July has been an interesting and busy month. Here's a recap of my month of July, which has been jam packed with craziness and a multitude of events. For example: A forced break from my consulting job. We had expected the final request for proposal due from the Air Force during the first week in July. Instead we got notice that it would appear no later than July 31. That meant we had to stop work until the RFP really did arrive. As a result I got three weeks of very welcomed freedom from proposal work. However, the RFP arrived on June 28 telling us that the proposal is due on September 11. That means I'm back to work until we deliver with my first assignment to cull twenty pages from the draft. I will also be responsible for getting the revised and shortened document ready for two more reviews and subsequent delivery. I've done it before and I'm confident I can do it again. I'll let you know how it all turns out. A physical therapy adventure. As a result of a fall in late May … [Read more...]
Is an alcohol free January right for you?
I've never forgotten the first time I decided to stop drinking alcohol during the month of January. It was the morning after a particularly boozy month of December and yet another boozy New Year's Eve party with friends in Santa Barbara. I felt so terrible that I declared to my husband that I needed a break. He felt the same way, and together we decided we'd abstain from all alcohol wine, beer, hard booze for the entire month. And it felt so good after that first fast, we actually added another month July. We decided to take an alcohol break every six months. We continued that tradition together for the next several years, and then he dropped out. But I was not dissuaded. Today, January 24, I'm twenty-four days into my 2015 fast. I'm pleased to say I've been alcohol free in January (and July) for the last twenty years at least. Now you must think that I'm quite a boozer otherwise. Actually I'm not. I drink a glass of wine or two most nights, but that's it. I never drink … [Read more...]
Conflicting studies about the goodness or badness of alcohol
About a year ago I wrote an article about the benefits of drinking red wine, and it was easy to find articles that virtually gave me permission to drink my favorite red zinfandels. Except for my twice-yearly wine fasts (I'm abstaining from drinking alcohol of any kind this month) just to cleanse the insides so to speak, I have a glass of wine every night. I was very glad to know that my red zin is actually good for me. I also quoted a couple of reputable sources: Prevention online published 8 Reasons to Love Red Wine, validating that drinking wine is definitely good for my body. Here's the list Lowers cholesterol the high-fiber Tempranillo grapes seems to help lower cholesterol Protects your heart ¦the antioxidants in red wine can help keep blood vessels flexible and reduce the risk of unwanted clotting, says John Folts, PhD, a professor of cardiovascular medicine and nutrition at the University of WisconsinMadison. Controls blood sugar red grape skins have a … [Read more...]
