On a semi-arbitrary day in April – April 24 if you must know – I set about to do the undoable, the unthinkable, the unimaginable. I set out to do something NO ONE has ever done before. And when I say no one, I mean NO ONE. Except, of course, I don’t. Not at all. Not even a little bit. People do it all the time. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that I did it myself. “When was that?” you might be asking yourself. I actually had to ask myself that, too, but then – while I was scratching my head and remembering high school someone politely reminded me that I was pregnant just over four years ago. Oh right. 2011-12. See? I can handle this. I’ve even handled this during this very same decade. Ok, so are you on to me yet, Dear Reader?
That’s right. This is that AO and I have been shunning alcohol since April 24. Or April 25, I guess. April 24 was the day of our last drop. Today is our 18th day without imbibing. My goal is 28 days, but we’ll see. I might go crazy and try 30. But I might not. One day at a time, right? Or 28 days at a time as it were. Or is. Anyway, here are a few of the things that I have noticed that are different in the days that I have had Not. A. Drop.
- Not as many things are really that different. I was sort of expecting to become a brilliant, sage, well-coiffed, radiant person with a halo around me during at least my waking hours. None of these things have happened.
- Sugar cravings are real. Turns out alcohol might have some sugar in it so that when it’s gone, the body kinda misses the sugar fix. Who knew? Weird.
- After 9 p.m., without a glass of wine or a vodka soda and nothing great on Lifetime and having exhausted the Longform app and Slate, I usually say, “I guess I may as well turn out the light” and I’m asleep about two seconds later.
- ^^^ That was after the first couple of nights. The first couple of nights without the alcohol to put me into the sleepy slumber were a little hard. But since then? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I’m sorry, did you say som– zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
- It’s easier than I thought it’d be, but I do miss it. Especially the social aspect. And the relaxing aspect. But, I’m still really grateful for this time to kinda reset. And happy AO and I are in this together.
Now then, do you think I should have a martini or red wine on May 22?
life and puppies 
Congratulations to both of you. That is an accomplishment that you should be proud of. I think drinks can be a fun social time but can also just become a habit. So it’s always great to reset and check in. I too notice that if I don’t drink my sleep is sooo much better. I vote for a glass of red wine when you decide to have a drink again! Those martinis have a way of biting you. Unless you are going to have a nice dinner.
Good for you guys!
So awesome. So inspiring!! I’m gonna try it too!! I particularly love the approach of let’s try and see how it goes, without the forcing and self-flagelating. That’s the most inspiring part. Go you. Go AO. And once I begin my round- may the force be with me.