culinary connection

My brother, Tyson, and I are night and day in many ways. He's the athletic, tan, blond, loud, extremely outgoing one that enjoys being on the go and having the latest gadgets. Tyson has a knack for meeting celebrities and always getting great hook-ups of tickets to big events. He always "knows a guy". I'm the pasty, red-head that is more studious, a bit more reserved, & frugal (wow, don't I sound like a barrel of laughs!).

So, we don't exactly look or act related - which prompted my brother to tell his then fiancee, Amanda, that I was adopted. (I'm not) And, he "forgot" to tell her the truth. A year or so later he said something that made Amanda concerned that it would hurt my feelings since I was adopted. Tyson looked at her like she was crazy and then they realized the mistake. Hardy-har-har. Such the prankster!

Although polar opposites in many ways, we can always connect when it comes to Carolina Basketball, our faith, and cooking. Yes, cooking! He does a lot of cooking and is really good at it (we had a great teacher with my mom!). Tyson called the other night for a recipe and we discussed various dishes and recipes for quite some time. We have similar tastes in food (with the exception of his LOVE of mustard and really spicy stuff), so its fun to share ideas with him.

Our differences made for quite a bit of conflict growing up. At one point I was really sad that we never had the type of friendship that some siblings have. Our relationship was just a late bloomer - it didn't really happen until I moved away to go to college. Then, the oddest thing happened when I would come home for visits - we sat and talked for hours. Seems that not living under the same roof was all our friendship needed!

Though many miles now separate us, I know I can call him in a heartbeat and hear his tales of the latest encounters with a celebrity and a to-die-for recipe.

Miss and love you, Ty!