So, I just got home from dinner with Andy (my husband). It’s one of our favorite things to do…find a great restaurant, relax, have someone else do the work after a long day. However, it’s an activity I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, and the effects of that action. If you read my last blog you know that the environment is something that is really important to me. I’ve been trying to make changes in my life and my home, step by step, day by day. I’m a LONG way from where I want to be, but it does feel good to know that I’m making an effort. Last year I decided to go 10 days without eating out. At the time it was an effort to eat healthier, better quality food. I’m your typical 29 year old who works too many hours and is stretched too thin, and the result is that I eat out A LOT. I don’t eat a ton of junk or anything, but still, I needed a change. I thought it would be terrible, horrible, basically a near-death experience. It certainly was different from the way I normally live, but I actually loved it. Thing is, as soon as my 10 days were up I quickly reverted back to bad habits. Starbucks became a regular stop. My social calendar got in the way. You name an excuse, I was all over it.
Soooo……I’m going to do it again, no eating out. No coffee, no take n’ bake, no nothing. 10 days just isn’t going to cut it though. I want to make a serious commitment to this. Try to inspire some permanent changes. My gut says to go for 6 months. My brain says I’d have to be out of mind to claim I was going to go the next 6 months without stepping foot in a restaurant. So, starting today, I’m going to go through the month of June. If I can keep it up, I will extend it another month, or two, or five. Wish me luck.
What is the point of this you ask? There are a lot of reasons. First off, I just think the amount of waste incorporated with takeout is obscene. All the cartons and boxes, bags, napkins, plastic silverwear, paper cups, lids, straws. When I think about the amount of garbage I personally create in a week, it grosses me out. Multiply that by the number of people on the planet and it’s astronomical. So, there’s that. The additional perks that I expect to find are extensive as well. Obviously it’ll be healthier. I think I’m pretty good about eating healthy options when I go out. Still, a salad at home is 10x better than one at most restaurants. Not to mention, you don’t REALLY know what goes into your food when you eat out. Preservatives, chemicals, who needs ‘em!?! I may save some dough on this plan too. I don’t expect a huge extra wad of cash in my wallet, because if I’m going to eat at home, I’m going to buy quality stuff, but I’m sure it’ll add up.
The hardest thing is going to be seeing my friends. For the most part, when I get together with a friend, I meet them for dinner. My husband and I entertain at our place sometimes, but usually going out is our go-to. I don’t even know why. I LOVE to cook, and if I had nothing to do all day, I’d be happy living in my kitchen. So, I’m taking this as an opportunity to get reacquainted with my stove. I’ve missed it after all, and I literally have a library of cookbooks calling my name. Many have never been opened. I actually do have a problem with this. It’s an addiction. I bought 4 today at Half Price Books. But hell, at least I bought used! Saved a tree! So, I’m going to try to have people over here. My fear is that I’ll get invited out to a gathering or birthday party at a restaurant. I’m not sure what I’ll do. I really want to stick with it, but I’d feel like a jerk turning down a friend for a special occasion. Frankly, this is the only reason I’m not willing to commit to this for an even longer chunk of time. All the rest of it I can deal with. I guess I’ll just have to cross that bridge when it comes. As for now, I must go make a grocery list. I’ll keep you all updated on my progress.
p.s. For those of you in the restaurant biz, more power to you! There are a lot of really great restaurants out there with high quality food, so this is nothing against you guys. I’ll be visiting soon. Just not for a while.
No shows booked at the moment.
Awesome idea . . . My wife and I struggle with much the same rationales as you. Please udate on this 6 month journey as we too are contemplating “the plunge”. Good luck, and looking forward to hearing MORE of your great music. We will be travelling to Maple grove in August to hear you at The Shops at Arbor LAkes on the 9th of Aug.