A win, win
Seriously! I’ve said it time and time again — I love what I do! Every day I’m reminded how my cooking classes and presentations, cookbooks, blogging, and speaking events touch others lives. It’s the greatest reward to do what you love and positively impact others too. As my friend Rebecca says, “It’s a win, win.”
Saturday, when I picked up my mail…Surprise, surprise… A teary eyed surprise. A thank you card from the Clark College “Food and Your Health” students and a Chipotle gift card for times “You don’t feel like cooking” wrote Kristen Myklebust their instructor/my new friend. The card was signed by all of the 100 students I hosted last month. So thoughtful. So sweet. In today’s cyber age, it’s so nice to receive a handwritten card. The card has a permanent spot on my desk and in my heart.
I feel so proud of what I do. I feel so honored. Thank you for allowing me to be your real example, share my knowledge of food and cooking, and love of life with you. Thank you all for the bright, sunshiny card. It seems this is reciprocity at it’s best. A win, win.
Here’s some of their comments:
“I loved the energy and info. Walking through Chuck’s with you was a blast!” ~ Ryan
“Your food is bomb! And so is your personality” ~Vish
“I love your great personality and amazing cooking! Thanks for a great time.” ~Naomi
“Thank you so much for letting us cook with you. You are an amazing person.” ~ Tuyen
“You’re awesome and you made cooking class fun!” ~ From your favorite student, Brandon
“Great class. Great food. Wonderful personality.” ~ Travis
“Thanks for taking time for us.” ~Connor
“You are truly inspiring.” ~ Emily
“You rock!” ~ Aaron
“Chrisetta — Cooking’s back! Thanks to you.” ~Kristen, Instructor
Chrisetta Mosley
I am a product – and now a survivor – of childhood obesity. As a child, my family always told me that my extra weight was merely baby fat and I’d eventually grow out of it. I never did. Instead, my childhood is filled with memories of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding P.E. classes by any means necessary. For years, I wore my fatness like a wounded soldier wears a Purple Heart - with pride. I owned the look. I dressed it up. I worked the room. There wasn't a skinny girl who intimidated me. I made sure my hair was laid just right. Nails polished. Outfits coordinated to the tee. Accessories to compliment every outfit. But everyone has a breaking point, and mine came in the spring of 2004 when I tipped the scale at nearly 400 pounds 388 to be exact. I was MISERABLE trapped inside of that body. I no longer wore my Purple Heart with pride. Rather, I was ashamed and frightened. Ashamed that I had allowed food to become my everything – frightened I would die because of it. Drastic times called for drastic measures... Today, I’m bound and determined to live a better, healthier, active lifestyle. I realize I’m no longer a passenger in my life, I’m the driver. I’m overcoming my inhibitions and I’m slowly but surely saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!