Friends

This weekend we are going to Fresno to visit friends of ours who are very special to us. They have an almost 4 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. I have known the parents for over 10 years, and Rick has known them for almost 20. I have lived in the same town as them and also lived far away from them, and they are one of those families that we make a point to see several times throughout the year to keep up the friendships. And watch our kids get bigger. And remember all of the good times that seem so long ago now that we are older.

The last time we saw this family was Labor Day weekend. They came out to our new house for the first time and we spent 3 wonderful days swimming in the pool, hanging out, eating great meals, playing games with the kids, and drinking. DRINKING.

I had hit my bottom the Thursday night before the start of the Labor Day weekend. It was at that point I knew I wanted to quit for good. But knowing they were coming in to town, I allowed myself one more weekend of partying with our friends. I started my sobriety that Tuesday, 9/8/09.

I am REALLY looking forward to driving to their neck of the woods tomorrow morning, and NOT having a drink. Going all weekend hanging out, talking, catching up, playing with their kids, eating great meals, WITHOUT THE ALCOHOL.

I think this is a huge step and a key factor in my recovery, because I am not anxious about getting through the evenings at their house without drinking being part of the partying (for me, while everyone else still drinks). I am actually excited to spend time with the 4 of them SOBER!

I hope everyone has a nice weekend - Happy Valentine's Day, Happy President's Day and happy time with family and friends!