I have a lot of interests; writing, drawing, Jane Austen novels, running, swimming, traveling, Golden Retrievers, Netflix, impressionistic art, and pursuing the perfect cardigan.  That is what my LinkedIn says anyways.  But for the sake of professionalism, I decided to leave one out.  Taco Bell.

Look this isn’t me trying to be that trendy girl, acting all fun and carefree by instagramming myself with a bunch of tacos.  I am not writing this to promote the accessory food trend that seems to be catching on like wildfire via social media.   I just don’t mind answering the ringing bell from time to time.

My allegiance to Taco Bell receives mixed reactions amongst the friends, family, and the occasional strangers I confide in.  I find support in some, receiving a high five here and there, and persecution from others, most commonly rooted in the whole “meat hose” concern.  I also get a lot of “you know they put sawdust in the ground beef.”  Perhaps I should take those concerns into consideration, but on the other hand, the food still tastes great so I feel like Taco Bell should keep up the good work.

Seriously though, what is a meat hose?  What makes it an actual hose?  I feel like some Food Inc. fanatic was probably like, “oh we should call it a meat hose, it’s way more intimidating than calling it a meat tube.”  I wonder if the people tarnishing the name of Taco Bell have ever actually had Taco Bell. 

I mean you can't beat the prices.  Yesterday I had a burrito for lunch from Taco Bell.  Extra cheese, no onions, water to drink, all for a grand total of $1.38.  I paid in change.  I know fast food places aren’t supposed to be pricey, but c’mon $1.38?  That’s sensational!  And, the burrito was marvelous.  I loved every second I spent with that burrito. 

Forget about the burrito, let’s talk about the Taco Bell 12 Pack.  First of all, it comes in an actual carrying pack.  How anticlimactic would it be to get 12 tacos and then carry them into a party in just a bag?  Everyone would be like “oh swell, he got a snack.”  But imagine yourself rolling in with the 12 Pack, greeting everyone with a head nod, and then backhanding a taco to your buddy.  How smooth would that be?  It gets better.  It’s $10 dollars.  The amount of tacos you get outweighs the dollar amount spent.  That is beautiful my friends.  That is America. 

Seriously though, Taco Bell means more than a cheap, watered down ode to Mexican food to me.  It is the keeper of the carefree high school memories I nostalgically cling to.   It was the meeting spot, the quick bite before the big game, the late night snack we defied curfew for.  So sue me, I love the sawdust and the meat hose ground beef.  I love the sauce packets that say, “bike tires scare me.”  I love the churros.  I love Taco Bell.