Kyle Dreier - Mr. Critical

In the past few weeks we’ve ventured into that daunting circle of “no sugar.” We know it’s best for our boys and our own health but it sure makes finding something to eat difficult. All this comes about due to some heightened yeast levels and some breathing issues scattered between the 5 of us.
For a variety of reasons we are taking a relatively radical approach to our diet. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the grass a cow eats and 10 being a 7 course meal at Crispy Creme, we were probably at about a 5 or so. We didn’t have every variety of Captain Crunch in the pantry. We didn’t, to my chagrin, have a week’s supply of cherry Pop-Tarts either. We did, however, enjoy Easter candy in moderation. An occasional Frappucinno was always good for the soul as well. For now, it’s out with all the candy, all the white refined preserved nitrated badness. That includes flour.

Now that I’m more aware of what’s in the foods I put in my body I’m amazed at the sugar levels in somethings. What I have yet to learn is whether the 22 grams of sugar in an 8 oz glass of blueberry juice is the same as the 30+ grams of sugar in a Coke. Is “sugar” sugar? You’d think that drinking juice would be OK, but all that sugar.

This will simply be a story that unfolds over time. For now, I’m just going to sit here and finish my mixed greens with diced up steak covered with Tamri (sp?) and a dab of blue cheese dressing.

Oh, did I also mention we’re “off” dairy? Stay tuned.

-Kyle Dreier

Lately I’ve been more aware of how we/I just cruise through life focused on what’s next instead of what’s now. There have been a series of things that have heightened my awareness of this idea. Age. 40, thank you very much. Work. Still chasing the balance between providing and enjoying. Family. Coming up on 10 years of marriage, my oldest turning 5, and watching my parent age.

I’ve sat with my boys through countless viewings of the animated movie Cars. There are some really sweet life lessons in the story line. The contrast between Route 66 and Interstate 40 speaks to the notion of enjoying the journey verses focusing on the destination.

Wednesdays have become my day to focus more on the journey. Last Wednesday was just that. I was driving along a scenic country highway enjoying the views and the rolling hills. Then, out of nowhere I hear a live band at a very high decibel level. Off to the left I get enough of a quick look to see that it’s a band out on a driveway having a jam sessions. About a mile later I find a place to turn around and make my way back to see what I heard.

Now you can see, too.

::

::

::

::

::

::

::

::

::

::

Probably the best way to describe what I heard was to call it “angry music” but it wasn’t. It was really heavy. It was really real. These guys were just letting it out and getting it off their chests. You gotta respect that. These guys where nice, considerate and hospitable. Maybe not what you expected based on what you see or heard.

I’m glad I turned around to see, hear and meet these guys. They helped me enjoy my journey.

-Kyle Dreier

ps. Force Fed Broken Glass … DJ, Ryan and Josh. Thanks!

Another Wednesday night out for me. I find that I’m using this as an excuse to increase the size of my box. I’m venturing out and enjoying what I find on the other side of my comfort zone. Tonight while driving down Main Street in Franklin just past the county building I almost drove right by a place that has caught my eye many times. This time I stopped and am I every glad I did.

This is my new favorite Mexican food venue. Adela (I think I have that right) was very sweet and we spoke broken languages to each other … my Spanish and her English were about on the same level. Then I met Benjamin who apparently is responsible for the very tasty fare.

While the menu is rather adventurous for me I stuck with the Chicken Quesadilla. It was so big I had to bring half of it home.

::

::

::

::

I’m so happy I allowed myself to actually stop and enjoy what I’ve been missing all these years of driving by. I’ll definitely be back, but this time with my muchachos.

-Kyle

Although I’ve given myself the “Mr Critical” moniker I find that so many times the mirror is a better tool for judging. I get to see how short I fall and how imperfect I am – contrary to my own lofty opinion of myself.

Well, today I’m reminded of a phrase my brother shared with me when I was complaining endlessly about my work back in the early ’90’s at American Airlines. (By the way, this is why I don’t like strikes and unions. But that’s another blog entry.) He, with a dose of love and a dose of get-over-it said I need to “talk with my feet.”

Talking with my feet was more about walking out the door than anything with that particular situation. I eventually did and started my life long career of “self-unemployment” as a friend once put it.

Recently I’ve been fortunate to have an experience where I had every opportunity to be critical or maybe a better word would be analytical. Most likely a combination of the two. Rather than stall what I was feeling in my heart with over thinking or paralysis by analysis I choose to heed to words of my brother and use my feet … action.

Life sure would have been easier had I sat back and simply analyzed and critiqued others who had chosen to act, but I’m finding great pleasure in taking action and not looking back.

I’ve used this quote many times in the past few months but it’s so true to how I feel.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

Action is not easy. Action is not safe. Action opens me up to criticism. But, action accomplishes. Action serves. Action is fulfilling.

So, the next time you see me using my mouth more than my feet, encourage me to talk with my feet.