Life of the Lintee Bean

The end of another year is fast approaching. A new year always causes me to pause and reflect, thinking about what direction I’d like to take in the year ahead.

I’d like to make a greater effort in my relationships with family. While I didn’t send out any holiday cards the past year or two, I wanted to send cards to my remaining aunts and uncle this year. I haven’t much faith in the Chicago postal service.  I once got a thank you card from my mother years after she sent it. Sometimes I wonder if I’d as much luck throwing my mail on the street and hoping a kind passerby takes it where intended as putting my stamped mail in a mailbox. However, I feel good for attempting to send the cards.

Every year I have goals related to my health.  Some coworkers have been raving about the film “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead” and I watched it last week. The documentary centers around two men who complete 60 day fasts in order to change their lives, and their health. They eat nothing for 60 days, drinking only water and freshly-juiced fruits and vegetables. It was pretty inspiring to watch. Half way through the movie, I made myself a fruit smoothie. However, a few hours after it was over, I ordered delivery from my favorite Asian restaurant.  So, I guess the inspiration was somewhat short-lived.

Motivated by the film, one of my coworkers is starting his own 15-day “detox” after the holidays. I’ve decided to join him.  I spoke to my doctor, and she thinks it’s a great idea for me to avoid all (delicious) processed foods for 15 days. She also recommended some natural remedies to help me sleep better at night. I plan on eating and drinking fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as soy milk and other soy products. I even ordered a juicer. Good nutrition and sleep may be my path to better wellness.

I went into the office two days last week, and walked to and from the train. It felt good to get some exercise.  I hope to start going to the gym again soon, at least for some stretching or yoga classes. I don’t know that I’ll be ready for hockey classes in the immediate future, but I still hope to get back on the ice at some point!

Over the past nearly three years I’ve really enjoyed writing this column every other week. It’s brought me a lot of pleasure to share my stories and thoughts with you.  I hope you’ve had some fun reading them. All good things must come to an end, and I think it’s time to bring this column to a close. Like a TV series that’s run its course, I think my column has crossed some invisible finish line – at least for now.

Happy holidays, and all the best for the year ahead.

Submitted for publication in the Greeley Citizen