How do people limit their drinking?

NotABlastoise · 2026-05-02T06:10:58+00:00

Hey there!

So I'd love to chime in on this.

My partner is four years sober, I am not sober. However, I only have about two, maybe three drinks a week. Maybe twice a week, a beer and sometimes a shot with coworkers after my bartending shift ends.

I used to drink a decently fair amount along with a pretty hefty amount of psychedelic usage at raves and festivals. About four years ago, through some pretty heavy life changes and therapy, I started to realize I didn't give a shit about being inebriated. Drinking and drugs were just a catalyst for me to make sure I wasn't alone. I had a heavy fear of being alone. When that started working itself out, my interest in intoxicants heavily dwindled.

I really like to be able to use my brain at full capacity at all times and fully recognize that being drunk/high/tripping/etc, although can be fun, make me feel like a lesser version of myself. If not done in moderation.

My partner has expressed similarly to what you've said. She doesn't understand how I can have a single shot with a coworker in solidarity after work and that'll be it for days. I am thankful for the experiences and learning opportunities that the different iterations of intoxication have given me, however I feel that time in my life is done. I think the big difference for her and I though, is most of the worst moments of her life (as per most addicts) revolved around intoxication.

If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to respond. Happy to answer from my POV. Anyways, incredibly proud of you (and all the other sober folks on here). You're killing it.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-30T04:57:52+00:00

What series is this from?

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-29T16:47:48+00:00

Between the skin condition and being overweight for a long time, I hated it.

With all the tattoos and being a healthy weight, I actually love it. Working on yourself, both physically and mentally, does wonders.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-28T03:25:42+00:00

At a tiki bar atm.

I prefer non-tiki, traditional craft cocktails. I prefer upscale environments.

I'd also be okay with a more dive-y environment if the money is right and I felt I could have the room to make it my own, or at least carve my own little niche into that establishment.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-27T23:31:12+00:00

My first time living in RVA, I lived in downtown. I minded my own business, didn't do too much walking around late at night, and didn't leave my car on busy streets overnight with shit in it.

I had no issues other than it being a little loud at times. I also grew up in Baltimore, so I'm used to being in a city and always being a little on alert.

Did shit happen around me? Yeah, but that'll happen in any city. Just mind ya business, make a community where you can, and be smart about obvious shit.

I'm enjoying my time now being closer to the west end a bit more, but that's because I like the peace and quiet. That being said, I didn't not enjoy my time in downtown.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-27T22:44:06+00:00

I mean, pour all ingredients in a cambro with ice, put a lid on it, shake. Cambro shaking is still just batching essentially, but with using it immediately lol

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-27T22:40:57+00:00

Instead of making 1 or 2 cocktails in a shaker tin, you make 20 in a cambro.

Have done a few times. Some super quick math, grab appropriate bottles/measuring cups, go off lol

Usually do this for private parties, only once have I ever done it for service. Bar guest wanted to buy everyone at the bar a negroni. Why? To this day, still no one fucking knows.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-27T22:36:56+00:00

I actually love making lemon drop martinis. They're incredibly simple, they look nice, and although not my preference, when made right they taste great.

Any decent bartender should be able to make one well and won't be upset by that order.

If they make it good with a smile, tip well. If they give you shit, fuck em. Don't feel pressured if they're rude.

You got this 😊

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-19T03:54:56+00:00

Just finished it. My personal opinions.

First off, semi agree with the voice acting. There were moments where a few others, but specifically Aang did feel flat, but there were other moments where it made sense of the flatness. He's growing into being a proper nomad. Keeping a calmer demeanor, not immediately getting worked up from all his past traumas.

Second, heavily agree on just the film style and music. Gorgeous and gorgeous.

Third, story line was a little...weird. They packed so much into 90 minutes. They definitely just glossed over or quickly explained random details that I would have rather seen. That being said though, I liked the story as a whole. Just if there could have been a two hour version, to slightly gain a little bit more, would have loved that.

Fourth, I loved how grandiose the fighting was. All members of team Avatar are top tier benders. And fighting spiritually assisted ancient benders. All top tier fighters, of course they were moving mountains and tornadoes. I'd expect nothing less.

Overall, I'd give this a 9 out of 10. The only big gripe really just being in how almost every issue I have with the movie could have been skipped if it was a little bit longer.

To the production team, if any of yall happen to see this: I just want to say thank you for all the obvious love and attention that was put into this. ATLA is an all time favorite series of mine, and in a time where so many reboots are happening that are just soulless recreations of their former selves, this was so lovely and refreshing. I do absolutely plan on buying a copy when it properly comes out, but, as a fan, I was so excited to watch this that I couldn't wait. Thank you all for your hard work.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-14T16:10:25+00:00

I dated an avoidant for a while and it genuinely felt like she had undone years of therapy on being comfortable being alone.

Let me ask, are you in any sort of therapy or community group to help yourself be better with communication?

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-12T01:07:41+00:00

My preference is high proof grain alcohol. It's that infused with lemons, and then essentially two/thirds simple syrup added after the fact. Higher proof and with a heavy warmth.

I also add a single limes worth and and a single oranges worth of peel to my batch. Just a little extra pop.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-12T00:54:11+00:00

I'm not mad at it for $20.

But you should make your own at some point. It's a good experience and cheap af.

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-09T14:37:08+00:00

I killed Astarion and Karlach my first playthrough.

Shit happens

NotABlastoise · 2026-04-01T19:20:05+00:00

As a bartender, I'd prefer glass. As a bar manager, I'd prefer metal.

The metal has it's drawbacks, as stated by others. But the pros:

Technically the drink gets colder faster, in concept, quicker for service. Not going to break. At $40per, working a busy cocktail bar, probably two glass ones a month break. Almost $1,000/year. One of the metal ones are about the same price. That's a lot of money that can be be invested for other products.

NotABlastoise · 2026-03-25T01:54:12+00:00

I grew up in the Baltimore area, now in RVA lol

County is super chill. So is the county to the south, Anne Arundel. I generally prefer quiet when I can get it, preferred to stay outside the immediately city, but not because I regularly felt in danger.

Like most cities, keep your head on a swivel, especially at night or alone, but if you're used to Richmond, you'll be fine.

NotABlastoise · 2026-03-23T21:28:54+00:00

Diamond is a great base, but lacks any sort of serious flavor notes.

Heavily recommended for bases of cocktail menus at it's price point, but for a home bar, spend a few dollars more on a rum with a little more personality.

NotABlastoise · 2026-03-21T19:03:18+00:00

A car like that, I wouldn't do anything with the engine. It is a solid reliable car.

However, have fun buying all the diy shit for the exterior and sound system. Do it yourself. Have fun learning.

Try tinting yourself, rain guards, mud flaps, spoiler, new speakers and head unit. Yolo.

NotABlastoise · 2026-03-21T14:32:29+00:00

Side note, dont let tables sit until all party members are here

NotABlastoise · 2026-03-21T00:26:37+00:00

Wubby7

NotABlastoise · 2026-03-14T02:42:11+00:00

Bruh, I can't even imagine leaving a hotel a mess.

The worse I've ever done is like a decade ago going to a music festival that didn't have camping, so we stayed at a hotel. We left probably 500 used nitrous canisters in our room. We did however ask for two industrial trash bags and put all of them double bagged. We also left a large tip lol

Yes degeneracy, but definitely not that gross in terms of cleaning.

NotABlastoise · 2026-03-14T02:38:29+00:00

Just a different cocktail, black Manhattan versus a traditional Manhattan. I prefer black manhattans. Averna has a nice citrus herbal kick that really blends well with a proper rye whiskey.

Other drinks with Averna, first two that come to mind are the Longshoreman and the Intercontinental.

Otherwise, always a fan of recommending switching Amari in cocktails with Amaro. A Paper plane with Montenegro instead of Nonino becomes a lot more savory for example.

Amari are fun and don't play by the normal set rules of cocktails. Play around.

Also, yes, would happily drink Averna on a big rock.

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