Fat Frog Diary

  This rant is specifically for non-writers, especially those who “have a story” they’d love another author to write. Don’t think that applies to you? Okay. Let’s make sure. Here’s the scenario: Author, taking a day off, indulges in a social situation. Friends and family are chattering and swirling about, mixed in with a few folks not well known to the author. For many authors this is a stressful situation. Introverts don’t do well in large groups. It sucks at their energy like leeches, often leaving them drained for days. The author is seriously considering the politest means of escape. New Person is introduced to Author with starry eyes and bouncing with energy. During the conversation, it’s clear that the New Person has never read one of the author’s books, and perhaps has never even read one from the author’s chosen genre of books. But their eyes shine, and their enthusiasm continues to rise. The Author knows what’s coming and sighs inwardly. “Here we go again.” Sure enough...

I'll make this short. In November 2019 I had a gastric bypass as a last-ditch effort to lose the 300 pound body I existed in. But I developed a hiatal hernia and other issues, despite losing 80 lbs.  On March 11, 2021 I went back under the scalpel to fix the hernia. Funny how I noticed that all abdominal surgery diets resemble one another. The have the same phases: Clear, Liquid, Puree, Soft, and Restricted Regular. Finally, the patient returns to normal eating...and gains it all back unless they permanently change how much and what they eat.  It all comes back to the calories for me. Garbage in my mouth, garbage out and glued on my butt. However, I have learned through repetition that some so called diet foods suffer not from a lack of taste but a lack of imagination. Diet food can be cheap, easy, and flavorful. You know what's even easier? Counting calories. Eating healthy food. Give up the carbonated beverages, and yes, even the diet sodas. So here's my diet list. It...