a little "happy meal"

Ahhh, the little "happy meal." I thought it was great when I was a kid and every once in a while, I still crave one. What 's funny is as a child I wasn't allowed to have soda, so instead my Mom would order the "orange drank" as I called it; to this day, I can't eat my happy meal any other way. How can a "foodie" appreciate the "happy meal?" Simple. The "happy meal" is simple, I don't expect it to be a 5 star meal, or get me full. I enjoy it for what it is.

Nostalgia and defending my snack choices aside, the happy meal makes me think about how it's a simple meal designed for kids-who are simple. Although, these generations are so stylish and knowledgeable about art, music, dance, and technology, they are still kids.

For example, watch the talented enactment by these soon to be superstars:
American Apparel Kids
The video shows these dancers performing against a "grown up world" backdrop with adult sized ego's projected onto them as they emulate adults. In the video, it's cute. In real life, when adults make kids into adults, it is an injustice to both parties.

Children are apart of the simple pleasures in life, they are like a little walking happy meal. When we as adults, partake in interactions with kids and demand too much from them, we can become irritated rather than fascinated by them. Demands like, expecting them to behave and talk like "short adults" or expect them to fill your adult sized portion of emotional needs, or become your sole focus of attention to distract you from a troubled marriage. Kids aren't meant for that. If it's a "happy meal," enjoy it for what it is. Don't be irritated or mad at it when it's not meeting your expectation of being an adult sized 3 course dinner.

Like the video, take life slow. Enjoy their "bite sized" moments that can bring joy and laughter without costing anything, i.e., when they ask embarrasing questions in public using a not-so-inside voice- charming! (And, no, I'm not a parent yet lol). Playing, dancing, conversing and being happy  with kids, like a happy meal on a playground, is how they should be enjoyed.

If we accept simple pleasures for what they are and don't demand too much from them, life can be full of mini happy meals around every corner, waiting to be savored, bringing a little joy that doesn't cost much.