Snaggle, I feel very much the same way right now. I drank this past weekend, which was yet another slip for me which I seem to be doing every 2 weeks/4 weeks or 6 weeks. My rationalization is that its so much better than drinking every day like I did up until about 2 years ago. Yes, it is better, but not good enough. Not at all. I don't want the pain or suffering at all anymore either, not even every few weeks.
I think its a great idea to start your degree, and it will give you that extra motivation to stay sober.
We can do this Snaggle, once and for all.