LESS Alcohol ~ NOVEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
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AF = 8
A = 8
Had more than I should’ve Friday.
Son had a powerlifting competition on Saturday we had to travel to. He competed wonderfully! Broke a couple state records, lifted 3 times his body weight with a 180kg/397lb deadlift, and earned a sponsorship for all 2025 competitions! I am proud of him, his Special Olympics team who all had stellar gold medal performances, and my husband who is there coach!
We ate at a dry restaurant, checked into the hotel, and lights were out by 7:30.
It is now 12:30 Sunday morning, and I cannot sleep. It had nothing to do with drinking. I don’t sleep well in hotels typically and hubby doesn’t have his CPAP (snoring). Anyway, probably leaving the hotel around 6:00 for coffee and hit the road home, so we can grab my daughter and get to church on time.8 -
Happy Sunday morning!
Has anyone noticed all the promotions of holiday liquor in the stores now!? I have thought twice now about buying a small liqueur to have on hand. I have been successful in averting that thought but it just seems the aisles are extra stocked as the companies push alcohol and glamorize it especially during the holidays.
I’m having fun planning my daughters surprise birthday dinner with my SIL. It’s next weekend with four couples and 3 kiddies….hope it will be special for her. Alcohol isn’t an issue at family get togethers (much to be thankful for) because some don’t drink now and others may have one cocktail or one glass of wine with dinner.
Yesterday, I walked 4k again! Then had two glasses of low alcohol wine last night and one regular so yes, LA. Just unplanned. Thankful today is a new day!6 -
Okay, @MissMay , now you've done it !! I used to make my own "Kahlua" [recipie from a priest] and your Fever Tree photo brought back fond memories. What do you add to the mixer ?? Lyres ?? 🍸3
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@MissMay I could use one of those AF espresso martinis right now! Looks delicious.
78 days AF done. But it felt like day 1 since I had zero chocolates and no snacks and dieted today. Hungry and I can't sleep but I'll go find some melatonin in the house and try that.7 -
xbowhunter wrote: »Great job everyone!
AF - 61
A - none since Sep 15th 2024.
Just a little side note here. Back on Sep 14th when I had my last drink, I was 165lbs and feeling just awful pretty much every day because of my daily drinking habit.
Now I am down to 142lbs and feeling energetic and focused all day and my sleep is 100% better.
So, if any of you are wondering what life would be like alcohol free there is a bit of a snippet to what you can expect.
This Christmas will be very interesting because it will be my first time ever not drinking. I will need to stay busy and, on my game, to put certain people in their place when they give me the usual peer pressure to conform to their desire for me to poison myself again. I can see a few heated debates are coming but I am ready and will not allow anyone to disrespect me for their own gain. I will not be be dragged down to their sad and miserable level.
Cheers and have a great weekend everyone.
You should just tell them you’re pregnant! 🤣. That’ll shut ‘em up!
Amazing how much weight you were able to lost just by cutting out alcohol. I suspect “those last five pounds” I’ve been trying to lose forever is the alcohol.5 -
Keep up the good work everyone and watch for those I need a drink triggers! It's just your brain craving a dopamine drain. Don't let it win 7
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Hello everyone! @NonnieDoiron congrats on your son’s big win!!!! I’m so happy for him (and you!). How incredible to get all those sponsorships!
@chicbuc and @itladyee nice to see you can on here!
@SurferGirl1982 so sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch. May it clear up soon. Big hug!
@MissMay I’m not a big one for chocolate or espresso martinis, but boy of boy, does that look delicious! May have to give it a try!
Time to wean myself down to no more than one LA wine per day. This is getting ridiculous. So far only 2 AF days this month, and while AF isn’t my goal, I also can’t sustain 2 or more drinks per every day, especially on weekends when it winds up being more!
On a good note, I had a very productive weekend. Helped hubby clean out the garage and part of the attic, and did a ton of paperwork. Still need to put the rest of the boat stuff down into the basement , but will do that this week. I am hosting a work meeting at my house this Friday so it’s great motivation to get everything done!6 -
Going to a Zumba class this AM and then strength training tomorrow. Have a lot more energy lately but crawling to get more AF days under my belt.
To thwart off having A tonight, I plan to have a Recess zero alcohol mocktail or N.A. beer tonight.5 -
Only one glass of wine with dinner tonight! Yay me! I don’t even want the second glass.
Of course, let’s not talk about me going over my calories today. Tennis tomorrow, not really worries about it. But restaurant meals definitely pack on more weight than home cooked!3 -
AF = 8
A = 10
Irritated. Doctor finally relayed the test results and said not to take my iron, drink more water, and stretch.😡5 -
@NonnieDoiron ..... started taking iron each day per Dr instructions a couple years ago because I had dropped 30 pounds in less than a month. COVID related inability to taste food, so didn't /couldn't [gag-yuck] eat. Continued to take iron after the prescription ran out until I read recently that this could affect my liver....and alcohol was probably doing enough damage, so I quit. Water and stretching are good ....all natural ...LOL. Still using cast iron cookware.
Have a glass of H2O on me...and 7 more.5 -
Marked last night as an A day, but didn’t do it.
So actual counts are
AF - 9
A - 9
Thanks @forestdweller1. I’ve been on iron for years. And, once I came off, my cramps came back with a vengeance. It’s very painful and often wakes me up in the middle of the night.
I think I’m also irritated because he put me on prednisone, and I just finished day 3. I snapped at the husband last night. I hate what this medicine does to me.7 -
@Michieb125 ~ I had a great weekend with my grandson. He stayed with me for 4+ days when his brother was born and I was just about ready to jump off of a cliff (in a loving way, of course). 2 days is perfect. They have so much energy and talk NON-STOP.....
out of the mouths of 4 year olds:
Saturday he asked my husband if he knew what "hell" was. We both looked at each other, not sure where this question was going. G-Pa said yes, I know, what do you think it is. Julian said, "it's frozen rain". We both cracked up...hail, not hell!
Later that night...it's bed time. This kid is forever hungry. We just finished dinner about 30 earlier and he ate all of his food. We were about to head up for a bath and bed but he say's G-Ma, I'm hungry. So I ask what he wants, and he says a fruit snack. I ok it and then tell him to head up with the fruit snack, pick his pajamas while I run his bath. G-Ma he says... I can't take this upstairs in your house. I must eat it in the kitchen so you don't get bugs!! What was I to say.... Great stall tactic...took him about 20 minutes to eat the snack!!!
Friday, after he went to sleep, I did have a couple of glasses of wine. Saturday, I had just one, but I decided I'm not counting LA as that just gives me too much wiggle room. Sunday I had way too much...After taking Julian home we came home and sat in front of the TV to watch the Bears game. My husband decided to make Pomagranite sours, later that night I had wine. More than I had in a long time, and I felt it on Monday. Still ending up having a glass on Monday night....sometimes it's just habit.
@missmay ~ that chocolate AF expresso martini looks great!
@NonnieDoiron ~ Congrats on your son's powerlifting competition! What an accomplishment.
@xbowhunter ~ Congrats on your progress. I'm sure you'll do just as well over the holidays! You've got this!
AF = 1
A = 177 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@NonnieDoiron I haven't been real active in this discussion lately. I haven't been doing well in the AF department. But I do come on here occasionally just to try and keep up. My husband and I have talked and he's going to help me with my goals.
I'll try to keep this story short. But at a young age, I had an accident that later caused problems with my knee. I went to see an orthopedic surgeon. He wasn't the best. But at the time, I didn't have reliable transportation to go to the doctor that my pc doctor wanted me to see.
I was only around 50. So knee replacement wasn't an option. He prescribed 500 mg of Aleve twice a day. I took that dosage for many years. At one point, I became severely anemic. In fact, the doctor at urgent care said that he would normally call an ambulance. But we were so close to the hospital that he told us to go there immediately. They called ahead. The nurse told me to make sure that I go because, "I didn't have much time left on this earth!" Yikes! My husband ran to the car! I spent the night in the hospital, had a blood transfusion, endoscopy, colonoscopy. It turns out that I had some bleeding in my stomach due to the NSAIDS (which I no longer take). I had to take iron and vitamin C for a while. It was 10 years ago. But, I had major problems with the iron. Hard to recall. But it seems that it was mostly gastrointestinal issues. I was so glad to be off of it (after blood tests).
I did Google what @forestdweller1 mentioned about iron. And, one thing said, "Taking too much iron can cause iron poisoning, which can lead to liver damage and death. The first symptoms of iron poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain."
I do believe in listening to our doctors. But, I also believe in advocating for ourselves. I try to make a list of questions to ask when I go to the doctor. Sometimes I do pretty good. But at other times (anxiety issues), I just want to get out of there.
Oh, BTW, are you cramps in your legs or stomach. I can't remember who mentioned it. But, she said that leg cramps are usually caused my a lack of magnesium or potassium. I was getting them really bad in my calves and feet. I started taking magnesium glycinate (only one a day). And the cramps are completely gone. Just another thing to add to your list of questions.
Sorry that this post is so long! Take care!
I’ve been on magnesium for as long as I’ve been on iron. My potassium has always been good. I saw the test results, and the last test when I was taking my iron I was at a high normal. This time it dropped substantially over the couple of months I wasn’t taking it, but it’s still within “normal ranges”.
I have battled off and on with anemia. At one point, my former doctor wanted to hospitalize me for it. But, I had just spent 3 months in the hospital with my son battling cancer and I told her NO! I took the pills and ate lots of red meat, and over many months (almost a full year) things leveled out.
I’m just frustrated. And, being on prednisone isn’t helping. I am very irritable right now, and I’m not even sure the prednisone is helping which means X-rays, MRIs, PT are to follow which will reveal my arthritis as always, and I’m already on celebrex. He’ll tell me to lose weight which I’m doing, he’ll tell me my cholesterol is too high (why? Because he likes to bring it up, like I can change it… hereditary and I’m already on a statin which keeps it just slightly above 200🙄), and he won’t do anything else.
I’ll be 50 in January. I was really hoping to avoid some of this BS for another 10 years or so.
To answer your question, the cramping starts in my toes, goes down through my arches, and up my calf. WORST freaking feeling to wake up to. I can be sitting watching tv, wiggle my toes a little and it starts. I had a cramp in the lower part of my arm a couple weeks ago, and almost cried because of how bad it hurt.
Bottom line: I had a roux-en-y gastric bypass in 2004. I developed several vitamin deficiencies as a result. I can feel it when my body isn’t right. I think my doctor hates prescribing vitamins. Every time I see him he asks me why I take my vitamins, and I have to remind him of my bypass. It’s taken about 2 years to get the right needles for me to do my B12 injections correctly because he bounces back and forth on what he prescribes.
I don’t know. Maybe I’m just hypersensitive because of the prednisone. I’m just irritated.9 -
@NonnieDoiron it’s such a delicate balance. You need vitamins and other nutrients, but not too much! And not too little! And make sure you’re getting enough protein, and also make sure your gut flora is the “right” combination, and watch out for gluten and other inflammatory foods so you don’t make the cholesterol issues worse…. It must be even more challenging to manage after your procedure. I’m exhausted for you! I hope you’re able to find the balance soon, and that you start feeling better.
I can attest to needing to drink more water, though. Our organs function the way they’re supposed to when we have enough hydration. Of course, coffee and alcohol make us even more dehydrated, so we have to make up for that as well. The good news is you can get water from things like soup and watermelon, etc, so you aren’t restricted to just chugging water. Just accept that you’ll be peeing a lot more! So many people don’t want to drink because they don’t want to pee, but you get used to it and it’s not a bother anymore for me.
Stretching is also really good for us!
Hang in there.4 -
I poured a little bit more after my one glass of wine last night, and although I drank it, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Tonight is book club, so I have to get back to my micro-sips so I don’t have that second glass.
It must be nearing my TOM because I’ve been so hungry the last two days, and went way over my calories. I’m sure it will pass, but it’s alarming to see that scale go up!3 -
Hey folks, 80 days AF done - all thanks to your support. For real! And getting up every morning to spend a few minutes checking in here, setting my intention for the day, and then a few minutes before falling asleep at night, I read stories about people who completely stopped drinking, what their journey was like, and what they did to be successful.
And I learn from those who failed, got up and then succeeded and it fascinates me to understand the process and how they got there.
I was stuck in the spin cycle, had to hit the off button and get out.7 -
globalhiker wrote: »Hey folks, 80 days AF done - all thanks to your support. For real! And getting up every morning to spend a few minutes checking in here, setting my intention for the day, and then a few minutes before falling asleep at night, I read stories about people who completely stopped drinking, what their journey was like, and what they did to be successful.
And I learn from those who failed, got up and then succeeded and it fascinates me to understand the process and how they got there.
I was stuck in the spin cycle, had to hit the off button and get out.
Excellent results!
I am on day 67 AF and feel pretty amazing. knowing what I know now I'm done drinking for good. At age 55 I don't have many sunrises left so I need to make every day count and to be the best man I can be so this means no more alcohol and all its nasty side effects.
The only drawback for me now is I am a true introvert and needed alcohol to interact in certain social situations. I am still learning how to be me and let my guard down a bit to be able to socialize again.
Truth be told I'd rather hang out with my dog than most people I know... lol5 -
I find the medical discussion’s today so interesting! And for those of you struggling with answers on health, I agree that we need to advocate for ourselves and research reliable and trusted information on treating the whole person - mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual! During 2020, I had bad cramping in my feet and legs in addition to restless leg syndrome symptoms. It is the worst feeling @NonnieDoiron so I feel you. You are a busy lady and take great care of all those around you (an angel on earth)! Stretching is so good for breaking up that junk that collects in our muscles and nervous system too. I hope you find relief soon!
@itladyee love your update on your grandson! The littles do seem to be constantly hungry! And the “hell” question lol. Out of the mouths of babes they say. I’m also blessed with two grandchildren, ages 6-8 now. And, I hear you about having them overnight for 2 days vs. 4. They can sure wipe us G mas and G pas OUT. They sound lucky to have you!
@Womona awww micro-sips…..I need to get back to those myself.
@globalhiker congrats on 80 AF days! That is truly a milestone - you make time for yourself first in the AM and PM and are determined to stay AF each day. It’s working!
@SurferGirl1982 good to see you here!
My goal is always less and not quitting altogether, but would like to change the less habit and get to occasions only. Need to read Atomic habits!
November stats:
AF - 5
A - 154 -
AF - 10
A - 10
Well, November has been a bear. I am ready for my time off next week. Looking forward to cooking and baking for my family and friends. I don’t even know who is coming. We’ve invited many, so I guess we’ll see who shows. I always feel better cooking for large crowds. I once thought of becoming a chef, but as a chef you’re too busy cooking to see people enjoy the food. I like to watch people eat my cooking. Weird, I know.
Work has been horrible this week, so many deadlines right before the holidays in the military event planning world I work in. It’s just unsettling to log off at the end of the day knowing there are so many loose ends. But, I’m praying that by Monday, the majority of my headaches will come to an end for the week.
Thanks for the medical discussion. I think the prednisone is just messing with me. I’m getting pissed about everything, and I know water and stretching are important. There are only 3 things I typically drink: 2 cups of coffee every morning, 2 glasses of wine (apparently every other night at this point), and water… lots and lots of water! I have a 22 oz water cup I fill up at least a half a dozen times a day. I drink a glass of water with dinner. I pee all the time! Ok, so I don’t stretch. Hell, when do I have the time?! Time to type this post has been between cooking, peeing, feeding the chickens, the dog, and doing dishes. Half the time I write these posts while on the toilet (gross TMI, sorry, but true). My only me-time is when I finally crumple down onto the couch with my husband and half watch a movie with him. By then, I’m too mentally exhausted to move much less stretch. I’d really like to floss my teeth after brushing them and blow dry my hair after I shampoo it. I’d like to be able to clean my bathrooms more than 1-2 times a month. Stretching is such a low priority to me.
Oh well… gotta pee… again.😉5 -
I am still doing well with my less alcohol journey this month.
AF - 17
A - 2 (4 total drinks)
My victory today was I had one single Michelob Ultra and then stopped. My friend who came into town for 5 nights had 6-8 White Claws. I enjoyed myself just as much as I do when I have 4 or 5 beers. Lesson learned...I don't need alcohol to be social.
Keep up the great work on your LA journeys.7 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »NonnieDoiron wrote: »Oh well… gotta pee… again.😉
Josh, I hate when that happens 😀
BTW...what time is dinner?
LOL… dinner is at 6:00 every night. Come on over! 😉2 -
Day 81 AF done. Re: leg and feet discomfort/pain - a few things I found helpful to me:
1-sleep nightly with elevated lower leg/feet using a pillow or rolled up small quilt
2-if I get aches, typically afternoons on hot days when I've been active, I will use my Sharper Image hand-held massager (best Xmas gifts I ever got) and use that on my legs for 5-10 min while I watch tv
3-I hate compression stockings with a passion, but after trying loads of them, I like the BAMS brand soft sock-like compression stockings. They make the aching and throbbing go away and they are very comfy. My legs even look thinner after wearing them since they help the blood circulate back up and help to reduce swelling from activity.
4-$1.25 bag of epsom salt from the dollar store, use that in a hot bath and sit in it for ten minutes. It always makes me feel way better.
For me, these issues are just getting older and swelling, especially on hot days or days I exercise a lot. If I cut my sodium, I would be better off.
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Breathe57103 wrote: »I am still doing well with my less alcohol journey this month.
AF - 17
A - 2 (4 total drinks)
My victory today was I had one single Michelob Ultra and then stopped. My friend who came into town for 5 nights had 6-8 White Claws. I enjoyed myself just as much as I do when I have 4 or 5 beers. Lesson learned...I don't need alcohol to be social.
Keep up the great work on your LA journeys.
I see 3 victories here. First, congrats on 17 days AF! AND a second congrats on stopping at qty 1. AND a third congrats for managing a social situation with drinking friend (big trigger) where it's super easy to follow others and do like they do. It's good you are able to exercise this level of control.5 -
Hello LESS alcohol folks out there
So much to read since I was last on. But WOW!
Have not had any more of the Fever Tree Expresso mix again . One little set back was I may have mixed it heavy on the expresso and was AWAKE most of the night, which sucked! I am now gun shy to make another mocktail with it.
To answer those who asked. I mixed it with chocolate boost and dolloped a table spoon of cool whip on top as a garnish floater. Next time I am going to try mixing it with the vanilla boost.
Today is 46 consecutive days AF !!!!.
Next Thursday is Thanksgiving and my husband's birthday and an overnight get a way all on the same day. He will insist I drink to help him celebrate. I am NOT feeling it and want to continue this course. Nothing makes me more determined than someone trying to force me into drinking when it was not my own idea.
I don't want to sound childish or like a control freak, but this is MY decision, no one else's. Why can't drinkers just leave me to be happy with my mocktails? It isn't until they get pushy, and to insistent that have a drink, that I turn into a KAREN.
OK, feel better I vented on that.
November accountability-
A = zero
Alcohol free streak 46 days
Sugar in my coffee = zero
8 -
@MissMay Wonderful 46 days AF!! So happy for you!!
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Hello LA friends.
AF - 68 days
A - Never again.
Hoping you all have a great weekend.
Stay strong and live long!
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AF - 11
A - 10
Hubby is shopping today, I guess we’ll see if that bottle of wine I didn’t ask for magically appears 😉
I did something last night I don’t like to do. I put myself on the line and sent a message to HR to discuss my compensation. My SIL is the HR guru in our family (been working in HR since graduation), and she thinks I completely undersell myself and believes I should be making 6 figures. I’d love that, but I don’t have that 4-year degree that it often requires. I work my butt off and try to be the best employee I can be. I work with integrity! If I screw up, I admit it. If I have questions, I ask them. My SIL and I spoke at length last night about my situation, and she agreed now is the time to ask and believes if they have it to give, they will. Pray for me! We need the money without my husband having to go back to work because going back to work for him means a 75% chance of having to live in another state for work.7 -
Nov:
AF=7
A=15
I don't normally post until next day, but since I'm already sipping on wine I figured why not get it over with.7 -
I want to thank everyone for their condolences on my SIL's passing. The funeral was sad but the funeral home made a very beautiful and moving video with the pictures that the family gave them - it was comforting to see my SIL with all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she really lived for them.
I didn't drink anything while away over the weekend, but have been imbibing every day since we got home.
My SO's brother is going to be moving in with us (he has dementia, not bad yet, but can't live alone), and my SO will be going to pick him up from FL early next week. I've decided to give myself permission to drink over these next few days. Once my BIL is here, I feel I'll need to be completely AF, so I'm just going to enjoy these last few days of wine.
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