Less Alcohol - JULY 2019 - One Day at a Time
Replies
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@Womona Thanks for the encouragement. You just inspired me to call about tennis lessons! I need something physical/social and challenging, and just remembered we have a giant indoor/outdoor complex here. And congrats on your melted pound!3
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I don't post every day, but I do try and check in. It's getting easier to stay AF during the week, but I'm already "dreading" Friday evening...I don't know why it's so difficult to abstain when I know how much better I'd feel the next day if I did. I should write that down on a huge post-it and stick it to the fridge.5
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I am going to continue into July with a goal of 4-5 AF days per week. It is great to be able to check in here each day. Thank you for looking after us @MissMay : - )
May - 18 AF days
June - 16 AF days - Really had to backload that one! It was nearing the end of the month and I was only at 12 AF days. Maybe going to try to get more in at the beginning of the month this time.
July 01 - AF
July 02 - AF - Guess that I will start my tally at the bottom : - ) I realize now that 16AF days (4 per week) in a 31 day month is like having drinks every second day!
July 03 - AF - Today was no problem to be AF, but yesterday was a long hard day and I really felt like kicking back and having a couple of drinks - I just didn't. I even bought some of that fake beer that I have heard some of you talking about (I got Grolsch) - but it didn't occur to me to go to the fridge and have it. I am not a beer drinker, so I guess that it wouldn't have really been a substitute for a brandy or a glass of red wine : - P
July 04 - 3 drinks
July 05 - AF
July 06 - 3 drinks
July 07 - AF
July 08 - AF - Um, I saw Kombucha being made on a TV show, sorry y'all that like it, but whoa, ick! : - P
July 09 - AF
Running total: 7 AF days out of 9 days so far.4 -
7/4 - AF
7/5 - bad
7/6 - kept to my goal of waiting till night time, however had more than I wanted. But better then the night before so thats good.
7/7 - AF
7/8 - 3 drinks
7/9 - AF - YAY!
Today's going to be hard. I've been arguing with my husband on and off today over stupid little things and I'm just not in the best of moods now and I'll be honest having a drink would be nice but I know I shouldn't because all that does is fuel a fire. I'm so used to just using it as a way to relieve stress and now I have to find new ways, find something for some "me time."8 -
@beebva4 if you can, try to get out into the sunshine and take a nice walk, listen to some music, maybe both at the same time... this usually helps me to change my mood for the better 4
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@beebva4 You're not alone. Things are not all rainbows and unicorns for me after almost 2 weeks AF...I'm now having to deal with personal and relationship things that I just drank down before. But I feel good that it's all real now and dealing with it...even if conflict is involved and potential change...is much better (though much scarier) than not dealing. I've been thinking about what AF things I used to enjoy, and I just signed up for tennis lessons. Think of something you enjoy, maybe is challenging, and makes you feel powerful, and gives you "me" time and then go for it!5
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You are all so inspiring! I drank over the long weekend, but my husband was joking with me as I measured out 2 ounces and then dilute my win with Vitawater or La Croix. So I enjoyed social drinking but kept my alcohol to a much less then I usually imbibed amount. Back on the wagon during the week.7
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Hi. So how does one go about joining this challenge...I go the challenge section in the app and can't see any challenges to join...🥺🤔1
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@gbwill48 You're here--so you're joined--welcome! This is more of a self-challenge with support. We're not formal or judgmental.2
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I've since discovered challenges within the app are only available to US subscribers...🤔🥺2
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@gbwill48 hit the little star at the top right and turn it yellow and then it is easy to get back to.
We are all trying to drink less in this challenge.3 -
I am going to continue into July with a goal of 4-5 AF days per week. It is great to be able to check in here each day. Thank you for looking after us @MissMay : - )
May - 18 AF days
June - 16 AF days - Really had to backload that one! It was nearing the end of the month and I was only at 12 AF days. Maybe going to try to get more in at the beginning of the month this time, so if invited for wine or a cocktail party with gfs later in the month I can actually go.
July 01 - AF
July 02 - AF - Guess that I will start my tally at the bottom : - ) I realize now that 16AF days (4 per week) in a 31 day month is like having drinks every second day!
July 03 - AF - Today was no problem to be AF, but yesterday was a long hard day and I really felt like kicking back and having a couple of drinks - I just didn't. I even bought some of that fake beer that I have heard some of you talking about (I got Grolsch) - but it didn't occur to me to go to the fridge and have it. I am not a beer drinker, so I guess that it wouldn't have really been a substitute for a brandy or a glass of red wine : - P
July 04 - 3 drinks
July 05 - AF
July 06 - 3 drinks
July 07 - AF
July 08 - AF - Um, I saw Kombucha being made on a TV show, sorry y'all that like it, but whoa, ick! : - P
July 09 - AF
July 10 - AF - I had a nice steak for dinner and wanted a glass of Merlot or Cab with it, but didn't want to open a whole bottle (partially to prevent having drinks 2 days in a row) to have a glass or two. So I remembered the fake beer that I bought, the Grolsch and thought that might be a different thing to have. Firstly, it is 150 calories for one! I don't really drink beer anyway, but a light beer has like half of the calories of that. I figured maybe I would just drink half of it to save calories. Anyway, I poured out a bit in a glass and tasted it. Oh my, it was a Radler! I didn't like it, so didn't drink it. I may buy some more fake beer, but will be more careful at looking at the label. is there fake wine? Lol, I know that there can't be fake brandy, which is what I really prefer.
Running total: 8 AF days out of 10 days so far.6 -
Good Morning,
For me it is still morning, 9 am central time.
You guys have been so chatty and I have felt so away that I couldn't find my starting point. I finally decided not to try to catch up but just jump back in.
I'm not sure why I've been away. Maybe I needed it to let my brain rest by eliminating one of my "to-do's". Maybe it was easier to by-pass this group because that first day or two I had indulged a bit too much.
But here is what I am really finding that I would like to share with you...…..after six months of sharing with you guys, and hearing your stories, I am finding the AF days MUCH easier. Finally!! LOL. I bought a bottle of wine last Friday...…...first time to stop on a Friday night at the liquor store for wine......it's been beer the last couple of years. I have had wine at the house in the past couple of months though, thanks to those wine parties …. but, I am really finding how much better I feel for not "jonesing" as my husband calls it, after needing that beer or glass of wine. I am making progress!! This group is the main reason!! Thank you!
I am finally over my head cold. Not sure if I told you all, but we had our third death to deal with this week. My husband's brother's wife passed away. The house will be full of guests again. All before we leave on a 2 week vacation next week. I am strong, I will not be a whiner. Mostly, I will not be getting drunk this weekend!
Have a great Thursday ya'all!
Love ya,
Teri9 -
AbandondedKSCharger wrote: »Good Morning,
For me it is still morning, 9 am central time.
You guys have been so chatty and I have felt so away that I couldn't find my starting point. I finally decided not to try to catch up but just jump back in.
I'm not sure why I've been away. Maybe I needed it to let my brain rest by eliminating one of my "to-do's". Maybe it was easier to by-pass this group because that first day or two I had indulged a bit too much.
But here is what I am really finding that I would like to share with you...…..after six months of sharing with you guys, and hearing your stories, I am finding the AF days MUCH easier. Finally!! LOL. I bought a bottle of wine last Friday...…...first time to stop on a Friday night at the liquor store for wine......it's been beer the last couple of years. I have had wine at the house in the past couple of months though, thanks to those wine parties …. but, I am really finding how much better I feel for not "jonesing" as my husband calls it, after needing that beer or glass of wine. I am making progress!! This group is the main reason!! Thank you!
I am finally over my head cold. Not sure if I told you all, but we had our third death to deal with this week. My husband's brother's wife passed away. The house will be full of guests again. All before we leave on a 2 week vacation next week. I am strong, I will not be a whiner. Mostly, I will not be getting drunk this weekend!
Have a great Thursday ya'all!
Love ya,
Teri
I'm just getting back into it as well! Happy to see you back! I am so sorry to hear about another passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I am so glad to hear how this group has helped you, it makes me look forward to keeping it up in here again on my part. Its helped me as well, this last week I've been having more AF days. Seems to be every other day right now, which is better than it was before! Its progress nonetheless and now when I do drink I dont over do it anymore! Have fun on your cruise!3 -
7/4 - AF
7/5 - bad
7/6 - kept to my goal of waiting till night time, however had more than I wanted. But better then the night before so thats good.
7/7 - AF
7/8 - 3 drinks
7/9 - AF - YAY!
7/10 - 3 drinks. The day started rough but got better. I enjoyed myself with my husband the rest of the day and we had a few drinks. It's not AF but it is progress for me! The urge to drink is subsiding, when I do it's a lot less, and I have more AF days a week this week than I had previously. It's all progress! The goal today is AF!4 -
Have a great Thursday ya'all!
Love ya,
Teri
We love you too Terri and so appreciate all you bring here to us! Congrats on your progress.2 -
Welcome @gbwill48
Nice to hear from you too @looneycatblue
@dawnbgethealthy yeah that fake beer is expensive and has hidden calories. I personally am not a beer person if I do have a drink. I have tried Op'douls and it was not bad.
@beebva4 glad your day endedup on a good note.
@Anabirgite I can just see you like a mad scientist measuring away! Sounds very familiar. Good job this past weekend.2 -
Well, yeah, the fake beer is more expensive than tap water, and has many more calories...but at least you can remember whatcha did the night before while consuming it, and your liver is happier. Not a "real" beer drinker either, but the fake stuff has been an okay stand-in for my way-too-much-each-night-Chianti. Standing in front of the open fridge debating with mice-elf whether white or red will go better with the pasta & clam sauce, and settling for fizzy-stomach-filling fake-beer is a winwinwin!!!
Diet clear soda with a healthy splat of bitters fills the bill if I'm feeling "fancy".
Then there is today, drenching rain to the point of flood warnings, AGAIN, all the inside chores caught up, 3 unwatched "Godfather" movies on tap....and endless scenes of la famiglia sipping from "Italian wine glasses" [ juice tumblers]. Halfway through # II, I caved, and brought out the OJ glass and uncorked the bottle. Not sorry, it was a considered decision, just for this occasion. After # III ended , all the gunfire, mayhem, bloodshed, and wine drinking was over. And I didn't have enough to earn me a hangover for tomorrow. Even though I was drinking...a winwinwin!!!
@gbwill48 ...congratulations !!! You're IN !!! Actually, there is no secret password or part of the world that allows entry here...or else we would not have the beloved Orphia !! All you need is a desire to not drink "as much". You set your boundary, whether it is one drink a night, one binge a week, or never again. If you succeed or fail, that is on you, according to your goal. If you succeed...Fireworks !! We cheer you on !! We applaud you !! If you fail...Hugs !! Advice as to what might work for you in future...More hugs...Push you up, prop you up...Listen to our stories, our challenges, our failures, our successes...Something we have done may work for you, something you want to do may work for us...All is done in love and support...
IMHO the only judgement is what we do against ourselves. And should not.
PS...your area of the world is part of my heritage, and I would love to go there some day. Lucky you
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forestdweller1 wrote: »Well, yeah, the fake beer is more expensive than tap water, and has many more calories...but at least you can remember whatcha did the night before while consuming it, and your liver is happier.
What would we do without YOU @forestdweller1 ? Glad you are making mindful decisions on when and what to consume.
Also I had a typo I wanted to write O'douls fake beer.3 -
It's Friday, I am on holiday's. My goal today is to be AF.3
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It's Friday, I am on holiday's. My goal today is to be AF.
Good plan!
Its day 3 since I've been on here. So far I have had a mouth full of my sons vodka and lemon drink on his birthday bc he wanted me to.
I am hoping to keep dry over the weekend. But if I do have something, I wont be hard on myself. I have found being disapointed only leads to giving up so I'll do my exercise and take measures to avoid it.
Wish you all here the best and keep safe over the weekend. 4 -
Happy Friday everyone!
@AbandondedKSCharger glad to hear it’s getting easier. Such a victory to get to that point!3 -
Today is 2 weeks AF. Night before last cooking in the kitchen I wanted a glass of wine SOOOO bad. But it passed. Last night I went to a Kombucha bar (kegs and taps and everything) with friends and it was yummy and "grown-up." Then we went to dinner, sat at the bar, and I thought about having a drink, but had already told these 2 that I was on a break. I had an AF beer while they had cocktails and it was FUN! Then I came home to my ambulance and ER bill from 2 weeks ago. Not fun.6
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mainelylisa wrote: »Today is 2 weeks AF. Night before last cooking in the kitchen I wanted a glass of wine SOOOO bad. But it passed. Last night I went to a Kombucha bar (kegs and taps and everything) with friends and it was yummy and "grown-up." Then we went to dinner, sat at the bar, and I thought about having a drink, but had already told these 2 that I was on a break. I had an AF beer while they had cocktails and it was FUN! Then I came home to my ambulance and ER bill from 2 weeks ago. Not fun.
That’s like going to a wedding and a funeral on the same day!4 -
I am going to continue into July with a goal of 4-5 AF days per week. It is great to be able to check in here each day. Thank you for looking after us @MissMay : - )
May - 18 AF days
June - 16 AF days - Really had to backload that one! It was nearing the end of the month and I was only at 12 AF days. Maybe going to try to get more in at the beginning of the month this time, so if invited for wine or a cocktail party with gfs later in the month I can actually go.
July 01 - AF
July 02 - AF - Guess that I will start my tally at the bottom : - ) I realize now that 16AF days (4 per week) in a 31 day month is like having drinks every second day!
July 03 - AF - Today was no problem to be AF, but yesterday was a long hard day and I really felt like kicking back and having a couple of drinks - I just didn't. I even bought some of that fake beer that I have heard some of you talking about (I got Grolsch) - but it didn't occur to me to go to the fridge and have it. I am not a beer drinker, so I guess that it wouldn't have really been a substitute for a brandy or a glass of red wine : - P
July 04 - 3 drinks
July 05 - AF
July 06 - 3 drinks
July 07 - AF
July 08 - AF - Um, I saw Kombucha being made on a TV show, sorry y'all that like it, but whoa, ick! : - P
July 09 - AF
July 10 - AF - I had a nice steak for dinner and wanted a glass of Merlot or Cab with it, but didn't want to open a whole bottle (partially to prevent having drinks 2 days in a row) to have a glass or two. So I remembered the fake beer that I bought, the Grolsch and thought that might be a different thing to have. Firstly, it is 150 calories for one! I don't really drink beer anyway, but a light beer has like half of the calories of that. I figured maybe I would just drink half of it to save calories. Anyway, I poured out a bit in a glass and tasted it. Oh my, it was a Radler! I didn't like it, so didn't drink it. I may buy some more fake beer, but will be more careful at looking at the label. is there fake wine? Lol, I know that there can't be fake brandy, which is what I really prefer.
July 11 - 3 drinks
Running total: 8 AF days out of 11 days so far.1 -
It's Friday, I am on holiday's. My goal today is to be AF.
Good plan!
Its day 3 since I've been on here. So far I have had a mouth full of my sons vodka and lemon drink on his birthday bc he wanted me to.
I am hoping to keep dry over the weekend. But if I do have something, I wont be hard on myself. I have found being disapointed only leads to giving up so I'll do my exercise and take measures to avoid it.
Wish you all here the best and keep safe over the weekend.
I really like your attitude!
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Probably time for me to check in again...
I am at 80 days AF and it does look like history will repeat itself and Halloween may be when I break my streak. I do wonder about just continuing AF indefinitely. It has never been a goal of mine but it is an option. Is not caring when/if I drink a good sign that it is mentally healthy to stay in moderation or is it an indicator to move on to full or just greater sobriety? Only I can answer that question I suppose.
The new problem with drinking is that my tolerance is harder to judge when so much time and weight loss passes between indulgences. The time before last (March) I overdid it even though it was less than the time before. Since I have opted for very seldom drinking I prefer to stick with mixed drinks because that is what I enjoy the most. They can pack a punch though.
I have only been in what I call phase 2 of my moderation for a little more than a year (432 days) so I do not mind that I don't have all the answers. Shoot I may not even have all the questions. I think one of the benefits of a nice long AF streak is that it gives ample time for contemplation.7 -
Hi everyone, I FINALLY am able to do alternating AF days. Even had 2 consecutive days this week. But I have a problem and welcome your guidance. My game plan GOAL was to go AF altogether, jump to the Sober side and be done with the daily tracking. I've reduced over the past 6 months down to 7oz a day of wine (the lowest alcohol % I can find and consume it with food), so I can't believe I would be physically hooked at this point. Thought I got it down to a dinnertime behavioral habit. I got used to not keeping wine in the house and when I want it, I buy the "little" fizzy rose, prosecco or pinot grigio bottle. Here's the problem: If I go thru an AF day or even 24 hours AF, the following day, I have a very strong impulse to consume TRIPLE than I normally did. I call my husband and ask him to buy another for me on his way home. It's like my brain is tracking what it's missed and has to make up the difference. I see a similar pattern with some other folks too. Worried because medical folks say that 3+ drinks in one day is quite harmful for women, so I can't keep up this pattern. Is this normal when starting AF days? Any ideas on how to break through this?5
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globalhiker wrote: »Any ideas on how to break through this?
@globalhiker I had the same issue in my beginning of trying to cut back with AF days thrown in. My drinking brain would say "HEY you have been good...you DESERVE A REWARD."
And then I would go off the rails again.
What I managed to figure out for myself was start with an AF day and keep adding an AF day each time I would have a drinking day.
Like as follows:
AF
driink
AF
AF
Drink
AF
AF
AF
Drink
AF
AF
AF
AF
etc.....
I made it all the way to 42 straight AF days, then something lit up in my head and I was able to not get thrown out of then run over by the drinking bus again.
Try different senerios. What works for one may not work for another since we are all chemically different.
Hope it helps in some small way.
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globalhiker wrote: »Any ideas on how to break through this?
@globalhiker I had the same issue in my beginning of trying to cut back with AF days thrown in. My drinking brain would say "HEY you have been good...you DESERVE A REWARD."
And then I would go off the rails again.
What I managed to figure out for myself was start with an AF day and keep adding an AF day each time I would have a drinking day.
Like as follows:
AF
driink
AF
AF
Drink
AF
AF
AF
Drink
AF
AF
AF
AF
etc.....
I made it all the way to 42 straight AF days, then something lit up in my head and I was able to not get thrown out of then run over by the drinking bus again.
Try different senerios. What works for one may not work for another since we are all chemically different.
Hope it helps in some small way.
That's awesome. Your doing a great job.
Your right, everyone is different. Taking a day at a time , even a moment at a time really helps me. And if I decide to have a drink, not to beat myself up , just drink lots of water and keep active.
One of my triggers is when I have a disappointment if some sort and I had that trigger last night.
I knew I had just posted a message here but I was feeling so upset I was wanting to take it out on a martini somewhere..
I was battling this for a while, driving past restaurants talking myself out each time.
This happened until it got too late and then ended up going to bed and listening to a sleep meditation on 'insight timer' app.
That was another win.. just lol
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