What Matters, October 13th

McDonald’s in Malaysia recently launched a limited-time “Fans Fries Meal” featuring an XXL-sized portion of fries, a small fry, and a drink. The offering was unique as it was the first time in Malaysia that Mickey D’s offered fries as the entree part of the combo. As in the main course was fries? So it was actually fries, with a side of fries and a drink. (SMH) The special promo was part of the celebration for International French Fry day back in July. Take a look at this two handed carry for the bright red trough of taters. Apparently size does matter, and not just for a limited time.

I know McDonald’s is terrible for us. And I also know that those fries taste great. Must be the 19 (yes, that’s correct) ingredients they use to make them taste so good right here in the US of A. I wish I didn’t know that factoid. Which made me think about what I know and the huge universe of facts that I don’t know. Which obviously is a lot. And the things we should all question. Like for instance… what if….

I mean it’s possible, right?? With all the AI technology and UFO sightings and whistleblowers coming forward to talk about secret alien space programs and captured martian saucers with flashing lights and what’s really hiding under the ice in Antarctica, don’t we all have to question what we think we know for sure? What are we supposed to believe? How can we dispel the rumors and gossip from facts? What information actually matters? I have no good answer for this one, BUT I’m super interested in the topic. Curiosity matters!

According to one of my favorite camp movies of all time, Meatballs, our favorite Head Counselor Tripper, played convincingly by comic genius Bill Murray, gives a riveting speech whose base message is quite simply, “It Just Doesn’t Matter.” He was trying to use reverse psychology to motivate his out of shape, unprepared, complacent campers at Camp Northstar who were going into a tough sports rivalry against their brutal summer enemies at the neighboring militant Camp Mohawk. Some of his hysterical stand up included, “Do you know that they use the most sophisticated training methods from the Soviet Union, East and West Germany, and the newest Olympic power Trinidad-Tobago? But it doesn’t matter. It just doesn’t matter! IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!” And the whole camp ends up chanting this line over and over. So of course in the comeback of the century when no one thought they could do it, Northstar actually beats Mohawk! The fact that Mohawk was technically in better shape, was better trained and better prepared didn’t matter. In the end, Northstar succeeded with grit, determination, and sheer will to win! Attitude was everything. That’s what mattered.

I write very often– every day or almost every day so for me words matter. The words I choose. The words I speak. And my job is very social– lots of conferences and cocktail parties and dinners. So I pay close attention to the words people use to address me, describe me and introduce me. And of course the words I select to address them. And then there’s all the chatter hidden in what they reveal, how they react during the conversation, and so on. All of those words matter. And for me, being a word nerd is an honor and a pleasure. I’m always excited when I have to produce collateral for a project because I have to brainstorm a specific collection of new words to convey a powerful message. Or create a tagline for an ad, or body copy for an announcement or an invite that immediately captures the attention of the audience. With all the words out there, I get to be selective with my choices. Words represent us. Words matter.

Honesty matters to me. Genuineness. Generosity. Authenticity. Sincerity. Timeliness. All of these matter to most of us. And, the size of fries always matters, honey. And anyone who tells you different probably summered at Mohawk.

P.S. A long time ago this date marked a happy occasion in my life. But now I get to rebrand today with huge news. For those of you keeping track (besides yours truly) this marks my 500th post! Five hundred stories. Five hundred ideas. So many food blogs. A mountain of hilarious memes. Thousands and thousands of photos. Hysterical commentaries. Heartfelt messages. Serious topics. Great quotes. Tips, tricks, and hacks. Recipes, lists, and life observations. Food news, beauty & fashion files, and plenty of info for navigating New York City and Paris. It’s been a blast! And yes, there is plenty more to write about so don’t worry because the posts will continue. To memorialize my first 500 blogs, I’ve decided to combine them into a book (my second publication) that will be available on Amazon. For me writing a book is a major accomplishment. I had hoped to publish one in my lifetime and now with this compilation going to press, I’m beyond thrilled. So for me, sharing ideas and having a positive impact matters. Thanks for reading. xoxo, Jen