Is there anything that you absolutely love doing, but (for one reason or another) you never do it? Maybe it’s too expensive or impractical. Maybe it’s difficult or requires too much effort. Whatever the case may be, it can feel disheartening to have to forgo something that would otherwise give you immense pleasure.

I’d like to share eight things I love to do, but I never do them. Or I can only do them under less-than-ideal circumstances. A lot of these could easily be resolved if I simply went out and did them. I mean, how much does it really cost to get a bottle of Sparkling Cider?

But I’ve had to cut out a lot of little expenses from my life for the last decade because I noticed they added up. And I tend to be an all-or-nothing kind of guy. If I do something, it’s all the way. So doing something I love in moderation is very hard for me. Bear that in mind as you read some of my potentially silly foibles.

Telling Jokes

I love coming up with jokes and telling them. But I rarely share any at work anymore.

There are still opportunities to share my jokes at monthly meetings, but none in more personal settings. I feel sad not to share joy with others. The trouble is that I still feel like a stranger and a nuisance around my new coworkers. Even though we’ve had a whole year to become acquainted. I need to feel comfortable before I can open up completely.

Drinking Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider

I love drinking Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider. But I haven’t bought any in years.

I sometimes partake of plain apple juice, though rarely do I get to lose myself in the rich, bubbly blessing of Sparkling Cider. I got some as a present a few Christmases ago, and it made my month. I’ve been too focused on paying off my home mortgage to indulge in things like that. The cost of such small bottles has always been a barrier to me. Once I pay it off next year, I might just have to toast my success with the perfect beverage.

Eating at Red Robin

I love eating at Red Robin. But I haven’t visited one in years.

It’s not so much the cost as the fact that my children don’t like it. So I go to Culver’s, Arctic Circle, and other places they prefer. There’s little enjoyment to be had from dragging my children to restaurants they dislike.

Ordering Papa John’s Pizza

I love Papa John’s Pizza. It’s probably my favorite kind of pizza. But I haven’t ordered it in more years than I can count.

After writing a big, long explanation of why I don’t get Papa John’s Pizza more often, I realized the truth is much simpler. To be honest, I don’t want my kids to get a taste for the best kind of pizza until I’m ready to offer it to them more often. We’ll stick with Costco pizza and Freschetta Pizza for now. In my experience, once you have Papa John’s, everything else pales in comparison.

Finishing Books

I love reading long books. But I keep failing to finish them.

When I was a kid, my parents indulged me by purchasing many big books for me to read. But after college sucked all the fun out of reading, I’ve never been able to return to the pure joy of reading for fun. The closest I’ve come is reading the Anne of Green Gables series with my wife recently. But I’ve realized I’m a clumsy reader and often stumble over words when trying to read them aloud.

Being with Extended Family

I live within driving distance of two of my siblings. But I rarely see them.

It’s not a pandemic issue. I’m just awfully reserved when it comes to imposing on others, even those I love. From the perspective of years, I now realize I was a major pain growing up. I’m sorry to any of my siblings or parents who are reading this and remembering some of the bad times with me. I’d like to make it up to them, but my reserved nature prevents me from just reaching out. That’s one major flaw I’d like to improve about myself.

Taking Long Walks

I love taking long walks. This is one thing I have thankfully been able to do in moderation.

During the brief time in my life after college and before I got married, I had a unique opportunity to live alone. I rented an apartment north of Seattle and commuted to work on the bus. My afternoons and weekends were filled with long stretches of quiet time for reflection. I went on many walks around beautiful neighborhoods, and I would sing songs from Beauty and the Beast and other favorites.

Going on walks is still an enjoyable thing for me to do from time to time. But it feels more like an escape now. I’d love to go on walks with my family members, but it’s not really their thing. So I just go by myself whenever I want to do it. It’s kind of a reminder of my differences instead of my closeness to my immediate family.

Saying “Merry Christmas”

I love hearing the words “Merry Christmas.” But I feel so awkward whenever I try to say them to others.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I should be happy to acknowledge His name and the celebration of His birth in public. It may be that I have internalized the feelings of shame I hear quite often surrounding the holiday. But there’s no need for anyone to be offended by a reminder of the birth of the Savior of the world. He died for everyone, even if some don’t believe that. We’ll all know it when we meet Him again.

Starting now, I’ll try to do better. Merry Christmas, one and all! I hope you have a most wonderful experience at this glorious time of year.

Doing My Best

I encourage you to do all the good things you feel apprehensive about doing. Whether it’s offering or asking for forgiveness, opening yourself up to ridicule by sharing your cherished beliefs, or doing something nice that you want to do no matter what others think. See what happens.

I’ll do my best to do the same, starting with this simple thing.

This is the Deja Reviewer wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Want to Support the Deja Reviewer?

If you’d like to support the Deja Reviewer, please consider donating a few dollars to keep this site going strong. I’ll even send you an original joke if you do! Try it, and prepare to enjoy a good chuckle.

$5.00