The Salad Chiller

I got this salad chiller as a wedding gift from my registry.  I love the idea of salad- a quick and healthy lunch that can be spiced up in an almost infinite number of ways.  From the base (no more boring iceberg lettuce) to the main ingredients (cucumbers, mandarin slices, almond, craisins or whatever) to the dressing, everything can be switched up to an individual taste.  Still, I have rarely ventured into this dish that is a staple for so many people.  I have certainly had salads I enjoyed, but I get stuck on so many gumption traps that I rarely commit to making one.  Here are some of the most persistent offenders:

1) Lettuce is only sold by large quantities (unless you get loose leafs, which is more expensive).  Inevitably, much of the lettuce goes bad and I really hate to waste food.  So, I would really have to commit to eating salad everyday for a number of days in order to use it all up.  I have yet to make this commitment, for a variety of reasons, but these will sound like excuses so I won't get into them here.

2) Good dressing is expensive, and I am too chicken to try making my own- I am worried about the various elements separating.

3) Vegetables don't stay fresh for all that long.  Since I'm menu-planning more now, this should be less of a problem (I can schedule my salads so that I beat the natural vegetable spoiling process).

This salad chiller is a pretty nifty device.  It has an ice-pack built into the lid, along with a separate compartment to store and pour dressing.  I can think of a few people who might really like and use this.  So, I could re-gift this or I could make the commitment to at least try and eat salad (at work, using this bad boy and at home).

To me, eating salad is the epitome of being healthy.  If I choose to rip this chiller out of its packaging, I am committing to keeping it in my home, possibly using it, and taking a step towards being healthier.  Until then, it is a nagging thought lurking unopened and enexplored in the back of a dusty cabinet.

Praying the rosary is akin to this salad chiller.  While my rosary has seen more action than this kitchen device, it remains just a pretty potential when stored away and not in use.  I admire anyway who commits to a daily, healthy lifestyle just as much as I admire one who commits to daily prayer.

There is always tomorrow.  There is always tomorrow to return home, to go to mass, to open myself to God and to move forwards with more goodness and love in my heart.  There is always tomorrow to start a healthy diet.

I am learning to accept the reality between the cliche: "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey."  However, I don't want to rest on my laurels with the comfort that there is always tomorrow.  I know that it takes a while for habits to form and become ritual, so I welcome moments (like uncovering the salad chiller) that signal me to tie my shoe laces and keep walking onwards.