There’s two ways we can define our identity: through addition, or subtraction. I was in Little Rock, AK, when I blew a waitress’ mind with addition.
I was touring with a band called The Asteroid Shop. We were booked at Juanita’s in Little Rock, great venue, and the show came with a free meal. I was psyched; out on the road, it can be hard to find anything remotely healthy to eat.
The waitress was blasé. No doubt used to broke musicians who get the free meal and don’t tip, she couldn’t care less about our order. But the place was empty, so there was no escape.
I ordered veggie enchiladas with borracho beans. “Those have meat in them,” she sighed. I replied, “That’s okay, I like the flavor.”
She stared at me with her head cocked for a good beat and a half. Then her eyes crinkled.”I get it… You’re not a _vegetarian_, you just like yo’ veggies.”
“That’s right,” I said, “Just like mama said!” She cracked up. I left her a big tip.
I’m not anti-meat, I’m pro-veggie. I had digestive problems for years, and eating veggies cleared it up. They’re less expensive than meat, and better for the environment. And when they’re cooked right, they can be just as tasty.
I respect my vegan friends, but I don’t need to be against anything in order to eat this way. I just try to fill up my plate with so many veggies there’s no room for anything else. I don’t always succeed, but I always try again.
I’m not anti-negative, I’m pro-positive. Eat your veggies. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. And get back up when you fall down.
Just like mama said.
