LESS Alcohol ~ DECEMBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
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@NonnieDoiron I didn't put up any lights this year. I really like to. They're so pretty! But all of our holiday stuff is in storage. Not impossible to get to. But a slight hassle. Next year I'm going to put them up around Halloween before it gets too cold. And, then not light them until around Thanksgiving.
Sounds sad about all the trash that people just leave. Especially the condoms. I've always been the type, that if you pack it in you pack it out. I guess the younger generation never learned that.
There's a lady that goes to the gambling establishment across the street where I sometimes go. She uses oxygen. But it is just a small tank that she basically carries in a small bag like a purse. Maybe your MIL can check out something like that.3 -
My weight loss journey is feeling like my golf game…. I get better at putting, and my drives go to hell. Try to improve my short game, and my putting sucks again.
I concentrate on logging and moderating my food and alcohol intake, and exercise gets blown off for the week. I commit to attending all my exercise classes, wake up late and cancel them all (I’ve done that many times this week). I stay on top of putting away all the things out in the house where they don’t belong, and I stop tracking my budgeting app. It’s like my brain can handle only so much tracking and diligence! Something always falls by the wayside. Anyone else experiencing this?
YES!!! This happens to me regularly! I try, but things just get in the way it seems. Every time I vow not to miss a walk, a million things will happen at work and I have to work through my designated walk time, or I’ll have some kind of pain, or my husband planned something else for us, or any number of things. I’ve just learned that I’m going to just have to do well on the days I do well and the rest will work itself out… I hope.🙏🏻
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@NonnieDoiron ~ oh my, that's a lot of yucky trash!! Do you think people are intentionally tossing their trash or could it be a "wind" thing? It's been particular windy here and on trash day....everyone's trash is in the street. Now granted, I haven't seen some of the stuff that you mentioned! Can the situation be reported to the city...not sure they would actually do anything about it....
I wish it were the wind. It’s a combination or litter bugs and contractors that don’t tarp their loads or throw trash in the bed of their truck and it just blows out.
It’s all over our area. Littering in this area just seems to be the thing to do. Streets are just covered. I live in the county, so the city won’t do anything and they haven’t done anything in town either. The county recently passed a law that says all trucks must be tarped when carrying loads, but people don’t do it. And, the sheriff deputies don’t enforce it. We don’t even have regular patrol on our street. We’ve lived here for 6 years, and I’ve only seen a patrol car 3 times.
Every time I go for a walk I pick up at least a half a kitchen trash bag of trash. I was surprised that today was only 1 full bag after not having walked since Saturday!
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@SurferGirl1982 we put up lights every year. As much as my husband hates climbing a ladder and getting on the roof, he likes the lights too. I refuse to decorate until after Thanksgiving because I firmly believe each holiday should be celebrated in its time. I hate seeing Christmas stuff before Halloween in the stores! One holiday at a time! LOL
Here’s my fireplace with the garland I replaced the lights in last night as well as my husband asleep on the floor. LOL
I grew up with tv commercials about not littering and the message being preached at school. My mother would’ve kicked my butt if I threw something out of the car! My kids know that littering is bad, too.
I’ve seen the “oxygen purses”. I suggested one when she initially got the oxygen after her last hospital stay. I can’t remember why she couldn’t use or get that type of equipment. It may have been something to do with her insurance. I stopped asking, making suggestions, and for the most part worrying about it. If she doesn’t use her oxygen and suffocates because her oxygen saturation drops too low, then that’s on her. I can only try to be helpful and concerned for so long before I decide that it’s just not worth the effort or anger. She’s either going to do it or not. I just hate to see how it affects my husband.
Anyway… still wine free.
AF = 5
A = 04 -
@NonnieDoiron Your mantle is gorgeous! I normally put the lights out. Even though I have a man in the house. It's just something that I enjoy. Even as a teenager, I was the one on the roof stringing the lights. Hmmm? I'm not sure why because I have an older brother 🤔
We've kind of outgrown the house where we currently live. We have a cute little tree. It's small. But, it's pretty. But, I really don't know where I'd put it right now.
I've been looking for a larger home. I live very much on the outskirts of the town listed on my profile. It was OK at first. But, since I've been having vision problems, I would much rather be more in town. The town I currently live in has no bus service, no Uber, no Grubhub, etc. So, I hope I can find something closer to everything. Maybe this spring.
Congrats on being wine free! Keep it up...you guys are doing great!
And, I wish the best for your MIL.
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My weight loss journey is feeling like my golf game…. I get better at putting, and my drives go to hell. Try to improve my short game, and my putting sucks again.
I concentrate on logging and moderating my food and alcohol intake, and exercise gets blown off for the week. I commit to attending all my exercise classes, wake up late and cancel them all (I’ve done that many times this week). I stay on top of putting away all the things out in the house where they don’t belong, and I stop tracking my budgeting app. It’s like my brain can handle only so much tracking and diligence! Something always falls by the wayside. Anyone else experiencing this?
Yes! me. I'm ditching tracking weight. All the micro-tracking, bye-bye. Makes me want to snack and drink. I am also not checking retirement investment finances till Jan., otherwise I get stressed. Dec. is too busy since I still need to buy presents for 5 more people and get a zillion things prepared for work since I am covering for the bosses during the holiday weeks. I need to zero in on "the important" and let the rest go. And yes, I will go the gym but leave early in order to get what I need to get done.5 -
Day 97 AF. What do you all want for Christmas? Have you thought of that or are you like me and just plain tired of all the pressured shopping for gifts?
@forestdweller1 your writing style is so cool, vivid and unique. You make moonshine? Really?
@NonnieDoiron I love how you decorated your fireplace. Holiday lights in my house really boost my mood. So much that I insist on keeping lights up till mid Jan. and secretly wish I could keep them on all year. I need to buy myself some lighted decor I can leave up year-round.
On the topic of litter - I would like to see a very steep fine for littering in the U.S. It would help teach people respect for others. Places in the world with steep penalties are sparkling clean. NY was the worst, the smell of garbage put outside and the homeless, cats, rats, or raccoons would tear into the garbage bags and leave a disaster behind. One of the reasons I moved away to a more civilized place was because of that. Sadly, I have to pay steep association dues that keep getting jacked up to pay for the landscapers who keep the community very litter-free and clean. Why would clean people need to fund this? See how illogical this is - I am paying because of the bad behavior of people who litter. The people who litter don't get penalized, I do. The people who litter should be covering this cost, do community service clean up and learn to stop. End of rant.5 -
Two glasses of champagne last night on “wine night” at work-my colleague brought it in to celebrate my birthday (that I had last week).
I’m off today, and excited to get the candles in the window, and interior Christmas decorating done. The tree isn’t for another week or two so I don’t kill it.4 -
Hello Friday!
It is cold here in Florida this AM. BRrrrrrr. Covered my flower garden areas last night with comforters so nothing would die. I have 6 or more salmon colored hibiscus buds that want to open and I didnt want to see them drop off.
People that throw anything out a window should get fined, period.
Things that get in my way of getting my fitness in for the day -the weather (if I am going to walk outside). Getting to comfortable after I drop husband at work in the morning. I know, way too many excuses. I used to be that girl that would wake up, be out the door in any weather, do my 4 mile power walk, then go work a very physical job for 8 hours, those were the days.
I agree, each holiday needs its own space to be enjoyed. I HATE overlapping them. Christmas stuff in some stores as early as late August, it is insane. Since we moved to Florida two years ago my husband still keeps asking me where this or that is for decorations we used to have at our large house before. We downsized MAJOR during our move. My Christmas collection was enormous, I could have shared it with 5 families each year. LESS of it is more manageable, plus after taking it all down after Jan 1st now it doesn't look like my house was robbed because the house once again looks so bare, LOL
I have my husband's Christmas party next Friday night. They provide free drink tickets, I will just give mine to my husband. I am going there for the beautiful buffet, holiday atmosphere and mingling.
Then there is New Years Eve to hurdle. If I can get past ALL of these (on top of having my AF 2024 Halloween and Thanksging already) I will be making history with myself. I WANT THIS BADLY!
Hold on everyone that needs extra support and reassuring during these holiday times. The pressure is REAL. I wonder how many other silent folks we run into each gathering or party, et; that would LOVE to be drinking LESS like us, but are afraid to rock the holiday boat???
Be THAT person that rocks the boat. BE BOLD!
Day 62 AF
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Went to the casino last night. Wine. Blah
AF= 4
A = 16 -
This is what I imagine while drinking
When in reality this is what is happening LOL LOL LOL LOL
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Had a really lovely time with longtime GF’s last night. The gals didn’t drink more than a glass with dinner as they were driving home later. A big LA win was that I threw out that 3rd glass of wine I poured for myself after guests went home. I thought oh I’ll just finish the bottle we had and after a sip I rushed to the sink and dumped it. Probably 7 ounces worth—didn’t need it or want it and woke up happy I did!
Parties are now behind me so it’s time to rack up some AF days.
Dec Stats:
AF - 1
A - 56 -
@MissMay I didn't think it got cold in Florida? I have some Meyer lemon trees. I did bring them up on to a covered deck. They are actually quite cold-hardy. I believe kumquats are the most cold-hardy. In the past, I tried bringing them in the house. Well, without getting into too much detail, they actually prefer being outside. There's quite a few people that are into growing citrus in areas that they really don't belong. There's a bunch of websites. You wouldn't believe how elaborate some of the people get. Some that live in the northeastern part of the US have no choice but to bring them indoors. They have special lighting and ventilation systems. I used to be a bit of a citrus nerd myself. But, lately, not so much.
Everybody is talking about decorating and shopping for gifts. I love putting out lights. But, all of our decorations are in a storage unit 12 miles away. You may be wondering why our storage unit is 12 miles away. But, it's because it's by where we used to live and we are trying to move back to that area. I could just buy more lights. But, it's too late now...next year!
It's a shame that people are littering. I can't even imagine throwing something out of the window while my mom was driving. She probably would have handed me a Hefty bag, told me to get out of the car and made me pick up trash for a couple of hours. We don't have much of a littering problem in our neighborhood. I think we're just a bunch of old "Hippies" 🙂
Everyone have a great day and weekend!4 -
@Michieb125 You're doing really good. It cracked me up when you said that you dumped the wine down the sink. I do the same thing. Some thought I was committing "alcohol abuse". It is a waste of money. But, our health is more important than money.4
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9 days in a row AF- trying to make it to Christmas Eve!
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And there it is! The magically appearing bottle… 😔
Today hasn’t been good.
1. MIL’s neurosurgeon called. After reviewing the MRI results and consulting other neurosurgeons, he believes it is unsafe to proceed with surgery. Hubby had to have a talk with her about getting long-term care insurance because she’s just not going to get any better.
2. My daughter’s friend and her have been planning for a couple days to go to the Christmas parade tomorrow morning and then, I was told, the friend was having a birthday party at the skating rink. The closer we got, it seemed like I was chaperoning the parade. But, I wasn’t getting any details about the birthday party. Turns out, there is no party! The friend’s dad was basically leaving it up to me to take the girls to the parade and then skating. He even had the audacity to tell his daughter to tell my daughter that I had to stay at the rink with the girls, that he didn’t want a “drop off thing”. What the actual f…?! I told my daughter I’m not going to freeze my butt off at a parade, but I’ll take them skating after I made her cry because she was going to tell her friend she wasn’t going after I fussed at her about being forced to take responsibility for her friend’s birthday. I realize my daughter doesn’t have many friends, and she doesn’t ask to go anywhere very often. So, I caved on the skating.
3. I told my family that today would be a long work day for me. Reminded my husband this morning it would be a long work day. I was right, and my clients were extra special this evening (seriously ticked me off). Then, the kids were hovering over me waiting for dinner. My husband was not helping. Then, he got mad at me when I told him to put away the stuff he left on the counter instead of putting it in the cabinet when I was trying to clean up the kitchen after dinner.
Now, I’m sitting here thinking about opening the bottle of wine.4 -
@NonnieDoiron sorry to hear about your MIL, that pretty much seals off that option. It may be too late to get long term care insurance, or the premiums will probably be sky-high. It very well may be cheaper to just pay out of pocket. Ugh, what a situation.
As for the other father foisting the responsibilities on to you, that really is a dick move. How old are the girls? I’m sure they are old enough to be dropped off and picked up again after skating. If he is dictating to you how he wants it done, he can jolly well drive them and stand around in a cold ice rink until the end of Publix skate! Geez! The nerve!
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I wanted a glass of wine at 3:50 PM yesterday, but held off until 5:00. It didn’t even occur to me to have a NA substitute, even though I have plenty of options! This of course was followed by two glasses of wine at dinner (my hubby made pasta and homemade bread- guess whose weight is way up today and way over calories?).
We have a Christmas party tonight- I do better when I’m out so two is my max. Must motivate to get stuff done around the house, and get my butt in gear to rein in the overeating and over drinking. On a positive note, I think my TOM is any day now, so if it decides to show up this month, I will be relieved from my voracious appetite. Fingers crossed- peri-menopausal bodies have a mind of their own! Ugh!1 -
Not yet to day 100 AF, it is coming soon though. Thank the heavens for non-alcoholic bev, since they have saved me many times. To-date, the non-alcoholic or de-alcoholized wines I actually like and enjoy:
1-Mionetto alcohol removed premium sparkling wine (good fizz, like a prosecco, the sweet level is spot on-not too sweet) - $14.99 on sale at the supermarket
2-Sea Glass NA sauvignon blanc - $8.99 if on sale at Total Wine. Kroger/Frys has their NA Pinot Grigio version for $11.99 by me but it tasted spoiled and Total Wine carries this item also.
Runner Up (meaning drinkable when mixed with a bit of club soda):
1-Giesen non alcoholic Premium Red Wine - about $15 at Total Wine
Fell out of love with:
Cruse sparkling N/A rose: $9.99 at Total Wine. You'd love it if you like it on sweet side
Senorio de la Tautila n/a sparkling rose: too expensive, Amazon. Liked it at first, then discovered way better. Palate has changed and now I find this too sweet.
On the Worst of the Worst List (meaning gag at first sip, missing flavor altogether or disgustingly sweet and throw it down the sink):
1-Giesen non-alcoholic Rose & the Pinot Grigio
2-Thompson & Scott, both the white and the sparkling rose
3-Freixenet n/a - too sweet
For Variety, I do keep on hand: Corona n/a beer, $11.99 six pack.
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@NonnieDoiron if the dad doesn’t want a “drop off thing” then I guess he can stay at the rink himself or his daughter can skip it? Or if the girls are really old enough to stay out, maybe he will see they will be okay for a skate night. So sorry he isn’t respectful of you and your time.
@Womona - I had delicious pasta and home baked Sourdough and wine on Thursday! I know what you mean about going over calories! But, your dinner sounded lovely especially when your husband did the cooking…. Mine does not lol.
@globalhiker thanks for posting good/decent NA wine choices here! Last month, I tried a very good NA sparkling rose wine called Sovi and have been looking for it ever since. Small bubbles and not too sweet.3 -
Did attend 2 gym days this week and am quite sore from the weight machines. And, my house is fully decorated so I’m happy about this. But, I spent some time in my LA journal this morning (haven’t in days). I can see when I don’t make a mindful plan, I find I’m winging it. Again, my limits are pretty much in check, it’s the off days I want to increase.
Soooo, looking at this weekend and all the early morning commitments I have for next week, I have plenty of opportunities to catch up. I will take a trip to Total Wine or Bev Mo and look for the Mionetta NA sparkling wine and other NA options to try. This might save me for the in between holiday festivities. Appreciate the insight from @globalhiker!
Now to execute 🧑🏻🎄🎄 🎁
Stats:
AF - 1
A - 6
Limits - no more than 2 glasses
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globalhiker wrote: »Not yet to day 100 AF, it is coming soon though. Thank the heavens for non-alcoholic bev, since they have saved me many times. To-date, the non-alcoholic or de-alcoholized wines I actually like and enjoy:
1-Mionetto alcohol removed premium sparkling wine (good fizz, like a prosecco, the sweet level is spot on-not too sweet) - $14.99 on sale at the supermarket
2-Sea Glass NA sauvignon blanc - $8.99 if on sale at Total Wine. Kroger/Frys has their NA Pinot Grigio version for $11.99 by me but it tasted spoiled and Total Wine carries this item also.
Runner Up (meaning drinkable when mixed with a bit of club soda):
1-Giesen non alcoholic Premium Red Wine - about $15 at Total Wine
Fell out of love with:
Cruse sparkling N/A rose: $9.99 at Total Wine. You'd love it if you like it on sweet side
Senorio de la Tautila n/a sparkling rose: too expensive, Amazon. Liked it at first, then discovered way better. Palate has changed and now I find this too sweet.
On the Worst of the Worst List (meaning gag at first sip, missing flavor altogether or disgustingly sweet and throw it down the sink):
1-Giesen non-alcoholic Rose & the Pinot Grigio
2-Thompson & Scott, both the white and the sparkling rose
3-Freixenet n/a - too sweet
For Variety, I do keep on hand: Corona n/a beer, $11.99 six pack.
This is so incredibly helpful. I saved a picture of this post on my phone!
My favorite LA wines, both Sauvignon Blanca, are Decoy Featherweight (I’ve only seen this at Joe Canal’s in NJ, PA state store doesn’t seem to carry it), and Starlight , made by Starfish.
@Michieb125 I also copied your suggestion. Thanks!
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AF = 6
A = 1
I didn’t make it to Christmas. 😕
But, I didn’t drink last night with a bottle of wine sitting open on my counter. It was the night before.
I took my daughter and her friend skating yesterday. Then, I took them for cupcakes as a birthday treat for the friend. Her friend mentioned something about getting a book for another friend of hers who had a birthday the same day. When we got back to my house and I took off my shoes, my daughter asked me about going to the bookstore. I said not tonight because it was already dark outside, and I hate driving at night. Then, I had her friend call her grandparents to come pick her up. I guess this friend’s dad and grandparents don’t take her anywhere, so she’s trying to get me to do it. I’m not going to do it.
Plus, I was working the whole time. I don’t know why this weekend’s events have been so crazy, but they were. And, I was putting out fires since they started Friday evening and all day yesterday. I hope today is quiet. I need a break!
Son’s competition was great yesterday! His 2 teammates who competed with him yesterday and my son all won 1st place for their divisions and weight classes. My son also won best Special Olympic athlete bringing home 3 medals!
Next weekend my husband is attending a retreat with his best friend, so I am planning to take that weekend for myself. No one is planning or doing anything! I am not running around, and I am going to do the things I wanted to do this weekend. I think that will be an announcement I make at dinner tonight… “unless you have a true medical emergency, you will not ask me to do anything! You will clean your rooms, vacuum, dust, clean your bathroom, take care of the animals, and LEAVE ME ALONE!”
Anyway, I hope everyone else has been having a good weekend. I see we have some doing really well on the AF train and some not. We’re in what I consider to be the most stressful time of the year with all the holidays and extra things to do. I’m not good at doing it, but please try to remember to take care of you. ❤️
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11 AF days in a row! Why don't I lose weight when I stop drinking??? I feel great but I never lose even so much as an ounce even though my wine calories are all water and unsweetened tea.4
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11 AF days in a row! Why don't I lose weight when I stop drinking??? I feel great but I never lose even so much as an ounce even though my wine calories are all water and unsweetened tea.
It will probably come off as a big “whoosh”, but boy, do I feel your pain. It will happen, fear not!
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@NonnieDoiron I love your plan for next weekend! Sorry to hear this weekend didn’t turn out like you wanted.1
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Had a really great time at the Christmas party last night, and only had 1.5 glasses of wine. But then they came out with these shots of Irish cream served in tiny little mason jars with a tiny little lid on top. Very cute presentation, and because they weren’t strong (I suspect it was more for the flavor than the alcohol), I’m counting that has half a shot, for a grand total of two drinks. Very happy I did not exceed my goal, and was sober when I drove home.
My challenge this week…. 0-1 drinks when I am home. I think I need to put this quote on a stickie and place it around my house…” Choose the pain of discipline, or choose the pain of regret.” Hopefully if I refer back to this enough times, the discipline will win out, on many areas of my life.
Happy Sunday!4 -
12 AF days in a row! Cravings are lessening now and I am not thinking about it as much.7
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I am with you @tmbg1 what is up with these scales? I have not had alcohol in over 60 days, or sugar in my coffee. I am sucking down all required water for hydration. Beginning to think the dreaded stress hormones 😈👹 have taken over my body.
@Womona good job on getting through your holiday party with goals intacked.
@NonnieDoiron I feel your pain. You are not a taxi company nor a nanny. I hope you get in plenty of well deserved me time.
@globalhiker great list. I am putting of few of those on my xmas list fir husband to get me.
@Michieb125 you have reminded me to dust off my heavier weights and get at it.
Hope everyone else out there is doing well in their LESS ALCOHOL holiday goals.
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