Lady George and the Recovering People Pleaser: Miranda Zarate

Today's meal was at Watson's with recovering people pleaser, Miranda Zarate! A lot of horrible things happened during the pandemic, but one good thing was that Miranda got a chance to get time to herself and reevaluate her former people pleasing ways. She realized that she liked staying in and relaxing instead of always trying to make others happy. Of course, she had to break out of her new comfort zone to have lunch with me today. I hope it wasn't too bad spending time out with a co-worker. I think the abundant laughter throughout the meal indicates that it was a fun time.

First off, let's talk about Watson's. I've never been there before today, but I have heard great things from it. We actually tried to go for one of the former lunches, but we picked a day that they weren't open for lunch. Luckily, Miranda planned ahead and picked a day they were open early. I had a chicken, bacon, Swiss sandwich and Miranda had the chicken tenders. You can't really go wrong with good crispy chicken and bacon covered with cheese, so I enjoyed the meal. The potato wedges were good too. My only complaint was the "fancy" ketchup. I have to admit that Heinz is my religion. I worship that ketchup is kind of an unhealthy way. Miranda doesn't back me up on this. For some reason she thinks all ketchup is the same and just buys whatever is cheapest at the store. I don't know if I am just bad with money, but I cannot pass up the deliciousness that is Heinz ketchup even if it is more expensive. Why have a good job if you can't buy good ketchup is my life motto.

But other than her poor taste in ketchup, what did we learn about Miranda today? First, she is supper funny. She had me cracking up. Second, she says that she used to be an extrovert, but since the pandemic has become more of an introvert. Some people might see that as a problem, but sometimes it is nice to just appreciate some down time. I know I am trying to get out and do more things, but I admit sometimes I'd rather just stay in and do nothing for a weekend. Third, Miranda is a fork eater. She eats everything with a fork even foods that most would consider finger foods. No shame in keeping the hands clean when you are enjoying a meal. So, shout out to all the fork eaters out there.

Also learned that Miranda has a couple of kids and everyone in the house has their own PlayStation. Not the latest models, but it still sounds like a fun gaming family. Her oldest kid still thinks she is a cool mom, so she must be doing something right. And, in a little over a year she is going to be getting married. Just starting to do a little bit of wedding planning. Didn't know this about her, but she used to work at a bridal shop, so she was able to answer a question that I have been wondering about forever; why do brides choose horrible bridesmaids dresses for the women in their bridal party? She says that not all brides do (and she is going to be a good one at her wedding), but when it happens there is sometimes a hint of insecurity in the bride not wanting to be out shown on their big day, or possibly because they have family involved that they aren't real fond of. I am guessing just some bad taste might play a part in some of the decisions too. Brides-to-be, please be better to your bridesmaids, let them wear something that looks good and might be something they would wear for more than just this one occasion.

And speaking of dresses, we picked out my stripper name! You can now address me as Lady George when you see me dancing at the Silver Bullet. And my walk out music is going to be Brick House. That is both a tribute to the brand name of the "fancy" ketchup from the meal (Brickman's) and my beloved American Idol host, Lionel Richie the frontman of the Commodores. If you do see me out there don't be chintzy with your tips, a well-built beauty like mine ain't cheap to maintain. Just so you know, the stripper talk came about even without us getting involved in the Adult Slushy consumption that we may have done if we had chosen and after work meal instead of a middle of the workday time. The devil only knows where the conversation would have gotten to if we had been a little tipsy. Ha.

Another valuable lesson that I learned today was that if you sit on your leg wrong and your foot falls asleep, don't jump up and move too quickly. Miranda shared a story about how that lead her to a broken foot a while ago, so I am going to avoid that and only do my stripper dancing when my feet are at their physical peak.

I think I failed to communicate correctly with Miranda that I would be paying for the meal today. When the waiter asked if the check should be together or separate, I said, "It's My Treat" and she finally connected the name of the project to what I was doing. So, bonus points to her for agreeing to go to lunch with me even though she didn't realize that I would be paying.

Here's to another great meal with good food and even better company. It's so fun getting to know everyone who I have been out with. If you ever want to join me, feel free to message me and we can set something up.