January 3rd, 2025
I had a hard time sleeping last night and ended up waking up later than usual (8:15) after watching mindless television in the middle of the night. I have been fortunate that sleep has never really been a challenge for me. Typically I am a 10 pm or 11 pm to 6 am sleeper and wake up with lots of energy. I can’t really say that I am a morning person because I can be just as alive at night- but when I lay my head down, I am able to fall asleep with regular ease.
I am also not a coffee drinker. I have never developed the taste buds for it nor made much of an effort to try. I guess I have always seen it as another vice or dependency and never wanted to be on those people who couldn’t function in the morning without their first few cups of joe. So instead, I developed a much worse dependency on sugar. I am my routine of cereal in the morning as a child didn’t help me. Apple Jacks, Honey Nut Cheerios- (deceiving you into thinking you are making a healthy choice), Sugar Smacks, and Corn Pops- God, I love those so much and I notice my mouth watering as I type this. We would also have the plan Cheerios onto which I would douse spoonfuls of sugar. I would end by drinking the flavorful milk right out of the bowl. Fortunately, I have not continued this breakfast as an adult- but let’s be honest, I have been known to take some of Aya’s cereal when it is in the pantry. My wonderful wife rarely buys that type of stuff so that helps.
Anyway, after I wrote yesterday evening, Saja made a banana cake. She needed eggs for the frangipane topping and I took her to the store just before 9:00. I tried to hang out in the fruits and vegetables areas grabbing a few more oranges, bananas, and green apples as a back-up when my sugar craving hits me hard, as it inevitably will. Walking to the check-out though, I notice just how much sugar there is everywhere! You can’t walk into and out of the store without passing heaps of sweets including homemade cakes pushed to the front and those soft sugar cookies with the audacious seasonal appropriate coloring that all tastes the same. Right by the check-out I see the all candy bars and little treats. I have been known to always grab something. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are probably at the top of the list, but a good Heath Bar, Peanut M and Ms, and a Snickers have found themselves to be regulars too. If I am trying to be cognizant about my addiction, I will often grab chips as if they are healthier because they are not laced with sugar goes my flawed thinking. Yesterday, willpower worn down, I managed to ignore all of the temptations and escape the store with just eggs and fruit.
The completed banana bread with frangipane topping looks beautiful and is staring me in the face as I write this. I am finding it easy to say no to it right now. We’ll see how the rest of the day goes!