A different kind of drinking problem
OK, so the first 10 minutes at Blowoff on Saturday were a little scary because I was all by myself and a little nervous that a bear might eat me. But then my friends showed up and I had tons of fun. (Except for when that asshole touched my hair. As with other parts of my body, you can look, but you cannot touch.)
The strange thing about Saturday is that I didn't drink. I mean, I had one beer, but the bottle served as more a prop than a social lubricant. (I didn't even want the beer. It's just that my greatest fear is becoming one of those people who "doesn't drink.")
When I left the club at 3 a.m., I observed the drunken masses of humanity cavorting down U Street and struggling to keep a lid on things. Meanwhile, I was calm, collected, and capable of driving an automobile. Hmm. I don't know if this "drinking in moderation" thing of mine is a long overdue lifestyle change, or merely a new way for me to feel superior to others.
Comments
you'll also find that it's a good ab maintainer...
Posted by: cshiland | July 16, 2007 01:48 PM
i'm reading this while nursing my hangover from the gay bar last night. i'm almost inspired to not drink
Posted by: adam | July 16, 2007 02:34 PM
I've actually been off the sauce for over a month now in an effort to be moderately more healthy. The first couple weeks were hard, especially since I was sober for the entire Denver Pride weekend.
Recently, it's been easier to stay on the wagon at a bar, but only if there are friends around to provide the so-called 'social lubricant."
It still blows to go out by oneself w/o that good ol' lube...
Posted by: C.Go. | July 16, 2007 02:58 PM
Hey Toby. First visit to your blog. I love it. Also, we have a few things in common. BDD, for starters. But concerning this particular entry, I limit myself to a beer or three nowadays whether at home, a club or a party. Sure, once in a blue moon I have a few more (usually holidays, Pride). What has helped me to not drink as much? Being on the correct antidepressants for me, and also Xanax XR (24-hr version). Also, I utilized some of the tools at the website www.smartrecovery.org - I entirely quit smoking pot (which was a real problem for me) with the help of that website and chatting with some of the people there. I know what you mean about feeling 'superior'. At first I felt that way as I watched a lot of my friends continue to get absolutely sloshed. But eventually, compassion and understanding set in, and I don't try to 'change' them. I'm NOT superior because I drink less than I used to and don't smoke pot; I've just made some decisions for myself to get healthier and try to prevent various diseases in the long run. Chronic depression and anxiety is enough to deal with, thank you. And I know it won't have much (if any) effect, because it doesn't when people tell me, but from what I've seen you're a beautiful guy - even before all the workouts. ;-)
I wish you all the best, and feel free to write me anytime.
Posted by: SmartyPants007 | July 16, 2007 09:59 PM
Blowoff Saturday night was amazing. I've never seen it that packed. You should have punched that guy that touched your hair though.
Posted by: John | July 17, 2007 04:44 AM
I would have touched your hair if I had seen you. But I was embedded in a tight protective cluser of bears to the left of the DJ booth near the stage, immersed in fur and beef.
Posted by: jimbo | July 18, 2007 05:48 PM