Who else besides myself here is a non drinker (of alcohol)?
I never really got into it, even though all of my friends are huge drunks, and I have been Des driver for everyone for so long I just kept up with it. Don't really like the taste of most of it. It seems I am always the sober one of the group heh.
It does make me feel a lil out of place however , when everyone wishes to go to Pub Crawls, or parties and I am the only one not doing so.
My husband, Sir Edward is a non drinker and is the des driver, as is a good friend of ours Zaubon, but both seem to find ways to enjoy themselves :P
I myself am also an no-drinker of alcohol ;)
I too am on the wagon. I grew out of that in my early 30's. I was starting to feel bad on the mornings after even if I didn't drink too much the night before. That's not the thing for me any more.
Since my kidney transplant almost 5 years ago, I can have 2 drinks a week. Sometimes I do, other times, I may not have 2 drinks a month.
Drinking at faire isn't one of the reasons I attend. I love the shows, the atmosphere, walking around in garb, meeting friends. I have no problem being the only non-drinker. So the lack of alcohol has nothing to do with my enjoyment of faire.
Even though I'm underage, if I wanted to drink, I could. I just choose not to. Alcohol has had a really negative impact on my life so there's no real interest to drink more than a sip of Loki and a maybe a bottle of cider.
I still have an amazing time with my friends and faire-mily because they're the reason I go to faire.
I don't think I've ever drank more than 2 on any one occasion, and I usually don't have more than 2 drinks a month. (Sometimes it takes me 2 months to drink a 6-pack.) When I'm at Faire, it's usually too hot for alcohol, and we're not allowed to drink while performing. I've always been a big drinker of good ole H2O :)
I have no intrest in alcohol. I had a sip of my mom's mojito at home one time, and I thought it tasted bitter. The most I would have is a "fluffy" drink, like a mudslide or lava flow. They have just a leetle itty bitty bit of booze.
Not to mention I'm underage.
Quote from: Arsinoe Selene on August 10, 2008, 05:46:01 PM
I have no intrest in alcohol. I had a sip of my mom's mojito at home one time, and I thought it tasted bitter. The most I would have is a "fluffy" drink, like a mudslide or lava flow. They have just a leetle itty bitty bit of booze.
Not to mention I'm underage.
Better check your mudslide ingredients Arsinoe...vodka, kaluha, baileys...it will knock your socks off if you ever try it.
I think it's cool for people not to drink. I can go either way and I've been the DD many a time (including the Rendezvous in TN).
Here's another non-drinker!
Never liked the taste of it, or feeling like crap the next day, so it had little appeal for me.
Still find it fun to watch those that do.........;D
I drink a little at the faire, but, I know when to QUIT. I don't like the after morning effect either. I just don't do it, not worth it in the long run. A couple of drinks is it for me. Been doing it that way for years.
Quote from: festmum on August 10, 2008, 05:55:19 PM
Quote from: Arsinoe Selene on August 10, 2008, 05:46:01 PM
I have no intrest in alcohol. I had a sip of my mom's mojito at home one time, and I thought it tasted bitter. The most I would have is a "fluffy" drink, like a mudslide or lava flow. They have just a leetle itty bitty bit of booze.
Not to mention I'm underage.
Better check your mudslide ingredients Arsinoe...vodka, kaluha, baileys...it will knock your socks off if you ever try it.
I think it's cool for people not to drink. I can go either way and I've been the DD many a time (including the Rendezvous in TN).
Huh, I thought they had one at Bubba Gump's. Guess not. Well, it would be something fluffy. They have a lava flow.
I would check before I got anything, though.
Quote from: remission on August 10, 2008, 09:08:37 AM
Who else besides myself here is a non drinker (of alcohol)?
I never really got into it, even though all of my friends are huge drunks, and I have been Des driver for everyone for so long I just kept up with it. Don't really like the taste of most of it. It seems I am always the sober one of the group heh.
It does make me feel a lil out of place however , when everyone wishes to go to Pub Crawls, or parties and I am the only one not doing so.
Never really learned to like the taste. I may the occasional mixed drink (ie, a rum and coke). or mead if I can find the good stuff. While I will make Loki, I have a tot of it in hot chocolate in the winter. No beer, no wine, no hard liquor. I think the most I ever had was one entire bottle of LOKI - over ONE WHOLE YEAR.
Don't need the stuff to get the giggles or get happy - so why waste it???
Capt Marga
Don't drink but it's good for marinade.
I'm a very rare drinker, the last drink I had was half a cup of mead at MNRF last year, the other half went to my husband, who drinks as much as I do. When I do drink its usually shot of schnapps and then I have to get the guts to do it. I do shots of Nyquil better than alcohol.
Even though I make mead and cider I don't really drink, I just don't see the point of binge drinking and intentionally getting drunk. I've actually been told that I'm one of the weirdest 20 year olds ever (I take it as a complement!)
Sir Morgan and I rarely drink. I got it all out of my system when I turned 21. Now that I'm way past that it doesn't matter to me if I have one or not. He doesn't like the taste of alcohol. The most that he drinks is a Smirnoff Twisted once in a very great while.
It's good to know not every one at faires drinks. I have never had a drink of alcohol and I don't plan to. There is alcoholism on both sides of my extended family and there is no way I am taking that risk. I like knowing what's going on around me, rather than being drunk. Alcohol consumption is the cause of many accidents, break ups in relationships, memory disfunction, crimes, etc. I know there are people that can drink and not have a problem with it and I am fine with that. It's not worth it to me.
A near non-drinker here! I never developed a taste for alcohol. The last alcoholic beverage I had was .. hm .. over a year ago and I have no idea what it was. I like a mixed drink (mojitos!) on occasion. A wine cooler or the rum equivalent is also nice once in a while. I don't like beer or regular wine. I tried mead once but can't remember if I liked it or not. The stronger the flavour of alcohol - the less I like the drink.
I also have alcoholism in the family (everyone is sober now, yay!) and I'd rather not go down that road.
Ah, many replies hehe I ddi not expect that many :)
It's good to see I'm not the only one.
It depends on what you call a "NON-Drinker" If you say it's someone that NEVER has a drink then, I'm not that person. I will on occasion have a beer, or a glass of wine or a wine cooler. I have maybe 1 maybe 2 in a 2 or 3 week time frame and almost always at home.
I do not drink at faire at all because of last year. Toki and I had a beer and then ate some cheese bread. We both thought we were going to die as the beer and bread expanded so bad. We ended up drinking a ton of iced tea and lemonade to offset the affects.
I had my days of partying in the 80's and early 90's and had many times of waking up with a hang over. I hate that feeling. Now days even after drinking 1 I can feel the effects and feel dizzy for a little while. It's not worth it to me and I don't like the feeling, let alone the cost.
So if you call someone who has a glass of beer or wine and who doesn't drink more than 2 at any given time, with a total of maybe 4 in a month if even that, then I guess I'm a non-drinker.
I'm not really into drinking.
Three whole seasons at MDRF and I think I've had a grand total of three alcoholic drinks. A "mixed" wine drink, a mead, and a cider. I usually go straight for the water or soda (it's cheaper, too!).
I've got a bottle of Bailey's I keep at home and have a bit of from time to time, and a bottle of (really really good) vodka I keep in the freezer for when people visit. But I see no point in drinking by myself and even when I go out with friends I usually have all of one (girly) drink. I don't care to get drunk, so I just get the tasty drinks.
Though, for the record? Coconut rum with cherry coke is very tasty.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 11, 2008, 09:38:24 AM
It depends on what you call a "NON-Drinker" If you say it's someone that NEVER has a drink then, I'm not that person. I will on occasion have a beer, or a glass of wine or a wine cooler. I have maybe 1 maybe 2 in a 2 or 3 week time frame and almost always at home.
I do not drink at faire at all because of last year. Toki and I had a beer and then ate some cheese bread. We both thought we were going to die as the beer and bread expanded so bad. We ended up drinking a ton of iced tea and lemonade to offset the affects.
I had my days of partying in the 80's and early 90's and had many times of waking up with a hang over. I hate that feeling. Now days even after drinking 1 I can feel the effects and feel dizzy for a little while. It's not worth it to me and I don't like the feeling, let alone the cost.
So if you call someone who has a glass of beer or wine and who doesn't drink more than 2 at any given time, with a total of maybe 4 in a month if even that, then I guess I'm a non-drinker.
I myself have never had more then 2 bottles of any alcohol in my life, and I think that was 1 shot of Snapes, and a bottle of Smiernoff Ice lol.. And those 2 bottles lasted the whole night lol and then some. I've never been drunk. Also never used any drugs , which people are suprised given that all my friends use or drink somthing at parties and clubs.
Another non-drinker who never liked the taste--or the behaviors that result from overindulgence. I've never liked bar/pub atmospheres either for a variety of reasons (not tolerating smoke being a big one). I go to faire to watch and mingle with other oddballs, watch performances, ogle merchandise. No drinking required for enjoyment. ;)
I don't like the alcoholic aspect of faire but understand that beer companies are often sponsors or pay top dollar to vend.
I drink only very, VERY rarely, and then not much. The occasional Guinness, or sometimes a bit of those flavoured fruit wines...but I've never been drunk in my life (nor do I ever plan to be).
I, too, prefer to be aware of what goes on around me and what I do. My reasons for going to Faire are to see my favourite shows, see all my Faire friends, shop...all of which, like Tremayne said, require no drinking for enjoyment. :)
i don't drink some of my friends know why i stir clear of it and most of my friends drink because they want to but not in excessively or i wouldn't be aroudn them.
In the topic of drinking for the feeling of being drunk, I don't need booze to get me loopy like I was drunk.
If I get good exercise the day before (get something done, like totally re-arrainging my room...), get a good night's sleep, I will be bouncing off the walls, totally ADD. Did that recently in Cost Plus and a furniture store. It was great fun. Irritated my parents to no end, I think. ;D
Put me with my best friend, get us good and awake, all is lost. :D
Since I am my own designated driver, I limit each "outside drink" to one, maybe two drinkies per event, and may enjoy a swig of rum in the evening or a boat drink (or more) - I love boat drinks on the weekend.
Quote from: remission on August 11, 2008, 10:30:22 AM
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 11, 2008, 09:38:24 AM
It depends on what you call a "NON-Drinker" If you say it's someone that NEVER has a drink then, I'm not that person. I will on occasion have a beer, or a glass of wine or a wine cooler. I have maybe 1 maybe 2 in a 2 or 3 week time frame and almost always at home.
I do not drink at faire at all because of last year. Toki and I had a beer and then ate some cheese bread. We both thought we were going to die as the beer and bread expanded so bad. We ended up drinking a ton of iced tea and lemonade to offset the affects.
I had my days of partying in the 80's and early 90's and had many times of waking up with a hang over. I hate that feeling. Now days even after drinking 1 I can feel the effects and feel dizzy for a little while. It's not worth it to me and I don't like the feeling, let alone the cost.
So if you call someone who has a glass of beer or wine and who doesn't drink more than 2 at any given time, with a total of maybe 4 in a month if even that, then I guess I'm a non-drinker.
I myself have never had more then 2 bottles of any alcohol in my life, and I think that was 1 shot of Snapes, and a bottle of Smiernoff Ice lol.. And those 2 bottles lasted the whole night lol and then some. I've never been drunk. Also never used any drugs , which people are suprised given that all my friends use or drink somthing at parties and clubs.
Drugs now I have never ever, ever done which is funny considering I used to play in an all original Heavy Metal band (Think Iron Maiden meets Judas Priest, Meets Dream Theater, meets Metallica) While drinking and metal go hand in hand, the bands I was in keep it out of music while playing. Afterwards or on nights we didn't play, different story.
I can remember one incedent I had one night after having two beers before a show we played. it was the only time I had more than 1 before going on to play (It calms the nervous to drink 1) So this night I drank two. I got an extra wild hair and started to spin around on stage while playing my guitar on stage. I got over dizzy, lost balance and fell on my butt. It was the funnist thing ever for the band. I layed their on the floor laughing my rear off, but kept right on playing the song never missing a beat. While I was not drunk in the slightest after those two beers, it was the last time I drank anything even to calm nervous before a show.
I looked at my music as a job as did the other members, so we don't get drunk on the job. But after a show a beer (Yes 1 or 2) was OK as long as you stayed sober.
I've never drunk Non. What does it taste like? :D
This is a good group to know when looking for a D/D
I'm usually a 2 drink maximum, then it's back to water, and tea/coffee.
However, I am developing a taste for Captain Morgan...It's Serena's fault ;),she got me started, at Red Lobster...And I'm totally grateful! ;D
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on August 11, 2008, 06:19:12 PM
I've never drunk Non. What does it taste like? :D
BOL. JACK, you naughty pirate.
Now, Back on topic, I cannot say I'm a non-drinker, but I can sympathize and empathize with those that state they do not. I am a recovering alcoholic with 24 years of sobriety under me belt. Does that mean I do not drink at all? No, I still drink BUT, I no longer live in the bottle and tend to limit myself to one or two, I have been known to tie one on, but I do not drink every day all day like I did oh so many years ago.
I drink in moderation, but having grown up among alcoholics I totally respect those who choose not to drink, whatever their reasons.
At one time, I tried to drink 'till I fell off the floor...wound up clinging to it for dear life, instead. :-X
I never was much of a drinker, but have quit completely since developing type 2 diabetes. Alcohol does really weird things to your blood sugar. Since I want to keep my fingers and toes, and everything in between, I gave up my 2-3 drinks a year.
Don't really miss them, but ice cream... That's a different story. :(
Randal
Quote from: Tremayne on August 11, 2008, 11:03:31 AM
Another non-drinker who never liked the taste--or the behaviors that result from overindulgence. I've never liked bar/pub atmospheres either for a variety of reasons (not tolerating smoke being a big one). I go to faire to watch and mingle with other oddballs, watch performances, ogle merchandise. No drinking required for enjoyment. ;)
I don't like the alcoholic aspect of faire but understand that beer companies are often sponsors or pay top dollar to vend.
Ditto. I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair. I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)
As much as I joke about it and have many "virtual drinks" here, I actually don't drink much, maybe a drink once or twice a month. At faire, I may have 1 cider, but often times not even that. Alcoholism runs in my family on both sides and I have no desire to go that route. :P
Quote from: gem on August 13, 2008, 12:55:33 PM
Quote from: Tremayne on August 11, 2008, 11:03:31 AM
Another non-drinker who never liked the taste--or the behaviors that result from overindulgence. I've never liked bar/pub atmospheres either for a variety of reasons (not tolerating smoke being a big one). I go to faire to watch and mingle with other oddballs, watch performances, ogle merchandise. No drinking required for enjoyment. ;)
I don't like the alcoholic aspect of faire but understand that beer companies are often sponsors or pay top dollar to vend.
Ditto. I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair. I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)
Yes, I know. I feel almost excluded because I'm not one of the people drinking and everyone else is. My friend works at a pirate tavern and somtimes I feel like Im not as welcome, just because I order ice tea, then others that order pitchers of whatever liqour they want to get wasted on that night.
I enjoy drinking- but when I go to fair by myself- I have to be the designated driver. One drinkie is not easy- but I love my Meowmobile- dent free!
I am still searching for another designated driver- so I can go back to designated drunk! LOL!
Faire is fun no matter what you drink! Or Don't!
Quote from: Queen Bonnie on August 13, 2008, 07:43:43 PM
I enjoy drinking- but when I go to fair by myself- I have to be the designated driver. One drinkie is not easy- but I love my Meowmobile- dent free!
I am still searching for another designated driver- so I can go back to designated drunk! LOL!
Faire is fun no matter what you drink! Or Don't!
You said it! ;D
Quote from: gem on August 13, 2008, 12:55:33 PM
Ditto. I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair. I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)
If thats all people were interested in, there would be nothing but talk about beer, and pubs! I've never thought that. There is too much going for the faire to solely think that. IMO. Maybe some do, they REALLY have a warped view of the faire. We know there are some of those people out there.
I usually don't drink much at fest. Had a few issues with that. I do drink outside of fest. My fiancee hardly drinks outside of fest but does drink at fest so... I have a driver outside of fest and she has one at fest.
Works for us.
Quote from: remission on August 13, 2008, 04:54:34 PM
Quote from: gem on August 13, 2008, 12:55:33 PM
Quote from: Tremayne on August 11, 2008, 11:03:31 AM
Another non-drinker who never liked the taste--or the behaviors that result from overindulgence. I've never liked bar/pub atmospheres either for a variety of reasons (not tolerating smoke being a big one). I go to faire to watch and mingle with other oddballs, watch performances, ogle merchandise. No drinking required for enjoyment. ;)
I don't like the alcoholic aspect of faire but understand that beer companies are often sponsors or pay top dollar to vend.
Ditto. I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair. I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)
Yes, I know. I feel almost excluded because I'm not one of the people drinking and everyone else is. My friend works at a pirate tavern and somtimes I feel like Im not as welcome, just because I order ice tea, then others that order pitchers of whatever liqour they want to get wasted on that night.
Well, from a merchant's perspective, you're taking up space that a steady drinker could occupy, while drinking something which is much less profitable for him (even if they don't give free refills, I'm guessing it's unlikely that you'll be ordering half a dozen ice teas during the course of an evening). It's not fair, but it's true.
From the perspective of the other people drinking, there is often a sense of anxiety about why the sober person isn't drinking. Is it for religious reasons, in which case, does the non-drinker think I'm sinning (or going to hell) when I drink? Does the non-drinker consider drinking to be stupid, meaning that they may be judging me for my behavior (either for drinking in the first place or acting drunk afterwards)? Granted, a whole lot of drinkers couldn't care less, but there are more than a few who do. To put it in non-drinking terms, imagine going out to a restaurant with a whole group of friends, while one person at the table sits there the whole time and sips water. Regardless of the reason for the abstinence, questions will be asked, and probably a few people will feel a bit uncomfortable.
I feel a bit lucky in that I can tell people that I'm a "retired professional drinker". That lets people know that I don't have any opinions or judgments about alcohol other than I personally can't handle the stuff. Also, a lot of people are often sympathetic to my non-drinking after hearing that. Still, there are always a few who "wish" I could still drink, or try to figure out a way I could "get away" with drinking again.
My home faire is very much a drinking faire, and what the regulars can't buy at faire they often bring in. Hardly a day goes by when somebody doesn't offer me a slug out of this or that flask, to which I politely say "No thanks". For some, saying sober at faire wouldn't be faire at all, others spend the whole day talking without seeing a single show, and still others read a book, sew or make lace all day, never stirring from the quiet spot by a tree they sat down at first thing in the morning. I learned a long time ago not to judge how others choose to enjoy their faire day.
Wisely put will paisley.
I'm disappointed to hear that people would even ask why, Will, but sadly I suppose some do. Personally, I don't; "No thanks" doesn't need an explanation. :)
Its much easier to play an inebriated pirate than to be one. That bein said, I can't stand beer or booze anyways. If bein' a Non breaks some social custom or tradition thats just too bad, sue me ;D
I have way too much fun pouring it into others and watching them to ever want to join them in that state again.
Besides, they still haven't made enough alcohol to satisfy me. I'll stick with my non and enjoy the show.
Maybe one cider at faire, and it lasts for hours, like Taffy I'm my own designated driver. I may put a little nip into a soda back at the hotel, and at home I'll take a week to drink a bottle of wine. Do enjoy a good single-malt scotch, but again, at most 2 shots almost always at home (Bars are SO EXPENSIVE!).
I've gone weeks without even thinking about a drink, then other times I'll drink up a six pack in a week, it all depends. I also wish there were an alternative to taking up a paying customer's place. While wouldn't mind having a beer, the idea of parking myself at the pub and downing drinks all day isn't my idea of how to spend faire. No offense to those who do, to each their own, as long as there's someone keeping an eye on them for out-of-bounds behaviour, and the person behind the wheel when they leave is Stone Cold Sober. Friends don't let friends make us call security.
Dayna
oh man, the taste and smell of alcohol make me sick to my stomach. Hence, I don't drink. Even wine and champaign are just well...yucky. 22 and zero interest in ever drinking.
A shirley temple however...ohh man, seriously, drink of the gods!! *never* see those at faire! SAD!!
I'm not going to lie, I have my flask of rum, and I have been known to hit it more than once during the course of a day at Fest, but I start off with coffee and graduate to fizzy water. Being that wasted in the heat is Yikes! Uncomfortable to say the least, and puts an extra wallop into a hangover.
I use to drink but the combination of depression and medication has made me all kinds of sober which is normally alright but I'm going to miss mead!
I haven't had a drink since I started having surgeries. Pain meds and booze just are not something I want to mix.
Besides I have enough health problem to give anything else a chance to go to pots.
I am generally a non drinker though occasionally I do like a bit of mead at faire, however, since I rarely imbide alcohol generally hits me very fast and hard. The heat combined with alcohol are not my friend so if I do have a mead it's almost always during cooler weather.
Quote from: theferret on August 21, 2008, 05:17:34 PM
I use to drink but the combination of depression and medication has made me all kinds of sober which is normally alright but I'm going to miss mead!
I was sober for two years, without intending to be so, while I was on the anti-depressants. Because of the side effects, I went back to being a full-time functional alcoholic. It's way better than the happy pills, and without something, I'm a bundle of rage looking for an outlet.
I'm a non-drinker. I don't care for the taste... in fact, my 1 year wedding anniversary just rolled around on Monday and we were given a bottle of apparently very expensive champagne at our wedding to drink for our anniversary (I don't know wine and champagne... I just know the bottle says....
Champagne
Brut
Perrier-Joue
Fleur De Champagne
1995
and it is a pretty handpainted bottle. ANYWHO.....
Our anniversary rolled around and we pulled out the bottle, poured a flute and well... I only took a sip for our toast. I didn't want the rest. I didn't like it at all. UGH
Quote from: FortuneRose on August 29, 2008, 09:10:12 AM
I'm a non-drinker. I don't care for the taste... in fact, my 1 year wedding anniversary just rolled around on Monday and we were given a bottle of apparently very expensive champagne at our wedding to drink for our anniversary (I don't know wine and champagne... I just know the bottle says....
Champagne
Brut
Perrier-Joue
Fleur De Champagne
1995
and it is a pretty handpainted bottle. ANYWHO.....
Our anniversary rolled around and we pulled out the bottle, poured a flute and well... I only took a sip for our toast. I didn't want the rest. I didn't like it at all. UGH
From a recent wine auction:
1995 Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne Brut , "LOW STRATING OFFER" "PLEASE VIEW MY OTHER LOTS"
status: CLOSED
current: US$65.00 - No Reserve!
buy it! price: US$110.00
time past closing: 934 days, 12 hours
10 minutes
2/6/06 10:40P EST
Quote from: Poof Bird on August 21, 2008, 01:01:50 AM
oh man, the taste and smell of alcohol make me sick to my stomach. Hence, I don't drink. Even wine and champaign are just well...yucky. 22 and zero interest in ever drinking.
A shirley temple however...ohh man, seriously, drink of the gods!! *never* see those at faire! SAD!!
I love shirley temples! Grew up drinking those things.
As for myself, I do drink, barely not very often and only in eccess when I am around people I trust completely. Which only happens about once a year. From the age of 21 (...or before ::) ) until about 24, I did not have a single drink.
Beer, never! Hate that stuff!
Generally, I don't drink that much. Although, I'll admit I love the tast of good beer, ale, cidar, and wine.
But isn't it a well-established fact that people who lived in the Middle Ages and Renaissance drank considerably more than today?
Well, chances are, it was safer than the water...
Quote from: FortuneRose on August 29, 2008, 09:10:12 AM
I'm a non-drinker. I don't care for the taste... in fact, my 1 year wedding anniversary just rolled around on Monday and we were given a bottle of apparently very expensive champagne at our wedding to drink for our anniversary (I don't know wine and champagne... I just know the bottle says....
Champagne
Brut
Perrier-Joue
Fleur De Champagne
1995
and it is a pretty handpainted bottle. ANYWHO.....
Our anniversary rolled around and we pulled out the bottle, poured a flute and well... I only took a sip for our toast. I didn't want the rest. I didn't like it at all. UGH
Fortunerose,
A couple of points which may be helpful here - Not everyone who drinks, can drink anything. There are a lot of folks who imbibe on occasion who have problems with some forms of alcholic drinks. In this case the term *Brut* is key - it indicates a relatively dry wine as the base, which points to low sugar and high acidity. Some people do not handle this combination well (including my wife). My wife does drink, but has a sensitive stomach - dry white wines (including Brut Champagnes) turn her stomach, but sweet white wines are OK. If ( and only if) you do want to see if something appeals to you, you might want to try a sip of a sweet German white wine (a Reisling or maybe an Auselese). Mind you, this is only if you want to try it. I have no desire to push you to drink if you do not want to.
The other point is that no responsible drinker is going to hold it against you that you don't drink, so long as you don't make a big deal about it. In a toast to the bride, you can raise the glass to your lips, not drink a thing, and no one's going to check the level of your glass when you set it down. Heck, if possible see if you can get tonic water in your glass rather than champagne, and I can assure you, nobody's going to raise a fuss. I drink, but I also drive and that means I spend a lot of time during the second half of parties with a glass of tonic water or straight Coke in my hand. No one has ever questioned me, or even looked cross-eyed. Believe me, you don't have to drink booze to be part of the party. No one, whose opinion you should care about, is keeping score.
Quote from: Frederic on August 30, 2008, 07:44:43 PM
Quote from: FortuneRose on August 29, 2008, 09:10:12 AM
I'm a non-drinker. I don't care for the taste... in fact, my 1 year wedding anniversary just rolled around on Monday and we were given a bottle of apparently very expensive champagne at our wedding to drink for our anniversary (I don't know wine and champagne... I just know the bottle says....
Champagne
Brut
Perrier-Joue
Fleur De Champagne
1995
and it is a pretty handpainted bottle. ANYWHO.....
Our anniversary rolled around and we pulled out the bottle, poured a flute and well... I only took a sip for our toast. I didn't want the rest. I didn't like it at all. UGH
Fortunerose,
A couple of points which may be helpful here - Not everyone who drinks, can drink anything. There are a lot of folks who imbibe on occasion who have problems with some forms of alcholic drinks. In this case the term *Brut* is key - it indicates a relatively dry wine as the base, which points to low sugar and high acidity. Some people do not handle this combination well (including my wife). My wife does drink, but has a sensitive stomach - dry white wines (including Brut Champagnes) turn her stomach, but sweet white wines are OK. If ( and only if) you do want to see if something appeals to you, you might want to try a sip of a sweet German white wine (a Reisling or maybe an Auselese). Mind you, this is only if you want to try it. I have no desire to push you to drink if you do not want to.
The other point is that no responsible drinker is going to hold it against you that you don't drink, so long as you don't make a big deal about it. In a toast to the bride, you can raise the glass to your lips, not drink a thing, and no one's going to check the level of your glass when you set it down. Heck, if possible see if you can get tonic water in your glass rather than champagne, and I can assure you, nobody's going to raise a fuss. I drink, but I also drive and that means I spend a lot of time during the second half of parties with a glass of tonic water or straight Coke in my hand. No one has ever questioned me, or even looked cross-eyed. Believe me, you don't have to drink booze to be part of the party. No one, whose opinion you should care about, is keeping score.
Thats good to know.. I had no idea it was dry... yup, that would probably explain why I didn't care in the very least for it. It wasn't very fruity so I just tasted the bitterness of it. I would be interested in finding a fruitier wine or champagne to try... I'll have to remember those you mentioned!
FortuneRose,
If you are looking for a sparkling wine (a champagne substitute) try a white or rose Lambrusco. It is sweeter, and a lot easier on a sensative stomach - just so long as you remember that its just as strong as the champagne.
Also an Asti Spumante such as Balletore (spelling?). I'm rather fond of the rose.
Dayna
I've only drank once this season at Fest, and I prefer it that way. I get tired enough being out in the sun walking around all day without adding to that with alcohol. Plus I don't like beer, and wine isn't really the best to drink at Fest. I like mead, but I think it might have made me sick last year so I'm a little afraid of it...
My girlfriend is a former addict and now works in alcohol/drug abuse counseling. She doesn't drink at all, and because of her, I choose not to either. It hasn't hindered our faire-fun in the least; we're still free to engage in our other addiction: shopping!
Besides, the biggest thing about faires for me is the joy of getting decked out in arms and armour and tromping around as a Celtic warrior all day.
It's just as well... I'm such a sucker for Ren-women... what few inhibitions I do have are there for a reason! ;D
I never drink during faire hours at a faire I work....alcohol and firearms don't mix. As we demonstrate both canons and pistols it's just not something we do.
Even when I do go as a patron to a faire....I drink very minimally. Heat, walking all day....nah, I'd rather be hydrated. After hours drinking or at parties, I drink some, but I haven't been drunk in many a year and plan to keep it that way.
i do drink, however i also call myself a non-drinker or a light drinker.. i will have 1 maybe 2 beer or ciders at faire, but its the same when i go out with friends to bars.. no more then 2 and i dont do shots period.. after that is all pop and water the rest of the day/night as i am the dd every time for the last 4 years.. but 2 or 3 times a year i do have a few occasions i drink heavily, and 1 is always planned as its a yearly event, no not my birthday.
that being said its not cause i dont like to drink or have a problem with it cause i like it alot.. especially if its a white russian, my favorite drink.. but i basically grew out of it.. there was a 1 year time period back when i was 19-20 that i drank at least 3 beers or liqour drinks literally everyday for 361 days.. got boring.. and i prefer to be the dd so my friends dont get stupid and try to drive, which they have and it has never turned out good.
it does get annoying though being bugged about not drinking with them all or not wanting to partake in a swig of this or that, that they might have with them though but its all good.
A sip of bubbly for a toast at a wedding or a single shot at a wake is it for me. I am a bit surprised at the number of folks that do not partake.
Another non-drinker here! Just never developed a taste for it.
Faire is the only place I do drink! (or other ren-like gatherings)
Only if the kids aren't with me. And I can have about 2 woodchuck ciders or Arbour Mists before I'm done. I like the euphoria, especially at faire, because I'm usually extremely shy.
But other than that, I don't drink at all.
I used to start my day with a double shot of 151, a cigarette, and a joint, then getting out of bed. That was a long time ago, and I really didn't care for the direction my life took at that time. I can still drink a bottle of wine, or a number of beers and get all warm and fuzzy.
Now, I have a drink maybe four times a year, and multiple drinks once or twice. I've had a mead at faire once or twice in the last few years, but one will last me a good long while. At the earlier faires of the season around here, meads now even readily available (all beer and whiskey).
Ah, well... its more fun to just make and taste.
I am definately not the one to pick for a D/D after a faire hehe..i think i tried every alcohol they served over the weekend at PRF...and was know at the pub by the end of the day LOL!
Hi everyone ! :D
Nice to see I'm not so alone in being a non-drinker / light drinker.
I drink about 3 / 4 times a year. Usually sweet / fruity drink (Amaretto sour, 1/2 of a wine cooler, 2 sips of Long I. I. Tea)..of which I don't drink much, because I want to remain clear headed. Like when I used to go to the bar, I"d go to dance/socialiaze. I need my wits about me. So I stick to Coke, orange juice, cranberry juice, water (can't stand beer). I don't drink at Festival. I have a 45 minuter ride home on the freeway, which I want to do sober. I wouldn't mind loosening up my (sometimes) nervousness/shyness with a sip of liquor....but not a lot. I don't want any :-X secrets to come out.
(and I wouldn't drink in our hot/ humid Michigan weather, either.)
Happy summer !........---Shannon---------------The Colonial Peddler
I'm a non-drinker. Just don't see the appeal. However, I love drinking songs, especially when sung by the Jolly Rogers! :-) Drop of Nelson's Blood, Beer Beer Beer, One For the Road--all great JR drinking songs. I always toast and "participate" in the drinking with my water bottle during Faire shows!
Helloo, another non drinker here, well a non drinker at faire usually. My Local faire only serves Beer (YUCK) & most wines served at other faires are never sweet enough.
If out & about, I do imbibe usually a mudslide, or something fruity. When I get the constant giggles I quit.
I've never had any alcohol. It just doesn't interest me at all. I've been to parties where everyone is getting drunk and acting like lunatics, and it makes me certain that I don't want to join them. I can have tons of fun without alcohol. Plus, I have a really big thing with control, and I like to be in control of myself at all times (no downhills skiing for me!) so that plays a big part. But I turned 21 5 months ago, and since then, especially, I feel like I'm always having to convince people that, no, I don't want to drink.
Also, I'm pretty much always the driver, because I like driving. And I tend to go exploring places by myself. (Especially this summer.) My friends at school don't do much drinking, either, but all my coworkers up here seem like they go out to a bar or a party every night. And that's just not for me. It kind of sucks, though, since I do theatre, and that seems to be a favorite pasttime, but I'm fine in my sobriety.
I agree, drinking has too many unknown elements to it. I've probably had 4oz of alcohol in my life.
Hubby and I went to a wine tasting and walked out with 2 cases of grape juice!
Just a funny story to boost the fun without alcohol point...
My church had a valentines dinner and hired a swing band for entertainment. EVERYONE was on the floor dancing; old, young, didn't matter. We kept begging the band to play longer. Since it's church, of course, no drinks. At one point they said they had never seen a group of people have so much fun, especially without alcohol. They were supposed to leave at 9pm or something but agreed to keep playing because we were having so much fun. I think we finally wore THEM out at 10:30pm! :D
I'm 45 and I did my share of drinking, however in the last 5 -6 years it has lost it's appeal. I just don't like the way it makes me feel. My husband of 28 years never drinks he's maybe had a 6 beers in his life. I want to see what's going on around me with open eyes and a clear head it's better to enjoy the show of life :) nothing more fun then being sober and watching people drink and get stupider and stupider as the night progress's it's even better if you have a camera :)
ROFL shandi, you and ur camera would have fun with me and my crew then LOL!
1. Never felt the need to drink (or use) to have a good time.
2. Now I've got several meds that say no alcohol.
3. At Faire, alcohol dehydrates. (Although a number of vendors prefer the greater tendency to spend if folks have had a bit.)
But I don't think I'm someone else's keeper. If someone wants to drink, that's ok as long as their drinking doesn't get in the way of my enjoyment and they stay away from behind the wheel.
this is so nice to talk to other party people that don't drink!
I'm working the TRF this year for the first time. Looking forward to making new friends and meeting new people. Come see me at the "Wee People Shop"
had a devilish thought:...though I'm not a drinker, wouldn't it be nice if Cute-guy-I-dated-in-college was at Fest sometime, was a little drunk, and kissed me? that would make up for me having missed out on having dated him longer in my youth. sigh!
I've been a non drinker for 15 years now and I still have a blast at parties. I own a D.J. service and people at the parties I work at can't be leave that I don't drink with all the free booze.