Less Alcohol - DECEMBER 2020 - One Day At A Time
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mainelylisa wrote: »Happy Hump Day!
I've been reading some interesting articles around alcohol's affect on the brain and how it affects behavior. Some claim that the brain really doesn't go back to pre-alcohol abuse (which means different things to different people) for 1-2 years. Essentially meaning that the brain is still wired for getting a dopa alcohol fix rather than being normal like before we ever started drinking. When we do drink, and the wine devil comes back at 5 o'clock the next day, part of the reason is that the dopa has depleted and we need another fix. The more we drink, the more we need more to get the same feeling. Etc. I find all this fascinating.
Interesting stuff about dopamine. One would think if alcohol damages nerve cell dopamine receptors, there would be a medicine that repairs it, or at least expedites the healing.
Wow, does it really take 1-2 years for the "wine devil" to finally die off?
Seems I can keep the "wine devil" quiet and pacified if I eat and exercise, both of which raise dopamine levels. I am google-ing how to increase dopamine levels now....6 -
Turns out homemade pizza for breakfast is an excellent HiiT fuel at lunch! Which got interrupted with work, but my legs were ready for an interruption if you know what I mean.@globalhiker I think food and exercise is med that repairs the brain, along with time.
@Samand303 That looks delish! My son is a chocolatier at a small batch dark chocolate company. I wish I liked dark chocolate, but may try a piece with some oat milk and whipped cream for hot chocolate.5 -
My friends and I decided to hit a couple bars on the way home from work yesterday. My plan was to drink out and not to pick any more up to take home. The second part of that worked fine, it was the bars that took a toll on my plan. Drank more than I have in a while for one night. About three times as much if you add in all the shots.
Everyone seemed to be drinking the same amount as me so it wasn't until this morning I discovered I was in a world of hurt. Not wanting to go to work because of a hang over and for some reason my girlfriend is pissed and wont tell me what I did to put her in that mood.
What did someone write a few days ago? One step ahead, two steps back? I have to go buy some roses for my honey and find out what I did wrong.10 -
Dined out this evening celebrating DH's big raise + large bonus!!! We've been very fortunate this year.
2 glasses of wine
Back home and drinking hot tea before bed.
Dec accountability: 1/9 days AF
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New home for the thread, but the same goals for me, 16-20 AF days per month.
Tuesday December 01 - AF - Super long and stressful work day, I really wanted a drink when I finally got home, but over the past months I have been trying to "save up" my drinking days for happy occasions, not to relieve stress. Planning AF for tomorrow also.
Wednesday December 02 - AF - I think that this might be my 4th AF day in a row.
Thursday December 03 - Drinks. Work Stress drinks. I had just finished saying that I was trying not to do that. Instead of my usual 3, I had 2. It took the edge off. The 2 drinks prevented me from quitting this one particular job outright (I am a Merchandiser and work for several companies). I will sleep on it.
Friday December 04 - AF - Had to use resistance and a few 6 minute waits to not have a drink. I walked across the ice today of that bird sanctuary that I have posted a few times. Skating there tomorrow for sure! Photos from my lake walk to come later because I can't help it : - )
Saturday December 05 - Drinks. Skated on a lake today!!! Wondrous!! A friend joined me and then we had cocoa with peppermint schnapps after.
Sunday December 06 - AF - Tomorrow will be too.
Monday December 07 - AF - Added a little glitter, skated on a different lake today. Photos to follow.
Tuesday December 08 - AF - Argh, it warmed up to +7 (Celsius, 0=32F). I couldn't get out of work even for a quick trip to skate, hope it all doesn't melt again! Long day, too tired for drinks tonight.
Wednesday December 09 - AF - It rained here all day, so no skating. Planning on drinks tomorrow night.
Rolling total: 7AF days out of 9 days6 -
@Samand303 the power of suggestion with your holiday mug sent me directly to my holiday mug last night to be filled with cocoa to. Lurk all you want that is why we are an open thread and not set up as a private group, we cant help those who can not reach.😊
@mainelylisa what was your choice of HIIT workout yesterday? I am on month 3 of Chalene Extreme working with weights.keep that wine devil away from your door.
@CMB44512 tread that thin ice lightly with your GF. That is me speaking from experience from both sides of the drinking fence. What happened was you were quietly being influenced by your pals. You may have even lost track of how many drinks you had. We always have new days here to offer up and get a fresh start. Hope things went smoothly with your GF
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I haven't sat at a bar at all in 2020!
When Covid is over, not sure I will go back to that. I kinda like how that cost savings is growing rapidly in a mutual fund. I also like that I am not stuffing my face with free high calorie bar food.
Another planned AF day for me. Today should be easy. Pouring rain and it's quite relaxing actually.6 -
My friend texted me last night and I told her I'd call her after a shower. Called her, and she was on a slurring ramble. After a few minutes, she realized I wasn't her sister who apparently hung up on her (understandably). She had had Covid, and was going on and on about how she's FIIIINEEEEEE and it's all a conspiracy...."Lisa, don't you care about yourrrr lerberties???" It was sobering (pun intended) of how stupid I've sounded numerous times. I knew not to engage, but she pulled me in a few times. Our true colors shine through alcohol sometimes. She wanted her old Yorkie to die because he won't eat and pees on the floor. She doesn't seem to care that even though she's fine, people are dying. Because her lerberties are at risk! We'd all be horrified if people could read minds. But sometimes when we drink too much, they don't have to read our mind--it just spills out our mouth.
@cmb44512 Been there many times but my husband never wants to talk about what I did or said. I NEVER want to wake up not remembering again. Which isn't the same as guaranteeing I won't. But hopefully a start. Hugs to you.
@MissMay Your workout sounds much more brutal than mine. I like Heather Robertson's HiiT workouts. Regardless of workout, I always end up improvising part of it (aka, when I can't muster another squat, I just start randomly bop around).6 -
Saw this while driving slow and gawking around out of town today. Definitely grabbed my attention with this name.
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Tonight my sister was pouring so I'm going to call it 3 glasses of wine. She does deep pours.
Dec accountability: 1/10 days AF3 -
@mainelylisa
I do Heather Robinson/Robertson too! I like the 30 minute HIIT with weights. I do it a couple of times per week.
Every single day I do Fitness Marshall, songs are like 3 minutes and I do as many songs as I have time for.
Glad that your friend survived Covid, but really sorry to hear that she doesn't think that it kills people.3 -
New home for the thread, but the same goals for me, 16-20 AF days per month.
Tuesday December 01 - AF - Super long and stressful work day, I really wanted a drink when I finally got home, but over the past months I have been trying to "save up" my drinking days for happy occasions, not to relieve stress. Planning AF for tomorrow also.
Wednesday December 02 - AF - I think that this might be my 4th AF day in a row.
Thursday December 03 - Drinks. Work Stress drinks. I had just finished saying that I was trying not to do that. Instead of my usual 3, I had 2. It took the edge off. The 2 drinks prevented me from quitting this one particular job outright (I am a Merchandiser and work for several companies). I will sleep on it.
Friday December 04 - AF - Had to use resistance and a few 6 minute waits to not have a drink. I walked across the ice today of that bird sanctuary that I have posted a few times. Skating there tomorrow for sure! Photos from my lake walk to come later because I can't help it : - )
Saturday December 05 - Drinks. Skated on a lake today!!! Wondrous!! A friend joined me and then we had cocoa with peppermint schnapps after.
Sunday December 06 - AF - Tomorrow will be too.
Monday December 07 - AF - Added a little glitter, skated on a different lake today. Photos to follow.
Tuesday December 08 - AF - Argh, it warmed up to +7 (Celsius, 0=32F). I couldn't get out of work even for a quick trip to skate, hope it all doesn't melt again! Long day, too tired for drinks tonight.
Wednesday December 09 - AF - It rained here all day, so no skating. Planning on drinks tomorrow night.
Thursday December 10 - 2 drinks. I enjoyed them.
Rolling total: 7AF days out of 10 days4 -
@MissMay I had to look up Moderation to see if it was real. Not only real, but in Maine.
@Lilylady3k I applaud you for tracking even through non AF days. I would never be as productive as to log in my intake after 3 glasses of wine. I've played trivia and forgotten who won after 3 glasses of wine!
I started out the day with coffee and a green smoothie with intentions to exercise. I ended it with birthday cake M&M's and no exercise. Oh, and 2 kinds of Doritos in between. And pizza for lunch. Oh, and instead of running at lunch, I ran to Kohl's and bought a bazillion pairs of long underwear. What is going on with that? Well I am cold all the time and pretty much live, exercise, and sleep in long underwear, so there's that. I'll take some back.
But I didn't drink, so hoping this is just a hump day thing and hopefully not the beginning of a hump year thing. I realized and somewhat accepted tonight that this is likely to be the normal through ALL of next year, between vaccine shortages and all the people who won't take them. More time for writing, Chess, band name derivation, reading, gardening, and contemplating the Universe if I look at the glass half full.8 -
Yes @mainelylisa 45 minutes from me. I had to do a double take without smashing into the car in front of me. If it were "normal" times I probably would have stopped, parked and gone in to see what they were all about. Absolutely love the name they are going with. Right out there on Main Street for every passer by to see.
Forgot to mention your friend and the phone conversation with her. GAWD is all I can muster up. Especially the comment about her senior dog.😭
I wear the thin long underwear under my clothes all the time. And believe me YOU are skinny enough that it will not even show under your wardrobe. better warm than cold.
Off to do my morning workout. To put my mind in a happy place and recharge my endorphins ( if you read that fast it looks like dolphins, I would not want to come across a charging dolphin EVER)
AF last night
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I am hoping for AF weekend, that will be a first.4
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Another AF day. So yesterday I dashed out to the market because I was out of tomatoes, and guess what aisle was facing them? Wine aisle. I wasn't looking for wine, but on the top shelf were a bunch of new ones that caught my eye....they had a label on them with a runner's image...and it's called "Fit Vine".
Curiously, I picked one up and checked the label. 14% alcohol!!! EEEEK too high for me! And, how is this "fit"?
I put it back quickly and ran off. Really effective marketing idea because it lured me. Had it said 11% my wine devil would've begged for it. I was almost caught in trap there.....phew....!5 -
Planning an AF weekend also...I find it necessary, for me, to have a weekend to-do list prepped this way I stay busy, distracted, and stay out of trouble. Putting on my Santa hat and finishing off holiday online shopping...
No store shopping on weekends! Busy where I am at and see loads of out-of-town folks not social distancing or wearing their masks under their chin!!! It's holiday Covid season and stress and temptation out there is not something I need....4 -
2 wine this evening.
Dec accountability: 1/11 days AF3 -
New home for the thread, but the same goals for me, 16-20 AF days per month.
Tuesday December 01 - AF - Super long and stressful work day, I really wanted a drink when I finally got home, but over the past months I have been trying to "save up" my drinking days for happy occasions, not to relieve stress. Planning AF for tomorrow also.
Wednesday December 02 - AF - I think that this might be my 4th AF day in a row.
Thursday December 03 - Drinks. Work Stress drinks. I had just finished saying that I was trying not to do that. Instead of my usual 3, I had 2. It took the edge off. The 2 drinks prevented me from quitting this one particular job outright (I am a Merchandiser and work for several companies). I will sleep on it.
Friday December 04 - AF - Had to use resistance and a few 6 minute waits to not have a drink. I walked across the ice today of that bird sanctuary that I have posted a few times. Skating there tomorrow for sure! Photos from my lake walk to come later because I can't help it : - )
Saturday December 05 - Drinks. Skated on a lake today!!! Wondrous!! A friend joined me and then we had cocoa with peppermint schnapps after.
Sunday December 06 - AF - Tomorrow will be too.
Monday December 07 - AF - Added a little glitter, skated on a different lake today. Photos to follow.
Tuesday December 08 - AF - Argh, it warmed up to +7 (Celsius, 0=32F). I couldn't get out of work even for a quick trip to skate, hope it all doesn't melt again! Long day, too tired for drinks tonight.
Wednesday December 09 - AF - It rained here all day, so no skating. Planning on drinks tomorrow night.
Thursday December 10 - 2 drinks. I enjoyed them.
Friday December 11 - AF - Felt like having a brandy when I came in from skating on a lake, but I had drinks yesterday, so thought better of it.
Rolling total: 8AF days out of 11 days6 -
Let me start out by saying...I'm not returning any Cuddle Duds! First of all, DH thought they look pretty sexy. Second, the med tech taking my blood said my camo top was soooo cute. Third of all, 2 long underwear tops kept me warm without bulk on my wog yesterday. Fourth, I throw a scarf on over it and I look like a professional interviewer on Zoom (and it feels kinda rebellious interviewing candidates in long underwear). I'm in HR.
I wanted wine last night while watching The Affair where women were drinking wine at fancy garden parties. Of course, it made me want to be rich too. I'm still AF and not rich.
Wishing everyone a fabulous hangover-free weekend!9 -
In less than 3 weeks we will be into January. A time when most want to turn over a new leaf and have a healthier month.
How about a life style change? Moderation and cutting back on alcohol can prove to be a longer and lasting success.
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I might have gone overbeered.
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These are a few quilts I just had to get done and send out to my cousin’s daughter that has a 4 year old and twins. I had to do the math on making the blocks fit around the panels. I have to be sober to do that, and to quilt a decent design on them.
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@mainelylisa - I’m a sucker for the pictures on the beer boxes. I’m not a wine drinker, but put beer in front of me.....whew!
I had an AF Friday night, now hoping for an AF Saturday.5 -
So it's been 16 days AF and my devil is screaming at me, saying it's OK to stop now and hit the wine....ugh. I hate you, wine devil! Saturday nights he comes out to mess with me.
So sad, too bad for him the planned drinks tonight are pure pomegranate juice, "neat".
It's my pretend drink recently. Giving me a sugar high but I like it and it works.
Really looking forward to Christmas which will be my designated wine, Baileys, and Hennessey day....then I expect to feel like crap after so won't drink till New Years Eve. January I may just do a Dry January because for me it is way, way, easier to do AF straight than to drink one day on and one day off.6 -
mainelylisa wrote: »I might have gone overbeered.
Are we having a little par-ty Lisa? Drinking beer in those warm longies??
Read the blurb on the side of the lime green and cream colored carton. Love the name "Partake Brewing" Do a taste test and let us know which ones are drinkable.
If you and Jamie hit our towns botanical gardens lights show this year let me know and I will get you some of that jalapeno beer to try.(I live on the same road less than 1/4 mile from the entrance)3 -
@mainelylisa - I’m a sucker for the pictures on the beer boxes. I’m not a wine drinker, but put beer in front of me.....whew!
I had an AF Friday night, now hoping for an AF Saturday.
Beautiful quilts...that will keep your hands too busy to hold a drink. Very nice.5 -
globalhiker wrote: »Another AF day. So yesterday I dashed out to the market because I was out of tomatoes, and guess what aisle was facing them? Wine aisle. I wasn't looking for wine, but on the top shelf were a bunch of new ones that caught my eye....they had a label on them with a runner's image...and it's called "Fit Vine".
Curiously, I picked one up and checked the label. 14% alcohol!!! EEEEK too high for me! And, how is this "fit"?
I put it back quickly and ran off. Really effective marketing idea because it lured me. Had it said 11% my wine devil would've begged for it. I was almost caught in trap there.....phew....!
Oh really 14% alcohol?????? What than makes it fit? Thanks for the heads up, because although I do not drink wine I seriously considered trying it just because it said FIT. UGH5 -
@AR10at50 What beautiful work and what lucky lil ones! I crocheted a quarter of a baby blanket once in high school. Had there been so many tiny "dogs" back in the day, I could have called it a toy chihuadoodle blankie.
@globalhiker Much easier for me to go on AF streaks than moderate too. Perhaps because I've failed so many times at moderating.
@MissMay Yes--partay(k) of 1 (mua!) Partake is 10 calories. Didn't realize until after I bought it. It MUST taste like water poured into a beer glass with one sip left. However, had someone set a Brooklyn Special Effects in front of me in a stein, I would have NO idea it was AF. 103 calories totally worth it. Pairs excellently with homemade Vegan Butterscotch cookies without the Butterscotch (because they are NOT vegan).
Needless to say the scale is going to notice tomorrow, but I don't care. Much. When I had that second LARGE cookie last night I barely felt guilty because, compared to a drunken cookie binge, it's nothing. (Because a drunken cookie binge would suck in Cheetos, nachos made out of whatever I can find, a shot of whatever I can sneak, and likely a beer around 4am. And then junk food all the next day trying to make it go away and possibly spill into the day after if I drink on Day 2.)7 -
Wake up it's SUNDAY!
I used to look forward to Sunday's for an entirely different reason. They were my recovery day from the over indulging evening before. (So I thought)
They were no picnic, they were full of regret for what I may have said or done the previous night. It was a full day mind fog that some times ran into Monday as well. Needing to call off sick. How many of my clients knew and never said a thing I wonder now?
Everyone and every thing suffered in the house on those days. Oh gawd did the dogs get outside this morning and did I feed them yet? Maybe I got up let them out and went back to bed?
Hmmmmmm why is my car not starting? Oh because when I drove home pie eyed I left the head lights on?
Wallet?
Phone?
Gee I I thought I had more money with me last night, but my wallet only has a few bucks in it. What did I spend it on?
Where did that giant bruise come from on my hip?
Where did all these dirty dishes comes from?
Who is that passed out in the spare room?
On and on and on........
Today, Sunday morning, the only question I have is why can't some one fiqure out how to deliver eggs benedicts to me before 9:00AM?
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