Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

At The Back => The Dressing Room => Topic started by: MrBump on February 27, 2009, 08:28:57 PM

Title: On the Wagon
Post by: MrBump on February 27, 2009, 08:28:57 PM
So, the wife and I have given up the booze.

Been about 2 months now, gave up just after Christmas.  We realised that we were just drinking so much, by stealth mostly - you know, the odd glass of whisky here, the odd bottle of red there.  I think that we were putting away a LOT of units a week.

Feeling better in general now - sleeping better, working better, losing a little girth around the ol' belly.

Don't think that this is a long term thing, 'cos I'm still in love with Irish Whisky, and I love a good red.  But for now, all good.

Mark.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: hamfist on February 27, 2009, 09:03:58 PM
Well done Mark, for doing something before it really became a problem.

I drink too much myself, in quite an compulsive way.  :(

Its always a battle to keep my units down to a sane level (which I consider to be about 40 a week - which is only 4 bottles of red after all). I often end up drinking way over that, but it's something I aim for.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Matt77 on February 28, 2009, 09:57:38 AM
I'm not a drinker anymore and on reflection it's an opportunity to do more with my life
I find if you go out with good friends you won't have any less fun and driving for a night out makes it so much easier getting home
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Fourth Feline on February 28, 2009, 10:29:19 AM
So, the wife and I have given up the booze.

Been about 2 months now, gave up just after Christmas.  We realised that we were just drinking so much, by stealth mostly - you know, the odd glass of whisky here, the odd bottle of red there.  I think that we were putting away a LOT of units a week.

Feeling better in general now - sleeping better, working better, losing a little girth around the ol' belly.

Don't think that this is a long term thing, 'cos I'm still in love with Irish Whisky, and I love a good red.  But for now, all good.

Mark.

Well done Mark ( and wife )  :)

I initially decided / was directed to cut it out,  or reduce to one beer consumed very rarely - as it's effects clashed with certain medications I have to take.  As you said - even though I was never one for going down to the pub, even the tipple(s)  before supper seemed to get a bit bigger over months.  When I just 'cleaned out' and left the stuff alone - my quality of life improved.  If that effect can happen to a ( relatively ) light drinker like I was - it just shows how the majority of social drinkers must be unknowingly carrying a ships anchor round their neck. 

Not a moral judgement, just a health observation.

Keep up the good work !  :D   
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Philly Q on February 28, 2009, 11:05:44 AM
It sounds a sensible move - doesn't really matter if it's a "problem" or not, it's how you feel that's important.  And when you do start drinking again, you'll be unused to it so you probably won't drink as much as before.

Yeah, it's funny how it can creep up on you.  I hardly ever drink at home, but I have some friends who'll have a bottle of wine (or two) most nights at home.  When I stay over at their place I frequently end up being sick in the night and wake up with a hangover  :oops: .  And the next morning they say "It doesn't make sense, you only had about a bottle of wine....".  Which is more than I drink in the average month....

But anyway, my problem is FOOD.  How do you give that up?

 
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on February 28, 2009, 02:22:05 PM
My take on everything in life is balance. Except smoking. I gave that up 14 months ago and have no intention of ever inhaling tobacco smoke or any other kind as that is a real head$%&#, ever again.

I love a drink. I'm also out of bed at 5:00am each working day and have to drive a 32 tonne truck around London. So self discipline is required. I have never drank every day except on holidays. I only need a dram of whisky a few times a week and thats just to take the tension out of me as I firmly believe that is much better for you than any happy pill the Dr can give you. Its all about self control. If that fails me and I do end up slaughtered on a school night like the recent Spurs v Arsenal Derby, I take a days holiday.

We're all different and deal with things in different ways that work best for us.

Mind you I'm drinking more while I'm signed off work but this is purely medicinal! It works though. A wee dram and it takes all the tension out of my back muscles and I can sleep for a few hours.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: hunter on February 28, 2009, 04:31:24 PM


But anyway, my problem is FOOD.  How do you give that up?

 

start smoking :O)
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Philly Q on February 28, 2009, 05:33:14 PM


But anyway, my problem is FOOD.  How do you give that up?

 

start smoking :O)

 :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: MrBump on February 28, 2009, 06:27:30 PM
Not sure about the food thing, PQ - I'm kinda like Homer (the American one, not the ancient Greek one) in that I have a weakness for saturated fats...

I'm not sure that I had a problem with drink, it's just that it became very much a habit - a stress relief, much like Jonny said above.  Working in banking over the last year gave much opportunity to indulge in stress!!!

The thing is, it's absolutely no problem whatsoever cutting it out; I thought it would be, I thought I'd really miss the couple of glasses of Jamesons after work, but it's really no big deal.

Not yet anyway!

 :drink:

Mark.

Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on February 28, 2009, 07:05:29 PM
Not sure about the food thing, PQ - I'm kinda like Homer (the American one, not the ancient Greek one) in that I have a weakness for saturated fats...

I'm not sure that I had a problem with drink, it's just that it became very much a habit - a stress relief, much like Jonny said above.  Working in banking over the last year gave much opportunity to indulge in stress!!!

The thing is, it's absolutely no problem whatsoever cutting it out; I thought it would be, I thought I'd really miss the couple of glasses of Jamesons after work, but it's really no big deal.

Not yet anyway!

 :drink:

Mark.



Jamesons?  :? No wonder you gave it up!  :lol:

I'll bring a hip flask of an Islay Single Malt to our gathering. I've got a Laphroaig Quarter Cask at the moment  :twisted:

Sorry I shouldn't discourage you.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Philly Q on February 28, 2009, 07:09:28 PM
Not sure about the food thing, PQ - I'm kinda like Homer (the American one, not the ancient Greek one) in that I have a weakness for saturated fats...

To quote Dr Nick Riviera:

Quote from: Dr Nick
And remember, if you're not sure about something, rub it against a piece of paper.  If the paper turns clear, it's your window to weight gain.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2699819927_0c28ca57be.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on February 28, 2009, 07:22:55 PM
Not sure about the food thing, PQ - I'm kinda like Homer (the American one, not the ancient Greek one) in that I have a weakness for saturated fats...

To quote Dr Nick Riviera:

Quote from: Dr Nick
And remember, if you're not sure about something, rub it against a piece of paper.  If the paper turns clear, it's your window to weight gain.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2699819927_0c28ca57be.jpg?v=0)

Well you could eat that, but you need some alcohol to break it down a bit.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Dmoney on March 01, 2009, 12:18:39 PM
i aint drank beers in 7 years. gave up because of the way people really close to me drank, and because it just made me feel down. ironically im now on happy pills hahaha! yeah, they sucks. but it was or go back to beer which wouldnt have been moderate and it wouldnt have brought out the best in me. one of the last times i drank i did half a bottle of southern comfort a friend had, and smashed up a friends kitchen because i got in an argument, and in my drunken head, smashing the kitchen was a better idea than fighting my friend (not the person that owned the kitchen).

I used to love a bodingtons, or various pendle related ales, like wobbly bob, or pendle witch. i am from lancashire after all. ive never lost my belly. it goes up and down by 4 inches pretty quickly on the regs. but thats no good thing.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: nfe on March 01, 2009, 06:42:59 PM
'cos I'm still in love with Irish Whisky

Irish Whiskey. [/pet hate] :lol:

Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: dave_mc on March 01, 2009, 07:52:16 PM
Quote from: Dr Nick
And remember, if you're not sure about something, rub it against a piece of paper.  If the paper turns clear, it's your window to weight gain.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2699819927_0c28ca57be.jpg?v=0)


Well you could eat that, but you need some alcohol to break it down a bit.

industrial alcohol, maybe o_O :lol:
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: _tom_ on March 01, 2009, 07:57:41 PM
I've got a Laphroaig Quarter Cask at the moment  :twisted:

I love Laphroaig :D
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 01, 2009, 10:04:10 PM
I've got a Laphroaig Quarter Cask at the moment  :twisted:

I love Laphroaig :D

You made the leap quickly Tom! Most people hate the smell and taste of these peaty whiskys. Good stuff isn't it!  :D
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: _tom_ on March 01, 2009, 10:05:58 PM
I've got a Laphroaig Quarter Cask at the moment  :twisted:

I love Laphroaig :D

You made the leap quickly Tom! Most people hate the smell and taste of these peaty whiskys. Good stuff isn't it!  :D

It's actually the only proper whisky I've tried. The only others have been JD, Jim Beam and Southern Comfort, none of which I really like that much.

Really nice flavour though, but I wouldnt mind trying something a bit smoother/less peaty.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 01, 2009, 10:14:47 PM
I've got a Laphroaig Quarter Cask at the moment  :twisted:

I love Laphroaig :D

You made the leap quickly Tom! Most people hate the smell and taste of these peaty whiskys. Good stuff isn't it!  :D

It's actually the only proper whisky I've tried. The only others have been JD, Jim Beam and Southern Comfort, none of which I really like that much.

Really nice flavour though, but I wouldnt mind trying something a bit smoother/less peaty.

Cardu, Balvenie, Ardmore, Jura, Macallan,

Have a look through the old whisky thread Tom, there must be some real gems in there.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Sifu Ben on March 01, 2009, 11:08:33 PM
I gave up completely for 5 years, and only started again when I got married  :lol: It's great now though, I have a pint or two, or half a bottle of wine, and it's plenty. I'm relaxed, comfortable and merry, yet I'm never sick, never have a hangover, and never say anything I might regret. I can also afford to drink better wine than I used to  8) No £4 bottles of chardonnay for me  :D
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: hamfist on March 02, 2009, 07:24:25 AM
I gave up completely for 5 years, and only started again when I got married  :lol: It's great now though, I have a pint or two, or half a bottle of wine, and it's plenty. I'm relaxed, comfortable and merry, yet I'm never sick, never have a hangover, and never say anything I might regret. I can also afford to drink better wine than I used to  8) No £4 bottles of chardonnay for me  :D

Sounds good. I'd like to be in that "place" someday.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 03, 2009, 09:59:43 AM

Cardu, Balvenie, Ardmore, Jura, Macallan,


Good choices, but I'd go with the first with an ice cube or two.  Thought it was spelt Cardhu though (although I could be wrong as I'm generally seeing double when I have a bottle in my hands).

I've semi on the wagon, although at the minute, I'm semi off the wagon more.  Tried to cut down on my rinking, which has been succesful in the week but pretty dire at weekends.  Trying to support the missus a bit.

Virtually packed in smoking of the baccy and green varieties.  Still have the odd ciggy driving around for work and still have the odd toke at night (outside though  :?) but certainly nothing like what I used to.

I've saved a lot of money since jumping (semi) on the wagon.  Sometimes there's even a couple of quid left of my overdraft at the end of the month.


_tom_ Have you been to The Donkey yet?  Good music pub round the corner from the uni.  I was there at the weekend when I'd lost site of the wagon again?
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 03, 2009, 11:36:33 AM
^ Be strong and give up smoking and the green stuff. Its a headfuk and if it doesn't kill you it will destroy your quality of life.

As regards to drink. It just needs careful consistent management. You don't need it each day. You'll get used to it. That way you can enjoy a drink for the rest of your life without it being an issue.
 :D

Your right it is Cardhu  :lol:
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 03, 2009, 04:37:08 PM
^ Be strong and give up smoking and the green stuff. Its a headfuk and if it doesn't kill you it will destroy your quality of life.

As regards to drink. It just needs careful consistent management. You don't need it each day. You'll get used to it. That way you can enjoy a drink for the rest of your life without it being an issue.
 :D

Your right it is Cardhu  :lol:

Sod it I'm off for a beer and a joint.  Queeny is asleep on the sofa  :D

Think that I'll be quiting at the end of this stash.  To be honest, I hardly smoke ciggies at all now (well rollies anyway) unless I'm out on site, so they'll be going out soon too.  I smoke WAAAAAYYYYY less than I used to.  25g of rolling baccy will last me a couple of weeks now.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 03, 2009, 04:56:08 PM
^ Be strong and give up smoking and the green stuff. Its a headfuk and if it doesn't kill you it will destroy your quality of life.

As regards to drink. It just needs careful consistent management. You don't need it each day. You'll get used to it. That way you can enjoy a drink for the rest of your life without it being an issue.
 :D

Your right it is Cardhu  :lol:

Sod it I'm off for a beer and a joint.  Queeny is asleep on the sofa  :D

Think that I'll be quiting at the end of this stash.  To be honest, I hardly smoke ciggies at all now (well rollies anyway) unless I'm out on site, so they'll be going out soon too.  I smoke WAAAAAYYYYY less than I used to.  25g of rolling baccy will last me a couple of weeks now.

I used to smoke golden and cut right down before giving up. I went down to one day for the last week and by that stage your already starting to dislike them. Use a NRT to help with the cravings. With the other stuff I stopped that 2 years ago and felt a lot better for it. The same for giving up tobacco, your lungs will feel great after a few months.
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 03, 2009, 06:40:52 PM
Think I'm more of a cold turkey kind of man.  Stopped for a few months when I was at uni (christ, probably about 7 years ago) and after the initial round of coughing cr@p up, I felt a lot better.  It's definately on the cards.

 :x <--- You'll be seeing this face a lot when I quit  :D
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 04, 2009, 11:48:11 AM
Think I'm more of a cold turkey kind of man.  Stopped for a few months when I was at uni (christ, probably about 7 years ago) and after the initial round of coughing cr@p up, I felt a lot better.  It's definately on the cards.

 :x <--- You'll be seeing this face a lot when I quit  :D

Well what ever works for you, if it works its a good thing.

That face will change to  :D in time especially after a visit to the dentist!
Title: Re: On the Wagon
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 04, 2009, 08:09:08 PM
I've got a Laphroaig Quarter Cask at the moment  :twisted:

I love Laphroaig :D

So do i and its doing a grand job tonight!  :good:  :lol: