Only a few more hours to go, and - after days of feeling increasingly stressed - it'll all be over. Then, next time it won't be so hard.
I've been reminded, yet again, that dealing with anxiety is just like dealing with cravings.
(The feeling is very similar too - a squirming knot in the stomach, constant restlessness and a one tracked mind that won't shut up).
So, I thought I'd share four things that helped me yesterday, as - if you're duelling with the wine witch right now - they might help you too.
1. The Soberverse
The soberverse really is the most amazing place. All your comments on yesterday's post, and your e-mails, meant so much, and really reminded me that I am not alone.
And it can do the same for all of you, too, because you really are not alone.
2. Swearing
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll probably have realised that I'm not a big swearer. I'm fond of an occasional bollocks! Partial to a bugger! And occasionally employ a s**t, but, that's about it.
Generally, I think swearing is just a bit lazy and unimaginative. I try to encourage the children to find much more interesting invectives if they're stressed. (Apart from anything else, it's great for the vocabulary).
So, #3 might drop something on her foot and say "Aarrrggghh! Dastardly, pox ridden camel's buttocks!"
You see? Much more fun.
I think this aversion to swearing comes from my childhood. I remember vividly the one occasion when my Dad told my Mum to "f**k off." She left the house, and didn't come back for TWO DAYS. As my Dad couldn't even boil an egg, it was a disaster. None of us ever swore again.
Anyhow, back to the point: Yesterday Soberat53 and Claireperth both said "Fuck cancer!" And I thought, well yes, why the hell not?
So, I went up to my bathroom, locked the door (the children were downstairs) and shouted FUCK FUCK FUCKEDY FUCK FUCK! FUCK RIGHT OFF AND DON'T FUCKING COME BACK, FUCKER.
And, you know what? I felt much, much better.
So, next time the wine witch is bugging you, tell her to eff off. Really loudly. And with foot stamping and fist waving.
3. Eddie the Eagle
If you need some distraction then take the children (or just go by yourself!) to see the Eddie the Eagle film.
It's hysterically funny, plus it's a great tale about tenacity, bravery, and proving the world wrong (see the relevance?).
And the best bit?
Eddie doesn't drink! He managed to jump a 90 metre ski jump, with less than a year's training and the whole world laughing at him, without anything at all to 'take the edge off.'
There's a wonderful scene (that will do more for us sober people than endless government warnings and guidelines) where Eddie goes into a bar and is jeered at by the Finnish ski jump team, in their ridiculous skin tight all in one lurid lycras.
He goes up to the barman and orders....a glass of milk. Genius.
4. Finding something else to worry about
Sometimes, the only thing that will displace a worry is another worry.
#2 has gone off for four nights - the longest he's ever been away from home (he's nine) - on a sailing expedition. It looks amazing - all Swallows and Amazons.
Last night I found his toothbrush in the bathroom.
Personal hygiene is not his forte at the best of times.
So, forget fretting about cancer. I'm too busy worrying that #2 is going to come home with no teeth!
Onwards and upwards, and thank you.
SM x
