Get used to it, people!

I don’t have to remind anyone that I’ve adopted a “clean-living” lifestyle.  It hasn’t been as agonizing as I thought it would be.  I’ve gotten used to it… although I SOOO wanted to snatch someone’s glass of chardonnay while dining at Sideboard the other day – I refrained.

Mostly, I don’t miss alcohol.  Instead, I’m having a hard time dealing with the reactions I get from others because I’m NOT drinking.  My true friends are wonderful.  They act completely normal, drinking wine as usual and not making a big deal over the fact that I’m not joining them.  I would be really bummed if they felt awkward drinking in my presence.

I don’t understand why others feel the need to bring attention to the fact that I’m not drinking.

At lunch with my family the other day, my mom’s husband Bert brought some wine.  The waitress came around to pour me a glass and I declined.  A bit later, Bert pointedly asked if I was SURE I didn’t want any wine.  Before I had a chance to reply, my mom quickly interjected, “no, she doesn’t want any wine!”  OHH-KAY, a bit strange and awkward.  She probably doesn’t believe I have the willpower to resist!

Last weekend at a group dinner, I drank virgin cocktails.  One of the men in the group learned that I wasn’t drinking alcohol.  This was clearly a comedic episode for him as he proceeded to laugh hysterically and make sarcastic and disbelieving comments.  Maybe he thought I was joking?  – As IF I would not drink for a joke.  A moment later, he said, “what a sacrifice!” For some reason this comment bothered me more than anything… so full of assumptions.  Maybe I’ve given up alcohol cause I woke up one morning and no longer enjoyed the taste of alcohol?  Maybe a doctor told me to stop (thus it wouldn’t be a sacrifice, it would be a requirement)? 

I’m sure I am being too sensitive.  AND, who am I kidding?  This IS a sacrifice (truth hurts, right?)  Let’s face it, I made my bed and now I must lay in it.  People know me as a drinker.  I have never been one to decline a glass of wine – never, ever, ever.  So, I’m sure people feel somewhat awkward because the ME they are used to, is not acting like ME.

This and that

The good news is my Monday is flying by adequately quickly.  But it is never a good sign when you get a sales lead from an email address that includes, “runaway_granny”.  Life in sales. 

I would classify this past weekend as a perfectly satisfying weekend with all the elements:  dinner & great conversation w/ friends, time with family (mom’s bd), activity (biking with Jax & Mark) and time with the hubby (watching the movie 21).

I think my newly adopted “clean living” lifestyle has helped me mentally as well as (hopefully) physically.   I will say, my mind seems clearer lately.  I’m less absent-minded.  Could it be some of the brain cells I’ve killed over there years are growing back?  Or do I just have a need to “believe”?