Farm Fields, Walmart, and Applebees

When I first picked up The American Way of Eating By Tracie McMillan I wasn't sure that the book would really interest me.  However, once I read through the first chapter I just kept reading and reading.  So far I have gathered that this book is about a college student who leaves her New York style life to become a field worker, supermarket stocker, and worker at Applebee's.  I know that I am way too comfortable with the lifestyle I have now to just get up and leave to try a whole new style of living.  For example, I am way too attached to the following:

• Family 
• Friends
• Cats
• Dog
• Boyfriend 
• Apartment
• Job

I give Tracie major props for what she did because like I said, I couldn't just uproot my life like she did.  Working at Applebee's I could handle just fine especially since I have been serving at a restaurant since I was 14 years old.  I currently am a bartender at Wings Etc. in Portage and Benton Harbor so I know the restaurant life pretty well.  Working in a field however, I don't think I would last very long unless I was driving the farm equipment or something.  

In Tracie's book she talks about how she struggled for a little to find work until she lucked out and began working in a grape field thanks to Pilar.  Pilar lived in the trailer next to her and in exchange for helping her find work; Tracie was to help her learn English.  When Pilar asked what she knew about grape harvesting she was ashamed that she didn't know much.  She had no scissors, leather gloves instead of cotton, and no idea of how to tie a bandanna.  Luckily, Pilar was kind to her and gave her the supplies she needed and taught her what she needed to know.  It is very refreshing to know that their are still people in the world that are willing to help someone out and not just turn them away.  In my opinion we all need to pay it forward as much as we can because you never know when you will be in a situation that you require some help.