Less Alcohol - JANUARY 2021 - One Day At A Time
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@CMB44512
Well Nephew, (heehee, yeah, I call you that now) I think that your friend with the coffee cup couldn't have come at a better time. He is almost like your angel, like an intervention.
I love what you said about alcohol not making the man. Life is way bigger than alcohol. Alcohol can make a life very small if life revolves around it, excluding all of the other wonderful things that have nothing to do with alcohol.
Have your talk with him while you are working out, not instead of. If this is new to him he may still struggling to keep it going. If you join him it will make it easier for him. Do you drink in front of him while he is abstaining?
I know for myself I had to distance myself a bit from people whose lives revolved around alcohol.
No pressure whatsoever, but I look forward to the day when you come on here saying that you had an AF day.
To re-iterate, the first time that I had an AF day was very hard, but I did it and felt pretty proud of myself. Knowing that I was able to do it once gave me the courage and impetus to do it again. As I have said before, I had an AF day and didn't die or anything.10 -
@globalhiker
I always think of you as a positive person. I have enjoyed your daily intentions, and really want to learn from that and wake up in the morning and begin to think of my intentions for the day.
Surprised to hear you say negative thinking/life just sucks crap.
Bodypump that *kitten* away GF
Here is my own cleansing body opening first thing in the morning thing that evens me out.
Yeah, I know that I talk too much about Fitness Marshall, but it helps me so much emotionally, physically, psychologically, mentally etc.
For anyone that is looking for a fun distraction that doesn't take too much time, it is challenging enough to take your mind off of absolutely everything else. (It takes at least 5 times to get the movements btw)
4 minutes to nirvana for me personally:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEDjmWrlmyA
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@Lilylady3k
Congrats on the Covid shot!
We started getting some in Canada and then Pfizer reneged on what we bought so we don't have any to give out.
I am way down the list anyway, but looking forward to September or October when I might be eligible.
A doctor in Canada had his first and second shots and then got Covid. Apparently it takes 2 weeks after the second shot and he picked it up during that time period. The jury is still out about whether you can still pass it around even though you are immune yourself. We are not out of the woods yet, but again, very glad that you were able to get vaccinated.
Masks are starting to give me pimples...just saying..3 -
@HerNameIsMischief
If your plan is to be lean you will definitely need to get rid of the beer.
If you want to be lean you can do it. Hard work, yep, but completely within your own control.
And...one day you will love your height. Embrace your Mom being proud that you can change a bulb without a ladder. If you are not happy about your weight you can change that, your height you can't (coming from a 5'2" person who has accepted being short but didn't want to be fat).
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dawnbgethealthy wrote: »And...one day you will love your height. If you are not happy about your weight you can change that, your height you can't (coming from a 5'2" person who has accepted being short but didn't want to be fat).
I'll never love my height. It drives me crazy because it means I'll always be seen as "big" whereas other people get to lose weight and look good and get rid of the rude remarks people make about their appearance. Yet I'm expected to "embrace it" and enjoy it when people say awful things about how I look like a football player or a bouncer or something like that. Knowing I'm stuck this way is part of the reason I drink (FWIW, since those few beers the other night, I've been totally clean). It's also why I don't date and have never been in a LTR despite being in my mid-40s. Every time I did date, they just had to open their mouths about how tiny they looked next to me or something else related to my height or size. I just feel so hopeless about this that a lot of time, I can't help but think "Why not drink?"
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Look at this, we made it to the final Friday of January 2021.
How ya feeling? Some folks started to focus on less drinking before Jan 1, some on Jan 1 and then there are others that trickled in here and there to join in through the following weeks.
Once again I am laying my previous drinking habits out there for everyone to see.
Pre-2018 - monthly drink totals averaged around 120 drinks a month (some months more)
NOW I do not even hit that number for an entire year.
I can not even imagine where I would be right now if I had not got a grip on my drinking. More than likely and in all honesty I know at some point I would have -
Been picked up for an OUI (I had pushed that lucky button to many times to have it last forever)
I fear I would have been arrested also for some sort of disorderly conduct (I believed alcohol shielded me and I would let my mouth run wild)
I would defiantly NOT be in the great shape I am now for my age group. Nor would I have the ability to have less stress on my knees by losing that last 10 pounds that was causing them such pain.
These are just a few important reasons I choose to drink less.
AF 24 days out of 28
3 1/2 standard size drinks
😎
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NOTE: Sunday afternoon I will be posting the link for our February 2021 thread.
(For those that are new here, our thread refreshes every month by starting another month to follow. I normally supply the link in my post on the last day of the current month)
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@HerNameIsMischief
True WE ALL have things we do not like about ourselves.
In fact I will share mine if that helps in any small way.
Rheumatoid arthritis fingers since I was in my early 30's. Not pleasant to watch someone eyes follow your hand movements while your talking to them just so they can get a better look at your crooked swelled up finger joints.
Try living with these every day.......but I do, and life goes on.10 -
dawnbgethealthy wrote: »@Lilylady3k
Congrats on the Covid shot!
We started getting some in Canada and then Pfizer reneged on what we bought so we don't have any to give out.
I am way down the list anyway, but looking forward to September or October when I might be eligible.
A doctor in Canada had his first and second shots and then got Covid. Apparently it takes 2 weeks after the second shot and he picked it up during that time period. The jury is still out about whether you can still pass it around even though you are immune yourself. We are not out of the woods yet, but again, very glad that you were able to get vaccinated.
Masks are starting to give me pimples...just saying..
For once I was glad that I am obese since it got me through the door as a 1B for the vaccine. DH has asthma which put him on the list. But it is definitely one of those things that you have to pursue to get around here. I signed us up through 5+ different sites including my doctor's office, our county and the county in town, 3 hospitals, urgent care that we use, etc. The pharmacies are not doing it yet. In the county my mom is in you have to go in a line of cars 3-7 hrs and they vaccinate the first 3000 (total 6000) every Thurs & Fri. You cannot register which is really hard for an 83 year old but she got a voucher yesterday that guarantees her a shot today!
Yes I received info that states to continue wearing masks, social distancing, wash hands etc even after getting the 2nd vaccine shot because though you might not get the terrible worse symptoms of covid you could still be a carrier. DH & I got the Pfizer vaccine. My mom gets hers today Moderna. I would have traded and given my sister the vaccine if that was an option ... she has not gotten an appointment yet though she had cancer (stage 4 chemo and radiation then 13 years on a cancer daily pill treatment still), obese more than me, and she is a teacher (exposed to covid by kids 4x in the last 2 weeks). One of my DIL that is in healthcare got her 2nd Moderna vaccine shot on Tuesday this week and was feeling poorly for a couple of days. She was much better yesterday but still tired. I'm not looking forward to the 2nd shot but it is a huge weight off my mind in that one day we'll be able to travel and eat inside restaurants and maybe get back to a semi normal life again without so much fear. My DD got married last April ... we reduced the guests from 150 -> 50 -> 20 -> 10 (restrictions at the time) ->13 (included parents & siblings only). The first anniversary party is scheduled for this April ... hoping we can get all the "elderly" vaccinated. We know that the grandparents and parents will all be through their round of vaccine shots by then.
I'm praying that everyone that wants the vaccine will be able to get it in both US and Canada by this summer.5 -
HerNameIsMischief wrote: »dawnbgethealthy wrote: »And...one day you will love your height. If you are not happy about your weight you can change that, your height you can't (coming from a 5'2" person who has accepted being short but didn't want to be fat).
I'll never love my height. It drives me crazy because it means I'll always be seen as "big" whereas other people get to lose weight and look good and get rid of the rude remarks people make about their appearance. Yet I'm expected to "embrace it" and enjoy it when people say awful things about how I look like a football player or a bouncer or something like that. Knowing I'm stuck this way is part of the reason I drink (FWIW, since those few beers the other night, I've been totally clean). It's also why I don't date and have never been in a LTR despite being in my mid-40s. Every time I did date, they just had to open their mouths about how tiny they looked next to me or something else related to my height or size. I just feel so hopeless about this that a lot of time, I can't help but think "Why not drink?"
@HerNameIsMischief - My son is 6'5" and in 2020 lost 90 lbs (weighs about 250 right now) and looks great as well as feels great too. My DH is 6'3" and weighs in around 200-205 (he lost 50lbs in 2009). I might be short 5'3" and looking up to them but love them both and though I wish I was taller they seem to have excepted and embraced their height. My other son that is thin and 6' wishes often that he was at least 6'2" LOL. Height is not something that we can change but the weight that adds the bulk to the frame can change. You can do this getting in shape thing and your attitude will improve as you see some success. Wishing you the best.4 -
@globalhiker I'm spitting my coffee visualizing you body pumping in your PJ's!
@CMB44512 I agree w/ @dawnbgethealthy Maybe you tell him he's really got you thinking and you'd love to chat about drinking less if/when he's comfortable with it. I'll tell you that every time I meet w/ my therapist now--even when I'm feeling super positive and chipper...the alcohol topic brings me to tears. Drinking. Not drinking. Other people thinking I shouldn't drink....SO COMPLICATED. We're duking it out right now (in a good way) because she doesn't think I should try to moderate. If I choose to stop, I don't want it to be a THING. All this to say...he might love talking about it, and he might not. At least for now. Awesome that you're taking notice of positive choices!
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HerNameIsMischief wrote: »I'll never love my height. It drives me crazy because it means I'll always be seen as "big" whereas other people get to lose weight and look good and get rid of the rude remarks people make about their appearance. Yet I'm expected to "embrace it" and enjoy it when people say awful things about how I look like a football player or a bouncer or something like that. Knowing I'm stuck this way is part of the reason I drink (FWIW, since those few beers the other night, I've been totally clean). It's also why I don't date and have never been in a LTR despite being in my mid-40s. Every time I did date, they just had to open their mouths about how tiny they looked next to me or something else related to my height or size. I just feel so hopeless about this that a lot of time, I can't help but think "Why not drink?"
I've read quite a few of your posts this week mate and I really feel for you. You seem to be stuck in a rut going around in viscous circles. I was quite surprised to read your in your mid-40s but it turns out we are about the same age.
I can't say I've learned much in this life but one thing I do know is there are things you can change in this life and things you can't.
Focusing on and stressing over the things you can't change only leads you down a path of unhappiness.
I know that won't help you stop fixating on them, on you can make that change, but at least focus on the things you CAN change.
You say you want to lose weight now that my friend IS something under your control. Now I'm not saying it easy it's NOT but it IS possible.
Good Luck Bud.5 -
6 Days AF in January and a 4 day streak.
I'll have a few this weekend I'm sure but I'll try and keep it light(ish) (that may not happen though if I'm honest with myself)
I think I'll try for AF on Sunday as I have a work event on Tuesday where I'll need to drink.
Happy Friday Folks!6 -
I can't keep up with you guys!
@MissMay, possible to request from MFP admins they add a HILARIOUS button especially for @dawnbgethealthy?
@HerNameIsMischief if negative thoughts being held onto don't get us to a solution or better life, what is the purpose of holding onto them?
Can you release unproductive negative thoughts and free yourself of this so you can make room for good things to enter into your life?
Anyways, your soul mate is out there waiting for you. For real. First step is get that positive vibe going, get to really liking yourself and then tell the world what you want and your wish will be delivered. I followed this "recipe" when I became divorced and very depressed and it worked.
And very tall single men do exist, especially in Scandinavian countries, Scotland, Germany, Canada, parts of Africa and even in some US areas like Minnesota. Most foreigners also speak conversational English. With the internet you can communicate with any tall single male in the world. Or you may wind up falling in love with someone shorter. Love doesn't care about height.4 -
globalhiker wrote: »@HerNameIsMischief if negative thoughts being held onto don't get us to a solution or better life, what is the purpose of holding onto them?
Can you release unproductive negative thoughts and free yourself of this so you can make room for good things to enter into your life?
And very tall single men do exist, especially in Scandinavian countries, Scotland, Germany, Canada, parts of Africa and even in some US areas like Minnesota.
Those negative thoughts are the truth. I can't just say, "Well, instead of feeling bad about being big...I'll just start liking it!" when I don't find it attractive and resent comments I get.
I should have picked a different screen name. I'm a guy, but I see why people figured I was female. "HerNameIsMischief" is named after my cat.
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@HerNameIsMischief
True WE ALL have things we do not like about ourselves.
In fact I will share mine if that helps in any small way.
Rheumatoid arthritis fingers since I was in my early 30's. Not pleasant to watch someone eyes follow your hand movements while your talking to them just so they can get a better look at your crooked swelled up finger joints.
Try living with these every day.......but I do, and life goes on.
I understand, but what makes my situation different is that people feel very comfortable making rude remarks to my face. A boss meeting me for the first time and saying, "Oh my God, you're enormous." Someone at the train station asking me if I ever played football before. A guy in my building asking if I ever worked as a bouncer. All stuff to remind me that everyone sees me in the exact way I don't want to be seen. And if I complain to anyone, I'm dismissed as ridiculous because "lots of men would love to be your size/height."
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Another AF day! As long as I stay AF on Sunday (almost 100% certain) I have made my goal for the month!! *raise the roof hand pumps* Looking forward to continuing next month as well! Feb Goal: 19 AF / 28 days
19 AF / 29 days
Goal- 20 AF/31 days.7 -
mainelylisa wrote: »thehumanpickle wrote: »I found out in November that my liver enzymes were high among some other things. Husband and I are TTC and putting it on hold until I can get some things under control. It looks like I may have NAFL, but with a family history of alcoholism and a reliance in 2020 on a drink or 3 to unwind 2-3x a week, I realized I needed to re-evaluate regardless of whether my issues were alcohol relatedor not. I've been AF for 2 weeks as of today and plan to keep going until I have healthy numbers coming back. I don't plan to stay 'dry' forever, but I do plan to change the way I look at alcohol. It will be a fun accessory for a karaoke night or bonfire with friend, in the future without a pandemic, and nothing more.
My Grandaddy and my Daddy were both incredible men but they had their vices. It's as simple as me not wanting my kids to ever say that about me. Know better, do better. All that.
Could you spell out TTC and NAFL? Guessing they aren't good.
Love your last sentence. Indeed. My kids are adults, so they've seen the good, bad, and ugly, but my grandbabies haven't (cuz they're not conceived yet)--but I'm looking forward to them knowing me as Crazy Fun Gigi, not Crazy Lush Gigi.
Of course.
TTC = Trying To Conceive
NAFL= Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver1 -
9 days AF in a row here. Last night was a little difficult. Really wanted to stop
and get a beer or two. But I did not. My family and husband are worth more than 2 beers. Grand total of 18/28 days AF this month.
I won my dietbet this month too. Not sure how much yet, but at least the $40 I put into it. I'm officially down 10 pounds this month! Lots more 10s to go. I started my next bet today too. I need to lose 9lbs by the end of February to win. Cutting drinking has reduced my calories by half and its way easier to make my 1200 calorie goal.
@HerNameIsMischief. Mischief is a very cute name for a cat. Mine is JuneBug. She likes to look at me a judge my life choices.6 -
Almost 40 hours without booze. I haven't felt any negative effects like I was back at home, no jitters or nausea or anything. I haven't had a huge craving, but in the back of my mind I'm thinking, "When you go out with your cousin today, you could probably pick up some beer or, better yet, a pint of Beam or Jack. Better yet, get a fifth, tell them it's for 'sharing' and drink most of it yourself." Up until last week, I was drinking a fifth of scotch plus sometimes 6-12 beers a day...and not really getting messed up.CryingBlue wrote: »@HerNameIsMischief. Mischief is a very cute name for a cat. Mine is JuneBug. She likes to look at me a judge my life choices.
Based on your picture, I would have presumed her name would be Dinah. I call mine Missy for short. My previous cat was named Pester.
I just talked to my dad. I'm visiting family and he left early for home and took Missy with him. He said she howled last night and it broke my heart. She thinks I don't love her anymore and have decided to get rid of her (my thought, not my dad's). We'll be reunited Sunday night. Oh, kitty-witty, I'm coming home soon...
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AF last night first time.
Needed to get at least one in before January ended.
Thanks Aunties14 -
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@HerNameIsMischief ha. I'm slow I just relized we both have Alice in Wonderland theamed avitars. But I rotate my avatar pretty often.
I dislike international quotes too, they do nothing for me. So I read them and move on. I have learned if you want to change a habbit you can do nothing but rely on yourself. No quote of saying can do it for you.
Somtimes the work infront of us is overwhelming, but it can be done. It sucks. I lost 60 pounds in 2017/2018 and gained back 40. I hate that I have to lose it again, but it's better to work hard than wallow in my own self pity and go back over 200 again. Small steps everyday works for me.
I'm sure your kitty will be thrilled when you get home. Or she'll hate you, hard to tell with cats 😉6 -
Wow the posts on here are just flying in so fast I can hardly keep up!!
Did have 3 drinks last night with pizza. I even stood in front of the bottle of brandy and argued with myself until the devil in the bottle won. ah well. New goal for January 19 out of 31 days AF
I did make it to the gym today, this is my second day and I have to tell you trying to workout with a mask is no easy task. I did have to lower it doing cardio, there is just no catching your breath with it covering your nose and mouth. However I was very far away from all others in the gym and I go at off peak hours.
@CMB44512 Congratulations on your AF night! The first one at least for me is always the hardest, then day two and three happen and it gets/got easier. By the 4th day AF the cravings calm down so kudos to you!7 -
Ended up killing 5 Miller Lites at my mom's friend's. She likes me a lot and I was in a good mood till she pointed out I was "getting a belly" and needed suspenders (I keep hitching my jeans up because I lost 15 lbs and forgot to bring a belt). Soon after, I went to the bathroom for a piss, looked at my fat stupid face in the mirror, and punched myself twice as punishment for inspiring such a remark. She sensed I felt bad and inadvertently made it worse by saying it was "just beer muscle." Then before I left, she hugged me and told me she loved me and I thought, "Sure, you love a fat loser. I'd rather you hated me and thought I was thin." Now I really want some more booze.5
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@CMB44512 what a fantastic post. So happy for you to take such a huge step. And you were recently so happy with only drinking 4 beers out of the 6 pack you would pick up.
You will have to enlighten us as to how this took place. Did your friend advise you?
👍👍👍
"AUNTIES" I like that (thanks to @dawnbgethealthy for that direction)5 -
So close.... Sunday is the end of January. Yet I really want to go to the store for a bottle of wine. It's 17f out so I probably won't but I'm of 2 minds:. I'm so close but even drinking today is still waaayyy less than the daily drinking I had been doing.
Help!6 -
So close.... Sunday is the end of January. Yet I really want to go to the store for a bottle of wine. It's 17f out so I probably won't but I'm of 2 minds:. I'm so close but even drinking today is still waaayyy less than the daily drinking I had been doing.
Help!
Hang in there. Hey it is cold cold cold here to. Have a nice mug of cocoa with loads of cool whip on it.4 -
I too use my 'whiskey' glass in the evenings and fill it (lately) with diet grapefruit soda. I like the slightly bitter taste, but I wish I knew of a flavor I could add that was not carbonated. Until, gee, these past few weeks I had not had any soda in years. I will take any suggestions for that bitter/tang flavor that is AF from anyone to try out
Would a dash or two of actual bitters do the trick?3
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