Anyone who paints their toenails has too much time on their hands, and anyone who thinks their car is more critical than their fitness needs a reality check.
My son has been asked me similar questions about my relationship with food—complicated indeed. I bet he’d love to have a conversation with you! He just started his substack, the Plant Forward Diet, and is looking to hear stories from others.
Strawbridge, as always, you stimulate thought. Many of the thoughts you plant the seeds for growing are reminders of many of my musings. I often think that vegetables are living "things." We don't think of a baby carrot having its hair grabbed and ripped out of the ground. We never consider a mother carrot "screaming" to the farmer to unhand the green top to get to the sweet, delicious orange source of Vitamin A. Yet, we are saddened by the eating of non-human animals. Life is life, whether vegetative or using organs that humans possess. When we pluck a pear or apple and let it sit, it withers, much like a animal that provides an excellent source of protein. There really is a Circle of Life. I would not ever consider killing a crow, but, there would be a lot of lifeless carcasses on the roads if there were no crows or vultures to consume that dead "meat." The woodpecker is not interested in destroying your home, yet, he/she pecks away to get at the insect inside the wood of your home, with no thought to the damage done to your home's value. In your piece, you prioritize time, but not the burden on your heart that those sweet things do to the weight you then lug around. I am uncertain about time being more important than health. You could, equally, say, "Hey doughnut, I would rather not put you into my mouth, because you are harmful to me." Right? And, I used to misquote that passage as well. It is not money that is the root of all evil. The words are "The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil." I agree. I believe that we must Be and Enjoy where our feet are; period. You "make" me think. I appreciate you. Thank you for reading my ramblings.
“Starting as a teenager, Americans expect to have a decent car, and as we grow older, we assume having a new car every two years or so is a requirement…
Also, one must own a house to be a full-fledged American.”
I’m not sure that’s even true of the youngest generation for whom ride share is a thing and apartment living is all they aspire to. Not to say you are incorrect about what they want if they could have it, but economics push them down so far they no longer have the same expectations.
I see your point and think you are right to some degree. I think it depends on where you are in the country and who you are around. I believe there are still enough people who have high expectations. And yes, our generation is still out there with those expectations, and trying...and it seems failing. I don't have to mention the debt problems, I think everyone is aware of that. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Anyone who paints their toenails has too much time on their hands, and anyone who thinks their car is more critical than their fitness needs a reality check.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing. Time is all we have and the number one thing wasted.
Another great, thought-provoking piece!
My son has been asked me similar questions about my relationship with food—complicated indeed. I bet he’d love to have a conversation with you! He just started his substack, the Plant Forward Diet, and is looking to hear stories from others.
https://substack.com/@zacmason
That’s great your son is on here I will definitely check him out. I am trying to eat better myself. Thanks for reading and sharing.
I have tried to live my life similar to that for a long time.
You mean by the right priorities as you define them?
Strawbridge, as always, you stimulate thought. Many of the thoughts you plant the seeds for growing are reminders of many of my musings. I often think that vegetables are living "things." We don't think of a baby carrot having its hair grabbed and ripped out of the ground. We never consider a mother carrot "screaming" to the farmer to unhand the green top to get to the sweet, delicious orange source of Vitamin A. Yet, we are saddened by the eating of non-human animals. Life is life, whether vegetative or using organs that humans possess. When we pluck a pear or apple and let it sit, it withers, much like a animal that provides an excellent source of protein. There really is a Circle of Life. I would not ever consider killing a crow, but, there would be a lot of lifeless carcasses on the roads if there were no crows or vultures to consume that dead "meat." The woodpecker is not interested in destroying your home, yet, he/she pecks away to get at the insect inside the wood of your home, with no thought to the damage done to your home's value. In your piece, you prioritize time, but not the burden on your heart that those sweet things do to the weight you then lug around. I am uncertain about time being more important than health. You could, equally, say, "Hey doughnut, I would rather not put you into my mouth, because you are harmful to me." Right? And, I used to misquote that passage as well. It is not money that is the root of all evil. The words are "The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil." I agree. I believe that we must Be and Enjoy where our feet are; period. You "make" me think. I appreciate you. Thank you for reading my ramblings.
“Starting as a teenager, Americans expect to have a decent car, and as we grow older, we assume having a new car every two years or so is a requirement…
Also, one must own a house to be a full-fledged American.”
I’m not sure that’s even true of the youngest generation for whom ride share is a thing and apartment living is all they aspire to. Not to say you are incorrect about what they want if they could have it, but economics push them down so far they no longer have the same expectations.
You and I had those expectations.
I see your point and think you are right to some degree. I think it depends on where you are in the country and who you are around. I believe there are still enough people who have high expectations. And yes, our generation is still out there with those expectations, and trying...and it seems failing. I don't have to mention the debt problems, I think everyone is aware of that. Thanks for reading and commenting.