Week in So-Cal: 4th of July

I think this was the first family lunch/gathering I attended where I was the only one not eating meat. It isn't a big deal, really, but it's just one of those things that suddenly struck me as funny. Kira, our cousin Michael, and a couple of Grandma's friends arrived for an Independence Day lunch; the main courses were ribs, roast beef, and chicken. You know how there are certain things that remind you of the time you spent at relatives houses, like grandparents? Well for my family (or at least me), what made Grandma's house signature was the BBQ ribs Grandpa used to make. That was the highlight of any summer visit; one night during the week we stayed there, someone was probably going to suggest ribs for the dinner menu. Even though Grandpa has been gone for a while, those memories are still prominent. This time was no different. Except my plate looked quite a bit different from the rest.

Those of us who are vegetarian or vegan probably know that saying the “V” word in public sometimes has the same effect as saying “I'm gay.” People stop and blink at you. And you watch as look of incomprehension crosses over their faces. Have you ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? He's a vegetarian? That's okay, we have lamb. Are you sure you're vegetarian? Do you just avoid it most of the time, or can you have some? What's vegan? Then that look of uncertainty flashes over their features and you can practically hear them think, “Are they crazy?” Oh, and don't even mention tofu, unless you want to make your biggest meat-lover family member gag. (If you want a spectacular gigglefest, talk enthusiastically about a tofu-scramble recipe that you can't wait to try, and watch your friend slowly turn green.)

They just don't know what to do!

Now, Grandma's friend was pretty awesome, I have to say. Someone must have mentioned that I didn't eat meat, and she made sure to exclude ham or chicken from her pasta salad, and ensure the baked beans were vegetarian. So on top of the salad I concocted, I definitely didn't go starving. We all ate outside on the back patio, on cheesy blue vinyl table cloths that wrinkled if you so much as brushed against them. I hadn't seen Michael in years; he's one of the most vivacious and friendly people in the family (which is saying a lot). It must be his passion for theater and teaching.

He also took time after lunch to give a little presentation with pictures and video from his trip to Italy. I wish I'd managed to capture video of his “performance,” hehe. It made me want to book a flight straight to Italy; it was absolutely amazing. All the pictures of the ocean were either this amazing deep, rich blue or brilliant turquoise. I've only ever seen that color of water in movies; beaches I've been to in California are no where near that beautiful.

As for the rest of the week, Tuesday we will gallivant out to the Sawdust Art festival, Wednesday night is the Pageant of the Masters, and Thursday is looking like a Disneyland day. Also booked my flight for Georgia, which was a wee nerve wracking. What? You mean I'm committed? Crap! And all that. Partly, we waited long enough so our choices weren't that great, and the prices were a little higher than we would have liked. BUT, nevertheless, I have my ticket, and I'll get to see my bestie this summer. Yay!