Lucky: Day One

For anyone out there looking to survive Dry July, NOvember, or any other month without drinking, here is my number one survival tip. The night before you start, I very strongly discourage you from going out drinking with your ex boyfriend. I cannot stress how much I discourage this.


The awkwardness you feel, coupled with a flash of memories, a sunlit room, a look, a smile, a friendly arm around your shoulder will only lead you to drink more. And more. And then a few more.


So I begin NOvember armed with very few hours sleep, no food lining my stomach and the weight of 10-12 beers floating about my bloodstream. I wonder if anyone will notice me wearing my sunglasses inside?


Add to that the swooshing eddy of turmoil in my current relationship (will spare you the details here) and I'm a mess. If there was ever a time to have a breakfast beer, this is the day.


I grab a gatorade and a pie before heading upstairs to work, hoping some electrolytes and mystery meat will settle the concrete mixer in my guts. I mean, I'n not normally one to feel this crap after 10 beers? I complain about this to Nathan when he arrives.


"Ugh, I feel rotten."
"You're probably emotionally drained, what with all this drama going on around you."
"God, don't we love it though?"
"Tote$."


I get through the day, struggling at some points more than others. I would have to say the hardest point is during the Melbourne Cup Race. Work is kind enough to put out some beer and wine for the race which everyone hurls themselves into with a gusto normally reserved for Friday afternoon drinks. I stand on the sidelines forlornly, eyes narrowed, holding my Mt Franklin.


The irony that on my first day of not drinking, work putting out beer and wine during the day does not escape me.


An invite from my favourite cousin, Vicky, to her 30th birthday, held on 26th NOvember.


Not being able to drink pink bubbles at my friend Queenie's upcoming baby shower.


A dinner voucher for two, which includes a bottle of wine - due to expire this month.


I finish work, go straight home and collapse into bed. No dinner, no feeding the cats, nothing more than a cursory exchange of hellos to my partner. Then I wake up at 11pm, order pizza and go back to sleep.


Looks like NOvember is going to be a bit harder than I thought....