Hello 2009

Procrastination is a type of behavior which is characterized by deferment of actions or tasks to a later time. Psychologists often cite procrastination as a mechanism for coping with the anxiety associated with starting or completing any task or decision. We all procrastinate to some extent, and all though I have a few bad habits of my own, I never felt that procrastination was one of them until I gave some thought to something I’ve avoided most of 2008. Most of you are well aware of my healthy appetite, love of food, and love of cooking. Well, 2008 has been loaded with all three loves and I’m really well aware of what it has been doing to my body these past months. I’ve been able, however, to retreat from the inevitable by never looking into the mirror especially when emerging from the shower, but this is the beginning of a New Year. Well I’ve now joined the multitude thinking they will be able create a new person with resolutions that in most cases never see February.

I woke up today actually not feeling hungry or having any desire for food. The Holidays had taken their toll on even someone like me. A huge Christmas Eve buffet dinner followed by a sumptuous brisket dinner Christmas Day, followed by a roast beef dinner at friends began my inevitable collapse. Even that was not enough; all this was followed by New Year’s Day dinner of stuffed shrimp, beef Wellington and baked potato.
Wow, even writing this down is getting to me. Well I took a deep breath, took all my clothes off and starting with eyes tightly closed stepped in front of the mirror. Slowly I opened my eyes and to my surprise I saw those eight tiny reindeer from the poem, but they all seemed to be huddled in the area above my waist line…..my God!!!.....what a terrible sight. Well I think you can guess what my New Year’s resolution is. Probably a great decision, since I’ve just about run out of clothes that fit and with closets full clothes from years past that still do, the diet is a must. Diet, what a crappy word, just look at those first three letters. It’s telling me I’m going to die if I don’t and die from starvation if I do (certainly an exaggeration, but humor me).

Actually I’m not afraid of New Year’s resolutions since at 73 I’ve already given up most of life’s pleasurable things. Giving up being a pig shouldn’t be too tough, although a prayer or two from my friends might come in handy………….wish me luck.

PS: I do hope all your resolutions are met with success.