Many years later while visiting my parents I opened up the kitchen cabinet and saw old faithful. My eyes landed on the side of the machine and lit up when they read the word "Vitamix". I couldn't believe it - I had been using a famous brand of machinery all those years and had no idea of the significance! Did my dad secretly plant this blender in my life to inspire me to become the health nut that I am today? Doubtful, seeing as when I begged him to let me bring it back to my apartment he refused, as if he used it everyday. But I don't blame him - the Vitamix is an expensive machine, and probably cost more than today when he bought it in the late 80s. Plus, these days the Vitamix is mostly plastic, whereas his is almost entirely stainless steel.

You better believe that I'm going to try to run off with it again when I go home in 2 weeks, though my dad might get suspicious if there's an extra 20 pounds on my suddenly bulging suitcase...I'll let you know what happens. For now, I'll stare longingly at some videos of the Vitamix 3600 on Youtube and plan to make my own when I'm reunited with my old stainless steal pal. : )