27 Comments
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Libby Egnor's avatar

Of course you loved Cha-Cha Real Smooth, because you are the best! And as a long-time reader, I now call BS on all the talk about sagging body parts because your picture is pretty much a pin-up situation...

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Ana Crookston's avatar

Catherine, you look so beautiful in the top picture!!

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Alison Jenkins's avatar

Thanks for this -I enjoyed your Cup of Jo article. I quit drinking in January (like everyone else in the western world- SO unoriginal!) but haven't gone back to it yet. Some of my friends are sober and I enjoy that I can go out to a bar with them (we play trivia there) and none of us need to drink our faces off to have an awesome time. I miss the buzz of a good cocktail or glass of bourbon... but I didn't like feeling like I NEEDED it to have a good time.

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Alycia K.'s avatar

I’m right there with you!! I got sick at the end of December and accidentally did dry January, and now I’m still going. I’ve gone to karaoke, a few trivia nights, birthday parties, and a happy hour with my gym where I only knew one person (aka need a drink to feel comfortably usually) and I didn’t once miss having a drink at these events.

I also don’t feel any different physically but that’s likely because I wasn’t too heavy of a drinker as of a few years ago. (Hi hello getting hangovers after 2 drinks!) I do love the buzziness and taste of so many wonderfully made beers, wines, and cocktails but for now I’m ok without it.

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Nicole's avatar

Catherine, I saw some of myself in that piece. Thank you for writing about this experience with such humor and honesty. I love drinking but I know better and am giving myself the love and grace to get to where I need to be. Your piece of writing has stuck with me. Love and light to you on your journey.

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Nicola Kraus's avatar

Oh my gosh, you are the Bo Derek of cold plunging!

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Jenny K's avatar

many humans are delectable. live in your moment chickie. savor every bong rip.

[last sentence needs no edits, I think]

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Jojo B's avatar

Not the point but I love your bathing suit.

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Head Scullery Maid's avatar

I've experienced 50 years of happy hours. I've also quit drinking for a full year when I wasn't pregnant. Over the past couple years, I've been untangling myself from alcohol (and other addictions). I'm 63. It's my job now. Recovery is work and a superpower. You will find your way. (PS check out Annie Grace's Alcohol Experiment.)

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Sara's avatar

That article was just 🙏🏾🙌🏾🫶🏾. And that *must* be the bathing you reference as your fav sexy clothes from the article a couple of weeks ago on CoJ. You are leaping off the page with vitality! I never don’t feel sexy when I’m feeling that alive. Brava!

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Mary Harrison's avatar

I’m so thrilled to be here and to be getting regular content! I’ve tried to follow you wherever you go ever since I read Waiting for Birdy when I was pregnant with my daughter. I so appreciate your humor, humility, honesty, empathy — so many things. Around my house, you’ve been known for years as “my blog friend” when I reference something you’ve written — can’t wait to be able to read more! Thank you for sharing your voice with us!

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Heather's avatar

that's a clear and awesome result of me quitting drinking 9+ years ago - I no longer live with the ever-present strain and rending-of-spirit of wanting more. It is a relief.

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Corinne Brzeski's avatar

I want to comment to let you know how much that piece on Cup of Jo but I’m not sure what to say. I guess you said it for me.

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Kimberly.'s avatar

I loved the COJ piece. Thank you for writing that. I just ordered these De Soi non-alcoholic rose drinks, in case anyone else is interested. Happy weekend, everyone.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6RKXS6X?ref_=pe_386300_442618370_TE_sc_as_ri_0

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Angelique's avatar

Thank you for writing so honestly about drinking. It resonates. And I also loved Cha Cha Real Smooth! Saw it maybe a year ago and still thinking about it... admittedly I have a weakness for young-adult-coming-of-age stories (does that mean I am still stuck in that stage in my 50s?) but loved this one especially much. xo

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Amelia Wilson's avatar

I can totally relate to the yearning for another drink while drinking an actual drink. THIS is the exact reason I decided to stop drinking! I don't know if I could do your 2 drinks/week routine - I'm wondering if I may become a "drinks only on vacation" person...

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Michelle  Lorren's avatar

I agree. Moderation is too difficult for me. I am going for big social occasions or vacations….Maybe? Still trying to decide but I haven’t drank since January started.

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Amelia Wilson's avatar

I haven't had a drink since late December but am going on vacation next week - and have decided to allow myself the freedom to see how I feel about drinking, once I'm beachside...

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Cristen Hemmins's avatar

Ooohh thanks for the college movie, sounds great

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