Quality Time of the Highest Quality!

Now I see that it's fitting that I'm writing about adventures that I do while eating... As simple of a task that is, I have have an incredible time doing it. I have consumed empty calories for the animalistic urge to sustain life. As I have stated before, I am a foodie, which makes this whole process a little more difficult. So to counteract my struggles, I have tried to put myself in social situations during feeding time to increase the probability of consuming and actually enjoying it. And it's hard not to eat when people watch, certainly not when I usually eat like a fat man trapped in a supermarket.

Finding true quality time is an art form, free from distractions, no goals to achieve, no deliverables; a time where nothing else matters other than that exact moment with the people who you share it with (or just yourself). As a society America has become a group of over indulgers. Whether its work, play, or just getting caught up in the meaningless tasks that burden us everyday we hardly have/make the time to "stop and smell the roses" (So cliche but true). I am one of the largest perpetrators of this most heinous of crimes.

In the attempt to do my hard time, I had the perfect opportunity to repent by spending an afternoon in the company of my Nana, Tata, and Aunt Nan (I assume as my readers you know a little about my life, but in the rare case that I peeked some interest outside of my circle they are my grandparents). Family that in their opinion I don't see quite often enough, which I would agree; but family that have had a profound impact on my life. From my lovable nickname coined by my Aunt Nan (Baby Leap), to the manners that my Nana instills in me to this day, to the man that identify as the one I most resemble (positive traits that is, and if there is a man that I can grow into I hope it's him), they have been their all the way. Just another perfect example the the large support structure that I have been blessed with.

We went to lunch at this adorable (I always feel a little weird about using that word... it makes me feel extremely feminine almost delicate like a dainty flower, just shouldn't come from a rugged man like myself) little Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurant (Mama's Bakery) that had character that could fill Qualcomm Stadium. It was an old craftsman style house that had been converted to a sidewalk dining area boasting great food. The inside was colorfully painted with patio style seating, attached was a kitchen no lager than a cracker jack box, where the ladies feverishly worked to meet the incredibly high demand. What was really special was watching them make the "pita" (seruji or something like that, they prepared it fresh, rolling the dough and cooking it on a heated rock (half dome looking thing) right there in the kitchen; remarkable and remarkably good.

We sat out side lounging, eating slow conversing, laughing as we always do... But it was different, and has been different for me. Those of you who know me know that I am a conversationalist (to put it lightly) always in the middle, waiting my turn to be heard... But lately I have noticed a change in my demeanor, I have been much quieter in all of my social situations. I am hoping that it is me getting in touch with my perceptions and feelings and how they shape what I want to say. Is it possible Mr. Summers is actually learning how to listen, comprehend, and respond... how exciting! There is a part of me that thinks it is only because I have low self esteem, and mildly unhappy... but that's negative speak and doesn't exist in my universe anymore.

Shhhhh..... Listen... Can You Hear That???....... I Can :)

- Cheers