Day 60 - The Blue Waters: I give the... - British Liver Trust

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Day 60 - The Blue Waters

Jalanutan profile image
91 Replies

I give the above title, because ‘blue’ is associated with ‘feeling blue’, melancholy, while ‘water’ is fluid, capricious, and able to take on any form.

Due to the circumstances that are current with this life or death effort for total abstinence, I cannot say whether my bouts of melancholy lie with one or the other, or both. What I do know, is that there’d be many empty bottles of bourbon due to the present situation. Hence, since I have coped thus far without booze, to me, amazing. Nevertheless, these circumstances have/are causing me stress and melancholy at times.

I thought that perhaps I’m still grieving from the loss associated with alcohol, as discussed in the last post. Though I now find that incredible to believe, since the urge to drink has weakened to the point that today I can honestly say the pull was non-existent. Mind you, I don’t expect it to be totally gone, ever, but ‘today’ it was gone.

Hitherto, the urge has been in varying degrees, as has been melancholy and is strongest whenever there is some problem or trouble. But apart from that the good news is, that interspersed with feelings of melancholy are also feelings of contentment, relaxation, happiness, fulfilment and positive self-worth, ergo the fluidity of water.

Physically, lung function is the best yet. Perception is about the same or is just becoming the new norm now, though my sense of smell has increased. I can enjoy the scent of many shrubs and trees as I pass, especially with rain. Weight loss had plateaued atm and I hadn’t realised just how fat I’d become. Maybe I hadn’t really looked at myself in the mirror for years, and even with the loss of late, I can’t believe I let myself get in this condition.

Actually, I do; trauma, alcohol, more alcohol, hot greasy chips and blurred vision. Disgusting; yet, that’s the insidious nature of alcohol, coupled with emotional trauma and poor diet. I’m only judging myself here, yet know I shouldn’t, since I’m coming from different perspective now.

So, I negotiate the blue waters, with varying hue and states of being. Searching for and working towards my future dawn of better health and better times.

Thank you all, for your support and friendship :-)

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Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan
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91 Replies

Hello,

You are demonstrating great strength of character and determination. Well done indeed, keep going.

You will be an inspiration to others.

regards

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

I appreciate your encouragement Trust5 :-)

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Jalanutan. What a journey! You would never have picked it for yourself off the shelf, but what interesting discoveries you are making that you never would have without your realisation that you had to find a different way. Best wishes.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

My pleasure to share Filistines, though right from the start I had my eye on the top shelf, and I've clawed through withdrawal after withdrawal to reach it. I had thought that alcohol wouldn't pose much of a problem after the previous addictions, but I was wrong.

I'm afraid that I have to say that I, am my own worst enemy; yet, I prevail, go figure...

Thx for your support :-)

in reply toJalanutan

We are all that at some time. It's a turning point. You have become your own best friend now. That makes it all worthwhile. :-)

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Yeah, you're right, I'm turning the corner, towards self determination...

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles

That’s very interesting and well written Jay, Jal, limer - very emotive - guess a few of us have been there done that but perhaps not expressed it in those expressive words! Must be something to do with the soothing sea 👍

Hope you keep going - “you know it makes sense!” Sorry that’s a phrase from an advert here or a TV programme - I’m sure someone here will correct me!

Good luck me ol’ fruit. Now yes I know! You don’t have to tell me again - less of the ol’. But ol’ in this context doesn’t mean antiquated like me it means a long standing thing. So I could say me long standing fruit. But it doesn’t sound quite the same...

Milo Pilo

🇧🇧

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

Ha, well, I've always thought myself an eloquent writer, sort of... and it makes perfect sense, logical and beneficial, and I love the soothing sea... :-)

Thx, I hope to be very ol' indeed, in long standing abstinence.... :-)

AmericanDemocrat profile image
AmericanDemocrat in reply toJalanutan

Your writing is beautiful and eloquent. Thank you for it. 🌊

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toAmericanDemocrat

Thx for your kind words :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Think you’ll be able to get through the door now on the way to the beach? 😀

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

No prob... I camp out! :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Lmao 😀

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

For me convalescence, I've bin stayin' up the range at Maleny for a change (cooler) and just went down to the beach on the bus this mornin'. But I couldn't fit inside, so they strapped me to the roof rack!!! Rofl :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Ha ha ha ha ha 😀

G'day mate - Waves of emotion. 🌊

What's ya favourite colour, blu / fav pastime, sport?

Don't forget ur togs for the beach.🏖️

Good on ya 🤓

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Hey, hozit goin? Yeah, blu's ok but like purple, reading 'n' windsurfin' and there's beaches here where it's private enough to skinny dip at high tide on a full moon, stuff the budgie smugglers lol :-)

in reply toJalanutan

What ya call hanging out the bare essentials, full moon & didgeridoo.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Hahaha, all the above with bells on :-)

CocoChannel profile image
CocoChannel

Curious about these hot greasy chips. Do you mean the French Fries variety or more like Pringles? It’s not relevant except to say some drinkers do eat very poorly ☹️

Bit harsh on yourself with the plateauing weight loss. You can’t be that active yet with the new hip. That will come.

In between the melancholy, sounds like you’re doing well. Well done on 60 days. Here’s to 70.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toCocoChannel

Thx Coco, appreciate it :-) Yeah, the Pringle type are also a temptation, as I love savoury, salt'n'vinegar all the way.

No, not the 'French fry' style either, but the thick spud chips deep fried. The fish'n'chip type. I like'm soft, saturated in fat/oil, yum...

I'm not worried over the plateauing weight, struth, I actually gained a couple of kgs early on, due to water retention in my affected leg

CocoChannel profile image
CocoChannel in reply toJalanutan

I say if you’re off the booze, you’re entitled to a few soggy chips every now and then.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toCocoChannel

Yeah, I can say that too! Maybe as a treat occasionally. Though a side goal is to git back to my ideal weight. I've 20kg to go, the grog was always in the way...

in reply toCocoChannel

Ha! And I say a sense of entitlement is the fast track to ruin! Anyway, "a little of what you fancy" works for me, so long as it hurts no-one. :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Paprika for me, please....

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

Paprika? As a condiment? Tomato sauce for me or nuttin :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Noooo Paprika Pringles - 👍

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

Rightttt, don't think I've very tried them. Think I'll try them... If I buy packet chips, it's usually the 'thins' with plenty of salt'n'vinegar

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

I like s and v too. You can’t get paprika Pringles everywhere unfortunately. Nor paprika crisps either 😕👎.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

Bummer, can't say I've ever seen them either :-(

in reply toJalanutan

Chips with sore finger from the Chinese takeaway use ur fingers or get free utensils? 🙄

in reply to

This is a bit much for many people.

I walked to the F&C shop in the dark after reading all this chip stuff with my dog and bought some cod and chips. Ate some at the bus stop. Bare fingers. And the rest at home with real tomato sauce, salt and vinegar. I ate too much. Haven't had any fish and chips since last November. So good. But wish I stopped at half.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Yeah, they're very more'ish. I always order cod, always consistently good eats :-)

in reply toJalanutan

I love to see those whole flakes of cooked white fish - you just know it's good - no filthy additives, boiled fast in oil, in a shell of batter (that you don't have to eat, well just a bit) :-). I'll do it again in March or maybe next November.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

I get them to grill it wrapped in foil, the flesh just falls apart, yum. But you're spot on, it's always the best as a infrequent treat.

Unfortunately, my infrequent became a little more frequent hahaha :-)

in reply toJalanutan

You wouldn't get that refinement in a fish and chip shop here - it's the original fast food - fast and furious is how they cook it. People stand in a queue to get it. You'd have to be brave to say one word that wasn't on the menu board!

My favourite way of cooking fish is in a microwave but I wrecked it in the week exploding eggs in it.

There's some neat, back packable gear for cooking outside now. That takes a lot of beating?

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Hmmm, dead set? Well here, in oz, I remember that was the way it was in the 60's. Now, they actually ask you how you want: battered, crumbed or grilled!!! lol

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Re the outside cooking gear...'scrambled' then? :-)

in reply to

That's chips with sore finger 4sure. Don't ya miss the print flavour back in the day.

Waste of a bus fare hame, walking the other half + cold chips. 🤓

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

???

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Me too ???

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Explain yourself man!!! :-)

in reply toJalanutan

Too much or too deep. As mended, any better or worster sauce? 😏

in reply to

Way, way better! Respect earned! :-)

in reply to

O. It was your reply to Jalanutan that could benefit from editing..

in reply to

Knew I hadn't got away that easy. Not just as spicey now. Just a slight hint of seasoning?

in reply to

Improving...👍could be better🙂

in reply to

Watered down sore finger👎

Bootandall profile image
Bootandall

That's fantastic Jal!!

It sounds as though the hip operation was just a footnote (hipnote?) which is also amazing, who woulda thunk it?

Just think, in 7 years(?), or something, you will have all new cells in your body and will truly be a new man!

What is blooming where you are? Here in North Carolina, there was a beautiful scent wafting from my neighbor's yard, but I couldn't identify the source. It was a very nice surprise, especially as this time of year is our autumn season.

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toBootandall

Where does this 7 years thingy come from boot? Serious question!

CocoChannel profile image
CocoChannel in reply toThreeSmiles

We’re supposed to regenerate all our cells every seven years. Source - my science teacher at school

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toCocoChannel

Ah OK ta! The circle of life....😀

in reply toThreeSmiles

And an itch? 🙄

in reply toThreeSmiles

In 7 years I may have all new cells but my wonky immune system will still attack them in error unless a way is discovered to stop it. Just sayin'.

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Stop just sayin’ 😀 . Onwards and upwards filly. See you at the top. 😀. And I don’t mean up THERE!!

in reply toThreeSmiles

Thanks dear ThreeMileSmile, I'm not honestly gloomy about it, just pee'ing on chips !! :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Hmmm filly you got me there with that chips comment? Must be too early for me.... or summat!

Bootandall profile image
Bootandall in reply to

What??

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

I'm sorry to hear that Filistines :-(

in reply toJalanutan

Thank you, it's not so bad. Just needs adjusting to and forgetting about. I do mostly. This site brings it home. But the benefits of being on this site outweigh the negs! :-)

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toBootandall

I guess they taught that 7yrs thing in school, cause I know of it too. I don't really know if it's valid, though it seems reasonable to assume all cells would be renewed. Isn't that the way we age!!!

Here, I could smell this unusual scent which I discovered was a combo of a citrus (not yet in bloom) and a native 'banksia'. I went past weeks later and there was a strong citronella scent??? It's quite enthralling

Autumn there! Dec is the first month summer here, bring it on... :-) maybe I'll be healed enough to git on me board n sail into the sunset hahaha

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

🤞🤞🤞 for you jay jal limer. But not too far into the sunset, eh!

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

Thx for the crosses, I'll need all I can git! Oh, I intend to make a turn at some stage...if I can remember how to, lol :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Do you tack or jibe on one of those doo dahs? 😀

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

Either or, but usually gibe in strong wind and tack if dredging....or fall in the water, turn the board around and water start or crawl on the board and up haul

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Lol!! Never wind surfed - I used to race a Sunfish - ever heard of? Probably a bit old hat nowadays!

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

Na, not heard of, is it a small skiff?

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

It’s a small one man boat. One sail. Unsinkable body. Mega fast in the right wind. 👍. Great fun to race.

Nite nite time for me again now - well I’ll try.. 😀

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toThreeSmiles

Or maybe not 😕

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

I know the one, great to race. Goodnight Miles hope you sleep deep :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Nope failed but hey ho (hey ho seems to be an in phrase atm - even on the news!!) . Hope you do better 👍

in reply toThreeSmiles

I'm envious of the sporty talk. My new hill walking waterproofs came yesterday and I'll need to get a gusset put in the trousers so I don't mince and hurt my arthritic back when I walk. But these are still the golden glory days? :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Hmm my mind is boggling now filly - you’ve stumped me again - yes yes yes - I know that’s not difficult 😑😑🙂

in reply toThreeSmiles

Well, normal trousers restrict full movement. (Martial Arts trousers have a gusset that lets you do the splits if you need to). A gusset makes more freedom of movement. I have lumbar spine issues and it isn't good for me to restrict movement. Can't wear straight skirts. Can't wear waist bands.

Miles, you could get a pair of harem pants thai fisherman's pants, and see how much it eases your back. :-) post a pic of yourself.

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Aha I got it! Thanks

Haha don’t think so filly! Too embarrassing by half 😀

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toThreeSmiles

You will and keep that stiff upper lip, we all must.

Ok, thx, hope I do better than last nite, so I should be tired enough now...should be!!!

in reply toJalanutan

Sleep well - I'll get off your thread now to make it more possible. :-)

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply to

Thx & ditto :-)

davianne profile image
davianne in reply toBootandall

Seven years?????,Oh bu99er it. I'm only halfway there.😢😢🤣🤣

alfredthegreat profile image
alfredthegreat

Hi Jal,

You are doing so well, you should be very proud of your achievement.

Hang on in there and keep on Keeping on :-) :-)

I'm looking forward to reading about DAY 70.

All the very best to you.

Alf.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toalfredthegreat

Thx for your well wishes Alf. Yep, I'm beginning to feel a greater sense of achievement, which I'm guessing will only increase as I reach my goals :-)

boomzoom profile image
boomzoom

People like me trying really hard to cope with health issues and people like you always teaches the positive ways out of it.. thanks for your inspiring words above wish you a better health.

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toboomzoom

Hey thx boomzoom :-)

I hope you can continue to find ways to cope with your situation. I'm thankful that I have a way out, albeit a difficult one.

Thank you for your best wishes :-)

boomzoom profile image
boomzoom in reply toJalanutan

thanks bro.. keep sharing

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply toboomzoom

I will, for awhile!

davianne profile image
davianne

Well done Jal, you are an inspiration to many on here.

Don't worry about the siren calls of booze, she knows you've got her beat.

I look forward to the next edition of "The Chronicles of Jalanutan" 👍👍👍

David

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply todavianne

Me too 😀👍

Bootandall profile image
Bootandall in reply toThreeSmiles

Me three! 😁

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toBootandall

The next update should be in 8 days time 🤞

Jalanutan profile image
Jalanutan in reply todavianne

I appreciate the encouragement guys, though this wouldn't be peer pressure, would it? :-)

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply toJalanutan

Of course it is 😀

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