Proof Reads

A workday-by-workday record of when I first wanted a cocktail and of what variety

  By Jim Martin

In 2009, writer Jim Martin began a 30-day journal to document his regular drinking cravings. 

Monday, 6/15

5:46pm – I was supposed to meet up with a friend at 5:30, but I looked at the clock and she told me I was late.  I needed a Tom Collins.  Why?  Because that’s what we millionaires drink, turns out.

Tuesday, 6/16

6:34pm – The utter agony of hangover lingered with me all day, but by the time I was driving to the rock concert (Wallflowers in Anaheim) I was starting to come around. The traffic assured me that I needed a Bud Light.  And by “a” I mean 4.

Wednesday, 6/17

5:12pm – I knew I was meeting my manager for a drink at 6:15pm, and I knew what I was getting – a shot of Jack Daniels and a PBR.  I was going to drink it in a cold glass and I was going to get loose shouldered and talk about why I didn’t have a draft of anything to him yet.

Thursday, 6/18

12:55pm – The computer was sitting in front of me, and I was typing – and I knew I could get 8 pages done in a day – I knew I could… but to ensure victory I made a plan with myself to get good and shitfaced if I did.  I read a Hemingway quote and thought to myself “some Rum – or something like a Mojito… that will do for this eve.”

Friday, 6/19

10:34am – I knew something was going to happen, and I knew it was going to happen hard.  I made a plan to drink alone at a wine bar where some friends work. When you saddle up and get a sake bomb on the house, that’s the first thing you look forward to on a Friday.