Change the Input... Affect the Outcome?

Most of my days start with a coffee and some procrastination. Most nights end with tea and ice cream. There are some assorted vegetables, some protein and some water in between. If I remember (which was one of my goals for this year) there are a few vitamin tablets added, generally with the tea.

Most days I start sluggish. I'm not really a morning person, or so I've always said. What if I'm just starting off wrong? What if, I pounded a glass of orange juice before I even brush my teeth and wake up?

What if I woke up and ran screaming out my front door? I'm certain my dogs would chase me and we'd end up laughing and barking like lunatics before I got to the road. The adrenaline would flow, and there'd be no snooze button action, that's for sure. (Especially since the puppy is like a wild panther. She could outrun her shadow!)

So if I change the input, will the outcome change too?  It sounds logical. Because if you do the same thing over and over and expect things to change aren't you just an idiot?

It's theme week!

Look, another blog post about the truck!

I went for a quick road trip yesterday. I put on about 500 km to go and see my mom. I don't see her often enough, so this trip felt overdue. Now, of course I chat with her regularly by phone, so don't think that I'm the worst kid in the world or anything. But, my chaotic life and work just keeps me from visiting as often as everyone would like.

In order to take this first 'roadie' with the new truck I had to make a new playlist. Music just for this truck and for this adventure. Then, en route I bought a Dr. Pepper. For me, a road trip requires these two things for certain.

Then all I did was drive. Deep in thought, and lost in music, the time flew by. Before I knew it I was in Mom's neighborhood picking up groceries and flowers and everything necessary for a perfect visit.

On the way, I got more familiar with my truck. It has a great 3 prong outlet you can use to charge anything. I like that. It has a back window that slides down. That makes it feel almost like a sunroof. The stereo is excellent, but I already knew that.

There, in the driver's seat,  with a few hours to myself I started to feel more like "me" again. I was reminded that with a little time and fresh air, distance and perspective I'm good.

To all the cars I've loved before

To the vehicles past... I say "thank you." They all served a purpose and were well suited to their time and place in my history.

Buying the new truck caused me to ponder nostalgically over the vehicles I've owned. So, here they are, in order, to the best of my recollection. Each had come to be used or "previously loved."

Late 80s Mustang
Early 90s Chevrolet Sprint
Early 90s Firefly Convertible
1996 Ford Contour
Mid 90s Cavalier Convertible
Buick Regal  (I had it for less than a year. It was white and old when I got it. Very vague memory)
2003 Ford Focus
2002 Mustang Convertible
1956 Nash Metropolitan
2007 Ford Sport Trac
1949 GMC 3100
2010 Nissan Titan

A Little Harsh

I may have been a little harsh in my mocking of the GMC Sierra.

I don't think even a Ferrari would have made me happy at the time. The only thing I wanted was to have MY truck back. It's like sleeping on the couch in your own house when you have company. It's fine and you're happy for the company... but all you really want is your own bed.

Nice to borrow a pair of shoes when you've forgotten yours.... but the only thing that really fits and makes you comfortable is your shoes.

I also might be a little weird about my vehicles. It's the one thing I'm obsessively possessive of. As in, I don't let anyone drive my truck, period. I can't imagine an occasion that I would ask or even consider letting anyone else drive it. Yes, you can borrow my shovel, my shoes, my lawnmower, just not my truck.

So, I'm sorry to the GMC Sierra for being a little snarky. Now that I'm back in a Titan, I'm good. It's right where I want to be. It's my happy place.

I Bought Beef Jerky

This is going to take a minute. Bear with me. At some point I'll make you laugh.

I've been driving a GMC Sierra truck for the last week. And this doesn't feel like "me." And today, in a mindless gas station stop to refuel the ugly beast I reached out to the impulse shelf at the gas station and bought beef jerky.

That was my first clue that something was wrong. I'm sure it's been 10 years, if not forever, since I bought salted dehydrated meat, never mind from a gas station. But that was, in the moment, what I had a hankering for. Ewww.

So what on earth has happened to me, and why am I driving a GMC Sierra?

An unfortunate set of circumstances has disabled my much-loved Titan. And until the sexy, powerful truck can be repaired, I was gifted a "loaner" vehicle to drive. So this 2012 Sierra was the best they could offer. Sure, it sounds fine until you realize the seat does not adjust in height, and that it has a column shifter that I seem to bump every time I reach for the radio dial. (Yes, I did say DIAL) So there I am sitting low... oh, did I mention it's a bench seat? (Good lord, I didn't realize that was still an option.)  Every time I reach for a knob or button or something it's in the wrong place. And it corners like a farm tractor.

Even so, after a few days, I have started to get used to it. And that's when I noticed the changes happening to me. I'm driving about 80km/hr in a 90. I'm taking the long way home, just to check on the neighbour's crops and cattle. I'm starting to rest my right arm on the back of the bench seat, and steer with my left hand. Good God, what's happening to me? And that's when I bought the beef jerky. Ugh. I NEED my Titan back before I start drinking 6 packs of OV off the tail gate.

This isn't me. I'm not in my element right now. I'm beginning to think that I should start a charity, or support group for people who are oppressed, depressed or dysfunctional from the exposure to unfortunate vehicle choices. It's like trying to walk in high heels when all you know is cowboy boots. Or trying to watch football when all you understand is the Arts.

People who drive "whatever" or something that is just good enough, are missing out on the joy of driving. To have something that expresses your personality, or even just suits your lifestyle, is to know happiness. As I used to say, there are two kinds of drivers in this world... convertible people and "unhappy roof people."  I now have to broaden my definitions, but you either ARE, or you AREN'T.... and I certainly "aren't" a GMC Sierra-type girl.

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease get me my Nissan Titan back soon. I'll never survive on beef jerky and OV.

Fast 5: Mother's Day Edition

Just a couple quick tips for the dads who struggle in this dept. Yes, dads it IS your responsibility to help the kids on this one.

1. Why haven't you made a dinner reservation yet? Oh boy, you're going to be eating at the burger joint now.... here's hoping they have a treat planned there too.

2. Nothing needs to be expensive. C'mon, it's your mom. She loves everything you do. Let the kids loose in the craft store or the bath/body store with $20. They'll come up with something.

3. Card. You need a card. You can't text your mom on this one.

4. Flowers. You can't beat roses in my opinion. Fresh cut, or a rose bush from the garden centre. They're all good.  If it's a rose bush the kids can plant it with mom.

5. Rest. Gosh, there's nothing mom wants more that a little break, a book, a nap, some free time. A little peace and quiet in the house. Then it's back to normal - there's no mom who doesn't love the laughter of her kids and a good hug.

Being a mom isn't easy, but loving your kids sure is. I happen to have the two greatest little charmers. They make me melt. Those blue eyes and mischievous smiles.... just like their mama!

I have this theory

My theory goes that if you are having a rotten day, you ought to look for someone you can help. There has to be someone worse off than you. So, rather than wallow in self pity, take the bull by the horns and try to change someone else's day for the better.

When you make someone else happy, you make yourself happy too. But it typically also starts a chain reaction of good karma.

Instead of being the one who says, "nobody ever buys me flowers" be the one who surprises a friend with flowers.

Rather than saying "I need", how about being the one who says..."I have this to give."

It sounds all very pollyanna.... which is not typical of my verse. However, I believe it to be true. Pay it forward. It will change your outlook. And it just might be the rainbow someone else is desperately looking for.

Back in the groove

Some things just feel right. 

I like a good groove. I like to feel like I'm firing on all cylinders and enjoying things to the fullest. When I'm at work in the kitchen, I like certain knives for certain tasks. I like things that make sense…. like fries and gravy. Not onion rings and gravy, That still doesn't make sense to me. I like certain products, not substitutes. I like Mother's Day specials in May and sundaes on Sundays. Call me crazy.

I like it when things go as predicted. I like to know what to expect. I'm sure I'm not the only one like this. 

I also like Spring weather in March and April. -20C and blizzards… that's supposed to be January.

Now, of course I like good surprises. Like sunshine on a day the weatherman said was going to suck. Or like tulips being delivered on a joyless Saturday. Great surprises like that, can turn your whole week around. 

These last few weeks have been very hard. I haven't felt right since that yellow handled knife broke on a Friday night, (I'm kidding…. well, sort of.) I replaced the knife but couldn't find my groove.  Nothing major, just out of sync. Hell, I haven't even felt like writing. 

Then I made a quick trip to Vegas. I laughed and laughed. I gambled. I sat in the sun and started to feel like myself again. 

This last week has been intense. No other way to describe it. I got the sunshine I needed. The help that saves the bacon, and the right knife to cut buns again. 

It all came together sitting at the patio, drinking a coke at the restaurant I own. It just felt right. Like the stress was leaving my body and I was at home where I should be. 

I love my restaurant, I love the people I work with and the people I see across the counter. (Ok, not all of them. Some make me want to call the cops.) This is where I need to be. This is where I'm happy. Next person who says I should get a real job, or that I only work half the year… they should try a week in my sneakers. But bring your own knife. I won't let just anybody use mine.