The lighter side of health is supposed to be a whimsical farce on all of the happenstances of life regarding health. We all know what to do and what not to do. Diet and exercise is the common theme. It’s up there with brushing your teeth, three squares a day and hopefully eight hours of sleep. However, that is not a reality in the world we live in today: Don’t have time for breakfast. I’ll skip lunch and just make sure to eat a salad at dinnertime. With our lives in constant transition, it’s almost impossible to keep up and maintain any type of schedule. We start off with good intentions: I’m going to base this diatribe on my life and maybe y’all will feel like it’s not just you.
Monday: I try to eat multigrain cereal and limit my coffee intake. I usually skip lunch and consume a sandwich in my car in the afternoon on my way to an appointment. I’m worn out when I get home. My options are to cook or get takeout. I love to cook, and I’m somewhat of a stickler for making a good meal, so that can take up to an hour. I’m already exhausted just thinking about it. I remember it’s Monday night and not Saturday when I have friends coming over for a barbecue.
Tuesday: I try to replicate Monday as best as I can, and I usually stick to my unwritten schedule that I’m trying ever so earnestly to adhere to. Let’s face it: Tuesday is the worst day of the week. You hope it’s gone like the wind – you know; like the song, I think.
Wednesday: Again I’m trying to replicate Monday and Tuesday, but I inhaled a pint of ice cream last night. Meanwhile, for some reason this mid-week day is pretty good – after all, it is halfway to the weekend. A client called back with some positive news. My kid just landed a role in the middle school production of “Guys and Dolls,” and there might be something on television to watch if I can get away from my cellphone.
Thursday: Everybody loves Thursday. Why? Well, it’s one day away from Friday, and, for some reason, happy hour seems right around the bend. I’m still trying to eat healthy, and I plan on having a low-carb beer, but it’s tough. There is always some good sporting event on and everyone seems to have a pep in their step.
Friday: Thank God it’s Friday. Everyone seems to be moving slower in the morning – probably too much happy hour. I know that’s why I’m moving at a snail’s pace. I hope my boss doesn’t read this. Oh, I don’t have to worry about that: He’s out playing golf with a client. Yeah, right – I just saw a hog flying over the Holy City. I’m still trying to maintain my schedule, but the weekend is here and I’m ready for some fun and relaxation.
Saturday: I try to sleep in but that ends at 7:46 a.m. when I am awakened by my son who needs me to help him with his bicycle. That’s more important than my sleep or my diet, which is now wishful thinking anyway. The Johnsons are coming over for dinner tonight, and I’ll no doubt have to talk to Frank about the Clemson Tigers. I’m a Gamecock for life.
Sunday: I try to get up and make it to church and meet up with some friends for “Drunch.” I call it that because, well, it’s Mimosas with a side order of eggs Benedict. We got some serious football to watch and my daughter needs me to take her shopping. This is the lighter side of life. Oh, what day is it tomorrow? Well, you know it’s back to my flailing schedule and the upcoming work week.
By Rick Baker