This quote is from one of my favorite author/humorist/empaths, Erma Bombeck. And I chose it today as the result of a Haagen-Dazs crisis at my local supermarket, in which I momentarily contemplated going cold turkey and giving it up entirely for the sake of my waistline. Thankfully, the problem was solved, and my sanity has been restored. I have ice cream in the freezer, and I’ll just have to avoid looking at the bathroom scale for a while longer.

Anyway, Erma always understood what we women go through on a daily basis, and managed to find just the right words of encouragement . . . or at least rationalization . . . to get us through our problems du jour.

In this case, the original quotation is somewhat longer; but I have chosen my favorite bits to share today:

“Someone asked me the other day if I had my life to live over would I change anything.

My answer was no, but then I thought about it and changed my mind.

If I had my life to live over again I would have waxed less and listened more.

. . .

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried less about the dirt when you lit the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have burnt the pink candle that was sculptured like a rose before it melted while being stored.

I would have sat cross-legged on the lawn with my children and never worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television . . . and more while watching real life.

I would have eaten less cottage cheese and more ice cream.

. . .

There would have been more I love yous . . . more I’m sorrys . . . more I’m listenings . . . but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it . . . look at it and really see it . . . try it on . . . live it . . . exhaust it . . . and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.”

– Erma Bombeck, “Eat Less Cottage Cheese and More Ice Cream: Thoughts On Life From Erma Bombeck”

*. *. *

Haagen-Dazs crisis: AVERTED. Thank you, Erma.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/12/26