Why wait for a new year to make resolutions? I've made two this summer.
The first is to show up on time. I'm not a punctual person, though usually I'm not late by much, and I show up to dental appointments and bike rides on time—i.e., occasions when timeliness matters—but habitual tardiness is a flaw despite the excuses—hence my resolution to show up on time.
This will be tough to carry out—impossibly tough—because sometimes it's out of my control whether I show up on time, like when I have a mechanical problem with my bike. But usually when I'm late it's my fault, and usually the cause is my habit of cramming in last-minute tasks before leaving for an appointment. “Three minutes till I must leave? I'll wash the dishes.” Or: “I think I have enough time to read another chapter.” Or: “My toenails really need cutting.” As far as optimization goes, I manage my time well and get a lot done, but it causes me to be late at least as often as I'm on time. So to habitually be on time, I must become less optimal and accept “wasted” slack time.
My second resolution is one Laura and I made together: eat out less. There's nothing strictly wrong with dining out, but it's an expensive alternative to a square meal at home—expensive both in time and money.
Our goal is to eat out only when we've scheduled it in advance by at least a day and therefore avoid impulse dining. So “let's pig out on Ultimate Nachos at Garcia's next Monday” is OK, as well as “let's go to trivia at the pub this Tuesday.” What's out is “I don't feel like cooking anything tonight so let's go out.” Most of our dining out has been impulsive, so this one change is an easy way to cut back.
These are my summer resolutions. What are yours?
7 comments:
Catie and I vowed to eat out less last June. I did a budget and figured out that we were spending twice what we thought on food. Now we eat out one weeknight dinner and one weekend dinner each week. Optionally, we can have lunch out on a weekend day. It's made us learn some new dishes to cook at home, and I think it's good for Leah to see us cook. ....or something.
I resolve to make a blog about the Presidents books I'm reading (probably an 11% chance I will). I also resolve to read your blog, Craig, as I do enjoy it (no idea what the probability is, but definitely over 50% chance that I'll remember more regularly). As for eating out, Bec and I eat out less than any people I know and it is probably 100% my fault/accomplishment. Impressed (not surprised) you pointed out the time cost as that is my #1 reason for not eating out. Of all the dinners we've had "out" since moving to PHX in Dec. 2005, I would estimate that 98-99% are with the Chisholms, Laura & Craig or various combinations of some of those people. -- Bobby
Chad— Thanks for calling me out last night when I was late to Anonymous's house. It's good to be reminded.
Anonymous— Well, then, we should brown bag our lunch this week rather than going out!
Well, I probably should've added that eating out with friends doesn't count as a poor use of time to me, it is just an excuse to hang out with those friends. Now that I've clarified that we can go out to eat for lunch this week for sure -- Friday? Hibatchi Grill Buffet?
Anonymous— I don't know who you are, and I already have a lunch date set up that day at the Hibachi Grill, so I guess you're out of luck.
Good resolutions. Yes, we mostly eat out for the same reason--it's late, we're tired, don't want to cook, and it's just an easy out. But it costs too much (imagine feeding 6!) and it is not as good for us as home-cooked. (I'm not so worried about it being "expensive," time-wise. I find meaningful time around the table as a family is valuable. I'm not nearly as efficient as you with my time, Craig;).
We want to join a CSA, which will necessarily have to pull from some of the cash we would have used eating out. This would be a healthy move for us, but will require more discipline.
Chick Fil A is like a siren, right down the street from our house. I can't tell you how many times I've caved and taken the kids there when I felt "too tired" to cook!
Lindsey— If I had four kids and we all went out to eat, then probably some of the kids would be eating nothing but ketchup packets for dinner.
Let me know how the CSA works out for you!
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