Darn that Jacques! He throws me off kilter almost every day. It’s been going on since 1996 and I still haven’t figured out how to “beat it.”

I have cereal and a bagel almost every day. When I walk in the store I’m fortified to work through the full day. Or so I think.

Then, invariably about noon, Jacques goes to Larry’s Market across the street. Jacques is single and makes lunch the main meal of his day so he doesn’t have to cook fancy at home. I’ve been married for a hundred years and always have a hot meal waiting for me when I walk in the door

for dinner- just like at your house, right?

The problem is that Jacques doesn’t buy cold sandwiches for lunch. He always brings back something warm that smells delicious. There are teriyaki bowls, enchiladas, shrimp curry and a myriad of deli sides. There’s Taco Tuesday, Panini Wednesday, Chicago Hot Dog Thursday and Burgers on the grill on Friday.

Every day… I’m cruising along doing whatever needs to be done. I’m not even thinking about being hungry. But the minute he walks through that door after going to Larry’s, I realize I’m starving. Some days I have back up with a brown bag from home. Most days I just smell Jacques’ lunch and pout.