Leisurely Eating...

Ever since I could remember, most everyone has had issues with how slowly I eat! I believe one smart guy actually counted how many times I chewed on a morsel of food! It was too many times.

I started eating fast after ASid was born. Everything changed after he arrived. It felt like there was no time to do anything but change diapers and feed baby ASid. Sleep became more important than food. Even now, I crave sleep more than food!

Food has become a necessity rather than a luxury. However, when I do go out with my friends, I take the time to enjoy food in all its glory.

Today, I was at a morning meeting with Lady A and G. One could call us The Tragic Three. Why?! Because Lady A recruited me for the School Council and together we got G to join the School Council as well!! That does make us tragic figures some days.

Today though, we had a good meeting and then G suggested that we go out for lunch. As our food orders were brought out, G reminded me to literally focus on the food and nothing else. He meant that as in "Chop chop and speed up"! And true to that sentiment, he was done with his plate of 2 pulled chicken tacos and salad by the time I got through 1 of the 4 ravioli on my plate! Almost on cue, Lady A sped through her bowl of Mediterranean soup. And I was only half done with my lunch!

G was almost like "Ha ha! She is so predictable!" I guess I am. I could have rushed through my lunch but instead I took some time to talk about why I was taking so much time to eat my lunch! I think I made G feel terrible. The smile vanished from his face. I didn't mean to do that; however, I wanted to share that leisurely lunches are a luxury for me. Life is so rushed that it is wonderful to have those moments when time seems to stand still while I am in good company and food is a glorious accompaniment.

They do schedule an hour for lunch. Schools have lunch recess and work has lunch hours. Yet, we rush children to eat and we rush ourselves too! Breakfasts are rushed ordeals as well. In fact, mornings are the most stressful time in households with kids. And they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Anyways, G was almost apologetic which was a rare and nice moment for me. Lady A was her usual understanding self. And I had the most awkward task of getting through my lunch while I had 2 sets of eyes watch my every move. Should I have stuffed the last 2 ravioli in my mouth and called it a day?! But no!! I continued to eat leisurely and enjoyed my friends' commentary on the whole bit!

Thank you Lady A and G! I had the best time.