Three months, six events: A resolution update

I am three months into my New Year’s resolution. In typical Type A fashion, I have actually attended six events when only three were required. And I have enjoyed every one of them.

A friend asked me a few weeks ago to really talk through why I chose this resolution. Why am I doing this? At the end of every year, I start to think of things I want to change about myself. What is wrong with me? How can I do better? I need to lose weight. I need to write more. I need to be a better person.

As 2010 drew to a close, I started to wonder why can’t I, for once, choose a resolution that is fun for me? Why can’t I do something that I enjoy?

I love concerts and musicals, plays and comedy shows (as long as they don’t make fun of me!). But in 2010, I only attended a couple of events all year. Why?

And so, a resolution for 2011 was born. So far, I've attended:

• The Lion King Musical

• Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker

• Bobcats vs. Sacramento Kings Basketball

• Sara Evans

• Cirque du Soleil: Totem

• NCAA Basketball: UNC vs. Long Island

How’s it going so far?

I can only find two real downsides to my resolution. The first con is all about the money! Three months in, I've spent almost $500. It takes an incredible amount of planning and budgeting to figure out what I am doing and budget accordingly.

The only other downside is time. I have had something going on almost every weekend so far this year, which is fun but it is also exhausting.

Luckily, the pros of this resolution far outweigh the cons. I have seen some excellent shows so far. I have yet to attend an event that wasn't worth every penny. Everything has been fun.

I have spent a lot of time with friends and family that I might not have otherwise. That’s been the absolute best part.

I am just having fun. And I am learning a lot: How to enjoy life and how to be nicer to myself. These perks are definitely worth the investment.