A Chili Cook-off and Birthday
Had a buncha friends from my old gym over the other day to celebrate my cousin’s birthday.
I remember meeting her when she was just a few days old so it was kinda a kick in the head.
It wasn’t entirely for her because I insisted on making it a chili-cookoff, so it was win-win for everyone.
Well, me anyway.
Friend: Does she even like chili?
Me: (confused) Who doesn’t like chili?
We had five competitors and I made a pretty good batch with chocolate and dark beer for some added depth.
Here’s the thing: I either came in fourth or last. Everyone else’s chili was just that good.
Him: Are you ok coming in fourth or fifth place?
Me: (puzzled) Sure – I got to have four other amazing chilis. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.
Very, very little bothers me these days.
After dealing with – literal – life and death matters, it’s hard to take anything else seriously these days. I have no patience for the ridiculousness of others.
Besides, I have no problem supplying my own ridiculousness.
Gymgirl: Will you have prizes?
Me: The first prize is gonna be a portrait of me by my son.
Drew won both the first prize and the chef’s choice prize – a crystal cigar ashtray – because he made a killer batch with beef ribs.
It was amazingly good and I ended the day with a ton of new ideas for chili.
Her: Did you have fun?
Me: I had rum, beer, chili, and friends come by. So, yeah.
Her: Good. You deserve a little fun.
Me: (looking around) Yeah. Now I gotta clean up. Everything’s a mess.
Her: (picking up a dish) Don’t worry. I’ll help.
Location: At home, with a fridge fulla chili
Mood: still injured
Music: we keep busy. The waves come after midnight
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5 replies on “Rum, beer, chili, and friends”
Ever see Hurt Locker? There is a scene where the protagonist is confronted with picking out breakfast cereal in a supermarket after coming back from a war zone that always has struck a tone with me. Over time you will begin to understand your feelings again it just takes time to process the suffocating avalanche of emotions that has enveloped you.
Your boy has some talent. The likeness is amazing. Can you email me a good chili recipe?
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