Merry Christmas

In (what has become my) tradition, I served a Christmas dinner for those from my work center. Actually, dinner was the second meal I served today; the first, I assisted the Top 3 organization from work and prepared a large, lunch meal for those who were on duty today.

So without further ado, here is what was on tonight's dinner menu:

Hors d' oeuvres: Pesto Pinwheels, Antipasto Salad, Caprese Salad

Entrees: Maple-mustard crusted Pork Loin, Chicken Wellingtons

Sides: Asparagus Spears, Scalloped Potatoes, Tossed Green Salad

Desserts: Choc. Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, White Chocolate-Cranberry Scones, Apple Tarts

Drinks: Sweetened Ice Tea, Horchata

Fatty’s okay for now

Okay, so most of you know that over the years, I’ve put on some poundage. Since 1996 (when I first enlisted) I’ve gained an average of 35Lbs. This past year, however, I was quite alarmed when I hit 230 by mid summer. In the past this wasn’t really too much concern since I had always maintained a low BMI. Of course, as I get on in years weight remains relatively the same – however, the fat-to-muscle ratio is not so good… hence my portly state.

Well, this year I’ve been really concerned about my annual fitness exam. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with tendonitis in the right shoulder and a fear of a torn rotator cuff (most likely a result from over-compensating from dislocating my left shoulder from the previous year); also, an exponentially larger gut from the lack of running. If you don’t know, our AF fitness exam is graded on a point system derived from sit-ups, push-ups, abdominal measurements, and 1.5 mile run-time. Given my (self-inflicted) poor state of health, logically this means that I’m done for!

Shockingly, I passed! I came close to maxing out on my push-ups and sit-ups, and my run-time is back down to within a minute of my average 11.5 minute, mile-and-a-half. Though I’m grateful to have passed, I’m really embarrassed about my waist measurement… there’s a reason why Kenar used to call me chunk-butt! Grrrr!

Faux Pas

Being back in the States after three years in Germany and three years in Japan, comes with certain, petty... quirkiness'(?). Take dining out for instance. I have totally forgotten how going out to eat at a resaurant by yourself is such an absolute, BIG NO-NO! I was amazed at the reaction I received from the restaurant's host and waitress when I mentioned that it was just me. I guess they didn't know whether or not to feel bad for me, or wonder what was wrong with me.

In Europe and Japan, it's not a big deal - at all. As a matter of fact, I rather enjoyed it. In Germany it was great! The waitress' wouldn't bat an eye, but instead join me in conversation or even in meal. There were even instances when, if table space was limited, you would be seated at a table with some random person - that was acceptable and enjoyable as well.

It's unfortunate that we American's are so consumed with our personal space, wanting nothing to do with your fellow 'neighbor,' loathing the so-called 'loners.'

Does she not realize???

I had stopped at a Taco Bell for lunch... the cashier was an elderly woman. At first, she had an uncertain air about her that I couldn't quite place. It was blatantly obvious that she was separated from her co-workers by age.

Within moments of our conversation (before I had even a chance to order), I discovered that she was depressed about the holidays; her husband past away sometime in the recent past. She may have said when, but, honestly, I was flabbergasted that I knew that much about her, to even remember if she had! Additionally, it wasn't long into our conversation that I determined [with certainty] she was Christian by the overt use of language.

Eventually, I placed my order, seated myself and began to eat. It wasn't long before she had left the register, pretended to clean-up an area, and seated herself at my table. At that point I had felt bad, assuming that she was hurting inside for someone to talk to - selfishly, I was upset because I had been starving and wanting nothing more than to eat. I know, I know. Anyhow, she attempted to compliment me on my faith when, suddenly, all sincerity of the moment was destroyed by a most distasteful, racist comment (with regard to her "minority" co-workers). I... well I was appalled at first, but then confused... does she not realize with whom she had been speaking?

(this actually occurred over the Thanksgiving weekend, on my return trip home from Connecticut)

Age

With the utmost sincerity and innocence, one of my youngest Airmen asked me today:

"Sgt Alvarez, are you old?"

Bless her heart...