Fat Cat Chef

Although this food blog focuses on, well, food, permit me to digress a bit.

Aristo-Cat Monica and I just returned from a relaxing vacation in Maine that coincided with my sister's graduation from the University of Maine at Augusta.

This seems unremarkable, until you take into account that she finished her degree after deciding one year at the University of Southern Maine in 1989 wasn't for her.

The remarkable thing is that it's difficult to return to school once you hit the "real world" and get used to a paycheck -- no matter how small. But my sister proved that with perseverance and a healthy dose of diligence (she held down 2 part-time jobs in addition to a full course load) you can in fact beat the odds.

Now she's pursuing a satisfying career working with at-risk youths (though if they're like the kids in our neighborhood, I say all youths are at-risk).

And the opportunities appear endless: she's even contemplating law school, though we here at the Fat Cat Legal Institute have yet to meet a happy lawyer.

My sister epitomizes the American can-do spirit. Congratulations on beating the odds little sis.

Oh, the food at her reception was delicious. So I guess this blog IS about food...

I'm looking for my big brother. Have you gone and done all of this? And, you dedicated it to Aunt Emily? How cool is that? Kudos to you. It is quite creative and extremely intriquing :) So, if it is you, you will know by by e-mial address. Later, actually, sooner, big brother!!!