This fellow is very overweight and has diabetes (the really bad kind where he has to take insulin shots several times a day). He had lap band surgery a few years ago, but he didn’t lose any weight because he didn’t change his eating habits at all. He doesn’t like vegetables so he won't eat them, and he is a total carb addict. Well, a few months ago, he had a heart attack and almost died and had to have quadruple bypass surgery. At this point in his life, he has everything to live for…a lovely wife, grown children and several young grandchildren, who just adore him.
But he has taken no steps to improve his health. (Example: When we were there, friend’s wife fixed us breakfast…eggs & bacon & toast swimming in butter. Hub told his friend in an informational, non-judgmental way... “You know, we use turkey bacon which has less fat and sodium." His friend replied, “I don’t like turkey bacon.” End of discussion.) Far be it from me to be critical of the way anyone lives, but it was upsetting to me. This man has been given a second chance at life, yet instead of working to make that life better, he sits in his recliner and watches TV all day. He doesn’t even walk his little dog around the block...and that sweet little dog is so excited to walk that he literally dances in circles when the leash comes out. (I took the dogs for a walk by myself both days we were there.) Yes, it was very depressing…
Now we are in Truckee, California. What a beautiful area! We are staying with another buddy of hub...This is a guy hub used to work with at a gas station in San Francisco, and they have been best of friends ever since. (They often talk for hours on the phone about cars and motors...you know, guy stuff.) Hub’s friend has a mini dachshund Zoe who torments B non-stop. It is a hoot to see B chase Z around and around after she eggs him on until he finally loses it. It has been raining since we got here, but in spite of the rain, B and I took a good long walk today.
Last night we went to a party to celebrate the buddy’s daughter's high school graduation. I re-connected with several ladies that I had met back in 2003 when buddy’s (now) ex-wife had a 50th birthday girls-only weekend in Palm Springs. We were reminiscing about that weekend, and one lady said to me…”I just remember you were the smokin' hot bod in a bikini.” Now, my friends, I have NEVER owned a bikini but I do recall that one of the bathing suits I wore that weekend was a pretty modest 2 piece which I guess someone might possibly think was a bikini. Needless to say, I was so flattered to think anyone thought I had ever had a "smokin' hot bod." But in thinking about it, I probably weighed 8 lbs less then than I do now (because I’ve never weighed less than 165 at any point in the last 15 years and I weigh about 173 now). How can my mind be so screwed up? If I was a “hot bod” then (believe me, I'm not saying that was ever how I would describe myself), 8 additional lbs now doesn’t make me a “non-hot bod,” right? It makes me wonder…Why do I hate my body so much? If other people think I have/had a “hot bod,” I must at least still have an “okay” body (taking into account the aging process, of course). Hmmm, I guess I need to keep working with Dr D.
Today I ate mostly crap. Bagels and cream cheese, chips and salsa, and red velvet cake and potato salad left over from last night. Tonight we went to an Italian restaurant called Bacchi’s. I ate too much. Oh well. I have a stomach ache now, so I think I’ll go to bed. Tomorrow, I'll try to do better for my own sanity.
God Bless America on this 65th Anniversary of D-Day. Thank you to those who sacrificed so much for the freedom we enjoy today.
Once we become self-aware, it seems we sees exampled everywhere of people not taking care of themselves. It is sad. Even if I never lose another pound, I know I will not go back to eating the way I used to. It is literally killing oneself on a suicide mission.
ReplyDeleteHope you get a chance to eat at the Squeeze In on Main St. in Truckee. I love that place.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law sounds a bit like this guy. He is overweight, is Type II diabetes and he just refuses to do anything to help himself. It is frustrating. I personally think these these guys just do not want to live. It's so self destructive.
ReplyDeleteJeff and I lived in Roseville, CA near Sacramento for two years and that place had bad vibes. I liked Roseville okay but did not go near SAC. It's gross.
Regarding the Undercooked Fish....LOL that's what I would taste like. It is a questions-based quiz, when you get back home you should take it. You might taste like chicken! LOL
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how most people see themselves in a more negative light than everyone else. I think lots of us still have some work to do in that area.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are still have a good time on the road. Your tomato plants are going to be loaded with fruit by the time you get back home!