LESS Alcohol ~ JANUARY 2023 ~ One Day At A Time
Replies
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One of the art associations I belong to is having a reception this Friday night. I submitted my art this week for the show they are having. (I am new to this organization as of a few weeks ago)
The woman signing in my entry asks what I would like to bring to the reception for Friday. I attempted to say I would bring a finger food, but she was quicker then I as she blurts out "you can bring a bottle of wine". (OK, this is gonna be a fun conversation I tell myself) So I leave not signing the list for what people are bringing. I am sure they will enjoy my cooking, as that in itself is art, am I right on that one!?
OR maybe I show up with an NA wine bottle...........
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Robyn here. I have been a part of this fun and interesting group for a few months and have significantly reduced my alcohol intake. I'm drinking less for health and weight loss.
Goal: 16-20 AF days monthly. Last Month: 16 AF days. I post the next morning.
1/1: Drinks (0.5)
1/2: AF
1/3: Drinks (1)
1/4: AF
Nothing fun to report today. My weight is down this morning. I've missed two days of working out (hubby sick and cortisone injection yesterday into a bum knee) and I've gone way over my calorie goal both days. Is it muscle loss already or is it because I'm now making sure I get protein (25g) and fiber (5g) into meals early in the day as well as for dinner? My plan for tonight is to get on the Peloton for at least 30 minutes and to have my last A day for the week (goal 3 A days weekly). Can I, am I willing to, limit my wine to just one glass or will it be the usual two? Tune in tomorrow—same Bat-time, same Bat-channel ...
Rolling Total: 2 AF Days out of 4
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I really do find the posts on this discussion to be so REAL! It's refreshing. Other discussions can be inspiring or bring you to a new way of thinking, but this one is just so relatable. Thank you to all who choose to share, to be honest, to be exposed.
Last night was my first night of real cravings... I beat them - but I know it's just a foretelling of the next few weeks. I am holding strong.
The WAPO article was really cool to see the results that can be achieved in Dry January. I bookmarked it to look back on January 31 and remind myself that what I'm doing is so much more than being present and alert in my life.
-Georgia
Jan 1-4 - AF!9 -
@dawnbgethealthy Hugs to you on your Shingles vax side-effects. I've got to get my first one. I'm so glad you mentioned the 3-month steroid-injection wait because I just had an injection yesterday into a knee. I was going to schedule one soon. Hope all goes well with the ankle!
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@looneycatblue We've all been there and done that (some of us - me - only a couple days ago) so I feel your pain. Sometimes it takes a single day of falling off track to have a lot of days of staying on track.5
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Hello everyone
Yeah AF last night
Jan 1 .5 drink
Jan 2 AF
Jan 3 AF
Jan 4 AF
Gosh I am loving this Zero Proof Drinks & More book. I have now made lemon/lime/grapefruit Shrub, Mint Syrup, Pomegranate Syrup, Hop water, lemon/lime syrup and expresso, honey/vanilla syrup. Now one or more of these combined with tonic water, club soda, seltzer water and maybe an extract and ice. I am sipping 2-3 of these a night whoop whoop......now if I can keep my face out of the chip bag or chocolate bar .....
DH and I have agreed on 1 day a week A day for me. He does have a 'shot' or two in the evening but it is done so it is not in my face. This transition from working for 40+ years to being retired is going to take him a bit to get his sea legs.
@MissMay I think you should bring an AF wine and your food choice. That sets your expectations. Oh btw I just finished a new Mandala with green tones....thought of you as it unfolded.8 -
@Sinisterbarbie1 Thank you for your thoughtful response. I lurked the Sobriety thread that disappeared and I think I've seen you mention cancer on the forums before. Also you have my favorite username, so I always pay attention to your posts. I have only had two people say something really inconsiderate when they learned about my diagnosis and I just blew it off. The only person at my work who knows what Im sick with is the scheduler and one receptionist I am friends with outside of work. I currently have Stage 2A invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma Grade 3. You 100% hit the nail on the head, the waiting is the hardest part. I was supposed to find out about chemo and HRT Tuesday and then the whole plan changed and we are doing scans next week to see if the cancer has spread to my bones. Which it hasn't. I dont really know what to do with myself while waiting and if Im not careful, I get anxious and sad. I go for walks and I talk to my cat about it. Im in therapy with a psychoncologist. I DO want to have a plan so I can start planning my future and working on beating this. I feel kind of in limbo. I can handle radiation and chemo, just tell me where to go and when. I'll figure out how to deal with the rest. I believe you when you say its easier with a plan.
ETA: So glad to hear you survived TNBC. I know that is an aggressive, scary one. I am ER/PR+, HER2+ -. I have been feeling grateful mine has not spread. I try to stick to cancer.org and peer reviewed articles because Dr Google is a scary, misinformed place!
The people on here are very supportive too, I dont really talk about it on the other threads Im on or on my profile.
Thank you for your advice!9 -
SunnyDays930 wrote: »My husband and I went to a restaurant/bar for lunch...we always sit at the bar, you just get better service. I immediately asked what kinds of NA beer they have and said Stella so we each ordered one. Not the best but it was adequate. There was a woman there that was clearly a regular, lamenting how she had been here on New Years Eve but got so drunk she could not accompany her husband on their planned outing that night. It just made me think of how many times drinking has ruined my own plans. I'm trying to keep things like this in mind in case I get tempted.
Off to watch the grands with my hubby while the "kids" go out for a much needed respite. I would never dream of drinking in front of them so no temptation tonight.
@SunnyDays930 Thanks for sharing. What a nice contrast between your story and the woman's. Very inspiring.
Also, I can't remember your words exactly, but your tip about playing out how the story ends has helped me on more than one occasion, not only with regard to taking that next drink, but also eating and other things as well.
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SunnyDays930 wrote: »
Goals for 2023
Less alcohol, more tea
less tv, more books
less sweets, more nutritious snacks
less impatience, more empathy
less self criticism, more self acceptance
May you all have a blessed and beautiful New Year. I am glad to be here with you.
Love how you paired "less" goals with "more" goals. Also loved the cat stories, @forestdweller1! And lovely beach/fireworks photos!
Happy new year, LA friends. These holidays were the most low key I can recall- sad but warm with those that could be here, lots of quiet family time, not a hint of drama. Went through all the same holiday motions but seemingly with less effort, less friction, more peace. Maybe it's age, or maybe the sadness tamped the volume down, but whatever it was, it was nice nonetheless.
Visited cousins in NM after DH's birthday through new year's, had lots of nice hikes, discussed new year resolutions. I'm more of a Lenten observance person than a resolution person, but both require taking stock of the course I'm on and making course corrections to end up where I want to be. I track my weight & intake in a spreadsheet, and as I cracked open a fresh sheet this week I revisited 2022 reflections and the 2021 reflections I didn't want to lose track of in 2022. Looks like I thought harder in 2021 than 2022 (there were some things I accepted and stopped thinking about). It's also nice to see habits I aspired to change and what actually did (or did not) change.
In spreadsheets past, I started with a weight related goal, just as a matter of habit since the genesis of the spreadsheet was as a weight management tool. I'm letting that go this year. I do gain weight when I stop tracking, but really slowly and it has proven to be manageable. I was in the middle of my maintenance range almost all year, and that's where I am now, so other goals deserve more focus. Like strength training! Lawd, I want to get back on track and rebuild lost strength. Much more impactful than a weight goal for me here & now. My other goal is to play tennis once/wk. I haven't held a racquet in years! But a couple pickleball lessons with a friend at the end of 2022 made me realize I miss it. So that's my "more" goal in place of "less" goals.
Cheer to all!7 -
@lmlmrn I now have that book in my Amazon cart. I've been teetering on purchasing it, but once I saw the words "Hop water", I'm all in!4
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mainelylisa wrote: »This thread has gotten so active--it's mahvalous! (I'm practicing my terrible New England accent in prep for heading to FL, where I'm hoping to actually have some semblance of a social life
) So saving most comments for the weekend when I can dive in. But did want to say, @looneycatblue to be kind to yourself. I think sometimes our unconscience has plans for us we're not aware of--I know mine does and I just try to be mindful what's happening inside. Also, just last week read that shaming--by others, or much more commonly by ourselves, increases anxiety and is likely to be a driver for further drinking to cope!
I've struggled 2 consecutive nights with restlessness/insomnia and thought (2 hours apart) about having a drink (with Ted Lasso
)--the second time pulling a chair over to see into the depths of the liquor cabinet, but reminded myself that I'm trying to wake up at 5 every morning to be productive and have some me time. And that my gummy would hopefully be kicking in...at some point.
Still at
for the week.
Awww, thank you, I needed to hear this! True, we can be harder on ourselves than anyone else! 3 -
RockinRobyn672 wrote: »@looneycatblue We've all been there and done that (some of us - me - only a couple days ago) so I feel your pain. Sometimes it takes a single day of falling off track to have a lot of days of staying on track.
Thank you... yes, and I kept this in the back of my mind all day yesterday, to give me the reason not to drink last night... stuck with my Kumbucha and limited after dinner snack. I love the Trader Joes Vanilla Meringues! So sweet, crunchy, and 4 fairly large ones for only 90 calories!
I am feeling so much better today than yesterday! Need to keep this in my memory too!8 -
Tally:
3 AF / 1 A
I stayed on course last night, AF! I am feeling terrific today, mentally and physically. It was a little hard to fall and stay asleep last night, but the sleep I did get was great! No hot flashes, racing heart or feelings of remorse.
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January accountability: 3 days AF
Alcohol: 2 days (6 drinks)
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 20-25 AF days this month.
1/5 - AF - Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Grapefruit Beer while DH had the last glass of last night’s wine and a bourbon & coke
@MissMay - I vote for you to bring a pitcher of AF specialities that you have up your sleeve.9 -
Went to eat with my large family tonight for a sibling's birthday. Normally, no one drinks much of anything but tonight half of the group had beer. I was so tempted to join in. But I feel quite committed to myself- I made a goal and I want to meet it. So, I had club soda.
I think the test will come this weekend; my hubby and I plan on going to our regular pizza spot where we usually share a bottle of wine. I'm wondering if I should let myself have one night A per week. I'm still thinking about it.
Jan. 1-5 AF12 -
Jan 1- AF
Jan 2 - AF
Jan 3 - AF
Jan 4 - AF
Jan 5 - A11 -
Last day with my grandbabies. AF today
1/1 - 1/ 5 AF11 -
Feels like this group is off to an amazing start!
Day 5 AF done. I am finally sleeping good, like good, deep, REM sleep, relaxing dreams and all. No nightmares. (It took several weeks since I started in Dec.)....but I sleep amazing now.
All the holiday chocolates are eaten, the ice-creams gone along with the diet sodas. My refrigerator is starting to look normal finally. What a relief.
I try to focus on just one more day and not over-think or think too far in advance, then my brain gravitates to when my next drinking event could be and gets me into trouble. My goal is to just get through Friday AF and have a pleasant day.
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AF today. Got the bulk of the crap packed up tonight and ready to load into the car in the morning. No super cool adventures today, just kicked around town a little before coming back to the cabin for the evening. Wife and grandkids walked most of the way down the hill and back with me. I can feel a difference in my physical condition, the first time doing the hill left me crazy sore.
We stopped at the grocery and I thought about grabbing another 6 pack of that Yee Haw Dunkel to take home, but decided against it. However, I may try to stop back at SMKW if the wife doesn't threaten to skin me alive over it...
-m8 -
Friday already - where did the week go!
It's a holiday here in Sweden today and the one I think is the biggest waste of the whole year Give me one in the Spring or Summer not a couple of days after New Years when it's snowing! Pifffff to Epiphany.
5 Days out of 5 AF for myself and my wife for January so all good. As usual when I stop drinking I've been craving sweet things in the evening. This is really strange for me as I have the least sweet tooth ever. I don't even get dessert at a restaurant. (I could inhale salty snack though). I guess its my body missing the sugar from the booze. Had a little bit of plain popcorn to distract myself.
@missmay I know I'm not aligned with most but I'd take a normal bottle of wine. The others would appreciate it much more than AF and I assume the point is to share things. I'd probably to a little of your finger food too so they know next time to put you on munchies duty. It's more important for me to make people happy if I can.10 -
Hello! It’s Amanda, I’m back. It’s a new month and a new year! I’ve been thinking about 2022 and 2023. I’ve got some goals for the year and staying 98% AF is one of them. I love this group, I love this thread, it really works.
1/1: AF
I saw my mom yesterday and she was talking about cutting back on the wine again. She knows my dad needs to cut back too but 4:00 comes at their house and it’s like an alarm goes off, the wine gets poured. I simply told her I would support them however I could.
Back to work and doctor’s appointments this week.
1/2: AF
Sad and nervous today. Sticking with my meditation goals so that’s something.
1/3: AF
Sad and nervous today too. Considered coming home and drinking vodka while I was in the doctor’s office yesterday. I didn’t but the feeling was real. I know I’m supposed to be strong but I’m not sure I can make it through this breast cancer *kitten*. Ah maybe I’m just feeling sorry for myself.
1/4: AF
Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I gotta dig deep and find my happy place.
1/5: AF
Feeling better today. Plans to get out of the house this weekend. Lovely weather, 32, drizzling and gray. Warm for Michigan this time of year.
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@RockinRobyn672 (and everyone that might have missed it) The reference of "play the whole movie, how does it end?" was from this Kate Bee Blog. I urge anyone exploring sobriety to follow Kate Bee. Her blogs are brilliant! Here is the link to the specific one I referred to earlier.
https://thesoberschool.com/playing-your-christmas-drinking-movie-to-the-end/6 -
Robyn here. I have been a part of this group for a few months and have significantly reduced my alcohol intake. I'm drinking less for health and weight loss.
Goal: 16-20 AF days monthly. Last Month: 16 AF days. I post the next morning
1/1: Drinks (0.5)
1/2: AF
1/3: Drinks (1)
1/4: AF
1/5: Drinks (1) - For date night last night, we each only had one glass of wine (one small victory). Adding the two that we didn't drink to the jar, we saved $25.
Rolling Total: 2 AF Days out of 5 (but only 2.5 drinks total)9 -
Good morning! Last night was my first outside-of-the-house temptation. Went out to dinner bc my daughter’s college roommates are in town. Local spot with the best sangria.
I stood firm. Helpful that the girls are only 19 and DH didn’t get a drink!
Happy Friday!
Jan 1-5 - AF
- Georgia10 -
I am Dawn, I live in SE BC Canada
My ongoing goal remains, 16-20 AF days per month.
Last month I had 18AF days
I do this diary style to keep track, and post the next morning
.
Sunday January 01 - AF - Had many side effects after my 2nd Shingles vaccine
Monday January 02 - AF - Slept only 1.5 hours all night, part of the promised 7 days of vaccine side effects
Tuesday January 03 - 2 drinks - Woke up with the promised rash down my arm in the morning. Friday I am getting a steroid shot in my ankle joint, hence the rush to get my second Shingles shot or I would have had to wait 3 months. I will have to stay off of my feet for 48 hours which will be hard for me. Apparently it is very painful once the local anasthesia wears off for a few days. Not sure if alcohol is allowed or not, but only ice and Tylenol can be used for pain.
Wednesday January 04 - 2 drinks
Thursday January 05 - AF
Rolling total: 3AF days out of 5 days.8 -
Hello everyone
I was not AF yesterday but I have now counted that as my 1 day a week count. So no going out this weekend. Which is fine.---I hope.
I had 2 beers mid afternoon, then 2 wines in the evening. It was pleasant, nothing earth shattering, relaxing.
Now I need to find something to keep me busy in the evenings again. I have my "mocktail" bar set up...gosh I am liking this approach. I have glasses laid out so I have a choice. I have my syrups and shrubs made...now it is just deciding on which one to try from the book......I think tonight I am going to do something with the hop water...Hoppy Morning, Not my mom's manhatttan or New fashioned. LOL oh lordy these are fun
Hop Water - 4 C water + 1/2C hops boil and seep 5-10 min, strain.
Hoppy Morning:
2.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 C sparkling hop water (1/4C hop water 3/4 C sparkling water or seltzer water)
1 slice grapefruit
Not my mom's manhattan
2 oz hop water
1 oz tart cherry juice (I am going to use pomegranate)
1/2 oz vanilla honey syrup
2 dashes angostura bitters
New fashioned---I tried this very good!
2 oz hop water
1/2 oz vanilla honey syrup (1/2 honey, 1/2 water and a little vanilla)
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
2 dash angostura bitters
1 lemon slice
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Tally:
4 AF / 1 A
Another good AF night, and slept good 7 -
Decided to split the difference.
Cheap bottle of red for the gathering. And a bottle of ICE for me at the gallery reception tonight.
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