Not Too Old to Learn

One of my Guilty Pleasures is websurfing.  Part of the attraction is that its brain stimulation -- what’s going on in the world?  

Another part of it the appeal derives from the helpful tidbits you pick up along the way.  Just in the past month, I’ve picked up tips and techniques that I’m enjoying using. 

Here are some examples:

* I've been driving all wrong:  here's the right way to drive, given the current technology.

*  if you put scallions root down in a glass, partly filled with water, they will root and thrive.  You can either then plant them in little pots or just keep them in the glass (keeping the water level sufficient) to have fresh scallions at the ready in your kitchen window.

* ditto for herbs like parsley, basil and cilantro.  These take longer to root and are a very handy way to have fresh herbs on hand.   Pluck a few leaves to enliven any dish.  I haven’t tried mint yet, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work, either.

* the natural way to sleep isn't necessarily for 6-8 hours straight. Turns out that in in human history,  it's more natural to sleep for a few hours, then get up and do other things for a while, then return to sleep for a second session.   Here's the full scoop.

* here’s the instructions for a new way to poach an egg.  There’s none of the vinegar taste from traditional poaching.  There are not of the ‘hairy’ bits that break off the eggs while they cook.  Rather than ending up with vinegary egg drop soup, you get tight little balls of poached egg.  As well, you can add whatever the seasoning you desire to the package, making for a much tastier finished product. 

* I’ve adapted the preceding technique to create faux coddled eggs -- basically it’s like making the poached egg recipe except that you whisk the egg and add a bit of cream or cheese plus seasonings -- then you pour this into the plastic package.

The point is, to keep learning at any age...how easy it is to do so, given our technology...and what fun it can be to discover new things.  

What about you?  What have you learned lately? Message me or leave a comment in the section below.

Guilty Pleasures

It's pretty fun and easy to identify "treats" and include them into my plans for making the most of turning fifty.  So far this year, I've made it a point to sprinkle treats through the weeks -- spa treatments and orchids and tasty, specialty foods and so forth.

Sure, everyone loves chocolate and massages --  but what about those things I really enjoy that I'm not "supposed" to?  It's more challenging to allow myself these Guilty Pleasures.

For one thing, I have to admit my vices.  For another, I have to convince myself that it's really okay to enjoy these otherwise embarrassing things.

 Here are two of my Guilty Pleasures:

1.  Naps

Many studies have demonstrated myriad health benefits to napping -- but to me it's a Guilty Pleasure with a capital GUILT. 

My family had very strict work ethics.  I was raised to work HARD.  To struggle and toil.  To feel like a failure unless I had pushed myself to specific goals. 

It took a while, but eventually I re-trained myself to cultivate a less aggressively ambitious attitude.  These days, I'm delighted to report, I live a pretty balanced live.

Still, given my formative training, I feel guilty when I nap.  And I love naps.  There's nothing more soothing than taking a physical break in the day. Especially when I can cuddle with my two 72 lb dogs.  

This year, as part of making the most of turning fifty, I'm allowing myself some guilt-free naps.

2.  Web Surfing

It's one thing to be a news junkie -- it's another to bounce around websites of little redeeming value.  I can't explain why, but I'm drawn to keep abreast of memes and celebrity trivia and random topics like What Kate Wore. It's silly. I'd much rather be thinking about weightier things.  Yet every day, I find myself drifting back to what I know to be mindless time-fillers.  

I can't explain the attraction, but the truth is I truly *like* knowing what's going on in the popular culture. 

So, this year, I'm ratcheting back the guilt as I surf my favourite blogs.

How about you?  What are you Guilty Pleasures?  Send me a message or post a comment below.