Update

Things are continuing to go well. I don't feel that alcohol has the grip on me that it did in the spring. I went to wine country recently and I was pleased to see that I was not excited about doing the tastings. We went to five vineyards and had multiple samples, but I only finished two of the pours. I liked most of the wines, but...eh, I just wasn't interested in having more than one or maybe two sips (and these were small sips b/c I was "aerating" the liquid over my tongue). I was more excited about the slice of cake and cup of tea I enjoyed while watching the sun set over the vineyards at the end of the day.

I can't say that I'm completely in the clear, however. I don't have the cravings I used to, BUT engaging in complicated cooking can trigger them. I made boeuf bourguignon the other day (I've joined the herd of Julie & Julia fans in suddenly wanting to cook French) and I really wanted wine. I indulged myself, but switched back to pop about halfway through the recipe. I just didn't want anymore. Kinda cool.

I've been seeing less of my old "drinking buddy." And when we have gotten together I've either stuck to non-alcoholic bevs or had two glasses of wine at most. I no longer feel a compulsion to see her b/c the urge to drink has faded.

These days, I'm cooking, running, cycling, drawing, and hanging out with sober friends. It's great. I don't miss getting drunk at all.