This morning I am feeling the
after effects of a long and lovely
dinner with our friend "A".
Actually, my residual issues are
due to the fact that I consumed
three Templeton Rye Manhattans
on the rocks. Guess I'm making up
for lost time. However while I
certainly missed my cocktails
during Lent, I absolutely did not
regret missing the morning after.
Huh?
I'm not quite sure what drives my need to sip as I sup. Could it be as simple as the fact that I don't want to disappoint the bartender or waiter? Somehow ordering the right cocktail or bottle of vino validates my role as the sophisticated bon vivant.
My hiatus from booze was more than illuminating. Not only was my head clearer, I felt better. At least that's the conclusion I've come to after several days back in the alcohol sodden saddle. At the root of my problem is the simple fact that I have no self control. Give me a bag of chips or a pint of Hagen Dazs and quickly it's history. When out, one cocktail quickly becomes several. And in the end that's not good for me.
I'm experiencing a change in heart. While I've waxed eloquently about my love for the taste of a Manhattan, I'm not certain that I like the way it makes me feel. I'm thinking that I may go back to my Lenten practice of not drinking. Many of you are probably thinking that I'm a bit nuts. But in my "gut" I know that it's time to question everything I do. It's my job to make sure that any short term pleasure merits it's long term impact. Maybe I'm crazy, or is it just that I've finally decided to grow up?
As I've aged, it's become harder to abuse my body. In the old days I could eat and drink anything. Now the occassional Tater Top simply transforms into another layer of back bacon. All of which bodes the question, is it really worth it? Don't worry. I have no intention of giving up anything right now. But...
I'm thinking about it.
