I have a problem with red wine. I like it too much. Maybe it’s the sugar in it, or maybe it’s the particular type of “buzz” it gives me. Or maybe I’m actually an alcoholic. Whatever the reason, it’s red wine over which I have less control than other beverages. After the first speculative glass, I begin pouring and quaffing it like it was grape juice. Which it is, only fermented. I down it like I’d down handfuls of salty peanuts--absent-mindedly--but of course the effects are slightly more obvious.
Social situations make me uneasy, although I do love socializing with even vaguely like-minded people. I must have residual self-consciousness; a feeling of not being good enough; a feeling of having to play a role in order to be liked. These feelings are somewhat stressful. Wine brings relief. Unfortunately, wine comes in bottles bigger than a bottle of beer. Once opened, a bottle of wine is, for all practical purposes, gone. And often, it’s gone into me.
Sometimes I don’t realize I’ve had too much until I knock something over or bump into something with more than my habitual clumsiness. My intellectual capacities feel the same as usual (which could be illusory). The ability to express my ideas might diminish, but that is not always noticeable to others. Or is it? I cherish the notion that I can express things well, so that a reduction of quality in MY expression merely brings it down to average level. What hubris and denial, eh?
No, I’m not having wine now. I’m having a beer.
But, seriously, I need to curtail my inclinations when it comes to that red wine. The merlots, the cabernets, the shirazes, and especially, the red zinfandels, so light and playful and deceptive. Oh, and the pinot noirs, brought to public attention by the film, “Sideways.” At least I’m not as bad as either of those guys!
Has anyone ever noticed that they might have a weekly alcohol quota? I think I do. If I skip a drink of wine or beer on one night, I seem to make up for it on another. I should measure carefully for a month. I’ll bet my weekly consumption is quite regular. The question is, is it increasing? Let’s hope not. I know it’s increased in the past, but at the moment, I intuit that it is decreasing, as my DVD-watching, exercise, and clarinet practicing increase. Nothing can replace oblivion, but that’s what sleep is for. Let us toast to a good night’s sleep!
7 comments:
I thought the "Red menace" disappeared years ago! Apparently not. But I'm sure (knock wood) that you'll handle this one better than previous Republican administrations did.
do you drink the wine sraight from the bottle? when you get done, do you just hold it like a long-lost velveteen rabbit? Do you dream about this substance? boy, i sure do... so when you think you're going a bit over the edge, just think of me holding my empty favorite toy and think..."gee, i'm glad i don't love it That much." by the way, we need to get together for a drink soon. I wanna meet the kitty that you lock in your car. -k
I drink too much red wine too.
At least two glasses every day.
And alternate with Belgian Strong Ales almost the same proof as wine.
Montepulcianos are nice. And I like the red zinfandel too, and cabernet sauvignon.
Tried a Bordeaux last week, it was okay, and I can see getting into it as it is far less like grape juice and more interesting to taste.
Bro3
I am a terrible influence on you young lady! :)
Sideways was pretty good. Really makes you want to drink wine right away. Those two male characters remind me of me, as if a lot of each is inside me, the brash, fun-loving actor and the brooding, world weary intellectual.
That soliloquy about wine, the one between the wine nerd and the woman was good, but a little heavyhanded. The whole "life is like wine" thing. Each has its "peak" and then it just goes down hill. Good flick. I give it 3 1/2 stars. 4 stars when compared to most of the movies out there, but 3 1/2 when compared to all "good" movies.
The Volvo "crashing" into the tree...that was perfect.
b
Ummmm...yes, you do have a special relationship with red wine. I'm glad you recognize it. Having said that, I think almost everyone who enjoys a glass of wine also enjoys ANOTHER glass of wine, and possibly another after that. It lends itself to that. If you feel good, why not feel better? Around here, the only wine available is Spanish wine...Riojas, Ribera del Duero, some light white Albariños from Spains northwest corner....I can't educate my palate very much, but it's rather a lot cheaper than wine in the USA, which is much appreciated.
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