Ground Rules

This will probably be my most disorderly post, but I think it's important to get some ground rules down. What works and what does not. I think it will logically help me most if I start with what is a "No."

What is not allowed:

• fast food joints/restaurants


• bars


• coffee joints


• convenience stores/gas stations


• vending machines


• movie snack counters


• fairs/festivals/outside vendors


• Grocery lunches (such as the places where you can get a straight lunch, like chicken basket or sushi)


• fundraising snack tables

I want to take a brief time out to explain that I took this on myself, so while my family supports me and will feel the differences, they are not limited to these rules. If my boys are out and they want to eat out or grab snacks at the movies, they are free to do so. What will not happen is that my hubs can't go and buy fast food dinner (and I convince myself that means he "bought it" and not me), that I can eat it, I can not. He will be the one person that can not buy food for me, nor will I accept that my son dishes out his allowance for movie treats. But, while they are not "participating," I will not be buying them snacks or food when we are out either. I will have to plan for these outing, possibly keeping drinks in the car, or snacks in my bag. Just wanted to throw this out. I will not allow my boys to let me cheat, they will not allow it either.

What does work:

• company lunches


• conference meals


• gift card spending (and I am open to some feedback on this one. If I get a coffee card, should I only spend it one grounds to make at home? What do you think? I have an Amex giftcard I got for holiday and wonder if I can use it while my out-of-country friends are in town. Did I just add the out of country stuff to try to convince you that it was okay? I think so.)


• Friends treating to a meal ( I will NOT be begging or asking/suggesting for this and have worked out with my most generous friends already about my plan to inform them that I will be watering it up)


• Package stores- This is like a grocery store visit so I will still be able to buy my drinks and this is part of the preparation aspect of these events.

Things I have been considering:

• Tips - when I dine with people, even if I don't eat, I will still bring along a buck or two for tip. That seems right, unless I'm in a self-service situation. There s still someone filling up my glass and also waiting on me to order.


• Birthday dinners - which I talked out with someone last night luckily. Usually we all throw in for a birthday person to eat. Since that is an unspoken rule, I have decided to start being the kind of person that actually does gifts. Novel idea birthday presents, right? I will inform Bday coordinator of said plans however.


• Cooking - I will have a post very soon about why this is so much a crucial aspect of this, boy is that part going to be really fun for you!


• Waffle House dinner - Why 12/25/10 will end the year versus 12/31/10

Here is a question for you. What am I not think about? What am I forgetting?