LESS Alcohol ~ MARCH 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

Womona · March 12

lmlmrn wrote: »

tmbg1 wrote: »

11 AF- I'm a bit frustrated because I've cut alcohol calories and I made some food swaps to lower my calorie intake, but I have actually gained 3 pounds as a result.

hang in there I see a 'whoosh' in your future

Yes! This! I feel your frustration though, @tmbg. Totally valid!

Womona · March 12

lmlmrn wrote: »

Hello everyone
I was finally able to sleep last night!.

RANT HERE
Contacted dr. about insomnia....the response. Oh only 2% of those taking that med have insomnia and you have been taking it for almost 3 weeks and it started so we can't help you. Suggested I either stop the meds for 2-3 weeks to see if I have relief or just quit them altogether with no offer of a sub??? WTF. I have a history with having reactions to new drugs going back almost 20 years. Some side effects don't show up for months. It seems this office, since I can't pay for 'infusions' at $550 (after $1300 initial start up) every other month for the rest of my life, is not interested in really treating me. This is a specialist FGS.

Ok my rant is over

I think I will be looking for a new dr. but they are so slim in this area.

I did have 1/2 glass of wine tonight just to sip with dinner. took me over an hour to finish it.

we have not been to the YMCA for the past 5 days DH has been fighting off a cold and he can't be sick when we fly out on Wednesday for my mom's 90th b/d.

@dmally1 congrats on your will power!

That completely stinks! Sorry you’re going through this. I hope you find relief from insomnia, and that your hubby feels better.

SparkSpringtime69 · March 12

tmbg1 wrote: »

11 AF- I'm a bit frustrated because I've cut alcohol calories and I made some food swaps to lower my calorie intake, but I have actually gained 3 pounds as a result.

I get your frustration and have been there. I'm with @lmlmrn and @womona, you'll get that "whoosh" soon.

SparkSpringtime69 · March 12

@xbowhunter and @womona congrats to both of you on the progress!

SparkSpringtime69 · March 12

@lmlmrn I hope you have success in finding a new doctor. Good job staying with just 1/2 glass of wine, and I hope your DH gets better soon.

SparkSpringtime69 · March 12

March 11th=Day 1 for me
3/11: AF

xbowhunter · March 12

I have been having some joint pain for a while now specifically in my wrists and ancles. Just got off the phone with the doctor (joint specialist). It's the osteoarthritis flavor! Age 55 hasn't been nice to me! lol

Treatment options are cortisone injections and the usual phisio or clean up my diet and guess what has to go? ALCOHOL!! so that pretty much does it for my drinking days. I knew I needed to quit for some reason and now I have been given the reason.

Cheers and stay strong!

Jthanmyfitnesspal · March 12

@tmbg1 : It’s always so frustrating! Lean in. When you eat less than you burn, you WILL lose weight.

@SparkSpringtime69 : Welcome! Sober living is good living!

@xbowhunter : I’m motivated to drink lightly by digestive issues caused by alcohol. Reflux and the poops are really not fun!

@lmlmrn : If you have a bad reaction to a drug that’s a good enough reason to question taking it. Who cares about anyone else in this regard!

About me: I’m on track so far for a very sober March. But, I’m dogged by sinus and breathing problems. Arg. Trying to increase my exercise level.

A: 2 (last two days of vacation, first two days of the month)
NA: 9 (since then)

tmbg1 · March 12

12 - AF

SunnyDays930 · March 13

I'm 3 weeks sober today. I have not strung this many days together in a long, long time. I am so peaceful and happy. I love waking up with a pep in my step, not lethargic and anxious. Best of luck to all, achieving their personal goals!

xbowhunter · March 13

Making some AF gains...

3 AF
9 A

NonnieDoiron · March 13

Hello everyone,

I’ve sort of been stalking this discussion for a few days. But, I think I’m ready to be accountable.

I am 49 years old and just recent resigned from work to stay home full time, not a true retirement but that’s what my husband calls it. I did it to focus on self care and the care of my family… and get away from the catty B****es in my office.

For the past 10 years or so, I’ve been quite a drinker, usually a bottle of wine a night or more. Over the last 4 years since I was working with those nasty coworkers, I would not miss a night of drinking. I would drink my wine fast, and I would get so drunk I started not remembering conversations or occurrences that happen while drinking.

The last time I got like that was in late February before I quite my job, and my husband got mad at me because I made a poor joke in front of his friends. I had just sat down with my first glass of wine when I made the joke, but he assumed I was already drunk. When his friends left later that night, he blamed me for making them uncomfortable and “chasing them off”. It was a huge fight because I didn’t remember. The next day I apologized to his friends, but they both swore they only left because they were tired, not because of anything I said or did.

The problem was something I couldn’t remember caused a huge argument. At that point, I started researching AA in my area. I asked my daughter-in-law who stopped drinking over a year ago her thoughts. I’ve come to the conclusion, I don’t want to stop drinking all together because I do enjoy wine with dinner and having a couple drinks when we go out. I just need to be more mindful and drink less.

Since the beginning of March I know I have had more AF days than A days. I had two A days that were a full bottle of wine which I regretted in the morning. The last A day was Monday night when I sipped a glass of wine while my husband had a whole pitcher of what he calls a frozen sangria (blended frozen fruit in sangria wine).

I’m learning that drinking has been interrupting my sleep as well, and I need my sleep. The one glass of wine on Monday didn’t affect it, so I was happy about that.

My goal is to definitely have more AF than A days in the month and when I do have an A day it be no more than 2 glasses of wine.

So, for March my current count is:

AF - 7
A - 6

lmlmrn · March 13

Hello everyone!
2 beers yesterday with lunch out. Today we fly out to the west coast for 5 days. I am thankful that my family really does not drink so temptations will be almost 0. I am ok with this.

So I will check in when I can and read posts as I am able. But back full time starting Tuesday...whoop whoop. Have a great week and weekend all
Nancy

xbowhunter · March 13

NonnieDoiron wrote: »

Hello everyone,

I’ve sort of been stalking this discussion for a few days. But, I think I’m ready to be accountable.

I am 49 years old and just recent resigned from work to stay home full time, not a true retirement but that’s what my husband calls it. I did it to focus on self care and the care of my family… and get away from the catty B****es in my office.

For the past 10 years or so, I’ve been quite a drinker, usually a bottle of wine a night or more. Over the last 4 years since I was working with those nasty coworkers, I would not miss a night of drinking. I would drink my wine fast, and I would get so drunk I started not remembering conversations or occurrences that happen while drinking.

The last time I got like that was in late February before I quite my job, and my husband got mad at me because I made a poor joke in front of his friends. I had just sat down with my first glass of wine when I made the joke, but he assumed I was already drunk. When his friends left later that night, he blamed me for making them uncomfortable and “chasing them off”. It was a huge fight because I didn’t remember. The next day I apologized to his friends, but they both swore they only left because they were tired, not because of anything I said or did.

The problem was something I couldn’t remember caused a huge argument. At that point, I started researching AA in my area. I asked my daughter-in-law who stopped drinking over a year ago her thoughts. I’ve come to the conclusion, I don’t want to stop drinking all together because I do enjoy wine with dinner and having a couple drinks when we go out. I just need to be more mindful and drink less.

Since the beginning of March I know I have had more AF days than A days. I had two A days that were a full bottle of wine which I regretted in the morning. The last A day was Monday night when I sipped a glass of wine while my husband had a whole pitcher of what he calls a frozen sangria (blended frozen fruit in sangria wine).

I’m learning that drinking has been interrupting my sleep as well, and I need my sleep. The one glass of wine on Monday didn’t affect it, so I was happy about that.

My goal is to definitely have more AF than A days in the month and when I do have an A day it be no more than 2 glasses of wine.

So, for March my current count is:

AF - 7
A - 6

Cudos to you for making a positive change.

Alcohol truly is an evil legal drug that can cause us so many problems that it's really not worth it!

SparkSpringtime69 · March 13

March 11th=Day 1 for me
3/11: AF
3/12: AF

SparkSpringtime69 · March 13

@NonnieDoiron welcome to the discussion. My wine drinking at night would definitely put me to sleep, but it's not a good sleep, and I always feel lethargic and a bit dizzy for the whole next morning. Best of luck reaching your goals this month and beyond.
@xbowhunter great progress, keep up the good work.
@lmlmrn hope you have a great vacation!

tmbg1 · March 14

13 - AF

xbowhunter · March 14

4 AF
9 A

NonnieDoiron · March 14

AF - 8
A - 6

I was so busy scrapbooking yesterday I didn’t even know what time it was until my husband came home at almost 9:00. I usually start wanting a glass of wine around 7:30-8:00. We usually go to bed around 9:00-9:30, so it was too late for a drink by that point. Plus, I really didn’t want it anyway. And, I slept like a rock last night. 🙂

Womona · March 14

@xbowhunter sorry to hear about the osteoarthritis, but hey, if that’s the final push you need, it’s a blessing in disguise!

@NonnieDoiron welcome! Ah, catty B****es at work…. Congrats on your retirement, it’s so nice to get out of a bad work environment. Sounds like it was a huge catalyst for the domino effect drinking caused you. Onward and upward!

Only one glass of wine yesterday I declined the Sambuca I could have shared with DH. Way over calories though! Need to rein that in. Today is a goodbye luncheon for our intern, held at my favorite restaurant. Normally I would have a glass of wine, but since I have to work right afterwards, it’s not a good idea! So, iced tea for me, even though I’ll feel like I’m missing out.

Rxman1971 · March 14

Goal to be Af 50 percent of time. Let's do this

NonnieDoiron · March 14

@xbowhunter You are so right. A legal evil doesn’t make it ok. I’m happy to report no arguments this week. 🙂

@SparkSpringtime69 Oh, I knock out real hard after a bottle of wine, but then I wake up in a hot flash around 2am. The next morning, I’m cranking and my head hurts. That’s even if I’ve alternated water between drinks. So, I don’t think I’m metabolizing it well anymore. As a matter of fact, I’m starting to think my liver may be rebelling on me. 🙁

@Womona Thanks. Over the years I’ve had many “reasons to drink”. None that were really good, but I could always find an excuse. Most birthdays and Christmases my family knows to just get me a bottle of wine because that’s how much I’ve been drinking. It really is time to turn the page, and maybe I’ll buy a wine rack now that can be filled up with those birthday and Christmas bottles! 😁 Not sure how you passed on the Sambuca last night because that is some yummy stuff, but good job!

Stepawayfromthetable · March 14

Day 14 AF.
Last night I was having a great night and out of nowhere the urge to 'have a drink' took over. The only thing in the house were those nasty twisted shotz things my mom gave me FOREVER ago i found in the back of a cabinet. I thought about it hard but threw them down the sink. I know how it goes first the drink, then I need a cig., then I need a snack, then i need to call people or cry about something, then i need more drinks. NOT WORTH ANY OF IT. especially working out so hard i've dropped 6 pounds already... I just can't keep giving up on myself.

Also today is 14 days. It hasn't been as painful as I thought it would be but THIS MORNING on my way to work after dropping my kids off at school I had the strongest urge. I was ready to turn around and go to the gas station to buy a pack. then i reminded myself that the craving will last only 60 seconds (i dont think thats true, but that's what i tell myself LOL). During this 60 seconds a guy passed me with a cigarette hanging from his mouth and it just looked awful and turned me off to the idea right away.

SparkSpringtime69 · March 14

March 11th=Day 1 for me
3/11: AF
3/12: AF
3/13: AF

ahoy_m8 · March 14

Catching up on all the great posts. #1 fave post is @itladyee 's grandbaby news. I totally would have danced and cried in that parking lot. How cute that GS is excited to be a big brother! There ate a bunch of cute books for only kids expecting a sib.

What good insights from newish posters @SparkSpringtime69, @NonnieDoiron and @dmally1. You all are off to a great start! I really enjoyed reading about your thoughts. I've had big thinks about why I think what I think about alcohol drinks, what I expect from them and how much of that is true or not. I think that "Naked Mind" style introspection is helpful, but all that cerebral work only gets me so far. At a certain point, for me, it boils down to habits, and the only way to build new ones is to start doing it. That's kind of the hard part, where the rubber meets the road. It takes continual practice, like building and maintaining muscle strength. Patience and persistence.

I'm still away from home, and the first week I was pretty good about strength training every day, AF weekdays, etc. When kids came to visit for spring break, I fell down on the nascent ST practice. They're not big drinkers so weekends were moderate, and we abstained weekdays. So why did I abandon the good practices once they left? I have a week left here, and things will be crazy busy the first week I'm back home. Ok I'm going to lift weights right now then get outside to enjoy what may be the last bright sunshine of my stay. Light dusting of snow this morning but big snow expected tonight and tomorrow then rain in the forecast every day thereafter. I usually can find a window to slip out and get some miles in. That's the one habit I can depend on. Work in progress...

Michieb125 · March 14

Welcome newcomers! I’m cheering everyone on from the sidelines.

I’ve been helping with a serious family situation for a couple of months and this week things escalated so I’ve been going back and forth the hospital and spent about 7 hrs there each day for the last three days. The stress was tremendous while doctors sought answers. Things are improving thankfully. I have had 1 - 1.5 glasses of wine when getting home late. My brain says I can skip it but I haven’t tried too hard with being mentally tired. These amounts are still LA for me although can’t count as AF.

2timesacharmmfp · March 14

So excited to see so many new people here! I started lurking in this group before I was ready to make a change and I just want to encourage everyone that it can take baby steps. Some people do really well with setting specifical goals and then they just stick to them. I am not one of those people

After months of slip ups, guilt, dry days, repeat I really feel like I'm making progress with baby steps and grace.

itladyee · March 14

Goals for March
Mostly Dry (no more than 4 days)
Possible Exceptions

First week is a killer
3/4 - Dinner Out
3/5 - Dinner Out (may not go)
3/8 - Fashion Show
TBD
Goal AF = 27+

Current Streak - AF = 2
Longest Streak 2024 - AF = 16

I'm not sure why it's been so tough to get going again this month. I'm going to aim for 50/50...but not much wiggle room

I've also learned that if I make it past 8pm...I'm usually pretty safe!

@forestdweller1 ~ Not emptying the bottle deserves a BIG pat on the back!! I hope your magnolias survived the snow. This weather has been so unpredictable and I've seen many a plants "a flowering" thinking...it's time!!

@dmally1 ~ No Drinks, No Cigs, No Takeout, eating well AND Exercise ~ You are crushing it!! Awesome job! Way to wait those 60 seconds!!!

@Sparkspringtime69 ~ Welcome to the group!

@tmbg1 ~ hang in there. I noticed what when I cut back on the wine, my sweet tooth wakes up. But you've lowered calories...the scale doesn't know everything!

@Xbowhunter ~ Sorry you're experience joint paint, yes aging is a LOT of fun at time. You've got this!

@Sunnydays930 ~ Congrats on 3 weeks +. It is amazing how good it feels.

@NonnieDoiron ~ Welcome! Kudos to you for focusing on your self and your family! I can totally related to the bottle of wine... working hard to over come it.

@ahoy_m8 ~ what a great idea of books for only kids expecting a sibbling. Julian loves to read (he couldn't help but to love it).

@Michieb125 ~ I happy things are improving. I can imagine the stress, so not good for any part of your health journey.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I hope it's girl...but I really don't care. Healthy is all I need!!

A = 2
W = 7
AF = 5
A=Non Wine Alcohol
Month Recap by Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3/1 ✅️
3/2 🥃planned, blackberry crown. It was good

3/3 🥃
3/4 🍷planned
3/5 🍷
3/6 🍷
3/7 🍷
3/8 🍷
3/9 ✅️
3/10 ✅️
3/11 🍷 The bachelor - I thought it was the last episode
3/12 🍷home alone ~ it was wonderful

3/13 ✅️
3/14 ✅️
3/15
3/16
3/17
3/18
3/19
3/20
3/21
3/22
3/23
3/24
3/25
3/26
3/27
3/28
3/29
3/30
3/31

2024 Stats
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January
AF = 87%
A = 13%
February
AF = 58%
A = 42%

2023 Stats Detailed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January
AF = 53%
A = 47%
February
AF = 29%
A = 71%
March
AF = 0%
A = 100%
April
AF = 14%
A = 86%
May
AF = 23%
A = 77%
June
AF = 27%
A = 73%
July
AF = 0%
A = 100%
August
AF = 0%
A = 100%
September
AF= 0%
A= 100%
October
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
November - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
December - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%

SparkSpringtime69 · March 14

NonnieDoiron wrote: »

AF - 8
A - 6

I was so busy scrapbooking yesterday I didn’t even know what time it was until my husband came home at almost 9:00. I usually start wanting a glass of wine around 7:30-8:00. We usually go to bed around 9:00-9:30, so it was too late for a drink by that point. Plus, I really didn’t want it anyway. And, I slept like a rock last night. 🙂

Ha, I think one of the keys to breaking the habit of reaching for a drink is to keep the mind and hands busy with something that is trulyenjoyable.
@Womona I tend to associate certain drinks with certain restaurants and meals. It's one of the mindsets that I'm trying to pay attention to, and trying to chose a new beverage to associate with that restaurant/meal.
@Rxman1971 Welcome, and I hope you have much success with your goal - keep us posted if you'd like.

SparkSpringtime69 · March 14

dmally1 wrote: »

Day 14 AF.
Last night I was having a great night and out of nowhere the urge to 'have a drink' took over. The only thing in the house were those nasty twisted shotz things my mom gave me FOREVER ago i found in the back of a cabinet. I thought about it hard but threw them down the sink. I know how it goes first the drink, then I need a cig., then I need a snack, then i need to call people or cry about something, then i need more drinks. NOT WORTH ANY OF IT. especially working out so hard i've dropped 6 pounds already... I just can't keep giving up on myself.

Also today is 14 days. It hasn't been as painful as I thought it would be but THIS MORNING on my way to work after dropping my kids off at school I had the strongest urge. I was ready to turn around and go to the gas station to buy a pack. then i reminded myself that the craving will last only 60 seconds (i dont think thats true, but that's what i tell myself LOL). During this 60 seconds a guy passed me with a cigarette hanging from his mouth and it just looked awful and turned me off to the idea right away.

Wow, I've never been able to pour something down the drain, even though I've wanted to do it on more than one occasion. Congrats on the 14 days, that's a great accomplishment!
I've heard/read that it takes 6 minutes for an urge or craving to pass. I'm glad it took you only 60 seconds and the ugly view (no offense to the guy

).
@Michieb125 Sorry to hear you're going through such a serious family issue. Staying LA during that time seems to be working out for you ok. I hope things get better soon.

LESS Alcohol ~ MARCH 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

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