advice, but I do understand how you’re feeling.

It’s such a good sign that you’re talking it through with us, I still find it so hard to talk about anything like this because of the “shame”, and it shouldn’t be that way.

I know how it feels to worry that it could go wrong, but, honestly, there’s also a really good chance that it won’t. Taking it an hour at a time is a brilliant idea. I’m so sorry I’m not articulating this very well, but I hope it helps to see that we have your back. I’m so happy for you that you’re going to look for help soon. It really comes across that deep down you care for and respect yourself, and with MH issues that’s such an achievement in itself.
You‘re a fab box to reply to at stupid o clock in the morning!

Thinking of everyone who is finding this time of year hard. It’s so so important to be able to talk it through, and I have so much respect for everyone who’s been so open.

jordishaw · Dec 24, 2021

Into_the_tunnel said:
Ugh. Is that like a hurricane called something else because it originates somewhere else? I hope everything is ok where you are .

Thank you so much to everyone who has responded… it really means the world. We have been out for a walk and are planning another later so the day is punctuated and isn’t dominated by my obsession over food. I am trying to take each hour as a win. I think I will have to look for help after the NY as I am nowhere near mended and my thoughts are all over the place.

Sending the biggest hugs to those who are also having a rough time, whatever the struggle- alcohol, food, family, MH. All I can say is that this place has been my sanctuary and I will try to offer help in whatever way I can or be a box to reply to at 3am to discuss anything and everything to take the mind off the darkness.

Edit- I have just read the latest updates on the MT re “ baby steps out of the darkness”. I honestly don’t know whether to edit my post or just leave it.

I knit socks for myself and people I love, and also darn them when this is (inevitably) needed, which has taught me the useful, but sometimes hard, lesson that mending is an ongoing process and that we are all works in progress. And sometimes that progress is very small and very slow.

Readingismyhobby · Dec 24, 2021

Happy Christmas to everyone on this thread. You have been such a supportive, wise and funny group of people. You have kept me going on my dark/low days.
This will be my 9th alcohol free year. It really is freedom. AA has worked for me. There are 24 hour zoom meetings (in English) all around the world.Google AA zoom meetings and you will find a code. Some are women only groups.

Mustard · Dec 24, 2021

Readingismyhobby said:
Happy Christmas to everyone on this thread. You have been such a supportive, wise and funny group of people. You have kept me going on my dark/low days.
This will be my 9th alcohol free year. It really is freedom. AA has worked for me. There are 24 hour zoom meetings (in English) all around the world.Google AA zoom meetings and you will find a code. Some are women only groups.

Congratulations to you and everyone who is now sober. I never had that problem, but my ex husband did (I thought he would change) so I eventually had to leave him because of it. His life was cut short due to the effect drinking had on his body.

emm · Dec 24, 2021

Universal said:
My friend fell down the stairs after getting caught up in wide leg pjs and broke both her wrists - not sure why I am telling you this sorry??? I just remember she couldn't wipe her bum. She is fully recovered now and to this day I cant wear wide leg long pjs!!!

Omg falling down stairs is a phobia of mine (luckily I live in a ground floor flat so not an issue at home but my parents have carpeted stairs so I am always clinging to the bannister here. How did she manage with 2broken wrists?!
Car journey was okay as I managed to cram both cats into one carry box so they were more calm, although one of them weed in it

Sending Xmas eve

To the cabal and all the pets (Susan gets a special mention for having the best name

)
Anyone have any xmas eve plans? W usually go out to dinner but because of everything we are going to get a takeaway which is better for me as still not feeling great after booster , i don’t know about everyone els but it really doesn’t feel like Xmas this year

skronkywildcat · Dec 24, 2021

A friend is having drinks in her carport but I’m so behind with getting the house ready for guests (and the weather is filthy and I’m a bit traumatised by having to split up a sibling barney) I’m just going to stay in and finish off what I can (and wash my hair which is v overdue).

Shesaidwhat? · Dec 24, 2021

Into_the_tunnel said:
Look at that little face!!! Definitely worthy of a thread (rave obviously) in my opinion. F & D animalia are the best.

How is Mr HTRIA this morning? Is his arm still bad? I think shoes might be preferable to grippy socks unless he likes the feel of sticky things when he walks on no carpet floor. .

Good luck to all who are working in the wild today. The shop was quiet yesterday. I think that up here people are being really cautious (although the fb groups are saying the queues outside the out of town tescos etc are big) so the city was dead.

Again, like my birthday, Christmas is one of those times that I always ruined by refusing to eat anything and then doing the inevitable on my own afterwards. I am trying really hard to make this year special after the shitshow of the last 2 and the many many before but it is so hard not to find a reason to run miles to excuse the food etc. Sorry if I am being a misery, but I don’t want to let Mrs T down.

Oh Tunnel please don’t apologise you’re not being a misery at all. Please look after yourself and don’t pressure yourself about letting people down

.

Keep safe @Cookiecookie I know that sounds a bit daft considering there’s a cyclone about, you’re not about to climb a tree but yeah.
Hope your husbands arm is better soon @heretoreaditall2019.
And apologies if this post appears in between a touching moment.

kachoochoo · Dec 24, 2021

happy xmas to you all and thank you for being here.

loads of us have been through so much crap recently and I for one am so grateful for this little space to vent

right now, I feeling pretty happy cos I've just got in and getting home on xmas eve has always been my favourite feeling. there'll inevitably be some tears in the next few days though, so I'm just planning in trying to switch off and look after myself as much as possible

love to everyone who's finding it a struggle. I'm not great at advice, but I'm thinking of you. you're the best bunch of mendacious ninnies ever!

Toffee finger · Dec 24, 2021

Merry Christmas everyone and lots of love to everyone who is struggling. I’m pleased there are so many good people here with a mix of knowledge and advice to help in any situation.

MaineCoonMama · Dec 24, 2021

Merry Christmas my invisible friends! It's been a strange and difficult year but I'm ever thankful I found the Cabal ~~in a puddle~~ .