One Pepsi, hold the vodka
Last Friday I went out with a couple of colleagues, “for a pint.” We were walking to the subway station when the other asked me to come along and I had to make sure, “You’re asking me? Even though I don’t drink alcohol?” I was told that was beside the point. So, I tagged along.
We went to a beer house and I ordered a Pepsi (I was treated, how kind). The bartender asked, “you want some vodka1 with that.” My response? A loud “god no!” When we sat at the table my colleague laughed and asked if I get asked that a lot. I don’t but that might be because it was my first time “out for a pint.” (I had a wonderful time!)
I’ve never drunk alcohol, nor tasted, nor wanted to. Usually it doesn’t cause any problems but in the company’s summer festivities we were at a Greek restaurant and I asked for something to drink other than beer or the lukewarm water they served at the tables. The waitress shrugged and said “this is a Greek restaurant in Finland, why would we have something else?” (What about kids?!?)
Finns are big drinkers and I’m one of the odd ones out. Proud of it, too, although I don’t remember making a decision between to drink or not to drink. There has been no need; drinking has never even crossed my mind.
I suppose it’s “common knowledge” at work that I don’t drink alcohol. (It certainly is common knowledge with my family and friends.) In our last Christmas party I won a bottle of wine and a promotional t-shirt. I asked if the competition organizer would mind if I gave the bottle away to everyone. I kept the t-shirt although I don’t think I’ve worn it once.
On Monday a colleague of mine had emailed a project manager saying that he hadn’t had time to finish a task so he’d buy a beer to whomever finished it for him on his day off. And either the PM or the colleague had added, “or a Hyvää Päivää2 to Minna.” Today — I got a bottle of vitamin C + caffeine Hyvää Päivää.
(Yup, caffeine is my drug of choice. I’m not pretending to be a goody two-shoes.)
1. Well, he said “kossu,” but who cares. (See Wikipedia if you do care.)
2. Hyvää Päivää wellness drinks, another site, in English
Meh, you’re not missing much. I don’t really mind drinking, but I don’t understand how anyone can like beer. So many delicious drinks out there and better/faster ways to get intoxicated.
Those “Good Day” (yeah I’m showing off, it’s the only phrase I never forget) drinks look so good. I’ve been so hooked on these Vitamin Waters. Don’t know if any are caffeinated though. Much to the dismay of the geek center of my brain, I try and keep that to a minimum (withdrawal
).
I’ve always been a drinker, from the time I was about 15 years old and my friends were all going to (sneaking into) the bars. In those days I’d have some pop and rum or rye (who remembers) and feel sick from it.
At some point I switched to beer and that’s about the only thing I ever want to drink. I like the buzz off beer which keeps me functioning fairly normally, unlike drinking other stuff which gets me drunk or sick or sleepy.
I have been thinking of giving up beer lately, though, it’s not good for a flat stomach.
I think it’s great that you don’t drink… why add those extra empty calories for no need?
Ooh yum, those colourful Vitamin Waters look nice!
That reminds me…. I had the most delicious Ocean Spray Ruby Red grapefruit juice in Australia. I’ve been trying to find it in Finland but they only seem to sell the cranberry juices.