Necessary Mutilation

Weight: 194.6 lbs.

Well, not really wine and roses…how about a catered chicken lunch and the developmentally disabled. Which was as fulfilling and inspiring and meaningful as wine and roses ever were. I had a wonderful time at the Convention Center doings yesterday, seeing so many people I knew, working the crowd, raking in some awesome performances by folks with disabilities, sneaking into a workshop and loving it, hearing speeches, and then ending the day way later than I had imagined I would just because I was having such a good time. I got there at 8:30 am and left at 6:00 pm, staying the last two hours to enjoy the Aspire band called Universal Mind, who are an amazingly talented group of developmentally disabled individuals who peform with such heart and energy it brings tears to your eyes. And, although I have heard them many times, I had a front row seat as the crowd had trickled off, and I felt as priviledged as any fan to be able to hear and see them so well. And like always, they blew it out of the water, and those of us left which included several of my clients who were so happy to see me, had a blast.

Then, since I was passing the hospital where my friend remains on the way home and just minutes into visiting hours, I pulled into the lot and called her sister to see if she could see me today, and she was grateful as she lives so far away and was running late, and didn’t want her sister to be alone as she was having a bad day. I ended up staying much longer than intended, and didn’t get home until about 8:00. Exhausted, but content. And hungry, despite (or perhaps because of) the amazing food the event fed me.

At the catered luncheon, I had the fanciest chicken, asparagus, sweet potato and cheese filled tomato thingy I have ever eaten. And it was all yummy!! I also ate the salad which even others at my table commented was the most extraordinary mix of veggies and fruits, delightfully aranged and fancy. Oh, and the best piece of chocolate cake, all dolled up with a strawberry the size of Houston and other fancy extras! I was so stuffed from the main meal, I only ate two bites (which is how it should be anyway!!), but they are bites I will never forget. Just heavenly!

And after the formal venue ended, they had the reception that included the band, and wings and cheese and veggie platters etc. I gathered up a plate, nibbled on a wing and a half and some cheese and a few crackers, but discarded the rest. It was all still too fatty and such, and I am sure that I should have set firmer limits on myself. But oh, what amazing food and a good time to eat them in…!

So, today my soul feels rejuvinated. albeit a little people weary. I have a meeting or two with my bosses at work and lots of month end work to do. Plus, I have to make up for being “off” yesterday, work and money wise. Lately we have been getting extraordinary bills and charges for everything from repair jobs to IRS “audits” to relicensing of cars and selves to medical to credit card payoffs, so it had been more of a crunch than usual. Plus, Sue is due up and staying here for nearly 2 weeks, and we always do a lot more eating out and entertaining in this time. In fact, she and her boyfriend are doing a late (7:00) dinner with us tonight, then we all have tix to see Pete in the Music Man tomorrow night (with another dinner beforehand), then brunch at Pete’s on Sunday, and a Memorial Day bbq here on Monday. Which I haven’t shopped one stitch for yet, but I’m sure will include much typical “crap” as I am no chef and not very inspired when left to pick up items for a picnic. I’m not even sure who all is coming, as frankly I hadn’t given Monday a thought yet, and other than happening to invite Rose last week when we saw her, don’t believe that anyone other than Sue and Pete even know we will be having it.  And I’m not sure where I will have time to reach out to everyone else to ask, between now and then. If you are a local friend of mine and read here, please consider yourself invited, and I hope to see you here!!! At 1:00…? (I just made this up!)

Lastly, our friend continues to be troubled and languishing in the hospital, and we all have tentative plans if she remains over the weekend, to visit her during earlier visiting hours on Saturday. Which I am glad about, as otherwise given our recreational schedule, we wouldn’t see her for several straight days, and I would feel worried that she was having enough visitors and about how she was faring.

But, it is clearly coming up to crunch time once again, although perhaps I could argue that it never stopped. I feel blessed to have such good friends and an active social life and all, but sometimes wish to be a hermit for the solitude it must afford.

And, I am sure that it would be a whole lot easier to control what I put in my mouth if left alone and not tempted by the people and places I am enjoying at the time. On the other hand, this would be a sad and lonely way to be skinny, and I think I’ll take it the way it is!

And who knows, maybe someday I’ll even learn how to have it all while still minding my diet and making good choices despite all temptation.

Someday….