the alternate lives of dreamers

Dylan had a good Christmas. He got more toys than any eighteen month-old child ever needs to have. He got more toys than we even have room for. We didn’t even realize how much Santa bought for him until we saw it all in one room together. Oops. We are told this is a normal mistake for first-time parents to make. And that we will know better the next time around.

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is making and sharing yummy food with people. I make these smoked salmon rolls, that if I might say so myself, are pretty darned yummy! They are always gone within minutes. I like making sandwiches. Sandwiches are good for the soul. You’ve got all of your food groups in one bite. A perfectly balanced meal.

In an alternate universe, I would own a little sandwich shop where I would make big fat sandwiches out of fresh veggies, strange and exotic cheeses, and yummy meats and fish. About 75% vegetarian, but some stuff for the carnivores too. Not diet food, but healthy whole food. A place where people could eat and feel confident that their lunch had no hydrogenated or high fructose anything.

Chipotle hummus and turkey sandwich with smoked Gloucester cheese. There, I have two menu items already.

But when I was in high school, I worked for a woman who owned her own little pizzeria. She worked six days a week, and that is only because her son ran the store every Monday. It’s not easy work, and I’m afraid I am a little bit lazy. However, I would be able to hire some high school kid to do the dishes for me.

Of course, this gets filed along with all the other things I might do when I have my midlife crisis. The bestselling great American novel, the children’s photography studio, the genius invention that makes me a million dollars. Do you see what happens when you get a degree in creative writing? You grow up to be a dreamer.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas. I hope you recycled your boxes and wrapping paper! 🙂