Third week down that is! Though the football terminology is appropriate too for this New England Patriot’s fan, I am especially proud to have not given into the football and beer temptation. Truth be told, it actually hasn’t been that much of a challenge. Yes, I did say “Hello, my little friends” when passing the wine and beer aisle at Stop n’ Shop. But, like most friends, sometimes it’s just a good idea to take a break from each other for a while. And, like any vacation, it’s what you make of your time away that matters.
After a long day at the office, sitting on the couch with a glass of wine seems like a deserved reward. What happens though (at least for me) is that whether it’s one glass of wine or three in your left hand, the remote is usually in your right. Next thing you know, your reward has turned into a potato . . . a couch potato. Straight to bed, too “relaxed” to read and the next thing you know you’re back at the office, no more refreshed than you were the day before. What kind of reward is that? Once, my brain got over the shock of my self-imposed dry spell, I put it on a different kind of diet.
My newfound clarity of mind reminds me of that Seinfeld episode (“The Abstinence”) where George goes without sex and becomes super smart, teaching Derek Jeter to hit by referencing complex physics equations or learning to speak Portuguese. Okay, not exactly. So far, I’ve found the time and energy to do things like: read without falling asleep after one page, cook a proper meal, learn how to use my smart phone, and kick my boyfriend’s ass in Words with Friends. I mean, it’s not like I spent that much time drinking!
One week to go and if I hadn’t scheduled already scheduled a “girl’s night out” on February 1st, I’m honestly not sure that I’d make a special trip to the store to break my fast. It’s been quite surprising to me actually how well I’ve done on my thirty-day challenge. Not that I’d make it permanent, mind you. However, maybe some kind of enduring modification of my drinking habit is in order? I have another week to give it some clear-headed thought.
