Drink? Err... no, I’m driving, I’m on meds, Err...?-Weekenders 07 - 10 June 2019
No Dogma Please
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,562
No thanks.
I had a group of friends from 25 years ago in grad school that I reconnected with last fall. We were all big drinkers and one person in particular has some level of a drinking problem.
Several people pressed as to why I don't drink, and I finally said "Medical detox and five weeks of rehab." That kinda put a stop to that line of inquiry. We're all good now too.
This weekend is a weekend of bacchanalian debauchery, also known as Gay Pride Los Angeles. My office is heavily involved, so I'll be there on Saturday and Sunday, saying no a lot to drink offers. My office knows I'm sober, so that's not a big deal. They love me because I give 'em my drink coupons at events.
I had a group of friends from 25 years ago in grad school that I reconnected with last fall. We were all big drinkers and one person in particular has some level of a drinking problem.
Several people pressed as to why I don't drink, and I finally said "Medical detox and five weeks of rehab." That kinda put a stop to that line of inquiry. We're all good now too.
This weekend is a weekend of bacchanalian debauchery, also known as Gay Pride Los Angeles. My office is heavily involved, so I'll be there on Saturday and Sunday, saying no a lot to drink offers. My office knows I'm sober, so that's not a big deal. They love me because I give 'em my drink coupons at events.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Hey! Welcome to Weekenders, DJ1, Misssy, WeThinkNot, MindfulMan and ImNotThatGuy. 
I like it when people join in.
I just had dinner for breakfast (chicken tostada.) I had already prepped it yesterday when the power went out, so all I had to do was reheat the chicken and refried beans and the tostadas this morning. I guess that means I can have eggs and sausage with potatoes for dinner. I like it, less cleanup.
Gay Pride sounds fun!
I like it when people join in. I just had dinner for breakfast (chicken tostada.) I had already prepped it yesterday when the power went out, so all I had to do was reheat the chicken and refried beans and the tostadas this morning. I guess that means I can have eggs and sausage with potatoes for dinner. I like it, less cleanup.
Gay Pride sounds fun!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,408
Great topic. I'm in a similar boat except it's just the opposite. My friend decided to throw a party and make it totally dry just for me. On the one hand I'm of course grateful that he would think of me....on the other hand, it's kind of a lot of pressure in and of itself. I mean I don't want to end up being "the guy" who ruined anyone's "fun".
Giving up is NOT an option.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 7,809
I'm in!
Depends on the situation for me. LOTS of people know I quit for some not-so-great reasons, because I live in a small town and I got a DUI that was in the local paper, which it seems just about everyone reads. So if I'm in my hometown, I rarely get offered a drink anymore. I'm really open about it, and most people are super supportive. Every once in a while, someone will ask if I'm "still doing the sobriety thing" or if I plan to make it permanent. The answers to that are yes and yes. Some people just can't quite wrap their heads around that, but without exception, they are heavy drinkers themselves.
If I'm somewhere where people don't know, a simple "no thanks, I'm fine with water or tea" usually suffices. If pressed, I just tell them I used to drink, but decided it wasn't working for me anymore. They usually get the hint.
Depends on the situation for me. LOTS of people know I quit for some not-so-great reasons, because I live in a small town and I got a DUI that was in the local paper, which it seems just about everyone reads. So if I'm in my hometown, I rarely get offered a drink anymore. I'm really open about it, and most people are super supportive. Every once in a while, someone will ask if I'm "still doing the sobriety thing" or if I plan to make it permanent. The answers to that are yes and yes. Some people just can't quite wrap their heads around that, but without exception, they are heavy drinkers themselves.
If I'm somewhere where people don't know, a simple "no thanks, I'm fine with water or tea" usually suffices. If pressed, I just tell them I used to drink, but decided it wasn't working for me anymore. They usually get the hint.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: US
Posts: 5,095
Happy almost the weekend!
Yeah this is a thing for sure. For me just saying no thanks seemed to work. I also brought my own beverage to any drinking 'event'...when you walk in with a $5 starbucks you can just say 'oh I'll drink this, thanks'.
I love that now I can even joke in certain settings. I say I don't drink. And if you see me drinking you might want to call SWAT, the Navy Seals, or Black Ops cause its gonna get weird. hahahaha. They usually look back and awkwardly laugh.
Yeah this is a thing for sure. For me just saying no thanks seemed to work. I also brought my own beverage to any drinking 'event'...when you walk in with a $5 starbucks you can just say 'oh I'll drink this, thanks'.
I love that now I can even joke in certain settings. I say I don't drink. And if you see me drinking you might want to call SWAT, the Navy Seals, or Black Ops cause its gonna get weird. hahahaha. They usually look back and awkwardly laugh.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,474
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Welp, Mags, when this Thread is already 2 Pages in by the time I check it early at Geezer O'Clock - and *Shotgun* isn't even claimed early on - you just know you're onto a good Topic! Thanks.
I'm yuge on rehearsing my lines. In Life. In general. So, my responses range from 'Naw, I'm still working on this Ginger Beer' [which I bring along] to an edgy 'No, I walked away from drinking when I saw what it turns some People into'. THAT one will make a persistent Questioner back off, and perhaps make them question their own Alcohol-ingested behavior. Any number of my preferred, kinda-joking responses include the Charlie Sheen line: 'I had 40 Years of drinking in me, but I used 'em up in 20'. Lotsa fellow Geezers have walked away from drinking 'cuz they, too, had their fill, or for Medical reasons. So, there's generally a lower level of heat on this question than were I 30 again. A Morning visit to both the Garbage and Recycling Bins is a good Leading Indicator of RV Park Alcohol consumption. Empties don't lie...
We're now along this part of CA Coast Highway 1 where boocoo Car Ads are produced. Twisty Roads through gorgeous Scenery. So, the hard fact is we'd wind up dead if I were still drinking, or hungover. VERY unforgiving Roads with or w/o a ~7,000 lb Trailer behind me. Instead, we can make it safely to Bluffs like the one seen below, and simply take it all in from our comfy Camp Chairs after a Hike.
It didn't suck...
Welp, Mags, when this Thread is already 2 Pages in by the time I check it early at Geezer O'Clock - and *Shotgun* isn't even claimed early on - you just know you're onto a good Topic! Thanks.
I'm yuge on rehearsing my lines. In Life. In general. So, my responses range from 'Naw, I'm still working on this Ginger Beer' [which I bring along] to an edgy 'No, I walked away from drinking when I saw what it turns some People into'. THAT one will make a persistent Questioner back off, and perhaps make them question their own Alcohol-ingested behavior. Any number of my preferred, kinda-joking responses include the Charlie Sheen line: 'I had 40 Years of drinking in me, but I used 'em up in 20'. Lotsa fellow Geezers have walked away from drinking 'cuz they, too, had their fill, or for Medical reasons. So, there's generally a lower level of heat on this question than were I 30 again. A Morning visit to both the Garbage and Recycling Bins is a good Leading Indicator of RV Park Alcohol consumption. Empties don't lie...
We're now along this part of CA Coast Highway 1 where boocoo Car Ads are produced. Twisty Roads through gorgeous Scenery. So, the hard fact is we'd wind up dead if I were still drinking, or hungover. VERY unforgiving Roads with or w/o a ~7,000 lb Trailer behind me. Instead, we can make it safely to Bluffs like the one seen below, and simply take it all in from our comfy Camp Chairs after a Hike.
It didn't suck...
Giving up is NOT an option.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 7,809
Absolutely gorgeous, MesaMan. Thanks. I will be in the San Franciso area later this summer and I'll be cruising through Big Sur, south of Monterey, for a couple of days. I was lucky enough to be stationed in Monterey for a year when I was in the Army, and my mother is a Bay Area Native, so I'm very familiar with the area and I'm quite excited to go back. Haven't been there since about 2003.
saoutchik
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: London
Posts: 16,204
Welcome to all the new Weekenders! Great to see you.
I have been invited to a BBQ on Sunday and was asked if i'm still not drinking. I answered no i'm STILL not drinking. It's been nearly four and a half years, how much longer will I have to put up with that "still" ??
I have been invited to a BBQ on Sunday and was asked if i'm still not drinking. I answered no i'm STILL not drinking. It's been nearly four and a half years, how much longer will I have to put up with that "still" ??
Magsie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 26,687
Mesa, gorgeous picture, it makes me want to go barefoot on the sand then paddle in the sea. Very nice.
MLD, are you out this weekend with the kayak?
Saou, probably forever, lol.
Good to see new faces (metaphorically speaking)
MLD, are you out this weekend with the kayak?
Saou, probably forever, lol.
Good to see new faces (metaphorically speaking)
Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 591
I’m in for my 10th sober weekend. I tell people “no thanks” “I have to go to the gym later” or “I’m not drinking “.
Beautiful photos mesaman, one day I hope to drive the California coast.
I’m in my first week of being unemployed, just taking my time relaxing and spending time with my husband. My job interview today I discovered I don’t have the certification for the job. I should be okay with money for the next month but I need to find something within 2-3 weeks. My husband and I are starting nightly tennis practice. Tomorrow I’m going to get 2 of the 3 doctor appointments I need taken care of. This time off is much needed, it’s like a productive stay cation instead of my usual blackout, drama filled time off. I’m working on my diet by replacing my breakfast or lunch with a smoothie home made, strawberries, mangos, bananas, Greek yogurt. Also, I’m still constantly drinking lemon cucumber water. I’m discouraged to only see 3.5 lbs gone in 67 days, I can’t imagine what the scales at the doctors will say tomorrow 🤦*♀️
Beautiful photos mesaman, one day I hope to drive the California coast.
I’m in my first week of being unemployed, just taking my time relaxing and spending time with my husband. My job interview today I discovered I don’t have the certification for the job. I should be okay with money for the next month but I need to find something within 2-3 weeks. My husband and I are starting nightly tennis practice. Tomorrow I’m going to get 2 of the 3 doctor appointments I need taken care of. This time off is much needed, it’s like a productive stay cation instead of my usual blackout, drama filled time off. I’m working on my diet by replacing my breakfast or lunch with a smoothie home made, strawberries, mangos, bananas, Greek yogurt. Also, I’m still constantly drinking lemon cucumber water. I’m discouraged to only see 3.5 lbs gone in 67 days, I can’t imagine what the scales at the doctors will say tomorrow 🤦*♀️
No Dogma Please
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,562
I love the Big Sur Drive.
Another comparable drive if you're Down Under is the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne over towards Adelaide. Not quite as spectacular because the mountains are smaller, but you do get wild koalas. It's also humbling to know that over the horizon is Antarctica.
Another comparable drive if you're Down Under is the Great Ocean Road drive from Melbourne over towards Adelaide. Not quite as spectacular because the mountains are smaller, but you do get wild koalas. It's also humbling to know that over the horizon is Antarctica.
Sober since October
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In the world in my eyes...Somewhere I've never been before...
Posts: 7,355
Hi, weekenders.
Thank you for the new thread, mags.
Not much to report here besides that this breakup thing is really exhausting me emotionally.
Well, have a great day/night, everyone.
Thank you for the new thread, mags.
Not much to report here besides that this breakup thing is really exhausting me emotionally.
Well, have a great day/night, everyone.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,188
Congrats on the promotion, dpac!! That's really good news
I wonder what people get out of adding that 'still' in 'you still don't drink?' - I figure it's either they don't think at all and blurt it out or they, too, have had one too many, one too many times.
I remember once, very very early on, I was trying to stay away from drinking (late high school, drinking age is 18). Think I managed 2-3 weeks and then there was a party. At first I went there convinced that I won't drink. By the end of the night, I was blasted. The most interesting part was that when I was indeed 'openly' drinking, no one offered me drinks. When I said I'm not, everyone offered me a drink. Go figure.
Today has been a complete struggle with the headache that comes and goes. The only thing that helped was a cold shower. We almost reached 30C here today.
I wonder what people get out of adding that 'still' in 'you still don't drink?' - I figure it's either they don't think at all and blurt it out or they, too, have had one too many, one too many times.
I remember once, very very early on, I was trying to stay away from drinking (late high school, drinking age is 18). Think I managed 2-3 weeks and then there was a party. At first I went there convinced that I won't drink. By the end of the night, I was blasted. The most interesting part was that when I was indeed 'openly' drinking, no one offered me drinks. When I said I'm not, everyone offered me a drink. Go figure.
Today has been a complete struggle with the headache that comes and goes. The only thing that helped was a cold shower. We almost reached 30C here today.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: US
Posts: 5,095
Originally Posted by MesaMan 
.
Welp, Mags, when this Thread is already 2 Pages in by the time I check it early at Geezer O'Clock - and *Shotgun* isn't even claimed early on - you just know you're onto a good Topic! Thanks.
I'm yuge on rehearsing my lines. In Life. In general. So, my responses range from 'Naw, I'm still working on this Ginger Beer' [which I bring along] to an edgy 'No, I walked away from drinking when I saw what it turns some People into'. THAT one will make a persistent Questioner back off, and perhaps make them question their own Alcohol-ingested behavior. Any number of my preferred, kinda-joking responses include the Charlie Sheen line: 'I had 40 Years of drinking in me, but I used 'em up in 20'. Lotsa fellow Geezers have walked away from drinking 'cuz they, too, had their fill, or for Medical reasons. So, there's generally a lower level of heat on this question than were I 30 again. A Morning visit to both the Garbage and Recycling Bins is a good Leading Indicator of RV Park Alcohol consumption. Empties don't lie...
We're now along this part of CA Coast Highway 1 where boocoo Car Ads are produced. Twisty Roads through gorgeous Scenery. So, the hard fact is we'd wind up dead if I were still drinking, or hungover. VERY unforgiving Roads with or w/o a ~7,000 lb Trailer behind me. Instead, we can make it safely to Bluffs like the one seen below, and simply take it all in from our comfy Camp Chairs after a Hike.
It didn't suck...
Welp, Mags, when this Thread is already 2 Pages in by the time I check it early at Geezer O'Clock - and *Shotgun* isn't even claimed early on - you just know you're onto a good Topic! Thanks.
I'm yuge on rehearsing my lines. In Life. In general. So, my responses range from 'Naw, I'm still working on this Ginger Beer' [which I bring along] to an edgy 'No, I walked away from drinking when I saw what it turns some People into'. THAT one will make a persistent Questioner back off, and perhaps make them question their own Alcohol-ingested behavior. Any number of my preferred, kinda-joking responses include the Charlie Sheen line: 'I had 40 Years of drinking in me, but I used 'em up in 20'. Lotsa fellow Geezers have walked away from drinking 'cuz they, too, had their fill, or for Medical reasons. So, there's generally a lower level of heat on this question than were I 30 again. A Morning visit to both the Garbage and Recycling Bins is a good Leading Indicator of RV Park Alcohol consumption. Empties don't lie...
We're now along this part of CA Coast Highway 1 where boocoo Car Ads are produced. Twisty Roads through gorgeous Scenery. So, the hard fact is we'd wind up dead if I were still drinking, or hungover. VERY unforgiving Roads with or w/o a ~7,000 lb Trailer behind me. Instead, we can make it safely to Bluffs like the one seen below, and simply take it all in from our comfy Camp Chairs after a Hike.
It didn't suck...
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