Purple Dragon

I feel wretched.

I have a rotten migraine coming, and I am shaking.

I still have the children to feed and put to bed, and it isn't even 5pm so it isn't happening for a goodly while yet, even though I would love to put them to bed right now.

I think the combination of my mother in law dying, my daughter having her biopsy and subsequent diagnosis, and nearly losing my sister last week is finally settling in and the stress is showing itself.

I feel at the end of my tether and I so need rest, but I also feel like a complete fraud and drama queen for not being able to cope with this. Other people cope well when they have SO MUCH more to cope with, so I should be able to cope with this lot.

Not waving but drowning.

Thoughts for this morning:

We keep some alcohol in the house, but it is generally what we have been given and we tend to keep it for when we go to parties and need to take a bottle along. Kind of alcoholic recycling.

I can't remember the last time I drank alcohol in the house.

I never drink to the point of inebriation. I haven't for several years now. I shall blame my pals Shaz and Drumboil for my previous state of pissed-ness.

However, since becoming an (unintentional) non-drinker, I have noticed that everyone seems to think that alcohol is 'the answer'.
Bad day? Get pissed.
Kids driving you nuts? Get pissed.
Man won't put his socks in the hamper? Get pissed.

Is this some thing that is UK cultural? Or Western cultural? How to folk who aren't allowed alcohol (ie Muslims) cope with stress?

How has 'getting pissed' become such an acceptable way of dealing with life, and considered the norm for a Saturday night? Why is a person's level of resistance considered cool? I just smell the cork, and I'm pissed, and that is considered uncool. Not offered people anything better than a Coke, a tea (abeit several different types) or a coffee on visiting is considered peculiar.

Hmm. The hospital beckons, so I have to go. I look forward to your comments.