Monday, July 22, 2013

Lessons from a Protein Shake

I have resolved to remove processed sugar and alcohol from my diet this week, imposing a more regimented self discipline than the usual, "only eat half a bag of Powerberries*." Protein shakes are a great supplement because they

1) Contain, you guessed it, protein, which aids in the post workout recovery process and
2) Taste like a milkshake when I close my eyes and dream

I prepared said indulgence last night and, lacking motivation, did not rinse the cup. Tonight I revisited the vessel with the same lackluster mentality but realized it must be cleaned. Unfortunately, the residue had settled, rendering the scrubbing process infinitely more irritating. I experienced the same frustration when I cleaned my bathroom Sunday after no less than three three months. I now understand the reasoning behind my mother's once a week cleaning schedule.

So how do we apply this lesson to life as a whole? Maybe it is to clean more often, although I highly doubt I will touch my bathroom in the next month. As I begrudged the residue for accumulating, I realized it was not the residue's fault but rather my neglect. Often, we tarry out of laziness, be it in commitments, patterns of behavior or any other aspect of daily life. This only exacerbates inward conflicts, and by not confronting these immediately, we passively permit them to become a larger nuisance than necessary. Clean out the filth at the onset, and one will have a much cleaner kitchen.

The thought of the evening is brought to you courtesy of an out-of-the-apartment room mate and a perfect summer night on a patio. The last two posts portray an attempt at insightful perception, so I promise the next post will be about something silly.

*If you know not the power of these morsels, do yourself a favor and pick up a bag from Trader Joe's. They may change your life.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Embracing Square One

Hello, square one, we meet again. I will warn you, I have also met with a glass of wine and five episodes of Scrubs this evening. That show always draws a tear or two to my eyes, so yes, you may expect an introverted pontification. Possibly a tangent as well.

My sister had a child recently, Mabel Josephine. The child is absolutely darling, and I expect she will emulate her mother's joyous spirit. Consistent with her nature, Lydia already has an abundance of nicknames for the child, her current being Zupertine. I think this sounds like an empire, probably because the pronunciation is akin to Byzantine, applicable because Mabel exudes stoic regalia. Upon questioning the nickname, Lydia informed me that this is one of many the child will receive. This is simply her 'Zupertine Phase.' But of course.

Lydia has always amplified the significance of phases; when I was in high school, she suggested wearing different perfumes so as to harken memories when that scent and I met again. Indeed, every time I smell Angel, I still remember sitting in the gym on a Tuesday morning in an oversized Bowling Green hoodie. I love it.

Let's bring it back. While Lydia's parenting technique may result in Mabel's response to a plethora of obscure references, it leads me to my thought of the evening. Life is full of phases, beginnings and ends. Whether in work, school, relationships or hobbies, very few aspects of our lives remain constant. For instance, I had a month stint where I was determined to be a history buff, which was quickly severed by the realization of reading required to be a history buff. Recognizing the fleeting nature of phases allows one to first fully appreciate certain certainties. More importantly, it allows one to glean insights from each phase that will further empower you in the next.

No nickname will be worthless. No perfume's scent will fall on hollow nostrils. No phase is without purpose. And each square one is different than the previous, so approach it as such, with vigor renewed by increased experience.