Bite-Size Memories…

When we were kids, some of the greatest pleasures came from the simplest of sources:

1. The box that a gift came in
2. Helium balloons
3. A new toothbrush
4. Spaghetti-Os

Then, before “keeping up with the Jones’” became a way of life, it only took a 29 cent box of Crayolas to fulfill our fantasies. We could imagine ourselves as firefighters, pro boxers, or astronauts. Dogs had only two legs, or sometimes, they had six. Horses had wings. Frogs wore crowns upon their little froggy heads with daggers through their hearts.
We were innocent, with no thoughts of death, taxes, work schedules or STDs.
Instead of beer, we drank root-beer (can you imagine???) Instead of sushi, we ate fish sticks. Instead of kissing girls – nope… was kissing girls back then too. (bad example) Instead of dating, we played cops and robbers. And, instead of creme brulee, we ate animal crackers.
Ahh yes, animal crackers.
That little red box, printed to look like a circus train. Inside we could find not only a wholesome, delicious, simple snack, but toy figurines as well. (I believe it must have been an animal cracker that was the first beneficiary of the ‘five second rule’.) We could play with our food and no one would yell at us for doing so. One of the first decisions I ever made was whether to first bite off the head, or the legs of an elephant. (I chose the head.)
Amidst all the chaos and confusion of my life, I find that animal crackers are still a wholesome, delicious, simple, snack. And now, I appreciate the fact that they are also low-fat…. not that I would really care anyways. (I don’t watch my figure… I prefer to watch those fgiures with more curves!)
So, while shopping for groceries the other day, and I happened upon a big red display for animal crackers…now in a two pound bag, I tossed some into the cart. And, this evening, when finally returned home from a day of chaos... I headed for the kitchen to grab a cold glass of milk and a plate full of little, golden goodness.
I had just settled in and had randomly selected a a victim upon whom I could take out the frustrations of my day!