Jan 21!

Morning everyone.

Anonymous wrote:Last night was the most difficult night so far. I attended a birthday party at a bar for a close friend. I only lasted 30 minutes.

It was just too difficult for me watching everyone with the drink in their hand and the bartender constantly asking if I wanted a refill of my sad seltzer water. Even their pints of beer looked DELICIOUS and I'm not much of a beer drinker.
I had to get out of there. I'm sad that I missed the fun, but proud of myself for staying dry one more night! Maybe next time there is an event like that I'll be able to not think about the drinks and just enjoy the socialization....

That sucks. I’m going to a retirement party tonight. It’s 50/50 on how I do.

Last night was the most difficult night so far. I attended a birthday party at a bar for a close friend. I only lasted 30 minutes.

It was just too difficult for me watching everyone with the drink in their hand and the bartender constantly asking if I wanted a refill of my sad seltzer water. Even their pints of beer looked DELICIOUS and I'm not much of a beer drinker.
I had to get out of there. I'm sad that I missed the fun, but proud of myself for staying dry one more night! Maybe next time there is an event like that I'll be able to not think about the drinks and just enjoy the socialization....

I am on day 13 of COVID so I haven’t really had to work hard to stay dry, but I have wanted a drink to escape the doldrums that is a family with COVID (some have it, some don’t). Blah.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Np. I have made it so far, but I am disappointed with the results so far. I am still tired, even more so at times. No less foggy. And only lost a pound or two (I expected more since drinking makes me eat more). But I feel like I am getting better sleep the last day or two, so maybe things are looking up,

Strangest thing is I have less motivation to do my work. I think I used drinking as motivation (work hard and get a glass of wine at night). I did not even realize I did it. Still happy I am doing dry January. I was starting to drink too much, too often.

How old are you?

Are you male or female? You might want to get your thyroid checked if you're feeling tired and foggy even without the wine.

Female. Early 50s. So tired and foggy is not that strange, just had hopes it would improve. I have a check up next month so will mention it. They do run normal tests, not sure if thyroid is included. I am overweight, so I could just need to get more serious about dropping some pounds.

I've posted before in this thread - sorry for my broken record story - I am also early 50's and female. I was drinking heavily before I stopped in the Fall. It took me close to 90 days to really see major differences. I'm now at 120 days and I've lost 20 lbs, my skin looks great, I sleep like a baby, cognition is better. There was a period of time when I was totally exhausted. I still have some of the same aches and pains so apparently some of it's is just age.

DP. I appreciate your insight. Keep up the good work!

PP here - thank you! I really appreciate the encouragement.

It’s day 20.

Oddly I have not thought of drinking once, until today.

I’m super anxious for no apparent reason. Oh well, I’ll eat ice cream.

Enjoy the weekend!

day 20 - which means about 2/3 of the way through! I hope all is well for everybody.

I don't mind the updates and additiona information that posters are giving - share your stories and thoughts!!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Np. I have made it so far, but I am disappointed with the results so far. I am still tired, even more so at times. No less foggy. And only lost a pound or two (I expected more since drinking makes me eat more). But I feel like I am getting better sleep the last day or two, so maybe things are looking up,

Strangest thing is I have less motivation to do my work. I think I used drinking as motivation (work hard and get a glass of wine at night). I did not even realize I did it. Still happy I am doing dry January. I was starting to drink too much, too often.

How old are you?

Are you male or female? You might want to get your thyroid checked if you're feeling tired and foggy even without the wine.

Female. Early 50s. So tired and foggy is not that strange, just had hopes it would improve. I have a check up next month so will mention it. They do run normal tests, not sure if thyroid is included. I am overweight, so I could just need to get more serious about dropping some pounds.

I've posted before in this thread - sorry for my broken record story - I am also early 50's and female. I was drinking heavily before I stopped in the Fall. It took me close to 90 days to really see major differences. I'm now at 120 days and I've lost 20 lbs, my skin looks great, I sleep like a baby, cognition is better. There was a period of time when I was totally exhausted. I still have some of the same aches and pains so apparently some of it's is just age.

DP. I appreciate your insight. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Np. I have made it so far, but I am disappointed with the results so far. I am still tired, even more so at times. No less foggy. And only lost a pound or two (I expected more since drinking makes me eat more). But I feel like I am getting better sleep the last day or two, so maybe things are looking up,

Strangest thing is I have less motivation to do my work. I think I used drinking as motivation (work hard and get a glass of wine at night). I did not even realize I did it. Still happy I am doing dry January. I was starting to drink too much, too often.

How old are you?

Are you male or female? You might want to get your thyroid checked if you're feeling tired and foggy even without the wine.

Female. Early 50s. So tired and foggy is not that strange, just had hopes it would improve. I have a check up next month so will mention it. They do run normal tests, not sure if thyroid is included. I am overweight, so I could just need to get more serious about dropping some pounds.

I've posted before in this thread - sorry for my broken record story - I am also early 50's and female. I was drinking heavily before I stopped in the Fall. It took me close to 90 days to really see major differences. I'm now at 120 days and I've lost 20 lbs, my skin looks great, I sleep like a baby, cognition is better. There was a period of time when I was totally exhausted. I still have some of the same aches and pains so apparently some of it's is just age.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Np. I have made it so far, but I am disappointed with the results so far. I am still tired, even more so at times. No less foggy. And only lost a pound or two (I expected more since drinking makes me eat more). But I feel like I am getting better sleep the last day or two, so maybe things are looking up,

Strangest thing is I have less motivation to do my work. I think I used drinking as motivation (work hard and get a glass of wine at night). I did not even realize I did it. Still happy I am doing dry January. I was starting to drink too much, too often.

How old are you?

Are you male or female? You might want to get your thyroid checked if you're feeling tired and foggy even without the wine.

Female. Early 50s. So tired and foggy is not that strange, just had hopes it would improve. I have a check up next month so will mention it. They do run normal tests, not sure if thyroid is included. I am overweight, so I could just need to get more serious about dropping some pounds.

I’m on my 5th go at doing a dry month since Covid started. I never feel much different, which is part of the reason that I do it. Because I don’t drink in ways that cause object problems, like being dehydrated or hung over or gaining lots of weight. That makes me ambivalent about limiting drinking or trying to make a decision about what feels like a good balance between enjoying life and keeping healthy. This month, I’m enjoying not drinking the most when I’m noticing small differences. For example, when I’m stressed or upset and I don’t have the option of pouring a glass of wine, how do I process the emotion? Can I let it process through me, or am I turning to something else like food? I’ve done both this month so it’s interesting. I’m also debating whether I’m getting deeper sleep, but I haven’t decided.

I have lost 7 pounds but I have combined the no drinking with a much healthier diet. Due to a busy work schedule (poor/lazy excuse) my diet was filled with delivery and takeout food. This month I have done all my own cooking and have not done any takeout/delivery.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Np. I have made it so far, but I am disappointed with the results so far. I am still tired, even more so at times. No less foggy. And only lost a pound or two (I expected more since drinking makes me eat more). But I feel like I am getting better sleep the last day or two, so maybe things are looking up,

Strangest thing is I have less motivation to do my work. I think I used drinking as motivation (work hard and get a glass of wine at night). I did not even realize I did it. Still happy I am doing dry January. I was starting to drink too much, too often.

Same. I think the social media influencers and clickbait writers who claim sobriety CHANGES YOUR LIFE are liars. I don’t feel any different. I don’t sleep any different. I don’t now have this super clear mind. Just bored. I don’t deny that there is way too much alcoholism going on and it’s shoved in our faces and glorified to an uncomfortable degree. However, not having a glass of wine with dinner for a month or ever again isn’t life-changing.

NP. I do feel like my mind is clearer. I'm not sleeping any better. I track my sleep, and seem to be getting 30-1 hour less sleep.

Strange side effect, I can smell things better. Someone at the theater was eating peanut M&Ms, and the scent was so strong. Normally I like peanut M&Ms, but this smell was too much.

Zero movement on the scale even though I'm going to the gym, not drinking, and I have less snacking.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just discovered a market near me has a large selection of non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beers. They’re stupid expensive, but I’m going to try them for special treats on weekends. I tried the sparkling rose alternative first. It doesn’t taste like wine - much more fruity. But there was a nice tartness to it and it looked pretty in a glass. I’ll give it a 6/10.

Where is this market? I have been looking in WF and Balducci's for wine alternatives and not much luck. I did see Tost at Balducci's but didn't try it. I am interested in trying Surely but can't find it anywhere except online. In the meantime, I've been treating myself to WF blood orange sparkling sodas on occasion, but not every night given the sugar content. I did pour myself a small glass of sauvignon blanc the other night right at the halfway point-took a sip or two, but to be honest, it tasted strong to me and I think my body has fully adapted to not having wine. I had no desire to drink it. Will I keep this up in February? too early to tell, but I'm liking this so far and moving forward, I think I will limit wine to only a special event or a special dinner out.

Corner market on Grubb road.

If you’re bored and want to take up part of evening alone, or with kids / partner / friends, Clue put out a stand-alone game called Treachery at Tudor Mansion. You play it only one time. It’s something different. It’s ages 10+ and for 1-6 players.

If you play, some tips: after reading the Quick Start guide as it tells you, I suggest reading the following game play pages if you get stuck at the beginning. We got confused trying to play just with the quick start. Also, be sure to read all the things on the cards (we missed a few - had to do with age of one of the players).