“One thing I always find amusing is if I’m in a situation and it comes up that I don’t drink, and someone decides they need to give me a rundown of their drinking habits.” I find that people say they “don’t drink that much any more” which is not the same as living sober, but they are trying to show kinship.
Kathy, reading your story was as good as going to an AA meeting…gave me the same good feeling. I am immune compromised so going to meetings is not possible for me. So thank you! It was great to feel that AA camaraderie again. We were both performers…you a band member and I a litigator😁. Alcoholism kills many … we are fortunate to have gotten sober. Here’s to loving our sober lives😁
I’ve bought Kathy’s memoir and am looking forward to reading it! I had the good fortune to see the Go-Gos at my first concert in the early 1980’s at The Greek Theater in LA❤️ wonderful memories.
Despite not ever having a drinking or drug problem, I am so joyous that you are where you are. You're a lady with lots of guts, which we New Yorkers appreciate very much. Write and play well.
Thank you for mentioning the part about development stunting to the age you started drinking. That was a big thing for me to not only understand and accept so I could stay sober. A lot of people don't understand that concept.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so relatable to my life, and I just ordered the book from the library...sorry, I am low on cash right now, but I will review it someplace. I was in a band. It felt so good to drink and get number, and then go on stage and just scream out my feelings.
I appreciate this line: "I am extraordinarily blessed that I didn’t get in an accident and hurt anyone, get DUIs, or go to jail." because it could've happened to any of us, and I struggle with being a white woman and my privileges around this - like my kids were never taken away. Anyway, I love the Go-Gos. "Automatic" - my favorite song. Can't wait to read your story.
I found your take on being around other drinkers interesting. I'm not a big drinker. Truthfully, it makes me really sleepy. And my default is vanity and I see the sugar content in alcohol as being not terribly helpful. But I do enjoy the company of friends who imbibe, quite a bit. So much so that I have a running New Year's mock resolution with them that I want to drink MORE in the New Year because they sure make me giggle a great deal. Thankfully, it remains a joke. I'm a total lightweight when it comes to booze.
So happy to have stumbled on this~ to be able to connect with a member of one of my favorite bands only to discover that she and I have so much in common. I would have replied in so many of the same ways about my own recovery. Thank you Sari and so grateful to connect Kathy~ can’t wait to read your memoir.
This… “If I knew I had one day to live, I wouldn’t think, fuck it I’m going to drink! I’d want to be present, unfiltered and feeling all of it.” ❤️
Yes!
Love this post !!!! LOVE
So glad!!!
“One thing I always find amusing is if I’m in a situation and it comes up that I don’t drink, and someone decides they need to give me a rundown of their drinking habits.” I find that people say they “don’t drink that much any more” which is not the same as living sober, but they are trying to show kinship.
"I don’t feel as though I’m missing out on anything by not drinking." Quite the opposite, and well-stated.
Kathy’s the BEST! Great interview 🖤🖤
Kathy, reading your story was as good as going to an AA meeting…gave me the same good feeling. I am immune compromised so going to meetings is not possible for me. So thank you! It was great to feel that AA camaraderie again. We were both performers…you a band member and I a litigator😁. Alcoholism kills many … we are fortunate to have gotten sober. Here’s to loving our sober lives😁
❤️ (Kathy, Anne did one of these, too: https://oldster.substack.com/p/ask-a-sober-oldster-13-retired-lawyer )
thank you!
I’ve bought Kathy’s memoir and am looking forward to reading it! I had the good fortune to see the Go-Gos at my first concert in the early 1980’s at The Greek Theater in LA❤️ wonderful memories.
That mount have been amazing.
You're in for a treat. She's a superb writer.
Despite not ever having a drinking or drug problem, I am so joyous that you are where you are. You're a lady with lots of guts, which we New Yorkers appreciate very much. Write and play well.
Thank you Myrna xk
"I live in a permanent state of gratitude" should be everyone's daily affirmation. Enjoyed this post.
Yes! I loved that, too.
Kathy! That’s awesome, congrats on your 30+ yrs of sobriety.
Thank you for mentioning the part about development stunting to the age you started drinking. That was a big thing for me to not only understand and accept so I could stay sober. A lot of people don't understand that concept.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so relatable to my life, and I just ordered the book from the library...sorry, I am low on cash right now, but I will review it someplace. I was in a band. It felt so good to drink and get number, and then go on stage and just scream out my feelings.
I appreciate this line: "I am extraordinarily blessed that I didn’t get in an accident and hurt anyone, get DUIs, or go to jail." because it could've happened to any of us, and I struggle with being a white woman and my privileges around this - like my kids were never taken away. Anyway, I love the Go-Gos. "Automatic" - my favorite song. Can't wait to read your story.
I found your take on being around other drinkers interesting. I'm not a big drinker. Truthfully, it makes me really sleepy. And my default is vanity and I see the sugar content in alcohol as being not terribly helpful. But I do enjoy the company of friends who imbibe, quite a bit. So much so that I have a running New Year's mock resolution with them that I want to drink MORE in the New Year because they sure make me giggle a great deal. Thankfully, it remains a joke. I'm a total lightweight when it comes to booze.
Enjoyed reading this.
Thanks, Sara.
So happy to have stumbled on this~ to be able to connect with a member of one of my favorite bands only to discover that she and I have so much in common. I would have replied in so many of the same ways about my own recovery. Thank you Sari and so grateful to connect Kathy~ can’t wait to read your memoir.