Less Alcohol ~ APRIL 2022 ~ One Day At A Time
Replies
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What a fun week!
I'm so sad everyone is leaving. 
I was looking forward to this week so much and it was glorious. I had 3 dinners for 11 + brunch yesterday, but it was a different constellation of 11 each time as family members shuffled in and out. I drank a lot after each of the dinners I hosted, and one was a weeknight.
One drink last night but we went to a pizza place and I felt uncomfortably full. I knew when we were ordering that it was too much food. Man, it seems like it's one or the other -- over eating or over drinking. Not good.
For brunch I made beignet dough and my 14 year old nephew rolled them out and fried them! They were perfect! I'm always trying to get in the kitchen with that kid. He works in a French restaurant and obviously is learning a lot. Love him so much. I'm really feeling a crushing downer and drinking a lot will only make me feel worse, so I need to take it easy tonight for the sake of my mood tomorrow.8 -
April accountability: 6 days AF
Alcohol: 18 days (43.5 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.
4/1 - 2 wine
4/2 - 4 wine @ my sisters
4/3 - AF
4/4 - 1.5 wine
4/5 - 2 Torchy Tini’s
4/6 - AF
4/7 - 2 wine
4/8 - 3 wine
4/9 - 3 drinks 1 margarita + 2 wine (half full small plastic cups at party) Couples Baby Shower
4/10 - 3 margaritas Crawfish Boil; bags of frozen margaritas leftover from the previous evening event
4/11 - AF
4/12 - AF @ alumnae meeting
4/13 - 1 bourbon & Diet Coke
4/14 - 3 wine BUNCO
4/15 - 1 margarita
4/16 - 3 wine
4/17 - AF
4/18 - 2 wine (1 at home & 1 at 📚)
4/19 - 2 wine
4/20 - 1 margarita
4/21 - 2 wine
4/22 - 4 drinks 3 wine & 1 Benedictine in New Orleans
4/23 - 4 drinks French Quarter Fest 1 beer, vodka, 2 wine & lots of water bottles!
4/24 - AF
Driving home from New Orleans DH said he was not drinking the rest of the week ... well that lasted until he opened a bottle of wine after a long walk while he tried to talk himself out of opening a bottle.
I skipped. I'm ready for a few AF evenings!
Today they begin work on replacing our windows, siding & gutters and painting the house.4 -
Hey all checking in from Las Vegas! What an absolute wonderful time we are having.
Here since Thursday night and ONLY a total of 4 drinks....YES I SAID 4 DRINKS!
Had the most incredible mocktails at an.underground classy speakeasy right off Fremont Street. There was free live entertainment with a 3 piece jazz group and out of the blue an amazing girl singer( old style jazz) asked to join in with the gig. OMG talk about being at the right place at the right time. It was amazing.
The Lady Gaga concert. SPEECHLESS!!!! She was spectacular, beautiful, entertaining and non stop energy. That night I sipped a prosecco as we walked around the venue waiting to get to to our seats. That was it ONE. So proud of myself.
Ok, as for food I am attempting to eat good. I actually ordered an enormous chopped salad for BREAKFAST one day with EVOO because I knew we would not be near healthy food options the rest of the day.
April accountability so far
21 AF
3 A(4 drinks)
Wish I could find @whitpauly while I'm here to connect. Would not even know where to start looking for her.
LADY GAGA
I ordered the Tea Totaler. It came hot in an old fashioned 1920's tea cup with saucer.
Speakeasy entertainment
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@tmbg1
Sounds like a few of us were/are having work stress.
For sure we feel healthier (and less bloated) after an AF day.
Hugs.3 -
@MissMay
Thanks for the photos and the recollection of what you have been seeing and doing.
So happy that you are having fun : - )
And yes, wouldn't it be great to connect with @whitpauly ? Maybe message her through MFP?3 -
@Lilylady3k
I haven't been to the French Quarter for so long. Basically since I moved "West".
I am living vicariously through you. So glad that you got over there : - )2 -
My usual goal, 16-20AF days for the month. Diary style.
I had 21AF days for March, but it was a longer month.
My reason for drinking less is for weight loss.
Friday April 22 - 2 drinks - HR to the rescue, my work issues solved : - ) Planned AF for Saturday, split shift on my usual day off, Sunday, so I need all of my energy. 1 day off is not enough for me, but this will be the last time for that.
Saturday April 23 - AF - In preparation for a split shift
Sunday April 24 - AF - Kind of felt like having a couple of drinks when finally getting home from work, just used some willpower not to.
Rolling total: 15AF day out of 24 days.3 -
Awesome dispatch from Las Vegas! Thanks for that @MissMay. It sounds like you have hit the sweet spot of making the most of every experience while keeping it moderate. Kudos!
@Lilylady3k Ironic that you mentioned windows. I have a contractor and windows sub showing up in 15 minutes to bid on replacing all our windows. It's a chore we have postponed and postponed. Tried to talk my brother (he's an architect) into staying one more day to help me with the meeting. I'm nervous about it. Literally 3 windows are standard casement windows (so I am told). The rest are a more complicated custom somethingorother. The north & south walls of the main area of our house are glass, so the scope is intimidating. Very curious about your experience with the process, especially how long the work is taking.4 -
Hello everyone,
My fair stint is over so I am back to the land of the living. .... Until next time.
Was AF during my time so I feel really proud of that. I did come home and use a bit of my tincture for arthritis relief and relaxation. My own I use total for the night about a teaspoon.
I finally got brave and got on the scale. Now while working my calorie intake was out of control. As you sit in a 8x8 booth you nibble. and nibble of choice? chocolate of course, sweets, etc. small, easy to slip in your mouth and still speak and not really chew. But talk about people watching. THE BEST.
On track for 20+ AF days. So far I have had 5 days with A. But of those days 4 were out with a beer. So total drinks have been low.
I feel pretty good about that
@MissMay love the pictures and can't wait for all the details.7 -
Having another AF day today!6
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@ahoy_m8 - Before and after. They did the complicated windows on the front of the house today before the rain hit. We have bronze aluminum frames. They got to the 5 windows on the lower front. The upstairs old window for comparison above the new window. Have to zoom in to really see the lower one since the shutter was open.
Description from the order (whatever this means!):
DON YOUNG THERMAL BREAK SH 2 BRONZE, EXACT SIZE - NO DEDUCT, NO NAILING FIN, FLAT SILL, EQUAL SASH, DUAL GLAZED, LOWE 366 / CLEAR, 1/8 GLASS, ARGON FILL, HALF SCREEN, ROLL FORM , CHARCOAL FIBERGLASS
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@missmay - sounds like a great trip!!! Love your pics and your AF mocktails ingredients!
Pic from New Orleans ... ran across a small parade in addition to the 20+ music stages!
Tons of great food and music!
https://frenchquarterfest.org
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They look very pretty, @Lilylady3k. Are they aluminum or fiberglass? I have a lot of learning to do. Evidently vinyl and wood are other options.
Well, I was wrong about everything. As it turns out, the main area windows aren't actually windows but rather "insulated glass." The windows sub said it would change the architecture to replace them with windows. So the GC needs to find a new sub for that.
Looks like a beautiful sunny day in NOLA.
ETA: Your azaleas look pretty too!4 -
They look very pretty, @Lilylady3k. Are they aluminum or fiberglass? I have a lot of learning to do. Evidently vinyl and wood are other options.
Aluminum. The aluminum frame is thinner than the fiberglass/vinyl ones when replacing so that I still have lots of glass and a view.
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@Lilylady3k I love the new windows! Very chic.
@MissMay great job on finding yummy mocktail in Sin City! They look delicious. Meanwhile, here is my hot take: Lady Gaga is dressing a bit like Cher back in her Bob Mackie heyday! Is he designing her clothes?
@tmbg1 oh I hear you on the work stress! Makes me want to head right for a bottle of something alcoholic, and resistance is way down at the end of a long hard day.
I didn’t drink Friday or Saturday at all! But Sunday, after a day of cleaning bathrooms and pulling weeds, my husband and did our “hard day in the yard tradition” and went to the local dive bar. It’s actually kind of cool, it has outdoor seating under a huge canopy, and the usual clientele are bikers and guys with restored 60’s muscle cars.
At any rate, I had my one Planned beer, but the fried food and burgers we ordered did not help my eating plan! When we got home, I poured a glass of wine to “kill off the bottle” that had been sitting there all week.
Well, yesterday, unsurprisingly, I was craving bread and alcohol all day. Oh, and chocolate! I would have done anything for a nice piece of chocolate cake. I didn’t have a drink last night after a long day of work, but boy did I want one.
Amazing how, for me, one day off my plan messes me up the next day! No wonder I have such a problem resisting alcohol - my body wants the sugar! Or something!5 -
I went out to a restaurant with friends on Sunday and did not care to drink since I chose to be the designated driver. It was hilarious to see how some of my friend behaved after buckets of unlimited margaritas. Strangely, I have not felt like drinking these days. It must be the hormones are stabilizing because I feel no stress at all.
I even went to Trader Joes and did not buy chips, chocolate, cheese, or white wine (my 4 preferred food groups).
What changed?
I stopped watching the news, not checked my 401k balance, and snuck in yoga a few mornings while watching relaxing scenery videos on youtube. I also like epsom salt baths, they seem to soothe my aches and relax me. I have upped my protein intake to 80g+ a day so maybe the protein is relaxing me, who knows. And I am running more.
Hope my "body" keeps co-operating with me......
@Lilylady3k - nice windows!
@MissMay wow only 4 drinks in Vegas over 5 days is outstanding. Who needs drinks anyway when you have such good entertainment?5 -
Love all of the photos.
Love the French Quarter!!4 -
My usual goal, 16-20AF days for the month. Diary style.
I had 21AF days for March, but it was a longer month.
My reason for drinking less is for weight loss.
Friday April 22 - 2 drinks - HR to the rescue, my work issues solved : - ) Planned AF for Saturday, split shift on my usual day off, Sunday, so I need all of my energy. 1 day off is not enough for me, but this will be the last time for that.
Saturday April 23 - AF - In preparation for a split shift
Sunday April 24 - AF - Kind of felt like having a couple of drinks when finally getting home from work, just used some willpower not to.
Monday April 25 - AF - Planned drinks Tuesday (after my pedicure : )) and Friday.
Rolling total: 16AF day out of 25 days.5 -
Hello to everyone!
@Lilylady3k I have not been to New Orleans in over a decade. I stayed a full week in the French Quarter, by myself, and had a blast. Met some of the greatest locals who took me under there wing one night. Pretty windows!!!
@globalhiker do you think the extra focus on running has helped calm the wine devil?
I have drinks out planned for Friday. And I really have mixed feelings. During the day I want that pub food and a beer. In the evening the urge has passed. Boy sometimes I am messed up5 -
My usual goal, 16-20AF days for the month. Diary style.
I had 21AF days for March, but it was a longer month.
My reason for drinking less is for weight loss.
Friday April 22 - 2 drinks - HR to the rescue, my work issues solved : - ) Planned AF for Saturday, split shift on my usual day off, Sunday, so I need all of my energy. 1 day off is not enough for me, but this will be the last time for that.
Saturday April 23 - AF - In preparation for a split shift
Sunday April 24 - AF - Kind of felt like having a couple of drinks when finally getting home from work, just used some willpower not to.
Monday April 25 - AF - Planned drinks Tuesday (after my pedicure : )) and Friday.
Tuesday April 26 - 2 drinks. 3 was always my norm, but over this past year it has changed to 2. Less frequent days of drinks must equal less tolerance. I am always happy to see my 16, I expect to exceed that a bit for this month. Planned AF Wednesday and Thursday.
Rolling total: 16AF day out of 25 days4 -
@Lilylady3k
I was surprised to see so much jerk chicken on the menus from that link that you posted for the New Orleans April festival. My fave : - )
Interesting that they posted an EatFit app at the bottom to download and show healthier options at the Festival.
It has been a long time since I was in New Orleans, it was prior to Hurricane Katrina. I recognize some names of restaurants that are still there though that are posted on the link.
Free Zydeco dance lessons!!
There is a virtual page of performances! I could spend days on the link that you provided! Thanks : - )
How long does it take you to drive there from Houston?3 -
AF today and yesterday- That makes 4 days this week7
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I missed book club last night because work went super long. So, I was planning to have wine at book club. However, last night I went right for a glass of wine because I was stressed. I actually drank less than I would have had I attended book club, but I feel worse about it.
This 21 day sugar detox is not coming as easily as it did last time. I really need to shore this up because it worked so well for me before. Pasta sings it’s siren song!5 -
My usual goal, 16-20AF days for the month. Diary style.
I had 21AF days for March, but it was a longer month.
My reason for drinking less is for weight loss.
Tuesday April 26 - 2 drinks. 3 was always my norm, but over this past year it has changed to 2. Less frequent days of drinks must equal less tolerance. I am always happy to see my 16, I expect to exceed that a bit for this month. Planned AF Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday April 27 - AF - Planned drinks Friday before, during, and or after the theatre. Going to see "Tuesdays with Morrie".
Rolling total: 17AF day out of 27 days5 -
Yesterday didn’t go quite to plan. Wednesdays are usually pub nights for us and we normally go to the same place.
Intention: 2 pints of beer (4.4-5.2 units depending on strength) across the evening.
Reality: the pub had a really nice 3.9% beer on. Great I think. A low ABV and one of my favourites to boot.
We got most of the way through pint 2 when friends arrived unexpectedly and bought another round - a half for me. Then we all went for an impromptu Thai dinner (which was yummy) and I ordered a small bottle of lager to go with it on reflex.
Actual intake 7.2 units!
Oh well. As I’ve learnt with food: log it and move on. Be more mindful the rest of the week.7 -
Well unplanned beer night. We have been talking about going Friday then last night DH comes in and I look at the meal prep set out and just said to myself....nah. and out the door we went. So it was sorta planned but just a different day!
So for laughs and giggles. I bought yesterday a wine making kit. I know this is a less alcohol thread. But I am and will always be fascinated by making my 'own stuff' so this is one more thing to try. I already make my own soap, makeup (all but mascara), wax clothes(food storage), laundry detergent, dish soap, and well the list is long. Some things I try and have kept up for year/decades others have gone by the wayside.
So long story short DH's drink of choice while home is whiskey and coffee. Well as I was browsing the wine equipment the man helping me showed me the 'cookbook' that comes with the kit. They had a whiskey wine! So yep that is what sold me. Today I buy the organic corn, white grape juice and a few more grocery items. I am confident it will taste like crap about August and I will chuck it out LOL Thats how I roll4 -
@lmlmrn Sounds like a fun project!
Long ago I read that people who are hands on with food prep- the planning, shopping, chopping, cooking, presentation- tend to feel satisfied with less actual eating vs. those who eat only. The hypothesis is the prep people get a lot of their satisfaction from all the handling in addition to the eating, whereas the eaters only have eating. This made sense to me (and probably why I remembered it). I am results oriented. There are lots of things I don't really like doing but do anyway because I like the result. And I am a results oriented cook, too. I like cooking but I think it's because I love eating. But I do enjoy all the creative aspects, and I think all that enjoyment allows me to stop when I tell myself I've had enough and feel satisfied with that.
Maybe this idea -- enjoyment from the creative aspects giving rise to more satisfaction with less intake-- would apply to wine making also?3
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