Aftermath

It's only been seven weeks since the start of my alcohol experiment. Three weeks since surgery. I will have to spend a total of six weeks on crutches. That's right math geniuses, three weeks to go.

Slowing down really takes it out of you. There's been a lot of reflection, including the November month of gratitude. And insomnia. Not sure why. Meds are probably off.

I think it's time to call an end to this experiment. After all, my "normal" has changed. I rarely leave the house.

I've definitely cut back on the number of days that I drink alcohol. Here are my takeaways.

Boredom
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Ah, the key to drinking at home. And sometimes going out. I'd get home from work, be exhausted and have nothing else to do. Cook, open a bottle of wine, watch TV. Planning is the new boredom. Man I thought I was bored until I had to spend 4 weeks trying to get comfortable FROM TEARING MY HAMSTRING OFF THE BONE. 2017 will bring some outside programs that will mean I will be busy!

Food
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I forget to eat. I've discovered I can't have alcohol on an empty stomach. 
I found this link to the UK's guidelines. I've started having a meal before I go to the pub and have the first drink. I have nibbles with my wine while I'm cooking. I get full and drink slower. Also the food slows the absorption of the alcohol.

Pain and Discomfort
Since I'm off the pain meds, the wine has made things a little bit easier. This is something I need to watch out for. 
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Well, not this actual guy on the diving board.

The need to stay social
Gotta watch that clock! Sometimes, you want to stay, but it's time to go home!! I'm perfectly ok with being at home on a Friday or Saturday, so time to plan some early nights. Alternately, I could skip happy hour, eat dinner at home and then go catch up.

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Wait, maybe the last reference should be:

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Can always give it a shot.

Well it's the silly season, so one can't be too hard on one. I like that the crutches are likely to come off just after new year. I get to start over!

As much as I love that I live in Tassie now, 2016 was a SMH year. It's gone fast, but man, did I pack a lot into that 12 months! I'm tipping 2017 to be a year that will "go to plan."

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Yup, not even the Seventh Son of the Lama is buying that one.