The Point (aka The Cheezie Dilemma)

There is a place reached by each of us. For some it passes with no pomp or circumstance, with no notice even of its existence. And yet, the mere acceptance of it's place in our lives is so poignant and calming that, once embraced, we look forward to revisiting.

In the most trivial of examples, a bag of Cheezies will illustrate my point clearly. As a special indulgence, this experience is anticipated from the moment a trip has begun. Dave and I pass a certain gas station each time we head to the farm. A little nondescript convenience display borders the half of the room that cradles tables and chairs, menus and matches. There is a layer of dust on most of the confection items, but this could hardly make a difference. Cheezies couldn't possibly be subject to expiry dates - not if there are no natural ingredients in it's chemical make up, right? Right.

The moment your outstretched hand clutches the bag, the cellophane crackles, filling the air with static expectation. Paired with a cold Dr. Pepper, you return to your vehicle and resume your trip. Now the magic really begins. Ever so gingerly, you pluck the glossy sides and pull with just the right tenacity. Without enough, all efforts prove futile. Too much and your bag sprays spastic-ly all over the vehicle, little orange meteors hurdling into the atmosphere. Once opened, the aroma awakens your taste buds and you eagerly plunge your hand in, grasping a handful as an eagle extends his talons and grips a young rabbit. The first crunch explodes memories of all the times just like this that have come before. Each successive morsel is consumed a little quicker than the last.

All of a sudden and completely without warning, the moment has arrived. You dive your hand in, lift another piece of processed cheeziness to your mouth and then inhale. You have reached THE POINT. You know with certainty that one more bit would ruin the whole experience. One more crunch would rob you completely of all previous pleasure. You are, right now, right here, poised on the precipice of perfection. To continue, pure greed, gluttony and compulsion. In the case of cheezies, you know you will hit nausea and the brink of the gag-reflex. Your mouth will haunt you with hairy teeth. Still, you waiver with indecision.

We have this "point" in all areas of our lives, don't we? How do you recognize it when it comes? How do you resist temptation to over-do something?

Reading a couple of chapters before bed and reaching a really good spot... do you put the book down when you know it would be best for you to go to sleep? Can you bear to close the covers and shut in the suspense, savoring the expectation of more great pages to come? Your body craves sleep and will hate you tomorrow if you give in to your stubborn will and ravenously devour each word, each page until the last is finished. Is it possible to resist? What if getting engrossed was the first mistake? Choosing a book that is too suspenseful or enlightening for the time of day... are we grown up enough to make that decision for ourselves?

What do you think? What areas have you reached "the point" in? Is it a common dilemma for most? Do we even recognize it in our own lives? How do we pinpoint it and reign ourselves in? Decide to just savor the best and deny ourselves the opportunity to overindulge in something... anything... too much computer? A home bigger than we need? Giving in to your children when you know you should hold the line fast? What are some other examples?

This may be the first episode as I chew on the above for the next week or so and gauge your responses.