Wino Hobbyists

 

winebibber - noun - a heavy drinker (Lexico.com)

I don't know about you, but I seem to have a short list of friends who qualify as winebibbers. Most of the ones that I worry about tend to be wino hobbyists. You know, those who see the imbibing of fine wines as more of a pastime, a hobby. They travel distances to find wineries and spend weekends in them, sampling dozens of whites, reds, chardonnays, pinots, cabs, sparkling wines, roses, etc., and wind up getting pretty sauced, all in the name of serious fun. The alcohol industry in this country is huge and getting bigger due to winebibbers that sidestep the fact that what is making them elated is really poisoning them slowly. Years later, after the consumption of hundreds of bottles, they wonder why they have kidney or liver disease, cancer, heart disease or even dementia, as alcohol deconstructs the mind as well as the body. 

I'm praying for an about face, though, and I am noticing some positive changes. For winebibbers who like beer, Heineken just came out with 0/0, their fabulous concoction of wheat, barley, etc. sans the booze. Millennial athletes who are concerned about their weight (Oh, yes, alcohol does make you fat as well.) are beginning to take to the brand because guess what? It tastes the same as the regular stuff and has way fewer calories to boot. Those of you who are affected by peer pressure may appreciate that the packaging looks the same as well. No one in the bar room will know that you are not getting as bombed as they are and will be impressed with your increased capacity to maintain equilibrium after drinking a case of Heineken 0/0. (You can hide the 0/0 mark on the can with your right hand.) It's all good. Maybe some of the wine companies will come up with something similar as well. 

I know some of you are thinking that I am a total square, a teetotaler, and you are right. But I have reason to be as I have one friend in rehab right now with cirrhosis, one who died last year from it, and a few more who may very well pass away from alcoholism in the near future. It's plain tragic that the wino hobbyists aren't thinking about those who love them. Maybe they should. 

Sorry to be a downer. I'm just trying to save a few lives. 

See if you can get past the day sans a glass of your favorite vice. Good luck. May the Force be with you.

#word of the day, #vocabulary, #writers, #writers and poets, #words, #inspiration, #optimism, #inspiring words, #humor, #spilled thoughts, #motivation, #inspirational thoughts, #inspiration, #inspirational words, #words of wisdom, #affirmation, #optimism, #poets and writers, #writers community, #writers, #readers #writing