You know, I noticed this a couple of years ago...I would indulge in an extremely horrible bout of drinking, only to discover that this was the cause (trigger...whatever) - the whole PMS thing.  So after observing myself since then, it is definitely an issue for me (obviously I am not alone!).  It is what tripped me up last time, but at least I am aware now, and will be able to combat the urge to drink on the next go round.

On another note:

I've not quite made it two weeks (next Tuesday will be two weeks for me), but I have wanted to stop for so long, and I don't know if I will ever be able to fully express my gratitude for being led to AA before I lost everything.  The inner strength that I feel building daily, is incredible to experience, and getting a hug or two a few times a week is just wonderful...these people in my home group don't even know me, but they laugh, and cry, and encourage me, and hug me like we have been the closest of friends all my life.

What this has led me to believe is that one of the reasons everyone is so successful in AA who finds his or her HP, is that this is what I have always envisioned church feeling like.  This is what it's supposed to be like, and even though we have suffered, the wonderful feelings of belonging, and friendship, and love, and trust are what I at least have been searching for my whole life and make all of the pain and struggles worth it.  I am telling my deepest darkest secrets and shames to utter and complete strangers, and I am being met with nothing but love, support, and understanding...I stand in awe of AA, and I am honored to have come to be a part of this glorious fellowship!!!

Thank you for listening.

This video will either help your mood, or, depending on how severe your symptoms are, make you want to shoot me.

http://www.vh1classic.com/view/video/89948/sendto/index.jhtml

Welcome to LIFE, Jc. I am often grumbly, especially living in the land of snow and NO SUN for 5 months at a time..... grumpiness is part of LIFE. nobody said that when we got sober we get to forfeit the usual human feelings and moods. But the aftermath of a grouchy day is much better without the hangover the next day, I am sure you will agree!! You are doing great.... keep it up!!

Joni

Thanks for the video Dan! Anything involving Robin Williams makes me feel better. And I do feel better, thanks in part to all of you. When I got back from dinner and saw a bunch of responses it made me feel so good.

At dinner, my dear friend who is visiting us went to get a drink while we were waiting for a table. She came back with 2 glasses of wine and said, "Hey, it's happy hour! Two for one!" and started to give me the glass. I said no thanks, pointed to my husband (who looked panicked), then excused myself, took my little one outside, and called someone in AA for a reality check. The reason I'm now in a good mood: I didn't want the wine, and it didn't seem like a big deal. And my friend didn't blink an eye or ask why I wasn't drinking. I guess that's what "normal" drinkers are like.

Thanks again everyone! Good night!

(Don't you love mood swings?)

Wow Jen, another crucial moment and another call to an AA friend, your batting 1000. good going!