Daring to be....Me

Last night a group of us were hanging out. It was Barista N's last night in the city, K had unexpectedly landed here for 24 hours on her way to Ktown, and I was successfully avoiding some guests we had staying at our house. (That's terrible, I know. But I don't feel like explaining the situation.)

Anyway, we started talking about food and restaurants we were missing from the States. (This kind of conversation occurs on a regular basis.) I made the comment that, very soon I would be eating McDonald's. I proceeded to say that, "Unfortunately, the McDonald's where I'm going does not serve Shamrock Shakes."

And that's when the crowd turned on me. First in disbelief. Then in laughter. Nobody in the room had ever heard of such a treat!

I went on to explain that every year, from mid-February to the end of March, McDonald's serves this incredible "shamrock shake" that's green and mint flavored. I told them this tradition has been dated at least as far back as my freshman year in college. The mob (aka my friends) then pointed out that that was a long time ago. I believe one person even went so far as to say, "You remember this because you were in college. We only cared about what came in our Happy Meals at that time!"

So, I'm old. Older than everyone in that room, at least. But I WASN'T making it up!

As this discussion continued, I forced A to get online and google "shamrock shakes McDonald's." I thought then my point would be made.

Wrong.

Then THEIR point about my age was only made stronger as this is what was written on some website...

In days past, when the world was young and light of heart, old and young alike could walk down Main Street in early Spring with the birds singing and the flowers just starting to bloom. Invariably, those walks would end at the quaint burger shop on the corner, the local McDonald's. And on those days in March, a special treat would await those who braved the drizzle: a tasty, frothy, Shamrock Shake. Oh yes, and what a treat it was. Peppermint flavored and colored green, the Shamrock Shake was a celebration of Irish heritage at its best. No green colored Budweiser or stupid pilgrim hat painted green for the change of season could compare to the purity that was the Shamrock Shake. So delicious, the whole family would climb into the wagon (or minivan, whatever) and each get a large scrumptious taste of St. Patrick's Day.

Alas, those carefree days are gone. McDonald's is no longer the 'shop around the corner' serving up a wholesome burger and fries while you hang with your high school gang. It's now some faceless, greedy, multibillion dollar, 39 cent hamburger factory. No, those days have past, and we must move on. The Shamrock Shake has gone the way of the poodle skirt and the Hammer pants. But we shall never forget thee, you taught us what St. Patrick's Day was all about and announced the coming of Spring to all who would listen.

---

Yeah. I lost the argument.

I did, however, prove that Shamrock Shakes do indeed exist. Mainly in Ireland and to this day in a limited number of locations. I guess, lucky for me, IL was just one such state!

SO the moral of the story is this...

Eat, drink and be merry.
For you never know when McDonald's will stop serving your favorite treat!