Good idea, Fiona, can you count yourself in, Gideon? I have no probs at all in making it a water only evening!

I quite agree Louise, and it's so insidious, creeping up so slowly you don't notice.


Ho ho - but I don't believe it really. Sue is too open to be a stalker.

OK my news on day 1. No booze yesterday and I slept well. I didn't go for a run in the evening but went for one this morning instead, which suits me better actually. I was only running for 19 minutes but making it a habit is much more important than the distance at this stage, and I went even though it was drizzling, so gave myself an extra pat on the back for that. I've started!

Barbara and Fiona

Yes, I'd love to meet up and I'll have a look at the Ab Fab group later. I don't have a problem if other people want to drink. In fact, they might have more of a problem if they are sitting with a glass of wine while I sit with my glass of fizzy water and a smug look on my face. If drinkers can ignore my smugness then it will be fine all round.

I can't usually do Saturdays because I'm with my five year-old. Any other day would work fine for me.

Double Brownie points!

A big well done Gideon! Mind over matter. I too had a non alcohol 2 days and more exercise and slept really well! Going to training at the Chiltern Harriers tonight as long as there are not thunder storms!

Brillant news on the running I agree mornings are much better!

Well done Pippa and Gideon! Day 9 for me today - still fell decidedly odd and very tired, though did sleep better last night. Am terribly ratty though so watch out!

Decided to buy myself a new plant for the garden each booze free week. Got a lovely Japanese anenome yesterday.

Spent the morning taking cutting of Rosemary, Fuschia, Vibernum and Philadelphus, and am off to plant out some strawberry plants now. I'll miss all this freedom when I'm back at work next week.I really hope the stress of work doesn't send me reaching for the bottle!

Sue, I did a stress and anger management course a few years ago. It was so brilliant. We were advised to find our own way of managing our stress. Everyone responds to different things. Mine is music, some people in the class used visualising or breathing techniques, some used exercise, one woman used to go into her garden and shout at a tree!? It takes a while to find one that works, but once you do it becomes an invaluable tool. If you need any suggestions I can dig out my folder.

That's a great idea Sue - shall we get OS to put the Reed Forest on the map now?

Pippa I was so ashamed that there was neither rum nor feet in my new trainers that I signed off and trotted 1/3rd mile up the road and walked briskly back so thank you and please keep asking. Also linedanced for one hour so felt good last night. Today back in work and in meetings nearly all day so no exercise so far, will persuade husband to come out for a walk.

Well done Laurel for getting out there and getting some exercise! Line dancing sounds fun!

Natalie - Thanks for your advice. I find a brisk walk down the lane with the dog does wonders for stress after a busy day, but with the nights drawing in....my husband has suggested I wear a head torch in winter! It's pitch dark down our lane at night. Exercise is always good for stress, and I'll be popping into the gym for a quick workout after work.

Failing that, we've got a babbling brook that runs through our garden and I find 5 mins with my eyes shut, listening to the noise of the water is great - trouble is, you have to remember to do these things when stressed - it's getting into the habit of doing them that is the challenge I suppose!

How's everyone doing minus booze tonight? I'm doing just great - I was searching for some fizzy water in the kitchen and came across the gin bottle - shut the cupboard quickly and didn't give it a second thought! Will move it to somewhere less obvious though.

Hello All

What an inspirational thread this is proving to be, lots of top ideas here! Thanks for you support jeannie!

I am on day 17 of new life and it's going really well. i thought i would get all sorts of headaches/spots/mood swings coming off the booze but seems to be ok at the mo - just tired due to not being able to get to sleep!
re chat about what to do instead of drinking, yes Gideon the nights do seem to be very long! I am home alone too and by the time i have heated up some vegetables to go with my low calorie no fun meal there is a good 3 hours stretching out ahead of me!! Has anyone else noticed how much money they're saving?? I am going to see two plays this week with the money i have saved!

Lou

I found this was a problem too Louise, although slept like a log the last couple of nights - hang in there, sleep will come!

Am so glad there are others sharing this 'new life' thing! Day 10 for me. Congratulations on making it to day 17!

Well done Louise - you're doing great! How much have you lost since you started your new lifestyle ?

Well done on day 10 Sue - you are doing brilliantly - keep it up!!

You ok Gideon, Pippa?

Sue that's Absolutely Fabulous - you're an inspiration!

Bless you Fiona! Don't think I'd be as strong without you lot behind me!
Off to the Turkish tomorrow to sweat out the toxins!

Hope you enjoy it Sue - you're having a full on detox!

Hello

I know this thread isn't about weight loss, but thannks for asking S Tafford - I am 9lbs down and thrilled to bits!
I have just booked a holiday in Goa leaving on Boxing Day so that has made me even more determined!
Talking of new expereinces without booze, the theatre last night was weird - normally it's a large glass of wine before and then one in the interval and several after! Quite right Sue it's all about breaking the rituals!
Lou x

Thanks Brilliant Lou! Well done and great incentive to book a hols.

Brillant Sue - !
Well done to every one else so far. I have just exercised in the rain for an hour running 5 miles which now seems easy so will have to set a new goal. Still nervous about the race I am doing in less than 2 weeks! Help.

I agree with Sue when stressed either walking or sitting in my garden when the sun is out is my stress buster or music! I will be learn the Faure Reqium to perform in December with my choir so some singing will take place from next week.

Fantastic Pippa - that's dedication, running in the rain, and 5 miles is great! You must be really fit. The singing sounds amazing too.

Well done Louise on breaking with tradition! I bet you still enjoyed the play too, and didn't need as many trips to the loo! I've stopped thinking about my early evening G&T now, and not drinking is becoming a habit. As for the other - still going strong!
Sweated for 3 hours at the Turkish and have drank gallons of water, so system properly cleansed. Our Turkish baths in Newcastle is council run and a fabulous place - only £18 for use of facilities and a Swedish massage - fantastic value.

What choir is that Pippa?

Last October I organised a mega 6-hour concert in aid of Oxfam - from 10pm to midnight we sang by candlelight and did both Faure's Requiem and Durufle's as well as a couple of other pieces. We raised over £1500!

I suppose you already have a soprano soloist?

Fiona
It is the Amersham and CHesham Bois Choral Choir , www.amchor.co.uk
I do not know if they have Soprano Soloists but can ask on Monday.

Well done on your concert sounds as if it was fabulous!

Thanks Pippa - just watched your Mozart rehearsal - but the web-site's not up to date - no mention of Faure!

How are we all doing on the alcohol free front? As the weeknd looms I hope we've all managed to think of some distractions. Fortunately I have the half marathon to keep me on the straight and narrow.

It's now day 12 for me, and I'm doing ok. I still feel 'a bit wierd' at times, but I guess that's withdrawal symptoms. I'm going to have a look at the Radio 1 website as they have been doing a lot about the effects of alcohol. If it's any good, I'll post a link later.

One of the best side effects of giving up my previous habits is the amount of energy and enthusiasm I've got - I'm doing so much more, and it's not such an effort as before. It used to be like wading through treacle, getting through the day sometimes. Also, I've not had the munchies at all, which has meant an end to binge eating! Bring it on!

Good luck over the weekend peeps, and keep in touch!

Many congratulations to everyone. It's a wonderful feeling of liberation.

I certainly felt very tired at first but the energy levels kick in. As you say Sue it is really helpful to find distractions. I am now a knitting addict in the evening as brain is often too addled when I get home from a late shift to read.

All the best

Jane

Aargh! Blasted husband has just opened a bottle of red and is wafting it in front of me - swine! I must be strong - really don't want to cave in! He had agreed we wouldn't drink unless it was a special occasion. Guess he just hasn't any willpower! Keep me talking folks - please!

Am now home and have just popped onto the website to see how you are doing on your A-free days. Can I say that I am gob smacked at what I've seen? I know that you will have been - and possibly still are - fighting demons, folks. Hats - and everything else perhaps to make it clear - off to you all!
It's great that you are finding more energy and enthusiasm that can tide you over until the side effects lessen.
Have another great day tomorrow and keep those brains and fingers busy!

Help, Sue. You just posted this while I was writing my post. Drat that man!
You can do it, I know you can. It's part of your training regime anyway for the Sunwalk, right? This is what's going give you that extra spurt.

I haven't been on the other threads, what's happening on your September challenge?

Yes, that was what went through my mind when I considered caving in. Only considered mind you, and soon put the thought out of my head! Hugging a mug of raspberry and echinacea tea now!

September challenge going well - lots of races and other events, plus committments to start new classes. Always room for more though!