Less Alcohol - MARCH 2021

lmlmrn · March 2021

dawnbgethealthy wrote: »

@lmlmrn
I hope everything goes well with your visiting friend.
I know that I had to distance myself from the drinking crowd when I decided to cut back.
I have one friend in my "bubble" that drinks wine every day. Some days it is a trigger for me.
I get what you are wondering, if you will have anything in common besides drinking.
The world indeed becomes small if it revolves around drinks.

So many ways to make a Bloody Mary, or in this case a Virgin Bloody Mary.
Up here we drink Bloody Caesars (clamato instead of tomato) so you would be hard pressed to find anyone that has heard of a Bloody Mary believe it or not. I like them better because Clamato is so thin compared to Tomato Juice.

Typical would be Worcestershire, Tabasco, salt and pepper, rimmed with celery salt or coarse salt.
I like to put horseradish in mine. It might look kind of gross, but it is so yummy.
There is also a version that uses a beef bouillon cube which is interesting but a bit salty.
A splash of pickle juice makes it interesting.

hmmm, this sounds promising. I have to watch my sodium or I puff up like a doughnut. I have some celery bitters I wonder how that would taste? Thank you I am going to do a tad bit of experimenting I believe

lmlmrn · March 2021

@globalhiker I had worn heels 3-4" for 15 years 5 days a week and they did me no favors, even though I bought higher end shoes (nordstrom, macy's (they have gone downhill IMHO) and some of the more specialty stores. About 8 months ago I started mixing 'multi source' Collagan that has bovine, fish, chicken, eggshell in it, five different proteins. The pain I use to have in my heel is no longer there and my hair and nails look great LOL. I also have arthritis in my hands and the pain I have has lessened. It is a bit on the pricey side, but for me one scoop in my coffee every morning is worth the $$.

@vvlucky I have only been here since January when I stumbled on this forum. It has changed my life with the honesty of the members and the struggle. The 1st three days were the hardest and scary. I did download the app that was recommended at the beginning called dry days. It lets you set your limits as just a dry day, a low alcohol day or a heavier day. You check in everyday on how you did the day before and at the end of the month you get a little 'certificate' of how many dry days you had that month. I find it fun and a way to track and compete with myself to do better each month.

@dawnbgethealthy skating looks like so much fun, but as bad as I am with balance I would be down more than up....the ice is hard hehe.

chocolate_owl · March 2021

3/1-3/7: Very bad, lots of drinks
3/8-3/14: 4 AF days, 8 drinks
3/15-3/21: 5 AF days, 5 drinks
3/22: AF
3/23: AF
3/24: AF
3/25: AF

Warning: rant/whine ahead.

Well, my memory of my hangover has clearly faded since last night I was white-knuckling it through not drinking. So my place of work is super dysfunctional. We're a small business group owned by a big company, but we used to be an independent small company, and as such everything was very relaxed. Our corporate overlords tolerated that for a while, but the past few years have seen a big push to increase our safety standards and our security protocols. Sounds good, right? Nah, we don't know what the eff we're doing, and it's one giant clusterfluck after another. One of the things they've done is roped off the engineering test area. There's a chain up with a "Do Not Enter" sign on it to keep the commoners out. I, being an engineer, get to go in there, and I had a test running yesterday. I had my hands full with some parts, and I try to take the damn chain down. Only 1) whatever nitwit put this chain there to begin with used a threaded carabiner, which is entirely unnecessary and unwieldy, and 2) whoever left the area last TIGHTENED THAT THING DOWN. I'm there struggling with my hands full trying to get the bloody thing undone, I can't get it, there's no one else around to undo it for me... So I decide I'm gonna just step over the chain. In the process, I twisted my back so frikkin bad, and twisting is on my Do Not Do Under Any Circumstances list. So I suffered through the rest of the work day, and instead of coming home and doing PT exercises and cooking dinner, I laid on the couch whimpering the whole night. I'm still in quite a bit of pain today, and I'm just really exhausted with being broken. The only reason I didn't drink last night was some part of my brain acknowledging that it wasn't going to be a one-glass kind of night, or even a one-bottle kind of night, but I cried about it. I have PT in 30 minutes, and I get to go fess up to being stupid.

I would really like to know what a full week of being pain-free, well-rested, and not stressed or emotionally overwhelmed feels like. And right now I'm really missing my 6-drink habit because it numbed the pain, numbed the emotional turmoil, and let me fall asleep pass out easily. There are times I've wondered why people who get sober and are doing so well staying on the wagon suddenly relapse, and right now I completely, 100% get it.

I've pre-logged two glasses of wine to go with dinner tonight (recipe calls for some white wine, so a bottle will be open). Will have to think through that pretty hard once we get to dinner time... I really can't have 2 glasses turning into 4 or 5 or 6.

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

@globalhiker

Since you liked that purple tunic-y kind of thing I thought that you might like this hoodie too. Might be too wintery for you, but would be great up in the mountains.
I am a thrift store shopper. I have changed sizes over the past 3 years.

Pants: $3.99
Hoodie: $2.99
Boots: Some that I have had for a long time.

No, I can't seem to get my face in photos that I take of myself.

globalhiker · March 2021

Thanks for all your tips and advice friends

.....and cute top @dawnbgethealthy. The best price is always the lowest price

@lmlmrn I put that multisource collagen protein on today's shopping list. Never tried...Big thanks!

@chocolate_owl you're work environment sounds bad. If you think this scenario will repeat itself do you have alternative work options you wish to explore?

Still AF. No thoughts of drinking on Friday night. That, I am LOVING!

It was this - and not the health, beauty or money reasons that was my big, big motivator. It's the fact that I took back control that craving and urge to drink is gone. I just flat out can't stand anything or anyone controlling my life and wine devil was doing that.

But, I am thinking whether my nagging "wine devil" is just in a temporary coma/sleep - or - if I starved him and he is now perhaps gone for good?

Something tells me he is just in a coma and will wake up when I have a drink again. Big question then becomes - how many drinks will it take to wake him up? I need to know this number and stay under the radar because I don't want to go back to square one - hell no....

vvlucky · March 2021

I'm doing two AF days - Sunday and Monday - of this week. I also joined an April weight loss challenge. I think/know I am ready and committed. I will post daily. Thanks for reading and inspiring me.

Lilylady3k · March 2021

60th birthday for a friend this afternoon. Outside bar and crawfish boil. Amazed that I just stuck with water with all the alcohol flowing!

AF this evening too.

Lastchancetochange · March 2021

Hi team, can’t believe it. First weekend in a long time with zero alcohol. No hangover in the afternoon, no mild depression night. Didn’t eat well but I was also able to skip dessert so 2 accomplishments.

lumipower · March 2021

joining this group...in lock down I am trying to find ways not to celebrate the end of the day with a glass of wine...any tips welcome

globalhiker · March 2021

Today is day 56 AF for me. My husband is still AF except for taking the day "off" on St. Patricks.

Here are some tips that worked for me:

1. read what successful people did and follow them (I devoted 5-10 min of reading before bed)
2. accept there will be times of sudden discomfort and intensified emotions (aka challenge days)- maybe lots - so prepare with alternative drinks/foods/behaviors
3. talk back aggressively to the wine/booze devil urging you to do something you don't need to do
4. reward yourself for your progress in other ways (shopping)
5. end blaming others and the past and bad circumstances - accept only you are in total control of your responses/behavior
6. replace negative thoughts that don't serve you with positive ones - this one is hard but was a game changer for me
7. if you can't yet control the quantity, buy only the amount you plan to drink and don't keep it in the house
8. enjoy life - intentionally fill your day with new activities that bring you joy- so you don't feel deprived
9. if you're a dopamine addict like me, get your fix through exercise, sports, etc, chocolate, healthier means
10. transfer your addiction-if you have one- to something healthier
11. environment needs to be as stress free as possible and stay under your max stress load as much as you can - put relaxation time on your calendar
12. everything you need to be successful is available to you....friends, support groups, online tips from psychologists, books, podcasts, etc so tap into it
13. introduce the positive, good activities and hobbies in your life first so when alcohol is reduced or eliminated, you have learned alternative ways to enjoy life and won't feel deprived
14. when your goals are not met, and this is likely to happen several times, don't blame yourself or anyone. Just analyze your behaviors and plan out what you "will" do differently next time.

End of list for now......!

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

Happy March!
In like a lamb.

I am continuing with my goals that I have mostly been following for a year:

16-20 AF days per month
Don't drink 2 days in a row
Try to keep 2 AF days in between drinks days

I choose the diary style so that I check in every day, keep myself accountable, and can see at a glance where I am at.

Friday March 19 - Drinks.
Saturday March 20 - AF - because I had drinks last night.
Sunday March 21 - AF - Planned AF for Monday also.
Monday March 22 - AF - because early morning and a long day tomorrow. I might have a few drinks Tuesday night.
Tuesday March 23 - Drinks - 2, because I didn't want to hurl. Ready to catch that 16th AF day.
Wednesday March 24 - AF - Always hard to be AF the day after drinks. Had to use some willpower.
Day 3 of 6 days of ice skating today : - ) This will be the last of the season, so very grateful that the Kinnette Club stepped up and booked the ice for free public skating once a day.
Thursday March 25 - AF - Had a really great skate today in between jobs. A drink would have been nice tonight, but I wanted to get my 2 AF days in. I will be having a few drinks with my friend to celebrate her birthday this weekend. I definitely am aiming for the 20AF days for the month.
Friday March 26 - AF - Because I plan on having drinks over the weekend.
Saturday March 27 - Drinks, 3 over the course of 6 hours, so no puking lol.

Rolling total: 18AF days out of 27 days.

lmlmrn · March 2021

hello to all
@globalhiker thank you for your list of positives!!!!

and insights

Yesterday the 'beer basher' crept into my life and I allowed (going to own this one). Pizza, movie and 2 beers at home. But on the plus side I was able to take a well needed nap that lasted 3 hours, vs the 1 hour sleep I managed the night before.

**caution** a whining rant, skip if you are easily bored.

Most of you know I have had this awful virus/nasal crap that has lasted now for over 30 days. I have tried most everything. Right now I am finding mild success with some generic 24 hour allergy tabs and cool mist humidifier in what ever room I am camped in. Yesterday I developed a cold sore (more of the virus) on the outer corner of my mouth. I am almost ready to pay to see my Dr. again (no insurance). I know there is nothing they can give you for a virus but still.....my nose is so raw, it bleeds.

@lumipower I found finding a non alcoholic drink that you enjoy along with a snack will scare the wine witch back a block or two. What part of the world are you in? If you don't mind my asking? Just trying to figure out lumi.....nickname, tribe name, or something other...I can be a curious cat sometimes.

Lastchancetochange · March 2021

Update: Managed Sunday AF, means 7 day Streak! Can't believe it. Did 2 alcohol free beers 1 Friday and one today and that was enough. The difference is that this afternoon I did 25 kms of mountain bike instead of being in bed watching Tele and yesterday I could play with my girls. Nice weekend.

chocolate_owl · March 2021

3/1-3/7: Very bad, lots of drinks
3/8-3/14: 4 AF days, 8 drinks
3/15-3/21: 5 AF days, 5 drinks
3/22: AF
3/23: AF
3/24: AF
3/25: AF
3/26: 2 drinks
3/27: 2 drinks

Friday was a rollercoaster. Posted here, then went to PT where I started to feel a lot better, then the staff started joking about happy hour starting early during Friday Zoom calls and said I should have a margarita, which was weirdly triggering. I did NOT have a margarita because it was an important call, but at 4pm husband started pouring the rosé and I had to get tf out of the house. I started an audio book and walked as long as I could, and when I finally came back my head was in a better place. It was easy to stick to my two planned drinks.

Yesterday turned into the battle of keeping myself occupied until dinner while husband drank the day away. Another long walk, a long shower, painted my nails, styled my hair, put on a dress and heels for our delivered sushi dinner. Very much looking forward to 2 weeks after my second vaccine jab when I might feel safe eating out again. It’s officially been 13 months since I ate in a restaurant.

I hit 159 lbs this weekend, which was a huge deal to me. I haven’t seen a number under 160 in years. It feels like I’m making real progress. The dress I picked out was a bit snug when I bought it, and now it fits perfectly. I’m a little sad that it will only fit for another 10 lbs or so, but I’ll do what Marie Kondo says and let it spark joy for someone else on Poshmark 😂

Not really feeling the drinks tonight, but not ruling them out either. My birthday is Thursday and I’m having real live people over to celebrate on Saturday, so I’m sure there will be lots of wine this week.

vvlucky · March 2021

@chocolate_owl Your month looks very successful! It's so hard for me to not drink when others are imbibing. Congratulations on 159. That would be my DREAM weight, but I'd be truly happy with 175.

@globalhiker Many words of wisdom from your list. I'm working to remove blame from my repertoire and replace it with self-compassion, and compassion for my daughter. Intellectually I can do this - and am working through therapy to have that seep into my heart, which is where I believe it will make the big difference for me. I especially love the notion of staying under my maximum stress load - which is a concept I've never really processed. As a family, and especially as the primary caregiver, my max stress load has been tested over and over. What a treat to think I don't have to live like that - and actually right now in my life I do not. So, thanks for putting words to that.

I tracked all day. I have enough points for 2 glasses of wine. Today was supposed to be AF. Not sure what I am going to do.

chocolate_owl · March 2021

@globalhiker Congratulations on conquering your cravings! You’ve gotten to a really good place. I will say IMO the wine devil is taking a nap, and drinking will probably wake it up, but you’re also equipped with all the tools to put it back to sleep.

About my job: it’s dysfunctional for sure, but the only reason I can imagine leaving it is an overseas position, which I promised husband I wouldn’t pursue until after his mom passed away. I’m good at it and our products matter to me. I’ll just continue to gripe to the appropriate manager as things come up.

@Lilylady3k Wow, staying AF at a party! That’s impressive.

@Lastchancetochange Nice to see you around again! Nice job staying away from alcohol for a weekend. Keep making the effort, it’s worth feeling better!

@lumipower Welcome! I still want a glass of wine at the end of the day, but if I can keep myself occupied I can ignore the craving until it passes. Everything from chores to cooking to time-wasting phone games to books really helps.

@dawnbgethealthy that sounds like a more enjoyable way to enjoy 3 drinks 😆

@lmlmrn Sending all the good vibes I can for you to get better!!

@vvlucky At some point I had to stop thinking of my husband pouring a drink as a reason for me to have one. I can’t change his habits, I can’t keep up with him, and it just hurts me. If a friend offers me a drink it’s a lot harder to say no, though. If today was supposed to be AF, keep it AF. Have a different treat. This gets a lot easier if you make a plan and stick to it.

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

Happy March!
In like a lamb.

I am continuing with my goals that I have mostly been following for a year:

16-20 AF days per month
Don't drink 2 days in a row
Try to keep 2 AF days in between drinks days

I choose the diary style so that I check in every day, keep myself accountable, and can see at a glance where I am at.

Wednesday March 24 - AF - Always hard to be AF the day after drinks. Had to use some willpower.
Day 3 of 6 days of ice skating today : - ) This will be the last of the season, so very grateful that the Kinnette Club stepped up and booked the ice for free public skating once a day.
Thursday March 25 - AF - Had a really great skate today in between jobs. A drink would have been nice tonight, but I wanted to get my 2 AF days in. I will be having a few drinks with my friend to celebrate her birthday this weekend. I definitely am aiming for the 20AF days for the month.
Friday March 26 - AF - Because I plan on having drinks over the weekend.
Saturday March 27 - Drinks, 3 over the course of 6 hours, so no puking lol.
Sunday March 28 - Drinks. I have officially broken 2 of my rules for myself this month - haven't had drinks 2 days in a row in a long time. All good though. Had a drink, then pizza and a beer with my friend on her birthday, then cake and a liqueur. Our plan was to go for a nice hike today on her birthday and then have pizza. It was gusting and raining here today, so no hike. I took a non-alcohol bottle of wine to her place (she is a wine drinker) because I can no longer tolerate wine. I tried two sips and it was very terrible. I was like "um, do you have a cracker please?" I really needed to get the taste out of my mouth. She drinks white, but offered to open a bottle of red for me - I couldn't because I have lost my tolerance for wine, even a few sips makes me very sick. I had a bailey's, then a beer with the pizza, then a cointreau after.

Rolling total: 18AF days out of 28 days.

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

lmlmrn wrote: »

hello to all

Most of you know I have had this awful virus/nasal crap that has lasted now for over 30 days. I have tried most everything. Right now I am finding mild success with some generic 24 hour allergy tabs and cool mist humidifier in what ever room I am camped in. Yesterday I developed a cold sore (more of the virus) on the outer corner of my mouth. I am almost ready to pay to see my Dr. again (no insurance). I know there is nothing they can give you for a virus but still.....my nose is so raw, it bleeds.

Oh dear. I had that for a few weeks, took a bunch of stuff until a friend told me to put vaseline all around up my nose with a q-tip. It really did work. I am still doing it morning and night.

I really feel like my sinus pain, raw nose, and skin issues are from having to wear a mask all of the time for work.
I have no idea why the vaseline works. I haven't put it up there since early this morning and my nose is beginning to burn again, so I will apply some.

How much does it cost to go to the doctor btw?
I am not trying to be facetious, but is it the only country in the world where you have to pay to get medical care?

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

@Lilylady3k
Good going on being AF. Finish the month strong.

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

My friend and I went to a thrift store on Saturday, a fun thing to do on her birthday weekend.

Anyway, some really fun and retro hats, though that I would share.

Fun right?

Womona · March 2021

Hi all!

@chocolate_owl perhaps a nice workers comp claim will make them rethink how they cordon off the engineering area! Sorry to hear you hurt yourself.

@globalhiker I personally love shoe shopping! Taryn Rose is an orthopedist who designs cute shoes for people with foot problems. Not cheap but you can get them discounted at Zappos.com and I’m sure a lot of other places. I’d focus on hiking shoes, everyday sneakers and one pair of black shoes you can dress up or down. Or good quality inserts. Better to have a few good quality than a bunch of cheaper shoes that hurt your feet!

Womona · March 2021

How do these weekends go by so fast? 1.5 drinks Friday night, 2 Saturday and nothing last night. But I had 2 slices of pizza and a doughnut- calorie bombs all! Ever feel your insulin kicking in???? That’s me when I eat too many carbs, especially something in the doughnut family!

globalhiker · March 2021

Up at 3am (yawn) to get Covid shot #2. Still AF-happy.

I look at the calendar and remember I used to stop posting the last few days - or confess to 5 drinks a day-or sort of guesstimate the amount because I could not remember. LOL, bad me

For some reason I thought I earned the right to overdrink the last few days as a reward for getting in AF days during the month. Self-sabotage it was. Makes no sense right....not going back to that mindset.

Seems like we made some good progress in March overall

globalhiker · March 2021

Cute hats @dawnbgethealthy ....looks like it was indeed a form of art especially back then....

MissMay · March 2021

Last Monday of MARCH 2021. That was an incredibly FAST month. Such wonderful reads on here the last 4 weeks. And accountability was spectacular.

We are looking for another host to start up the April thread. My first thought is perhaps @globalhiker , since you have been attending everyday and become an excellent role model would you like to take over introducing the Less Alcohol Thread?? Please let me know. I don't receive PM's so you will have to let me know on here. Thanks

GREAT MONTH EVERYONE. Keep up the awesome accountability.

mainelylisa · March 2021

Hi everyone! I've been buried in work days nights weekend, but wanted to stop in and say what great progress and conversations here. I really hope for some balance soon! Cheers to all the Covid shots!

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

@MissMay
Nice to see you. Hope that all is well in your world : - )

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

Happy March!
In like a lamb.

I am continuing with my goals that I have mostly been following for a year:

16-20 AF days per month
Don't drink 2 days in a row
Try to keep 2 AF days in between drinks days

I choose the diary style so that I check in every day, keep myself accountable, and can see at a glance where I am at.

Wednesday March 24 - AF - Always hard to be AF the day after drinks. Had to use some willpower.
Day 3 of 6 days of ice skating today : - ) This will be the last of the season, so very grateful that the Kinnette Club stepped up and booked the ice for free public skating once a day.
Thursday March 25 - AF - Had a really great skate today in between jobs. A drink would have been nice tonight, but I wanted to get my 2 AF days in. I will be having a few drinks with my friend to celebrate her birthday this weekend. I definitely am aiming for the 20AF days for the month.
Friday March 26 - AF - Because I plan on having drinks over the weekend.
Saturday March 27 - Drinks, 3 over the course of 6 hours, so no puking lol.
Sunday March 28 - Drinks. I have officially broken 2 of my rules for myself this month - haven't had drinks 2 days in a row in a long time. All good though. Had a drink, then pizza and a beer with my friend on her birthday, then cake and a liqueur. Our plan was to go for a nice hike today on her birthday and then have pizza. It was gusting and raining here today, so no hike. I took a non-alcohol bottle of wine to her place (she is a wine drinker) because I can no longer tolerate wine. I tried two sips and it was very terrible. I was like "um, do you have a cracker please?" I really needed to get the taste out of my mouth. She drinks white, but offered to open a bottle of red for me - I couldn't because I have lost my tolerance for wine, even a few sips makes me very sick. I had a bailey's, then a beer with the pizza, then a cointreau after with cake.
Monday March 29 AF - No brainer, busy early day tomorrow. I will find a way to take off to go ice skating, Thursday is the last day of it until October. Priorities : - )

Rolling total: 19AF days out of 29 days.

dawnbgethealthy · March 2021

@globalhiker
Fantastic that you got your 2nd shot! Did you have to drive very far to get it? Any after effects this time?
2-3 weeks from now and you are completely protected : - )

lmlmrn · March 2021

dawnbgethealthy wrote: »

lmlmrn wrote: »

hello to all

Most of you know I have had this awful virus/nasal crap that has lasted now for over 30 days. I have tried most everything. Right now I am finding mild success with some generic 24 hour allergy tabs and cool mist humidifier in what ever room I am camped in. Yesterday I developed a cold sore (more of the virus) on the outer corner of my mouth. I am almost ready to pay to see my Dr. again (no insurance). I know there is nothing they can give you for a virus but still.....my nose is so raw, it bleeds.

Oh dear. I had that for a few weeks, took a bunch of stuff until a friend told me to put vaseline all around up my nose with a q-tip. It really did work. I am still doing it morning and night.

I really feel like my sinus pain, raw nose, and skin issues are from having to wear a mask all of the time for work.
I have no idea why the vaseline works. I haven't put it up there since early this morning and my nose is beginning to burn again, so I will apply some.

How much does it cost to go to the doctor btw?
I am not trying to be facetious, but is it the only country in the world where you have to pay to get medical care?

This is a lot of TMI so feel free to skip since I whine too.

I have put vaseline under and around my nose. I am finding that aloe vera on a qtip inside my nose seems to feel better, it is also working on my cold sore at the corner of my mouth. I am using chap stick for the cold sore under my upper lip. And yes the cost to someone like me with no insurance (can't afford the premiums and I have not for a long time in the past and present had an employer who offered to co-pay for insurance). Currently premiums for someone my age 60+ for basic 2 office visits a year. Monthly in my state (what is offered) the cheapest is $984 per month and my spouse who is 65+ is about $100-150 higher. Now that combined with the deductible which is typically $6,000-7,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in above the two visits.

We did the whole 'obama care' when it rolled out, and we even had a discount applied lowering our premium because the state said we did not have much money (so true). Then the state decided the discount was given in error (plus we were canx twice during the year due to state not forwarding our money to the ins company) and had to pay back over $10,000. This was in 2015ish???? the following year we paid our premium directly to the ins company so the total we paid out of pocket was close to $18,000 the following year(monthly premiums + recommended care etc). After that we decided no be insured and put aside money for health care and use it when needed. WE have never come close to spending that amount of money in one year, ever....even with an ER visit and out patient surgery.

Ok costs in my area for just a general practitioner with no insurance (they say they are giving you a discount for cash pay) runs $95 to $120. Specialists say dermatologist, rheumatologist etc will run out of pocket $175-$250 per 10 min visit, before any lab work, xrays etc.

Less Alcohol - MARCH 2021

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