I was always a sucker for tradition. When I was a kid my family invariably celebrated birthdays at this incredible, greasy-spoon Chinese restaurant in Rockland Massachusetts. The restaurant is gone now, ousted by some strip-mall or condo development or parking garage… whatever it is they replace childhood traditions with. I now live In Arizona where Chinese food is disgustingly healthy.
Seriously, there is nothing on earth like New England-style Chinese cuisine… everything breaded and deep fried, covered in some gooey sauce and topped with candied cherries and pineapple. Clearly that is not the way the Chinese people eat every day, they wouldn’t live past 30. Man, do I miss it! I’m told I shouldn’t eat that sort of crap anymore so maybe it’s a good thing I don’t live there. Besides, I only miss it exactly seven times a year, on each of my family member’s birthdays.
I don’t often think about what is tradition and what isn’t anymore. So much changes over a lifetime that adhering to convention becomes impractical. We have new traditions now. Customs that only last until the next one comes along, and ’m fine with that. The new rituals revolve around grandkids so these are now their traditions, hopefully things they will always remember fondly.
I think this year I’ll keep my family’s old tradition. I’m going to hunt down the unhealthiest hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant in Arizona, I’m sure there must be one somewhere near Phoenix, and take my little sister there for her birthday. The picture above is missing our youngest sister, but the baby in the picture is going to be 50 next week. She’s all about “healthy” but I’m betting she won’t turn me down.
————————————————————————–
Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.
Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit organization with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.
In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.
You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web: www.yourValleyProperty.com. Helpful web sites and blogs: www.AZVHV.wordpress.com / www.cashbackforheroes.wordpress.com / www.VAREP.wordpress.com
