Eat

California can be a bit of a touchie subject for me, with some less-than-enjoyable memories of a frail past.  A new found life in the VA has led me to the decision to let go of the hurt, and now I have the opportunity for new discovery.   This is the equation: EAT, next - PRAY, then - LOVE.  First up - EAT. 

In California, there's nothing more appetizing than a short Mexican man handing you a perfect hand crafted burrito, filled with the best mystery meat in town.   As we both speak the language of food, there is no need for English.  Just say, "Uno carne asada burrito senior. Gracias!"  Don't mind the fact I'm eating from a truck that looks like it even a blind health regulator would fail it for uncleanliness. The exterior of the truck is slapped together with the ever so handy duct tape, because I'm sure it's seen it's fair share of the  Mexican border, and true, half the the cats in the neighborhood have disappeared, but when you take the first bite, a passionate love affair comes alive with the flavors of California spilling into ever corner of your mouth.  Now I know what Julia Roberts in the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" meant while she was in a restaurant in Naples declaring to her friend,  "I'm having a relationship with my pizza."

Now, I'm sure it is a bit comical to anyone who isn't a natural born Californian, but as soon as we find ourselves in the mother land,  there is a mad dash to the nearest In-N-Out with the enthusiasm that with one bite it will indeed cure any sickness.  You have Cancer?  Try a Double Double.  Californians have know the cure for the common cold for years!  It lies in the delicious burgers found at  In-N-Out.  With enthusiasm like this, you would think we could bring ourselves out of the recession, but perhaps we just don't have our priorities in order.  At least we eat well!   Sorry to the unfortunate souls who are not blessed with the gift of Taco Truck and In-N-Out.  Pray you may become more fortunate to travel and find these Food Meccas.  California doesn't get a lot right when it comes to the world of the Kardashians, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the alarming rate of plastic-looking women in Hollywood, but we sure know how to eat.

 

Does it make me bad if I possibly became more excited to eat in California than to see my family?   As I have traveled back to California in the past, I found myself becoming angry, and I had no choice but to self-medicate with the alluring flavors of California to keep me happy and content - that is until i got hungry again.  Then, that haze of the anger came upon me, and I would have to repeat the process.  This time was different.  I went in with the hopes of a better relationship between me and my home, and came out not-so-angry, with a very full and satisfied belly.