Day 173

Day 173 Sober – A New Kind of Buzz

Back at Champions.

The last time I was here, I left in a fog — not from the morning mist or campfire smoke… but from drinking so much I don’t even really remember the campground. I ended up staying at my aunt’s site because I couldn’t safely drive home.

Fast forward to today:

🎃 Trick-or-treating started at 1 PM.

🍬 The kids were hyped.

🍹And like clockwork, the Jell-O shots were everywhere… handed out to adults at nearly every stop.

I used to live for that. The cooler would be stocked. A few beers tucked into my hoodie pocket. My eyes would light up seeing adults pass out shots like candy. It wasn’t about the kids — it was about me getting lit without judgment.

But not this time.

Today, I was stocked with Capri Suns and water bottles.

Today, my eyes lit up watching my kids’ faces when they got their favorite candy bars.

Today, I was Taco Dad… carrying them on my shoulders, leading the charge to each campsite.

All around me, the party is ramping up — louder voices, unsteady steps, slurred laughter. But I’m not in that world anymore.

I’m present.

I’m proud.

I’m the dad my kids need.

And tomorrow?

I’ll wake up with a clear head, no regrets, no “what did I do last night” anxiety.

I’ll remember this day for real — not just a blurry highlight reel.

I’ll remember their laughter, the joy in their eyes, and how it felt to just be there.

That’s the kind of buzz I want to chase from now on.

🛑 173 days alcohol-free

🧃 Plenty of Capri Suns

💚 And not a single Jell-O shot needed

Let’s keep going. One day, one moment, one choice at a time.

#SoberDadLife #1PercentBetter #TacoDad #CampingWithKids #TheAverageDadCookingChannel