THE DAWNING OF MARCH
New Year’s Eve passed into history with me staring at my computer screen, playing a game of “Free Cell” while the emcee on my small television blabbered behind me. Barbara hit the hay after searching for something to watch in the waning hours of the old year. Earlier in the evening we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with friends. I thought all day about my New Year’s agenda. I wrote down a few things I would work on when a fresh sheet appears in life’s notebook. In elementary school, I liked turning to a new page in my “Big Chief” tablet, it covered all the mistakes of the previous page. I knew I gained at least five pounds of new fat during my visit with mother at Christmas. My first resolve was to loose 25 lbs by March. I went to the candy tray and crammed several Hershey Nuggets into my mouth. You just can’t leave stuff like that lying around when you are dieting. Something salty would be good. A bag of round tortilla chips beckoned from the cabinet. The balancing act continued as I moved through most of the food groups. A gluttonous stupor crept over my body and I eased into bed shortly after mid-night. Sleep was fitful as my body tried to deal with the mixed chemistry of dinner and a late night grazing frenzy.
I awoke New Year’s Day with a healthy appetite. After fixing coffee, I drank several cups and consumed a big breakfast. I continued with my resolutions - Loose 26 lbs. by March. Exercising will be a part of my new daily routine. One hour per day should create the kind of body I’m not afraid to look at in the mirror after my shower. I’ll start tomorrow. Then I reviewed my spiritual pursuits. More quiet time is a must. Writing is also important. I jotted down a goal of two hours per day. Every year I resolve to learn Spanish, so I set a goal of studying Espaňol for one hour each day.
Mental health is important. Limit television to four hours per week. Barbara came in and suggested we go to the park and walk for an hour. I agreed. We needed to stop by the grocery store for some black eyed peas and greens.
After walking in the brisk air for an hour, I was hungry. We hurried to the market for our New Year’s veggies. When we got home I turned on the tube to watch football. The smell of lucky vegetables and cornbread took my mind off the game. Soon I was looking at the bottom of an empty plate covered with a thin layer of pot liquor and cornbread crumbs – I needed a nap. I woke up and read the fifty e-mails received during the holidays. The day ended with the weatherman calling for a slight chance of snow during the night. Tomorrow I will get serious. Loose 27 lbs. by March.
“Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight.” —Helen Keller
“Talk is cheap—except when Congress does it.” —Cullen Hightower
“People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war, or before an election.” —Otto von Bismarck
“It is dangerous for a national candidate to say things that people might remember.” —Eugene McCarthy
“Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what’s going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House?” —Will Rogers
