I’m coming to you in real time. It is Monday. I’m sitting at a coffee shop. My lack of planning has left me in a bit of a scramble to bring you an essay this week. I should have started this two days ago. Rather last minute, my brother and sister-in-law came into town with my new nephew and I spent yesterday out at my parents’ staring at him. A perfect human with the tiniest ears and most precious little fingernails. I will never get over him.
Last week I declared I was beginning a gentle cleanse. To quote myself, “a two-week no sugar, no booze, keep it light on the dairy and heavy on the whole foods cleanse of sorts.” One day later I decided, “never mind.”
I’ll give myself a little credit. I haven’t consumed sugar in the form of dessert, no cookies, cakes or ice cream in a week and I work in a restaurant/bakery so this is a relative feat. But when Alan and I went out to dinner last Monday I thought, “ya know what? I’m 40 years old. If I want a glass of wine, I’m having one.” And so I did.
Flexibility is a trait I’m working to incorporate. Acceptance is another. Understanding how quickly time flies, sinking into and, at best, enjoying every moment of the journey seems ideal. Too tight jeans doesn’t seem enough reason to wish the future would come sooner. I’ll have the Nebbiolo.
That’s not to say I haven’t felt a shift from the absence of cookies. As a result, I’ve been more thoughtful and deliberate with what I’m consuming and I’m happy about that. By consuming, let me clarify, specifically what I’ve been putting into my mouth. I’ve essentially replaced sugar with Instagram and lost several hours this week to slack jawed scrolling. To delete or not to delete, that remains the question.
Next week, I plan to start recording my Monday essays so you can listen to the voice-over if you prefer. And I have a whole podcast with my dad begging to be edited so that’s on the way as well. I hope you are taking care and making revisions where necessary to enjoy your journey as much as you can.
Here’s some other things besides sugar I consumed this week.
READING
I’ve been a terrible reader this week. More reason to cut off the Instagram and replace it with a book.
WATCHING
F*ck That’s Delicious on Hulu. Action Bronson and friends visit restaurants all over the world, drink natural wine, smoke a remarkable amount of weed and eat enormous amounts of food. A true delight.
LISTENING
A new season of Normal Gossip!
Episode #47 of This American Life that has David Sedaris telling his Santaland Diaries story. It’s been playing automatically when I get into my car (I guess I have this episode downloaded?) and it’s so good. I had forgotten about This American Life until my phone reminded me, they’re over 800 episodes strong and still going!
Have a gentle week!
xoxo.