I have mentioned before that I am fast approaching 40 (not sure how that's possible), which means my friends are all turning 40 as well. 40 seems to be a big deal as far as parties go. I have a close group of friends who I've known since high school and last summer the first of us turned 40. I wrote about that here. Well tonight is the 40th birthday party of one of my other best friends (my best drinking buddy). I've known her more than 20 years, in fact I've drank with here for more than 20 years. I absolutely love her and value our friendship, but she tends to be a party girl. She is actually having TWO 40th birthday parties. I picked the party tonight because although there will be heavy drinking I'm guessing it will be the mellower of the two. Of course, up until a couple of months ago I was just as much of a drinker (probably more) and would have been looking forward to this night as a reason to drink heavily.
When I stopped drinking back in October, I knew this day would come. This was one of the future events that I could not imagine not drinking at. Luckily, as Belle would say, I've got a bit of sober momentum going. I know I won't drink tonight and she knows I won't drink tonight. What I don't know, is that I won't feel socially awkward tonight.
I'm really not a fan of socializing. I'm terrible at small talk, I hate mingling. Wine was such a good remedy to that problem. This won't be a small party and I'll miss the crutch I've relied on for so long. Luckily, another friend from our group (total normal drinker) will be there and I can hang with her.
I've also packed a party bag with a few things that might help. I have a few cans of La Croix, a protein bar (since I've decided to lose weight I won't be munching on the food either), a hat (it's a hat/mustache/wig party) and my essential oils catalog. I've recently discovered essential oils and my friend has indicated that she wants to order...this will give me something to talk about and focus on. Also, Rachel recently posted about making conversation, I'll bring these ideas as well.
I am looking forward to the moment tonight when I lay my sober head on my pillow and congratulate myself for a job well done.
That's how I felt on New Year's Eve , my day 4. It wasn't until 3 in the morning but laying my sober head down having watched other people drink for 8 hours was an amazing feeling!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah! I'm glad you are here. Good job for making through the early days! I love falling asleep sober! Keep up the good work!
DeleteI love your plan! Let us know how it went!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was great. Of course I was worrying over nothing!
DeleteI think your sober plan sounded amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteWell done on all your planning. It really does take a bit of thinking about.
:)
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Yes, planning is key. I felt like if I had a bag of stuff it would help and it was a great night!
DeleteSeems like you had fun (from your comments) and your planning paid off. I so can relate to your anxiety and not feeling very social. That how I felt through the holiday season. I am glad it is over.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's over too and now I know I can survive these things sober. I'm hoping that (as people say) it keeps getting easier.
DeleteI'm glad your night out went well. I find social occasions hard too without a wine in hand. Although as the night goes on you forget and often have a good night. Well done, you sound like you are doing really well.
ReplyDeleteYes I stopped for hot tea on the way so I would have SOMETHING in my hand.
DeleteI do feel like I'm doing well, thanks. Good days and bad. Easy moments and hard ones. But I'm doing it! (and so are you!)