LESS Alcohol ~ JANUARY 2023 ~ One Day At A Time
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I am on a work trip and had a pretty crappy day. A project that I’ve been working on for over a year that I thought was going to wrap up happily today didn’t, it turns out I could have gone home early instead of being stuck alone in a hotel overnight on a Friday (and also wasting all my Saturday traveling when I have so many responsibilities at home). I was (and still am) feeling upset about the work thing and down on myself/guilty about the not being home to take care of parents thing. Plus I am alone in a hotel. All things that in the past would have led me to drown my sorrows at the bar. I did have a moment when I was tempted to, but I imagined what it would actually taste like (I am sure not as good as I remembered), and that I would probably feel drunk right away, which might mean feeling flushed and getting hives too if I haven’t had a drink in so long, and then of course the likely poor sleep and dehydration before getting on a plane tomorrow, but mostly the regret. Its not like the other bad feelings went away, but the idea of having a drink definitely did because the moment of contemplating the regret made me feel so much worse already I knew there was no interest in having a drink.
@joans1976 such great news about radiation only! It is mostly tedious … you have to go every day and towards the end the disruption to life alone got tiring. I had radiation as the last step after 2 ypes of chemo, and surgery so by then I was really beat, but it doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t make you sick. I had it in late spring and it didn’t even affect my ability to swim outside that summer (wearing appropriate sun block and a rash guard, but I didn’t cower inside or anything). They are incredibly precise in how they target it. My clinic had a mathematician whose only job was to calculate the proper angles to maximize hitting where the tumor bed had been (by then the tumor was long gone and even the tumor bed was removed with surgery)
@mfowler883 you sound like you are going through a rough time but after 20 years you probably know your own problems and how to solve them, I find in my marriage (16 yrs) things break down when we are both being stubborn. Usually we are both open to being wrong and owning it- that comes from respecting each other more than anyone else in the world and it keeps us happily and generally peacefully together. Turns out respect = love in many ways. Though sometimes life gets in the way and you forget to respect yourself as well as those closest to you. That is when I find the trouble starts for me. When I am feeling down on myself.
@Stockholm_Andy I don’t know what motivated your post but I definitely needed the laugh!!! So funny!7 -
Hello! It’s Amanda, I’m back. It’s a new month and a new year! I’ve been thinking about 2022 and 2023. I’ve got some goals for the year and staying 98% AF is one of them. I love this group, I love this thread, it really works.
1/1-1/7: 7 out of 7 AF
1/8-1/14: 7 out of 7 AF
1/15: AF
1/16: AF
So you all could have almost seen me on the news last night “Woman sticks pen in her eye;driven by stress from her boss.” Seriously. I hate, hate, hate that my health insurance is connected to her.
Well, I’m just a bucket of sunshine this morning aren’t I?
Love to you all, everyone is doing so well. Have a great Tuesday 🫠
24 days AF
1/17: AF
The work stress/drama is real. Horrible boss was posting Tik Toks of herself crying last night at 10 pm. (She’s 47 years old) If I’m gonna go down with this dumpster fire of a job I’m gonna go down swinging! 💪🏼
I didn’t even think about drinking to get away from her crazy, whereas six months ago I would have been watching the clock until I could punch out and drink. Who am I?
1/18: AF
The drama continues with work. I wish I had a clever nickname for my boss. 🤔 Working today until 2 then a few hours incognito tomorrow then done for the weekend.
I have a doctor appointment today and I am hoping for good news and to celebrate this weekend!
1/19: AF
Work drama continues but I am technically off today so I will work while remaining hidden and only speak to clients. All of my work notifications are set to turn off on Thursdays at 7 pm for the weekend. Oddly, it took me 2 years to figure out to do this for my own sanity 🤪
In breast cancer news I have learned that I will NOT be needing chemo! 🥳🙌 This was a huge concern of mine and I have been waiting to know since December 20. My next step is radiation, 20 rounds. I’m pretending like it’s going to be no big deal so maybe it won’t be.
1/20: AF but by the skin of my teeth!
I spent my morning covering up my bosses narcissistic tendencies which I’ve been doing on and off for 3 years but spent the majority of my work week this week doing. Usually about 10 hours a week out of 40 is spent doing this. She wants me to lie to clients and in turn, their animals aren’t getting timely medical treatment. I refuse to lie, so she gets mad and refuses to speak to me. Then she also won’t call the client I refuse to lie to and the poor animal sits and waits while ill. Yeah I kind of hate her.
That led me to thinking I NEEDED to drink vodka. Just one drink to take the edge off. Then I think of this thread. But then I think how nice it will be to forget about everything for awhile. Then I think about how I will feel in the morning. Back and forth. Anyway, an anxiety pill, hot chocolate, true crime and cuddling with Roger won out. Victory!
Thank you so much everyone for sharing in my happiness about no chemo! I am very lucky indeed.
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January accountability: 9 days AF
Alcohol: 11 days (29 drinks)
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 20-25 AF days this month. I usually target 12-16 AF days each month which is usually a challenge … hitting 20 days since DH backed out of his dry January commitment is definitely influencing me to join him on weekdays I had not planned when setting the goal. Going for it anyway!
1/20 - 3 bourbon & Diet Coke … just because it was Friday6 -
@Sinisterbarbie1 I am sorry to hear about your work trip. Hotel rooms are depressing. I know how much elder care responsibility awaits you at home (I lurked the Sobriety Matters thread) and I know how much effort you have to put into that.
Thank you for the tips on radiation. From what I can gather, I need to moisturize and wear comfortable clothing. I am only having 20 rounds and the radiation site is 15 minutes away, door to door. I can handle this.
@ahoy_m8 You always say the right things!
@mfowler883 Man, your situation sounds tough! I’ve never been married so I have zero advice. We are here for you though!8 -
Robyn here. I have been a part of this group for a few months and have significantly reduced my alcohol intake. I'm drinking less for health and weight loss.
Goal: 16-20 AF days monthly. Last Month: 16 AF days. I post the next morning
1/20: AF - We went out for dinner at a local Irish Pub. I had the Kilbeggan Salmon with sides of rice and broccoli, all delicious and cooked just right. Drink-wise I've already spent my 3A days for the week, but the pressure was on to order a nice refreshing beer. Instead I stuck to my resolve and had a couple of Guinness NA beers, which they had on hand, and I was very pleasantly, surprised. I'll be looking for these at the grocery store. Later at home, I wanted to but overcame the temptation to snack (heh, one small victory). My weight is down a little this morning but doesn't make up for recent gain. It's been a hard week dealing with DMIL's so-called "premier" memory care center and my foot surgery. They are not taking the necessary care of her, and after multiple falls and ER visits, she looks like someone has beaten her with a bat. We're getting her out of there as soon as possible. By the way, the pain has subsided in my foot. I've just got to wear these *kitten* bandages and boot for 2 weeks. I am looking forward to less pain in this foot when this is all over.
Rolling Total: 11 AF Days out of 206 -
@Stockholm_Andy Swimming is out over the next couple weeks but I am going to try weight workouts from the floor and sit-ups/push-ups/pull-ups.
@dawnbgethealthy Thinking of you and your ankle.
@mfowler883 Thinking of you and hoping you make it to a better place soon. The lanyard looks really nice!
@globalhiker I behaved similarly last weekend and had a couple of Old Fashioneds at home one night, after having had couple glasses of wine while dining out and was queasy the whole next day. I don't have the tolerance I once had either, which is a good thing for sure. I've been back on track since then. I came close last night to breaking my rules, but didn't.7 -
@joans1976 Hooray to not needing chemo! Such good news.5
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@GeeBee08505 I love, love the Lagunita Hoppy Refresher. I've only been able to find it at Whole Foods once, in bottles.5
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I made it through last night's dinner out at a steak restaurant with water as everyone else had wine. I did not feel too deprived or tempted, so I'm hoping that tonight's dinner out is much the same. (I don't often go out to eat as it messes up my eating. Two dinners out in a row, and man, I find myself not that interested in going. Eating out loses its allure when you don't want to eat 3/4 of what's on the menu and sit there sipping water as everyone else enjoys their drinks.)8
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A brunch mocktail at the Valley Ho hotel bar in Scottsdale before heading to the airport. They don’t list any mocktails on the menu but the bartenders have been very happy to dream things up for me. This is spicy ginger beer with a bit of pineapple and coconut water decorated with dried citrus fruits (edible). They also made me a variety of pretty drinks in coupe glasses shaken with egg whites to make them foamy on top the other night when I was out with colleagues - one citrus and cucumber based, the other a hibiscus tea based drink. And surprisingly cheap - unlike most other places I have had mocktails they have charged me $7/drink.10 -
@Sinisterbarbie1 Love those bartenders! Sounds so creative.
I relished my solitude and 2 drinks last night. Tonight the interns are eating here then going out to socialize. I'm starting to feel like the short order cook and a little uninspired for dinner ideas. I grocery shop on Friday, and damn me, I did not put 2 things on my list that I need for the dinner idea for tonight -- pizza. I need a couple tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Tempted to do a run to the store which I NEVER do. I usually just reswizzle the plan. But I'm coming up empty on another plan that would be easier.
Tomorrow a friend group is meeting up at a restaurant mid-afternoon. I'm looking forward to it a lot because there will be no drinking. 2 people in the group have a looooong history of drinking way too much and then the whole evening becomes about that. I have honestly avoided evening gatherings with some in the crowd for YEARS because it turns seriously unfun. Interestingly, one of the offenders is now AF M-Th, and the couple times we have gotten together on weeknights has been refreshingly great.
Ok, well I guess I'm off to get a few miles under my belt
and also off to the grocery store. 
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@joans1976
Great to see that you put your face in your profile photo. Nice to be able to put a face to a name.
So great about the no chemo!!
Yes, we have been around the 40F here, and it is very unseasonal. Kind of wrecks all winter sports.6 -
I am Dawn, I live in SE BC Canada
My ongoing goal remains, 16-20 AF days per month.
Last month I had 18AF days
I do this diary style to keep track, and post the next morning
Friday January 20 - Drinks. I was making them 1/2 - 3/4 shots. Some friends are coming over for Prossecco prior to us going to the Theatre to see a production of Cabaret. They drink much more than I do. I am planning only one glass because I want to have my car when we get out, their husbands will pick them up so they will have lots of wine at the theatre. I probably will have a nightcap when I get home safe and sound. I guess that I had better clean my house a bit.
Rolling total: 11AF days out of 20 days8 -
January accountability: 9 days AF
Alcohol: 12 days (32 drinks)
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 20-25 AF days this month. I usually target 12-16 AF days each month which is usually a challenge … hitting 20 days since DH backed out of his dry January commitment is definitely influencing me to join him on weekdays I had not planned when setting the goal. Going for it anyway!
1/21 - 3 wine ; dinner at my sister’s5 -
AF today. Started the day off badly, then had a migraine, took some meds and slept it off, spent the rest of the evening just kinda here. Meds have been tapering off for a few hours and I can feel the migraine still lingering so I took another half a tramadol. Hopefully it won't keep me awake.
My migraines tend to be triggered by weather changes, stress and interruptions to my sleep cycle. I guess this one is down to stress.
-m9 -
AF for me at tonight's dinner out. My friends each had a cocktail and a glass of wine. Bonus: My portion of the bill was about $30 and theirs was $60.10
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21 Days AF for my wife and I!
I think 3 weeks is a joint record since we've been together! I've done longer a couple of times and she definitely when she was pregnant with our daughter but its fun we have both stayed on the wagon.
I'm glad a few of you like the Frenchie in skinny jeans No other motivation than to raise a smile and lighten peoples moods.
This thread is an amazing safe place to share troubles and vent frustrations, due to all of you, and the sage advice and encouraging words you all share. I hope it's OK to share a smile too.
Middle of last week we found a new TV show called Yellowstone. We've now binged watched all of the first two seasons! So good. Not at all what I expected.
Still another 3 seasons to go and 2 spin offs apparently.9 -
Hello! It’s Amanda, I’m back. It’s a new month and a new year! I’ve been thinking about 2022 and 2023. I’ve got some goals for the year and staying 98% AF is one of them. I love this group, I love this thread, it really works.
1/1-1/7: 7 out of 7 AF
1/8-1/14: 7 out of 7 AF
1/15: AF
1/16: AF
So you all could have almost seen me on the news last night “Woman sticks pen in her eye;driven by stress from her boss.” Seriously. I hate, hate, hate that my health insurance is connected to her.
Well, I’m just a bucket of sunshine this morning aren’t I?
Love to you all, everyone is doing so well. Have a great Tuesday 🫠
24 days AF
1/17: AF
The work stress/drama is real. Horrible boss was posting Tik Toks of herself crying last night at 10 pm. (She’s 47 years old) If I’m gonna go down with this dumpster fire of a job I’m gonna go down swinging! 💪🏼
I didn’t even think about drinking to get away from her crazy, whereas six months ago I would have been watching the clock until I could punch out and drink. Who am I?
1/18: AF
The drama continues with work. I wish I had a clever nickname for my boss. 🤔 Working today until 2 then a few hours incognito tomorrow then done for the weekend.
I have a doctor appointment today and I am hoping for good news and to celebrate this weekend!
1/19: AF
Work drama continues but I am technically off today so I will work while remaining hidden and only speak to clients. All of my work notifications are set to turn off on Thursdays at 7 pm for the weekend. Oddly, it took me 2 years to figure out to do this for my own sanity 🤪
In breast cancer news I have learned that I will NOT be needing chemo! 🥳🙌 This was a huge concern of mine and I have been waiting to know since December 20. My next step is radiation, 20 rounds. I’m pretending like it’s going to be no big deal so maybe it won’t be.
1/20: AF but by the skin of my teeth!
I spent my morning covering up my bosses narcissistic tendencies which I’ve been doing on and off for 3 years but spent the majority of my work week this week doing. Usually about 10 hours a week out of 40 is spent doing this. She wants me to lie to clients and in turn, their animals aren’t getting timely medical treatment. I refuse to lie, so she gets mad and refuses to speak to me. Then she also won’t call the client I refuse to lie to and the poor animal sits and waits while ill. Yeah I kind of hate her.
That led me to thinking I NEEDED to drink vodka. Just one drink to take the edge off. Then I think of this thread. But then I think how nice it will be to forget about everything for awhile. Then I think about how I will feel in the morning. Back and forth. Anyway, an anxiety pill, hot chocolate, true crime and cuddling with Roger won out. Victory!
1/21: AF
Celebratory no chemo pizza last night and my weight is up. There are times in life you just have to celebrate though!
28 days AF
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@Stockholm_Andy Ive seen Yellowstone advertised all over the place here in the US on cable and heard of many people bingeing it. I’m working on The Crown still.7
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@Stockholm_Andy Ive seen Yellowstone advertised all over the place here in the US on cable and heard of many people bingeing it. I’m working on The Crown still.
The Crown is really well made and worth the binge too IMHO. BTW you absolutely deserve the no chemo Pizza blow out Somethings just need to be celebrated. 4 -
And where did the time fly by to so fast?
Training going better now that I am out of "the Mothership" as I call the busiest and largest facility this company owns and trains at. Not how I would start off a newbie, probably why 75% of trainies never come back from their lunch break. Just saying!
I appreciate and respect the amount of blood, sweat and tears, the overwhelming volume of work load at that facility those workers endure at the head operation, BUT hey, you signed up for that location, not me.
I really should not have to have my heart race like it did IF in fact I will never work at that location.
Done/said told them that.
And how did I manage this past training week ALCOHOL FREE is beyond my comprehension?
January accountability-
21- AF
0 - A
I suppose I will just keep this going and call it a DRY JANUARY with only 10 days left.11 -
Jan 1- AF
Jan 1 - AF
Jan 2 - AF
Jan 3 - AF
Jan 4 - AF
Jan 5 - 6- 7- A
Jan 8 - AF
Jan 9 - AF
Jan 10 - AF
Jan 11 - AF
Jan 12- 13- 14 - A
Jan 15 - AF
Jan 16 - AF
Jan 17 - AF
Jan 18 - AF
Jan 19 -20- 21 A - stayed in control (2 drinks only on 19 and 20 but overdid it on the 21st)
Jan 22 AF- 13 AF and 9 A so far this month.9 -
@joans1976 so wonderful to hear no chemo. Bravo...whoop it up!
Now, I don't know your boss. But I absolutely despise her. 😠
1st off to pass the task to you because she is spineless and immature to do her own dirty work of lying. Not acceptable.
2nd to take keep taking advantage of you by making you "cover" for her, I am sure she is aware of your current health situation. She should try to be a human being and try to reduce your stress level, not compound it.
3rd those poor pets. I draw the line there. My pets were my children. I myself would make her suffer in some way as she is making those pets and their owners suffer.
Ok done with rant.
Going back to cave as @forestdweller1 would say.
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Robyn here. I have been a part of this group for a few months and have significantly reduced my alcohol intake. I'm drinking less for health and weight loss.
Goal: 16-20 AF days monthly/three A-days weekly. Last month I had 16 AF days. I post the next morning.
1/21: I had two glasses of Pinot Noir at one of our favorite restaurants. That wasn't the plan but DH put the pressure on and it worked (drats!). The blame is not all on him because there was a long wait and I wanted that glass of wine while waiting. I did however, limit myself to two glasses of wine and two slices of their delicious wood fired pizza (instead of half the pizza) and we split a shaved Brussels Sprouts salad which included tart dried cherries and pancetta confit - all so delicious!
So I've had four A-days this week instead of the planned three. I'm not kicking myself too hard because it's still much better than before I started being more mindful about my alcohol intake. I'm considering cutting it back to 2 A-days next week. I also got in a 20 minute arms weight workout. Boy! Can I feel it this morning! It's weird not getting on that Peloton. It's in our living room calling to me as I sit here with my foot propped up with ice.
We're still dealing with figuring out the next option for my DMIL. The one thing we're sure of is we're getting her out of that memory care facility. One of the many lessons learned: Never use the doctors linked to with a place like that for your loved one. It is a conflict of interest.
Rolling Total: 11 AF Days out of 217 -
@KacyCarpe I have found some really nice non-alcoholic alternatives to water that still provide that social drinking fix when dining out. Sometimes I order a virgin Cape Cod, which is club soda with a splash of cranberry, requested in a highball glass. It basically tastes the same to me as the real thing. If you like beer, I have found that most restaurants now have better choices of non-alcoholic beer than O'Douls. Recently, I had a Guinness NA at an Irish pub and it was great, and a St. Paulie Girl 0.0 at a raw bar, which was also very good IMHO.6
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@Stockholm_Andy - I loved your funny post! Yes, it is okay to post. And congrats on three weeks for the both of you.
@joans1976 I agree with Andy on the pizza blow-out celebration! I also had pizza (and wine) last night and my weight is also up.7 -
Back on the AF track. Increased the weights and the reps yesterday. Today is 32 degrees (BBRRR) and so will layer up, put my mittens on and go out now for a hike (6 mile minimum).
This week I will have a PLAN to support my success - what I will do:
1. Drink an herbal tea after lunch
2. Continue daily exercise no matter what (weather, aches, etc, all no excuses) always end it with 10 min stretching
3. If urge hits, do 5 min meditation (I'll find something on youtube)
4. If after 5 min, urge to drink remains, go eat 2 stress gummies and either go outside for a few minutes or go lie down or take a bath
5. Treat myself if I want every night, something 100 cal or less, like a hot chocolate, cranberry juice, some AF beer.
6. Avoid grocery store shopping after 3pm
7. Not weigh myself this week (if the number goes up, that makes me drink)
8. Focus on introducing more humor into my life - spend 5 min finding funny stuff online
9. Drink 10 glasses of water a day
10. Self-report for accountability
11. Print this out and stick it on my fridge and at my desk.
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RockinRobyn672 wrote: »@KacyCarpe I have found some really nice non-alcoholic alternatives to water that still provide that social drinking fix when dining out. Sometimes I order a virgin Cape Cod, which is club soda with a splash of cranberry, requested in a highball glass. It basically tastes the same to me as the real thing. If you like beer, I have found that most restaurants now have better choices of non-alcoholic beer than O'Douls. Recently, I had a Guinness NA at an Irish pub and it was great, and a St. Paulie Girl 0.0 at a raw bar, which was also very good IMHO.
Thank you for the tip! The Cape Cod sounds intriguing. I will remember that for next time...4 -
globalhiker wrote: »
This week I will have a PLAN to support my success - what I will do:
1. Drink an herbal tea after lunch
2. Continue daily exercise no matter what (weather, aches, etc, all no excuses) always end it with 10 min stretching
3. If urge hits, do 5 min meditation (I'll find something on youtube)
4. If after 5 min, urge to drink remains, go eat 2 stress gummies and either go outside for a few minutes or go lie down or take a bath
5. Treat myself if I want every night, something 100 cal or less, like a hot chocolate, cranberry juice, some AF beer.
6. Avoid grocery store shopping after 3pm
7. Not weigh myself this week (if the number goes up, that makes me drink)
8. Focus on introducing more humor into my life - spend 5 min finding funny stuff online
9. Drink 10 glasses of water a day
10. Self-report for accountability
11. Print this out and stick it on my fridge and at my desk.
What a terrific game plan! I need to think through the places I might falter and come up with strategies, as you have, to support myself through them.6 -
My husband and I did what we THOUGHT would be a "gentle 15 minute workout for beginners" (my youtube request) but it still kicked our butts. We are out of shape. Then we watched The Higher video from the Fitness Marshall and laughed. I will never get those moves but he is now one of my favorites.9
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