My Cranky Recovery

Ever used a live hand grenade as a centerpiece at a dinner party? It’s not conventional, but a lit stick of dynamite can look quite charming tucked next to the salt and pepper shakers. You might also consider placing a landmine next to each table setting. You won’t find tips like that in etiquette guides … Continue reading Host Gifts for a Disordered World →

I have to do five things, all the time, to stay comfortable in sobriety. Taking my meds every day is one of them. I bought these earrings from Etsy. They are the structural formula for a specific molecule, rendered in silver. People often ask me about them, which gives me the opportunity to say, “They’re … Continue reading Keeping It Together in Sobriety: Part Two of Five →

Welcome to the MCR sober author interview series, featuring Kristi Coulter, author of Nothing Good Can Come from This. When, what, and where was your last drink? My last drink was about six years ago in the thrilling environs of my living room. I don’t know exactly what it was other than some kind of white … Continue reading Cranky Interview with Sober Author Kristi Coulter →

I am a runner in recovery. There are a lot of us: people with addictions who have sobered up and now get our fixes with running shoes on our feet and numbers safety-pinned to our shirts, but that’s not actually what I’m talking about. I’m a runner recovering from running itself, and so I shall … Continue reading The Only Way Through Is to Stop →

I went out last night. “So what?” you may wonder. “Who cares?” It’s a reasonable question if you’re a normal person Let’s review some terminology. “Going out” is a basic unit of measurement of social interaction. If we ask someone to go out, it’s a request to spend time together; to do something fun; to … Continue reading Let’s Stay in Tonight →

Every year, Facebook memories makes sure I won’t forget an idyllic Mother’s Day of the past, which started with a breakfast-in-bed menu written in crayon. I got to choose between toast and cereal, and the fact that it was two hours earlier than I would normally eat was unimportant. Only half-awake, I blissfully ate my … Continue reading Trampoline of Truth →

Whatever model or program or approach or belief system you employ, your recovery is made better by the presence of fellow travelers. In other words, people who share your diagnosis are prepared to listen to your bullshit and talk you off your personal ledges. This is true of every affliction. Whatever your diagnosis, you need … Continue reading Where Are Your Others? →

For anyone who doesn't know, AWP is the annual gathering of approximately 12,000 writers and editors held at rotating locations around the US. It's the mother ship. It calls us home each year. We all know the stereotype that writers are heavy drinkers. While not every writer has spent years and thousands of dollars to … Continue reading A Sober Person’s Guide to AWP →

a misty remembrance Stemware was standard, of course. I preferred wine glasses with a certain heft, a solidness. Most of mine were clear, but I once bought a violet blue glass I liked, and should have loved, but never did. At a Renaissance fair in the 80s, I bought one made from pottery, thrown on … Continue reading The Things I Drank From →

Welcome to this month's sober author interview, featuring the amazing Alexis Paige, author of Not a Place on Any Map.  When, what, and where was your last drink? It was thirteen years ago—Professor Plum in the Billiards Room with a candlestick. I like to play this game of drunkalogue in the form of…a Jeopardy Question, a … Continue reading Cranky interview with author Alexis Paige →