Ohhh-Oh We’re Halfway There – January Challenge

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Usually time seems to fly by. 2012 was over in a flash. But taking on the January challenge of not eating out is making this month creep. So if you ever wish you had more time, take this challenge on.

 

We are still on track though. We have spent about half of our month’s grocery budget and have not set foot in a restaurant. Our planned meals have served us well for dinner, lunches, and leftovers.

 

Though we were friends before, the crock pot and I are now besties.

 

The cravings have really set in though. We rarely eat fast food but one day last week, we were both craving it.

 

I also find myself imagining the first few meals out in February. Kate wisely reminds me that next month is not going to be some free-for-all on restaurants though. We still plan to cut back compared to how much we were going out to eat, but it will feel like a treat now that we have gone a month without.

 

This was addressed a little in the comments of the last January challenge update but I would like to pose the question again. Kate’s parents are thinking about visiting us later this month. Of course we will cook for them but part of everyone’s favorite reason to visit New Orleans is to experience our incredible restaurant culture.

 

They know we are avoiding eating out but have said simply that if we eat out, they will pay for it. So do we follow the letter of the law (don’t eat at restaurants) or the spirit of the law (don’t spend money at restaurants)?

 

I’m not sure. What do you think?

 

  • Xander

    Follow the intent of the resolution, which was to adjust the money in YOUR budget designated for restaurants. If you let other people buy you food at restaurants it 1) doesn’t affect your budget, and 2) makes the restaurant experience that much more special. I assume the visit(s) from family and friends were going to be special anyways?

  • Jonnie

    I agree with Xander. The idea was to eat at home to not spend money eating out. You won’t be spending money eating out and therefore keep in line with spirit of the goal.

  • http://trevoracy.com/ Trevor Acy

    I think you are both right. And we probably would go ahead and join them. But I must admit, it would be really cool to be able to say we didn’t eat at a restaurant for a month!