The Sunday Blahg

I really don't like posting on a Sunday, but life has been so hectic lately that it's been the only time I can wrestle away. And a Sunday in mid-January--even with a sunny day, blue skies and the hint of spring outside--can only be described as blah. That's the actual, little-known secret of the Mona Lisa smile. Even in Renaissance Italy they got the blahs.

Don't know why--inevitable post holiday thing, I guess. Everywhere I go, the energy is just that: blah. I'm feeling great inside, full of cheer ... but blahs are contagious, 'cause all of a sudden I just don't have any energy.

Of course, it could be that I've charged into January (and no, I don't mean charged with a card)--and I haven't left myself much room for sleep or relaxation. Those are starting to sound like foreign words.

So after I write today, I'm going to (gasp) relax. Grab some entertainment. Do nothing. Vegetate! And sleep, I hope, not like a baby, but like a very tired writer with a relatively clear conscious. Maybe then I'll cure the blahs.

I challenge you to do the same, whether you read this on a Sunday or a Friday. Take some time out for REST. Rest can actually be an activity! And one we don't get enough of these days.

A recent article in Business Week mentioned the average amount of sleep we get now is 6.9. Before electric lighting was standard, at the turn of the century, it was over 10.

This is why no one can make your double latte the way you like it. We're drinking coffee, listening to music, and yammering on the phone (all while driving) in order to stay awake, because we're not sleeping enough.

So I say this: if hit with the Sunday Blahs (on any given day of the week), fight 'em with rest. It is winter in the northern hemisphere, and on top of our societal sleep deprivation, we're feeling the need to hibernate. Of course, if you're in the southern hemisphere ... party on!

And of course if you're thinking of settling in to a serious hibernation, you'll need food ... so, as I mentioned last week, let me tell you about the Millbrae Pancake House.

Sourdough pancakes, with or without blueberries? Sure. With bananas instead? Sure. How about home-made waffles? Biscuits and gravy with just the right amount of sausage? Hickory smoked bacon? Perfectly done hash browns without grease? You betcha. And, so that you don't consume yesteryear's calories along with yesteryear's comfort foods, egg-white omelets and veggie scrambles? Yeah, baby!

Now, I haven't personally sampled all of these delectables, but what I have sampled--including the egg-white omelets--has been heavenly. But for me, the real treat is ... Swedish pancakes.

Flat yet fluffy. Supple and spongy. And served with a whipped butter mixed with delicious, whole lingonberries, and dusted with powdered sugar. These delicacies are worth sacrificing another meal for.

Add great service and the incredible ambiance of a huge, sprawling ranch-house style lodge where the wood paneling and comfy booths tell you it's always 1959, and ... well, it's a treat of a place. Especially before hibernation! Now, where's my pillow ...

Next week: it's almost time for the annual pilgrimage to Noir City!