In Defense of Gluttony
Posted by Pete Robbins on Nov 26th 2019
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a distinctly American ode to elastic-based hedonism, and throughout the popular press you may see calls for moderation. Don’t eat too much, they’ll tell you. Be sure to exercise, they’ll advise. Skip the second piece of pie. Damn popular press is gonna nanny state us to death.
Here at Pete Weighs In world headquarters I’ve bought into that groupthink for too long. I’ve tried to diet. I’ve endeavored to ignore the second or third piece of pie. I’ve taken the stairs when an elevator presented itself. And now, at nearly 50 years old, I’m happily resigned to being the fat kid for life. It’s who I am and what I always likely will be, whether I substitute my Doritos for kale or keep going on my current path. I’ve realized in my travels that whether you’re talking bass or lions or crocs (the reptiles, not the shoes), those at the top of the food chain eat until they’re full, and then they eat some more. And then they nap.
It’s a month too early for New Year’s resolutions, but I’m going to take the bull by the horns on this one. I’m going to order the extra glide bait. I’m going to spring for Premium Economy (old cheap habits die hard). I’m going to make the long run through big waves to catch bigger fish when I know that limits lurk nearby.
For my first half century, I’ve lived carefully. I max out my retirement plan. I’ve never had a credit card balance or paid a bill late. I occasionally take a multivitamin. Those things likely won’t change. I am not going to trade in my 50 year-old wife for two twenty-fives, or my 9 year-old Suburban for a two-seat Italian roadster. I am, however, going to eat until I am full, and then some, especially when it comes to fishing. I’ve been fortunate to go to some amazing places, fish with the best of the best, and do it more than once, but now I’m looking for a true dare-to-be-great experience. The wheels are in motion.
Stay tuned for more news about this in 2020. In the meantime, I’m getting more gravy for my mashed potatoes.
