Life is meant to be enjoyed

I heard a saying recently that I think will be my motto for the rest of my life:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, 'WOO, HOO what a ride!"

Life is meant to be enjoyed.

I, like many, have worried about my weight all my life and have gone up and down on the scale many times. We never really know when our lives will come to an end; I don't want to be in the middle of some goofy diet, depriving myself of a piece of cheesecake or some other ooey, gooey dessert (my downfall) and then get hit and killed by a Hostess Cupcake truck. What a bummer that would be!

I know exercise is important - it's been drilled in to our heads. I remember in grade school being told to climb a rope attached to the ceiling of our gym and to do chin ups and there was always running. I was never good at any of it; I think PE teachers these days making exercise during class more fun and appealing than in the dark ages when I was young. If enjoyed at a young age, exercise will stay with you.

There was a time in my life when I did learn to enjoy exercise though, but unlike some of those exercise nuts that have matching socks, headbands and sweat suits - in five different colors - I have not. These days I have not had the time, taken the time to participate in anything but finger exercises at the computer and brain exercises I do each day I compile a story.

Yes, I vow not to be in tip top shape and I most certainly will not be well-preserved. I will eat dill pickles but I will not swim in the excess vinegar and spice mixture to keep my body pickled. (Some may prefer to do that with the wine, that was referred to in my new motto.)

As for looking good when I go - I hope to have lipstick on when I go - that will be as attractive as I need to get.

I figure God has treated us here on Earth by providing all these good things to eat and drink; it would be disrespectful if we ignored them. Some would argue saying God wants us to respect our bodies and take care of them - and that means not eating or drinking high caloric foods or drinks and exercising our bottoms off. (Is that attractive?)

God wants us all to be happy and if preserving and exercising your bottoms off and depriving yourself is what makes you happy then I am happy for you. As for me, hand me YOUR chocolate, too, because you won't have a need for it.

* Lorri Glawe is a member of the Pilot news staff. Reach the columnist at lglawe@stormlakepilottribune.com