The two gentlemen next to me at the Japanese restaurant had one of those discussions that would have probably much better worked via walkie talkie. Little bursts of misinformation were fired across the table. I tried so hard not to pay attention to things like: "Why will we build schools in Iraq, have you seen the schools in New York?" and "Aftica is next. I saw the document. Africa is next."
The older man seemed to be some sort of established personality. His opinions were the ones of somebody who has lived in the cocoon of yes-sayers for a long part of his life.
The younger man, who was probably in his 50, tried really as hard as he possibly could to impress his lunch date.
After having discussed how "the others do not understand American culture" and "they just envy us for what we are", as well as "it is our responsibility to protect and lead and educate," the conversation went towards a more digestable topic... personal fitness. The younger man spoke about the "torture blocks", the portion of his almost daily 3 mile run in which his body hurt him most. Then there was the "weights" and how "fitness opens new food possibilities."
(He had not eaten his rice, even though it would have been a "reward" for him being "especially good today" after having run for 5 Miles.)
As they were leaving, I remembered this Tom Sachs piece... hmm... probably the wrong shortcut, my mind decided to take there, looking at these two "established old boys", but it still made me want more tea.
I ordered the same combination of rolls as always... well, I did not even order them... the owner of the restaurant seems to really love that my favorite dish is such an ultra traditional combination.
"We are all your friends here," she said today. (What can one possibly reply to that!)
And I thought that one of the best ways to go through a healthy and complete life was maybe not even running the three or five miles, not the torture blocks, no educating others about what is the right way by... hmm... I don't even want to think it... and such... there are many other ways... many, many other ways...
But that's just silly thoughts at lunch time...
(I know that I am being incredibly naive... but I treat this condition as a precious luxury, not as a handicap...)