I have a love hate relationship with wine.  Sitting down with friends and a bottle of wine is something I love.  Sitting here with a headache and no motivation, I hate.  Alcohol is so ingrained in our society that it would seem odd not to imbibe if there was anything at all to; celebrate, discuss, or relax from.  Basically, as adults we are told that we work hard so it’s ok to play hard.  Often the playing hard refers more to drinking hard than sports or activities.  Reduce prices even a tiny bit on drinks or just snacks and we call it “happy hour”.  I want to be happy and so does everyone else, and they’re selling it at every bar in town according to the signs out front.

Wine has been a big part of my recreation for so long that I find myself torn between the old me that spent Saturdays sipping mimosas on a patio and the new me that’s planning a hike for this Saturday.  Lately when I do something that I consider “classic” me I don’t find it as interesting or as exciting as I think it’s going to be.  On the other hand, when we go to new places and hike around and see new things I can’t stop thinking about it afterwards.

The bottom line is change takes time.  I can’t just flip a switch and stop thinking brunch sounds like fun.  It is fun!  Sometimes.  The key to life is moderation.  I know that’s one of the most boring concepts in the world, but it’s true.  When you go out to dinner and drinks all the time it stops being novel and exciting and simply becomes routine.  The saying “too much of a good thing” comes to mind.  When I went to my friend’s birthday last night I loved seeing everyone and enjoyed my wine and snacks much more than I would have last summer.  Moderation can also lead to variety which is so awesome!

I don’t plan on becoming a teetotaler, but I am definitely going to stick with my goals to reduce alcohol consumption.  Change may take time, but I have more time than money right now and I am definitely worth the effort.  It’s an exciting time!

Do your thrifty best!

Lisa