On Peppers - A Review

I’m a lucky guy. That line might be the most frequent start to these blogs that is subsequently erased, but I never let it slip from my mind. I’m lucky. Very lucky. 

With all that being said, I should make it clear, I don’t really believe in luck. In fact, I don’t believe in fate, chance, or destiny either. I think luck is a scam made up by the oblivious and the cheats. 

So, in order to dash that oblivity, I’m here to confess my undying gratitude for my family and friends. 

I’m not trying to brag when I say this, but I feel like I’m a pretty generous person. Most people in my life have told me that. I’m quick to cover meals, lend jackets, and just be there for people. It’s just what I like to do. 

I never forgot where I got that from, but in being home for this past week, I’m reminded that this well of generosity comes straight from my family. 

In less than a moment’s notice I’ve found myself whisked out of some particularly dire straits by my brother, mom, or dad. I’ve been consoled and taxi’d by my cousin and grandma, doted on by my aunt and uncle, and just generally consistently cared for. 

Family is good for that. In New York, it's not like people aren’t as caring, it's just that they’re not family. Trust me, the few friends I’ve got, stick up for me like switchblades. And that’s everyone from SoCal to SoCar, the people who offer me rides, places to stay the night, and trips to LegoLand at the drop of a hat. 

It’s kind of shocking going from a world where I was pretty isolated and expected to shoulder so many burdens to a place where even the trees seem to say “hey brother, come over here and rest. Let’s help you with that.”

That’s teaching for you though. Nothing comes easy. 

I’m not here to brag about it, but I think about how much my family rubbed off on me, and how so many of the most trying times in this past year have come from me trying to pass on that kindness and maybe going about it the wrong way. Nothing about my move and the changes in my life have made me rougher around the edges, or made me stray from my path, but they have had me questioning my intentions. But here, here I’m reminded that this is part of me. And that it’s not really something someone can take away. And that, given enough patience and effort, it’s something I can infinitely give. 

Hope you’re having a wonderful time, wherever you are. 

Thanks for reading, and have a great week.