Lunch Lunch Evolution

From the first day of grade school, lunchtime is an integral part of the day. Children worry about what kind of lunchbox to bring, who to sit with in the cafeteria and whether to pack or buy a hot meal. Our movies and TV shows mercilessly focus on lunchroom drama, with tables segregated by stereotypical nerds, jocks and delinquents engaging in food fights or rock concerts. Eventually, most kids learn to navigate the cafeteria and actually enjoy the mindless chatter and break from classes.

Upon entering the working world, employees truly realize the benefits of an hour away from the office. If you have a desk job, walking outside in the fresh air could be your only chance for mild physical activity as well as a mental break. Some winter days when I worked in New York City, I took the subway downtown while it was still dark, walked through a tunnel to my office building, took the elevator up to the 51st floor, ate at my desk and took the subway home in the dark without ever seeing daylight. Those days were depressing, so I made a concerted effort to step outdoors during the precious lunch hour.

Some days I’d venture out with a friend and try a new Korean or Ethiopian restaurant. Other days, I’d visit the soup guy on the corner, order a bowl of creamy broccoli, and sit outside by the World Trade Towers watching the throngs of people go by. The break in the day recharged my emotional batteries and gave me a chance to experience more of my New York environment.

And then came motherhood. We moved to Dublin in 1996 with a toddler and a baby on the way, and lunchtime consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or an occasional McDonald’s cheeseburger. My neighbors congregated for many mid-day meals at local restaurants and I longed to join them, but daytime babysitters were hard to find. In 2000, when I had my third child, the older two were in school, so I started bringing the baby with me to some Friday lunches. My daughter and I loved this time together and we continued this routine even as she entered preschool. My friends teased that I’d never be able to get Catie to attend school on Fridays because she was used to her “mommy and me” lunches. Catie went to elementary school every day, though, and I joined her for an occasional noon snack in her cafeteria instead of going out.

Now I can eat out most days since I make my own work hours. It’s the calmer part of the day as opposed to evenings when I race children to their school events, practices and meetings, and still fit in homework and dinner. Sometimes, my husband, Tony, and I will meet for lunch to catch up, since it’s the only quiet adult time we can find. Other days, I will invite a friend who needs to get out of the house. I recently dined with my friend, Kelley Megahan, at J. Liu. Kelley’s kitchen is under construction, and I knew she could use a nice meal out. A few weeks ago, Dublin Life editor Gail Martineau joined me at Salvi’s Bistro to talk about upcoming story ideas for the magazine. It was a great way to catch up and a prime atmosphere for a business lunch.

And sometimes, I have a mid-day snack alone, running errands or Skyping a friend. The other day, I picked up the hot rib appetizer from Montgomery Inn, and my best friend, who moved from Dublin to Scottsdale, Ariz., six years ago, watched me dip the ribs into the tangy sauce over our video connection as we laughed and caught up on the banalities of life.

Yes, lunches definitely have changed over the years. -CD

Write With Me!

Thinking of a New Year’s Resolution for 2012?

I am bringing back the art of letter writing, and I vow to write one letter per week to different individuals who have made a difference in my life, big or small. No more excuses, just write that “thank you” note, or jot down some memories and reach out with a letter. Write and tell me that you will join my quest with a New Year’s Resolution, and I will include the participants in the February and December issues of Dublin Life Magazine in 2012. Please describe your resolution and how you’re going to go about achieving it.

Send your letter to:

Colleen D’Angelo

781 Northwest Blvd., Ste. 202 Columbus, OH 43212

Children’s Reads

Oh, What a Christmas!

By Michael Garland

When the harness to Santa’s sleigh breaks mid-flight, Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer fly off into the night ... leaving Santa and all of his presents stranded. Who will guide Santa’s sleigh and save Christmas now? (Ages 4-8)

Adult Reads

My Two Holidays— a Hanukkah and Christmas Story

By Danielle Novack

When Sammy’s classmates take turns talking about which holiday they celebrate, Sammy becomes very nervous. Some people celebrate Christmas and some people celebrate Hanukkah. But Sammy celebrates both! (Ages 4-8)

A Christmas Sonata

By Gary Paulsen

A young boy and his mother spend Christmas 1943 with relatives while his father is fighting in the war in Europe. In a grand gesture, the boy’s uncle restores the children’s faith in the spirit of the season. (Ages 9-12)

Miss Fox’s Class Shapes Up

By Eileen Spinelli

When Miss Fox realizes that her students do not have healthy habits, she teaches them that healthful living is fun and rewarding, which they find to be true on Field Day. (Ages 5-8)

Ms. Leakey is Freaky!

By Dan Gutman

Kids are getting too unhealthy, so Ella Mentry School has hired a health teacher to help the kids eat right and exercise. She turns out to be a real health nut! (Ages 7 and up)

A Christmas Memory

By Truman Capote

In this beautifully written story, a young Capote reminisces about gathering pecans with his oldmaid eccentric cousin, Sook. Together, Truman and Sook will bake 30 fruitcakes to deliver during the holiday season in the midst of the Great Depression. A favorite to read and reread every year.

The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog

By Dave Barry

It’s 1960, and playing the shepherd in the annual St. John’s Episcopal church pageant is just the beginning of young Doug Barnes’ troubles. The family dog, Frank, is not doing well, and little sister Becky loves that dog more than anything else.

In the Dark Streets Shineth

By David McCullough

Christmas Eve, 1941. Few times were bleaker than those, just days after Pearl Harbor. Noted historian McCullough brings the story of how British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House and how the speech they delivered that night brought hope to the nation.

Holidays on Ice

By David Sedaris

For those in need of a little irreverence (or even a lot of irreverence), check out Sedaris’ collection of stories; the best-known is “SantaLand Diaries,” in which Sedaris details his stint as Crumpet the Christmas elf. Definitely not for the kiddies, Sedaris will have you laughing out loud with his tales of hungover Santas and unhousebroken toddlers.

Extra Lean Family— Get Lean and Achieve Your Family’s Best Health Ever

By Mario Lopez

With the realization that what you eat affects those closest to you, Lopez has expanded on his healthy eating plan to include the entire family in this book. Filled with recipes and hints, Lopez shows that eating healthy can also be delicious.