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Kate Mahar's avatar

I. Love this piece so much! This reminds me of what a complicated child I was. In another world I could have grown up to be a food-obsessed dictator. Kim Jong Un, but benevolent. Puberty eventually tames assertive, chubby little girls. But the appetite never really goes away.

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Karen Sandstrom's avatar

Thank you, Kate! ♥️

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Traci's avatar

And this is me: "A person who eats too much even though it comes with many terrible consequences. A high-functioning head case with mean carb cravings and many shameful pinchable inches.".... I read every word you write with excitement. Truly one of my favorites.

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Karen Sandstrom's avatar

Thank you so much, Traci. This makes my day. ♥️

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Traci's avatar

This was unexpected and hilarious: "First, Eric's warning marked my introduction to the concept of a compound fracture — a gruesome affliction that by turns repelled and intrigued me."

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Sy Anne's avatar

My primary care physician: Do you crave carbs?

Me: What else is there?

Loved this essay. I was a daredevil of sorts growing up as well. Did some crazy things as a kid. Didn’t break anything, never had stitches.

I also was painfully skinny and called “toothpick” by some chubby friends.

I caught up with them in college, with the Freshman 15.

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Karen Sandstrom's avatar

What was your doc driving at?

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Sy Anne's avatar

High A1C

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Diane Esper's avatar

Love this! I, too, had a love affair with food when I was younger. And you described the favorites to a T, especially the apple pie.. I’m over it now except for ice cream!!! Oh how I love ice cream!

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Karen Sandstrom's avatar

Thank you!

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Margie Frazer's avatar

I was startled recently when a slim friend i was making evening plans with asked if i “needed” to eat.

Needed to, not wanted to.

What a concept.

Epiphanies can come along even this late in life.

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Karen Sandstrom's avatar

This anecdote actually makes me angry on your behalf. Maybe because a) heck yeah I need AND want to eat, and b) a person in a committee meeting recently suggested that we not waste time eating during a four-hour event that was right in the middle of a meal time. I came close to panicking, but cooler heads prevailed.

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Margie Frazer's avatar

I think he put it that way cause he only eats when he is physically compelled to do so.

I, on the other hand, find a myriad of reasons...most tangled up in comforting myself or pleasing others.

Never thought of it as simply sustenance.

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Eric Olsen's avatar

so great Karen - I love the juxtaposition of the Dare Devil Club and the food concerns. We too had a similar club requiring daring, also jumping off a roof. Ours was of less daunting height and more forgiving, even spongy, ground - great job!

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