When I think of my childhood, I remember spending many happy hours in our dining room. I don’t have many memories of our family eating meals together, unless on special occasions. I guess our parents didn’t live by design, back then. Today, when most parents work 9 to 5, it makes perfect sense to have meals together and always at the same time. Where I come from, we followed a different schedule. I went to school in the morning and ate lunch at home, with my grandma, in the afternoon.  The rest of the day was reserved for playing outside with friends, so I didn’t really get to spend much time with my parents.  Our dinners were very informal and served upon request. My mom cooked every day and she did it well but I don’t remember having to be home for dinner at a specific hour. As I mentioned, I was busy playing with my friends and spending time outdoors. Life was simple, back then.