Hello Sunday Morning | Virginia

No booze= marathon
07/09/11 • 6 Comments

Totally considering training for a marathon, since I smashed 15 km this morning and felt like I could do more. It’s probably not even such a physiological improvement as a psychological boost. I feel stronger and fitter, less bloated and way more intelligent. Alcohol takes away so much more than it ever gives you, I reckon it cuts full potential by at least 50%. That’s a 30 minute run instead of 60, and only 1 hour study instead of 2 or 3. I get to spend twice the amount of time doing things I love, instead of setting myself up for a hangover constantly. Even if I miss a glass of wine every now and then, I know I’ll never miss a hangover.

No booze = more cake
04/09/11 • 2 Comments

I was hoping this whole \”not drinking\” business would cause me to slim down, but it seems I am filling the void with more food. I won\’t have a champagne, but yes, I will have that second piece of cake, thankyou very much. It has only been one week today, so this behaviour might subside and I can resume my normal eating habits minus the drinking. Lucky I have more time to exercise, since not suffering from hangovers every second day.

Most of the people I hang with like to drink, at times they like to get skizzered. I have been skizzered with them on many occasions, and share many drunk memories. When I said I wasn’t drinking they began consoling me like the fun Virginia had died. I began explaining how i would still be fun, but it’s difficult to be convincing when you don’t believe yourself. My heart sank a little as I thought there was a chance they might not be able to relate to me as well. It sank even further when I realised that I secretly wanted to get drunk with them again. What is it that makes us want something more than good health and food on the table? Most people who drink are perfectly happy sober, so how on earth does this all-encompassing construction of molecules fit in? I’m super annoyed at how this is [...]

First sober social outing
01/09/11 • 1 Comment

“Hi, how are you? What are you drinking tonight?” The two most essential questions in a social Aussie setting, mostly just out of courtesy, but requiring a response none-the-less. I swallowed the words “Yeh good, I’ll have the house white if you’re buying” and replaced them with something like “Yeh good, nothing for me tonight”. This was received by silence and a blank look, as they waited for me to slap them on the shoulder and say “JOKE!”. So I just continued to explain my HSM crusade which everyone thought was amazing, “No booze?? None? For six months, I couldn’t do that”. The incredulous responses were not disheartening, but rather fueled my determination to go through with this. I am still surprised how much of a big deal it’s been for me, and how surprised everyone else is that I’m doing it. Since when was it shocking for someone not [...]

The issue of my 21st Birthday
31/08/11 • 4 Comments

So, I’m 2.5 weeks in and I just realised that my HSM pledge lasts till the 29th of November. My 21st Birthday party is on the 26th. Problem. It’s not that I need to get wasted on my Birthday, because thats not what I’m about anymore. However, on this occassion I want to raise a toast to the friends and family who will be in attendance. I want to thank them for all the love and support (and for never giving up on me). And I want it to be a proper toast- with a glass of champage. I’m going to pledge some of the cash I will have saved from not pissing my money up the wall. At this point the minimum pledge is $200, but will see how much I feel I owe HSM at the end of three months. If anyone could please give me some advice [...]