My mom told me about her addiction with cake today... “what kind of cake?” I ask, thinking it must be one special piece of cake.  But no, it’s just the cake you find in Safeway... vanilla sponge with icing, lots of icing.  She will go into the vegetable section and try to avoid the neighbouring bakery department – why do they put them side by side? Well okay, i know why – people get their veggies, are proud of themselves for eating healthy, and in reward – they pick up some tasty treat.  Who hasn't done that?  I certainly have.  These grocery store people know how people work.  Just for the record, I am not saying you should never treat yourself - you definitely should, but when you really are going to sit down and enjoy the heck out of it... give that piece of cake your entire attention and enjoy it thoroughly... maybe not everyday though, but every once in awhile.

Anyway back to mom.  She comes in to Safeway– cake is already on her brain, but she avoids it, tries to pick out the perfect melon in peace.  Stops for a look at the cake... certainly nothing wrong with a just look, right?  She picks up every piece, examining the thickness of the icing, looks for the one with the most. “Once the icing wasn’t thick enough on any of the pieces, so I was able to walk away easily.”   But most of the time, there is an internal battle... usually she walks away empty handed, but her brain is full of thoughts, and after scanning the aisles, she is back to her slice – puts it in the basket.  Walks away.  Comes back again, puts the cake back... walks away... comes back.  Cake goes back into the cart. 

Cake makes it through check out but doesn’t make it much farther.  It is devoured in haste once inside the car.  The desire for cake is subdued, but now new thoughts take over the brain.  Guilt.  Severe guilt, at giving in, at letting cake rule her brain, at letting those empty calories into her body.  She says never again.  She knows that is not true.  

When you wake up and it is a beautiful day, what do you feel like doing?   

For me, it is riding my bike.  I couldn't come up with any errands to give myself a destination, so I decided just to explore.  It's weird, I have lived in this area for about a year, and yet everywhere I went today felt like new territory.  I had been getting bored out here - thinking there was no character and lacked the greenery of the North Shore ... but after my ride today I realized that I haven't really given the area a chance.    

There is Trout Lake - a beautiful dog friendly park, and on sunny days like today - just packed with large groups of people having barbecues or playing sports.  There were numerous times I wanted to stop and watch a little league game but didn't... I have always wondered if it is weird to watch (and cheer for, of course) random kids Sunday games?  

There is also a large park in the center of Burnaby - creatively named Central Park.  Something kind of cool about this part is that it was opened in 1986 (same year I was born - exciting time :D!) by Prince Charles and Princess Diana.  Who knew?  

Again there were families everywhere.  An grampa was out having a barbeque with his grandson.  It made me itch to go camping and roast marshmallows over the fire - I haven't done that in way, way too long.  

The park was also the finishing grounds for the 55km Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) ride to support mental wellness and recovery.  This is from their website:

"We ride to raise awareness and acceptance of those living with mental illness. We ride because recovery, when the right supports are in place, is possible. We ride because healthy choices, including exercise, builds resiliency and promotes positive mental health. We ride because cycling is fun and good for us and our environment and we ride for us, all of us."

Something to keep in mind for next year!  

I've been thinking a lot about writing and finally instead of thinking about it, decided it is time to do it.  I have spent hours and hours trying to choose a passion to write about - should it be fitness, psychology, spirituality, books, food, travel?  Should it be some sort of challenge I set for myself, and then tell you the details of my progress?  Should I slowly lower the amount of sleep I get to 4 hours a night, like my Biopsych prof?  Should I cycle enough kilometers to equal riding around the world? Should I read the encyclopedia from A-Z? 

These are all things I would like to do, and may do someday.... but I think for now I will just write a little bit about a lot of things and see what enfolds along the way...