Let’s Eat

Ate Ramen noodles for the first time last night. Unsure about the nutritional value, but they were tasty. On the recommendation of a friend, I used the beef. I imagine I could spice them up with real beef bits if I wanted and even add in some veggies. Regardless, it’s nice to have a 40-cent meal that only requires, water, a pot and heat. I’ve got a second package ready to go.

I have noticed that I’m getting slack in my meal planning, which is leading me to bowls of cereal and that sort of thing for dinner. And Ramen. I need to step up my game. It’s easy to let go of life when a spouse dies and just quit caring but I do care it’s just that I’m sort of lazy when it comes to meals. They’ve never been an event, just something I had to do, but too many processed foods can have some deleterious effects. And I wouldn’t want that. I need to get back to creating a menu of some sort and start cultivating my nascent desire to cook well.

As with anything, I suppose it simply requires dedication. Who knew living required so much work? I thought it just happened. But no. You actually need to get off your butt and do things with a purpose. Like exercise. I used to pretend working in the yard constituted exercise, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the case and it’s too hot anyhow. And I have no idea when I stopped going on my daily walk or why. I suppose all this means I’m turning over a new leaf or just getting back to the leaf I already turned over. Take your pick. I just hope my brain goes along with it, because it can be something of a slacker.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver's Tale