In Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I live, you never know what’s going to happen next. The most mundane activity imaginable, like food shopping, can become an unpredictable, and sometimes intellectually stimulating, event. Last week, for example, I biked over to Whole Foods just before the 10 p.m. closing time to get some last-minute supplies for the kid’s school lunches. (I usually launch into an invective at this point about how expensive–i.e., overpriced–the store is, but I’ll refrain this time.) I was near the dairy counter when a neighbor and long-time Cambridge resident asked me: “Is soy milk vegan? A vegan is coming to stay with us and I don’t know if they drink soy milk.” I hemmed and hawed for a bit, not sure how to answer her, when a man in a black suit who looked like he knew what he was talking about came to my rescue. Soy milk, he maintained, was kind of “risky.” To play it safe, he suggested, “you’re better off with rice milk.” I’m not sure what kind of reasoning he used, but at the time the argument seemed persuasive.
A few minutes later, I ran into a well-known civil liberties lawyer and a well-known “lefty” (I’m not talking about his batting stance) at the checkout counter and asked him whether he still thought John Roberts was a reasonable pick, as he had argued so convincingly in the local “underground” paper. He told me he still felt “pretty comfortable” about Roberts. As for the embattled Miers, he did not know much at the time (nor did anyone else, it seems, save for her penpal W.), but thought she was probably less scary than some of the certifiable nut jobs whose names had been bandied about–’people who would lock folks like you and me up in a second.”
After making my daily contribution to my credit card debt, I got back on the bike, griping about the exorbitant prices, but glad–at least on this night–that I lived in Cambridge.
that’s a fascinating day for u… my parents weren’t joking when they say life as an adult becomes more boring and less senditary life.
please live a little. do something with your kids. because shopping and having a wierd discussion with random ppl is not fascinating.
I advice u to go live in new york or chicago or san franscisco were their is always an interesting story to tell.
Thank you Anonymous for setting me straight. Until I read your note a few minutes ago, I was under the impression (illusion!) that those random encounters were interesting. Well (and I never thought I’d say this), maybe I’m easily satisfied. There’re something to be said for setting the bar low.
I believe that Anonymous’ comment above clearly demonstrates how far we have come in the "No Child Left Behind" program. Obviously, this young lad/lass was creating molecular projects in Kindergarten. Unfortunately, grammar/spelling were cast aside for more weighty subjects. Reasoning is obviously not a strength either as I wouldn’t call biking to the grocery store a sedentary adventure. I would take my life in my hands to bike to my grocery store.
Thanks for rallying to the defense, as it were, Windfall. Yet I think Anonymous makes some valid points. There are more interesting places to live than the small town I call home. He mentioned three of what is, I’m sure, a lengthy list.
Anonymous and Snake, please forgive my callous comments. I had not had my medication yet this morning. I hate when that happens.
I liked it better when you were gripping about the exorbitant prices. There is nothing better than having one’s prices gripped.
You are forgiven, Windfall. We’re all allowed our med-free moments. And thank you too, TB. It’s great to see you back in form, on top of your game, once again.
Soy milk is made from soy beans which are produced by a plant. How is that not vegan?
It’s a subtle thing and I must confess to not picking up on all the nuances while I was busy shopping for non-vegan dairy items.
i cant understand……