Two weeks have passed since I started the challenge, and some days have been difficult. Last Saturday, I went with my aunt and uncle to Marina del Rey to look at sailboat. We met a nice couple who showed us a large boat with teak floors and a table that sat 8 people. A few repairs were needed, but the boat was beautiful, had a nice layout inside and tons of storage. After our tour, the couple invited us to their shiny, 3 story boat for the afternoon. They served wine, ordered pizza delivered to the boat dock, and found a guitar so my uncle could play. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and we had no where to be. I drank bottle water and danced to the music, and graciously turned down crisp Chardonney and Pinot Grigio. I'm used to having a glass of wine with dinner; I've been that way for years, and although I could practically taste the wine when the captain poured it, I refrained and drank my water. When I got home around 4 that afternoon, I was proud of myself and had plenty of energy. I took Charlie to the dog park, went grocery shopping, cooked dinner, and watched a movie. I knew that if I had been enjoying wine on the boat, I wouldn't have had energy to do the things I did that day. I went to bed tired and satisfied, determined to keep up with this challenge and see where it would take me.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The First Two Weeks
Two weeks have passed since I started the challenge, and some days have been difficult. Last Saturday, I went with my aunt and uncle to Marina del Rey to look at sailboat. We met a nice couple who showed us a large boat with teak floors and a table that sat 8 people. A few repairs were needed, but the boat was beautiful, had a nice layout inside and tons of storage. After our tour, the couple invited us to their shiny, 3 story boat for the afternoon. They served wine, ordered pizza delivered to the boat dock, and found a guitar so my uncle could play. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and we had no where to be. I drank bottle water and danced to the music, and graciously turned down crisp Chardonney and Pinot Grigio. I'm used to having a glass of wine with dinner; I've been that way for years, and although I could practically taste the wine when the captain poured it, I refrained and drank my water. When I got home around 4 that afternoon, I was proud of myself and had plenty of energy. I took Charlie to the dog park, went grocery shopping, cooked dinner, and watched a movie. I knew that if I had been enjoying wine on the boat, I wouldn't have had energy to do the things I did that day. I went to bed tired and satisfied, determined to keep up with this challenge and see where it would take me.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The First Day
Today I started my year long alcohol fast. Although it was the last day of Christmas break, I had a ton of work to catch up on in the classroom, and ended up spending most of the day cooped up inside working. I felt a little bitter about having to work on such a gorgeous day, but I knew I would be thankful tomorrow. When I got home from work, I remembered my fast. I had a few friends in town visiting for the holiday, and they left a giant unopened bottle of Raspberry Mojitos on the counter. I worked around the bottle while in the kitchen, and then sat down on the couch to relax. I kept peeking back in the kitchen at the Mojitos. It's so funny how much you want something once you've decided not to have it. I actually made myself laugh because I kept looking in the kitchen. I'm sure there's some scientific evidence to support the idea that you always want what you can't have. When I quit gigging, I texted my neighbor and donated the bottle of Mojitos. When I'm on a diet, I only keep healthy food in the house, so it only made since to purge the house of alcohol. Once the bottle was gone, I was able to relax, enjoy my dinner, and not think about the fast. So I made it through the first day without any trouble. I'm thinking of going shopping tomorrow and buying lots of yummy tea. I can have tea with dinner and hopefully benefit from extra antioxidants.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
1 Year Challenge
Ahh…the holidays! I feel like I have been surrounded by food and drink since November 1st. My classroom and the staff lounge have been full of cookies, cakes, chocolates, caramel popcorn, and other goodies. I was given a nice bottle of wine and champagne (my fav!) as Christmas gifts. Dinners out and drinks with friends, I must admit I’ve been enjoying the richness of the season.
At our staff Christmas party a few weeks ago, I chatted with a fellow teacher who mentioned her love of good wine and beer. I smiled and agreed. As we continued chatting, she said that she would love to give up alcohol for a year. I immediately thought, that doesn’t sound like fun, but within a moment or two, I knew I would join her in this challenge. There’s something irresistible about an achievable challenge. I will admit that I’m hesitant to attempt to try if I don’t think I can succeed, but I think this should be a fun, and trying adventure.
At home later that evening, I reviewed my calendar and chose a date to start my challenge. Because I had plans with friends and family until New Years day, I picked January 2nd as my starting date. In the days since the staff Christmas party, I’ve been squeezing in a few last mimosa breakfasts, wine with dinner, and drinks with friends and family. I excited about starting this challenge and what I will learn along the way.
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