The straw thing really works for me too.
When I was first starting out, I remember hating it when I drank so much water because I felt like I had to pee every five minutes.
Then I realized that if I forced myself to chug 8 ounces of water every time I had to pee, before I could go to the bathroom, I would get my water in for the day. It worked until I didn't need to force it anymore.
Now other than the coffee I have first thing in the morning, water is all I drink. It's ended up being a lot easier than I thought it would be.