Thursday, April 21, 2005

zen mama

I read an article in today's salon.com about overly neurotic and, quite frankly, crazy moms. The author did not fall into that camp. I felt cheered. Parenting is difficult enough as it is without the added, unnecessary pressure of being Mom No. 1. Must have the Bugaboo stroller. Must have tri-lingual toddler. Must only provide organic food. Must "enrich" baby's daily experiences constantly so said baby can eventually graduate magna cum laude from Ivy League of choice.

Well, I say PHOOEY to all that.

Nearly everyone in my generation was bottlefed on formula. We grew up in the age of packaged convenience food that was good and tasty. I remember Chef Boyardee being a great lunch friend, and damned if I don't still eat Spaghetti-Os once in a while. Despite all of the processed stuff I ate, I'm healthy, no allergies, no issues.

Now, if you choose to go to therapy and complain about how craptacular your childhood was because you weren't offered mom's milk from day one, I say get a grip and get on with your life.

I didn't graduate magna cum laude from the state university I attended, nor do I know more than one language (English) with any proficiency. My life is pretty good anyway, if I do say so myself.

And if you can't appreciate who you are and where you're at, then I don't know.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

rock 'n' roll McDonald's

So the grand opening was yesterday and we went there for lunch to check it out. It was not unlike going to Disneyland: all manner of people everywhere, a LINE to get in (never mind the line to get your food), sparkly and bright, display cases of Happy Meal toys past...we noted a special VIP entrance flanked by guys in suits with two-way radios. Plus there was a blocked-off media area upstairs.

The noteworthy aspects of the new McD's are a) the escalators in the middle of the space, giving it an Ikea or Target feel, and, more importantly, the Herman Miller seating showcase on the second floor. Mies chairs! Corbu chairs! The Nelson Marshmallow sofa in black! You can sit on a piece of modern design history while chowing down on a Big Mac and McFlurry.

I didn't get too close of a look at these interesting long tables downstairs, which seem to be screens that projected some glowing, swirly abstract patterns.

The food? It tasted exactly the same as it always does, though I thought my fries were a bit saltier than usual.

Saturday, April 09, 2005

I'm still alive!

The half ounce or so of spicy tuna didn't wreak havoc with baby or mother. Truth be known, though, I like the cooked stuff more sometimes, like unagi or California rolls with real crab. Not Krab. Crab.

Japanese food is my favorite. When I think of all the different foods I like and what I would consider eating every day, if I had to, bento boxes with assorted pickles and grilled fish/meat and rice would work. That's a good time. It's also about the presentation - each component in its own boxed-off area.

Then again, a really good cheeseburger can sway me from the bento box diet.

Friday, April 08, 2005

I am hungry.

We ordered takeout from Oysy and there's a spicy tuna roll included in my lunch special. I don't know if I should be worried or not. I do know I'm going to eat it regardless and hope that the baby doesn't mind too much.