“In the long run, we shape
our lives, and we shape ourselves.
The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own
responsibility.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
I have
officially returned to my life although after several hours during these past
few days I feel more like taking a nap than anything else. Last week was
probably been the worst of my life and I am not exaggerating. Of all of the migraines
and stomach issues I had had living as someone with chronic illness I have had
more than my fair share of bad days. Days of pure pain that felt more like
torture that would not end. There were the times during those many days where I
seriously prayed for death as that appeared to be the only thing that would
ever rescue me. Then, March 7th happened.
All bets
were off. My alleged twenty-four hour stomach virus accompanied by a fever
lasted five straight days. When I finally came out of it alive, surprisingly,
it took two more days just to be able to live inside my own body and resume
“normal” daily activities like watching TV or checking my email. I felt as
though I was hanging on by a thread.
I am still living in fear that another bout with this virus is around
the next corner. I fear I will not win another battle so soon.
With my
fragile state of mind I must turn my attention back to March 5th, two days
before my own personal “D” day began. On that Saturday I was out and about
celebrating my blog’s fifth birthday. I could not have been happier. I am
grateful to have been spared for this day alone.
About a
month ago I decided to put together a brunch and within a few minutes, the
Clover Club came to mind. It had been discussed on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate-
Best Thing I Ever Drank” episode. On it Ted Allen discussed the Clover Club as
the place to go when you want a real Gin Blossom. Although I like drinks with
cute names I usually do not like the mixture that they are composed of. Hard
liquor isn’t really my friend and I cannot bear to drink anything that burns
too much going down. It sucks the fun out of it, quite literally.
But I
felt I needed some alcohol if for no other reason than a toast. I decided to go
with an old standard, a mimosa. This one was particularly strong but after a
few sips it started to go down easier and easier. I suppose if I had enjoyed my
food more and had more food in my system I would have been able to absorb the
alcohol with greater ease.
My huevos
rancheros were not at all how I pictured them. I had my heart set on them since
I had looked at the menu days before. Prior to this I haven’t had that dish
since the first time I visited Philadelphia as an adult (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015/08/for-city-of-brotherly-love-benjamin_21.html).
Those huevos rancheros were muy deliciosa but these were not. I guess the next
time I am in Philly those will need to reoccur on my itinerary.
The
Clover Club version had a much better presentation but I did not care for their
layered approach. There was a hard corn tortilla on the bottom, then a layer of
black beans, sunny side up eggs that began to run as soon as you touched the
dish. On top was some cheese, sour cream, and fresh avocado. In theory this is
what I wanted even if it didn’t look quite right. I gave it the old college try
but after a few bites I was mostly just moving my fork around my plate. I did
have someone at my table that devoured them pleased with her choice. For me it
was a swing and a miss. I honestly don’t know what I should have gotten.
Someone
at my table ordered a “side” order of pancakes that were apparently very good.
I just don’t know why that wasn’t considered a meal in itself. There was fried
chicken that was enjoyed by its owner and an egg sandwich on sourdough bread
that looked better than anything else we ordered.
What I
really loved most was the atmosphere. I loved the gorgeous hard wood that
covered the floor and walls. I loved that the bar looked like an old time soda
shop. The couches in the back, that were too small to hold my party, looked
like they had been preserved from a bygone era. The restaurant isn’t very big
but the open layout gives you that illusion. The staff were all incredibly kind
and helpful.
I am glad I got to cross this “off my list” (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015/03/for-year-5-2015-2016-to-do-list.html)
even though it really wasn’t on it. I am in the process of posting this year’s
to do list and in between that and checking off the prior years list activities
off, I constantly come across things I want to do. I am glad when I can get
them done before having to add yet another item on my official to do lists. It
is all very exhausting keeping track of my progress. It is all worth it though
to make sure I am never missing out on something that could be life changing.
Leave it
to my girl Eleanor to remind me that there will always be a to do list, formal
or not, that I will be aiming towards. Sometimes I feel like the more things I
cross off the more I seem to add on the following year. It starts to get
discouraging. But reading this quote over and over again has taught me that
this is the purpose of life, well my life. Without goals, passion, and joy life
really isn’t worth living. Therefore I hope as I move forward in my career and
life, my lists continue but with bigger, badder items I am anxious to cross off
of my lifetime’s bucket list.
That meal
and glorious day I spent celebrating seems like it took place a year ago. For
now I am just happy just to be able to finally share the details with all of
you. I am moving on to the start of year six, where anything is possible.
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