Ice-cold martinis
In tall stemmed glasses
Bloody red roast beef
With potatoes somebody mashes
Pints of creamy Guinness
And hot buffalo wings
These are a few
Of my favorite things!
(apologies to Rodgers & Hammerstein)
It’s almost one week into the new year, and I can honestly say that I haven’t broken one resolution because I haven’t made any. Yes, I have thought about changing my ways, but I am not certain there is anything that needs changing. I do want to spend more time with my loved ones, give my dogs a bath more often, and wax my car now and then, but these things are not really resolutions but more like a “to do” list.
I’ve been listening to a number of people over the last few days, and everyone is talking about the resolutions they have already broken. I just stay quiet and nod sympathetically, while planning to go on my merry way doing what I want to do. It’s not like I smoke a pack of cigarettes a day (I don’t smoke at all), or drink a six pack every night (I have an occasional beer during the week), or gorge myself on spicy and fattening foods (I eat very simple healthy meals for the most part). The thing is that I do want to eat and drink what I want when I want to do so, and I don’t feel like giving up those things now or any time soon.
Over the holidays I had a few martinis here and there as I celebrated at parties. I ate the so-called unhealthy foods, drank beer as I watched football, and chomped the obligatory snacks as I pleased. If I gained a few pounds between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I really didn’t care. It was to be expected. I couldn’t see my way to “cutting back” as one friend put it or “taking it easy.” I wasn’t overdoing it as much as just enjoying myself.
Some people might think I am deluding myself; these things are detrimental to my health, and I better start realizing it. Truthfully, I have heard all the arguments against drinking, smoking, and eating; I appreciate and respect anyone who wishes to follow any diet or style of living. Want to be a vegetarian? Good luck. Want to be a teetotaler? Be my guest. Just please don’t start trying to make your choices anyone else’s.
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
Sounds like good advice to me!
2 - Nancy
You're smart - and certainly less stressed about breaking resolutions than the rest of us.
I think it has to be genetic: all 4 of my grands died over the age of 99, and 3 of the 4 died over 102. They ate whatever they wanted, and both grandmas were plump (rotund, even) classical Grandma types, always baking & tasting. Both grandpas had a fondness for the aforementioned stiff drink & foul stogies as well. I myself did NOT diet during the holiday, but DID eat very moderately whatever I wanted (mainly mashed potatoes) - and actually lost a few lbs. by New Years. Go figure.
3 - Andy Marsh
I made on resolution about 10 years ago and I haven't broken it since. I resolved to never make another new years resolution!
4 - Mary K. Williams
Victor -
Love it! Do your thing man.
5 - Elvira Black
Awesome, Victor! And the beauty part is, if you ever do decide to become more bacchanalian in your lifestyle choices, you've obviously got good genes on your side!
I think enjoying life to the fullest may be the best way to prolong it. At least I hope so. And if not, you can at least demonstrate you had plenty of fun along the way.
6 - Victor Lana
Elvira, I think happiness is part of the prescription for health (maybe the old eat, drink, and be merry wasn't so wrong). I do believe that a culture of deprivation (whether self inflicted or not) leads to unhappiness and thus poor health.