I have made the decision to do a dry January this year. Why you may ask? Well, to be honest, I have had at least one drink a night for the past 2 years. Yes, I said it, so now it is real. I would love to blame it on Covid, but I cannot completely. I need to make a change in my life, which includes my health. I have no energy, I have gained a lot of weight and have been pretty depressed. It is time.
I have decided to take you on this journey with me. I will be posting picture and progress of what I will be doing to pass the time while I am not drinking. People have said to me “you can do anything for 2 weeks” or “it is only 31 days.” Unfortunately, others do not live my lifestyle. My whole social life revolves around going out to bars or even restaurants and drinking.
I am in no way placing any blame on my circle of friends because this is what we like to do. I am hoping to continue to socialize the same way, but without the alcohol. I am curious to see the change in my skin, body and mental state. So, please join me on this adventure (because that is what it is going to be). Any encouraging words would be great as well.
I have taken a picture of me on this first day of January, 2023. So, let the games begin!
DAY 1
What Is Dry January?
So where and when did this tradition start? According to some sources, Dry January dates back to a campaign in 1942 by the Finnish government. More recently, in 2013, a UK-based charity called Alcohol Change UK launched the current iteration of Dry January based on the transformative experience of one woman giving up alcohol for a month. Emily Robinson and Alcohol Change UK went on to spearhead a movement that’s now millions strong and reaches far beyond the UK. Forbes reported in 2021 that one in seven Americans participated in Dry January, and Canada is launching its first official Dry January campaign in 2022. The number of people participating in Dry January increases every year, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back for more.
Day 2
I will be honest with you all, yesterday was hard. I went out bowling with friends for the new year and really wanted a drink at the bar. However, I did not have one. After arriving at home, after picking up dinner, I sat on the couch as usually and looked for something to watch on tv. Of course, there is nothing on.. ugh. So, that is when I would start to get bored and want to have a glass of wine or my go to vodka soda. I am telling you the struggle was real, but I just had some soda water (by the way, I love my soda stream!) and watched an alright movie.
Those of you who do drink at night know that when you want to go to sleep after a day of NOT drinking, it very very hard. I knew I was going to have a problem falling asleep. Luckily, it was my day off today, so I was able to toss and turn and not worry about getting up at 4:30 am for work. Once asleep, I was out.. slept a good 8.5 hours.
Today I was very productive and feel awake. A bit more energy and have already finished my laundry and have dinner in the oven before noon.
Anyway, A normal Monday would consist of running around a bit doing errands and then stopping at a bar for a few cocktails in the afternoon. Hopefully I will keep myself busy enough to not want to do that. Next week I would like to start on a bit of a diet, but one step at a time. And this is a BIG one for me.
Thanks for all of your support and if you want to comment please do.
Day 2
Day 3 – Oh What a night before
Yes! I made it to day three, but what a struggle. I never realized how much drinking at night really helps someone go to sleep. After doing some reading I can see that the sleep I was getting was really not that healthy.
According to the article, “How Long to Wait Between Drinking Alcohol and Bedtime” by Brandon Peters MD on the webpage verywellhealth.com, Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, also called a sedative. Sedatives cause your brain activity to slow down and can make you feel relaxed. This may allow you to fall asleep more quickly, however it can greatly impact your sleep quality.
I don’t know what they are thinking about that, but I can tell you that I always fell asleep when I wanted to. Being in this third day of dry January I can tell you that last night I went to sleep at 9:40 p.m. in anticipation of getting up for work. I have been required to go back to the downtown Chicago office 2 days a week. For those of you who don’t know, I am a radio traffic reporter/producer in Chicago so my shift begins at 5 a.m. Again, in anticipation of waking up at 3:40 a.m. I chose to sleep early knowing that I probably would have a hard time sleeping. I never imagined how true this statement would be. I think I finally fell asleep at midnight after laying there for hours.
Needless to say that when 3:40 a.m. came I knew it was going to be a long day at work. I did make it through the day, but just woke up from a nice long nap! Besides being tired I do feel pretty good.
I knew this week would be hard, but I fear that week 3 will be the worse due to boredom. The last time I did a dry January I made it 10 days. I am determined to see this through.
This ends my blog for today. As always here is the picture of Day 3. I look so tired. Onward to Day 4!
Day 3
Works Cited
Brandon Peters, MD. “Skip the Nightcap: How Long You Should Wait to Go to Bed after Alcohol.” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 2 Feb. 2022, https://www.verywellhealth.com/wait-between-alcohol-sleep-3014979#:~:text=Whether%20you%20have%20had%20one%20or%20multiple%20drinks%2C,it%20may%20impact%20your%20overall%20quality%20of%20sleep.
Day 4 – A little better
I was pretty tired all day after work yesterday. Dragging all day. I haven’t been that tired driving home from Chicago from work in a Long time. So, after a nice nap I did some running around. By the time that was finished I was just not cooking dinner. Hello freezer food!
What is so different is that usually on a Tuesday I would go out about 3 pm to a local place to meet up with a few people I know to have conversation and a few drinks. Then I would come home after getting my son from school after his practice at 5 p.m. and decide what is for dinner.
After dinner would then consist of sitting and watching television and opening a bottle of wine or even a few Vodka sodas. This was a typical Tuesday for me. Then off to be about 10 or 10:30 pm only to be ready to be awake at 4:40 am for work ( I work from home on Wednesdays).
Last night I made myself a soda water and lemon and tried to keep my mind off of getting up and opening a bottle a wine. It was a bit easier, however, still was on my mind. I think it is because I am thinking about the sleep I had the night before and know that If I had a glass or two I would sleep! I did resist the temptation and my sleep was a bit better.
I am sharing with you to just tell you that I am struggling and this is only the first four days. It is a pattern. It was my habit. On Wednesdays I like to go out with my friends and play trivia at a local pizza place. This would consist of wine or drinks and dinner. I believe I am going to refrain tonight because the temptation is too great right now. I do know there are non-alcoholic options, but I’m not a beer drinker. Someone said to me that they didn’t understand the concept of non-alcoholic beer because you drink for the buzz. I am now pondering that too.
So, I am now into day 4 and I have to say that I do have a bit of energy. Just have to keep on keeping on.
Day 4
Day 5
Not going to lie, day 5 was not great for me. I didn’t get good sleep the night before so it was a struggle. I was on the verge of tears pretty much all day probably due to lack of sleep. It is funny how alcohol every day really effects your emotions. Especially when you don’t have it.
It isn’t that I am craving the taste, which I really am not. I’m looking for the buzz and not only that, but the companionship of other people in a social setting. I do realize I will l have days like this, but I wish it didn’t happen on my mom’s birthday.
So, I did get up and drive downtown to be at work by 5 a.m. and then came home to nap due to the lack of sleep the night before as stated above. It was a gloomy day too which didn’t help. So, I cried a bit, got Chinese food (because I definitely wasn’t cooking tonight) and then went to bed.
I really don’t have much more to say about this day. Tomorrow is another one!
Day 5
Day 6 – “going out”
Friday was a decent day. I finally got a decent night sleep the night before. The day starts off with work. On Fridays I work from home so that is nice. Extra hour of sleep. I was energized at work too. I am usual alright during the day and afternoon because of stuff that I have to do to keep my mind off of things. This afternoon/early evening I found myself getting bored.
On a typical Friday afternoon I would probably go out for a bit and meet people at a bar for an hour or so. If I don’t do that I would definitely go out to dinner and have a few cocktails there. This afternoon I found myself staring at the walls again. I think the desocialization is the most horrible part. I don’t want to go out to have the temptation, but the worst part is the “stigma” of not drinking.
I know this sound ridiculous, but when you hang out with a drinking crowd you feel funny asking for a coke. You want to hide the fact that you are not drinking, so you would ask for a soda water with lemon in a rocks glass so it looks like you are drinking. Now that I think about it… Wow. This is how I feel. If I’m not drinking at a bar while socializing I am not allowed to be there or I’m a weirdo. Isn’t that terrible. But it is how I feel and I’m sure many other people feel the same.
You go out with the intentions of not drinking because you are “taking a break,” “doing a Dry January,” or whatever your reasoning. You get there and think.. well I have been good the past 6 days, so I’ll just have one. As long as I’m not drinking at home. This is the mindset I am trying to break for this month. I just want to be Cool! lol
I couldn’t stand watching the birds out the window any longer, so I went out….. to Home Depot to get some more birdseed. I did stop off to see my sister-in-law at this gambling place where she is working. It was nice to be out for a bit. Had a diet Pepsi and some chips and lost $40 dollars. The Dragon Mistress did not want to give me a break! Geez. I was comfortable there because there wasn’t a stigma of just having a soda.
Other people may find this strange, but this is just my take on things. People say, “don’t worry about what others think.” Hey! I am working on it.
Day 6
Day 7 – Saturday
Saturdays are always just a working day for me. My schedule for TTWN is Tuesday – Saturday. So, after a decent night sleep, which is getting better BTW, I went to work. It was a pretty slow day on the roads, so I was pretty productive with a few things including building a syllabus for a class that I did realize began on Monday.. ooops.
As the day progressed I was hearing about my friends all making plans to go out or that they were already out watching football and drinking. That was a hard one. I swear for me that is the hardest part. Just the socialization.
I have always had a big problem with FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out. This has been going on Forever in my life. I don’t want to miss the party, the good time, the opportunity to have fun. From the webpage verywellmind, in an article entitled “How to Deal With FOMO in Your Life,” Dr. Elizabeth Scott states, “The fear of missing out, or FOMO, refers to the feeling or perception that others are having more fun, living better lives, or experiencing better things than you are. It involves a deep sense of envy and affects self-esteem. It’s not just the sense that there might be better things that you could be doing at this moment, but it is the feeling that you are missing out on something fundamentally important that others are experiencing right now.”
I’m not the only one with this problem, but a lot of my friends don’t have this at our age. Most people over 50 just do not care. I am not to this point yet, but hope to be soon. I have to find other activities to occupy my time so I’m not staring at the wall. One step at a time.
Watched a decent B-ish horror movie, Prey of the Devil, and went to sleep. Tomorrow is another day. Here is my pic from today.. oh, I did get my hair done.
Works Cited
Elizabeth Scott, PhD. “Do You Have Fomo? Here Is How to Cope.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 16 Nov. 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-fomo-4174664.
Day 7
Day 8 – Sunday, day of rest?
Let me walk you through a typical Sunday for be before Dry January. First off, Sunday is my Saturday. My schedule is a bit shifted. So, I usually am tired because I went out on Saturday night and got a bit buzzed. I am in a band and we practice on Sundays at 11 am (I know, odd time for a rock band practice, but it works). I head there and after I would try to meet friends out to watch the Bears’ game and have a few cocktails, I mean it is my Saturday right? Then I would either head home or go out for dinner and more cocktails. It would end with me on my couch watching tv having a bottle of wine.
(magic Fast Forward noise.. )
Day 8 started off the same, but I was waking up from 9 hours of sleep. I swear I’m in the twilight zone. This is unheard of for me, but this Dry January is making me very very tired, which I read is one of the side effects (better than another eye or something). I got up early and was able to do something before band practice. That went well, but I warned my bandmates that I was a bit crabby. Afterwards, I picked my son up from driver’s ed. I let him drive to the store and home. Ok, then I start to ask my friends what they are up to and no surprise, FOMO comes back in. Come on! I have all of this time and my friends are out at various places watching football, drinking and eating. I WANT TO GO, but I know I can’t yet. I’m not to that point in my month.
I have family and friends saying, “how can you be bored there is so much to do” or “take up knitting”. Come on people, do you know me? lol. FOMO in MY life is real. I think that has been one of the top 3 struggles I have had so far. I did fight the urge and made dinner. Sat down with my soda water and watched a few shows on Television. A new one just came out on AMC called Mayfair Witches. It is ok so far. Not terrible, like my mom would say.
I guess the point of this post is to say that it was very hard for me not to go out today. Sundays are my day usually for sports and friendship (and vodka..lol), but I made it. Phase 2 of the month begins tomorrow, that means the gym. God help me!
Day 8
Day 9 – Week Two and new challenge
It is Monday, December 9th and I made it to week 2 plus a day. I got on the scale after a week of no drinking. No extra calories from alcohol. Well, no weight loss at all. It was frustrating, but made me go into the 2nd phase of Dry January and that is going to be go to the gym.
I have been a member of LA Fitness for Many years. Also, was a pretty avid spin class attendee. I was kind of a spin snob actually. Before Covid I hurt my back and then just got lazy. I need to get my metabolism going, so I headed to the gym today.
1 hour on the Elliptical and then arms and abs. Don’t make me laugh or cough tomorrow that is for sure. Also, today I began my semester teaching at St. Xavier University. The class went well, however after class I really wanted to go out and meet people for a drink in the afternoon. I know that some people are saying, “why is it so hard?” “I haven’t had a drink in x amount of years” “get a new hobby”. I understand that it was and is easy for some of you, but my social life revolved around going out to eat and just out in the afternoon for a few cocktails. I am not you and we are all different.
Heck, I have a friend who can quit smoking anytime he likes. I mean cold turkey. He can wake up and say “I’m done smoking” and he is DONE. Well, that isn’t me. I also heard that the 10th of January is Dry January Quitters day. The national New Years Resolution quitters day is January 13th this year, just FYI.
In an article by SWNS media group titled, “Most Americans only lasted 10 days into Dry January before pouring a drink,” the top reasons for the failure of Dry January were
The top reasons respondents shared they failed Dry January included merely forgetting they were taking part in it in the first place, followed by attending happy hours with friends (39%) or going out on a date (37%). https://swnsdigital.com/us/2021/02/most-americans-only-lasted-10-days-into-dry-january-before-pouring-a-drink/
Day 10 is tomorrow for me and I plan on being strong, sore, but strong.
Works Cited
DigitalHubUSA. “Most Americans Only Lasted 10 Days into Dry January before Pouring a Drink.” Digitalhub US, 6 Sept. 2021, https://swnsdigital.com/us/2021/02/most-americans-only-lasted-10-days-into-dry-january-before-pouring-a-drink/.
Day 9
Day 10 – Bored and Sore
Here it is, the day that people usually quit Dry January, the 10th. I also read that people make it to January 13th when it comes to other New Year’s Resolutions, ie: no chocolate, fast food, procrastination. This day would prove to be like any other… boring.
I did have to wake up at 3:45 am to go to work at the downtown office. I am sleeping and waking up a whole lot better than week 1, so I am grateful. I am finding myself actually shifting my sleeping pattern and going to be almost an hour earlier than I used to, which is what I really wanted to do a while back.
While I was reading about Dry January, I came across an article online “This is what actually happens to your body during Dry January” by Anya Meyerowitz. I was very interested because it tells of what happens to you at least up to day 10, which is today for me! Here is what she had to say.
This is what to expect in the first 10 days of Dry January:
Day 1: You may find it difficult to fall asleep initially, if you were a regular moderate drinker.
Day 3: Some people may experience hangover like symptoms, potentially from lack of hydration.
Day 5: You may start craving the sugar that you are no longer getting from alcohol. You will however feel sharper and notice an improvement in your concentration.
Day 7: Your sleep will likely improve significantly, with an improved pattern and more consistency but you may start experiencing more and more vivid dreams.
Day 10+: Your mood will increase and you will start feeling less sluggish and more energized.
After analyzing what I went through in these first 10 days I can say yes to about 90 percent of this observation. If you read back you know I couldn’t sleep. I did experience the dizzy feeling during the day and was eating a bit more on the sweet side. Sleep is better/dreams are the same strange ones I always have (sharks, little troll guys chasing me at the mall, etc.). But, as for Day 10, I am less sluggish and went to the gym for the 2nd day in a row, but I still find myself in a mood swing.
I have been a bit crabby and sometimes I want to cry, but I guess this too shall pass. My wrap up of day 10 is that I’m still moody, sleeping better and very very sore from my first attempts of working out again!
BRING ON DAY 11!
Works Cited
Meyerowitz, Anya. “What Happens to Your Body during Dry January, According to an Expert.” Red Online, 3 Jan. 2023, https://www.redonline.co.uk/wellbeing/a531029/dry-january-body/.
Day 11
Started out ok with a calmish day at work. I work from home MWF so that is nice. Spent some time creating powerpoints for my class at St. Xavier. That was exhausting mentally. This is the first time teaching this class, so my activities are basically from scratch. Now, you have to understand that I didn’t have the internet until I was about 26 or so. Anything that I do creatively for class that involves the computer is a win for me!
Ok, then I decide not to work out because I could barely lift my arms from the workout from Monday. I was told by another good friend of mine that the days that people usually quit Dry January are the 3rd, 11th, and 21st. Almost made it through 2 of those roadblock days.
I did decide to go out and play trivia at a local pizza place and I found myself not that worried about wanting a drink. It went well and there was no pressure.
Day 11 was uneventful. The biggest thing is that I made it through. Tomorrow, I work early downtown, so it is bedtime. Planning on Yoga tomorrow. that should be interesting.
Day 11
Day 12
I know that yesterdays post was kind of lame. I guess I just didn’t have that much on my mind. Speaking of the mind, I have been noticing that my productivity has gone up. However, I do get tired earlier. Which is a documented side effect along with the spontaneous crying. Odd
So today I decided after working downtown that it was naptime. It was a glorious nap too. Then it was planned to go to a 4:30 yoga class. I am still so sore from my work out on Monday and my cardio on Tuesday, however, I went any way. You always feel good after a workout, but my arms are still sore from Monday. I feel like a T-Rex. Can’t extend past a certain points, so don’t ask me to pick up the check!
As I almost close on week 2 of Dry January I want to reflect on my week 2 goal of getting to the gym! Monday, Tuesday and Thursday! Now to do it next week.
Week 3 is to cut out White Carbs. This might be the worst idea I have had besides the Dry January. My goal is to add something new every week so I didn’t just jump in like I always do. Less Chance for failure.
I forgot to take a picture yesterday. So here is a picture of my buddy Stan the Squirrel. He is one of a few I feed everyday!
Day 12 – Stan the Fat Squirrel
Days 13 – 15 – Where have I been?
First off, I apologize for not posting these past few days. This weekend has been extremely busy. However, I did it all sober. First, let’s start with Friday the 13th (spooky). I had to work my normal shift on the radio. After that I checked my email for the college I have been teaching at for 20 years only to find out that the classes that I thought I was teaching this semester have been taken from me and given to a full time employee.
Now, at Moraine Valley the full time employees can Bump a part time employee so they can “overload” or basically get overtime. One of the instructors decided that he was not satisfied with the 8 classes he had and took one of mine to give him 9 classes! They are only required to teach five to fulfill their contract. But, he felt he just needed more. My other class went to another full timer. So I am losing a nice chunk of my livelihood so he can have overtime. I count on my classes so I can pay my bills as a single mom. I work a full time job and teach at 2 schools. I do not think this was fair to me or the students that signed up for my class knowing that I was the instructor. My classes were full and now I am down to one class this semester. So that is how my Friday the 13th went.
Despite all of this bullshit, and yes I am receiving emails from my students wondering what happened, I did not drink and decided to go to the gym and work off my frustration. There is a scene in the movie First Wives Club where Goldie Hawn’s character says that she does her best thinking while working out. I am the same. Just wanted you all to know that the rule over at the College is crap and people are only out for themselves. I have been there 20 years this semester, am the top adjunct professor and this happened to me.
Oh, Saturday the 14th (which there is a satirical movie with that same name by the way), My son had a Show Choir competition in Mt. Zion, Illinois and their performance time was 11:30 am. We are 3 hours away, so what did that mean? At the school and on the bus at 6:00 am. After a long day of them performing at 11:30 a.m. to waiting for the solo competition, which my son sang in to get some critique (and make me cry) to waiting for results at 7 p.m. to find out that they made finals for the first time in many many years (it was exciting) to having them perform at 9:30 p.m. only to get the results at 11 p.m. We got on the bus home (they came in 5th overall!) at 11:30 p.m. and back at the school at 2:30 a.m. Sunday. I was finally asleep at 3:15 am. You know how my day was! Busy and Tiring.
Day 14 – Mt. Zion, IL
Sunday, Jan. 15th, was just sleep and football. I was pretty out of it all day, however, Dry January is still going on. There were tamales being made at the house in the afternoon and they were good. Still no drinking and I don’t think I even had the energy to think about it.
I have had these two bottles in my house this whole time. The last drink I had was out of this bottle of wine that I got From my friend Laura. I should dump it because it is probably bad, but it symbolizes the commitment I made and the last drink I had New Year’s Eve. By the way, the vodka is half full as well.
My weekend was very full of emotion. I cried a lot, from frustration on Friday the 13th due to my job to my pride of my son and all of the kids who performed to the maximum on Saturday at competition. I really could have used a drink tonight just to relax and watch football. This is what I used to do every Sunday. I did it this weekend. Tomorrow is almost the 1/2 way point of my journey. The only frustrating part is that I haven’t lost any weight. Maybe Next Week.
Day 15 – Tired.
Day 16 – MLK
Monday is my scheduled day off. Today was a lazy day. Had to take my son to Practice at 1 p.m. then I ran around shopping etc. Ended up at the gym. Went into the cycling room and did a workout for 30 minutes. My butt is going to hurt. Haven’t done that in over a year due to my back injury. Felt good.
After the cycle room, I headed to yoga for an hour. After just home. I have to work early tomorrow and drive downtown. I’m still a bit miffed about losing my classes and my money, but what can I do? Maybe Taco Bell?
Kind of a boring day. Off to bed after watching Mayfair Witches. Not too bad.
Day 16
Day 17 – So tired today
Today is Tuesday, which means I go downtown by 5 a.m. At least I was subbing in on the air today. The producing until 12:30 p.m. On the way home, I got extremely tired and then really pissed off. It came as a wave. I tried to take a nap to make it go away. It didn’t.
I started thinking about all the crap that I have been going through this month. Not only did I decide to do a Dry January, which I am very proud to say that I have not cheated one day. Even thought I still have the bottle sitting there on my shelf. But I quit my anti-Depressant, which took me years to ween off.
The next blow this month was that my one permanent air shift doing traffic was being eliminated due to report consolidation. There are reasons that I am working at Total Traffic Weather Network and that was one of them. I do get to fill in on occasion, but Saturday was My day. The last thing that happened was that both of the Online classes I was scheduled to teach were Bumped from me to Full-time employees. I believe I mentioned this before.
I guess the whole combination of things just added up on the way home and during the evening I met a friend out and didn’t drink, but did bring a pizza home. I got home and stayed awake for just a few more minutes. This day was very trying for me. But I am proud to say that I am still sober.
Most people will experience some level of withdrawal, and this should peak around three to five days after your last drink according to the article “What happens when you stop drinking? The 11 side effects of Dry January” by Izzie Deibe the side effects can include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Jumpiness and feeling on edge
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Stomach pains
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Mood swings
I can attest after today. I have some mood swings. On to Day 18!
Works Cites
Deibe, Izzie. “What Happens When You Stop Drinking? the 11 Side Effects of Dry Jan.” Express.co.uk, Express.co.uk, 6 Jan. 2021, https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1379774/is-dry-january-bad-for-you-reasons-not-to-do-dry-jan-side-effects-evg.
Day 18
Today was a busy day. Had to work, but luckily from home. Then from radio work it was off to class. I’m teaching professional writing and communications this semester, so that is different. Due to the fact that I have not taught this class before, the preparation is time consuming.
Here is the issue. I am always worried that I will be boring to the students or will teach them incorrectly. I spend hours preparing for a class so I can be entertaining, as well as educational. The Gen Z kids of today have to be stimulated at all times or else they will revert to their phones or computers. I can’t even just say Gen Z, the Millennials were no walk in the park.
I just read an article that is blowing me away! Here Comes Z: Strategies To Engage A New Generation Of College Students” by Karen Wondergem. She state that there is “an 8 second attention filter and a need for an immediate response.” Holy cow! And another suggestion that was stated is exactly how I feel when I prepare a class:
“Lastly, be brief and capture their attention with visuals. Gen Z prefers microlearning; with so much information trying to get past their filter, standing out from the noise is key to engagement. Keeping it simple, but sparking their curiosity can hook them into paying attention to your mission.”
So, with that stress behind me it was time to go and watch my son play in the South Suburban Honors Jazz Band. Then we just grabbed Ice Cream and went home.
Not a very interesting day, but there was a time in between class and going to see my son play that I would usually have just grabbed a drink, but I did not. Day 18 is done.
Works Cited
Wondergem, Karen. “Here Comes Z: Strategies to Engage a New Generation of College Students.” ELearning Industry, 12 May 2021, https://elearningindustry.com/engage-a-new-generation-of-college-students-strategies#:~:text=Engaging%20Gen%20Z%20Learners%201%20First%2C%20allow%20them,brief%20and%20capture%20their%20attention%20with%20visuals.%20.
Day 18
DAY 19 – Still Crabby
A Little light at the end of the tunnel? I don’t like to get too positive. My family is the kid of people that is always waiting for the “other shoe to fall.” Meaning that is something seems too good, it probably is. Probably not a healthy way to think.
I have read multiple books about the idea of the “Law of Attractions” my favorite one being the secret. If you are unfamiliar with the Law of Attraction here it is in a nutshell,
The article, “What is the Law of Attraction? How your Thoughts Can Influence Outcomes in Your life” says, The law of attraction is a philosophy suggesting that positive thoughts bring positive results into a person’s life, while negative thoughts bring negative outcomes. It is based on the belief that thoughts are a form of energy and that positive energy attracts success in all areas of life, including health, finances, and relationships (Scott 2022).
So, what you through out into the Universe will just come back to you. For example, if you say that you are fat, then you will be fat. I think this is something I have to explore on the Julie’s World page of this website.
Without going into all these details, I just wanted to state for this Dry January blog that I was having a pretty good day at work and with school. Even made some meatloaf! As for the drinking, really didn’t think of it. I have been trying many different flavors of soda water and yesterdays blood orange with a slice of orange was a winner! Maybe this is getting easier? On to Day 20. (oh and David Crosby died, that is sad).
Works Cited
Elizabeth Scott, PhD. “Let the Law of Attraction Help You with Positive Change.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 7 Nov. 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-and-using-the-law-of-attraction-3144808.
Day 19
Day 20 – TGIF
Made it to day 20 and boy am I surprised! I have been running through many emotions and it all feels so strange. I cry a lot.. not sobbing, but tear up. I know I’m a weeper at movies, but this is getting ridiculous!
I was looking up why sobriety is so lonely and there are many reasons, the two I relate to are loneliness and boredom. Especially boredom. However, I have seen some benefits to being sober and the main one is reflection.
In the Article, Loneliness in Sobriety,” I read that there are benefits as well. The main one is exploring your thoughts and emotions that you have hidden to drown out with booze. “…because without my loneliness, there would have been no room for self-evaluation and then for growth. Sitting with your feelings of loneliness, possibly for the first time, will allow you to feel what you’re truly made of (Mac 2020).
I have been exploring my feelings and my self growth. I have made a few decisions that will change my home life and my career. It also goes on to say that “By giving up alcohol, you will give yourself the space to tackle the negative emotions of loneliness, instead of just numbing it and pushing it down.” This has been so true for me. My emotions have been right on the surface since about day 4. And I thought only the move The Color Purple makes me cry.
Friday was just a typical day with work and then started teaching a new on campus class in the afternoon. Visited my mom and my buddy Amy, thanks for the soda water, and then was at home and in bed before 10. The only thing I didn’t do that I wanted to do was go to the gym. Have to get consistent with that,
Tomorrow is statistically the day that a lot of people participating in Dry January quit. But, I plan on pressing on.
Works Cited
Mac, Mrs. “Loneliness in Sobriety.” Sober Thinking, 28 June 2022, https://soberthinking.com/loneliness-in-sobriety/.
Forgot to take a picture on me yesterday, so here is a fun post!
Day 21 – The quitting day
As I said in an earlier post, the days most people quit a Dry January are the 3rd, 11th and the 21st. That day is upon us! It is going to be a typical day of work (yes, I work on Saturdays) followed by a short practice with my duet partner.
I am really unmotivated today. My friends are all out at various places watching the NFL playoff games and they will all be out tomorrow as well. I love football. I am in 2 fantasy football leagues and a pick 6 too.
The one thing that is killing me in all of this is the boredom or not going out to socialize. I know I can, but it still feels strange to go out and not spend money on drinks when you are at a bar. That is how the bartender makes money, so I feel like I’m taking away from their livelihood.
Side note: I used to own a bar for about 12 years, so I really feel bad by not drinking. I remember looking at people and thinking “why are you even here?” Now I AM THAT PERSON. I guess that is why I am feeling bored and lonely more.
Anyway, I did go out and do a bit of gambling at one of those little places.. oh and lost (as you see I’m still here typing and not in Bermuda). Then I went out with my brother and sister-in-law for dinner before I had to pick my son up from the HS after a competition.
Had a nice meal at a bar, but didn’t drink. The picture today was taken there.
Day 21, you are over! I am the Victor!
Day 21
Day 22 – uneventful
Sunday! You have to love it. Today was practice with my Classic Rock Band The Farrell Kats. This is a day that is usually pretty hard for me due to football. And Playoffs! All of my friends are out watching games and I am at home because I don’t want to be tempted.
So, I made the decision to stay in after practice. My son is practicing his trombone for some sort of talent show at school, so I had to play driver for him for a bit. We did make a very nice pot pie however!
Kind of uneventful. I did keep busy, which kept my mind off of wine!
Day 22
Day 23 – Monday Monday
Monday is my day off, sort of. It is my day off of my regular full time job, but I still have to prepare for a class that I teach in the afternoon.
Ever since I have stopped drinking and my Zoloft I am very edgy. I have mentioned this before. Well, I got myself locked out of my email at the college and needed for my password to be reset. I called the help desk at the school only to be told that I had to come in to get it fixed. Now how inconvenient is that? I am an adjunct professor and I am not on campus everyday. What if you were teaching an online class from out of town? How do you get it reset?
The email is attached to my class shell as well, so I cannot change my assignments or get set up for my class, which is at 2 p.m. I was so frustrated. I was getting really mad on the inside and was trying to hold it together so I didn’t yell at this poor student that was only doing her job. It isn’t her fault that I was the moron who got locked out of my account.
Yes, I understand you are having to do this because of security reasons, but I Am Not On Campus! I ended the conversation with “this is BS!” and hung up. I guess that wasn’t the most professional way to end that exchange, but it was better than saying what I wanted to say.
This not drinking has really brought out the anger and aggravation in me. I have posted the article previously about the side effects… heightened emotions is one of them!
I did have to go in a few minutes early, to get my password reset. And yes, I did apologize for my rude behavior on the phone. However, the girl I was speaking to was not there! But I tried…. Ugh. Frustration! I still made it through the day.
Did not take a pic today, but here is one from the Weekend with my cat Sagan!
Day 23
Day 24
Today is Tuesday, you know what that means? Work Downtown at the studios. Not as dreadful as it used to be due to the fact I am alcohol free. I am so damn exhausted before 10 p.m. that I go to bed early instead of trying to stay awake.
I have been averaging 7 hours of sleep a night which is so much better than I ever did. My average use to be 5 – 6 hours a night. I have to admit I do feel better. I mean, I’m crabby as hell, but rested..lol
So, afterwork I didn’t think I was that tired, but a nice 30 minute powernap and then off to do some shopping before I pick up the kid. Didn’t want to cook, so Chinese food it is.
Didn’t even miss going out last night because I have been so cold. Maybe all of that booze kept me very warm. Either way, geez. I have to check out if that is a side effect.
My friends are keeping track of my remaining days. I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep it going and for how long. Maybe until Super Bowl Sunday, which should be an American Holiday IMHO!
Day 24 – Filling in for Maria at Work
Day 25
Today should be interesting. It has been snowing since this morning and I have decided to put my Professional Writing and Communication class online today. The students, however, have a 2 Tiered assignment that is due on Sunday. I will have to remind them this weekend.
One thing about this dry January is that I have decided to not be so easy when it comes to people. That does include my students. I am kind of a push over when it comes to due dates. I give them ample time to get the work completed by the due date.
I have decided to really enforce this, especially in my Online class which begins on Monday. The online students have to be far for diligent. They like to slack off and then claim family issues or personal issues. We ALL have them and when you are in the real working world, these excuses will not hold up. Or will they?
In the Article “Using My Mental Illness As An Excuse In College Is Always A Loaded Decision,” the author stated when questioned about how her mental health in college will effect the real world, “In the real world, an individual will be considered disabled because of their mental illness depending on the professional evaluation. With that, employers in the real world must accommodate to that disability. The extent of the accommodations will obviously vary on disability to disability.”
I have suffered from depression most of my life and just “dealt” with it. I just recently got off of my depression medication after years of being on it. But now that I have been reading this (and other) article I guess I can just go to the doctor and claim mental illness and go on disability. That is so Crazy!
Maybe I’m being too harsh, but I teach a lot of students and if every person who told me that they were having mental health issues and that is the reason they can’t finish an assignment that was given to them a week ago, we are in BIG trouble in this society.
I am probably just talking like a Generation Xer and we don’t have time to deal with that discussion today. I did go to college, many times over, and have used many excuses, but I never used mental health as an excuse for my lack of discipline to finish my assignments. My excuses were probably far worse..lol.
So, I put my class online. I did go out this evening for trivia, but I probably should have stayed in. I was a bit edgy and irritable. Again, which are side effects of not drinking after doing so for so long. I even yelled at my teammate. Sorry Ed!
Day 25 is done!
Works Cited
Chicago, et al. “Using My Mental Illness as an Excuse in College Is Always a Loaded Decision.” The Odyssey Online, 15 Oct. 2019, https://www.theodysseyonline.com/using-my-mental-illness-as-an-excuse.
Day 25
Day 26 – counting down
Back at the studio today downtown. Not a bad commute, but it is 4:00 am when I drive. The thing about doing a dry January is that your days begin to be a bit boring. Especially where there is nothing on tv at night.
Boredom is the big issue I have with being sober. I know there are things I can do, but then I just get lazy. I have been very depressed lately and am very happy to be going to see a doctor on Tuesday. My doctor of many many years has retired and the company that she was working for has never even reached out to me with a replacement doctor.
When I went to her initially it was a small practice, however, they were bought out by DULY health. To DULY I am just a number. My son’s doctor also retired from there and again we were never given names to other options. No one cares at a big health facility. It is sad.
I now have picked a smaller practice again and am hopeful it will be better for me. I did like my previous doctor however. This is not a complaint against her, but big Corporate Medical Groups.
I really thought that I would lose a lot of weight not drinking. When I would complain about my weight, my mom would always say, “well you know what you have to do.” Which would mean, “you have to quit drinking.” Well, I did! and only lost 4 pounds. With the calories I have cut daily from my life, I should be a super model. So, as I said, I am excited to see what a new doctor has to say.
Maybe Dry February too?
Thursday ended the same as all other days. I was extremely tired and went to bed early. So odd for me.
Forgot to take a picture today, but was having fun with filters with my cat Sagan. Maybe I should go Goth.
Day 26
Day 27 – Hard Depression
Ah Friday. Brings happiness and relief to most people because it is the weekend. For me, it is my Thursday. I love it when people say, “You work on Saturdays too.” Ugh, yeah. The radio doesn’t turn off does it?
When students say they are going into broadcasting I just shutter. I could never work at a school like the Illinois Media School even though I have been on air since 1989. I don’t want to lie to students and give them false hope that this a a job they are going to jump into and make money. Or tell them that they will be on the radio or television right out of school. It rarely happens. And I mean rarely! I bet if there was a poll of how many graduates came out of the Illinois Media School, you would actually see the jobs that the students have landed.
Radio is a dying media form. Kind of like Newspapers. Everything it digital and pretty much prerecorded or voice tracked. Not many radio shows are live any more, with the exception of news/talk radio. Sorry to burst everyone’s bubble. So, I cannot let people go into a business where you need a second job or a spouse that makes a lot of money just so you can live. People are shocked when they learn my salary after so many years. Even as the Traffic Goddess!
Ok, back to Dry January. Today was hard. The weekends are usually pretty hard to not want to go out and to socialize. I went and taught a class at MVCC and it was fun, but then I just sat at home. Not even paying attention to the television. Depressed and wanting to just go to sleep. I was alone most of the night. Still trucking along and have a few days left. Whew.
Day 27
Day 28 – Saturday (or My Friday)
Today started off as a typical day. Get up to be at work at 5 a.m. and then off at 1 p.m. After that a quick nap. I was ready for some sort of day. No plans
The weekends are really hard when it comes to refraining from drinking. Even though I’m at the end of the dry January, it is still hard. People say.. well you made it this far, so keep going. I have no intensions of quitting now, but again, the BOREDOM!
It also doesn’t help that network TV is sooo boring too. And I have a lot of other outlets for Movies and shows, but nothing interests me today. I was supposed to go and meet up with my Duet partner to practice and I had no interest in leaving the house.
So now I am a hermit! Oh, no! And I was extremely crabby.
I have been toying with the idea of extending the Dry January into February until Super Bowl Sunday. The day that should be a holiday in the US (in my honest opinion!). That would make sense right. It would be a celebration of my achievement! And what better way to celebrate me staying sober, then with a blow out party. Right! Funny.
On Tuesday, I will be seeing a new General Doctor. I’m not sick or anything, but my Doctor Retired and I need a new one. What better time that on the last day of Dry January. I Stated a few days ago that I’m excited about what he is going to suggest for me.
I did cook in the evening and then watched TV. Not that much fun. But hey, day 28.
Day 29
According to Author and Artists, Sandra Boynton, January 29th is Curmudgeons Day. She had a great drawing posted on her Facebook page that I have to share.
This is how I have been feeling lately. Today started off pretty good with a nice 8 1/2 hours of sleep and then breakfast with my favorite teenager. But, of course, I’m like an old man now!
I was invited to go out to watch the playoff games at a place, but I started cleaning and going through things to throw out. I even spray painted a shelf. Who am I? I should be out partying and watching football. Instead I’m home putting my summer shoes away and sweeping the stairs. AAAAHHH
I did get to go out shopping and while I was out my friend said to me, “man, you really have a different perspective now, since you are not drinking.” I said, yeah, I just am tired of putting up with so many things and really wondering why I let people treat me like crap.
I have been snapping at people lately and it is because I am tired of always being the bigger person or not being true to myself. I know I am not everyone’s cup of tea and I would always try to be. This sobering experience has made me realize that I am who I am! I now and not just an old man! I’m Popeye!
To wrap up today, I got a lot of work completed around the house that I wouldn’t have if I had gone out. Watched some football. That is a story for another day. Watched the newest episode of “Mayfair Witches” and called it a night. Almost there!
Day 29 – Bored watching Football
Day 30 – The eve of the eve
Mondays are always interesting. They are technically one of my days off of work, but I still work teaching a class. I spent the morning preparing for that class and then proceeded to forget my powerpoint at home. Luckily it was on a chapter that I had access to, so I just went to Plan B.
Sometimes Mondays are just a Plan B day. Why does Monday get such a bad reputation? There is an article called, “6 Scientific Reasons Mondays are the Worst” by Kathy Benjamin that gives some good reasons that people think Mondays suck, which include sleep patterns, you feel worse about yourself, you are less healthy and even that you hate your job
On Monday I am always wishing that I can just be a lady that lunches and volunteers at the library. But, unfortunately, I have to work. After class, I headed straight to the gym to get some cardio in, then to get the boy from practice at the high school. This is my lot in life, well for a few more weeks.
As for dry January, I really didn’t have a desire to drink at all today. This month I have been going to sleep a lot earlier. I don’t know if it is boredom or just my body changing. Anyway, I have made it to the last day! Bring on January 31st.
Works Cited
Benjamin, Kathy. “6 Scientific Reasons Mondays Are the Worst.” Mental Floss, Mental Floss, 21 Dec. 2015, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60239/6-scientific-reasons-mondays-are-worst.
Day 30
Day 31 – LAST DAY
First off, I cannot believe I actual did it! I made it. From drinking every night to 31 days of sober! It is an odd feeling because I have tried and failed dry January about 4 times.
This should not feel like such an accomplishment should it? It is just drinking. I haven’t cured Cancer or anything. But, for those of you who know me, it is a great feat.
So, now what happens? I haven’t really decided after today. I know that I have curbed my habit of drinking at home while watching the television alone. I hope that sticks.
Here is an excerpt from the article, “Turn Down for What?: Everything You Need to Know About Dry January:”
What happens after Dry January?
Participating in or successfully completing Dry January is an accomplishment in itself — and one that can lead to healthier habits, more control, and better responses to peer pressure. But no one says you have to stop there. If you choose to, you can take the benefits far beyond the 31-day challenge and into the rest of your year.
Carrying forward what you like from your experience is completely within your control, but will take continued planning and consistency. If you want to push your plan to 2 months, 6 months, or longer, you have a blueprint to follow. If you simply want to make Dry January an annual tradition, you know how to approach it from a prep standpoint.
Also, maintaining the support system you’ve formed is vital. Even if you don’t want to make it a whole dry year, any progress you strive for will be easier with support.
Bottom line: If you’re considering a break from alcohol, Dry January can provide perspective on your relationship with alcohol and the role it plays in your life. (Greatest, 2020)
I think I am going to try to continue this journey for a bit longer. This may not be a popular decision with some people, but I am really trying to get my health, both mental and physical, in check.
To wrap up this Dry January, I can honestly say it has taught me a lot about myself both physically and mentally. I know that I depended on alcohol for my socialization, but going forward I am hoping to let this notion go. If I do drink it will be for very limited social engagements.
Wish me luck and if you did Dry January with me, congratulations!
Works Cited
Forge, Tiffany La. “Turn down for What?: Everything You Need to Know about Dry January.” Greatist, Greatist, 27 Oct. 2020, https://greatist.com/grow/dry-january.
LAST DAY PICTURE with FIRST DAY PICTURE
