Meghann Thorp continues her quest to stay booze-free…
Day 15 – Trial night at the new job
A quick dash around H&M and I’ve found some black trousers and a shirt for tonight which fit. That doesn’t usually happen. The number 15 bus stopped right outside the restaurant where the manager had already spotted me. Guess it’s too late to try and run away then. There’s always next shift to try that one. Fortunately training only lasted for a couple of hours; it was such a shame only two customers came in. Raaj (one of the managers) gave the impression he was much happier to complete jobs himself rather than train the slow new girl.
Day 16 – Baking bonanza
It’s nobody’s birthday but it’s been a while since the scales have been used. To help pass some time I baked a giant birthday cake covered in icing, smarties and an assortment of coloured sprinkles. This was one of the better ones – my boyfriend Ben seemed to enjoy it too. He wasn’t impressed that I posted on his Facebook:
“Friends of Florence Boot Hall come and get some delicious cake, there’s plenty to go around.”
Within minutes of the post several knocks on the door were accompanied by:
“Ben can I have some cake?” I knew full he wasn’t going to share any of it.
“There isn’t any,” he replied looking at the treat that lay on top of his miniature fridge. I would do this over a cocktail any day!
Day 17 – Friday Night in with the girls
Amelia and Sophie, friends from home, came over to visit today. Thankfully they suggested relaxing watching a film would be better than heading out into town. We walked to Tesco to get supplies for the night. My main purchase was an extra large tub of pick and mix (to share of course) while theirs was a bottle of wine. At the counter the cashier stared at me with disbelief.
“You’re not going to eat all of those,” she said. I don’t think she was fully aware of my sugar cravings now that alcohol was off limits.
“You’d be surprised,” I replied imagining myself chewing away at the delights which lay in the large tub on the desk. They would be gone in no time. Giving sweets up for lent definitely wouldn’t last long.
Once back at Cara’s flat it didn’t even register that three of my best friends had already started on the wine. My sweets were waiting.
Day 18 – Busy Bee
I walked into work at 4pm and froze with shock. The room had been transformed into a party haven. Large tables were filled with balloons, lush decoration, and bottles of spirits. It wasn’t the room that was stunning but the realisation there was going to be over 100 guests waiting to be served in an hour’s time. Some first shift this would be.
Raaj had only taught me how to set tables just two days ago. It will be fine I tell myself unconvincingly. Thankfully it was a help yourself style buffet which calmed my nerves slightly. Just put the dishes down and clear tables. If the other waiters who look like they should still be in high school can do this then I definitely can. After a manic seven hours the 21st birthday party was over. Phew.
“I’ll take one of those,” another waitress Joanne said aiming for a glass of champagne.
“Do you want one?” she asked.
“No thanks” I replied trying to smile politely.
How unfortunate not to be able to take up the offer of free champagne. Something I can’t imagine I’d get that opportunity again for a while.
After a quick change of clothes at Cara’s flat in town, we headed to Stealth to take advantage of some £3 entry tickets. By half 2 we were back at hers: tired, cold and hungry. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to go out after a seven hour shift.
Day 19 – Sunny Delight
Since moving to Nottingham in October the weather has been either very cold or snowy. So it was nice to be able to walk to Forest Fields in the sunshine with my flatmates to grab a Mr Whippy ice cream (with a chocolate flake of course). Discovering there were no strawberry Mini Milks’ was a slight disappointment though! Those little lollies are always so cheap and cheerful. We sat on some steps watching the school football matches for a while before heading back to Cotton Mills. Who needs alcohol on a day like this?
Day 21 – Over half way there!
I’m in shock. It’s been over twenty days since lent started. And not a single drop of booze has passed my lips. Wow, this is an achievement. The great thing is that it’s not been that difficult to be honest. There have been moments where I’ve thought hmm a chilled cocktail would be lovely. But I have saved so much money, my skin is definitely feeling the benefits and Ben hasn’t received a drunken phone call at half 3 in the morning for quite some time. That last one is certainly a record.
I decided to celebrate by taking advantage of the special event at Stealth featuring Oxide & Neutrino. The two time Mobo winning duo played an excellent DJ set consisting of their top singles, garage classics and the latest hot tracks. After what was an entertaining evening, I couldn’t help but look forward to the next three weeks of lent. It won’t be long until I’ll be opening the bubbly!
Don’t forget you can keep up with Meghann’s progress on twitter @Teggerson
Meghann Thorp
