Wasted

I had lunch with the gbabes this week. The chance to spend time with them is becoming a rarity as they edge closer to adulthood. They both have girlfriends and jobs, so time with Mimi is understandably not at the top of their to-do list.

As I’ve said for years about my own kids, their importance in my life hasn’t changed, but my importance in theirs has taken a considerable downturn. Looks like the next generation is following suit. I get it. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, but knowing it and liking it involves both reality and regret. Where does the time go?

Our luncheon discussion focused on the wasteful tendencies of restaurants and their patrons. Both boys have experience working in the food industry, and their observations were insightful. Rhys thinks customers should be charged for water. He had a whole diatribe about how wasteful it is to serve water that no one drinks (even though they requested it), then having to waste more water washing the glasses afterwards. His other suggestion was to ask people whether they were “actually going to drink it” before he served it, but he realized that could affect his tip. He’s not wrong.

Colin recounted the significant waste he observed at the fast-food restaurant where he worked. He observed “crazy amounts of food” being thrown away at the end of every day. His recommendation was to partner with a food bank to donate excess bread and raw vegetables. Sounds like a good idea to me.

I admire their benevolent intentions to make the world a better place. I also admire their parent’s efforts to raise conscientious, caring young men. Well done Randolph family!