31-Day Libation Liberation Trial

[Angela]

I think it will have more power if I write it down, so consider me committed. December might be a particularly challenging time of year to do this. For my purposes, "Libation" means alcoholic beverages of any kind, "Liberation" means conscious freedom from the tyranny of habit, "Trial" means let's see how I feel during and after, and "31-day" means that on New Years Eve, prohibition is repealed, at least for one night. (Danger Man and I are having a Frankenstein Party that night.)

Tonight is the first challenge -- a concert at Disney Hall (Ivan Lins for your interested Brazilians), where there's a bar in every nook. Wish me luck. I am resolute.

[Cassie]

Good luck, Angela. I sometimes have much more fun when I'm out and not drinking as opposed to when I am. Enjoy your Ivan Lins concert!

[Hsiang-Lin]

Hey congratulations Angela on setting such a goal! It takes good strength of character to do that.

Just a suggestion that you could update your results each day (like I do in the Daily Workout Thread). This way, you can keep track of your progress and stay on schedule.

Of course, everyone is motivated in their own ways so it's just a suggestion. Regardless, all the best to your success!

[Angela]

Great idea, Hsiang-Lin. First night - not so bad, despite Danger Man ordering two cocktails. I caught myself out of habit reaching for his drink for a sip. Good thing it was bourbon, yuck, not tempting. (Note to self: perhaps Danger Man order bourbon so I won't steal sips of his drink. ck with DM.) Otherwise no suffering so far.

fun: we checked in at the box office to ask if upgraded seats were available. No, we were told, the only thing they had available was front row center. Oh drat, said we, I guess we'll take them. So, we ended up immediately in front of Ivan Lins, about 6 feet away or so. Guinga and his crew were also incredibly moving musicians.

[Wanderer]

Best of Luck, as Ive said before I'm 17 (probably the age most people start drinking alot) and I dont do it at all, I dont miss it either
Keep us posted on your success

[JohnnyJimJams]

Good luck Angela

I set a goal of no alcohol for 2006. Nadda, zip, squat, diddly. Not even a cherry ripe.

So far so good. Heaps of benefits, like fitness, quit smoking, saved heaps of cash, acheived something tough.

I've only got 28 sleeps to go! Bring that on.

I really like having a drink with my buds, but now I know that I rule it, and not the other way around.

I survived my own birthday, my best friends bucks party and wedding, and now it's just christmas to get through.

I'm with you every step of the way

[Hsiang-Lin]

Hey Angela,

Just checking in since I know how hard new habits can be to implement. So here's a quick dose of motivation to let you know others are wishing you your success as well!

[Angela]

So far I haven't been too tempted. I am finding there's more habit at work -- like, "a beer would go really well with this stew" kind of reaction. Nothing I can't resist.

But -- Danger Man's alcohol intake is becoming more apparent, and much more distressing, to me now. He's a charming drunk, it's true, but drinking something almost every day, and getting stinko paralytico twice a week or so, it's suddenly in my face. I'm resisting the "A" label, but that is a lot, isn't it? I feel he often speaks and acts in ways that he later regrets, or at least that get in the way of creating the life he wants. To be honest, I'm afraid one night he'll get wasted and cheat on me. Yikes, that is hard to write. This morning I said to him, "I think alcohol has gotten more powerful than you and I are, and we need to seize back the power!" He agreed, but I'm left feeling a bit .... I don't know what exactly. powerless. I love him exactly as he is, and exactly as he is not. I want to be a good strong partner. I don't want to be a sap.

[JohnnyJimJams]

Ask him this question...

"What would your life be like without alcohol?"

No pressure, just a casual question, "I'll just leave that thought with you"

This really helped me decide to take a time out from booze.

[JohnnyJimJams]

Hi Angela

How you holding up? Still not drinking?

Only 16 more sleeps!

[mjukr]

I think fending off peer pressure will be the toughest part.

[Angela]

Thanks for your concern! It has been surprisingly easy, but I'm watching out for unconscious drinking -- I really have to be aware and resolute. But I'm not suffering, or praying for the 30 days to go quickly. Peer pressure, I think I'm pretty much beyond that, although we'll see how the holidays with my family go! I've told them what I'm doing, though, and everybody has been pretty supportive, and some are thinking about a 30-day or more alcohol fast themselves.

As for Danger Man -- JohnnyJimJams, I did ask him your question. He got very thoughtful and a little sad. Later, he declared that he's going to give up alcohol for the first 100 days of 2007. 100 days! that sounds more daunting to me than 30. Especially since we're planning a club med trip right at day 45. He has been very supportive and proud of me on my fast, and seems inspired for himself. He's traveling now, and I don't even think about drinking much when he's not around. hmmm.

[Angela]

Christmas Eve was the most difficult -- it's amazing how my drinking friends and family are resistant to anyone "dropping out." They had bought my favorite wine, and got little sad looks on their faces, like, "But it's CHRISSTTTMMMMASSSSS! One little glass of wine won't hurt!"

But it sure felt wonderful to wake up on Christmas Day feeling vital and clean and clear. Five more days, then I do plan to drink Moet on New Year's Eve. After that, Danger Man and I are ready for a 100 days of no alcohol. It doesn't seem like much of a sacrifice now that my body is feeling so good.

[JohnnyJimJams]

@Angela - You and Danger Man rock Somehow I don't think you'll need it, but good luck on your 100 day challenge.

Only 4 sleeps till I have a drinking session with my buddies. That's no alcohol for all of 2006. I am over the moon that I have reached this goal. This is the longest concious goal that I've ever completed. I've decided to change my drinking habits as follows...

January - Guilt free celebration and catch up party time
Feburary and March - No alcohol
April -> Only drink on big events, and keep it to 4-5 drinks.

I'm the boss of alcohol, and not the other way around.

Have a happy new years. I know I will (pool party, plasma screens and 30 of my closest friends)