The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

Whatever makes you grow is gonna hurt somehow

August 29, 2012

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. I'd just gotten back from what I believe was the final trip to the store for school items. The load included folders, juice, granola bars, laundry detergent, a shoe organizer, socks, and underwear. Lot of underwear. I don't know why it is the start of school requires new underwear but it does. I always thought of Underwear for Occasions as adult-type, but perhaps school starting is enough of an occasion. Anyway, it's good to head out into the unknown with a few new things, well-supplied, geared up, and the kids are, officially, prepared. Materially, anyway. Need to practice getting up earlier these next few days.

Emotional preparation is another story.

They feel apprehensive, I think. Nervous. Not sure of what Day One will bring, not certain about who it is they are, themselves, venturing out. Not entirely convinced that It's All Good. Growing up isn't in the Top Ten list of Easy Things. Frankly, it's painful. Takes up a lot of energy and time. And room. But it's inevitable, necessary and, ultimately, good.

I thought I'd stop growing when I became a grown-up. I'm not sure when I became one, to be honest. And it seems when I did, the growing didn't stop; it shifted gears. Now I not only get to keep growing, but also to nudge along three young people who often look to me for assurance, advice, comfort. "Am I OK?" my son asked today. He's been counting days, I think. "Yes, you are," I told him. "How do you know?" he questioned. "Because I know," I said.

I do know. Whatever makes you grow is gonna hurt somehow. It might take you away from someone you love, might keep you from paying bills on time, might make you work out more often or eat foods that will lower your cholesterol. It might force you to draft a budget or buy a wheelchair or meet with the person you least wish to see. Might have to forego the new boots, sell the house, or sign a legal document. Might have to grieve an unexpected death, take a class, or enroll in a program. Or recover from 26 hours of labor. Or sign up for an online dating service in your sixties. Or get up on stage. On and on.

No, you don't need new underwear to meet the next challenge. But it can't hurt, really. Underwear is good. Growth is good. Always has been. Always will be.

Feelin' a craving for the spicy as summer dwindles. This dip goes just right with Fritos, or any corn chip, and can be a light lunch of its own or just right at a cookout.

Southern Kick Salsa

1 can black-eyed peas
1 can black beans
1 can shoe-peg corn
Open and drain each.

2 cans diced tomatoes (you can use Rotel or fresh tomato if you wish)
Drain tomatoes and chop finely.

1/2 to 3/4 cup diced celery
1 diced green pepper
1 diced mild onion
1 small can black olives, drained
Add some chopped jalapeno if you want more kick

1/2 to 3/4 bottle Italian dressing

Mix gently all ingredients and allow the flavors to blend overnight.

Enjoy!

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