KEEP YOUR
RICE CAKES
am fat. Yes, I did just use the
"f" word, and even though it
may seem harsh, possessing
an abundance of mass is something to which I have always been accustomed. This characteristic I do not blame on my parents or any aspect of society, but on my own passion for the experiences food can render. Nourishment, in its most basic definition, provides a living organism with the nutrients to carry on life's functions. To define roasted quail over creamy risotto, however, would be to describe a life changing event. Such is why my weight is a beautiful symbol of my life up to this point.
My personal obsession with food is constant and indiscriminate. Whether I have hours to pass fawning over a multi-course prix fixe, or a quick fifteen minutes to grab a Value Meal between math team and show choir, I always have a passion for what I choose.
One of my favorite proverbs states that in a breakfast of bacon and eggs, the chicken was involved but the pig was committed. I am truly the pig. Too often, individuals participate in an organization or activity as bystanders to the action. In other instances, one's idea of being "dedicated" may be to delegate as much as possible and show up at the annual Christmas party. Is it really fair to have your cake and eat it too if your hands never get dirty in the baking process? My days are full of responsibility, and sometimes dirty hands, because I believe in dedication.
My passion for food is spurred by my willingness for new experiences. Little is more exciting than tasting a new recipe and instantly falling in love. These positive experiences are motivators for one to be adventurous in other aspects of life. My own personal adventures through the many genres of comestibles have led me to the exploration of foreign cultures and languages. In truth, a whole world can open up with the peeling of a cherimoya.
Dedication is essential for success.
Over the past year, I have lost about sixty pounds in an attempt to become healthier. Losing weight has allowed me to realize that I am not what I eat, but how I eat. The prospect of losing more weight is nice, but if it requires giving up something I am passionate about in exchange for a low-cal rice cake, keep the rice cake. My weight is a constant reminder of the passion I have, not only for the refrigerator, but for life in general and nothing will change that. Sometimes the pastry will not puff or the soufflé will not rise, but by being a motivated individual, having the capability to lead with a vision, and knowing that dedication is essential for success, I will be able to change the world, one egg roll at a time.
I=
by Clifford Murray
2006
30