The Cook

Becky was recently told by some Indians we know that her figure is amazing. They talked for a couple minutes about how very nice and slender and statuesque she is. (And you're very pretty, too, they told me.) I guess there's at least one person, though, who does not appreciate Becky's thin figure. This morning Becky went in for breakfast, and after she'd eaten her fill she attracted the attention of our little old cook. He came over and began telling her that she was far too thin and that she needed to eat a lot more. And then he grabbed two slices of bread, put them on her plate, and started spreading two huge spoonfuls of jam on each slice. Becky dutifully ate both of them, and then went home and slept for two hours because it made her feel so sick.

I really love this little cook. He's very old -- he used to be a cook for the British back before India became an independent nation -- and he is totally passionate about food. The first time he talked to me I couldn't make out his accent, and I thought he was scolding me because he was so intense and was saying things rather disjointedly, but after he left the room someone told me that he was listing off the foods he knew how to cook. He stepped back into the room from the kitchen at least four or five more times to add foods he'd forgotten to the list, exactly as if he'd thought of new points in an argument.

He's slight, and his features and frame are somewhat sunken with age. He usually wears all white, and he carries an umbrella when he walks to and from work. He passes Krishnayya's house on the way home, and Krishnayya told me that he often stops by to quit on his way home because of something or other. Fortunately Krishnayya is always able to pacify him.

I'm going to miss him.

Family Poems, Part 2

Sorry I had to run in the middle of the family. Nothing personal, Cindy. ;) Here are the rest.

Cindy Lou, the next one born,
Plays the piano, flute, and horn.
She's famous for her brains and wit;
She has a fan club -- all legit.
She bruises very easily --
A modern Princess and the Pea.
She loves good books and Bollywood.
If you don't read her blog, you should.

Our brother Russell's next in line.
He's a pro at cosine, sine.
As listener he's really great;
I'll talk and talk, he'll sit and wait.
He loves football, BYU,
Just like all our brothers do.
He and Allen look a pair,
(The difference is in parted hair.)

Russ and Jen are a happy pair.
Jen is helpful, good, and fair.
Soccer is Jen's favorite sport,
But she'll play games of any sort.
I really like to talk to Jen,
Though I stop by just now and then.
But now it's hard to stop and play;
I'm sad they moved so far away.

Andrew's just a few months old,
Of him we know what we've been told.
We're told he's smart and curious,
Which we'd expect -- his father's Russ.
He's getting big and nice and long,
We're glad to hear he's going strong.
We can't wait to meet this baby boy.
Perhaps he'll get an Indian toy.

Pop is good and wise and kind,
A better dad we could not find.
If we need help or want to play,
Dad's there for us on any day.
He's great at chess and telling stories.
You should see his morning glories.
I always love his weekly letter,
But seeing him is even better.

Mom takes care of our whole clan,
She helps us any way she can.
Mom can do most anything,
She can sew, and paint, and sing,
She cooks every meal from scratch.
If clothes are torn she'll make a patch.
A chat with her makes me feel good,
If I could be like her I would.

Family Poems, Part 1

Since we have a little more time than things to do right now, Becky and I decided to write a poem for each of our family members. As you can tell, these are posh and polished works of art and culture. Enjoy!

We think Emmy's pretty swell,
The oldest and the family belle.
But more than just a pretty face,
She has brains, and guts, and grace.
She plays the piano like a pro.
She can quilt, and cook, and sew.
Emily is an awesome sister
And right now I rather miss her.

Travis is our sister's man,
Of that arrangement I'm a fan.
A handy guy and lots of fun,
He'd win the heart of anyone.
He makes good food and funny jokes;
He restrains himself and rarely pokes.
He says he'll trash my wedding car,
We'll see, then -- if I get that far.

Em and Travis have a kid;
We're really, really glad they did.
Alyssa now is nearly two,
Neat and trim from hat to shoe.
She loves babies, dogs, and treats.
She'll run to any one she meets.
We miss her darling laugh and smile.
We hope we'll see her in a while.

Travis has a dog named Boo.
He scares Mom like You Know Who.
His favorite games are fetch and tug,
He'll play them on the lawn or rug.
He hates the mailman through and through,
As many dogs are wont to do.
Jaide calls him the licking dog.
His picture's up on Meg's fun blog.

A man of thought and action too,
Allen wears the Cougar Blue.
He knows his facts and history,
In balance game he wins, not me.
Allen loves the great blue sky,
And birds and planes and things that fly.
He's really great at strategy;
I wish I were as smart as he.

Hannah is our brother's wife;
Where she is there'll be no strife.
He caramels truly are divine;
If I eat one I'll soon eat nine.
I like her laugh and conversation,
Her style of work and relaxation.
You'll often find her in the pool,
So you can tell she's pretty cool.

Bob comes next. He's big and tall.
He likes to tease and play football.
He often leads our family things --
Discussing gifts and gatherings.
He'll sit up late and strategize
With Dad and all the other guys.
Computers are our brother's friend,
If yours is sick he'll help it mend.

Bob's wife, Meg, is pretty sweet;
I love it every time we meet.
She keeps us posted with blog notes
On family news and funny quotes.
She's really great at volleyball --
I guess because she is so tall.
A caring friend and awesome mother,
This doesn't rhyme, but we all love her.

Jaide was born to Meg and Bob.
At six she's now a young heartthrob.
She plays fun games like pirate chase,
And where she plays she wins first place.
She's full of fun and energy,
She certainly has more than me.
She loves her class and friends at school.
We love our little family jewel.

Their other kid is Kiree-girl.
Her hair is full of pretty curl.
She plays along with sister Jaide,
Be it cards or pirate raid.
She liked our song made with her name;
She loved the Kiree-catching game.
She's nearly three now -- strong and tall.
She'll soon be great for volleyball.

The other poems are mostly done, but I've got to go now.