Колонка автора посвящена влиянию буквы «C» на повседневную жизнь, карьеру и кулинарию

Do you seize the day? In Latin that is carpe diem. Phonetically speaking, both phrases contain C’s. That’s what I’m talking about. My life seems to be controlled by a conglomeration of “C” words. Sometimes that includes some cusswords, but I try to contain myself in that area. This comprehensive cluster of “C” common words could compel us to concede to cerebral conformity or collapse. C is the culprit condemning us to countless conventional cohesive challenges in this column. Am I coherent or is there a conflict? I’ll try to clarify. Continue to “C” for yourself. “Chaos Coordinator” is a sign that used to sit on my work desk. It made me chuckle, but wasn’t totally inaccurate. My current career is much calmer. It was a good change. Both concern computers, confidentiality, competency, currency, customer service, a chair and a candy dish! Consistency is compelling. Coworkers have clearly been cooperative and considerate. That is conducive to co-existing in an office. ADVERTISEMENT I’ve never been a cheater (unless you’re counting diets). I’m not overly competitive (except in some circumstances) or coordinated. I try to avoid conflict. I’m not a crusader for constant cleaning or chores. Clutter is a constant. I’m rarely in control of anything. I’ve been known to compromise. I try to circumvent problems, not create them. I don’t like to complain (but it can’t be avoided on occasion). Some of my favorite things include comfy clothing (cotton, casual, complimentary colors and camouflage, not clingy), crafting, collecting, couch-potatoing and contemplating life (as you C in my columns). Cameras, painting canvases, chapters of crime novels and cell phone games are great decompression vehicles. I also like cats, canines, clouds, constellations and coziness. Can you relate? I’m sure there's a connection. My zodiac sign is Cancer or the astrological constellation of the crab. This comes with a cardinal modality that likes to initiate change. I’m not quite sure about all that, but I do like cardinals, and the crab part is probably accurate! Apparently, according to the zodiac, I’m characteristically caring, clingy, crave security, compassionate and domestic with some non-C traits being sensitive, persistent and having a great memory. There may be a correlation there. Let’s just say I’m complex! I do get crabby if things get too complicated or confusing. It can sometimes be uncomfortable communicating with others in the community. Cell phones help by providing constant access to call, contacts, correspondence by text and central sources of data. You can compile information concerning anything and everything via a .com. . . Contact is crucial. It’s not convenient if a crappy cable connection occurs. That causes much chagrin. I can’t remain calm if I encounter creepy crawly insects. I cry at movies with cruelty to critters or children. Copious commercials during a show are not copacetic. Consequences can be neutral, but generally have a negative connotation. Inconveniences can cause unpleasant outcomes. Compounding situations can be catastrophic. Collaboration and consolidations can cause conflicts between companies and comrades. Car issues drive me crazy. I’m confident I’ve convinced you to confirm my conjectures of these conundrums. Of course you can correct me if I’m wrong, but there are many cases to compare. C’s are everywhere. It’s not cryptic, just accept it. Case not closed. I will carry on. Other causes of concern relate to medical conditions. It’s a calamity if you contract a cold with chills, cough, congestion and overall crud. Minor discomforts like cold or canker sores, chapped lips, car sickness, cuts, cramps or chigger bites are bothersome. Chicken pox, cholera, colitis, Covid, cyclospora, high cholesterol and contagious diseases can create a crisis. A C-section in childbirth may be crucial. Central nervous disorders, congestive heart failure, coronary artery complications, clots, cardiac arrest, coma, cancer (not the zodiac sign) or any chronic afflictions can be critical or catastrophic. Luckily there are also a few aids, preventative care and cures for some of these crises such as: ChapStick, vitamin C, calamine lotion, camphor, cough drops, codeine, creams, anticoagulants, CBD products, check-ups, colonoscopy, CPR, CT scans, chemo, and if all else fails - cryogenics! Let’s cancel all casualties. Another course of action that can prevent complications in the circle of life is doing some calisthenics and cardio to strengthen your core and curtail cellulite. Maybe add some crunches (not the snack kind). Some use a creatine supplement to enhance their workouts. Others are conscientious about counting calories and calculating the carb quantity they consume. Consistency and quantity control directly correlate to success. Choosing wisely while eating counteracts occasional cheating. In my case, I’ve followed a few of these methods and celebrated some success. Alas, I’m easily coaxed off course and my diet crashes and burns (not calories, unfortunately). I’m cursed with no control. Chubby is also a C word. If you’re familiar with my column, you’re cognizant of some predictable criteria: some comedy, common experience, conceptual observations, questionable composition and a combined culinary connection. All things culminate in cooking and cuisine. It’s no coincidence that it caught up to this column as well. I can’t help it. Cuisine varies by cooking customs, country and culture. Spices compliment consumption. Don’t be conservative in using them. Cinnamon is a baking constant. Cloves can be incorporated (scantily for me). Cream of tartar is essential in angel food cake. Cilantro, chives, curry, chili powder, cumin and cayenne can enhance recipes. Or maybe you crave catsup or Cholula. Coconut, chocolate chips, cocoa powder and cream cheese are perfect for cakes, cookies and candies. Cherries, cranberries, cantaloupe, clementines, celery, cucumbers, carrots, corn, cauliflower and cabbage all fit into the healthier “C” category. Crab, chicken, chislic, chops, cattle cuts, coldcuts, corndogs, chili and cornbread, cheese, cereal, crescent rolls (even if they’re in explosive containers), cones (rather than bowls of ice cream), crackers, chips, charcuterie fare or canned goods can also curb your hunger. If you’re thirsty you can quench with colas or carbonated water on ice (crushed, chipped, cubed or cute shapes), cups of caffeinated coffee, cappuccino or cocoa, cold brews or cocktails. You can chomp, chew, crunch, chug or chow down to your heart’s (cardiac’s) content. Creamy, chunky, crispy, crunchy and chewy are all desirable consistencies. Char-broiled, cooked in a crockpot or convection oven, canned or cured are acceptable means of preparation. You can cultivate or catch your food or get it at a convenience store or cafe. It may not be cheap. It will cost you cash or credit. “C” how easy it is? We’re all consumers. ADVERTISEMENT There are captivating activities such as croquet, court and card games, concerts, clubs, church, camping, canoeing, crocheting, cross stitch, checkers, chess, crosswords, casinos, chatting with chums, cheering for your team, chilling with children (crayons, coloring books and chalk), coin collecting and catching up with cohorts and current events to occupy your time. Check your calendar. My favorite holiday, Christmas, is just around the corner! This Christian celebration encompasses church services, choirs, chimes, children’s concerts, candles, camels, carolers and cordial congregations. Christmas is also commercialized and chock full of certain recognizable factors. Santa Claus is iconic. He checks his list twice. He likes coming down the chimney with packages (or coal) in exchange for some cookies. Decorations adorn Christmas trees (usually conifers). It’s usually cold out, so chestnuts may be roasting in the crackling fire - not in my house, but maybe if you’re in a cabin? Candy canes are historic. Company often comes. There are cinematic Christmas classics to watch. Cocktails and cheers may accompany gift exchanges. Homemade confections are customarily consumed (especially peanut clusters and chocolate fudge). Then after Christmas commitments have been accomplished, you can proceed to the New Year and crack the champagne and confetti! Carefree coasting to the next calendar. After all this alliteration and consonance I’m sure you can concur that C’s are in continuous circulation. It can be quite cacophonous! My observations may seem childish if taken out of context, but it’s no coincidence that I’m compelled to continue with this curious caper. It’s not a controversial concept, merely something to consider. Compare my citations to your own experiences. I’m not on the clock, but as a courtesy I will complete this composition. I cautiously welcome constructive criticism (maybe not, but it fits the topic)!. Compliments are encouraged! Proceed with caution. Concentrate on being charismatic, classy, compassionate, cheerful and charming. Continue being creative and clever. Don’t change. Conserve any cold-hearted or coercive conduct and compost it into a reconditioned and rectified countenance. You’re a complicated combination of qualities and completely capable. Compose and conduct yourself accordingly. Stay calm, be cool, and collect your thoughts. I’m confident this has clarified any confusion you may have had about the consonant C and all its contingencies! In this case, C isn’t average - not even close. It will continue to climb and become a comprehensive part of your culture. I challenge you to take a cue, throw caution to the wind and continue to Cs the day. Just try to contain yourself! I’ve got you covered. C you next week, unless there’s a cataclysmic occurrence. Consider this concluded.