Missing Ingredients

Usually I'm not disappointed with fast food because my expectations are low; however, tonight Taco Bell let me down.

I know. You're asking, "But, Jenny, why are you even eating out. You've spent more than this week's allowance already." The unfortunate truth is I'm weak. As fourth quarter progresses I grow tired of grading, cooking, cleaning, and every other chore that I've been responsible enough to do regularly since last August. In addition, when Jeff's not home for dinner, the weakness is compounded by puppy dog eyes from six-foot-two and not-so-shaggy.
"Mom, you know you want to eat out tonight, right?"
"I don't know. We ate out last weekend."
"Aw...Dad wouldn't want to miss out on you cooking something good, though."
"We could have something from the freezer then."
"Aw...I'm really in the mood for tacos!"
Of course, "tacos" is the magic word since Jeff isn't wild about Mexican food. My son knows this and uses it to reel me in hook, line, and sinker. I pretend to put up a fight, but we both know that I'm as good as in the net.

Thus, we donned flip flops and headed to Taco Bell for dinner, deciding on the way to bring it home and avoid the noise. Much to my dismay, when we arrived home my caramel-apple empanada was missing! This is heart wrenching since it is by far the best thing on the menu and the most important reason to choose Taco Bell over other fast food establishments. I contemplated going back, but decided it would cost more in gas than the 99 cent treat was worth. I consoled myself with the thought of having two different entrees since I had ordered selections from the value menu - crispy potato soft taco and five layer burrito, both of which go for 89 cents.

The potato concoction was a taco size flour tortilla filled with breaded, fried potato bites like crunchy tater tots, shredded lettuce, cheese, and a spicy mayo-based sauce that brought the whole thing together nicely. It was hot and tasty, which improved my sour mood caused by the missing empanada. However, when I opened the five layer burrito I discovered another disappointment - only three layers. The burrito contained beef, cheese, and sour cream but not the promised lettuce and tomato. Perhaps the older couple next to me in line received my empanada and two extra layers. After all, the girl at the register tried to give me their credit card, so it only seems fair they should have my stuff.

Since Taco Bell failed to meet my (low) standards, perhaps they need government oversight. We could set up a committee of 20 or so elected officials who have no clue how to run a business (much less a state or country) to stand around and point out everything that is wrong without offering any suggestions for fixing it. In addition, they could spend all the money earmarked for improvement on flying from one Taco Bell to the next to observe successful models in action instead of using it to properly train employees. Ultimately, they might render a 1,000 page document on their findings which will be delivered to each employee by express mail and at great expense to the taxpayer.

Oh wait...I have a better idea. Maybe those of us who are disappointed should just stop spending our money there. If service and product is consistently poor, the restaurant will eventually suffer financial losses forcing it to close. I'm sure the oversight committee would suggest a bailout, but I say let it fail.

Hmm...Perhaps I am feeling just a little sarcastic tonight. It's sad when the thought of not eating at a fast food joint brings to mind the process of big government.