what urban must know

If only, if only…

I must agree with the thoughts I have read on the lack of self control in diet failure. My own experiences could be a case study in such failure. In my attempts to lose weight and become more fit, I have failed gloriously with a pack of Double Stuffed Oreos or Edy’s Ice Cream in hand. I have joined Weight Watchers and have tried LA Weight Loss. I have attempted Richard Simpson’s Deal-A-Meal and most recently the You, On a Diet plan. I can quote good nutritian like the best dietician. The one thing I cannot do is discipline myself.

Why, oh why, I ask myself, do I grab the doughnut from the break room counter without a thought? What is it that drives me to the McDonald’s drive thru without any conscience awareness or ability to stop myself as I order 2 double cheeseburgers off the dollar menu. Why is it that I remain budget concious even as I stuff empty calories into my not-hungry belly without thought?
So many questions rattle through my undisciplined brain as I attempt to understand my weakness in hopes of reigning myself in. If only I had the money to hire a drill sargeant to follow me around 24/7 to monitor and humiliate me into the right choices. If only diet pills worked without side effects. If only sitting at my computer typing away about my lack of self discipline burned a thousand times more calories.
In my efforts to become fit I have purchased a treadmill which I keep at my ex-husbands home, several videos stuffed in the back of a cabinet and I have sent monthly donations to two different gyms which I actually visited almost a dozen times in token support. Ever hopeful, I have most recently purchased the Fluidity Bar system, which if I actually use, promises to give me a dancer’s body. It is beautifully designed and complements my living room decor and provides hours of entertainment for my kids’ friends when they visit.
The reality of my situation is probably like many others. Lack of self-discipline is a crisis in our nation. I see this everyday in the lack of simple courtesies to each other and the way many of us choose to present ourselves in less than our best. In our disposable culture, it is often thought that one can simply buy something better instead of caring for and investing in what we have. Our bodies and self-esteem are no exception. Diet pill and programs are feasting on our inability to discipline ourselves. We are bright people, we know what good nutritian is, we know that taking the stairs instead is a good choice. So why are we (meaning me) so lazy?
Some may say that deep in my past something went wrong, that perhaps I was damaged, or my parents failed me in some way. While there may be some contributing factors there (I haven’t given it much thought) I am an adult and make my own choices. I should be able to thus choose better for myself. So my question remains, why don’t I?
The conundrum of my lack of self discipline will always remain, but I will not give up. After all there is always tomorrow and the hopeful possibility that something miraculous will happen to suddenly change my mental wiring. Or perhaps, I will find it in my self to take responsibility and abandon the excuses, the Oreos, and the silly pathetic humor that do me no good. And perhaps, if each of you reading this can put out into the universe a good word, a positive thought for me, that too can make the difference.
I think I will not get off this machine and get showered, dress and go for a walk. It’s a start. I’ll check back in and let you know how it’s going.

The frustration experienced when your computer or any one of its numerous accessories go haywire is often compounded by having to navigate the help available to solve your problem. I was on the brink of my frustration level moving into burn-out level when my new all-in-one printer,fax,scanner resisted my every attempt to coax it into working order. Resigned to my fate, I reluctantly typed dell.com into my browser to begin a live chat with a Dell technical representative.

What I thought might be an ordeal, turned out to be the highlight of my day. I was so impressed by the efficiency, knowledge and friendly manner of my Dell Representative, that I am compelled to share my very positive experience. My Dell Rep, Shweta, was the epitome of excellence in customer service.

While we were waiting for files to download, I asked if Shweta was in Hyderbad, as I recalled reading in ‘Planet India’ that Hyderbad is known as the second Silicon Valley. As it turns out, Shweta was in Chandigarh. I mentioned that I was reading ‘One Night @ the Call Center’ and she replied that she also read this book and found it enjoyable. I responded that reading it gave me a better appreciation for the work she was doing in helping computer-ignorant Amerikans like myself She responded with a and said it was her pleasure to help me.

As we waited for a large file to download before she could install it to my computer, we had a lovely chat as she graciously answered my many questions about India and exchanged opinions about books and other topics until the file download was complete.

What could have remained a dull and silent interlude turned into a delightful interaction with this highly efficient, enormously courteous and friendly person half way across the planet. After Shweta solved my computer/printer problem, I was almost sad that our chat had to end. I was most pleased, however, when she asked if I would be willing to take an extra minute while she transferred me to her supervisor, who would like to know if there was anything she could have done better to serve my needs.

With great pleasure, I assured the supervisor that Shweta could not have done anything better as her assistance was perfect in every way. My computer problem turned out to be the most enjoyable part of my day. Thank you Shweta… Dell is lucky to have you!