June 27, 2010



She looked at him half flirting and half disgusted. He ate his plate of portuguese sausage, eggs & rice. He laughed, assuring her how good it tasted. Her, the fair skinned blonde. Him, the dark skinned HAPA. Young teens in love. Today, as we walked through the doors to MARUKAI {a Japanese market} the husband, kids and I... there they were before me. US! The moment I saw them, I went back 18 years. I remember the first time Scot took me to Marukai. I was just 17 years old. Probably the same age she was at the table today. I felt so intimated. I was TALL. I was blonde. I stood out. All the food in there looked quite disturbing to me. I was used to belgian waffles with whipped cream and strawberries. NOT SPAM MUSUBI! Scot assured me how tasty his cuisine was. Over time, I gradually converted. I wanted to stop and tell her. To share what 18 years can bring to the blonde and the Hapa. But I refrained. I smiled. I remembered. I was thankful. Just this week, I have now known Scot longer than not knowing him. Confused? We met when I was 17. I am now 35. I have known him 18 years. Just this week, 18 years ago, we were in Mexico on a High School Youth retreat. He was SO not my type. And I was SO not his type. But we connected. And our lives forever changed. The past 18 years have been full of ups and downs and twists and turns and dead ends and yielding as we navigated through life together. The road has been under construction and I hope it will remain under construction as we continue to refine our path and map out our course. Today was a sweet reminder of where it all started. I smile even now, thinking about the sweet young couple with so much ahead of them. Thank you my love. For refining my palate. In more than just food. I love you. I appreciate you. I am thankful for you. 18 years later.

Oh, and YES... I did used to be blonde.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

First of all, congrats on the new little one in your tummy. So exciting! You are such an amazing mama.
I totally remember when you and Scot were just starting out. It was surprising, but you two just made sense.
Isn't it a trip to look at where we are now, compared to back then? Craziness. We were so young. So young. And now...it's like we're adults or something.
And, as a side note, I love Marukai. Love it!

Krista Lord said...

I have to ditto what Chrissie said. Except for the part about Marukai. I've never been there. Maybe we can go when I come to town. See you guys soon.

Jennifer said...

:) thanks ladies. it is crazy isn't it? can't wait to see you both soon. xox

Tannis said...

Hmm, the list goes on. Started dating Jeremey when I was 17, I'm 35, 3rd pregnany surprise...