Less Alcohol - APRIL 2021 - One Day At A Time
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Everyones talking nachos or chips. Even Mr.Kitty is into them. 🤔7
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@globalhiker at first I thought that you had dreamed that conversation with your daughter. Not that it actually took place. You must have been exhausted for sure. Good catch by your husband.6
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@Lilylady3k your accountability stated in red text says it all. Alcohol awareness in true fashion. Good job putting the cork back on.6
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Hi : - )
I am going to sound like a broken record, but my goals are the same as they have been since January 2020:
16-20 AF days per month
NO drinking 2 days in a row
Keep 2 AF days in between drinks.
3 is my max or I throw up.
I joined this thread in November of 2018. At that time I was having drinks every day. My first week goal was to have ONE AF day. It was very hard. The same for the second week. Once I proved it to myself that I could have an AF day I dipped my toes into 2 AF days per week, then 3.
I have come to a place with drinks that I am very comfortable with.
Honestly, my main goal in drinking less was to lose weight. When I don't drink I lose weight. When I do drink I don't lose weight. Pretty simple right?
I am choosing my drink days in advance.
For those who just want to drink less, like me, it is good to say on a Sunday when you feel like having drinks that you will have to wait until Tuesday because that is the day that you scheduled to have a couple of drinks. Same for food. those who know me here know that I love Ribs. The way that I like to eat them (a whole rack) is 2600 calories. I went from having them once per week to once per month. Coffee Cream: I went from 8 tbsp in 2 cups of coffee to 2 or 3 tbsp in my coffee - when I did the math I saved 2 whole pounds of fat on my body in a year. Small steps. For me alcohol is the same. Cut back, drink less.
Here goes my diary style:
Thursday April 1st - Planned drinks (yeah, I know that it is the first day of a new month). Bittersweet day, the last day of skating until October. It was so awesome. I went from there to a trail, I was feeling kind of sad that skating was over, but also very grateful that I got to do it at all. The lake where I posted photos skating upon is all water now, but...there is a mated pair of swans!!!!
Friday April 2nd - AF - tomorrow will be too so as to get my 2AF in a row.
Saturday April 3rd - AF - just trying to stay consistent with my goals.
Rolling total: 2 AF days out of 3 days
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@MissMay
I appreciate your kind words. Yes, I have leaned out by drinking less for sure! Thank you for noticing : - )
2 years ago:
This year:
Happy Easter everyone : - )9 -
mainelylisa wrote: »Insomnia is bad these days. I planned-ish a beer and a movie around 2a, knowing I'd be waking up around 1:30. Well, only Corona Lights here--not worth a drink ticket. So Mr. Kitty and I shared some nachos while watching Sliver.
0 out of 5 drinks this week
OMG, if I watched Sliver I would never sleep again!!!4 -
@globalhiker
Good catch on the tortilla chips. Yes, 140 calories for just 6 does not sound worth it. And really, who can eat just 6?
A chicken breast is like 80 or 90.
Good catch by your hubby too, on the Rose!
This will be your first drinks in a very long time!5 -
@lmlmrn
Great job on the certificate : - )
Yes, antibiotics generally can't do their job if there is alcohol in the system.
You have been fighting this for sooo long. I really hope that the medications help to relieve and to cure you.
I am sorry that you picked up this virus from somewhere, but am really glad that it isn't the other virus.
We all need to be very careful up here, the variants are spreading like crazy, but now to young people and children - more contagious and more dangerous. We are only 15% vaccinated in my province still, although we are starting to finally be receiving some more. Many of those that got Covid and lived have contracted it again. Argh.
My sinuses are bad (I believe) from wearing a mask at work.
The best that we can do is stay fit and healthy, protect ourselves and carry on. Our town is full of Alberta license plates for the long weekend. We are in lockdown here in BC, Albertans have been told essential travel only. Sigh.
Okay, not to leave this post on a sombre note:
What do you call a toothless bear?
A Gummy Bear
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Hi all! Happy birthday @chocolate_owl !!!! Welcome newcomers, all!
What a busy week, so much so that didn’t even realize I needed to look for the April thread. Very long days at work, spring cleaning, tons of errands and paperwork means I fell into bed every night. Plus, after being recently connected with distant relatives in Germany and talking with them constantly, now I’m re-learning German!
Joy of Joys, my boys are home from college this weekend. I love spending time with these two amazing men!
I love seeing everyone’s goals, and how people here share their triumphs and struggles. We all have both and it’s heartening to know I’m not alone.
Did pretty well this past week, but last night I had two glasses of wine with dinner. I just cannot handle that second glass of wine. I just can’t. Need to get back to my micro sips to make the drink last through the meal.
Happy Easter to all those who celebrate!!6 -
2 glasses of wine last night as planned. Now for an AF evening before I allow myself another
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month. Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.
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62 AF days done! This does something to your brain for sure.
I have no drive to drink and no idea of what alcohol to buy. My thinking is clouded by the 4 pints of Haagen Daz in my freezer.
ENJOY YOUR DAY !!!!
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@lmlmrn Congrats on your progress! Sounds like you are on the path towards wellness!
Immunity starts in the gut which needs to be loaded up with billions of probiotics. Watched a program last night about glyphosate (herbicide in lots of our foods) messing with gut flora and resulting in immunity problems, low vit D, and imbalanced hormones and neurotransmitters, and instigating common disease like arthritis, depression, autoimmune conditions, infections, etc. What an eye opener. Motivating me to be more selective about what I eat.
@dawnbgethealthy the skating makes you radiant. Can you drive north a bit to higher altitude and ice skate on some lakes that are still frozen?
Hi @Womona you are reminding me to get cracking on my German workbooks so I am ready for a long hiking trip in Austria, Bavaria and throw Switzerland in there why not....
@Lilylady3k Paella and wine sounds delicious...!
@mainelylisa you and me both, on the insomnia....guess we need to change up something in our routine, wish I knew what...since I've tried just about everything...dark cool room, no reading off a screen before bed, forcing myself not to nap, etc. Maybe I need to buy new pillows.
@MissMay hope your move/house plans are going smoothly!
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Easter blessing to those of you who celebrate it, and peace to all.
@Womona I remember your kind and funny comments on the threads from what seems like several years ago. It's nice "seeing" you again.
To those of you who have partners or live with others who drink, how do you respond to their behaviors? My DH does an AF month once in a blue moon, and hoo-boy, it is so much easier for me to not drink when he isn't. I should probably have a think about how much I do or do not want others' behavior patters to influence my own.8 -
@ahoy_m8 - I'm totally with you on the influence of others ... especially DH. He buys wonderful wine and opens at least a bottle every night. When he cut back it was much much easier for me to also cut back. He knows I'm struggling trying to not drink every night to help with my weight loss. I find when I don't try to get "my fair share" I do better LOL No trying to see if his pour is deeper than mine, not trying to keep up with his # of glasses or his pace. Doing my own thing has been a challenge but I'm working it.
This morning for brunch they had bloody mary's and mimosas ... I so wanted one but only because it was brunch out and the temptation was there. But earlier this morning I said today was AF and I said it out loud to DH at the table as I pushed away the drink menu AFTER pouring over it like a sick puppy. He was not tempted with the brunch drinks LOL
Still AF today!6 -
Calling it AF ... did take a tiny sip of DH's wine to taste his new find
April accountability: 2/30 days AF
Alcohol: 2 days (5 drinks)
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month. Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.
4/1 - AF
4/2 - 3 wine
4/3 - 2 wine
4/4 - AF
HAPPY EASTER!!!8 -
Hello to everyone today,....I am Late to the party I see LOL
April week 1-4----3 days AF, 1 day with 3 Drinks
April week 5-11
April 5.....
April week 12-18
April week 19-25
April week 26-30
So with these meds I am on I am forced to be AF at least until the 12th which will most likely extend to the 17th...that is when my struggle will be real again (not like it every went away)
@ahoy_m8 and @Lilylady3k and the rest who have partner/spouse/co-dependent(?), I guess I got some of the lucky with mine. When I announced I wanted to drink less he was very supportive. We have worked out a system for us. He will buy what he likes to drink (I like it too but..) and I will buy a small something for me. On a planned drink day for me I have what I bought and any leftover gets put up. DH 'stash' he keeps put up for him, I don't touch and he will make a drink discreetly, not flaunt it, (I can still smell the drink) but he does not push it on me or offer any to me. it is working so far. I am usually the one who says....hey how do you feel about an adult beverage tonight?6 -
globalhiker wrote: »
@dawnbgethealthy the skating makes you radiant. Can you drive north a bit to higher altitude and ice skate on some lakes that are still frozen?
I wish! I think that it would be at least a 60-90 hour drive to find a frozen lake, and I don't get that much time off of work ; - ) If I could fly to Phoenix or Dallas out of Spokane I could skate some more in arenas, but the border of course is closed. Do you ever skate at the Scottsdale arena?
I go through this every year, but am extremely grateful that I can skate when I do.
I will daydream about it once I am able to get my hands in the soil of my garden for extended periods.
On a side note, I have tried roller-blading on many occasions, it really is not the same, the mechanics of it are not the same, and if you fall you do not slide. Well, you do slide, but it tears up your flesh ouch.
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Hi : - )
I am going to sound like a broken record, but my goals are the same as they have been since January 2020:
16-20 AF days per month
NO drinking 2 days in a row
Keep 2 AF days in between drinks days.
3 is my max or I throw up.
Here goes my diary style:
Friday April 2nd - AF - tomorrow will be too so as to get my 2AF in a row.
Saturday April 3rd - AF - just trying to stay consistent with my goals.
Sunday April 4th - Drinks. April showers bring May flowers and all of that. The trails were just...wet. I worked out indoors, got a bunch of little stuff done around the house, then had a few drinks several hours ago followed by water.
Rolling total: 2 AF days out of 4 days5 -
Hi all! Love the comments, encouragement and strategies here.
Nice Easter celebration yesterday, great dinner, nice relaxing day with the family. I taught my son how to make Easter bread and it came out fantastic! I also love seeing all the ladies and kids in their Easter dresses at church. The kids are like little flowers, so freaking cute.
Two glasses of wine- I need to not start that first drink before dinner is served. I think that would help. Also have to get better with micro-sips. I used to be so good at that but am out of practice.
I love the idea of planned drinking days. So, mine are Thursday (girls night out) and this weekend. We start paddle practice tomorrow night and it may kick off with a little champagne toast, so I’ll have my couple sips but not drink the rest. If anyone brings it.5 -
This year’s Easter bread.9 -
Hello all! Happy April
@globalhikerglobalhiker Thanks for the tip on tagging people - that helped me find this new thread as well. I think eventually I will figure out my way around these boards!
I am so far AF for April.
@ahoy_m8ahoy_m8 you were wondering about having others support in remaining AF at home, I was going to post about my experience then read your post!
It helps that my son who is an alcoholic is currently living with us. We don't keep any alcohol in the house in support of him. However, he left for two days to see his girlfriend.
The first thought I had when he left last night was "I want wine!". It was so reflexive/habitual!! The thought came at about 8pm. in the past, I used to beg my husband to drive and get me some wine. Isn't that terrible, send my husband to do the dirty work!! But, last night he was snoring on the couch and I stopped myself from asking him. I woke up this morning so happy that I didn't cave last night. And that I didn't ask him to go. Especially since wanting to drink wasn't intentional, it felt sneaky. My son's gone, so whip out the alcohol! Then we would have to hide the empties.
I read through all the posts. The one common theme I see for drinking is making it intentional. So, for April and going forward, if I do decide to have some wine I will be planning ahead
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On Easter, I broke my AF "fast" for the day along with my DH. Really enjoyed "microsipping" a delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I sipped the bottle away in a span of maybe 6-7 hours.
The first 3 hours or so were absolutely glorious and we celebrated being together. My wine devil was doing the dance of joy. BUT it all comes with a price......my guests left by the 4th hour, when it all went downhill:
at the 4th hour: DH who drank too quickly, fell asleep (passed out?) in his chair, snoring away very loudly...Made me mad and sad and I had nobody to chat with!
at the 5th hour: DH still snoring, I felt my blood sugar go low and the snack attack set in...my face was in the Haagen Daz ice cream. I went through 2 half containers. 990 calories? How can that be...went down so smooth
15 min later: throwing up.....my hyper-healthy system was pissed as hell at me and let me know it
at the 7th-10th hours: skipped dinner, not hungry, had stopped drinking and we watched a movie....I though if I sobered up before bed I'd be fine..
hours 11-18: slept horribly, felt hot, got up to pee every hour, then I'd drink water to rehydrate only to pee again
this morning: woke up with stuffy sinuses (I'm allergic to wine sulfites) and feel too tired to exercise.
So if I do the math, it cost me about 20 hours of "Unhappy" to indulge in 3 hours of "Happy".
Not worth it, so back to AF I go.....10 -
@ahoy_m8 yes it is much better when one's significant other is AF....and I find when a spouse does drink, it can disrupt the harmony in the house. The person being AF can feel left out, or angry seeing their spouse over-drink, or just get pulled in to drinking along with them.
With my DH, who used to drink daily, at first we decided to do 1 AF day, acknowledging that it was not too hard because his typical drinking hours were from 5-8, so we're talking about abstaining for 3 hours. He was sold on the simplicity of it.
The following week he declared he could commit to Tues and Thurs and we did that together. His idea.
Next he saw me go AF for a stretch and saw I didn't die! I never persuaded him to join me. I think he felt left out and he felt weird being the only drinker. He's competitive so he may have wanted to outshine me. This plus the fact he concluded that logically it didn't make sense to drink excessively each night and it was interfering with the next day's exercise activity, not to mention the beer belly expansion.....7 -
@Womona your Easter bread looks divine....!
@dawnbgethealthy ....you are right, there are a lot of indoor rinks here....they do tend to be loud and mega packed with children celebrating their birthdays but if I had the whole place to myself, I would try to skate.....
@Lilylady3k I never considered going AF on a holiday, but you proved it could be done and I'll bet right now you feel way, way better than I do 6 -
Happy Monday! Did great all week until yesterday. DH poured Prosecco and didn't stop until 2 bottles and 2 cans later. Ugh. We were having a great time on the deck with warm sun finally. Then per usual, I did a lot of crying even though I wasn't feeling outwardly sad. It's unusual for him to do that--I didn't have a plan and certainly am not good at saying no. Though I did try to moderate with a Fresca...until I didn't moderate anymore. So must make a plan with him.
Last week - 7 out of 5 planned drinks. Ugh.
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HELLO MONDAY.
Yesterday we met up with friends for Easter brunch at a very nice restaurant. Eggs benedict and bloodies. Holy cow were they SPICEY! Don't get me wrong, I love spicey, but yeesh my eyes were watering. Good thing I ordered the virgin variety of bloody Mary's. To much sodium. Upside, lots of fresh vegetables stuck in them.
I had planned yesterday to be AF anyhow since I was driving us to the brunch out of town.
*Golden rule #1 - NEVER get behind my steering wheel after a drink.
So my accountability for yesterday was AF.
April-
3-AF
1-A8 -
Sorry to hear the alcohol devil got under the skin of some of you over the weekend. I won't name names.
I have certainly been there in your shoes, I know what and how you felt before, during and after.
The sun does come out the next day and you will get through this. Please do not give up your quest to keep having less in your life.
Thinking of you all and giant group hug.7 -
@ahoy_m8 I used to totally resent my husband's daily/all day drinking. It seemed the more I complained the more he drank while I was trying to cut back on my consumption.
At some point he realized I was not going to turn onto a bore or fuddy duddy. I think that was his biggest fear. He eventually would make me mocktails or pour my kombucha into a fancy stemmed glass. It would have been easier and maybe a lot faster for me to cut back to where I am now if he had got onboard drinking less.
I can't change the world, only my little slice I stand on as far as drinking less goes.
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Well, here we are in April. Many of us experienced the reality/results of alcohol consumption over Easter. When I drink too much, I don’t sleep well (duh!) which in turn makes my husband lose sleep at a rate worse that me. The nicest thing I can do for my husband is to not drink.
April
3-AF
1-A6 -
@Womona all I can say is yumm yumm and more ymm
Ok now for the good news.....Modern medicine, drugs, can be amazing. Day 3 of antibiotic, steroid and nasal spray I almost feel human! My eyelid swelling is going down, I am blowing my nose less often and the biggest whoop whoop is I slept last night breathing through my nose 80% of the time. That does not mean I slept super well but the most solid I have had in almost 30 days.
I have visions of going to the gym, tasting my food, going for a walk and just generally having fun (less alcohol included)
@globalhiker wow the things are bodies tell us when we are able to pay attention because of less alcohol and we love that the body does this.
April week 1-4----3 days AF, 1 day with 3 Drinks
April week 5-11
April 5-AF, April 6.....
April week 12-18
April week 19-25
April week 26-30
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