The latest update from Meghann Thorp, how is the second week of life without alcohol?
Day 8 – The start of week 2
It’s really frustrating that family and friends are still in doubt over this – like the Meryl Street film. The doubt is not between marrying somebody, but whether alcohol will get the better of my determination. Well let me just say, the first 7 days have flown by. Bring on the next 3 weeks!
Day 9 – Jack Beats at Dogma
Ever since hearing Jack Beats remix of La Roux I’m not your toy, there was an instant attraction between the DJ and myself. You can’t imagine how annoyed I was to discover that alcohol would be off limits when they were playing in Nottingham. Silly lent. Despite being t-total the night was amazing and lived up to full expectations. It was even better that I could remember every single minute.
Day 10 – A quiet night in
It’s a Friday night in the lively city of Leeds. Instead of venturing to one of the famous clubs I find myself catching up with an old friend over yet another pick and mix watching a film. Is it really okay to be eating so many sweets? Discarding alcohol is meant to be giving my body a well deserved detox – strawberry laces aren’t helping at all. After finishing the bag instantly I decide to lay off the sweets for a while.
Day 11 – Birthday Meal
After a half an hour train ride from Leeds I find myself in the small town of Starbeck in Yorkshire. It’s my auntie’s birthday but this is what worries me the most. For those who don’t know Suzanne she likes to have a good time and a couple of bottles of wine on special occasions. This was the person I was dreading telling that alcohol would be off limits for her celebrations.
“Why are you doing that, you’re not an alcoholic,” she laughed. Maybe she wouldn’t be saying that in the morning. My 71 year old grandma was the only other person who wasn’t drinking. Even my 15 year old sister managed to sneak a few glasses of wine from the bottles that were scattered across the table. Now that wasn’t cool. Whilst the rest of the party headed out into Harrogate I went home with my grandma to watch the Winter Olympic highlights. It’s only on every four years.
Day 12 – Work first play later
Have you ever heard of the phrase work first play later? Well my mother constantly reminds me that the motive is the key to success. To be fair I’m glad that on this occasion I listened to her words of wisdom. It’s very satisfying knowing that you’ve completed all your work for the next day. I won’t be the one struggling for things to say in tomorrow’s seminar despite my reluctance to contribute to the discussion at all. It’s time for a cup of tea, some chocolate and a catch up on Desperate Housewives’ and 90210 on 4OD. Sounds like an excellent plan.
Day 13 – Celebrations
Another six hour Monday passes by and I’m feeling surprisingly happy after so much hard work. After a gruelling half an hour interview at a posh Indian restaurant in Sherwood the manager revealed I got the job. This is excellent. No more budgeting my finances so tightly or worrying whether I can afford that lunch time meal at the Horn in Hand – despite the cheap prices. All the hard work will definitely take my mind off drinking. Let’s hope there are lots of shifts available.
Day 14 – Two weeks today!
I have found over the past two weeks it’s much easier to keep busy rather than head off to a night out. It would have been Market Bar tonight. We all know how good those ‘Fishbowl Tuesdays’ are but they will have to wait a little bit longer. Cara, a friend from home, invited me to the cinema. Finally somewhere I can use a 2 for 1 voucher. This was the perfect way to celebrate two weeks of being sober. And there was no pick and mix this time!
If you want to keep up with Meghann’s progress you can now follow her on twitter, @Teggerson
Meghann Thorp
