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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
Hi,
Anybody remember the Jimmy Buffett song? “Decided to amend my carnivorous habits. Made it nearly seventy days . . . “ Well I’ve made it one month without alcohol. Not a drop. Nothing. Nada.” But at night I have these wonderful dreams. Of some kind of sensuous treat. Not zucchini, fettuccini or (something) wheat. But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat!”
Fill in the (something) for me please and tell me how good I'm doing and why I should continue.
Soberly yours,Greg
Posted by susan C on October 2, 2001, at 18:58:27
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
Dear Greg,
Mouse Here,
Never having been much of an imbiber or speller either for that matter, will my 'stand up and cheer', 'pat you on the back', 'lets get together and roast marshmallows and make some-mores and get all sticky and smell like campfire smoke' support, have any weight?
amphibious mouse
susan Cps I dont know jimmy buffet or songs in general...is it an all you can eat buffet?
> Hi,
>
> Anybody remember the Jimmy Buffett song? “Decided to amend my carnivorous habits. Made it nearly seventy days . . . “ Well I’ve made it one month without alcohol. Not a drop. Nothing. Nada.” But at night I have these wonderful dreams. Of some kind of sensuous treat. Not zucchini, fettuccini or (something) wheat. But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat!”
>
> Fill in the (something) for me please and tell me how good I'm doing and why I should continue.
> Soberly yours,
>
> Greg
Posted by Greg on October 2, 2001, at 20:05:42
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
Greg,
You're doing great and 30 days is a major accomplishment. I'll have 14 years of sobriety in January and I could give you a hundred reasons why you should continue to stay sober but those are my reasons, and the important ones are the ones you come up with on your own. The important thing is, how do YOU feel about what you've done?
It took me several shots to get it right. I went out and tested the waters a few more times. But until I made doing it for me the number one priority, it didn't work. It does get easier and your life does get better, but it doesn't happen right away and there are setbacks along the way. Life on life's terms can really suck sometimes.
Just remember to keep it simple. If it helps, I'm proud of you.
Greg
> Hi,
>
> Anybody remember the Jimmy Buffett song? “Decided to amend my carnivorous habits. Made it nearly seventy days . . . “ Well I’ve made it one month without alcohol. Not a drop. Nothing. Nada.” But at night I have these wonderful dreams. Of some kind of sensuous treat. Not zucchini, fettuccini or (something) wheat. But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat!”
>
> Fill in the (something) for me please and tell me how good I'm doing and why I should continue.
> Soberly yours,
>
> Greg
Posted by dreamer on October 2, 2001, at 20:35:41
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
> Hi soberous,
Me fellow soberette been clean for eeerrrr?........3 or 2.5 years.
Once I woke up intoxicated after 2 years -strange, can u get alcoholic flashbacks?Still dream -when sleeping of drinking and drunken frollics but you know I carry this huge respect for myself.
Addictions never leave me they embed themselves in my brain and wait and sometimes nag .
It's the being in control thats good not being dependant on that fix . Ah but I still smoke ciggies........now trying to curb my coffee addiction.
Stick with it you'll LOVE yourself for doing so.
dreamer- clonemesoIcanenjoymyselfmore.
Posted by Kristi on October 2, 2001, at 23:41:49
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
Greg,
I'm in AWE. I'm personally trying to quit smoking.... and that's probably pidly stuff compared to what your doing. You just gave me some inspiration. Seriously... I'm in AWE!!!!!Keep at it kiddo, and dreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeam on.
Kristi
> Hi,
>
> Anybody remember the Jimmy Buffett song? “Decided to amend my carnivorous habits. Made it nearly seventy days . . . “ Well I’ve made it one month without alcohol. Not a drop. Nothing. Nada.” But at night I have these wonderful dreams. Of some kind of sensuous treat. Not zucchini, fettuccini or (something) wheat. But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat!”
>
> Fill in the (something) for me please and tell me how good I'm doing and why I should continue.
> Soberly yours,
>
> Greg
Posted by sar on October 3, 2001, at 0:26:34
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
>
> Fill in the (something) for me please and tell me how good I'm doing and why I should continue.
> Soberly yours,
>
> Gregbecause i've been drinking slowly but deliverately for the past 8 hours and your post brings a lump in my throat.
congratulations, i remember you from the "really sound advice" post a few weeks ago. i can't even stay sober for a day and i agree with kristi, drinking is harder to kick than cigs.
good for you!!!
what reasons do you need? do you feel better? do you look better? do you smell better? :)
happy for you,
sar
Posted by ChrisK on October 3, 2001, at 6:21:04
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
Congrats Greg, I'm in there with you now. I just spent 6 days in the hospital last month with Congestive Heart Failure and got the new diet on the way out the door.
Low Sodium
Low Fat
No Caffeine and
NO ALCOHOLThat's the primary factor in my CHF.
As for your song lyric question:
Courtesy of: http://www.sing365.com/index.html
(Just select an artist then lyrics and you get the lyrics to almost every song ever played on the radio.)Here you go:
Cheeseburger In Paradise(In Album Son Of A Son Of A Sailor)
Cheeseburger In Paradise
By: Jimmy Buffett
1978
Tried to amend my carnivorous habits
Made it nearly seventy days
Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds
Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up raysBut at night I'd had these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat
Not zuchinni, fettucini or bulghar wheat
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meatChorus:
Cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)
Heaven on earth with an onion slice (paradise)
Not too particular not too precise (paradise)
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradiseHeard about the old time sailor men
They eat the same thing again and again
Warm beer and bread they said could raise the dead
Well it reminds me of the menu at a Holiday InnTimes have changed for sailors these days
When I'm in port I get what I need
Not just Havanas or bananas or daiquiris
But that American creation on which I feedChorus:
Cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)
Medium rare with mustard 'be nice (paradise)
Heaven on earth with an onion slice (paradise)
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradiseI like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well good God Almighty which way do I steer for myChorus:
Cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)
Makin' the best of every virtue and vice (paradise)
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice (paradise)
To get a cheeseburger in paradise
To be a cheeseburger in paradise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradiseCoda:
I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well good God Almighty which way do I steer for my- Notes:
Background Vocals: Deborah McColl, Penny Nichols, Lea Jane Berinati,
Janie Fricke, Ginger Holladay
Posted by Marie1 on October 3, 2001, at 7:42:49
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
Hey Greg,
If misery loves company, I'm still there with ya! But I have to say, it's getting harder, not easier. something about the cooler fall weather...
And don't be listening to Jimmy Buffett, 'cause all he sings about is partying. (My words of wisdom for you.)
Marie> Hi,
>
> Anybody remember the Jimmy Buffett song? “Decided to amend my carnivorous habits. Made it nearly seventy days . . . “ Well I’ve made it one month without alcohol. Not a drop. Nothing. Nada.” But at night I have these wonderful dreams. Of some kind of sensuous treat. Not zucchini, fettuccini or (something) wheat. But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat!”
>
> Fill in the (something) for me please and tell me how good I'm doing and why I should continue.
> Soberly yours,
>
> Greg
Posted by galtin on October 3, 2001, at 10:50:42
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
> Hi,
>
> Anybody remember the Jimmy Buffett song? “Decided to amend my carnivorous habits. Made it nearly seventy days . . . “ Well I’ve made it one month without alcohol. Not a drop. Nothing. Nada.” But at night I have these wonderful dreams. Of some kind of sensuous treat. Not zucchini, fettuccini or (something) wheat. But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat!”
>
> Fill in the (something) for me please and tell me how good I'm doing and why I should continue.
> Soberly yours,
>
> Greg
GO GREG-
Stopping is easy--done it dozens of time. Staying stopped is the hard part.Its good to find musical inspiration. I had to forsake the Who and Beethoven for the first couple of years--too many drinking associations.
The worst thing about staying stopped is self-awareness. The best thing about staying stopped is self-awareness, though it takes awhile to appreciate it.
Hope you have some local, eye-ball to eye-ball, support.
galtin
Posted by Greg A. on October 3, 2001, at 14:20:26
In reply to Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by Greg A. on October 2, 2001, at 17:23:52
Thanks for the song lyrics . . . and the encouragement. Yes, I am a little proud of myself for not drinking for a month. I have done it before, but always with the intention of starting again once I had proven I was okay. I find this ‘quitting’ as opposed to ‘stopping’ tough at times. Years ago I quit smoking, also after stopping many times. It was also tough at first, but for me smoking had no redeeming properties at all. So once I stopped, I stayed stopped. Drinking, however, has provided me with good times as well as bad. I enjoy wine and beer for the taste as well as the effect. But dammit – I am not in control of it. I moderated my daily intake over the years, so I was always functional the next day for work or whatever, but I drank every day.
So how do I feel now, aside from the small measure of pride? Not so much different. Sharper in the a.m. at work; perhaps a bit more energetic and able to focus. But no big, big changes. What is my motivation? Well, like I said before when I described all my excuses for drinking and stjames said ‘that’s what all alcoholics say’ – this was the first time I had honestly admitted to myself that what I do is alcoholism. If you smoke, you are a smoker. If you drink, are you therefore an alcoholic? Of course not. There are degrees. But as I read my list of excuses which I really believed put me in another category than alcoholic, I realized my lack of control was the chief consideration. Alcohol controls me if I drink. My life begins to revolve around drinking to some extent. I am fairly athletic but even my bike rides would fit around drinking. I would put off any alcohol until after my rides. I would sometimes drink moderately the day before a long ride. But I always drank.
So, sar – what’s my motivation. I’m not really sure. I know I don’t want to be an alcoholic. Not so much for the abuse your body takes, because when depressed, I could care less about how long my body is around. I really do want to feel normal. And I am sure that alcohol while not the root cause of my depression, plays a part in feeling lousy.
So it’s day by day still – but it did surprise me how fast the month went by. And last night I realized that I have 2 beer in the fridge which I have not touched.Thanks All,
Greg
Posted by fluffykitty on October 3, 2001, at 17:25:52
In reply to Re: Cheeseburger in Paradise, posted by galtin on October 3, 2001, at 10:50:42
Well I just ate a cheeseburger. Im not kidding.
It was either that or a pizza and I figured maybe less damage than the pizza.
It may be a habit tougher to kick than anything! ;-) I was free of it for about a week or two but then I had to go to Wendys. I was hungry. And in fact there was a big line and the counter help was sparse and busy but slow. So it was a testement to how much I (and those other people on line) waited and waited just to get a fix.
Posted by sar on October 3, 2001, at 21:38:58
In reply to What is bulghar wheat??, posted by Greg A. on October 3, 2001, at 14:20:26
dear Greg,
i'm proud of you...as far as motivation goes, so you feel a bit sharper, but do you also feel the loss of addiction, of not being enslaved to a substance? are you on AD's? do they work better without the presence of alcohol?
i drink every day without fail. i have many back-up plans concerning where to buy beer after 12 and where to drink after 2. i've never been so crafty. i'm drinking merlot right now--i tell myself it's temporary, haven't been behind the wheel since my DWI, try to ward-off blackouts...
do you get anxious at bedtime at all? i'm terrified of not being able to sleep. for 2 years i was as okay as i could be, rosy-cheeked and bordering on happiness, and my boyfriend and i would smoke a bowl or two at bedtime. since we've broken up and i have to get into bed alone, i like to be knocked the f*ck out.
how do you deal with cravings? has not drinking caused you any anxiety?
here's some motivation: you'll age better. you'll smell better. you'll train yourself to not be dependent on a substance.
i hate the alcoholic mindframe. i think alcohol is a wonderful creation, i'm just tired of it being my daily required crutch. clutches
how bad is it?
in my dreams last night, someone told me, "there is something wrong with a person who can knock back a bottle of wine by themselves"--which i skillfully do often. do you think a bottle of wine is alot, or am i overreacting?
anyway, i'm gonna repeat that i'm damn proud of you, i think you must have tapped into alot of strength...
bulghar wheat is parched crack wheat, and it is *very* good for you! mmmmmmmm.....try an Amy's Chicago Veggie Burger, it's much better than that jimmy buffet stuff...(as long as you're on this health-kick, i'll toss a little propaganda yr way... :)
my best to you,
sar
Posted by Greg A. on October 4, 2001, at 10:57:34
In reply to Re: What is bulghar wheat?? » Greg A., posted by sar on October 3, 2001, at 21:38:58
sar,
Thanks sar, for the pat on the back. I appreciate it.
Like you I drank everyday and went to considerable effort to make sure I had enough alcohol in the house. Like you I also questioned, and at times used as an excuse, whether the amount I drank was excessive, or okay. When I needed an excuse, I would decide it was okay. But I always knew it was a crutch. Drink your troubles away – or at least dull them. My wife and I would open a bottle of wine at dinner. She would have a glass and I would have the rest. And then I’d continue with beer. Rarely ever enough to feel really bad the next morning, but always enough to feel it.
And yes, I do feel some sense of pride at being able to break the addiction. But I am also afraid. Afraid of going back because I know I have a problem; and afraid of not going back because I miss drinking. You mentioned worrying about not being able to sleep and increased anxiety. I have had some nights like that, but I had them when I was drinking as well. And my sleep when induced by alcohol always seemed to be very restless and often interrupted by the need to go to the bathroom. I guess, as with breaking any addiction, the first while is the worst. I really craved the effects of alcohol in the evening. It was hard to sit down and relax without a glass or a bottle in front of me. It’s easier now. I also tend to do more things in the time where I used to drink.
I am on ADs and have been for many years. Currently it’s Prozac, Wellbutrin and Remeron. Last week I would have said No, they don’t work any better without alcohol. But I am noticing a gradual stabilization of my mood which used to jump around wildly. Thinking more clearly is good sometimes, but can also make you more acutely aware of your feelings. I used to get rid of the feelings by drinking. When I get up in the morning now and have to face the demands of my 2 teenage daughters, I can do it. Before, after a good night of dulling those feelings, I would try to ignore them, not get angry, and just leave the house. I blamed them. Now I know it was partly me. I expect I shall make other such discoveries if I stay off the booze.
Sar – my anxiety has actually decreased without alcohol. Just the opposite of what I expected. While I felt relief from anxiety after a number of drinks I would invariably feel more anxious on the rebound the next day. Things are by no means perfect. I have bad spells. I still do not feel very comfortable socially. But I know in general that I am better. I really don’t care if others notice or not as long as I feel that way.
I went from drinking, usually excessively at parties, to wanting to be alone to drink. This is not good. A sign for me that I had a problem, aside from the daily drinking. I know people who drink more – but it’s always associated with something social. I think they too have a problem but not the same as mine.
So . . . I don’t want to be an alcoholic. I want to give myself a chance to feel normal, whatever that is. I have had enough years ruined by and enough opportunities missed from depression and anxiety. I can’t expect that I can sit back and do nothing to help myself other than take ADs and go to therapy. I hope that This will lead to what I want and what I think I deserve.Talk to you later,
Greg
Posted by fluffykitty on October 4, 2001, at 11:56:26
In reply to Re: What is bulghar wheat?? » Greg A., posted by sar on October 3, 2001, at 21:38:58
Sar, do you want to get help or do you like the way things are now? Have you tried getting help? Meds? Have you tried AA?
I heard that people who drink are in a way self medicating when it comes to depression etc. What do you think of that?
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