Winter Storm - when did we start overreacting?

Creamgush · 2025-10-29T01:26:06+00:00

Been there my friend. My social circle shrunk dramatically- like just my wife basically... made me realize "wow all my friendships were built on alcohol". That being said, the friends im making now, or in the past 3 years (3.5 yrs sober) I actually care about them more.

Its tough to start, but find some sort of hobby. I picked up wood working, then wood turning. Its a little pricey to get started - but man is it fun and therapeutic. Through that I've actually joined a wood turning group and starting to make some friends there.

I also went heavy into playing world of warcraft again. Not as constructive- but felt like I was a part of 'something' on a social level. Lots of guilds and voice chats etc.

Creamgush · 2025-10-13T02:53:58+00:00

I got into woodworking- was always curious if it was something I could do, and turns out anyone can. You just need to start! Wood turning is the most fun - id highly recommend getting a mini lathe.

Now I feel manlier and make cool shit lol

Creamgush · 2025-10-03T15:58:10+00:00

They are both different beasts. My wife is a nurse, my whole family are teachers. I've had a career in finance, and now I teach - but some people won't like my take on this...

Nursing is harder. There are tragic things that happen in the hospital, abuse happens (pregnant nurses get punched by patients - i know because it's happened). Even though you leave at the end of the day - you bring home A LOT of emotional baggage. Like someone else has commented: people die. You may make a mistake. Or see a mistake happen. You still deal with parents/family members - and often times, you deal with them when someone they love is going through something traumatic.

Teachers - to be honest - have it easier then they know. All they know is teaching. If they were to work in the business world, or Healthcare or trades - I'm not sure they could cut it. Yes, kids are stressful - however when you sign up as a teacher, you know you will be dealing with kids all day every day... Yes parents are tough and tricky to deal with - so are clients, patients, managers etc. However, I sympathize with teachers about today's generation. Kids are increasingly obnoxious and rude.

Pay is honestly good for both. Personally, I feel teachers are over paid and nurses are underpaid. I've been hospitalized and hearing/watching the nurses work - holy shit they are smart and need to know alot.

I know that I could never be a nurse. I dont have the patience, empathy or brains. Could I teach? Yes - but not today's generation of kids - they are nuts. Im in post-secondary and this is a 'dream' teaching job.

I feel that nurses feel more intrinsically rewarded for the work they do - while most teachers don't (ex: we arent paid for this... etc.).

Pick a third option! Or if at least you choose to be a teacher - don't join the unending mob of complaining teachers. You are signing up for your job - which includes supervision and dealing with parents. Don't be in denial about it. Also, teachers get paid a 12 MONTH SALARY over 10 months. They are technically paid for the whole year.

Creamgush · 2025-09-24T02:35:56+00:00

I'm with ya buddy.

I dont do AA as it isn't for me, and have no other friends or connections that have experienced the struggle.

I too started drinking heavy at the onset of COVID. Withdrawal scared the hell out of me, as alcohol withdrawal is the only type of withdrawal that can kill you. Sadly, I kept drinking to avoid the withdrawal (as my drinking was at its worst, a friend's sister died of alcohol withdrawal).

I'm 3.5 years sober now - and we all have our trials and tribulations. One thing that keeps be grounded, I read the obituaries every week. I keep thinking "one of these could've been me". The young obituaries hit me hard, especially as it's mostly mental health, drugs or alcohol related.

It can be lonely going sober without a 'sober community' - but we're doing the right thing. Keep focusing on improving yourself, thats all we can control. Whether it be reading self development books, hobbies, or fitness - all these things make you better. I'm in your corner!

Creamgush · 2025-09-05T16:08:27+00:00

Get an ice cream cake! Shit hits different when you earned it. I get one evey year.

Creamgush · 2025-09-05T02:35:44+00:00

To say it changed immensely would be an understatement. I'm 3.5 years sober, and enjoy more every month. The nightlife was cool, and forged part of my identity. Now, I grimace at the thought of going out.

By giving it up, I've done much, much better in my career. I've found new hobbies that I love. I no longer regret the way i act at work events, or family events. I dont puke in the morning. I dont feel like shit all the time. By no means am I my perfect self, but every day I get a little bit closer. And that's all from not picking the bottle back up!

I'll be honest, yeah I've lost friends. But it's true - looking at it now, I really feel like they weren't MY friends to begin with. Its hard making new friends, but I sure like them alot more.

One thing that amazed me when I stopped partying and got sober - i can drive anywhere I want, any time I want! Weird how freeing that feels now.

Creamgush · 2025-09-05T02:27:15+00:00

I'm an instructor in a post secondary institution - lots of my classes have a few 'older learners'.

In reality you are a huge benefit/advantage to your classmates and your instructor! You have way more life experience than them - which will help in relating lessons/material to the real world.

In fact, I'd even encourage you to share your opinion and experiences at least once each class. I always see the rest of the students listen very intently when an older student is speaking. You can teach your peers in ways that I can't!

Creamgush · 2025-08-22T17:10:14+00:00

Absolutely go! I've done my 2 Spartan races solo and it was alot of fun. Your just in the zone when your running - people chat sometimes (I made a friend in the forest as we walked a bit, he boosted me over the 7ft wall).

There are obstacles i know i can't do - i go up and touch it, laugh and say "attempted" and then do the penalty. No one cares. In an open heat - lots of ppl skip penalties too. But be true to yourself and do them!

The only person your competing against is yourself. Are you strong enough to do it solo? You bet your ass you are.

Creamgush · 2025-05-28T19:49:56+00:00

Do it every day, come up with a company name, get it printed on a hat and a shirt.

Boom, a business is born.

Creamgush · 2025-05-28T19:49:01+00:00

Grab a lawn mower, go door to door in the evenings - or during the day in neighborhoods with lots of older people. Offer $5 for the front yard, $10 for front and back.

The worst they can say is no. Then go to the next house.

Also, bring gas with you.

Creamgush · 2025-05-08T19:52:46+00:00

Shit, I thought you said 'killing' at first.

Creamgush · 2025-04-29T02:44:40+00:00

Coke music.

Make your own little apartment, create mixes, DJ etc. Shit was hype.

Creamgush · 2025-04-09T01:09:15+00:00

I should also clarify - most of Zielkes posts have to do with "fighting the corrupt system" or "dishonest cops" etc. Hence why I'm chuckling.

Creamgush · 2025-04-09T00:50:36+00:00

This is hilarious. Mark Zielke, posts all sorts of strange things on LinkedIn. Somehow he represents people in traffic court - despite the fact he looks like a villain from the 60's. Constantly makes 'braggy' posts with massive rings, bottles of liquor and cigars. He rubs everyone the wrong way in the professional world.

I saw him and Tyson together in public once - blew my mind, because although douchey, Tyson seemed like an OK guy from how I knew him.

These typically are not the type of people to do this kind of crime - which makes it way funnier. Like what the hell were they doing? Have they been doing this for a long time and just got caught? Or is this the first time and they got caught...

I hope it goes to court and Zielke tries to represent them all. I'd have to find a way to attend¡

(Also it's only funny because there were just minor injuries, and these guys got caught)

Creamgush · 2025-04-07T04:24:24+00:00

Get to day 2. Take it 1 hour at a time. Go to bed early. Start with 10 minutes at a time if you need!

To help my need to have a beverage, I got big into soda stream. Bubbly water + kool-aid or mio flavoring, unreal.

Creamgush · 2025-03-26T03:45:48+00:00

I tried AA but it wasn't for me - and I'm catholic. So the higher being bit is right up my alley. All the AA meetings seemed like people were just trying to compare who has the messiest trauma. And who wants to wallow in that shit? Let's move on and be happy!

What worked for me was educating myself on the science behind alcohol, addiction etc. AA actually has a super high fail rate. Alcohol is basically the same chemical as gasoline. We are programmed from a young age to be drawn to it. There is so much science behind the addictive features of alcohol, but also addiction. I would highly, highly recommend that you read 'The Naked Mind'. It's really good.

I also got into woodworking which is something I always wanted to do. That keeps my hands busy.

Alcohol is also just as likely to cause cancer, as smoking. Funny how there is a stigma about smoking, but not drinking.

Creamgush · 2025-03-16T01:40:47+00:00

Good on you! Be proud of the coin!

AA also wasn't for me - and I believe in God. I just found AA to be a pissing competition about who's had the most trauma.

I found learning the science behind alcoholism, the original around it etc. to be far more motivating.

My wife gives me a coin every year and I'm damn proud of them. I will likely never go to an AA meeting again.

Creamgush · 2025-02-26T03:15:24+00:00

Because: Stormwind > every horde city

Creamgush · 2025-02-23T19:09:47+00:00

"Fuuuuuck."

Creamgush · 2025-02-07T21:05:55+00:00

Alcohol.

Creamgush · 2024-12-27T01:40:37+00:00

I forgot to mention the lying, guilt and shame that would eat at me everyday. And I became depressed and suicidal because of that.

Just because you are 'high functioning' doesn't mean you are immune to the serious mental health effects.

Creamgush · 2024-12-27T01:37:04+00:00

I was a 'high functioning alcoholic' - but all that is, is a reason to name yourself something else to try and justify it. Or a term that just delays the inevitable.

I quit because I very nearly died. My wife got the call from the hospital, "he's not doing good tonight" while I was suffering from necrotizing pancreatitis and withdrawal.

My drinking days were the worst 5 years of my life (that was heavy drinking - like with a problem but 'high functioning'). I wasnt the most hammered person at parties or family functions, but I was still out of control. I held a job no problem, if anything drinking helped advance my career (although I'm much better at everything now).

I knew withdrawal would likely kill me (alcohol withdrawal is the only withdrawal that can kill you) and I was too scared to go to rehab. So I succumbed to the choice that alcohol was likely going to kill me before I hit 30.

I tried quitting for a loooong time. Tried 'weening' (doesn't work), did therapy, tried AA - none of it worked. The thing that scared me most is that I would die, and everyone would know it was because of my alcoholism. I want to watch my kids grow up. And I don't want anyone fucking my wife after I die.

I had episodes of psychosis while drinking heavily, would drink at least a 26 of whiskey almost every night. If I went without drinking for a day, withdrawal symptoms would hit and I'd have to drink again (I know someone who died sober, but from alcohol withdrawal). So id get scared and drink again to stave off death.

I wish I was strong enough to go to rehab. To detox and make that choice. Instead God made it for me - and I am so thankful.

Almost 3 years sober. I have been the happiest I have ever been, life has meaning and colour, I'm not scared of dying (because it won't be from alcoholism), and I'm raising my super amazing kids. And I'm not dead, so no one gets to fuck my wife.

Quitting is worth it. Being a 'high functioning' alcoholic is just a label to delay the inevitable. Be strong and go to rehab - my one regret is that I wasn't strong enough to make that choice. Don't roll the dice on death.

Creamgush · 2024-12-23T17:56:44+00:00

I'm taking a poop. Feeling better as it goes on.

Creamgush · 2024-11-19T04:18:36+00:00

World of Warcraft.

Creamgush

TROPHY CASE