gluttony

[1] She said: Remember how you told me that I should pursue a job that I actually enjoy not just one that I'm good at. I actually took your advise ; I quit my boring monotonous job a couple of weeks ago and decided to take time off and discover what I enjoy doing best. And guess what, I discovered I looovvveee to cook. I'm not sure how I will turn it into a job yet; I'll figure it out , eventually. But, honestly, I have you to thank. I never realized how I could be so happy just by doing simple things. [2] He said: I was flipping channels the other day and I saw her show. As a professional chef, you see, I don't usually pause on cooking shows, these are for amateurs. I'm not sure why I paused; I think it was the way she looked. I don't know, she isn't that beautiful in terms of physical beauty, but there's something about her. She's so passionate about her cooking. She makes Spanish omelet sound like the grandest gourmet meal. I know that this would sound weird, but I make sure to watch her everyday now. She gives the simple people a sense of enjoyment in the food they eat everyday. This other day, she was talking about a chocolate dip ; not fondue , not even fudge..just our plain boring chocolate dip, which is something I wouldn't even ask my apprentice to do, and I felt, well, hot from her description. I'm just fascinated by her. [3] She said: You won't believe who asked me out ; the master chef of the Four Seasons. Can you imagine? Me, asked out by the great master himself. The guy is sooo sweet , handsome, French and knows how to COOK, what more would a woman want. But I'm not sure I'm going. Why not? Isn't it obvious why not? He's him and I'm me. I wouldn't know what to wear nor what to expect. And what if we go to a restaurant , and I think the food is great and he thinks its terrible. He'll think I'm just a fat pig eating anything that is given to me? Or what if I don't like something and it turns out he likes it? Yes you're right. I should stop the what ifs. Oh, my producer introduced me to him at some random event. Well, I guess so, how bad can it be? I'll just meet him. [4] He said: I thought of asking her to one of my restaurants but I'm sure she tried them all before. She's a cook, and a cook should be treated in a special way. I haven't dated a cook since you know; I told you the story before. Anyway, I asked her to my penthouse; I knew it was a risk given the cultural implications , but its where I have MY kitchen and I wanted to cook something special for her. Setting up the place was the hardest; I decided no wine, I wasn't sure if she drinks or not, but I made several other fruit juices. I thought, romantic dim light, then I decide, might be mis-interpreted. You Egyptians are so hard to cater for, but it went anyway. I left the lights on, put a simple tablecloth on the kitchen table,arranged the cutlery and only mood music. But it went well, I think I'll call her again. [5] She said: At first I thought, his penthouse, fishy, but I remembered that he has been in Egypt for over a year now and probably knows he's not getting any with Egyptian girls. I thought of taking a bottle of wine, like in movies, but again, I didn't want to be over-westernized. I thought dessert, but he's a cook, I thought he'd be offended. Ugh..men are so hard to cater for. But it went well, I took some of my favorite home-made tapas as appetizers and put them in really cute containers. They looked like something you'd buy off Harrods gourmet section. He said he liked them; not sure if he really meant it or if he was just saying it to make me feel good. I was obviously very nervous at the beginning of our date. I have to tell you, his kitchen, is my dream come to life; everything organized, all the ingredients labeled, fresh home grown herbs, ...you name it, he has it. And the size of that kitchen... It's as big as my house. I love it. His cooking, how can I even start to describe it; he's like the king and all the cookware, cutlery, ingredients, his loyal subjects. It's like the butter melts on his knife before even being smothered on the chicken, strawberries want to be touched by his fingers before being dipped in the fondue, even the sweet peas were bending to make it easier for his knife to cut through them. Then the arrangement, plates raced to be his first choice for arranging food; nothing was placed haphazardly, everything made sense, the lettuce leafs can not touch shredded carrots without a layer of cheese to blend in the taste. And the taste, oh my God,is far better than anything I ever tasted in my entire life. It's like I haven't even tasted food before; how the chocolate fondue melts in your mouth at exactly the right time. Not too early so you've savored its taste but not too late that you grow accustomed to it; it melts at the exact moment that is needed to leave you wanting more. [6] He said: She came over again, this time she cooked. Nothing fancy, your regular steak and potatoes, side salad and a banana cake for dessert. Food was good, not good enough to hire her in my kitchen, but good enough for a family dinner on a Saturday night. But it's not her food that's special, it's how she describes her cooking. She is so good with words, and things sound so delicious when she says them. She was actually verbalizing how she butters her toast and I wondered if I have ever eaten something that tasty before, but in the end, it's just bread and butter. But I really like her, I can just sit there and listen to her talk about food. [7] She said: We're an item now, I think. Yes ,of course , we have other things in common other than cooking; like classical music , travel..umm.. Anyway, I look at it this way, anything in the end leads to food. For instance, we started talking about music, and the kind of mood it puts us in, and we realized, that Mozart is best heard with fillet au poivre with potatoes au gratin and saute mushrooms; Don Giovanni opera in particular needs Sauternes wine afterwards . On the other hand, Vivaldi, is best ,as expected, with Spinach Lasagna with Pinot Noir. We both enjoy culinary travel; that is to travel around countries trying their food, wines, you know. I'm not sure where its going really, but I think I'm in love with him. [8] He said: I proposed! I know .. I know.. I couldn't believe myself either. But I really love her. Physically? Well, she's a bit overweight, but she is sexy in her own way. I wouldn't say graceful, but she does have a unique way of carrying herself around. And she's really funny, a bit clumsy though. Come to our wedding! Oh of course, you can't , work ethics. Well, I'll be away for a while, but I'll get in touch with you as soon as I get back. and this was Gluttony another sin of the seven deadly sins Depending on the culture, it can be seen as either a vice or a sign of status. Where food is relatively scarce, being able to eat well might be something to take pride in (although this can also result in a moral backlash when confronted with the reality of those less fortunate). Where food is routinely plentiful, it may be considered a sign of self-control to resist the temptation to over-indulge. so gluttony (Latin, gula) is the over-indulgence and over-consumption of anything to the point of waste. In the Christian religions, it is considered a sin because of the excessive desire for food, or its withholding from the needy.

of the sveven deadly sins #1

I've been fascinated with the concept of the "seven deadly sins" ever since we studied "An inspector calls" by J.B Priestley middle school. I can't quite remember the details, but it was the first time I was introduced to the concept of the deadly sins. Then of course the movie "Se7en" starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman in 1995. I tend to go and read more about the fiction and history of the subject every-once-in-a-while; especially when I feel evil inside. Perhaps just to prove to myself that I'm not that bad after all, or at least not harmful. Anyway, having been in one of these down moods recently, i decided to write a series of short stories, one about each sin. Naturally, being me, these will be modern relationships stories, not those of the "if you go this way, you'll end up that way". here's the first... She knows she is supposed to be happy; they just won the big case they've been working on the last six months. As the team goes out to dinner to celebrate victory, her mind wanders off to recall the last 6 beautiful weeks in Paris. Day and night with him, yes working, but with him. Getting closer, more comfortable with each other , he has become a necessity in her life but he doesn't realize it- she hopes- which is good. No matter what her feelings are , a relationship between them is a risk, and risks are out of the question. She keeps reminding herself all the time; he's 3 years her junior and that, on its own, is taboo enough back home. He's her mentor and that is not likely to change for the next few years in the firm. Not only that, but he's also the youngest son of the most influential partner in the firm, his dad, uncles and brothers run the biggest law firm in the region. So it's not just her job in this firm, it's her entire career. He interrupts her thoughts, "where are you?" She looks at him shyly and says, "Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts", but she would have liked to say ,"umm, thinking of you, as usual". "Well I don't blame you.", he jokes, "It's really boring having to sit with those lawyers as old as your grandpa." "Be kind to the elderly, kiddo", she teases, but she just has to bring the age thing up everytime to remind herself "You keep saying that, and I keep telling you that it's only a couple of years between us both; so don't make a fuss about it, or I'll be forced to use my authority", he teases. "Yes, sir , boss", she jokes thinking how she loves his wicked smile. "I tell you what," his eyes shine, "let's ditch the grandpa's and go do something young and stupid." "Like what, for instance? Neither of us drinks, so bar hopping is out of the question. Neither of us is into dancing, so clubbing isn't much of an option, really. Theaters have to be booked in advance and we actually saw all the movies at least twice. " She jokes, but in reality she would have loved to say, "we can always go to your room and make out, sexy" "Let's just go walking by the Sine. The weather's lovely, and it can't be as boring!" "You can't be serious." "But I am" "What about this dinner? We can't just leave in the middle like that." she hates herself for saying that when she would have loved to go, but she keeps reminding her self, it's her career. "And why not?", he says in a way which she can't really interpret if it's a joke or if he's being serious. "It's just not right. Business Etiquette." "You always play it safe, huh?" he gives up She smiles. After a long hour of empty conversations and social obligations, dinner is over and everyone waits to get in taxis to leave. "Come 'on, let's go walking", he suggests again "I'm too tired and it's almost midnight." but inside her she would have loved to go, moonlight, Paris, midnight , with him.. what a dream come true.. but she doesn't want to get too emotional and blow up her calm professional appearance, just a night before they leave. "Hey.. you promised" "I did no such thing" "Come' on lazy.. It's our last night in Paris. I'm using my authority as your mentor and supervisor to force you to walk with me", he teases, as usual. She gives him the childish pissed off look, "okay" They walk, not saying anything for a while. The silence is killing her, but she remains silent, afraid of what she might say. Time moved so slowly, and it might have been minutes before he spoke, but to her it was hours of anticipation. "So you always play it safe?"he says casually as they continue walking, not bothering to even look at her. "what happened to , it's a beautiful night! As an icebreaker"she thinks to herself , but steadily looking at the beautiful Paris she replies. "Yes, always" "Never take any risks?" "Not that I recall" He looks her straight in the eyes and asks "Not even with you heart?" Her heart starts beating faster, feeling him stare in her with his piercing eyes and uncover what she's trying hard to hide; but with a cool smile, she looks briefly to his eyes and says "not even that". He smiles and lets go of his look. She almost sighs but holds herself still. "What game are you playing?", she wonders. More silence. They walk by the Seine until they reach a spot viewing the Notre Dame where he says, "I always favored this spot" "Then let's sit for a while. I need to rest my legs anyway." She lifts herself to sit on the concrete walls that everyone uses as seats overlooking the river, trying to avoid looking in his eyes. He stands right behind her, that she can feel his breath near her skin. "You like me, don't you?" he asks, as he lights his cigarette and puts it in his mouth "Where did that come from?! And why so direct!? Self , be still, we'll smart-talk ourselves out of this one", she thinks to herself but replied with a shocking confidence, "You're my mentor. Of course I do." He chuckled and said, "Of course! But you hold no special feelings for me?" Her heart beating faster, "but I do. Everyone in the firm does." She somehow knew he was enjoying this, game of verbal chess but she was too tense. "And do you think I'm attractive?" "Of course I do. Don't you?", she replies to him but thinks "what the hell did I just say! I'm putting myself in a stupid corner here." "Of course you do?!" he asks in amazement then continues "don't I think I'm attractive or don't I think you're attractive?" "Shit!", she thinks but says "I don't know!" then she thinks "shit shit shit.I don't know. Stupid" "You either have no heart or have no shame!" He replies coolly. "I have a little of both actually" She pauses for a second then says, "It's getting warm, right? I need to take of my jacket" She expected him to move a bit so she can take her jacket off, but instead , he puts his hands on her shoulders from behind, then slowly grabs the collar of the jacket and slowly slides it off. "This is so not going well", she thinks to herself, trying hard not to show any emotions or physical responses. And as he puts the jacket beside her he says, "My oh my. One shoulder top" he laughs, "that's not very safe, is it?!" While struggling to steady her heart from beating faster, she intentionally breathes long breaths but she exhales out by mistake, one breath that he could hear and he's there standing close , seeing, feeling , absorbing her.. touching her?! "Touching me? Is it real or is my mind playing tricks ?" His fingers are actually very softly touching her bare shoulder. "You know what you remind me of?" he asks. "No" , she replies, getting more tense and he touches her. "You remind me of the Netherlands in spring" "I've never been to Netherlands before" "Well. You know all the flowers that we buy back home are imported from the Netherlands." She nods but says nothing "So imagine, a bouquet of flowers, with the beauty of the tulips and the amazing aroma of the roses. Now think about it, those flowers back home, have been cut prematurely , tossed savagely and brought to us, loosing most of their beauty and aroma. Now imagine a flower growing to its full beauty, in a beautiful weather , no pollution, so its sweet captivating aroma grows to its strongest. Can you imagine that?" he asks as he runs his fingers through her hair. She tries to stay still, not to shiver, not to show him that she has fallen to his spell; his words put her in a trance and his perfume with a hint of apples, cinnamon mixed with his tobacco set her heart on fire. "why does he have to be so sexy? Why stand so close? and why the hair, my weak spot? Why oh why? " She smiles politely and says, "Yes, it must be wonderful" He continues, "Now imagine millions of these flowers, of ever shape and color. Imagine these flowers in spacious gardens , designed and trimmed to make the most spectacular view. Like a Monet painting." She feels his breath getting closer on her skin , then he inhales and says, "And you smell like it too. See in spring time, when the sun is shining strong enough for the flowers to grow but not that strong that it burns their sweet petals," and he starts messaging her shoulder, passionately," the rain is falling just barely for the aroma to liquidate, and add a little breeze of air just enough for the liquid aroma to spread and fill the air... That very moment, is the smell of you." "Oh God! Self, don't shiver, don't let it show."she thinks to herself, but she shivers, she always does when she gets this.. umm.. nervous feeling. "You're shivering, are you cold?" he asked "umm, let's continue walking" she suggested, turning away from the river and stepping down to the floor, but he didn't move. He stands there in front of her, not moving. She tries to take on step to the side but she slips and almost falls. But he catches her and supports her up, with his hand on her waist, yet does not move. "Why are you so nervous?", he asks. "I'm not." "You're a terrible liar" , he says as he moves closer. "I know", she says , blushing. He moves his arms behind her back , moving his face closer to hers and engages her in a long, passionate kiss. She can't tell if it has been seconds, minutes or hours later, because she was lost in emotions but she felt him touch her chin, pushing her face up gently, till her eyes meet his, and then whispers "I love you". Blushing, she buries her face in his shoulders, holds him tight and says... And this ladies and gentlemen, is my episode on LUST

of the seven deadly sin: sloth

Oh my darling, how I wish you were here now , after the day I had. You couldn't possibly imagine how your absence is affecting me. My life is lifeless and shallow without you. Oh , darling, how I miss you so! You've been away for quite sometime now and I am counting the days, hours and minutes till you return. I waste my time through night and day waiting and waiting. And I wonder, is there a one percent chance that you feel the same way I do? My darling, be sure that I am not greedy nor selfish. I love you just the way you are. I love you knowing that you no longer feel the same way for me. I love you knowing that all I can be , is just a tiny insignificant detail in your life. But, darling , it's fine, really! I never expected and never will expect anything in return. I might appear too crazy to my friends; but, the way I see it, is that love is the ultimate goal. To love you, is enough for me. To see you happy, makes my day. To have you to think about, fills my time. To wake up thinking what to wear to look my best to see you, is what actually gets me out of bed every morning. Oh how much I miss you. Every day , I'd, where I wonder; could I have , perhaps once, even for a split of a second, have crossed you mind? And if I were to cross your mind, what difference would it make? You and I , just like night and day, are at two opposite ends of the world. I know that! I know that this is how things are meant to be. But right now, I don't care. All I care about is how much love you! All I do is daydream of you! This ladies and gentlemen was sloth,one of the seven deadly sins! For sloth does not only mean laziness; it also means sadness and apathy! Hope you enjoy!