Right as I was sitting down for lunch, I got a call.  Apparently my brother was in the area and wanted to know if I was interested in grabbing some lunch.  Normally, I’d jump at the opportunity to eat left-over green beans, but I figured that I’d throw caution to the wind and give Cheddar’s a try.

We started off with some potato skins, which were pretty good.  For the main course, Ben made a healthy choice in ordering a salad.  I was impressed at his decision and I decided to do the responsible thing and follow his lead.  I ordered some pasta….baked with cheesy-cheese sauce all inside….and then smothered with more cheesy-cheese sauce.  Unfortunately, all of my recent food choices that were actually healthy caught up with me and I couldn’t finish the plate.  I did give it a valiant effort, though.

Ben and I were able to talk and catch-up with where life had brought us.  (Coincidentally, it had brought is both to Cheddars!)  The subject varied from family to church to sports to work.  It’s very odd for me to look across the table and see a guy who 10 years ago was in a completely different place with a completely different outlook on life.  All of his experiences and relationships have shaped him into who he is today.  A husband.  A father.  A salesman.  A golfer (well, that one can be debated).  And then I look at myself.  I’ve been through a lot in the last 10 years, as well.  But, I don’t feel like a different person.  I still feel like the same guy who just finished my freshman year of college. Though, I readily admit that I know and have experienced a few things since that time.  And, it makes me wonder what Ben notices has changed the most about me when he looks across the table.  More muscle? More Facial hair?  Less other hair?  Less intellect?  I wonder what things have shaped my life and had the most influence on my outlook.

Boy, that sure is a lot to stomach.  Then again, so was the Spasagna Alfredo.  So, just like I did at lunch, I’ll eat my fill on these thoughts, and then push away from the table.  Thanks, Ben, for the meal and for the thought-provoking conversation.  The only downside is that both leave me with the desire to take a nap.