Sober January

This past fall had some boozey nights... most of my falls have boozey nights. College football is largely to blame, and this year had the added element of an election cycle.

I didn't go out and do much drinking with co-workers. I came on staff with the campaign a little too late and was a tad too old to be included. Some of my colleagues from around the state and I would grab a beer when we could, but mostly I was drinking with the usual suspects: Scott, David, Katie, Molly and Macon. These are my peeps.

I spent NYE with all but one of my "crew," and we decided sober January was probably a good idea. We each get three "free" days, knowing that birthday happy hours/going away parties/brunch happens. So far, we have all done a good job.

There was a happy hour with the girls, but we all jumped off the wagon together :) There was wine and one teeny tiny pitcher of beer... but it was necessary. There was catching up, bitching about work and a general desire for summer months... this conversation CLEARLY required a drink.

This past weekend the flu kept me clean. And the next two weeks I will be broke and home some and starting new work. I should be in the clear to keep up with my sober January promise.

But this month long commitment got me to thinking, and I am going to try to give each month in 2013 a theme. I think February is going to be "frugal February." Aka cooking at home more, no shopping, getting back in the couponing habit. I am also contemplating a "meatless March" and attempt to go veggie for a month.

Another monthly goal I want to set is to visit friends where they are. January already has two checked off the list. I spent a weekend with friends in Charlotte, and I stopped for dinner in Chattanooga with my friend Allison who I haven't seen in YEARS! I am planning on stops in Dallas, Chicago, NYC, Atlanta, Nashville, California, and PA to keep up this trend.

As 2013 has started to become reality and the countdown to my 30th has fallen under the 180 days mark, it has been good to stretch myself and come up with attainable ways to spend my time and money this year. Let's hope sober January sets a good upward trend!!