Delectable Lunches

On Monday I waited until noon, and then I skulked out of the office and headed for...McDonalds.

I spied one a while ago, tucked away on 17th St, between H and Pennsylvania. I always wondered, "How does that McDonalds fare, and who, other than out-of-town tourists visiting the White House, would want to eat there, considering the abundance of more refined lunch establishments nearby."

Now I know. Lots of office workers. To my surprise it was a very nice and clean McDonalds.

I ordered two $1 burgers and a sundae (couldn't help myself, but had to have a sundae). It was the best, most delectable lunch ever!

On Tuesday, I made it until 10:30 a.m., and hurried over. I wasn't sure whether they'd be serving burgers at that hour, but considering that I had an 11-12 meeting, I had to take my chances. I knew I wouldn't make it until after noon.

Two $1 burgers. Eaten on the premises. This time, the lunch crowd hadn't arrived yet, and it was me and several dubious, potentially homeless people, chowing down on food. But I didn't care.

Today, it was raining. So instead of braving the rain to head over McDonalds, I headed to the cafeteria. I knew they served burgers, although I had never gotten one. As I was ordering, I wondered, whether it would arrive with pickles, ketchup and mustard on a sweet bun because really that's what it's all about, biting that magical nexus where those ingredients meet.

This was a heartier burger, for $2. It came with lettuce (the crappy, white kind) and a tomato. I got a half a pickle from the sandwich line, and I picked up the to-go ketchup and mustard condiments.

I ate the burger at the privacy of my office, in front of my computer, savoring every bite. It tasted different that the signature McDonalds taste, but it was just as good. I can't wait to get another one tomorrow.


It's funny that pregnancy brings out such a carnivore in me, considering that I'm usually not the one who ever craves meat. Considering that I have probably eaten a non-ice cream at McDonalds less than 10 times in my life. Considering that I basically eat vegetarian, unless Andy or my dad or someone else cooks and feeds me meat.

And the older I get, the whole ethical side of killing and eating animals just bugs me more and more, especially when I see young animals happily romping around with their big glassy doe eyes, like we did on Saturday at Maryland day.

But I guess the pregnancy, which must be really a disguise for our instinct to survive, bring out our true, unfiltered, unadulterated nature of who and what we really are. Carnivores and omnivores. Wanting, needing, craving those burgers!

I see this in Ivan as well. He's too little to be aware of any social, ethical, cultural impositions. All he wants to eat is meat. Meat, cheese, beans and sweets. Those are the only things he asks for. My little carnivore.