A wise man once said, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” This person may or may not be Andy Bernard from “The Office,” and he may or may not be wise, but I think the quote definitely has merit. We usually don’t realize how amazing an experience is until it has passed. Fortunately, there are some moments we know are significant, even as they occur. For me, I had one of those moments last Saturday.
5:01 p.m. — I awoke from my post-Club Week sleep coma. Bleary-eyed, I stumbled into the living room to find my suitemates about to walk out the door. They told me to put shoes on and get in the car.
5:09 p.m. — I sat in the backseat, on the way to a moment I knew would impact my life dramatically. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, and I knew something important was on its way; I just hoped I was prepared to meet it.
5:14 p.m. — I entered the fabled establishment, one step closer.
5:28 p.m. — The moment arrived. I took a deep breath and allowed my life to be changed.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, I ate Mi Ranchito for the first and last time.
I’m not sure how I made it to junior year without experiencing the famous Mi Ran. I knew it was a favorite for many students, and I had every intention of trying it at some point; I just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. What can I say? I’m a professional procrastinator. When I heard the restaurant was closing, I found myself heartbroken even though I didn’t fully know what I was missing. With the craziness of Club Week, I didn’t think I was going to find time to make it, and I was distraught.
Some friends assured me it was for the best. They told me I would be happier in the long run because I wouldn’t experience joy in the form of a burrito, so I wouldn’t know what I was missing. Ignorance is bliss, they promised.
Well friends, I am using this week’s column to respectfully disagree.
I am so glad I experienced Mi Ran once before it was gone, because I now understand the hype I was missing for the past two years. Sure, I’m a little sadder than I was before now that the restaurant is closed, but the benefits far outweigh the cost, especially when the cost was only $4.29.
I risked craving Mi Ran later on to get the satisfaction of having it once, and it was worth it.
What’s the point in going through life playing it safe? If we constantly avoid things because we’re afraid of the heartache they may bring later on, we’ll lead pretty boring lives. Next time you’re thinking five steps ahead and backing out of something because it may have negative effects later, take a second to reassess, and just go for it.
Think of all the burritos you may be missing out on.
