High and Dry

[Sovellis]

"Sov, I think I am going about this all wrong. I have researched all I could and  thought  myself in spirals, but nothing is happening." She stood shifting from foot to foot, staring down at the  table covered in crooked stacks of foolscap, dusty books, pinned scrolls, and spell paraphernalia. "I need to be *doing* things.  I have  come farthest with this curse when circumstances have pushed me into adventures."  She smiled  remembering olden days when circumstances were often named Sovellis.

 

"Huh, I suppose that makes sense," he agreed, picking his head up off the table and rubbing his face. "So what do we do? Become sell swords and take a job or something? Or I suppose I could go insult a king and you could try to rescue me again, but that didn't work out so well last time." His lips twisted into a tired smirk.

 

"Sweet gods,  please no royalty!  I was thinking more about taking a journey up into the fey wilds and seeing  what we can find. Its possible some of the lines of the riddle  are referring to places after all."

 

His brows arched sharply at her words. "The fey wilds? Wait wait wait, so royalty is out, but fey are a-okay? Have you lost your mind? Besides, there's no good taverns in the fey wilds." He had managed to finish the wine he had brought  back to the hut rather more quickly than he planned, and the thought of not being able to replenish his stock was unpleasant to say the least.

 

"I can hardly go to a tavern as I am anyhow."  She cocked an eyebrow and motioned to her giant proportions. "besides, you can easily do without wine-  you can prestidigitate your water if you miss it.  Wine and trails do not mix unless you are a construct like Flotsam. No one needs to walk for hours with a hangover."

 

"Prestidigitation only flavors the water," he grumbled, but she had a point.  

 

"As to the rest..."  She crossed the cabin to the wall where  the words of her curse were etched. "I don't know how to master fey magic.  The only way I know to  break through this is  to  go to a place where the fey are and ask them.  Besides,  you never know what we might find up in those mountains!" She grinned at him, the light of avarice shining in her eyes.

 

"Heh, yeah, or what might try to eat us." Despite arguing, he smiled, happy to see that spark in his friend's eye. "So you plan to find a fey something, walk up to it, and just ask it? I'll admit that approach has worked for us before, but not with fey."

 

"Well there was that  Eagle that time,  but no, I was thinking more that we would search for some of the things mentioned in the riddle  Halfling's pride, Balefire,  the rooftop Feydance, all of these seem to refer to acts I have to do or people I have to best.

 

"Rooftop feydance sounds fun. Baelfire not so much." The thought it over for a moment, then shrugged. "Alright, I would still prefer to have access to taverns, but might do me some good. When do you want to take off?"

 

"I want to be in the highlands by the end of the ride. As you can see, we are mostly provisioned already." She motioned to shelves in the cooking alcove now filled with the trail bars and  jerkey made from all Noor's hunting.

 

"You've been busy, that's for sure," he nodded, looking at the shelves full of trail foods. "And we have the supplies I brought, what's left of them anyway, so we have healing potions and things, and my quiver is full. I guess we should get packed."

 

 

<------<<<

 

 

Time for the next chapter in the Sovellis Saga! This challenge my goals are very similar to the last.

 

1. Do something school related every day, even if it's just a tiny thing.

2. Do something physical fitness related every day, even if it's just a tiny thing.

3. Do something adultish every day, be it chores, bills, making a phone call, whatever.

4. Do something related to spirituality every day.

 

But this time around, all of these are going to play second fiddle to this last point:

 

5. No alcohol. None. For 6 weeks.

 

I've done this sort of thing before, if not for this length of time, and I think it's time to do it again. Complete sobriety is not my ultimate goal, but going dry periodically seems to help me keep better control over my drinking habits, which have been slipping as of late. Not looking forward to the ups and downs I know are coming, but it'll be alright. I'll be alright. Between this and it finally starting to cool off, maybe I'll finally be able to make it back to the range or go slack lining again!

[Jett]

You can do it!

[Moros]

Subbing for the story and the inspiration...

 

[Dusk]

Sounds great man! I will be here rooting for ya. I'm really excited about your no alcohol goal - I know you can do it and I know it will do you a world of good!

[Sovellis]

Sovellis packed his bag in preperation for their quest. And then repacked it, and then repacked it again. He was nervous, and as the night went on, he found it increasingly hard to sit still or focus. He tried to distract himself with various menial tasks, but it wasn't working. Sitting on his bed roll, trying not to fidget so as not to irritate his friend, and to not draw attention to his unease about their plan. Maybe a bit of reading would help, he thought, but he wasn't sure how long it might hold his attention. It seemed worth a try at least. Pulling out his little book, he leaned back and tried to get comfortable.

 

<------<<<

 

 

You can do it!

Sounds great man! I will be here rooting for ya. I'm really excited about your no alcohol goal - I know you can do it and I know it will do you a world of good!

 

Thanks for the support! I really hope you're right, because I know it'll be really good for me, just a bit scary to tackle.

 

 

Subbing for the story and the inspiration...

 

Not sure about the inspiration bit, but I'm glad you like the story!

 

 

So yeah, night one. Having the predicted issue of 'if I'm not doing that, then what do I do?' Rhythm and routine totally thrown off, but it'll be okay, this is good. Really feeling scattered, but I think that might be because my whole day was thrown off and weird. Had to take my girlfriend to urgent care for chest pain, turned out to be nothing serious, but she still stayed home and I spent the day taking care of her. I was going to have lunch with a friend, but had to cancel because we were still at the clinic. Ugh, anyway, I might try reading, or skyrim maybe, until bed. Definitely using a sleep aid, we'll see if it works.

[chickforbrains]

I have the same philosophy on making the occasional prohibition in order to keep drinking habits in check, rather than to stop drinking altogether. Good luck! Following.

[Sovellis]

I have the same philosophy on making the occasional prohibition in order to keep drinking habits in check, rather than to stop drinking altogether. Good luck! Following.

 

Thanks! Yeah, this approach works far better for me than any other I've tried. I may have put this off a bit long this time, but I've also never done one this long before either.

[Nymeria]

 

5. No alcohol. None. For 6 weeks.

 

I've done this sort of thing before, if not for this length of time, and I think it's time to do it again. Complete sobriety is not my ultimate goal, but going dry periodically seems to help me keep better control over my drinking habits, which have been slipping as of late.

 

That's a really interesting way of looking at things.  I'm laying off of the alcohol this challenge, too, but mostly because I don't want the extra calories.  Admittedly, though, having a beer or some wine in the evening has turned into more of a habit than I'd like.  I really hope that periodic dryness helps reset this bad habit.  

[Sovellis]

That night, the elf tossed and turned, unable to settle or get comfortable, despite having had some herbal tea to help him rest. He was constantly either too warm or too cold. Trying desperately not to disrupt Noor's rest, he tried to meditate to settle down, but it was a struggle. When the sun broke the horizon, Sov pulled the blanket over his head, grumbling and cursing the stupid shiny day ball. Today was going to be unpleasant, but at least the weather seemed good. After allowing himself to grumble and complain for a little bit, he did manage to climb out from under his blankets and greet the day. The enticing smell of fresh brewed coffee also helped draw him away from his bed.

 

<------<<<

 

Even with a sleep aid last night was rough. I don't know how much I actually slept, because I kept waking up and struggled to get back to sleep. Hopefully that levels off in a few days. I am a bit tired today, and really don't want to do anything from goals 1-4, but I'm up and have coffee, so that's a start. 

 

1.Gotta send an email to my advisor with a draft of my cover letter and a pdf of my appi.

2. Not sure what to do for this, might lift, I really want to get back to lifting regularly. Maybe I'll try the beginner bodyweight workout finally.

3. Sweep. The apartment needs it, badly.

4. Thinking of reading from my HR Ellis Davidson book.

[petefeet]

Hey buddy, following along.

 

I take the odd sleep aid as well from time to time, even if it's a Gravol (those things hit me like 6 beer). I find working shift-work really messes up my sleep schedule.

 

And for those days I can't seem to focus on what I should be doing, I "try" and go for a little walk, if it doesn't help re-boot me at least I got some cardio in.

[Sovellis]

Hey buddy, following along.

 

I take the odd sleep aid as well from time to time, even if it's a Gravol (those things hit me like 6 beer). I find working shift-work really messes up my sleep schedule.

 

And for those days I can't seem to focus on what I should be doing, I "try" and go for a little walk, if it doesn't help re-boot me at least I got some cardio in.

 

What is Gravol? Is it otc? And yeah, I think I need to come up with a list of things I can do that don't take much focus. Going for a walk is a good one, especially with the weather cooling off a bit. The first few days into a dry spell are always a bit scattered, unfocused, and fidgety, but it will settle down soon enough. I just need to make it to that point. 

[petefeet]

What is Gravol?  It's an OTC motion sickness pill I take before flights or long car rides (if I'm not driving) etc... a side effect of them is they make me super dozy.

 

And yeah, I think I need to come up with a list of things I can do that don't take much focus. Going for a walk is a good one, especially with the weather cooling off a bit. The first few days into a dry spell are always a bit scattered, unfocused, and fidgety, but it will settle down soon enough. I just need to make it to that point.  I've found even small household chores (dishes, laundry etc...) are a good way to keep my hands busy without much mental effort required.

 

 

 

[Sovellis]

Once they got up and moving, Sovellis felt alright. In the clear blue sky the sun shone brightly and warmly, contrasted with a cool breeze. He had to admit, Noor was right about the whole not being hung over thing. Midway through the day, however, his poor sleep began to catch up with him. Focusing on just keeping moving, he put one foot in front of the other, following his friend until she decided it was time to set up camp for the night as the sun sunk towards the horizon. While he would normally have been talkative and jovial, joking and telling stories as they sat by the fire, eating their dinner, he found himself staring blankly into the fire, or off into the darkness as he ate his meal mechanically. He hoped that as tired as he was he would be able to sleep better tonight.

 

<------<<<

 

Definitely hit a wall halfway through the day. I was planning to play skyrim or something, but I think I'll just put on some bad tv and veg. 

 

1. Sent the email

2. Walked for an hour and a half

3. Swept, watered the garden

4. Had a discussion about the heathen concept of honor and read

[Dusk]

Wall or no wall, you still met your goals! Yay!

[petefeet]

 

Definitely hit a wall halfway through the day. I was planning to play skyrim or something, but I think I'll just put on some bad tv and veg. 

 

 

My wall usually is between 3 and 4, whether am or pm it doesn't seem to matter. If I can power through that barrier I'm usually good.

[Rurik Harrgath]

Sovellis!  I'm back for to follow this challenge and enjoy some fine writing and challenge-annihilating.

[Sovellis]

After more tossing and turning than he had hoped for, he discovered that he had finally fallen asleep when he was wrenched awake from a rather distressing nightmare. Looking around for the source of his fear, the memory of the dream faded quickly, leaving him with a vague sense of discomfort. He lay back down and eventually was able to return to sleep. He woke two or three more times before the sun rose, but he still felt more rested than the previous day when he poured himself a cup of coffee. The sun shining in a bright blue sky for a third day in a row was certainly helping his mood as well. He found he was actually looking forward to the day.

 

<------<<<

 

Slept significantly better last night, but I was woken up rather suddenly in the middle of the night when my girlfriend's costochondritis flared up bad enough that we nearly went to the er. The doctor at the urgent care clinic had recommended making a follow up appointment with her pcp, but also said that if the pain got worse to go to the er. I really hope it doesn't flare up like that again, because she is stubborn as hell and probably should have gone to the er last night but kept saying no, despite the fact that she was crying because it hurt so bad. Ugh! I don't know what to do about this, she's scaring me. She has an appointment with her pcp, but not until monday. *sigh* I guess it's ultimately up to her what she wants to do, I'm just her support staff in this. 

 

As for me, woke up an hour earlier today than I did yesterday, even before my alarm, so that's good. Point 5 is going strong so far, no secondary symptoms beside the sleep problems so far, not even really cravings, which is awesome. I know it will get harder as I keep going. I think I'll start a tracking bar for it, visual representation of how much I've done and all that. Trying to think of stuff to do for 1-4 today. Here is what I have so far:

 

1. uuuhhhh.....

2. want to slack line, but my knee has been really acting up the past few days.... maybe lift? iunno

3. sort boxes in the craft room and throw out ones we don't need

4. read

[QuietRiotGrrrl]

Hey!  I just found and read up.  I really like your story time!  I'm definitely needing to stalk your challenge now.

 

I hope your girl's chest pains are something her doc can help  That sounds scary.

 

And good luck with the not drinking!  I really only know people who drink or who used to drink, so I haven't seen as much of the chosen dry spell struggle.   Sounds like that's going well for you so far!  

 

And here's some Bruce Campbell, just because.

[Sovellis]

Hey!  I just found and read up.  I really like your story time!  I'm definitely needing to stalk your challenge now.

 

I hope your girl's chest pains are something her doc can help  That sounds scary.

 

And good luck with the not drinking!  I really only know people who drink or who used to drink, so I haven't seen as much of the chosen dry spell struggle.   Sounds like that's going well for you so far!  

 

Yeah, I've only met a couple other people who use this strategy to manage their drinking, but it really seems to be the right choice for some people. For me, the first couple days are usually no problem, we'll see how it goes as time goes on.

 

I hope so too, because it is scary, and given my sleep issues, I had taken sleep meds and was a bit nervous about driving her to the er. Maybe I should forgo the meds tonight and just struggle with sleep on my own.

 

And I'm always glad to hear that people like my little story! I swear it's the number one reason I've been able to stick with this whole fitness thing!

[petefeet]

 

 

Slept significantly better last night, but I was woken up rather suddenly in the middle of the night when my girlfriend's costochondritis flared up bad enough that we nearly went to the er.

 

I know this is a serious issue and not to make fun of your gf but... when I read this all I could think was "They have a dinosaur?"

[Sovellis]

I know this is a serious issue and not to make fun of your gf but... when I read this all I could think was "They have a dinosaur?"

 

Lol, omg, I just laughed so hard I got the bird laughing too! 

[Sovellis]

(Trying to figure out how to frame some stuff that happened yesterday, story might be a tad delayed today. Also, I may have surprise company staying with me tonight, so much cleaning needs to happen)

[Nymeria]

Take it easy on that sore knee.  Those things always seem to get worse if they aren't given proper rest.  A sore knee sounds like a good excuse to just hit the upper body and core stuff.

 

How will having company affect the dry goal?  I've always found it much harder to avoid drinking when I also feel like I need to be a good hostess and serve some wine or beer.  

[Sovellis]

Take it easy on that sore knee.  Those things always seem to get worse if they aren't given proper rest.  A sore knee sounds like a good excuse to just hit the upper body and core stuff.

 

How will having company affect the dry goal?  I've always found it much harder to avoid drinking when I also feel like I need to be a good hostess and serve some wine or beer.  

 

I was just thinking about this. I grew up in Wisconsin, so it's been ingrained in me that if you have people coming over, you have beer or wine or something to offer them or you're a bad host. I could offer them the flavored vodka I have left (eew, gross!), which doesn't tempt me in the least, but I think the better option is just explaining that I'm doing a fitness challenge that means I can't drink. Framing it as a fitness thing seems to hold less stigma and be more easily accepted without question. I could offer them a smoke, I suppose. Might have to be enough. If not, I'll cook them dinner, that should more than make up for the lack of drinks, right?

[QuietRiotGrrrl]

At my brothers wedding (in WI of all places) they served only non-alcoholic ciders, just lots of flavors. and out of fancy cups.  They are uber-conservative religious folks though.  But I think offering any kind of beverage should be good enough.  And if they want an explanation the fitness challenge aught to quiet that right up.