Well, kids, I have now been three years sans asparthame. The anniversary was on the 20th. I know this is a lame ass thing to celebrate, but it was seriously a problem for me. If I even smell diet pop, I want it. Badly. And, my sister tried to convince me to drink some the other day, so it's something to celebrate doubly because I didn't give in.
I know you're out there laughing at me and my Diet Dr. Pepper addiction. Don't deny it. I can hear you all the way over here.
And to be fair, normally, I would be right there with you saying that this a goody-two-shoe thing to be addicted to, but in my case, I was going through a 24 pack every two days. Imagine for a minute how many trips that is to the grocery store a week if you don't buy several cases at once. I couldn't sleep without it; I couldn't get up without it. I couldn't relax without it. I didn't eat anything because of it (which I blame for my weight gain, among other things, i.e. I like cheetos).
Some of you who've lived with me/spent a lot of time with me can attest to the "tower of cans" that I had in my dorm room at one point.
And I will say that this has given me a great deal of respect for people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. I can't imagine the kind of hell that must be to quit. It was hell enough quitting something considered pretty harmless by the Food and Drug Administration. So, if any of you are recovering addicts, I celebrate you, too.
At any rate, I am addiction free. And I am going to celebrate it. You may join me in the comments by sharing your own story if you feel so inclined.
Or feel free to taunt me as well. I know and appreciate the fact that I had a lame addiction.
Posted by LoWriter at June 22, 2006 11:33 AMOh, the tower of DDP cans...how much i miss it!!
Congrats on your big day. I've tried to give up soda numerous times and have failed. I must say i still enjoy a good Diet Dr Pepper, but am inspired by you & your ability to stay off the sauce.
Way to be.
(So says the friend who is currenlty on vicodin.....)
In my Chemical Dependancy class we had to give up sugar, and anything with sugar in the top three ingrediants, for a whole month. It's not easy, even when it is something that simple. I gorged myself on tootsie rolls in a moment of weakness during that month, how humilating...
so kudos to you!! i know it's hard to stay off any substance for that long. I am just surprised you haven't binged once, I probably would have...
Posted by: 10lees at June 22, 2006 02:54 PMWhen I was a kid I used to like Dew in a similar manner. Granted, I didn't go through a case in less than 10 days but it went on for years. One day, I just didn't like the taste anymore. It was all of a sudden gross tasting to me. I had to switch to other flavors for years. I like Dew again now but I really don't drink pop often. Once a week maybe.
I'm not trying to hijack the thread but why are you on vicodin mel? Is that why you weren't at softball on Tuesday? We won by the way.
Posted by: jeff at June 22, 2006 03:11 PMHooray for our softball victory!
Yeah, the vicodin is from a bad sprain to my ankle (thank you Ultimate Frisbee...) The doctor said i tore two ligaments pretty badly.
He also said it would be more painful than a break (which i agree with having broken a bone or two) and thus the vicodin prescription.
I was going to come watch the game on Tuesday but was very sad that i could not play...so i stayed home & sulked instead.
However, i do plan on being back the week after the 4th for sure :) I'm sure i'll be sporting an ankle brace though.
Seriously, Mel, get better soon!!! Because I was in the Roseville Park on Tuesday, and I totally could have watched you play. I was walking by!
10-- Thanks for the Kudos. I find that it's a lot like what alcoholics say. If I binge, then it's over. It just takes once, and I'm right back where I started. At least, that's how it used to go when I'd tried to quit before.
Posted by: Lo at June 22, 2006 04:06 PMi think my roomate is getting concerned with my consumption of Pirate's Booty. but you see, i feel justified here. i'm eating healthier all around, and i need an indulgence here or there. any normal girl (ie my roomate) would keep a gallon of low-fat ice cream or a bag of emergency m&m's around. but me? no... i am not a sweet person. i'm definitely salty. so i prolly alarm my loved ones. ah well. if an intervention happens, i know i'll break down, and it will be good.
Lo did you ever have an intervention? or was is more of "damn you and your cans!"?? or, were your roomies loving and wonderful and completely understood your addiction?
Posted by: dr gonzo at June 23, 2006 10:29 AMNope, no intervention. The peak came when I was living alone. My roomies were fairly understanding. They laughed about it anyway. I would have been like "Clean up your damned cans!"
I think most everybody thought my addiction was pretty funny.
I just got fed up one day. So, when I got my wisdom teeth out and couldn't have pop for a few days anyway, I just quit.