25 Years, 1 Year, and the value of Retrospect (and Age)

So I survived the 25th year class reunion. Even without my best friend there. I didn't fall into a heap and die of embarrassment. I didn't wither away on the spot. No one said anything really nasty to make me cry or hide in the bathroom all night. Everyone was gracious and mostly friendly. They asked about Rachel (BFF). They asked about my life. I asked about theirs. . . There were even moments where I caught glimpses of them as real people -- not people who think they're perfect - or even better than the rest. I heard them struggle with self-confidence issues and struggle with "to judge or not to judge", exhibit compassion and kindness and most of them did just that.

None of them know my struggles. Only Rachel -- and she wasn't there. They don't know how far I've been or how far I've come. And that's okay. When they knew me, I was still about 50 lbs lighter than I am today. But it's not the 90 lbs it would have been in April. . . .Testimony to the fact are the photos above. The first was taken July 09 as we celebrated our 20th anniversary. The latter was taken last night at my 25th class reunion. The differences are subtle, but apparent to a discerning eye -- the definition in the arms, the slenderer face (the wrinkles resulting from the slenderer face. . .). The differences are there -- almost 40 lbs of differences.

It is good to get older. It is good to have to get out of your comfort zone. It is good to make changes in your world. It gives you a new perspective. We are all people with our own struggles. I'm still one of the heaviest people in my class, but I'm not the only one who struggles with weight, self-confidence, peer pressure, and other issues that we've all dealt with since high school. I remember nasty comments in school, but I also remember kindnesses shown. And the cool thing is, we've all grown -- we've all changed. 25 years -- some of us more healthy, some of us less, some not with us anymore, some of us more grown-up, some of us with major health problems and terrible accidents -- "Life's about change -- nothing ever stays the same" Let's all strive for positive changes and looking for the positive in others around us -- giving encouraging words instead of hateful comments. "Be the change you want to see in the world" -- Mahatma Ghandi

Homemade Chorizo

Shane and I love the spicy Mexican sausage, but have been trying to avoid processed meats. Besides which, doing it this way is much less expensive!!! Chorizo is great sauteed with eggs and wrapped in sprouted grain tortillas or cooked up with potatoes, peppers, and onions -- and probably lots of other ways, too. And, as the weather turns cooler, it is fun to heat things up with a little spice.

1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 c chili powder
1/3 c water
1 1/2 lbs ground pork

Mix garlic, oregano, vinegar chili powder, and water in blender
Pour over ground pork. Mix with hands to thoroughly blend. Refrigerate overnight. Pour off water. Enjoy.

You can refrigerate or freeze what you don't want to cook immediately. Our Mexican restaurant serves a "chori-pollo" -- chicken with chorizo, peppers, etc. It might be something excellent to try! Ole'!!!!!!!!!