"It took me many years to realize that the only successful people on this strange and bewildering planet are happy people." - Stuart Perrin (book contributor)
And, I have to admit. I have not been a happy camper for the last couple of days. I can honestly say I have been sad. I woke up crying yesterday over my food allergies. I feel like such a loser for crying about it. But, some days I just want to eat freely. That previous day I went to lunch with some girlfriends and they ordered everything…cheese, bread, sweet tea, pastries...everything I can't have.
They shared food with each other and talked about how great their meals were. It was like watching a food love story. "Isn't that good?" said one. "Oh my goodness try this, I am coming back here tomorrow," said the other.
And, then in the middle of their food haven, they sort of looked over at me in unison and said, "Sorry, Tiff, you are allergic to this, right?"
“Of course, I am,” I replied with a laugh to hide my pain. I just wanted to go home.
I was so jealous. But, I sat there and ate my salad and bean soup. No one asked to try my food. I don’t always feel this way. I have more good days than bad days.
I use to love going out to eat but now it’s almost like torture. I have to coach myself before hand and thoroughly research the menu so it won’t take me 25 hours to order and I will not annoy the waiter.
The reader’s digest version of this story is that I had a bad week over food. How lame is that? Japan is in a hell storm. People are homeless. Life is hard. And, I am sitting here crying over the fact that I can not have garlic bread or a soft chewy donut.
And, one of the things I love about my life is helping other people with my same issues. I would never be able to help them if I wasn’t in this position. So, I am going to put on my grown woman britches, perfect my specialized culinary craft and keep it moving. My happiness will not be altered by my food allergies!!!
