Guilty Pleasures
Psalm 32:7 says: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Was the author of this passage addressing dementia caregiver, too? I would like to think so: Surely, the presence of "the Lord" or some other higher power is working through this incredible support group.
Many of us start our mornings by checking new postings in this forum. Sometimes, George will call me a dozen times before I get a chance to scroll through the headings--or to finish composing a post.
Consequently, I feel guilty about not giving him my undivided attention. So when he calls and asks what I'm doing, I tell him that I am looking at my "Mayo porn"--one of my guilty pleasures ("guilty" because I'm enjoying myself without his participation and because I should be more attentive to him--or be doing chores, like beginning the process of döstädning).
The other guilty pleasure is my glass or two of wine every evening, and occasionally, a martini. My "happy" hour--but it's without George because he can't mix alcohol with his meds.
For me, a guilty pleasure is a get-out-of-jail-free card. It's a notch above self-care, because indulgence can create a sense of fun--real or imagined.
You don't have to share your guilty pleasures, if you wish to keep them private.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.
Connect

@georgescraftjr I love the back story on For King and COuntry, from Australia, poor, no job, the family in crisis, which led to their sons muscially inclined and now, one of the hottest christian rock groups. I love them, They have a song about their mother, Unsong Hero. It's just such a feel good, make good story.
I'm glad however you're enjoying the music and spirits you like. along with salami and cheese. I had beef carpaccio for dinner with a light salad and it was superb. Italy and France, I love both. I travelled a good amount to France for work when I was still working at IBM. I remember those days well.
Enjoy your evening. Best, Karla
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@kjc48
What a wonderful way to enjoy my evening--reading an exchange from you.
I'm a foodie, too--and food (GOOD food, not necessarily "fine dining") is another one of my guilty pleasures. I'm such a pickey eater that whenever I sit down (or more accurately, used to sit down--no longer dining out) at a restaurant, I ask my standard questions: "Is your 'house-made' salad dressing made from scratch?' Is your 'home-baked' bread made from scatch? Are the muffins and cookies made from a mix?," Who sources your coffee beans, etc.) ...and back in the days when I cooked, I made home-made croutons to go with my ceasar salad--and the dressing had to have fresh-crushed garlic, a cracked egg, anchovies, etc. I even made my own hollandaise sause and tomato sauce from scratch. Post-dementia days, I order all my dinners from CookUnity:
https://consumerrating.org/meal-delivery/cook-unity-comparison/
It's all or nothing for me. That's why I have few pleasures, except guilty ones.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy guilty pleasure is a glass or two of wine. I'd rather wine than whine. 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@kjc48 I LOVE For King and Country!!!
Do you listen to Building 429, too? They are great too!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI just played Building 429 "where I belong" - I love that song! They are so good too. I'd love to go to For King and Country concert. Love Mercy Me and Casting Crowns too. So many good groups. I love music. Thanks for getting me to tap into Building 429 and their utube tonight.
Best, Karla
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@georgescraftjr Yes, I'm the same way with food. Doesn't have to be real gourmet, but I'm real big on flavor profiles, the way seafood, steak, and chicken, is cooked. I'm not much of a baker, but I'm good with savory. Not as much as I used to be. I'm just not cooking much, but I miss it. You made the real ceasar dressing; I cheat a little now. Even with my homemade meatballs and the like, I get some good package food and doctor things up. I just tapped into your link. Wasn't aware of cook unity. I'll have to go back in and look at it again.
Sounds interesting. Best, Karla
@georgescraftjr ... How about these?
Plumb - Need You Now
Lauren Daigle - Rescue
Lauren Daigle - Hold On To Me
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@kjc48
Am looking forward to my meal choices for this week:
Blackened Salmon & Quinoa
Creamy "Marry-M" Chicken'Thai Panang Curry with Beef
Black Pepper Beef
Meatballs with Paremsan Polenta
Beef Luleh Kebabs
Pipian Verde Cod
Not exactly the recommended kind of Mediterranean Diet, but George needs protein due to loss of muscle mass. At this point in his life, a heart attach is the least of our worries. So we, as they say (hate that expression): "Enjoy!"
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@callmegram
Now that I have a virtual drinking buddy, I might end the evening with a shot of cognac!
Sweet dreams, Gram.
George's Wife
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@callmegram
Thanks for taking the time to send these. I am looking forward to listening.
George's Wife
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions