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this whole not drinking thing

stellaIt has been very tricky, this whole not drinking business. Monday I went to Corner Bistro with my friend Tanya. However she ordered a Stella and I have to admit I did too. I felt guilty about this as I did not last very long on my no-alcohol pledge. However it was just one beer. Well, a beer and a burger.

Tuesday night I met up with my friend Bex. This is our last week as neighbors, she is moving from Hell’s Kitchen to Stuy Town on Monday. But she knew about my no-alcohol pledge so that made things easier. But then it was like: well, what else is there to do in HK other than drink? Hell, what else is there to do in New York other than drink?

“I know,” said Bex. “We can go to Vynl.” I hadn’t eaten yet, although she had. So I got this basil thai dish and an O’Douls. Yes, an O’Douls. Then where? We went across the street to Vintage where I eschewed their lengthy cocktail list for another O’Douls. Bex could have easily persuaded me to break my pledge, it will probably be the last time I see her before she moves, but thankfully she did not.

Wednesday night I saw my friend Alexis, we went to Fat Cat Billiards to play some ping pong and chess. (I highly recommend that place, a sweet chill basement dive in the W. Village with nice jazz on). She doesn’t really drink so that was easier to manage. I did feel like gnawing my arm off, I got pretty hungry, but eventually had some sushi.

coronaThen last night I’m met my married friend DG, just in town for a few days. Now where to meet her? We ended up going to the Frying Pan at Pier 63, another place I highly recommend. “A little Coors Light won’t hurt,” I say to myself. “After all when will be the next time I see her?”

After two Coors Lights I remember that Corona tastes much better. Ooops. I ended up having two of each. However I can’t really feel too bad because I just took this reading on the scale moments ago:

172.5

Six pounds down, two and a half to go. (The whole skipping-fried-foods-for-lunch and just going with salads is probably more responsible for the weight loss than any absention from alcohol, I suppose).

11 comments to this whole not drinking thing

  • Derek,

    Last night I saw the first episode of “Tabloid Wars.” I have already learned a lot about what happens behind the scenes at a newspaper. I would appreciate any comments you might have about the show.

    *

  • I spent last night chatting with my friend Erin from the Post about being a reporter- fascinating. Since I quit smoking, I am eating like crazy. I need to start jogging or something or stop drinking beer.

  • Jeffrey — my employer (whatever employer that may be) has come out with this whole don’t-blog-about-work policy, so I can’t really say v. much. And truthfully, I just caught about five or 10 minutes of the show before jetting off to Corner Bistro w/ Tanya. I’m going to try to catch one of the repeats tomorrow.

    I guess I can safely say what I did see was very entertaining and true to life, mirroring my own experiences in newsrooms.

  • themofo

    O’Douls? You fag!

  • I’m surprised you haven’t commented yet on the new Bravo reality TV show, Tabloid Wars. What do you think of it?

  • Um did you read the above comments?

  • It was nice to hang out with you without the demon drink for once!!!! : ) I must admit I kinda find bars boring unless there is 1. baseball, or 2. dancing there. It’s so rare that I don’t just end up watching other folks drink, I really appreciated your brief foray into teetotalling!!!! (I know this is an unpopular opinion, but, hey, I gotta right to be bored by drinking!)

    Lucky for me you like baseball. Anyway, I need to write another bar review, of a place you suggested, but I was torn about asking you to accompany me in your detox state. Now that I see you’re off the wagon, I may need your services soon…

    PS Please don’t tell me what you think of the Tabloid Wars TV show.

  • I tried the giving up alcohal thing for two months before running NYC last year. I dropped a great number of pounds, and also fell off the wagon probably a half dozen times. However, the point was to lose weight, and just cutting back did the trick. And giving up the fried foods also helps a lot.

    I’d think cutting back on booze in the summer would be really tough, with all the outdoor patios to enjoy a nice frosty one while basking in the heat. The Frying Pan is a great example, and also one of my favourite new watering holes.

  • I have had this conversation with friends SO many times. I feel like it’s near impossible to not drink in this city and still be social. Haven’t seen a friend in a while? Meet at a bar for drinks. Going on a date? A beer is definitely involved. Bored on a Saturday night? Ok, you can go to the movies, a book reading, etc, but if you’re trying to have conversation with friends, those kinds of things really don’t fly and coffee houses only stay open so late. It’s ridiculously frustrating and makes me wonder if I am just not being creative enough. The Twin and I went to Coney Island one night this week and that was perfect. No beer, lots of conversation and a ton of fun, but how often can you take the 45 minute train ride out there?

  • I took my fam to Yankee Stadium the other day. Because we just had bleacher seats (scalped for $20 ea., the game was sold out), there was no beer. However, it was still a ton of fun. Of course I was (quietly) rooting for the visting Mariners but the Yanks came through.

  • Sorry. For some reason, the previous comment[s] from you didn’t show up by the time I wrote my comment out here. Now I understand. Thanks.

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