Reunion

One of the three different reunions my wife's side of the family has each year is occurring today.  While I freely admit that these things are not my most preferred activity by any stretch, I am going to make a go of it today and *try* to find enjoyment.  If I cannot do that, I am going to at least work on being calm, kind, and not cranky.  And, I am not going to stuff my face with horrible, unhealthy food out of sheer boredom. 

PipeTobacco

Saturday Readings

One of the reading I will hear at mass this afternoon is as follows:

"For this command that I enjoin on you today
is not too mysterious and remote for you.
It is not up in the sky, that you should say,
‘Who will go up in the sky to get it for us
and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’
Nor is it across the sea, that you should say,
‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us
and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’
No, it is something very near to you,
already in your mouths and in your hearts;
you have only to carry it out.”

---from Deuterotomy, Chapter 30

When I first read this, it reminded me of the NIKE slogan "Just Do It!"  But, while that may be a realistic way of thinking about it, it is a  bit too simple for my tastes.  In my mind, I am thinking that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY in my life to conduct myself in the way that I want to.  It is MY CHOICE to try to be happy, as healthy as possible, vibrant and kind to those I interact with.  It is my purpose.  I am not to be slovenly.  I am not to be a sloth.  I am not to be moody.  I am not to be lethargic. 

It is valuable for me to keep this in mind and at the front of my thoughts. 

PipeTobacco

Vices

Yes, I am still smoking my pipe (regularly) and drinking ethanol based beverages (occasionally).   In my effort to force myself into happiness, I am not attempting at this time to be overly drastic in my attempts to stop either one of the above.  However, I am also not choosing to go hog-wild in either as well.  In a perfect world, I would like to smoke my pipe one day a week and drink perhaps twice a month.  The drinking is at that level and is pretty consistent, but the pipe smoking is not.  But, for the time being I am just going with the flow with only the caveat that I will try to reduce consumption when it is convenient to do so on a day-to-day basis.

PipeTobacco

1754

Yes, even when I have been away for a while, the one thing I did manage to do with 100% consistency still was to walk my 5 miles every day.  Today is the 1754th day of my efforts.  It is one of the few things I am modestly proud of myself for doing with consistency.

PipeTobacco

Damn It!  Damn It!  Damn It!

I am so frustrated and upset at myself and sick of feeling melancholy and morose.  It is a bunch of b*llsh*t.  I guess I am feeling mad enough at myself to finally get up off my *ss and force myself to be different.  Come hell-or-high water, I am determined to feel better.

I feel that what will help me most are the old standbys.... hard-*ss physical exertion, a helluva lot of water, a rock-solid routine, a helluva lot less ruminating, good sleep, healthy food, a lot of bedroom activity with my wife, tossing away a helluva lot of clutter, and spending a lot of fun time with my family.  I am going to spend a little bit of time tonight organizing how I am going to execute this plan. 

PipeTobacco