The 28 Longest Days of My Life: Week Three

Slow Wine 2015. Photo Esther Szeben.

Week three of sober February and I’m going strong! I’ve found that I’m thinking less about when I’ll (finally) get to have a beer. Not drinking is actually starting to feel pretty natural to me. I guess it’s true when they say it takes two weeks to break a habit!

This past week, I did venture somewhat out of my sober comfort zone (AKA my apartment) and went to a bar. I was craving the social setting, more than anything. Also, the sweet potato fries. I wanted to do something that felt normal to me, even if I’m not my “normal” self at the moment. I also thought it would be an interesting challenge to go to my favourite bar and not have any beer. So I went, with a friend in tow, and we had delicious bar food and watched the hockey game. He had a beer; I, proudly, did not. I did, however, order a Virgin Caesar (I realize I haven’t mentioned my love for Caesars before, but it’s quite soul-consuming) and it was delicious. NextDoor does a mean Caesar, booze or no booze. I surprised myself with how patient and accommodating I was to the drunkards around us. I especially surprised myself with my gentle friendliness towards the overly-friendly, clearly intoxicated dude at the table next to us, even as he tried to give my friend and I sage life advice about Montreal and love (he was convinced my friend and I would make the perfect couple; not even his sexual aversion to women could stop us).

Overall, it was nice to leave the bar and walk home (all two blocks) in a relaxed, sober state of mind instead of it being a race against my bladder, as it usually is after I’ve had a few pints. It was also pretty awesome discovering how easy it is for me to go to a bar (even my very favourite) and not be tempted to drink. Before this past week, I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I can and it feels great! Also, Virgin Caesars are my new sober February favourite.