eclectic – defined

I have been reading “The Scottish Prisoner” by Diana Gabaldon. As is always the case when I read her books, I long to visit Scotland once again. I went back and reread my posts on our trip to Scotland. It felt as if I were there again. I wish I had written more immediately following our trip. One thing that I was reminded of what is the name of the fish and chips place we stopped at in Pitlochry. It was called “The Plaice to Be”. I thought that was just a funny little Scottish way of writing the word place. The other day I learn something. Place, spelled plaice, is a kind of white fish frequently eaten in the United Kingdom. So it was actually a wonderful little play on words, since that kind of fish is often used to make fish and chips. You learn something new every day.

I’m sitting in the parking lot of Home Depot. We are doing some lawn repairs, so I am here to pick up some more garden soil that we can plant some grass seed on. What started out as a gorgeous, sunny day, is turning quite cloudy and blustery. I am kind of actually hoping that it does rain. I don’t want to do yard work all day long. And the only way I’m going to get out of it, is if it does rain. So, off I go into Home Depot, to pick up the soil, and then back home to finish what we can before it rains. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

By the way, wish me luck on this diet thing. I am still struggling. And to make matters worse, I found out that I gained another 3 pounds. Great! Trying to lose and I gain. Story of my life.

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I’ve been reading a book – well, I’m actually listening to it – called “Talent is Overrated”. It is quite inspirational. It’s all about how the great talents in the world are not really gifted or “born with” an innate skill or ability that is far superior to “normal” people’s skills or abilities, but rather that they engaged in “deliberate practice” to achieve their success. Or example, Tiger Woods was not born a golfer. Before we ever heard his name, he had been following a very rigorous practice regimen for over 15 years. He had begun by watching his dad hit golf balls over and over at eighteen months of age. He worked on very specific things when he practiced, and evaluated and reevaluated his game constantly. He is just one example of many that include musicians, athletes, and business people, of how deliberate practice is what makes people extraordinary, as opposed to some God-given talent. It is so interesting.

I’m at the part of the book that is discussing what you can do in your business life to become highly skilled and successful. I plan to try to incorporate as much of what I learn as possible into my daily life. I’ll let you know how it goes. One thing the author says over and over, is that deliberate practice is difficult and not usually pleasant. That’s why most of us don’t engage in it. It’s too much work. We’ll see how I do.

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I love Wednesdays. Sure, the arrival of Wednesday means the work week is half over. That’s so cliche. I love Wednesdays because:

1. I have no regularly scheduled meetings at work.
2. I usually get home before The Spouse, so can watch this week’s episode of “Smash” on my DVR before he gets home.
3. I almost always get a phone call from YS.
4. The work week is half over!!

Okay, that’s all I’ve got, but that’s good enough for me!

Now, about yesterday’s post. I ended up eating the entire bag of Chex mix when I got home. At least I didn’t top it off with ice cream, right? The good news is, the Chex mix is gone! No more temptation. I know now that I cannot buy that version (the Sweet & Salty version) again. I can stay away from the regular, cheddar cheese, and bold versions, but not the sweet and salty. My list of things I cannot buy is growing:

1. Avocados (unless I buy one and only one)
2. Feta
3. Chex Sweet & Salty
4. Blue Bunny Bordeaux Cherry Chocolate ice cream
5. Hershey’s Almond Kisses
6. Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds
7. Emerald Jumbo Whole Cashews

I’m sure there are other things that I can’t think of right now that should be on that list. If I buy the things on that list, I cannot eat them in moderation. I will consume three avocados in one day. I will eat an entire block of feta cheese. Feta AND avocados? I’m a goner. Now, the truth is, once the “switch” flips in my head, and I get into healthy eating mode, I can avoid anything. I can walk right by every one of those things listed above and not bat an eyelash. But getting that switch to flip is tough. I’m almost there. A few more bike rides to work and back will definitely get me there, but as of today, I’m teetering on the edge. So I won’t be buying any of those items in the near future.

Today I’ve been good about my eating, though. I had a great banana and strawberry smoothie with some whey protein for breakfast. Lunch was a delicious spinach salad with a grilled chicken breast and my famous Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar dressing (that’s all it is – half dijon mustard and half balsamic vinegar, mixed). YUM! I rode my bike to work, and will be heading home in a few minutes, AND I managed a 1.7 mile walk at lunch today! I’m on a roll!

See, Wednesdays are awesome!

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What the heck is wrong with me??? I cannot seem to get a grip on my eating! I start the day doing well, then devolve into mindless gobbling throughout the day, ending with a full-blown binge at night. I’m hopeless. Maybe blogging about it will help me hold myself accountable, and provide a venue for discussing what is going on in my life that had led me to overeat. Something has to change!

Today I had a handful of Chex mix while making The Spouse’s lunch. That’s it. No more bad stuff starting this very moment!!! I brought some cabbage and vegetable soup, a chicken breast, and some spinach for a salad for lunch today. My big downfall is ice cream after dinner. The Spouse has gotten hooked on this cherry chocolate ice cream, and I haven’t been able to resist it either. That ends today!! Wish me luck!

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