Apparently, there are lots of things to celebrate today. I will try to tackle three in my own twisted, silly way. Today is both National Crunchy Taco Day, and National French Bread Day. To be honest, I have had Taco Bell tacos in the past. I also used to work in Tijuana, Mexico. I do not recall crunchy tacos in Mexico. The street vendors usually used two small corn tortillas, then added carne asada, guacamole, and salsa. Lime wedges were always available on the side. I must admit the street tacos are some of the best I ever ate. Hopefully, you know of a Mexican restaurant where you live that makes them right. I once went to a Mexican restaurant in Sweden. It was without a doubt, less than 2% Mexican. Of course, the Swedes have their own taste, so the owners have to do things differently. French bread is another sticky wicket for me. I have been to France quite a few times on business. A baguette from the local boulangerie is truly memorable. I do not know if it’s still around, but there was a place in San Francisco that used to ship frozen, unbaked croissants across the country. The owners were French, and the product was amazing. My parents also told me a tale about France when I was just a toddler. The helper we had would take me with her to the boulangerie to buy bread. According to my folks, my French as a young child was very good. Obviously, I do not remember that.
Today is also National Common Courtesy Day. Wow! That is a blast from the past! Those of you from my generation probably recall when courtesy was the standard. Even though we call it common courtesy, it does not seem to be that common anymore. I cannot count the number of times I have seen parents out to lunch with their children or groups of friends and all of them are staring at their phones. I admit that I look at my phone too, but not when I am spending time with someone. That used to be called rude, and to me it is still. Now, I do not control how others relate to one another, but come on! You go out to eat with friends or family to be together. That means conversation and kidding around, not checking out some odd post on social media. The post will still be there later, but who knows how long the family will last. Parents grow old. Children grow up. If you cannot spend quality time with them, what kind of life do you have? One of these days, you will be on your own. Then you can spend all of your days and nights staring at your phone. I cannot imagine what a terrible, lonely life that would be. Trust me, life is hard enough already. Without friends or family, what do you really have?
You might want to consider that the next time your eyes are drawn to your phone. Call your siblings, parents, or children instead, or better yet, invite them over or go visit them in person. Being close to those you love is the greatest gift you can receive. Your generosity will be well rewarded.
While I wrote this, my thoughts went out to our founder, author Nonnie Jules. Knowing how she looks at family and friendship, I know she will be smiling, or at least correcting my grammar.
Have I opined enough for today? I think so. While I have your attention, I strongly recommend that you check out the posts by the other Rave Reviews Book Club members who are with me on this blogging challenge. There is always something new to understand. You can click the link below to check them all out. All the best. And give someone you love a big hug.
Karl, your blogs make me smile. Croissants do, too!
Hi Karl.
I was thinking about all the folks I saw on their phones while I was out and about. I used to watch young parents on the phone with one hand while jerking on the unruly child with the other. I noticed how people were into themselves and their phones; oblivious to their surroundings. I see postal carriers talking on phones out loud, unaware that security cameras are picking sounds and everything they are doing. I made a call on a carrier because I was concerned about his safety and privacy.
I’m concerned about this phenomenon.
Hi, Karl,
We don’t have Taco Bell here, and the Mexican restaurants in my area closed down. I like to eat Mexican food, and I hope that we get one again.
Have a lovely day.
Shalom shalom
Hi, Karl!
I agree with you about the families who go out to eat together and spend all their time on their phones. How sad! There’s nothing better than a lively conversation over a meal. The only tacos I like are the ones I make. Some of the Mexican spices don’t agree with me. Having said that, I’m glad you enjoy the authentic Mexican tacos!
Blessings!
Patty
Food in different countries will never taste as good as in their original countries. Great post, Karl!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Hi Karl! You should post your comment about cell phones and restaurants on social media. I agree with you and your message may hit a nerve with those who do this.
John, I’m not interested in upsetting anyone. Too many people have already fallen under the spell of social media. Trying to change that is like changing the spin of our planet. I believe at some time, those folks will realize that they have wasted too many precious years scrolling through nonsense.
Ah…Common courtesy, paired with cell phones is the ultimate definition of an oxymoron, I’d say. I still don’t know why nine-year olds need cell phones. My daughter has three children, the oldest of whom will be eleven in May. He feels deprived because he doesn’t have a cell phone. The next one just turned nine. He also thinks he’s deprived because “all his friends” have them. No need, as far as I’m concerned.
Personally, I think a lot of the children we see running around, not being attended to, is because their parents are attending to their cell phones instead. But I digress…
Thanks, Karl.
Wanda, it wasn’t the cell phone that caused this mess. It was social media. Kids feel the need to connect with everyone online. They feed off each other’s posts. Looking at the phone becomes their priority. Soon they will learn that social media is just a trap for the most gullible among us. That includes adults as well. I do use social media, but primarily for my weekly TST posts, and to see pictures of the grandkids. I rarely post anything, unless there is a special event or a new book coming out.