Whatever possessed me to agree to a “DRY JULY”

Actually mine started 2 weeks before.  I was talked into it by my merciless, malicious, masochistic, Machiavellian, Saturday morning trainer – who shall remain nameless, but it starts with Den, and ends with ise.

I undertook to be alcohol free for 4 weeks some two weeks into June. This was later stretched way out to the end of July. Why? Well I was suffering from extended periods of gout. It was thought this may be due to very small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc that I was drinking. So I agreed.

What were the amounts, and what were the effects of my ENFORCED dry period?

Well, as a bit of a cook, I would generally make dinner at night – really enjoy it – and as preparing the food would have a small glass of SB from the little that remained from the night before – or from a fresh bottle. By the time the food was in the oven, I would have had 3 thimbles full, and by the time the meal was ready to be eaten, it always seemed to go down better with a small sip of wine.

The next day I would be so very surprised at the evaporative effects of air on the previous bottle. Just seemed to disappear.

The time that I really felt like a sip? I was cooking a meal that required a cup of white wine, and I had filled the measuring cup awaiting to pour it in. At one stage I had to reach across for my glass of orange juice/mineral water and as my paw passed over the wine I swear it seemed to take a life of its own. Back and forward, shivering and shaking – BUT I WAS STRONG. Left it alone. That was the closest I came to having a not-quite dry July.

I have to say that it didn’t really unduly worry me. I actually went to several business lunches and filled myself up with lemon, lime, and bitters. Everyone else was quaffing the freebie plonk. I felt a bit self- righteous, but then I realised that where there were groups of people dining and/or drinking, there were always several who did not have alcohol – I was not alone. Also my weekly Club meetings were a bit of a challenge, but I persevered – I suppose the worse that could be said was I was accused of being boring. Never mind from today only 3 days to go.

I can honestly say that I have not missed my daily glass. The first few weeks I had soft drink, but gradually didn’t even need that habit. Will I continue? Probably not, but I now know that come August I will be very circumspect about what I pour down my throat.

Effects? I have lost 1 ½ kgs and pulled the belt 1 notch tighter!

There is nothing wrong with having a glass or two of your favourite tipple, but there is a big difference in wanting a drink and needing a drink.

Cheers everyone – or where I come from - Slanthe