I now have 3 weeks of abstinence, and there are definitely positive changes happening.  I have more energy.  I no longer feel the need for a daily nap.  My ability to walk is improving.  I am now up to walking a mile and a half, and the pain in my leg and back is no where near as debilitating.  I am sure I have lost weight, but I do not know how much.  I do not own a scale and I do not intend to get one.  How I feel and what I can do are more important than a number on a scale.

This last weekend we had 27 family members gathered to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.  The weekend was full of drinking and eating.  It is not difficult for me to abstain from alcohol after 12 years of sobriety, but the food was more difficult.  I did not eat any of the appetizers are other food served to the guests.  I stuck to my food plan entirely and prepared my own meals.  I tried to stay useful by washing dishes and picking up trash and recycling.  Some of our family members had questions for me about what I was eating and why, and I answered honestly.  Anyone who inquired was supportive.  I feel fortunate to have kind and loving extended family (and immediate family).