A Binge-aholic's Guide to Moderation and Clarity

Diary of an Alcoholic Housewife

bingeaholic — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:27:11 +0000

A blog turned future best-seller by a courageous woman.

Week 2: Complete

bingeaholic — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 02:16:24 +0000

Week 2 has come to an end, and with it another step toward moderation, responsibility, and control. The shorter runs during the week again went well, and I was even able to bypass Friday Happy Hour, making for a much happier “long” run on Saturday. Although I didn’t have a run scheduled for today (Sunday), I was also able to have a somewhat controlled Saturday for a much more pleasant Sunday (unlike last weekend). I wasn’t overly productive, and don’t get me wrong, it was NOT anything close to a “dry” weekend, but steps were made in the right direction. Here’s to staying in step and close to the path, while leaving a little room for healthy deviation. Cheers!

Drinkers Unaware of Zoning Out | Alcohol Coach.com

bingeaholic — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:05:36 +0000

Drinkers Unaware of Zoning Out | Alcohol Coach.com.

I’ve often thought that sometimes I don’t black out as much as I just don’t pay attention to what’s going on. I guess neither is ideal, but this is really interesting.

Marathong Training: Day 2

bingeaholic — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:43:53 +0000

Days 1, 2, and 3 of training – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – are an easy 3 miles each day. An “easy 3 miles” has slightly different meaning with Chicago’s sporadic weather. Until about a week ago, we were lucky to see a 60+ degree day more than once or twice in a row. This week, however, it’s jumped into the HUMID 90′s. We took it slow yesterday, knowing we are not at all conditioned for this kind of weather. We took it slow again today, but with a stronger breeze and possibly a little lower humidity, we pushed ourselves slightly more. About 2 miles through, I cramped. I walked it off for a couple of minutes, correcting my breathing (I’m also fighting off a bit of a cold), and finished as well as I possibly could. Oh, the joys of training. We’ll see what tomorrow brings! They’re predicting a 30-40 degree drop for the weekend.

My drinking for the week has been normal to slow. I had one dirty martini with dinner the evening before Day 1 of training, and two light beers (ew) last night. So far, so good! Behaving Friday evening will be the first true challenge, gearing up for our first Saturday morning “long” run. I’ve become somewhat accustom to Friday evening/night Happy Hours, which is going to have to change.

A New Life

bingeaholic — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:37:22 +0000

Today, this abandoned blog takes on a new life. In the months since my last post, I’ve had my ups and downs, many proud moments, and a few shames. While I’ve made tremendous progress, my quest for moderation continues. I was recently taught that I can’t put 100% of myself into absolutely everything I do, so I must learn to balance. The key to balancing everything in my life – the work, the workouts, the play, the other – is to learn how to fit everything together, in harmony. I’ve been excited to share an email I wrote to my family last November (2010), describing my latest plan to find such a balance. While this demanding task is going to require a great amount of time and effort, the routine I must follow is sure to help me control my drinking, and really focus on planning to get the most out of everything I do. Not only will I be curbing (not quitting) the booze, it’s already helping to strengthen relationships with my family, friends, and my Love. I present to you, The Plan:

Dad continues to preach to me, “Build the fort today,” meaning don’t put off until tomorrow what you can today; Tomorrow may be too late. After completing a 15k race this weekend I’ve decided that it’s time to do something that I’ve been putting off and, unless I take the initiative today, will continue to delay.

I mentioned to Dad over a year ago that the thought of running a marathon had crossed my mind, and that I would expect him to do it with me if I actually followed through with it. After all, the old man is still in better shape than I am and I can’t imagine the thrill of running 26+ miles with him!! Winter passed, spring came, and my desire to train hard and put in the effort faded. Over the past year, I continued to increase my mileage, but my inconsistency and fear of formal training always got in the way.

While I cannot simply run a marathon, or even really start training today, I can make my goal known to my family. I think having announced my intentions will encourage me to stick to my goal and keep me from looking back.

Not only do I want to announce my endeavors, I would also like to invite any of you to join me. I’m giving you 11 months warning! I realize that I am most likely in the easiest position to train for such a task, not having children or other major time constraints. While it would probably be more difficult for any of you, if you’re up for it, I would be more than honored to have you train with me (although not physically next to me) and take on this major challenge (and accomplishment) together!

The Chicago Marathon has been tentatively set for October 09, 2011. The formal training program typically runs 17 weeks prior to the race, but it’s definitely a good idea to have a solid base going into that. I know a lot of people also schedule a half marathon approximately half way through the training to help prepare. I’m really hoping Dad will be up for it, but either way, it would be an absolute dream come true to have my family here to support, if not run alongside me! Being a part of the Chicago Marathon, whether running or cheering, is a truly incredible experience and there’s no better time to visit Chicago than during the spirit of the marathon. I’ve been on one side of the barriers, now I think it’s time to cross over. So, who’s with me!?

Well, today is the official kick-off to the 16-week training program. I didn’t do quite as well as I had planned to prepare for training, but I did slowly get back into running the past couple of months, after not completely quitting during the winter, so I think I’m ready. I have to admit, going out this morning was very emotional for me. I realize it’s going to be a LONG four months, but I look forward to it and have faith in myself. My Dad and my Love have agreed to take the journey with me, which will make everything that much more special. I know my Mom will be cheering us on, both in training and on race day, and I hope other friends and family members will be around to support us as well.

As I said, today the blog takes on a new life. It’s not only going to be a record of my journey to drink less, or in control. This blog is also going to be a report on my progress in other aspects of my life, including the marathon training. I invite you to join me on the next leg of my excursion. It’s going to be long, but it’s going to be great, and I’m thrilled to get started. Cheers!

Alcohol Use & Impulsivity Linked :Alcohol Coach.com

bingeaholic — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 20:15:21 +0000

Alcohol Use & Impulsivity Linked :Alcohol Coach.com.

What is Alcohol Abuse? Alcohol Coach.com

bingeaholic — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 23:48:21 +0000

What is Alcohol Abuse? :Alcohol Coach.com.

Hobby Quest

bingeaholic — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:39:49 +0000

I need a new hobby.

Progress (Failure) Report

bingeaholic — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:31:45 +0000

It probably won’t come as a surprise when I admit that my lack of recent posts correlates with my lack of moderation the past few weeks. There haven’t been any blackouts, but there have definitely been several nights of overindulgence. I could give you plenty of excuses – Birthdays, visitors, rough work weeks, the season, the weather, etc. – but what’s the point of that?? After all, this blog is about making myself a better person, not just better at making excuses. I think that’s been perfected already, which is probably how I ended up here in the first place.

I realized from the very beginning that this blog would not lead to instant success. I would not immediately be able to drink responsibly, compared to the binging I’ve been partaking in since high school. The point of this whole experience is to learn from my various mistakes and take that knowledge with me as I move forward. I don’t even like to use the word mistake. Anything from which you learn is useful.

My last post was about a condition I coined, “Fishbowl Belly”. I’ve been much more conscious of the importance of eating BEFORE drinking heavily since I pegged the term for it. Creating the ridiculous image also helped burn the ridiculousness of not eating before consuming massive amounts of alcohol in my brain. In that, maybe I’ve come across another aid in my success; creating clever names/theories/descriptions of conditions to help me remember my rules to success when I go out, or even stay in. Apparently those guidelines tend to hold more ground in my sloshy memory if I have a funny picture or name with which to associate. Maybe I just never grew up – it’s like I need a nursery rhyme to keep me from getting too out of control. Oh well, to each his own. I’m sure there are others out there who still sing the song in their head (if not aloud) while alphabetizing.

Before this post gets too ridiculously long, I’d like to address my upcoming dilemma – My Best Friend’s…Bachelorette Party. This is not going to be a stereotypical, everybody wears pink, drinks two or three cosmos and passes the hell out kind of night. This is going to be four nights with a girl who I love dearly, but who would be more than disappointed if she saw me sipping water in between beers or if I allowed her to lap me. Disappointed is such a complete understatement and lapping isn’t even a possibility with her constant insistence for me to keep up! Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely thrilled to be her maid of honor and even more excited that she chose my city as the weekend destination (I’m basically the only one who won’t be traveling), but I’m also scared to death. I’ve had more fun planning this event, but in the back of my mind I’m constantly trying to come up with plans to help me survive the weekend with my new aspirations at least partially in tact.

Before I outline the ideas I’ve come up with so far, I really need to point out that this is not an issue of her out-drinking me. If that were the case, I would admit it! The problem is she is more of a sprinter, where I am a marathoner. You get the point. My pace increases as I go, so if I set it too high at the start, I’m going to cramp up…black out…and get completely out of control. With that kind of injury, there’s no way I’ll be able to last the weekend. OK, back to the game plan. Please leave comments with any ideas you may have to help me make it through this bachelorette weekend with at least a shred of moderation, responsibility, and dignity. This is what I’ve got so far:

Early Dinners
- I’m in charge of planning, so you can bet that dinner will be scheduled early every evening to avoid the ever-dreaded “Fishbowl Belly”.
Snack Time
- I always think of food as fuel, not something to be ashamed of or to take lightly. If I think it’s necessary, I will have no problem recommending a petro stop throughout the night, even if it means eating alone!
- Again, this will help to avoid the Fishbowl Belly, but may also serve as a little break from drinking.
Hydration Stations
- I realize that ordering water at a bar doesn’t always go over well, especially in the company of “competitors,” so even if I have to sneak it, I will make sure to drink plenty of water while out, before going to bed, and as much as possible the next day.
- I’m completely prepared to hide a bottle of water in my purse. My big bags have been used to carry many bottles in the past.
- There is a 32-pack of bottled water sitting on my counter right now. My idea is to strategically encourage a “group mentality” when it comes to drinking water so it won’t just be awkward for me and I’ll be sure to keep the fridge stocked at all times.
Liquor Before Beer…
- Again, this is the kind of crap that I actually do remember and I typically try to follow its creed when I’m drinking. However, I also realize that it can be difficult during celebrations when shots, toasts, or other drinks are offered.
- I have already discussed a potential “No Shot” rule with the Bride-To-Be, who basically came up with it herself. We’ll see how that goes. I’ll just try to avoid mixing and switching back and forth as much as possible. I’ve become a pro at blending into a crowd or wandering off at opportune moments when necessary.

I’ll keep you posted, but it may be a few days after the fact. Please, if anyone actually reads this, help me out with some more ideas to stick to my guns next weekend! I know I’m going to be drinking a lot, regardless, but I want to make this as painless as possible and without much needed recovery time. Cheers!

Alcohol Abuse and the Liver – A Simplistic Yet Informational Look At Your Liver

bingeaholic — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:41:00 +0000

Alcohol Abuse and the Liver.
Alcohol Coach.com