Less Alcohol ~ DECEMBER 2022 ~ One Day At A Time
Replies
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Hello all! I’m still Amanda, I’m from Michigan. I am still a crazy cat lady and work for a veterinarian. This will be my sixth month with this group and it has helped me cut back on my drinking so much! I am not ready to say I am 100% sober but last month I had 30 days alcohol free 😃
12/1-12/7: 7 out of 7 AF
12/8-12/14: 7 out of 7 AF
12/15-12/22: 7 out of 7 AF
Rolling total for December: 22 AF out of 22 (!)
12/22: AF
I can feel myself wanting a drink on Christmas Eve because it’s a holiday. I just want to hold and sip a warm cup of Baileys and coffee in front of the fire. Is that stupid?
Day 55 AF
On a “positive” note I did my final grocery store run last night and didn’t murder anyone. Now I can stay in all day. The weather outside IS frightful!
12/23: AF
Day 56 AF yesterday
I get pretty depressed around the holidays and this year I was so relieved it wasn’t happening but it hit me last night like a ton of bricks. I will spare you all the details. I have a lot to be grateful for. I will see family and friends today and will do it with a smile on my face!
-1 here with -25 windchill. Everyone stay safe if you are hit by this storm!
12/24: A-1 Baileys and coffee
Broke my streak. I feel sort of so-so about this. Just the one drink and it was definitely a “holiday” drink in front of the tree and the fireplace and I sipped it.
It’s a balmy 16 degrees here today so I’m getting my bikini on to go sunbathe☀️
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!
12/25: AF
Today is actually the Monday after Christmas so it’s back to work and real life in half an hour. It will be crazy at work today. I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas’ and families and didn’t get too hit by the weather!6 -
Merry Christmas a day late!
I’ve definitely been drinking a lot more this weekend, starting with day drinking. We finally decorated the tree, let’s have some mimosas! We’re eating Christmas brunch, let’s have some more mimosas! Then a nap, then drinking my normal amount of 2 glasses at dinner time.
I know it’s to escape- my DS and BIL are staying with us, and although we get along really well and there is no drama, they are a handful in their own way. DH and I were hiding in our room for a while yesterday just to get a break!
We all went to MIL’s house for Christmas Eve, as we do every year to see DH’s side of the family. We are all concerned about her ability to stay in the house. Lots of steps, and turns out she had some water damage last year in the basement, which means there is mold and actual mushrooms growing on that disgusting rug. Mushrooms! She has respiratory issues to begin with, and it’s just not a safe environment. DH and siblings have tried talking to her about it, tried to come up with a plan to sell and move elsewhere, but she is one of those “one decision at a time” people, which is her way of avoiding the issue. She does not like to address issues head on, and will pull every trick in the book to avoid facing it. Don’t even get me started on the abysmal state of her finances. Meanwhile I came home with a little sinus thing which I swear is a reaction to being in her house for a few hours. I feel totally fine, no cold symptoms, but my sinuses and throat are irritated.
At any rate, I am off to work out. Lots of homemade egg nog yesterday which is all cream and alcohol calorie bomb delightfulness.
8 -
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This group really helps me hold myself accountable, plus everyone is absolutely great. My monthly goal is 16-19 AF days (3A days max weekly) for weight loss and overall health. I post in the mornings about the previous day.
12/19: AF
12/20: AF
12/21: AF
12/22: Drinks (2)
12/23: Drinks (2)
12/24: Drinks (4) - We spent Christmas Eve with our sons and families at the NC coast. The evening topper was to try out the smoker that my son's girlfriend brought. We had smokey old fashioneds.
12/25: Drinks (3) - After dinner, we all went to the #1 Dive Bar in NC, The Fat Pelican. It was cool! Patrons go into their freezer on a serve-yourself basis. I had a beer then I saw a huge NA selection, from which I chose a Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher. It was very refreshing! It will be back to AF after this trip, most likely starting tomorrow.
Rolling Total: 13 AF Days out of 25
6 -
Hey did someone say it's MONDAY?
Did I hear rumor that Christmas 2022 is OVER for most of us?
Does this mean there is new hope for renewed goals of drinking LESS?
YES YES YES is the answer to all the above.
Why wait for after New Years Day? Nope you don't have to. Start drinking LESS with us now.
DECEMBER ACCOUNTABILITY 2022 so far......
20AF
5A(8 drinks total)
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day AF as a personal goal and gift to myself
7 -
I am Dawn, I live in SE BC Canada
My primary motivation for drinking less is weight loss.
I throw up if I have more than 3 drinks, so moderation on drink days is rarely an issue for me lol.
My recurring goal is 16-20 AF days per month. I squeaked to 16 last month.
I like to do this diary style to keep track.
Saturday December 24 - 2 drinks - I had an amazing day, the weather warmed up considerably (but not too warm yet) and it was snowing so beautifully. I did lots of shoveling which I love, then got out for a very nice cross country ski. When I got home I had hot apple cider with spiced rum. Planning on cross country skiing today, Christmas Day, before it gets too warm later on and hits above freezing for the week. I may have drinks today also. Merry Christmas : - )
Sunday December 25 - 2 drinks - A perfect Christmas Day for me. It was minus 7 (celsius) when I hit the trails, exactly perfect weather for a cross country ski. It took about 45 minutes from the trailhead to reach Mistletoe lane, and it was so wonderfully full of decorations put up by people in the community. It took me a long time to get through it, stopping what seemed like every few feet to take a photo. Lots and lots of people out and about on the trails: walking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing. I was gone for hours. Back to work today, Monday, which is Boxing Day here in Canada, a stat holiday so extra $$. Freezing rain is due to begin today and continue all week with the temps rising above the freezing mark as the week goes on. The skis can come out of my car now. Very grateful to have had perfect weather for Christmas Day : - )
Rolling total - 14AF day out of 25 days7 -
I feel blessed to say I survived the weekend LOL. Grand kids still making me laugh, my house is an upside down tornado and I love every second. Now I did have one drink yesterday evening after the dust started to settle and I could go find a quiet corner to decompress.
Todays plans will be to take small ones to local arcade that also has adult stuff too. Then if the rain stops maybe a park to run off more energy.
I will be back7 -
@MissMay
Who'd a thunk it that you would be living in an area to be able to grow a palm tree!!
Lovely, and of course your mocktail looks so beautiful and loaded with vitamin C and good stuff : - )4 -
Can't resist posting a few more photos
I wish I could have captured the puff balls of snow coming down off of the trees and settling like baby powder, but could never get my camera out in time. They were happening lots, perfect weather conditions for them to occur. I enjoyed it immensely.7 -
@globalhiker
Way to go on being AF during the holidays Sandy! And for 7 days in a row!
You were looking to create some Mocktails. Did you?
Please say hi to your DH for me.
4 -
My early New Years gift to the MFP community is this early link to our 2023 JANUARY LESS Alcohol Thread:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10880222/less-alcohol-january-2023-one-day-at-a-time#latest
Start now or start later to post in 2023 L.A.
(Your welcome! 😊)
5 -
Dec 1- 2- 3 A
Dec 4 - AF
Dec 5-6 -A
Dec 7- AF
Dec 8-9 -10 A
Dec 11- 12 - 13- AF
Dec 14- 15 - 16- 17 -A
Dec 18 - 19 - AF
Dec 20 - A
Dec 21 -AF
Dec 22-23-24-25 -A
Dec 26- AF5 -
Dawn I will continue to enjoy YOUR snowy photos as I do love Winter scenery. These arthritic joints just can't take the long stretches of cold any longer.
Yes isn't that baby palm tree ADORABLE. Slow grower and I can take it in and out if the house since it is in a small pot.
When it gets to big (this could take decades) I will gift it to someone elses home.
6 -
An eventful and funny Christmas making new traditions. DH and I were at Christmas Eve candlelight church when the hair of the woman in front of DH caught on fire. He blew it out before I saw it .. I couldn’t fathom why he was phhft phhfting on the woman. Crisis averted!
And apparently the cute monogrammed little spice grinder I got my chef-y daughter is really for marijuana. Apparently I am the only one who does not know this. It really surprised the family that I bought her weed grinder. Much laughter on that one.
Very happy with the wine moderation. Have a good Monday!
Goal: 15 AF days, no more than 2 drink missed 2x), only drink at events (missed x 2)
AF: 12/2-8, 10, 15-22 (14)
A: 12/1, 9-14, 23-25 (11)8 -
An eventful and funny Christmas making new traditions. DH and I were at Christmas Eve candlelight church when the hair of the woman in front of DH caught on fire. He blew it out before I saw it .. I couldn’t fathom why he was phhft phhfting on the woman. Crisis averted!
And apparently the cute monogrammed little spice grinder I got my chef-y daughter is really for marijuana. Apparently I am the only one who does not know this. It really surprised the family that I bought her weed grinder. Much laughter on that one.
Very happy with the wine moderation. Have a good Monday!
Goal: 15 AF days, no more than 2 drink missed 2x), only drink at events (missed x 2)
AF: 12/2-8, 10, 15-22 (14)
A: 12/1, 9-14, 23-25 (11)
OMG..... this post has made my day. Glad it all turned out safe and comical.
The weed grinder gift story is hysterical. I gave an x-rated gift one year to a relative because I thought it served a different purpose than what it was intended for. YIKES!
Then we years ago had a mishap during a Christmas Eve candle light church gathering. My husband started making loud "OUCH" noises during the ceremony. Evidently he was allowing the hot wax from the candle to drip on his hand and wrist. I took it upon myself to start puffing out the flame.
Gotta love the holiday behind the scenes stories!!!
5 -
December 1: no change
December 2: no change
December 3: no change
December 4: less alcohol
December 5: less alcohol
December 6: less alcohol
December 7: no change
December 8: no change
December 9: less alcohol
December 10: no change
December 11: no change
December 12: no change
December 13: no change
December 14: no change
December 15: no change
December 16: no change
December 17: less alcohol
December 18: less alcohol
December 19: less alcohol
December 20: no change
December 21: no change
December 22: less alcohol
December 23: no change
December 24: no change
December 25: less alcohol
December 26:
December 27:
December 28:
December 29:
December 30:
December 31:
I'm happy that I've had several days of less alcohol this month but one of my goals is to have atleast 1 day AF. With only a week left in the month I'm starting to get anxious about it more and more.7 -
So many great posts over the last few days. The thread moves so fast, if you take a few days off it's hard to catch up.
The sore throat has developed into a full blown cold. Yay. Other than that, it's been a nice Christmas. HBIC and the boy really liked their gifts, and I got some pretty cool stuff too! She had never done stockings before, so my stocking was a little overkill. That's okay, now she understands what sort of stuff goes in a stocking and it will become an annual tradition. I subjected her to a couple of classic Christmas movies she hadn't seen, Christmas In Connecticut and White Christmas. I hadn't seen them in years, myself.
I had one of the remaining beers on Christmas eve, and put my little bottle of Kahlua in my coffee Christmas morning, so not AF. That's really the least of my gripes, I didn't drink enough to make myself feel bad or anything. I ate like a raccoon and gained a lot, it's going to take time and work to undo this.
We traveled to see family for Thanksgiving, and I was unhappy about the food situation then. She insisted upon having a lot of food this week that I really didn't want, oh but it's Christmas. Every time I turn around she has an excuse to bring a ton of bad food into the house. I'm okay with it if it's at the store or a restaurant, I can leave it there and choose not to be around it, but once it's on my counter, in my cabinet or refrigerator, I'm screwed. I don't know how to get past this. Next, it's going to be traveling for a vacation for New Year with the kids and grandkids, and I'm going to struggle with food. Then it will be another holiday, or another special occasion, or a birthday or an event or...
Ugh. Food gripes.
Alright, it is what it is and now it's time to get back on track. I ate my usual breakfast today, no real plans for lunch yet but it will be back to normal, as will dinner. Most likely AF today.
-m
7 -
This group really helps me hold myself accountable, plus everyone is absolutely great. My monthly goal is 16-19 AF days (3A days max weekly) for weight loss and overall health. I post in the mornings about the previous day.
12/19: AF
12/20: AF
12/21: AF
12/22: Drinks (2)
12/23: Drinks (2)
12/24: Drinks (4)
12/25: Drinks (3) - We all went to the #1 Dive Bar in NC yesterday, The Fat Pelican. It was cool! Patrons go into the freezer on a serve-yourself basis. I had a beer then I saw a huge NA selection, from which I chose a Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, a "zippy and zingy highly carbonated dry-hopped sparkling water". It was very refreshing! I think my new beer hobby is to check out all the craft NA beers that are available now and to encourage any local breweries to produce one if they're not already doing it. I haven't been AF over the holiday but I still had discipline and kept it under control (yay). I really do like the feeling better part of this.
I'm a little behind on posts and posting but I'll catch up with everyone over the next few days.
Rolling Total: 13 AF Days out of 256 -
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RockinRobyn672 wrote: »This group really helps me hold myself accountable, plus everyone is absolutely great. My monthly goal is 16-19 AF days (3A days max weekly) for weight loss and overall health. I post in the mornings about the previous day.
12/19: AF
12/20: AF
12/21: AF
12/22: Drinks (2)
12/23: Drinks (2)
12/24: Drinks (4)
12/25: Drinks (3) - We all went to the #1 Dive Bar in NC yesterday, The Fat Pelican. It was cool! Patrons go into the freezer on a serve-yourself basis. I had a beer then I saw a huge NA selection, from which I chose a Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, a "zippy and zingy highly carbonated dry-hopped sparkling water". It was very refreshing! I think my new beer hobby is to check out all the craft NA beers that are available now and to encourage any local breweries to produce one if they're not already doing it. I haven't been AF over the holiday but I still had discipline and kept it under control (yay). I really do like the feeling better part of this.
I'm a little behind on posts and posting but I'll catch up with everyone over the next few days.
Rolling Total: 13 AF Days out of 25
Love your dive bar story. And the fact you enjoyed without regret. We have a few dive bars in this area I would like to enjoy. Unortunately the cigarette smoke really bothers me(I have asthma and the smoke smell is repulsive on all levels) some of the best music is at this one near by, but it is so tiny inside and the bartender makes her drinks wicked strong so she can collect big tips from customers. UGH
PS discipline is healthy!2 -
@mfowler883 food struggle is real on top of the to much alcohol struggle, I feel your pain.
A little history, I struggled with my weight for decades (weighing over 220 lbs.at12 years old) since I was a young young girl. Every day weighing myself, taking my scale to sleep overs or later in years even on vacation. Worrying everyday about a half pound here or there. Driving myself bonkers.
Like drinking LESS, I had to take my own weight journey into my own hands. I could not get upset with my Mom buying foods for the entire family that I did not want to eat. It was my choice to need to lose the weight.
What I learned later in life as I lost nearly 100 pounds is muscle weighs more than fat. So if your working out and gaining muscle do not let the scale freak you out.
Also water weight gain after high sodium foods can be annoying, yet it will come off quickly and not scar us to badly by keeping an eye on it.
I would always give myself a red flag weight of 10 pounds flux. If I began to get close to that number by 3 or 4 pounds then I would reel myself in tight and regroup thinking about what is making the number go up.
On top I had also struggled with an eating disorder as it was/is referred to. After years of thinking that stupidity was healthy, I was able to stop it and MAKE PEACE WITH FOOD. Even the bad stuff in moderation I would and do eat cautiously.
Ok I have rambled enough. Just letting you know your post hit home with me about the food.
6 -
Today is my 8th consecutive AF day. I'll just keep the streak going from here as long as possible.
Today my nerves were on fire. Don't know why. I went out to a frozen yogurt shop. It was chocolate and just divine - no sweet taste and strong on the chocolate flavor the way I like it. It totally sedated me.
I am already planning tomorrow's trip to the frozen yogurt store
10 -
I'm really having a hard time getting my drinking back under control. This was the first Christmas without my husband and it really has me in a tail spin.
I'm heading back to AZ on Friday for the next 3 months and my social network is pretty small there so hopefully I can avoid alcohol.
I'm going to see how many AF days I can string together in a row for awhile because once I decide to drink then drinking the next day and the day after seem like a good idea.
Hopefully I can get back on track now with alcohol and diet.
12/26 AF
I hope you all have a good week.11 -
globalhiker wrote: »Today is my 8th consecutive AF day. I'll just keep the streak going from here as long as possible.
Today my nerves were on fire. Don't know why. I went out to a frozen yogurt shop. It was chocolate and just divine - no sweet taste and strong on the chocolate flavor the way I like it. It totally sedated me.
I am already planning tomorrow's trip to the frozen yogurt store
Pick me up on your way to get frozen yogurt PLEASE! Sounds so delish. 👍👍👍 on your 8 days!6 -
Breathe57103 wrote: »I'm really having a hard time getting my drinking back under control. This was the first Christmas without my husband and it really has me in a tail spin.
I'm heading back to AZ on Friday for the next 3 months and my social network is pretty small there so hopefully I can avoid alcohol.
I'm going to see how many AF days I can string together in a row for awhile because once I decide to drink then drinking the next day and the day after seem like a good idea.
Hopefully I can get back on track now with alcohol and diet.
12/26 AF
I hope you all have a good week.
Thinking of you during your first Christmas without your husband. I have been in your same shoes. Hopefully your circle of friends in AZ can help with your loneliness and being AF. Hugs your way9 -
@mfowler883 food struggle is real on top of the to much alcohol struggle, I feel your pain.
A little history, I struggled with my weight for decades (weighing over 220 lbs.at12 years old) since I was a young young girl. Every day weighing myself, taking my scale to sleep overs or later in years even on vacation. Worrying everyday about a half pound here or there. Driving myself bonkers.
Like drinking LESS, I had to take my own weight journey into my own hands. I could not get upset with my Mom buying foods for the entire family that I did not want to eat. It was my choice to need to lose the weight.
What I learned later in life as I lost nearly 100 pounds is muscle weighs more than fat. So if your working out and gaining muscle do not let the scale freak you out.
Also water weight gain after high sodium foods can be annoying, yet it will come off quickly and not scar us to badly by keeping an eye on it.
I would always give myself a red flag weight of 10 pounds flux. If I began to get close to that number by 3 or 4 pounds then I would reel myself in tight and regroup thinking about what is making the number go up.
On top I had also struggled with an eating disorder as it was/is referred to. After years of thinking that stupidity was healthy, I was able to stop it and MAKE PEACE WITH FOOD. Even the bad stuff in moderation I would and do eat cautiously.
Ok I have rambled enough. Just letting you know your post hit home with me about the food.
Thanks for that. I haven't yet found the strength to resist things that are right in front of me, in my kitchen, waiting for me, calling to me. I know that if I am to succeed in reaching my goals, I will ultimately need to. I've found strength through my share of trials, and come out victorious. I WILL do so again.
It's a battle, like any other.
Not AF tonight, killed that last beer. Not worried about it.
-m7 -
Hello all! I’m still Amanda, I’m from Michigan. I am still a crazy cat lady and work for a veterinarian. This will be my sixth month with this group and it has helped me cut back on my drinking so much! I am not ready to say I am 100% sober but last month I had 30 days alcohol free 😃
12/1-12/7: 7 out of 7 AF
12/8-12/14: 7 out of 7 AF
12/15-12/22: 7 out of 7 AF
Rolling total for December: 22 AF out of 22 (!)
12/22: AF
I can feel myself wanting a drink on Christmas Eve because it’s a holiday. I just want to hold and sip a warm cup of Baileys and coffee in front of the fire. Is that stupid?
Day 55 AF
On a “positive” note I did my final grocery store run last night and didn’t murder anyone. Now I can stay in all day. The weather outside IS frightful!
12/23: AF
Day 56 AF yesterday
I get pretty depressed around the holidays and this year I was so relieved it wasn’t happening but it hit me last night like a ton of bricks. I will spare you all the details. I have a lot to be grateful for. I will see family and friends today and will do it with a smile on my face!
-1 here with -25 windchill. Everyone stay safe if you are hit by this storm!
12/24: A-1 Baileys and coffee
Broke my streak. I feel sort of so-so about this. Just the one drink and it was definitely a “holiday” drink in front of the tree and the fireplace and I sipped it.
It’s a balmy 16 degrees here today so I’m getting my bikini on to go sunbathe☀️
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!
12/25: AF
Today is actually the Monday after Christmas so it’s back to work and real life in half an hour. It will be crazy at work today. I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas’ and families and didn’t get too hit by the weather!
12/26: AF
I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions but I am considering it this year to help fight some of this fatigue. Everything I read says exercise helps fatigue, I’ll be honest, I hate (yes that is the correct description) most exercise. Everything jiggling and sweating. I wish I could apply my AF resolve to exercise. I live in an apartment so walking around inside can get a little boring but I need to find ways to make it more exciting like podcasts or music. I’m not really cleared to do any weight lifting or resistance exercises yet.6 -
@dawnbgethealthy I envy you your love of outdoor winter sports, I love the pictures! The one with the snow on the red Christmas ornament made me tear up, not sure why.
@MissMay Thank you for all the encouragement you spread on here and for posting January’s LA thread!5
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