“Not eating meat is a decision; eating meat is an instinct.” — Denis Leary



It lasted right about 25 days. I was strong. The whole thing was really a will power test of mind over matter.

My goal was 30 days in a row. I fell five days short. I’m not proud. Really that was longer than I might have imagined. I actually felt really good and did manage to lose a few pounds.

It was my just-short-of-30-days fruit and vegetable regimen. I actually ate healthier for longer than I have in years. Kim and I were vegetarians for a time probably around 20 years ago. I know you might ask why fruits and vegetables? Vegetables are healthy. As for fruit, they say you are what you eat and I was already kind of pear-shaped.

The first week was tough. Even our cats seemed to get paranoid with my glare after my first few days with no meat or poultry. The White Castle drive-thru on 10th Street made for a tortured journey home from work.  

The end came one evening when I was invited to join a meeting and eat at Longhorn Steak House in Clarksville. Going to Longhorn and eating vegetarian is like being a eunuch and dating. I really didn’t see the point of it.

Anyway, after I cheated a little over a week ago I have been alternating between good and bad eating habits. I’m still eating fruit. However, just this past Thursday I gave in to a sugared snack. Not just any sugary snack — a Three Musketeers bar. Those darned kids and their school fundraisers on office desks. How do the organization sponsors always seem to know when you are in a weakened state?

I really hadn’t eaten anything made with real sugar for several weeks. I can only imagine the look on my face as I strolled down the second-floor hallway at the courthouse. I know some people wondered how anyone could look that happy and be cold stone sober.

I was on a sugar high. I remembered a lady from England that taught me Yoga in 1975 at IU Southeast. She scolded us about diet telling us how sugar and all products loaded with sugar caused a chemical reaction in the brain similar to drugs and alcohol. This would create a craving and build up a tolerance where you needed more and more sugar-filled foods to satisfy it.

This past Thursday I knew she was right. After that one candy bar it was only my pride and tight waistline on the uniform I was wearing that stopped me from buying more candy bars — I mean I probably could have eaten three or four more at that moment.

I know I’m weak. Dairy Queen and the Pie Kitchen are usually just a mere mile or two out-of-the-way drive from anywhere in Clark County. I can always just paint on my bathroom mirror the phrase “Objects May Look Larger Than They Appear.”

Anyway at the time of this writing I am at a crossroads. I have tasted the forbidden fruit. Will I return to my healthy regimen or to my old eating habits? I really don’t know. I will keep you updated. I am probably not the first person in history to ask why they don’t make brown uniforms with stretch pants.



The Wall Escort

Kim, Cameron, and I want to thank Chuck, Beany, Mike and Greg for the organization of the motorcycle escort for the Traveling Vietnam Memorial which came through Charlestown on Wednesday afternoon. I was a bit surprised when a member of the escort group talked about how low the turnout was in Jeffersonville.

Two motorcycle riding participants also praised the decorations in Charlestown and commented that the best turnout on the streets to watch and applaud was Ind. 3 and they loved the C’town fire trucks and the American flag display.

Kim admitted to getting bit misty-eyed and I felt a rush of patriotism watching it all. I read on a post that around 1543 motorcycles were riding. I also want to remind everyone that the exhibit is in Clarksville on Veterans Parkway through Sunday.

I really think some local community leaders and politicians missed a wonderful opportunity in not promoting it more. With the current war and all of the trouble brewing around the world, there’s certainly nothing wrong with a bit of flag-waving and public appreciation for veterans.

A very personal thank you goes out to everyone who participates anytime this week in this special event. Wednesday was good quality time and an enjoyable spectacle for the Dodd household.

— Lindon Dodd is a freelance writer and can be reached at lindon.dodd@hotmail.com