Less Alcohol ~ JUNE 2021 ~ One Day At A Time
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Good vibes! And a pat on the back for prioritizing what is good for you above the drinking urge. We all know what alcohol does to our anxiety and wakefulness. Good on you for taking care of yourself. I hope the vacation is glorious once it arrives.7
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@Stockholm_Andy
Great seeing you again! We all fall off but the great news is that you are again trying for a "less alcohol" lifestyle. Wonderful that your wife is on board!!!
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DH opened a bottle of wine again this evening (last night it was 1.5 bottles and there is half a bottle still in the fridge). THIS IS SO TEMPTING! But I poured myself a tangerine sparkling water in a wine glass. This is going to be challenging to make my personal goal of M-Th just this week, but I'm determined.
AF again this evening.6 -
WMAO.....yes I am working my xxx off.....no exercise again today, 12 hour days, worked the weekend and feel fried. Thank goodness I have this place to come to for a moment of sanity and reset.
Awesome inspirational postings! @Lilylady3k
I need vacation....!5 -
AF last night and hopefully tonight too. I am actually going to try a glass of AF wine....back later I know this was short5
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@chocolate_owl
Life is a roller coaster ride.
You've got this.
And...we all care about you for whatever that is worth.5 -
Got extremely hot and humid here yesterday. It was like end of July weather. Remembering back years ago I would sit in the hot sun and drink many alcohol beverages "thinking" I getting hydrated. Thank goodness for being older and wiser. LOL
AF Monday June 7
😎
Oh gosh, we were in a heat wave of 37C and this morning it was 4C !!!!!
Ridiculous.
I don't know anymore what 37C is (I grew up with Fahrenheit and it took me decades to get used to) maybe 100F ?
4C is like 30 something F
Stressing about my peppers and tomatoes.
Climate change is upsetting me.6 -
Hi : - )
My goal is 16-20 AF days per month.
Diary Style.
Tuesday June 01 - AF
Wednesday June 02 - AF - I might have drinks tomorrow eve.
Thursday June 03 - 2 drinks. Quite enjoyed them.
Friday June 04 - AF - It has been very hot here all week, by mid-afternoon I had to stop walking around doing Census. I will get at it again early in the morning tomorrow before it heats up. I got some garden stuff planted this morning before going out to work for StatsCan (can't knock on people's doors earlier than 9am, that would just be rude). Garden pics to come
Saturday June 05 - 3 drinks. Census only for Sunday, no restaurant or merch jobs.
Sunday June 06 - AF - 3 went from a record breaking heat wave to really chilly. I had to have a hot bath this evening after being out knocking on doors all day. A brandy would have been nice, but I resisted.
Monday June 07 - AF - Planned drinks for Friday
Tuesday June 08 - Drinks. Didn't last until Friday. Worked from 7am until midnight. No lunch, no dinner, cherries and coffee for breakfast. I know that I have to keep going. I also know that drinks are not the answer, but two sips in (so far) and I am feeling relaxed after an extremely long day. All that keeps me from drinking daily is willpower. No willpower left today. I am not drinking for either stress or celebration, seems to be a physical release. I feel good now and the long day is put away. No regrets on cocktails. Crap, just realized that I have paperwork to submit yet if I mean to get paid!! Off to do that.
Rolling Total - 5AF days out of 8 days.6 -
@Lilylady3k and @MissMay Thanks for the words of support.
I find reading these threads, all of the posters successes (and setbacks), gives me inspiration, motivation and an understanding that others are also having a lot of the same issues.
Yesterday was AF too. It actually felt kind of easy for once. Not that it will last I know.
We're leaving for a vacation to Mallorca on Friday, which I am very much looking forwards to. However, I have really mixed feelings about how much I'll end up drinking.
Happy Wednesday Everyone. Good luck with your goals today!6 -
@Stockholm_Andy - When I went on vacation last week I had a couple of rules. Some I stuck to and others I broke but it helped set my mindframe around drinking and kept me from completely going overboard. Think about what you can and cannot control ...
My plan included water between each alcoholic drink, not drink before 4pm and to never have more than 1-2 per bar.
I broke that last one twice stuck with the first two consistently.
Have fun! Mallorca looks amazing! I'm curious how the island is doing with their covid regulations or if they are fully open. Please let us know!
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Stockholm_Andy wrote: »Well I think that the last time I posted was early February and I have to say that I haven't really done very well between then and now. I had one AF day between then and May 30th. Plus most of the others were not one or two drink days....
However, since then I had one drink since May 31st. That was Friday the 4th of June and my wife and I had intended to have some drinks to celebrate being AF for the week. As it went we both had a drink and said let's skip it.
Last weekend was the first time in a very long time being AF Saturday and Sunday.
It really helps that we are both on it this time. We go on vacation on Friday and I really hope we can get back on it when we return. We are both feeling better, sleeping better and I've lost a few Kilo's already!
On the one hand I'm so sick of drinking for the sake of it. One the other I really fancy a drink come the evenings. (Well not right now particularly but I know I will once the determination wears off).
Sorry long post.
TLDNR: 7 Days AF June
I’m happy to see you back here!4 -
chocolate_owl wrote: »6/1 - AF, 9 miles
6/2 - AF, 3.9 miles
6/3 - AF, 3.5 miles
6/4 - 4 drinks, 3.85 miles
6/5 - 1 drink, 3.5 miles
6/6 - 2 drinks, 1.7 miles
6/7 - AF, 4.2 miles
Weekly total: 7 drinks, 4 AF days, 29.65 miles
Was AF last night because I was supposed to be, but I wasn't happy about it. Last week I got told that this project I've been working on for two years might get cancelled and to hold off doing any work on it. Yesterday at the end of the day I got told that it is indeed still happening, but that means I have to cram three days' worth of work into one day before I go on vacation. Right before I left the office I went to print something out, and it took me 30 minutes to get a printer to work because no one's been maintaining them during the pandemic. Got home in THE WORST mood, and despite husband's best efforts to cheer me up and an hour-long walk to destress, I couldn't shake the mood. And I was SO HUNGRY, but felt like I had to stick to my salad for dinner since I skipped the gym again and settled for a walk. Fell asleep with my stomach rumbling. Despite eating low-cal and not drinking, I'm still up another lb this morning, back to my starting weight for this month. Logic-brain knows fluctuations happen and that this is more related to the weather and needing to poop than anything I'm doing, but emotionally it just sucks. I feel like I'm spinning my wheels, and I'm extremely off-pace for hitting a weight I'm happy with by February.
Today, instead of being excited for my vacation, I'm really stressed out. I'm staring down a mountain of work. I'm wondering if I should only eat salads for the rest of the month. I haven't taken care of a bunch of personal things, like organizing the paperwork to file my appeal to my insurance company. I've running on very little sleep because I keep having nightmares. And I'm still so frickin hungry. Send me some good vibes, y'all.
Big, big hug to you!
If you’re hungry, eat, or at least add some protein to your salad!
I’m sure it will all get done, and you’ll have a nice relaxing vacation. Hang in there! We are all rooting for you.4 -
Last night was a waste of drinking night. First of all, I planned on being AF- especially since I have a tennis match today and need to stay hydrated.
At any rate, took the kids to “burger night” at a local pub. The special comes with a beer or house wine. I had the house wine and it really wasn’t that good. So, today my weight is up, I’m bloated and puffy again and I didn’t even enjoy my wine. 😡
I’m sure the sweet potato fries and burger contributed the most to being puffy- that and eating one slice of a pickle. I swear one bite and I retain water! So I know it will all come off, but I’m really most disappointed in myself for caving on my resolve to not drink, just to capitalize on a “deal”.6 -
This speaks to me!
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AF 7/8 days but my energy and power are toast and all I can think of is quitting my job and drinking. Terrible what stress does to the mind. So yep, time to give today another go....maybe think about vacation/holiday planning to cheer me up and distract me.
@chocolate_owl, hang in there...you have the power.
@dawnbgethealthy you put in some solid stretches of AF and getting tons of work done, that's the positive side. I too am not liking this global warming, especially fire season. Yesterday and this morning loud helicopters flying over my house, carrying water to douse the fires, still far from me. But it's close enough. More communities were told to go last night and shelter in our local high school.
Enjoy Mallorca @Stockholm_Andy, I've heard it's great fun....send us pix of the food if you can.....
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Well, I appreciate all the good vibes, but I’m going to need a few more. I’m sitting in a hospital room instead of flying on a plane right now - my MIL went to the ER last night after aspirating on water. They’ve found she has lung cancer. She had a mild heart attack this morning. We were told 4 years ago that a heart attack would kill her within 3 months, and they saw some suspicious spots on her lungs 2 years ago, so none of this is surprising news. It just sucks that it’s happening to her all at once. She’s 91. She lost her husband 5 years ago and misses him terribly. She talks about being ready to die *a lot,* so honestly I wish her peace and for her heart to take her quickly rather than for the cancer to take her slowly.
We’ve moved our flight to late tonight, and we’re waiting for the doctor to visit her and lay out the game plan before we make a decision about actually going. MIL doesn’t get angry, but she was pretty pissed off to see us walk in the door this morning. She doesn’t want us changing our plans because of her. My husband is torn apart - he respects her point of view, but if she has a big heart attack while we’re gone, he won’t forgive himself. His sister is her primary caregiver; we’re here for emotional support.
This is hard. Seeing my husband so upset and not being able to do anything is heartbreaking. Thank you all for always being so kind and for giving me a space to vent.11 -
@chocolate_owl wishing you strength at this very tough time for you and your family.❣4
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Another HOT day for the New England coast. Off shore breeze? No where to be found. And that thunder storm the weather channel promised, I could spit more water than came out of the sky last night.
The only cool place is up at my paint/workout studio. But at this time I don't NEED to create any more art until I sell more. I guess I could workout in the cool room. That will be the plan in the morning fingers crossed.
I am AF today, but not last night. Made one chocolate coconut rum martini last night. The coconut rum is low alcohol percentage because it is made with coconut water and is very coconutty(yup that is officially a new word).
RumHaven & rich chocolate BOOST in a shaker, poured into my most lovely tall stemmed glass and shredded coconut as a garnish. Spoil me rotten.
June day 9
6-AF
3-A
4 drinks total
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@chocolate_owl I pray for your family. Those are tough decision to stay or to go and the quilt for your spouse if you go and the guilt on your MIL if you stay.
@MissMay I do hope you have relief in the weather soon. I am not a fan of the really hot humid stuff. Hence living in the Northwest. Yes we have a few weeks a year it is truly unbearable with 95-100 F (and 90% of home do not have A/C ) but for the most part our summers are mild with and nice 65-85 F.
Today I did my gym routine and knew I would be out in the yard working again. So 5 of the 6 plants we just bought are in, one rose bush moved. And another section completed. Now just have along one fence to finish up and I will be calling for some bark!
AF last night, and today after all this work I am sitting here with my Heineken 0.0 and a little CBD/THC tinture (all this is legal here) trying to relax and not think about having a real drink. I know I am going to be super sore tomorrow since I can feel it already today.
@Lilylady3k thank you for the inspirational quote....I needed that just now6 -
Hi : - )
My goal is 16-20 AF days per month.
Diary Style.
Tuesday June 01 - AF
Wednesday June 02 - AF - I might have drinks tomorrow eve.
Thursday June 03 - 2 drinks. Quite enjoyed them.
Friday June 04 - AF - It has been very hot here all week, by mid-afternoon I had to stop walking around doing Census. I will get at it again early in the morning tomorrow before it heats up. I got some garden stuff planted this morning before going out to work for StatsCan (can't knock on people's doors earlier than 9am, that would just be rude). Garden pics to come
Saturday June 05 - 3 drinks. Census only for Sunday, no restaurant or merch jobs.
Sunday June 06 - AF - 3 went from a record breaking heat wave to really chilly. I had to have a hot bath this evening after being out knocking on doors all day. A brandy would have been nice, but I resisted.
Monday June 07 - AF - Planned drinks for Friday
Tuesday June 08 - Drinks. Didn't last until Friday. Worked from 7am until midnight. No lunch, no dinner, cherries and coffee for breakfast. I know that I have to keep going. I also know that drinks are not the answer, but two sips in (so far) and I am feeling relaxed after an extremely long day. All that keeps me from drinking daily is willpower. No willpower left today. I am not drinking for either stress or celebration, seems to be a physical release. I feel good now and the long day is put away. No regrets on cocktails. Crap, just realized that I have paperwork to submit yet if I mean to get paid!! Off to do that.
Wednesday June 09 - AF - I had planned to bang on some doors for Census today after the restaurant since tomorrow is choc-o-bloc and I won't have time. Got my gear and list together, then it started raining again. So, an early dinner and now a nice hot bath and early to bed for me.
Rolling Total - 6AF days out of 9 days.2 -
@chocolate_owl Thinking of you and keeping your family in my prayers during this tough time.
@lmlmrn I too needed that quote this morning when it popped up on my screen saver ... one I had stored away and was happy to see this morning!
@MissMay I could find a lot to do in a nice cool place ... even if you are not ready to tackle another art project again ... exercise, reading, mediation ... or can you view your garden from there?
@dawnbgethealthy Girl you are having some very very long days! Remember to care for yourself. Curious what drink drew you in to fix since you have some many cocktail ideas.
DH opened a bottle of red to go with our smoked eye of round roast. I stuck with water. Another evening AF.
Trying to get to 5 days AF to match the 5 that I wasn't before the party on Friday night. One more night!
6/1 - AF
6/2 - 2 wine
6/3 - 5 … 1 beer + 3 wine + 1 Benedictine @ New Orleans
6/4 - 4 … 3 wine + 1 Whiskey Diet Coke @ New Orleans
6/5 - 4 … 1 whiskey sour + 3 wine @ Wedding in Natchez
6/6 - 2 wine
6/7 - AF
6/8 - AF
6/9 - AF
6/10 -
6/11 - @ 1 year anniversary party for goddaughter5 -
@chocolate_owl im so sorry to hear your MIL is having so many serious health problems all at once. I hope she is feeling ok. I’ll keep her and your family in my prayers.
Man, that’s one tough generation. My dad was the same way, didn’t want anyone to fuss over him or cancel plans despite his multiple trips to the hospital. As much as I like to think i don’t want to be a burden, I’d want that deathbed vigil!!!5 -
I really really wanted a drink tonight. The 6:00 craving hit me hard and didn’t go away. I was at work at the time, but I was seriously questioning why I was even bothering to have some AF days during the week. Luckily I was able to get home at 8:30 and didn’t give in- by then most of the cravings had passed. But holy cow, what a ride!5
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Hi @chocolate_owl, super big hugs to you...hang onto that strong strength you do have... it's a difficult time and a lot to suddenly process...taking care of you and your loved ones is most important right now. Do what you think is best for you and your family. What you are going through really sucks and some of us have gone through similar experiences.
For me, work and home is hitting me with some bad punches lately. I can't explain where this is coming from other than life throwing some random curveballs. I need a deep breath, reset, focus on drawing strength, and don't let bullies push me around. Still working too many hours and husband not used to working professional woman and expects shopping and table ready for dinner at 5pm. But I have to quit the whining....and start directing my life otherwise it will direct me....:(
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Thank you to everyone welcoming me back and giving holiday tips
I love how warm, welcoming and supportive these threads are.
Another AF free night last night. No real dramas or cravings,except maybe for the first few minutes after I got back from work. Soon passed though.
That said I did really notice just how much everyone was drinking on the TV series we were watching last night.
The product placement contract must have changed hands as in the first Series they were all drinking Heineken and in the second Series it is wall to wall Miller brands
So the tally (including tonight as that WON'T be a problem) is 9xAF 1XA
All downhill to the weekend now folks, enjoy your Thursday!!!7 -
I almost broke down and bought some wine yesterday, but I knew it was easier to not put it in the cart than it would be to not drink the whole bottle later. I find that Bubly, which is a bit sweeter than la croix, hits the craving better. I generally have more of a sweet tooth when I'm not drinking much. Still sticking to only drinking on Fridays out with people, which I keep telling myself is helping with the depression and migraines even when it doesn't feel like it. The best part is that I don't crave alcohol most days anymore, sometimes it doesn't even come to mind, so I've kicked the habit part which is nice.
3.5 lbs down in 3.5 weeks which is also nice
15AF days out of the last 17.
9AF/10 in June.
Looking forward to Friday. I have a 2 week, half vacation/half WFH, back home in a couple of weeks. Not sure what rules I'll have there. Probably something along the lines of "not every day" and leave it at that.6 -
I read @chocolate_owl ’s article she posted and it was very interesting. The info on “drinking alone does more harm than social benefits“ was an eye opener. At the same time, I went to the doctor for an annual checkup and he told me I was due for blood work and muttered something about my liver. So, on June 1st I started eating “healthy liver foods “ and have not had a drink. The hardest thing was the first weekend; I had told myself I could go get the blood work done Monday morning, and when I made it through the weekend, I thought I should wait, and try for the 14 day liver reset, so that’s what I’m aiming for.
Last night I was cleaning the cooktop and my husband told me that he did not want to sound condescending, but that he was proud of my not drinking........I didn’t think he actually noticed. He asked me what was up and I told him I’m going to get blood work done and want it to look good. And NO, I told him, I’m not trying to fool the doctor.
Any way, I am on day #9 of being AF and it really has made me look at how much I actually drank. I love waking up feeling good in the morning; I was drinking a lot after dinner. Ugh. I’m glad I know I can do this. Karen
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@chocolate_owl What a tough patch of road for you guys. My heart goes out to you all. I, too, hope your MIL finds peace regardless of what happens in the next few days, weeks or longer. It's a tough call. I'm not a gut-decision person, but hopefully your DH is and his gut will tell him whether to stay or go.4
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Made it to my 5 & 5 goal! Tough this evening since I REALLY wanted to order a Torchy's Tini at Torchy's Taco. But I held firm. The bartender knows us and I asked if she had any non-alcohol beer or mocktail and she said "No. Only Bloody Mary without alcohol which is just tomato juice and you'll not be happy with it. You'll just have to cry into your water." LOL yep she knows me all too well ... but I did drink 3 glasses of water!
Next goal is to look at my goals below and try to hit no more than 2 glasses of wine at the wedding reception/anniversary party Friday night AND the rest of the month target no more than 2 nights in a row.
June accountability: 5 days AF
Alcohol: 5 days (17 drinks)
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month. Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.
6/1 - AF
6/2 - 2 wine
6/3 - 5 … 1 beer + 3 wine + 1 Benedictine @ New Orleans
6/4 - 4 … 3 wine + 1 Whiskey Diet Coke @ New Orleans
6/5 - 4 … 1 whiskey sour + 3 wine @ Wedding in Natchez
6/6 - 2 wine
6/7 - AF
6/8 - AF
6/9 - AF
6/10 - AF
6/11 - @ 1 year anniversary party for goddaughter5
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