Order the Damn Dessert

When I go out to eat, I order everything. 

Growing up as a child of boomers, it’s really no surprise. I always know the weather forecast for the upcoming week without ever actually checking any resources, and I know exactly how much I paid, down to the penny, for every food item in my refrigerator. Food I will finish eating no matter how unappetizing it gets - we do not waste food in this house. 

We never ordered a drink at a restaurant. Do you know how much money you can save if you don’t order a drink with your meal? Water for the table, please.

Would we like to look at a dessert menu? Absolutely not! Desserts are for special occasions like birthdays, and well, just birthdays because you only get dessert once a year - what are we, made of money? 

I didn’t know what dining out looked like outside of one meal with a side of water and a complimentary basket of bread, if I was lucky. 

Then I started making my own money. And now I order all the things. 

Yes, we would like to order drinks as we pursue the menu, thankyouverymuch. 
Want to share an appetizer? We should probably get two for the table, just in case. 
I’ll take the dessert menu now so that you don’t have to make an extra trip. 

They created a monster. 

I could spend all of my money just going out to eat.

This is also because I’m an experience gal. 

Once my parents had enough money to buy stuff, boy, did they buy stuff. They bought a bigger house then filled it with more stuff. There are multiple boxes in their basement with computer equipment that was outdated in 2001. Sometimes they give their stuff to me, usually because the stuff stopped working. They couldn’t possibly throw it away. It’s in perfect condition, aside from functioning. 

I don’t want stuff.

I want to see as many beautiful places as possible.

I want to enjoy meals I’ve never had before with people I’ve never met, and have traditional homecooked meals with people I’ve known for years.

I want to do stuff, not own stuff. 

This is why I love food. It’s always a new experience. 

Even the same recipe you have at the same restaurant on a different day is unique. I love that the way I’m feeling that day or the people I’m dining with can alter a meal. I love that the way the chef is feeling or how dim or bright the lighting in a restaurant is can also change everything.

One thing I will say for my parents is that they taught me how to be grateful for every meal. 
But damn it, mom and dad - it’s a Thursday. 
That is my special occasion. 
I’m ordering the damn dessert.