A NEW JOURNEY ON A WAGON

Sometime in September I decided to quit drinking. People naturally ask why, and it's difficult to answer that question. What I tell them is that wine was becoming too important in my life -- i.e. it was controlling me instead of the other way around. But what has been very interesting to me is others' reaction to this news.

Most people have been very supportive. My family, in particular, has been wonderful and encouraging in this endeavor. I tell them to continue drinking in my presence --it really doesn't bother me, and most do. I still have a great time at parties, and lo and behold, the next day I remember what happened at them.

On the other hand, there have been those who are uncomfortable with my decision and have avoided me like the Plague. One couple whom we used to see almost every weekend has quit calling us. The last three times we were with them the husband said several times, "You're just no fun anymore." So it looks like we have actually lost friends over this.

The other night we dropped by the club for a sandwich in the lounge and ran into another couple we hadn't seen in a while. The wife for some reason always announces to whomever she is with that she is only having one glass of wine because she is driving. She refers to it several time during the conversation throughout the evening. I was used to that, but this time when I announced that I had quit, both of them were very interested. The husband, who drinks quite a bit himself, was very supportive, but the wife couldn't let it go.

She continued to ask me about my decision, plying me with questions. Finally, she said, "You just have to make up your mind ahead of time and have only one glass!"

I felt like saying, "Been there, done that, my dear; it just doesn't work!" But instead, I said, "I would really like to do that, but once I have one, I relax and my resistance goes south and before I know it, I've had three!"

With that, she tapped her head and replied, "It's all up here."

How do you answer that?!!

I graciously decided to let it drop and enjoy my meal!!