Every Damn Day

So this post by Sarah at Yes and Yes (please, go read it and subscribe to her blog) got me thinking as soon as I read it.

With the fortune/trouble of working from home, I have been making my own very soft goals for awhile. Ok, they've been more like aims. Flexible, I-don't-mind-if-I-don't-achieve-them aims, which I then just have a constant feeling of guilt over for never quite doing what I wish I had.

Sarah's description of an 'Every Damn Day' list really resonated with me. For some reason that internal soundbite of Every. Damn. Day. has kicked that resolute part of me in to gear.

Having successfully made the resolute decision to lose weight in the past, I expect to be able to make the necessary adjustments now to get my schedule and work/life balance back on track. Admittedly, I have followed Sarah's lead and aimed pretty low. Like only two things on the list low.

The Death of Reason: Aspartame

The death of reason descends on ordinarily reasonable folk like a thick fog. When once they had the power of reason and logic it abandons them the moment they read a word they do not understand: aspartame.

I have been inspired to write this post after seeing this link shared by a Facebook friend.

This concerned me for a number of reasons.

Why I Hate Facebook

"I like supporting causes I believe in by donating money, offering support or volunteering my time. I don't like supporting a cause by participating in a viral social campaign insinuating my preferred location to have sex (I mean keep my handbag) which goes about as far as a primary school chain letter for all the good it does."

I shared that little thought in the Spring of 2010. I'm appalled to say that since then there have been two more equally ridiculous campaigns to "raise awareness for breast cancer".

Now, let's be serious here: these are superficial chains passed between females (the "rules" specify that it must only be passed on to girls) that, if the participant actually intended genuine support of the cause, are the lamest excuse for cancer support I have ever heard of.

The chain letter is passed on using private messages on a social network where recipients are advised to write an ambiguous or provocative status update publicly, with the purported aim to "keep the guys guessing".

What purpose this serves in "raising awareness" is beyond me.

Customers Do Not Work At Your Store

Alright kids, let's get ready for a mind-blowing observation: Customers Do Not Work At Your Store.

This sounds obvious, right? You'd be surprised.

I once went into a store with shiny devices that promise to change your world, and I went straight to the device that interested me most - we'll call it a Mobile Telephone. While I was playing with a cute little informative Display unit about the Mobile Telephone, a middle aged lady walked up to the Display next to me and began to play. A young sales representative instantly sprung up behind us to offer assistance.

As I was content with the information I was getting on my Display I let the lady speak up, "I would like a shiny new Display."

The salesperson responded immediately, "That's a Wizzing InfoSlab."

My Wish for 2012 (and Beyond)

I have a dream. It's an ongoing dream that I hope can be reached but know will be an incredibly long journey. It seems a simple dream in reality but obviously remains something eluding those it would most benefit.

My dream is for everyone to have access to genuine, ethical, and accurate nutritional advice so they can make informed decisions about what is best for their health.

I have been fortunate to grow up with a very skilled and sought-after consultant dietitian for a mother. A life of quick questions about this or that nutrient, serving sizes, and beneficial properties has left me healthily spoilt.

I have also been fortunate not to have ever completed months of hard slogs in the gym to be "beach-ready". I have always been a sporty person of sorts, though for a time I certainly watched more than participated - there's nothing like a pizza and couch night.

I have, however, done the time, made the change, transformed for the better, and lost 13kg.

That Thing You Do

You know that thing you know? That thing that you think everyone knows?

Well not everyone does.

Some people don't know it at all and they want you to teach them. Share with them. Show them the way to do that amazing thing you do.

You should be proud of what you know. Even though you've always known this thing and never thought anything if it, that is called a skill, and your skills are what make you amazing - and don't you forget that!

Asian Inspired Steak

I do love a made up recipe so this one comes to you based on available fridge stock.

Start by cutting up all your vegies - I opted for julienned carrots because they look a little lighter for this meal, plus mushrooms and pak choy.

Heat a 24cm skillet over medium high heat. Place steaks in pan and cook for 2 mins or until sides are browned. Season as desired. Turn over and cook for a further 2-3 mins or until steak feels firm to touch. Do not turn over again as this can toughen the meat. Remove steaks from pan and wrap in foil. Set aside for the meat to rest.

Put some olive oil in the pan and fry enough mushrooms for two (or as appropriate). Place on the side of two serving plates.

Fry a bunch of pak choy for a minute, then add a dash of water and continue cooking until all the water has evaporated. Arrange in the centre of your serving plates, unwrap the steaks and place on top of the pak choy.