I must admit it. I am a chip addict. Of course, this doesn’t really jive with a diabetes-friendly diet. My “solution” to this conundrum (I’ve always wanted to use that word) has been to eat Lay’s salt and vinegar chips in relatively small quantities. We’re talking chips here so you be the judge of what a small quantity really is. Basically, not the entire bag at one sitting. I’ve found the Lays s&v to be naturally limiting as if you eat too many, a few layers of the inside of your mouth - tongue, cheeks, roof of mouth - are ripped off, leaving a sensitive exposed surface with no remaining tastebuds.

Most of the time this is not a problem, as I usually wash them down with some sort of diet drink. In this case it’s actually a benefit to be a few tastebuds short.

The challenge presents itself when I have to cook something after over-consuming the s&v. Have you ever tried to cook something when you can’t taste? It’s quite a bizarre experience, and one that strips you of all that is joyous about food.

Will this make me ease up on the chips? Probably not.

This time I spend writing is so good for me. It’s unbelievable how much clarity and peace it gives me. I think I’ve always been a writer - when I think of how many notebooks, etc. I found when I went through the office. I especially feel the need to scrawl when I’m feeling torn or conflicted or uncertain about stuff.

I think one thing I’ve learned from the Family course (a counselling course I took) is how blessed I am. That I should stop feeling bad about having a great life and just move on. Do something that fulfills me. Use what I’ve got to help others. Make a difference. Do things to make me feel proud. Do things to make me feel joy. I deserve to feel joy. I deserve happiness and so does every other person in the world.

While helping her grandma put together emergency kits for our family, my daughter asked “Dad, if there’s an earthquake, what would you like for lunch?”