Lunch – My Favorite Time of Day

Lunch is the Best

When I first began working at BMG, my biggest concern was lunch…

As a child, I always enjoyed answering the question, “What’s your favorite school activity?” with the sarcastic answer, “Lunchtime.” I’ve always enjoyed food. Some of my greatest family memories involve sharing a meal with loved ones, and lunchtime was always accompanied by a bit of recreational free time.

During the majority of my adult lunch breaks at each of my various careers, lunch was fondly remembered as the free-est part of every day. In previous office environments, it was a private time I devoted to pursuing personal interests. I began to associate the noon meal as mine alone to treasure, and it became a precious rarity in my life, mainly dedicated to selfish “me” time. Eating while reading a book, listening to music, browsing a bookstore, exploring a new restaurant, or catching up on bill paying and other errands are the pursuits I mostly indulged in. I feel a slight bit of betrayal at even sharing how I spent those glorious hours with anyone outside the walled-off fortress of solitude in the super-exclusive, members-only club that is best and specifically made up of just me — “Myself” and “I” couldn’t even get in.

Lunch at BMG

When interviewing for my position at Blue Mound Graphics, tremendous emphasis was placed on sharing how much everyone here appreciated and looked forward to lunch. I didn’t pay great attention to this detail during the phone or in-person interview. I wish I had. I didn’t take it seriously when I was told, “We all eat lunch together and sit at one table ‘family style’ and enjoy each other’s companionship and camaraderie at lunch.” I assumed this was an exaggeration. It couldn’t be wholly true.

On day one, lunch ended up being the most frightening part of the day. I made sure to get up and go out at noon to partake in my ritual of solitude. My fear of the communal lunch is the most honest emotion I remember now from day one. I walked out, not knowing if I’d return, and that decision was based entirely on overcoming how terrified I was to try something different. What a relief to know that lunch evolved into the exact opposite of what I thought I loved and who I thought I was.

Growing Pains

The concept of sharing laughter and minutes with my colleagues wasn’t something I thought I’d ever learn to love.

Now, after 2 years and counting, I truly cherish and look forward to this as much as anything. I really believe that this has a lot to do with the intangible magic that makes our team here successful. Personally, it’s helped me to see I’m capable of surprising myself by growing as a person. I thought I knew myself very well, and yet this seemingly minor part of everyone’s day has helped lift me up to be carried outside my comfortable bubble, and it has given me the opportunity to learn how much more I’m capable of growing.

Today, lunch is a sacred and treasured time that I’m honored to share with my colleagues, whom I consider all to be friends. It’s wonderful to share this time with one another, and I’ve learned so much about my teammates just by the daily observations of their individual likes and dislikes, comparing how our appetites are similar as well as experiencing how each differs.

We haven’t even touched upon those special days when we ventured out to explore many of the amazing culinary delights that Milwaukee has to offer! Each crew member has knowledge of different places to explore. Dining with such an eclectic yet cooperative bunch is never a dull affair. I can honestly say being a part of this special group near Blue Mound Rd has helped me travel full circle, back to the place where I felt I belonged all along.

That is comfortable in the knowledge that lunchtime is and forever will be my best and favorite part of every day.

Michael

Calendar Coordinator

Written by our talented calendar crew member, Michael!