Monday, January 3, 2011

On temperance.

I did it.

I dared myself to go the year of 2010 without alcohol and I did it.

Seriously, when I am totally honest, I want to be known as someone who does what she says she'll do. That really may be what this was all about. I can't remember a time I stuck to a New Years Resolution before. But seriously, 2009's goal was to "kiss more", so I think I went for "more challenge" and "less fun"... worth it. 

Let's recap by visiting some of the "Frequently Asked Questions" of my adventure:

1. Why did you do that?
I spent a lot of time in the car at Christmas time of 2009 with a broken ipod. I started thinking about things I could dare myself to do- the harder the better. It was down to a few tough ones and it won.

2. Was it terrible?
Hardly. January and December were the longest but it was not hard. I don't know if I just became possessed with wanting it or what. Seriously, I stopped thinking about it and it was no biggie. Sure, I missed a lot of social events but I can't think of them now. The year flew by like a breath.

3. But, didn't you go to, like, a bajillion weddings?
I did. Last year was only rivaled by 2007. I love weddings and I love celebrating dear ones. Here's the thing... I'm just as much of a spaz with or without alcohol, y'all.

4. Are you going to drink now?
Yes. I had a drink with Anna and Jordan at Patterson House to celebrate. It is a great speakeasy that opened over a year ago- I just never bothered to go. Obviously. So, it was fun to go enjoy the ambiance and congratulate myself for a year of discipline.

5. What were the health benefits?
Well, none that I can tell. There likely were some. Still, I don't know what they are. I didn't lose weight- I actually gained. Turns out, if you eat while people drink, it will catch up with you. Weird.

6. Did you save tons of money?
I am sure I did. I don't know exactly how much but I know I did. I ended up having to treat myself to some medical stuffs, so I don't have a total. Just trust me. It rules.

7. What's next?
No Soda in 2011. I predict this will be harder. But I will say... I am three days in and haven't been tempted yet, so maybe it will be easier than I think. Fingers crossed.

So, I basically learned that I am a beast when I set my mind to something. I feel quite sure it was a training season for me. I sense that I will be drawing on that accomplishment/dedication in the future. Here's to another year of stretching myself... be it blind dates or skydiving, organic eating or learning to samba. I am up to it. Just watch me.

What are you going to try?

xo,
Kelley

7 comments:

Kim said...

you're so fantastic!

kudos, my friend!!

...this year I'm going for 'no fast food'!!! (boo, but yay; a good cause prompted me to do it!:)

LOVE YOU, Friend!!

PRAY YOU'RE SUPER BLESSED IN 2011! <3

Jackie said...

First, is that a new photo of you?? Are you blonde now?! It's gorgeous ... and so different!

Second, congrats! No soda?! Girl, I couldn't do that for one day. Not one.

Third, I am going to try the 365 project (in addition to my book reading). You've probably heard of it - a picture a day for 365 days. My friend Gina has done it, and it totally inspired me.

Here's to a fantastic 2011!

Kelley said...

Thanks, Kimmy! You can totally do the "no fastfood". I can't wait to cheer you on!

Jackie- i TOTALLY did go blonde. Can you believe?! I can't wait to see the 365 pics!!! eeee!

Delaney Mae said...

Pivot Tables! That's my resolution this year. I'm gonna learn how to build a pivot table in Excel. Flying high!

Alexis Ward said...

First things first. I miss your face. As for not drinking soda... you can do it!! I gave myself the same challenge when I was going to climb a giant mountain in Africa. I only had to go 6 months but survived. I think the only hard time was when I was super hot at the beach in the summer and really wanted a cold soda... but then discovered that lemonaide was just as good. Love you!

Anonymous said...

i still feel so honored to have shared that night with you! ... magic... pure, magic.

-anna

Rebecca M. said...

way to go!! I am not surprised at all that you did it. I might do the no soda thing too, except I had one already this month. oopsie!