Day 24

First things first: I'd be lying if I said that I really thought I'd have more to say about this whole experiment when it began. I thought that I might come across some new self discovery and that would thrust me forward into a new day of self-awareness, or some such artsy-fartsy crap. Instead, the whole ordeal has been surprisingly easy. In fact, a couple of my friends are also going "straight edge" (although for very different reasons) at the moment, so I'm not even the only one I know who is abstaining from beer, which is really the biggest sacrifice I've had to make so far.

I've mentioned before that this whole thing is saving me money, but the really interesting thing for me so far is the fact that I never really counted what money I spend on drinking before. I've been to the bar at least 2 or 3 times a week for the last few weeks, not to mention restaurants where I'd usually throw back a beer or two, not to mention parties... Now, none of that money is being spent, and none of those calories are being consumed. And really, I don't miss it at all. It has made me wonder how the hell I could afford drinking beforehand though.

I don't really think too much about my finances, except to say that I live within my means and stay out of debt. When this month of mostly not drinking is finished and I'm looking at my check book, I'm very interested in seeing what kind of numbers will be there. Especially now that hours are being cut at my job and I'm working significantly less- this might help me stay in the black, which is always nice!

I have had some moments this month: Times when I looked at a smoothie or was offered a beer (or was in a situation where a beer could have really helped!) but the biggest moment I've had so far came just now, visiting my parents place to look after the dog. Looking for the water jug, I opened up the fridge and came across a carton of Egg Nog. Egg Nog is my kryptonite. I have a stupidly huge love for Egg Nog and have been known to consume entire 1 liter cartons in the same day... Okay! The same meal! 90% of any holiday weight I put on can be blamed squarely on egg nog. And I was tempted! The sweet, rich, delicious liquid played in my mind, beckoning me with its siren's call... But I resisted! And now I sit here, water in hand, happy in my resolution to stay true, but thinking of another beverage the whole time. I'm a pig, I know.