Less Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2022 ~ One Day At A Time
Replies
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Been able to quit drinking for 9 to 12 months at a time, mostly when I've changed houses, states, situations.
Then I get cocky and think I can drink just a little. Just a little....just a little more...turns into a lot more.
Isn't that the defination of insanity ??
First snow in Da'Burgh, first fire in the woodstove. Catpuccino has now taken over the slate hearth.
Made a batch of crab rangoons for the freezer...had wrappers left over so made some with spinach & feta.
Y'all travel to foreign climes via air, I visit in my kitchen.
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October accountability: 7 days AF
Alcohol: 12 days (30.5 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.
10/17 - AF @ book club
10/18 - 3 drinks ; DH & I had no plans to drink and no wine in the house! But then my sister dropped by with 2 bottles of wine and wanted to join us for dinner. Best intentions derailed.
10/19 - 1 small HH margarita @ book club4 -
Hello group! 🦋
Maybe a sober October?
10/1-10/7: AF
10/8-10/14: AF
10/15: AF
I was with my parents yesterday. They make me want to drink.
10/16: AF
10/17: AF
The demon that is my work anxiety is back. I’m glad I saved a few places to check on job hunting this weekend. Gives me hope 🌞
10/18: AF
10/19: AF but I don’t know how
I received some scary results from my mammogram screening yesterday and got called to go back in for more tests this morning. As I have made known, I have a touch (ha ha) of anxiety. My mind is going from one extreme to the other. Not sure what to do with myself. I am glad to be able to confidently tell the doctors I am not drinking if it comes up. (39 days AF)5 -
@joans1976 I hope it all turns OK. We’re all on your side! Hang in there.
@MissMay congrats on finding an awesome townhome!
AF the last few days, but I have two dinners out this weekend, one that includes coming for cocktails, dinner and then sitting around the fire pit with S’mores, and the after dinner drinks will be flowing. I will need to pace myself and take micro-sips. A little nervous, TBH. Ah, I miss the heady days of not giving what I drank a second thought!4 -
Hi : - )
I am Dawn.
I live in SE BC, Canada.
I joined this group in November 2018, and had my very first AF day in many many years then.
My usual goal is 16-20 AF days per month, and have maintained that for a few years until September of this year when I had only 14AF days (couldn't resist the daily Margaritas in Mexico I guess).
I do this diary style.
Friday October 14 - Drinks - I was almost euphoric finally finishing work for the week last night. My short term tenant finished his 6 weeks of schooling and also left yesterday. I felt so happy and free. This weekend I will be digging potatoes after pulling all of the rest of my peppers and tomatoes. I am hoping to have one more week before digging up all of my carrots and beets. The house will get cleaned some other time
Saturday October 15 - Drinks - Made a good dent in the yard, many hours left to do
Sunday October 16 - AF - Continued working on the gardens, time is running out before a hard freeze expected to begin next weekend. Prioritizing certain things, beets and carrots will have to wait. I won't get much time during the work week.
Monday October 17 - AF - Worked out of town, of course felt like drinks when I got home, just didn't.
Tuesday October 18 - AF - Into a very heavy work week with late nights. Cold weather and rain are in the forecast with so much of my garden needing harvesting and very little time to get it done before the rain (and snow??) begins Saturday morning. Definitely can't add alcohol into that mix. Planned drinks late Friday after work and probably Saturday as I start to peel and cook stuff during the rainy day.
Wednesday October 19 - 2 drinks. I had no intention of having drinks, I was just sooo tired and didn't even feel like eating. I quite enjoyed the taste of those drinks and the sensation. Planned AF for Thursday.
Rolling total: 12AF days out of 19 days.3 -
Hello everyone
1 glass of wine last night but it literally took 4 hours to drink it, not sure why I even bothered LOL, so I think my anxiety drinking is winding down and coming to an end. so yeah.
I am still committed to this 12 week lifting program I started 3 weeks ago. I like that it is structured and is 4 days a week. The first week I was nothing but sore sore sore. Week 2 started to focus more on form and weights used, this week upping some weight, lower others so that the last 2-3 reps are hard to complete. Reps, weight and and sets all vary depending on the move. So it is fun.
@joans1976 keep us posted7 -
@lmlmrn I am 100% convinced that lifting weight is so beneficial. Did it for 16 years very diligently and I do think it's one huge longevity and youthfulness secret. It boosts growth hormone and that makes us young . I so wish I could be as motivated as you now.
Exercise in general I find gives me better self-control and positivity throughout the day. When I skip it, I always pay the price. Always.
Your post helps me contemplate that I need to focus on me and getting in my dose of exercise sanity before I devote the rest of my 12-16 daily hours to work. I have not been doing this and thus, have been off-kilter.
Tomorrow is the day to start fresh and make me priority #1
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@joans1976 you are at the 40 AF day mark - super well done! I expect and wish for good results to come you way.4
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Hello group! 🦋
Maybe a sober October?
10/1-10/7: AF
10/8-10/14: AF
10/15: AF
I was with my parents yesterday. They make me want to drink.
10/16: AF
10/17: AF
The demon that is my work anxiety is back. I’m glad I saved a few places to check on job hunting this weekend. Gives me hope 🌞
10/18: AF
10/19: AF but I don’t know how
10/20: AF
So after testing I have one lump with a 95% chance of malignancy that needs to be removed and another lump that is “suspicious.” I have needle biopsies of them both on November 1st. Not great news but they didn’t act like it has spread so I’ll take that as a win. Trying to stay off Dr Google. No desire to drink but a strong desire to hide under the covers. Life must go on!7 -
@globalhiker I know exactly what you mean about the exercise. I lost use of the pool in the beginning of September and miss it tremendously. I struggle to find time/stamina to get more movement in on work days. What do you do that you work such long days?2
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@joans1976 oh gosh, so sorry. Hopefully, if it it is cancer, it’s nice and small and contained and they can just pluck it out. You’re a smart girl to stay off Dr. Google!!!!4
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One glass of wine last night. It was a big pour that I didn’t even finish.
@lmlmrn I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my energy now that I’ve started doing strength workouts again. I go three times per week. I don’t lift heavy, but without having a class to go to, I’d be lifting nothing! Glad you are seeing benefits. But oh yes that initial soreness! Ouchie!4 -
@joans1976 we are thinking of you and fingers crossed. The word biopsy ( no matter where) puts me in a spin.
Hugs your way.
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My workout weights are still in my moving POD.
I ended my work jobs on Sept 7, drove in the car 1,600 miles over an 8 day period with only walking excursions.
Weighted workouts(and weighted job related work, example:wheel barrow filled with mulch or soil) have been my key to happiness. If you ever have the chance to get weighted hand gloves, do it. (I am not talking about boxing gloves)
Now, how do I incorporate my huge 9'×5' gorilla mat into my new smaller digs? I suppose I don't really need a sofa in the livingroom 🤣
So yea, @lmlmrn @Womona @globalhiker I love weighted workout too.5 -
@forestdweller1 yes I heard Pitts got flurries already. Hunker down and stoke that wood fire!
How's kitty doing?
I was also spitting coffee out my nose at your boyfriend comparison comment. PRICELESS!5 -
Hi : - )
I am Dawn.
I live in SE BC, Canada.
I joined this group in November 2018, and had my very first AF day in many many years then.
My usual goal is 16-20 AF days per month, and have maintained that for a few years until September of this year when I had only 14AF days (couldn't resist the daily Margaritas in Mexico I guess).
I do this diary style.
Wednesday October 19 - 2 drinks. I had no intention of having drinks, I was just sooo tired and didn't even feel like eating. I quite enjoyed the taste of those drinks and the sensation. Planned AF for Thursday.
Thursday October 20 - AF - Really felt like having a couple of drinks, but I have a very long workday on Friday, so didn't. I may (probably will) have drinks Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Squeezed in an HIIT with weights (Heather Robertson) early Thursday morning, the first time in awhile even though my aim is to get that in once or twice per week. Good for the skeleton I understand.
Rolling total: 13AF days out of 20 days.6 -
Hello group! 🦋
Maybe a sober October?
10/1-10/7: AF
10/8-10/14: AF
10/15/10/21: AF
Rolling total: 21 days AF
Overall: 41 days AF
This feels good. I don’t feel like drinking alcohol would improve anything in my life right now. But if I was under a beach umbrella on white sand next to turquoise waters and someone handed me an alcoholic drink with an umbrella in it, I wouldn’t turn it down 🍍🧉6 -
October accountability: 8 days AF
Alcohol: 13 days (33.5 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.
10/20 - AF @ camp with my mom; Clausthaler Grapefruit non-alcoholic beer while mom had a "real" beer.
10/21 - 3 wine ; mom & I opened a bottle of wine with dinner & movie
Visiting my mom for a long weekend at our camp house where we moved her into when we sold her house next door. She is liking the smaller space and all one level which is great! The place was my grandfather's 2nd house, then my aunt used it, then my mom bought out my aunt when their dad passed and rented it out for years, then my mom sold it to me 5 years ago. This weekend my chore is to finish cleaning out the house of all the previous owners stuff that I didn't deal with earlier. Especially the garage and attic since they were packed with junk that no one ever tossed. Donating to the voluntary fire dept garage sale that is held annually 1st weekend of November. Also made a pile for my aunt & uncle of their stuff they probably forgot was here. We also went through mom's clothes yet again. She moved from a house with 4 closets and 5 chest of drawers to my house with no closets and 1 chest of drawers ... there are 2 small antique armoires. Taking more to the consignment shop today.
My plan for the rest of the stay is no more alcohol! The bottle of wine we opened last night was left over from my sister's last visit ... I didn't bring any. She is influencing me even when not along side. Mom and I were sitting outside grilling and FaceTiming my sister who had a glass of wine in her hand and before I knew it mom & I both had glasses too. Hmmmm
Anyway ... I brought Betty Buzz non-alcoholic mixers and club soda for happy hour and I need to stick with my plan Sat & Sun night.5 -
@joans1976 - Wishing you the best outcomes with your breast biopsy. It is great that you are following through and getting yourself checked and addressing the issue when found!
My sister at age 43 in 2006 found a lump and ignored it for too long ... which ended in stage 4 cancer. She is alive and well today due to a very caring and aggressive oncologist that still sees her 2x per year and her daily cancer pill.
Oh and my mom that I'm always harping on LOL she had breast cancer at age 50 and now drives me crazy at the nice age of 85.
There is much life to be enjoyed after you get through this short period of stress. Stay true to yourself and we'll be thinking about you!
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@Womona @lmlmrn @MissMay @dawnbgethealthy @globalhiker and others
I absolutely love my Strong & Fit class which uses light hand weights (3-8 lbs ... some use up to 25 lbs) and body weight for strength training. In the 1 hour session we do usually 3-6 mins depending on the length of the songs ... warmup, squats, arms, back, triceps, biceps, lunges, shoulders, core and cool down, The teacher which is 70 and in great shape leads the class 6x per week. She changes the routine and songs every 2-3 months. I try to make it at least 1 per week and have gone as many as 4 times a week. I can either attend in person or over Zoom.
Example is try doing various lunges to Hotel California 6min with a 15lb bar weight (or hand weights) ... it burns!
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@lilylady3k I hear and relate to the down sizing. We all know it is eventually necessary. Good job done on that, plus it is a true workout at the same time.
I'd like to ask you a question about your Sister. Have you ever explained to her your desire to have LESS alcohol in your life?
From many many of your past posts your goals seem to be on target until your Sister is around you. WE ALL LOVE OUR FAMILIES, but I sense you get off track more than not with this one family member.
If I am out of line I apologize in advance. If it might be closer to the truth, then maybe it is time for a heart to heart so she supports your health goals for and with you.
❤❤❤
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Found another eatery that serves H-00. This now makes only 3 😫
They have never heard of my favorite non-alcoholic beverage Clauhaster citrus. I bought a case of that before I moved 1600 miles away. Drank the last one yesterday.
We have our first set of friends arriving Oct 31 from back where we lived for 2.5 days. They will be doing some serious drinking while here. I have to have my THinking brain turned on full force.
Good thing is, they both know I enjoy my non-alcoholic beverages and they make NO quam about that. It is wonderful to know some people appreciate you without judging you on what your beverage of choice is while in their company.
To me at least that makes them a truer friend.
October 21 accountability:
Alcohol days- 7(14 drinks total)
No alcohol days- 14
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Hi : - )
I am Dawn.
I live in SE BC, Canada.
I joined this group in November 2018, and had my very first AF day in many many years then.
My usual goal is 16-20 AF days per month, and have maintained that for a few years until September of this year when I had only 14AF days (couldn't resist the daily Margaritas in Mexico I guess).
I do this diary style.
Wednesday October 19 - 2 drinks. I had no intention of having drinks, I was just sooo tired and didn't even feel like eating. I quite enjoyed the taste of those drinks and the sensation. Planned AF for Thursday.
Thursday October 20 - AF - Really felt like having a couple of drinks, but I have a very long workday on Friday, so didn't. I may (probably will) have drinks Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Squeezed in an HIIT with weights (Heather Robertson) early Thursday morning, the first time in awhile even though my aim is to get that in once or twice per week. Good for the skeleton I understand.
Friday October 21 - Drinks. Planned drinks Saturday afternoon. It is snow raining! I don't even have all of my garden out. I can't cover what I do have out when it is wet like that. Going to get into some cooking today with potatoes: Potato stews with various meats and my own onions garlic and peppers, curried ground beef with potatoes, peppers, onions, and chick peas. I have to clean and make space on surfaces first, but still tired from a very long work week, just drinking coffee so far. I had a Shingles shot yesterday, I had a one and done years ago, but my pharmacist suggested that it would only be around 50% and this new one of 2 doses spaced out by at least 8 weeks will be more like 97%. My arm is sore, but I am very happy to have had the expensive shot - I watched my Mom go through Shingles, and one of my sisters had it twice, the second time on her face!
Rolling total: 13AF days out of 21 days.
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Busy day for you Dawn. How many pounds of potatoes did you harverst?
Good for you for getting the shingles shot. I actually had shingles this past August and never knew it. I woke up and noticed an odd rashy patch on the right of my belly button about the size of a half dollar. It kept getting reder and brighter.
I went to the clinic and they said it was a rare case where the only symptom is the red rash. No itch no burn no pain. I had to buy this really expensive cream to help it go away.
I was extremely lucky.
And will be getting the shot once we move into our new place.
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10/1- A
10/2-10/3-10/4-10/5 AF
10/6-10/7- 10/8 - A
10/9-10/10 10/11- 10/12 - AF
10/13- 10/14- 10/15 - A
10/16 - 10/17 - AF
10/18 - 10/19-10/20-10/21-10/22 - A - went completely off the rails this week- i almost left the group because I'm embarrassed but decided to just log it and try to do better.6 -
@lilylady3k I hear and relate to the down sizing. We all know it is eventually necessary. Good job done on that, plus it is a true workout at the same time.
I'd like to ask you a question about your Sister. Have you ever explained to her your desire to have LESS alcohol in your life?
From many many of your past posts your goals seem to be on target until your Sister is around you. WE ALL LOVE OUR FAMILIES, but I sense you get off track more than not with this one family member.
If I am out of line I apologize in advance. If it might be closer to the truth, then maybe it is time for a heart to heart so she supports your health goals for and with you.
❤❤❤
@MissMay - The only place around Houston that seems to sell Clausthaler citrus non-alcoholic beer is Total Wine. Might check around to see if they have that liquor store there near you.
@MissMay - You are not out of line at all. @dawnbgethealthy has noticed the same association concerning my sister.
Yes I've explained to her over the past two years that I'm trying to cut back and not drink as much. She knows that I'm tracking my intake. She knows my reasons ... lose weight, our grandmother being an alcoholic, etc. And DH has told her he too would like to drink less. But it is in one ear and out the other.
I told her I was not bringing wine on the girls' trip with mom back in early October but she still brought 2 bottles for the room. She left a bottle at the camp for me last time she was here knowing I was the next one to check on mom. And she opens many bottles when we go to her house or she brings them to ours. AND the cosmos pitcher that she brought to my son's house a couple of weekends ago when I was there well aware that I love them (which I did not drink that evening YEAH ME).
She doesn't drink alone usually. But when with friends or DH & me she always wants us to drink with her.
DH even told her last week that we didn't have any wine and were not planning to drink but that she was welcome to come over for chili. Our thought was wine doesn't go with chili. But then she showed up with 2 bottles.
So though we have said something about cutting back and/or we don't plan to drink ... she still influences us. I've actually cut back inviting her over just so we don't open bottles of wine. It is hard to cut family out of your life ... especially when they live near by ... never married and no kids of their own. BIG SIGH.
I've just got to get more will power myself and learn to stop at 2 when around her. That would be a great step in the right direction!
AF ! This evening with my mom ... she had a beer and I had a non-alcoholic ginger beer! Think I'm going to make my 12 AF days this month!
October accountability: 9 days AF
Alcohol: 13 days (33.5 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 -
@dawnbgethealthy & @MissMay
I've seen enough people in pain having shingles internally and externally that it is definitely something to avoid!
DH, my mom & I got our 2 shot Shingrix last year (you have to space them between 2-6 months apart). Talked my sister into getting hers this month too.
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Hello group! 🦋
Maybe a sober October?
10/1-10/7: AF
10/8-10/14: AF
10/15-10/21: AF
10/22: AF
I really considered having drinks (plural) last night. I felt like I needed something to take my mind off the biopsy coming up. However, my anxiety has been so high lately I was afraid the alcohol might make my anxiety worse and then I would be stuck. I had chocolate instead 😎7 -
@tmbg1 Im so glad you didn’t leave the group! We need you here!
@Lilylady3k I’m a people pleaser so I gave it no thought when they said I needed to come back in and now that I need a biopsy. My best friend went through horrible, aggressive Stage 4 lung cancer that spread to her bones just this past year and I was her primary caregiver, seeing that was pretty difficult, so if I can get this taken care of as early as possible, I will. I’m a little concerned as they moved the biopsy up from Nov 1st to October 26 but hopefully that just means quicker results, quicker treatment.6 -
10/1- A
10/2-10/3-10/4-10/5 AF
10/6-10/7- 10/8 - A
10/9-10/10 10/11- 10/12 - AF
10/13- 10/14- 10/15 - A
10/16 - 10/17 - AF
10/18 - 10/19-10/20-10/21-10/22 - A - went completely off the rails this week- i almost left the group because I'm embarrassed but decided to just log it and try to do better.
10/23- AF- bouncing back!5
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