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Sarah's Wanderings's avatar

Well done with your dry January, not long to go. Dark Island is my favourite.

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

I know, almost there! I can't wait for a glass of red. Dark Island is too robust for me, but Erik loves it.

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Baker Beth's avatar

Like Bronwen, I’ve had a dry January due to antibiotics and illness. My chef husband chose to join me. So sweet. But it’s a real sacrifice for him. He pairs up a cocktail or wine with every dinner. He spends tons of time trying out new wines and creating cocktails to go with his fabulous food. Mexican was super difficult. Who doesn’t love a margarita. But I’m proud of him and it was super kind to join me. Not sure when we’ll drink again. He said he does sleep better.

Hope you see and feel positive effects soon. It can take a bit to work it all out.

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Ah that is very sweet, I would defo struggle more if I did it on my own. The first one I did was just me, but the other two Erik has joined. Hope you're feeling back to normal after your illness & the antibiotics did the job.

TBH I can't believe it's day 19 already! I'm trying to think how I can introduce the odd glass of wine in without needing to drink a bottle, boxes are tricky because there's no measurement and half bottles are expensive, so we'll see!

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Baker Beth's avatar

My husband said the same thing last night - how he can’t believe we’re already through 18 days. I am not missing it yet, but I am just feeling like myself again. We’re traveling next week to hang out with our son and his fiancé. Pretty sure the dry spell will end then. 🤣

It is tough with alcohol because one drink removes inhibition and makes it easier to have the second and more.

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

EXACTLY that! One drink and it's like, ah go on now, I'll have another, especially if everyone else is at it! Glad to hear you're feeling like yourself again and hope you have a lovely time with your son & his fiance, I'm sure you will 🍷

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Dr Claire Plumbly's avatar

I’m doing Dry Jan too for the first time ever. This weekend was the biggest test as I had two evenings out. I actually enjoyed the Virgin cocktails though, felt pleasantly surprised that I could still enjoy my night without booze, so a learning curve definitely

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Well done, socialising is a big test, I only have one social thing that I’d usually have a drink at - the community cinema - which will probably be quite easy, but it’s hard going out out & not having booze. The only time I can usually manage it is when I’m driving! Was it interesting being sober?

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Dr Claire Plumbly's avatar

Yes - it made me realise I don’t need booze to let down my hair! Plus it was nice to save a tenner on the Friday night when the bill was split!

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Always nice to save a bit of cash!

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Vicki Lesley's avatar

Not to rub your nose in it, but honestly, those Orkney Brewery ales look SO inviting! Good luck. You're *almost* halfway through now already eh...

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

I know - I’ve stuck a box of cereal in front of them now 😂😂

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Vicki Lesley's avatar

🤣

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Paul Liptrot's avatar

Love this! I'm like you that I don't feel better without it, luckily I don't drink often but I do find myself drawn to the evil chocolate... I'm doing social media free January which is more challenging but it does give me the chance to read more on here! Keep going, good luck!

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Come now … you can’t call chocolate evil, I won’t have that!! Enjoy the social media freedom, my business relies on it so I’m kinda stuck but after Zuckerberg’s latest announcement I’m wondering what to do

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Paul Liptrot's avatar

It's only evil because I'm trying to eat less of it! I bought a big tub of cadburys chocolate yumminess yesterday and laughed at the 'great for sharing' label.

I'll be heading back to socials in February but hopefully more on the useful rather than the doom scrolling. I agree on Zuckerberg, it's quite frightening, particularly as we head into the next Trump presidency. Not sure what the alternatives are just now.

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Sharing - pah!!

The next 4 years are a minefield with Trump plus lots going on in European elections this year …

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Paul Liptrot's avatar

Ha ha, sharing is a relative term.

Definitely going to be an intense year, but keeping creative creates a bit of space at least

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Sophie S.'s avatar

Hoping your dry January will bring you all the benefits you're hoping for. If not, there's always dry July to try again 😉😂

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Not a chance! I’m not sacrificing summer beers for anyone or any pep & clear skin!! 😂

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Sonya Mallett's avatar

I took part in Dry January about 10 years ago (raising money for charity) and have to say I found it to be one of the most difficult things to do. Like you Hannah, I like a drink, although normally it’s only over the weekend (unless it’s holiday season), however, having the choice taken away whether to have a drink or not was really hard. It got to 12.01am on the 1st February and I poured myself a vodka, how bad is that! 🤣

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Oh wow I bloody love that you stayed up for a voddy at 12.01am - that is a genius idea!! It helps that we don’t have any social things - that would be much harder!

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Lisa-Marie Cabrelli, Ph.D.'s avatar

I'm dry Januarying too. Sending support!

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Thank you, you too!!

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Bronwen Leigh's avatar

Wishing you all the pep and clear skin and weight loss you want from this Dry January. I’ve not been drinking due to illness so feel like I’ve already done my bit - two more days of antibiotics ;)

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

I really hope they work & you start to feel better soon 💚

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Bronwen Leigh's avatar

I’m definitely improving - I think the muscles will have a twinge for a while though!

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

Oooft not fun.

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Bronwen Leigh's avatar

It’s not really been no! I’m looking forward to feeling normal again - whatever that is these days of perimenopause! ;)

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Hannah Swierstra's avatar

More normal maybe rather than normal!! 😆

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Bronwen Leigh's avatar

Haha - yes. I think it’s fairly normal for a lady in her early 50s though ;)

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