not drinking but not exactly sober, either

When the financial tsunami hit the University last fall, I agreed to co-chair a big "remaking the college" committee. This brought a few challenges, but working with a wonderful group of college citizens has been its own reward.

I had a time-management problem, though, and a need to think very clearly. Not wanting to cut anything else out of my life, I suspended alcohol use on December 31. This freed up a little time for exercise or correspondence, but it meant no more Surly ale after work, Louis Martini cabs with dinner, or Knob Creek on the deck.

After 100 days, though, I hardly miss 'em. And, I'm feeling just a little harder/better/faster/stronger than before. The committee works through October, but I'm not sure how long I'll abstain. I didn't drink at all in six years of grad school, for pretty much the same time-management and clarity reasons -- I had little kids, little time, and little brain to spare, so I wanted to stay as sharp as possible.

That said, I know that not drinking also raises questions -- especially with spring festivities like our annual Sociological Research Institute coming up next week. I normally just politely decline, but I'm thinking of offering up the following excuses next Friday:

1. I'm training for the London Olympics (said while making javelin-throwing motion)
2. ...just tryin' to stay sexy
3. well, after the seventh DWI...
4. there's a chance I might be pregnant -- fingers crossed!
5. my religion only permits horse tranquilizers; and,
6. I get a little "stabby" when I drink (said while making short stabbing motions)

Perhaps a more effective demurral, in these austere times, is that "I'd like to leave an extra drink or two for the grad students."