In case you don't already know it,
I am not the most patient of men.
Waiting is not my preferable mode
of operation. Instead I like to make
a decision, implement a plan, and
complete whatever the task as soon
as viable. On the other hand, some
folks love a slow, lingering build
up that ends in the fulfillment of
some long held dream. Baloney!
Why wait? I want it now and while
you're at it, step on it. What is the
benefit to deferring satisfaction?
Frank's family loves to defer the joy
as much as possible, especially on
birthdays. Therefore one must wait
all day until everyone gathers over
dinner. Post a celebratory cocktail,
we sit down to a wonderful repast.
Then out comes the cake along with
a requisite serenade before blowing
out the candles. Next we adjourn to
the living room where whomever
has aged a year, gets to finally open
their presents. While they may think
such a delay is special, I want it now!
I'm the kind of a guy who shops a day
or two before Christmas. Who wants
to check off their list before August?
I know exactly what I want and when
I want to buy it. Given I can't remember
my phone number how can I coordinate
a closet full of goodies? With any luck
I'll spend double and be stuck with a pile
of presents past that must be hidden for
another year. Only to be forgotten once
again. If you've ever wondered about all
of those thirty year old unused items at
garage sales, this is how they blossom.
My Mother loved to entertain thus she
planned each soiree weeks in advance.
The buildup prior to the evening was
often even more exciting than the night
itself. At the appointed time, after all
was prepared, Mother would exit her
boudoir dressed to the nines. Quickly
she would light the candles, inspect the
table, rearrange the sofa pillows, then
sit in her regalia awaiting her guests.
All while I sat newly bathed in my
jammies ready to hide one the door
bell rang. And what a thrill it was!
Some things are worth the wait and
if I'm honest, on occasion I actually
enjoy the waiting game. One of my
favorite ways to cook is braising.
Not only is it easy, I somehow find
it oddly rewarding. Waiting hours as
lamb shanks, pork shoulder, or short
ribs slow cook truly defines the joy
of anticipation. As the fragrant scent
of cooking protein wafts through the
house, all know that soon a savory
repast will be ready to dish out. No
wonder it's called comfort food!
Over the past several years, we've
commuted between rural Montana
and whatever city my job required.
Every summer, Frank resided back
in Lewistown. I loved indulging my
husband but honestly I missed him.
Absence may make the heart grow
fonder. As proven by the fervor of
occasional reunions. However now
that we're together all the time there
is little need for us to defer instant
gratification. And trust me I'm ready
to do whatever it takes immediately!
