As you know, my back took a vacation on me this past week. While it has gotten appreciably better since Thursday, when it first went out, I still have difficulty going up and down the stairs. What has helped me is my old friend, Vicodin. Yeah, I know it’s addictive, but so is not wanting to be in pain. I’ve been taking it daily since before my back surgery in 2000. While my dose increased after my heart transplant, it has really stayed stable since. The biggest reason I’m still on it is because of my kidney problems. I’m not allowed to take drugs that are non-steroidal (NSAID). These include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn).
Now add the back pain with my Rheumatoid Arthritis and you’ll understand why I take Vicodin. I suppose if my renal condition improves, I may one day be able to take Advil again. I can Take Tylenol, but the only thing that Tylenol has done for me is helping a sore throat (and just barely at that).
So, as I am taking my Vicodin, I began to think of other ways to kill pain. Of course this led me to think of the thing I used to use when I was in High School and primarily in College.
Alcohol.
Now, now, I know you think of me as being a pure soul (ahem). But, a long, long, l o n g time ago, I used to drink. A lot. I pretty much gave it up when I found other ways to ease my mind (meditation? Yeah, right!). So I got to thinking about what I used to drink and from that, I came up with today’s TOP 10 list.
Before I continue, it should be noted that since my heart attack, I no longer drink alcohol at all. I’ve had, maybe, 3 shot glasses of whiskey total in the last 3½ years. Also, I have had wine, but even on Passover, I mix it with grape juice.
So, without any further ado, here it is:
TOP 10 FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
10. Belvedere Vodka
I wasn’t much of Vodka drinker, but I liked their bottles.
9. Slivovitz Plum Brandy
My father would always buy this for Passover and would give me just a little. But it was enough for me to have it around when I was old enough to buy it myself. Boy, can that stuff put hair on your chest!
8. Corona Beer
I don’t know why it tastes better with a bit of lime, but it does. Vorona is the only beer I can drink. I used to tolerate Heineken and Lowenbrau, but never really liked them.
7. Kahlua Liqueur
It was a sad day around here when Kahlua lost their kosher certification. Even without cream, it was a great sippin’ drink.
6. Sol Dios Anejo Tequila
There aren’t many kosher brands of Tequila around – and never with a worm – but this brand was as good as any I found. Plus, they has some nifty designs.
5. Chivas Regal Scotch
Expensive, yes. But it’s also very good. Anybody who’s anybody has a bottle of this stuff in their house, which is usually a good reason not to have it in yours. But this stuff is that good.
4. Jack Daniels
The “daddy” of ‘em all. When you want to get drunk, this’ll do it quick and hard. Maybe that’s just the southerner in my, but I’ve drowned many a tear drinking this stuff.
3. DeKuyper Peach Tree Schnapps
As you can probably tell, I used to be a recreational drinker. I wouldn’t drink just to get drunk (usually), but I would have something whenever I had a guest over. In fact, I can’t remember ever drinking alone – although I suppose if I drank that much I wouldn’t remember being with someone either. One of my favorite sippin’ drinks was always peach schnapps.
2. Amaretto de Saranno
My absolute favorite sippin’ drink was (and still is) Amaretto - and not just any Amaretto. It has to be Amaretto de Saranno, the best one out there. Even now, when I take that rare sip, it’s usually this stuff. Nice almond flavor, smooth way it goes down. Mmmm.
1. Southern Comfort Liqueur
Southern Comfort was my favorite from the first time I ever tasted it, back in high school. Who said I didn’t learn anything in school. Whenever I drank for drinking’s sake, it was with this stuff. I was never a big fan of the 80 proof, but the 100 proof knocked my socks off. What has helped me overcome any desire I have to drink today is the fact that Southern Comfort is no longer certified kosher. But even when I just walk by and see a bottle on a shelf, I get reminiscent of the taste.
Now add the back pain with my Rheumatoid Arthritis and you’ll understand why I take Vicodin. I suppose if my renal condition improves, I may one day be able to take Advil again. I can Take Tylenol, but the only thing that Tylenol has done for me is helping a sore throat (and just barely at that).
So, as I am taking my Vicodin, I began to think of other ways to kill pain. Of course this led me to think of the thing I used to use when I was in High School and primarily in College.
Alcohol.
Now, now, I know you think of me as being a pure soul (ahem). But, a long, long, l o n g time ago, I used to drink. A lot. I pretty much gave it up when I found other ways to ease my mind (meditation? Yeah, right!). So I got to thinking about what I used to drink and from that, I came up with today’s TOP 10 list.
Before I continue, it should be noted that since my heart attack, I no longer drink alcohol at all. I’ve had, maybe, 3 shot glasses of whiskey total in the last 3½ years. Also, I have had wine, but even on Passover, I mix it with grape juice.
So, without any further ado, here it is:
TOP 10 FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
10. Belvedere Vodka
I wasn’t much of Vodka drinker, but I liked their bottles.
9. Slivovitz Plum Brandy
My father would always buy this for Passover and would give me just a little. But it was enough for me to have it around when I was old enough to buy it myself. Boy, can that stuff put hair on your chest!
8. Corona Beer
I don’t know why it tastes better with a bit of lime, but it does. Vorona is the only beer I can drink. I used to tolerate Heineken and Lowenbrau, but never really liked them.
7. Kahlua Liqueur
It was a sad day around here when Kahlua lost their kosher certification. Even without cream, it was a great sippin’ drink.
6. Sol Dios Anejo Tequila
There aren’t many kosher brands of Tequila around – and never with a worm – but this brand was as good as any I found. Plus, they has some nifty designs.
5. Chivas Regal Scotch
Expensive, yes. But it’s also very good. Anybody who’s anybody has a bottle of this stuff in their house, which is usually a good reason not to have it in yours. But this stuff is that good.
4. Jack Daniels
The “daddy” of ‘em all. When you want to get drunk, this’ll do it quick and hard. Maybe that’s just the southerner in my, but I’ve drowned many a tear drinking this stuff.
3. DeKuyper Peach Tree Schnapps
As you can probably tell, I used to be a recreational drinker. I wouldn’t drink just to get drunk (usually), but I would have something whenever I had a guest over. In fact, I can’t remember ever drinking alone – although I suppose if I drank that much I wouldn’t remember being with someone either. One of my favorite sippin’ drinks was always peach schnapps.
2. Amaretto de Saranno
My absolute favorite sippin’ drink was (and still is) Amaretto - and not just any Amaretto. It has to be Amaretto de Saranno, the best one out there. Even now, when I take that rare sip, it’s usually this stuff. Nice almond flavor, smooth way it goes down. Mmmm.
1. Southern Comfort Liqueur
Southern Comfort was my favorite from the first time I ever tasted it, back in high school. Who said I didn’t learn anything in school. Whenever I drank for drinking’s sake, it was with this stuff. I was never a big fan of the 80 proof, but the 100 proof knocked my socks off. What has helped me overcome any desire I have to drink today is the fact that Southern Comfort is no longer certified kosher. But even when I just walk by and see a bottle on a shelf, I get reminiscent of the taste.
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