This voice came out of the little black box under the menu sign, the same words asked every time my car pulls into the drive through line at this chain of taco stores here in Kansas City.

Every time. And the voice always baffles me. There’s no, “Welcome to Taco Store, what would you like today?” Or, “May I take your order?” It’s always, “How are you?”

Just once, I want to have the courage to say,

“Ya know, I am not really doing that great, because last night I broke a glass when I was emptying the dishwasher, and I ran out of toothpaste and that REALLY stinks when that happens, and I wasn’t able to get ahold of my daughter when I tried calling her, and I’d love to figure out why my boss is so irritating, but it’s okay, because she’s out of the office for the next few days, so we’re all easing up on the workload and taking it easy, which is good because I’m not really doing that great, but hopefully the Royals will make everything better by winning tonight. Thanks for asking and how are YOU doing?”

But I always say,

“Fine, one crunchy taco.”

Today, however, I’d LOVE to pull up to that little black box, armed with this:

“I’m so fine today you wouldn’t believe it! Did you watch that game last night?! Because if you did, you’d be so fine today too! I’m so fine because that Royals team was pure entertainment last night. Did you see Davis and Perez hugging after that last pitch?! That made me cry! And Davis smiled bigger than Dallas!! Did you see Cain fly around the bases?! Did you see Ventura so focused and that infield defense?! And oh my word, Jirschele makes me laugh I think he’s gonna do damage to that shoulder with his huge arm swings when he sends runners home. I’m so fine today, thank you for asking, because our Royals were not a fluke and they are going to the World Series AGAIN! It’s a great day to live in Kansas City and eat tacos, which, by the way, I’d like one crunchy taco, please, and thank you for asking how I am today. I AM MIGHTY FINE.

Pretty sure that taco store employee is grateful without even knowing it, that I am not craving a crunchy taco today.