Nice to Meat You!
So apparently, the end of November literally means ‘Good Meat’ day. What else can we do but to indulge and eat some protein and fat? Diet starts tomorrow.
To live up to this day’s name, which coincidentally, happens to be our company anniversary, too, we decided to have a sort of party. Because there is still a strict protocol due to the pandemic, big crowds are discouraged, hence, the celebration was limited to only five people. But that doesn’t stop us from breaking free a little and enjoy ourselves a bit.
We intended to fill our stomachs with Korean barbecue. We ordered a set that includes seasoned and unseasoned pork belly and beef, lettuce, side dishes such as kimchi, potato marbles and of course, Korean dips and sauces. We also grilled some sausages and veggies such as eggplants and onions. Not all of us like Korean dips so we prepared our own, some melted cheese and milk kept warm on the grill. And of course, pizza! 
Who said meat isn’t diet-friendly? Fat is flavor. All you need is to compensate those ‘cheat moments’ with an equal amount of effort to avoid those fats from invading your weight.
To wash all those food down, we had a bit of a drink. We experimented mixing fruits, fruit juices and some spirits. We can’t drink that much and all of us have relatively low tolerance to alcohol though. Our poor imitation of a cocktail drink led to us something that tasted more like a healthy drink for kids, save for the hint of a bitter aftertaste. 
It is safe to say that the alcohol didn’t serve its purpose. It became a refreshing drink so we just imagined having a night pool party as we stare at the swimming pool below. The water is just below us and we get to see it all the time, but due to the COVID-19, swimming is not allowed. I don’t know how to swim anyway, so it was not a big loss on my part.
We have had bigger and more lavish parties before. What made this simple gathering so special? Aside from being the companies anniversary and ‘good meat’ day in Japan, it’s the first gathering of such after a long time, about a year to be exact. Even this kind of event was not allowed during the strict implementation of the lockdown. It felt liberating. We felt more human that we have been the past months. It was symbolic of our gratitude for being healthy all throughout the year. And we celebrated being spared from the virus up until this time.
This year 2020 is almost over. We made it! We have struggled, or may still be, but we are going to make it no matter what. It is such a blessing to still be talking to our loved ones, bickering with them at times. It is still better to be beating deadlines and adjusting our time adapting to the new modes of working. Just think of the alternative. And my newfound favorite line, ‘zoom meeting is better than ICU Christmas.’
So when you find the time, celebrate! Be safe and cautious but celebrate! We have been patient enough. We have endured enough. Loosen up a bit. Don’t wait for special occasion to celebrate. Being alive and well despite the pandemic is good enough reason to eat and drink your favorites with your favorite people. May next year be kinder and better for all of us.
