LESS Alcohol ~ NOVEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

SunnyDays930 · November 5

@Breathe57103 You are feeling your feelings because you are no longer numbing them. I call that being in my feelings, or sitting in my feelings. It is definitely weird at first because I was not used to it. I kind of meditate through them and try to think, "I am grateful to be alive and feeling these feelings, whether bad or good." You are doing GREAT with your LA goals.

SparkSpringtime69 · November 5

globalhiker wrote: »

@SparkSpringtime69 what are some place you are considering for vacation? Sounds exciting. Honestly, I thought up until a few months ago that it would be impossible to vacation and not drink. Like the two go hand in hand. Then I was challenged to sort of do it. I negotiated with myself first and committed to 50% AF , thought about it more as the AF days went by and I realized, well maybe I could vacation AF with my drinking husband after all if I came super prepared with sodas and NA wines and beers and bought sweets here and there. I probably transferred my craving to these things but it worked and my head became more focused on places and experiences as the focus of the trip and it was really a wonderful experience. Now I see my thinking prior to the trip was really wrong. What was impossible, wasn't. What was too hard, wasn't that hard at all. And some days the thought of drinks never entered my mind and honestly that is the best liberating feeling ever.

@globalhiker thank you so much for this encouragement. I also always believed that vacation and drinking go hand in hand. I also thought about doing about 50%AF, figured I'd sit down and plan out which of the days I'd drink. But, after reading your post, I realized that that was too much work! It's just easier to decide not to drink at all, and it's not impossible. And I know on some levels it's not really "easier" because that wine devil that's been talked about here does rear it's ugly head. But I was just thinking yesterday, 'how nice would it be if I can actually remember every moment of the vacation'. So AF vacation it is

.

SunnyDays930 · November 5

@Womona

"Alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen like tobacco. In the body, alcohol turns into acetaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent. When this toxic chemical builds up in the body, it damages DNA and prevents the body from repairing itself."

brittanynotaroberta · November 5

I wanted to start chatting about strategies for thanksgiving-
I know for me my cousins will be like WHAT your not going to just have one! I feel prepared to just do my thing. I will be running a 5k that morning before the day so my endorphins will be high- I won’t need anything to support that.

My strategy is bringing canned flavored seltzer with me. The habit of having something in my hand during convos will be all I need. I’ll be super hydrated! 🤣

What’s your thanksgiving strategy?

MissMay · November 5

Good morning LESS alcohol family.

I have also been re-reading about what exactly is in alcohol chemical wise So scary. Because I complain about inhaling second hand tobacco, fumes from cars and other irritants. Makes me wonder why our government allows and promotes this.

My accountability for Nov so far has been 4 AF. Today I am struggling with feeling crappy from pain pills prescribed by my dentist because of oral surgery yesterday. I will suffer through the pain as my body does not like pills . I will.take the antibiotics only, until they are gone.

MissMay · November 5

brittanynotaroberta wrote: »

I wanted to start chatting about strategies for thanksgiving-
I know for me my cousins will be like WHAT your not going to just have one! I feel prepared to just do my thing. I will be running a 5k that morning before the day so my endorphins will be high- I won’t need anything to support that.

My strategy is bringing canned flavored seltzer with me. The habit of having something in my hand during convos will be all I need. I’ll be super hydrated! 🤣

What’s your thanksgiving strategy?

Thanks for asking this question. My husbands birthday is Nov 28 along with Thanksgiving. He has been planning a hopla since early Jan '24 when he got the 2024 calender.

I have a plan to not drink on his day. We will be away from home and I more than anything want to have control of my wits.

Traveling with my AF favorites will ensure I am not stranded in a hotel in Biloxi without my Fevertree or H00.

Doing your race the day of Thanksgiving is a cool idea. Best wishes for a good finish time.

Michieb125 · November 5

Feel better soon @MissMay! I think there is (almost) nothing worse than having oral surgery as I’ve been there a couple of times. Hopefully you will be all fixed up soon.

@brittanynotaroberta great conversation starter! Thanksgiving strategies are important and help us plan ahead for different scenarios……who is hosting (me or them), is anyone abstaining 100 percent (me or them), and the time of day for the gathering.
There are tons of great strategies outlined online but many point to bringing your own mocktails, a favorite NA beer, or flavored seltzers for yourself or to share. It’s easier for me to bring my “supplies” any time we’re invited somewhere so I don’t have to rely on my host. I will serve a light non alcoholic holiday drink when people arrive. But yeah I agree with you, having a drink in hand helps with the long day and keeps the hydration going. I think your plan for the run in the morning is a PERFECT idea!

Side note: in the past, when my DH and adult DS and DD were still drinking, we would have a case of wine on hand and a bottle of tequila or whiskey for drinks. Those days are LONG gone (thankful for this) so I will have one bottle of wine on the table or in the refrigerator for the dinner and lots of non-alcoholic beverages available.

Breathe57103 · November 6

I spent the afternoon listening to episodes of the From Sobriety to Recovery podcast. It is a really good podcast.

I didn't have an urge to drink again today, but the depressive mood continued.

AF - 5
A - 0

globalhiker · November 6

Month 2 Day 5 AF done! Thanksgiving strategy:

1) husband agreed to cook 90% of the meal (less work for me!)
2) go for a family hike in the desert beforehand
3) make a gluten free pie made with tart green apple and one that will be something "new".
4) challenge myself to make my own NA fizzy rose. Many vineyards sell concentrated grape juice from their varietals online. I am interested in finding one that is not too $$, mixing it with sparkling water and adding the right flavoring agents (maybe lemon) to make my own, hopefully lower sugar, lower cost and awesome tasting NA sparkling wine.

I'd love to hear about everyone's Thanksgiving plans and please share recipes!

globalhiker · November 6

@Breathe57103 if you want, feel free to invite me as your MFP friend since you're practically my neighbor and we can plan to meet up like we had discussed before, either for a hike or coffee.

Womona · November 6

SunnyDays930 wrote: »

@Womona

"Alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen like tobacco. In the body, alcohol turns into acetaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent. When this toxic chemical builds up in the body, it damages DNA and prevents the body from repairing itself."

Oh good Lord!!!! I swear, I had no idea!

Womona · November 6

Two large glasses of wine, having dinner with a friend after a fun day of shopping.

Hmmm… my Thanksgiving strategy….

After a Turkey trot (family runs, I will walk this year), I am hosting (as we do every year) and have my sister and BIL staying with me. My husband has a large family so I usually find myself with that first glass of wine early to gird my loins for the onslaught of people and noise. Hate to say it, but it helps. And then I wind up drinking 3-4 glasses over the course of a very long day.

This year, I will stick to my LA white wine so I can still enjoy wine, but have about half the alcohol. So even if I have four glasses of that, it’s really only two large glasses. I’ll take the win.

Here’s a question… if you host, what time do you have people over for appetizers, and what time to serve the turkey? I never know what the right time should be. Seems wierd to have dinner at 4:00 PM but that’s usually what happens. Just don’t know what to do. Thoughts?

Michieb125 · November 6

I walked for one hour on Monday - Wednesday and loved seeing all the colorful trees in my neighborhood. Also went to a Barre class yesterday and am eating much cleaner than in the past few weeks. Slightly down on the scale too, so it feels like a good week so far.

November stats:
AF - 1
A - 4

Michieb125 · November 6

@Womona great question, what time to serve appetizers and then Thanksgiving dinner?

My family likes to come early for nibbles and gather around 1:00-2:00. My adult kids bring their choice of a side dish. We do the Turkey and mashed potatoes, gravy and more. We aim to sit down for a big meal by 4:00ish. All the while we’re in the kitchen putting together the final touches together.

Then need a break between finishing dinner and dessert! A game or two usually breaks out. Our long day would likely wrap up around 8ish.

I’m grateful there will be little alcohol involved now that most of family members have quit.

MissMay · November 6

Feeling a little more in pain today then the past two days from oral surgery on Monday.

Guess I chat too long on the phone with my Sister yesterday. They say laughter is the best medicine but maybe not in this case.

Good thing is -
▪︎AF for last 5 days(31 day AF streak)
▪︎Been 95% sugar free in Novber, BONUS!
▪︎Exercise going strong , except during 2 surgery and recovering days.

My thoughts on Thanksgiving are the same as @Michieb125. Apps early, then turkey and dessert before 6:00PM time to say goodbyes and cleanup before the day gets way from you.

Breathe57103 · November 7

Made it through another day with no desire to drink. I honestly don't think I've gone 6 days without alcohol since January 2022.

AF - 6
A - 0

Womona · November 7

Breathe57103 wrote: »

Made it through another day with no desire to drink. I honestly don't think I've gone 6 days without alcohol since January 2022.

AF - 6
A - 0

That’s awesome!!

Womona · November 7

@MissMay, sorry to hear that you’re still in pain from oral surgery. That’s definitely something that knocks you flat. Feel better soon!

@Michieb125 that’s my timeline too! Except, nobody leaves by 8:00! I have some family that will stay until 10 or 11!!! One way we’ve combatted that is to buy tickets for a drive through Christmas light show. That seems to work for getting people out of the house at a reasonable time, because they are timed tickets.

NonnieDoiron · November 7

AF = 3
A = 3

Well, I’m tied. lol Tonight will be AF just because…

Thanksgiving plans. We will have lots of family and friends as always. What is this appetizer stuff you are speaking of?? I don’t have time to make flippin’ appetizers! I’m too busy cooking the meal!

I have a firm belief that you can’t eat at everyone’s home, and I don’t eat at potlucks. So, I cook everything served at my house. If someone wants to bring something, that’s fine. But, I am the main provider of the meal. I will only eat contributed items if I’m familiar with the home and trust the preparer’s cooking.

With that being said, I will start the cooking process about 2 days prior with desserts and casseroles/sides. (I have 3 refrigerators in my home mostly because of the way and amount I cook for holidays and special events. I have been told I need to start a catering company. lol) The morning of, I make anything that couldn’t be pre-made. And, food is normally available to eat around 3:00 and we have a revolving door policy. You can come and go as you want, stay to eat and enjoy the company of others or take a plate and go (I provide takeout containers). The day after Thanksgiving is my recovery day, and I don’t do ANYTHING!

I used to start drinking after food was served, but last year I held off until about 8:00 at night, and I ended up not drinking near as much. I was happy with that. We’ll see what this year brings.

globalhiker · November 7

2 months, 6 days AF done, happily.

Thanksgiving - always at my house, skip appetizers, BBQ turkey and some years go non-traditional and make something else like BBQ ribs. Sides are usually grilled sweet potatoes and zucchini or asparagus, whatever can be made outside by my husband on the grill is great so I have full control of my kitchen space for making a big fat mess baking desserts. The gang arrives around 11:30am to drop off whatever they wish to bring (typically pricey red wine or fancy bourbon that I won't buy). We go out for a walk in the neighborhood where other walking family groups wish each other a Happy Thanksgiving, while my husband stays home cooking. We eat around 1-2 pm and hang out after till about 5pm.

Michieb125 · November 7

Love the Thanksgiving celebration day stories here! For many here, it’s about cooking delicious and carefully prepared food for our guests and family and friends. Many are much less fortunate.

@NonnieDoiron your home sounds very welcoming!
@globalhiker we also take a group walk through the neighborhood as well! A nice way to get fresh air and appreciate the day.
@Womona how fun, a Christmas light show!

One glass of good wine last night while watching a new documentary. I did not front load the month with skipping days and feeling like I’m now behind on my goals. But a couple days have been under my serving limits. Today is a fresh new day. Claiming an AF night now!

November stats:
AF - 2
A - 5

NonnieDoiron · November 7

@Michieb125 We definitely want it to be! We love having family and friends around. It’s the highlight of our lives! We invite everyone… if ya’ll are in SC, come on over! 😉

I used to send out invitations every year, and they would say, “Don’t want to cook? Need to take a break from ‘Creep Uncle John’? Want to play a game of Cards Against Humanity without judgement? Come and sit, eat and run, take a to-go… just come! Get dressed up or wear your pjs… just come! Turkey is ready by 3, and BYOB!”

Now, it’s just kind of known in our circle, and I get to save on postage!😉

SurferGirl1982 · November 7

Thanksgiving is different for us now. Neither my husband or I live where we grew up. My closet friend lives over 800 miles away. My only brother lives farther away than that. And, our parents have been long gone. So, it's just the two of us and our cat. Don't start hearing a violin playing or anything. We're perfectly comfortable with it. And, we don't have all that clean up *HaHa*

When I was a kid, we usually had Thanksgiving at my Mom's house. It seems we gathered around 2 pm and ate around 4 pm. I had five cousins and a brother. So the seven of us sat at the "Kid's Table". The adults thought they were cool...but the "Kid's Table" was where all the action was! We would put black olives on our fingertips. And, we would sling olives at each other with our spoons. The adults had no idea what they were missing 😀

The last couple of years we went to restaurants. But, it's not the same.

For this year, my husband bought a small turkey. It's in the freezer. He's going to cut off the legs and wings and refreeze them to grill at another time. I'm going to make the stuffing and most likely most of the other stuff. It will be a nice day. I haven't had a AF day all month. But I will be doing so soon. We don't plan on having alcohol on Thanksgiving because we won't be having any guests.

Congrats for all of you that are doing so well. BTW...I overseeded my lawns and then the weather got cooler and I thought it wouldn't germinate. But, guess what? I see green!

Take care everyone!

forestdweller1 · November 7

Our large far-flung extended family for decades had a tradition of "whoever has the most recently purchased house hosts Thanksgiving".
For the past 20 or so years most of the cousins [1st-2nd-thrice removed] have met at one cousin's North Carolina farm for a pig pickin' the Saturday after Thanksgiving. As the campers drift in on Friday night and the wee hours of Saturday morning they help Cousin Bobert & son stoke the coals in the huge barrel smoker full of "pig". The pot luck offerings are stored on the second floor of the barn and a bonfire is started about noon. The young uns run wild, jumping down into the hay storage, wading in the river, riding the ancient horse...there are also 4 wheelers and B-B-type guns involved for the tweens. One year I got disturbed that the boys were taking pot shots at the squirrels and shouted out of the top of the barn " Y'all better not shoot at anything you don't intend to eat !!" From then on we have added fresh squirrel to the menu...not bad smoked with some Old Bay...YMMV.
The only person allowed to carve up the meat is a cousin from Virginia who brings a professional knife set and makes a huge production of it. Another brings his homemade moonshine, which is my beverage of choice for that weekend. One Mason jar and done...those stairs from the bonfire up to the top of the barn to get "seconds" are steep !!
Mealtime was from late afternoon til about midnight when the "catching up" was done, and everyone wandered away to sleep it off.
So...we don't do turkey anymore on Thursday, but we carry home lots of "piggie bags" to Michigan & Maryland & Pennsylvania.
Really nice to hear how everyone celebrates the holiday.

Did break my AF streak, but tried to not drink away my anxiety and depression. Actively researching ways to combat those feelings without alcohol. My MIL #2 used to say "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". I HATED HEARING THAT !! Now, I see her point....

Breathe57103 · November 8

I went on a hike with a friend and her sister yesterday. Afterwards we went to dinner and we each ordered one glass of wine. I would be fine with daily drinking if i could just have one glass. When I got home I had 2 cocktails. That is my main issue....one is never enough. Back to wracking up more AF days for the month.

AF - 6
A - 1

Have a great weekend. All of your Thanksgiving traditions sound wonderful.

NonnieDoiron · November 8

AF = 3
A = 4

Last night ended up not being AF, lol. Oh well!

SparkSpringtime69 · November 8

Nov:
AF=1
A=6

I'll be away a few days and probably won't be checking in (I usually do any MFP stuff on my desktop, not my phone). Talk to you all when I get back mid next week

Michieb125 · November 8

@globalhiker1 I absolutely loved reading about your Thanksgiving holiday tradition! At the end, I literally said to myself I wish I had a family like that lol. Sounds so full of fun, laughter, with all the “catching up” and “piggy bags” that traveled back to the homes from several states. You are blessed!

SparkSpringtime69 · November 8

BTW - love reading about all the Thanksgiving traditions. Ours is pretty boring, generally just a little family and the usual Thanksgiving fare. Although there's always a pasta dish too.

Michieb125 · November 8

@SparkSpringtime69 have a great vacation, and enjoy the well deserved time away! Our stats are similar this month.
I have been more hyper focused on my newer habits of exercise, sleep and upping my protein while knowing LA has and continues to be a great way of life for me.

LESS Alcohol ~ NOVEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

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