The Last Supper, or Somesuch...

So have you ever thought about what you might want to eat if it were your last meal? I don't suppose that a lot of people this side of death row need to think about that very much, but it does make for an interesting question, frankly. With the start of the new year, and with the recent deaths of two friends both with young kids still at home, (RIP Rich and Rick) I am going to participate in a meal replacement program designed for diabetics.

On that program you can eat as much of the prescription food items that you need to stay full, but ZERO outside food. That's nothing. No samples at Costco, no licking the beaters,... nothin'. I have to go to the doctor to get my glucose checked weekly too, so it will be a full-on hoot for 2012.

It raises an interesting question for the day though. If you had one last day to eat regular human food, and could essentially choose whatever you would like, within reason, what would it be? I'm not sure yet. I made boneless pork ribs for friends last night and am going to a New Year's Bash where I know that carnitas will be served along with homemade pico de gallo... that should do it, I would think.

Also, I got an Applebees gift card burning a hole in my pocket too... Decisions, decisions...

A tragic epiphany moment...

It has been an interesting, awful week in many respects. I lost a good friend, suddenly- http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/12/13/2648527/local-briefs-fresno-unified-administrator.html

Rick was the District's pride in the area of career / technical education, and just a terrific human being. He was one of those guys with whom inside jokes always seemed really appropriate. Once, for example, one of our fellow District staff members- an Asian lady, to be precise- confused the two of us, calling Rick my "twin." Being my typical smart-alecky self, I responded, "Jeez, you see one big white dude around here, and you think we are all the same ..." That stuck, and we were "twins" from there forward.

Well, my twin died Tuesday morning, suddenly, at age 47 (not 46 as reported in the story). All signs point to him having had a heart attack, leaving behind a wife and several children, none older than high-school age. Tragic. Such a kind, warm, funny person. I was proud to be his twin.

I realize, though, that Rick's fate is mine in 5 years if I make no changes...

Diabetes is interesting. When people hear that you have cancer, they usually say "Awww... I'm so sorry to hear that." When they find out you have diabetes, though, the response is more along the lines of "Damn.. that dude eats way too much fried chicken."

Not interested in dying. More to come. RIP my twin, Rick Ehrlenheim...