by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: March 22, 2009

As a child I hated school, going to school made me homesick and I had a hard time adapting with children that seemed to love to just tease me. However, I had a secret place I used to go to on my lunch breaks with my parents on a daily basis. This place used to put a smile on my face leaving behind all the ugly remarks, while allowing me to spend quality time with my parents, even if just for a few minutes.

If you have not guessed yet, the Golden Arches of what I used to call ''Micky D's"' was what made me smile. I always looked forward to this special corner of my day where I got to spend happy moments talking with my parents about my day at school and eating food I loved. The last minutes spent there used to culminate as I unwrapped the treasure I found in my happy meal. I then took the toy at school and placed it on my desk for the rest of the school day.

As of today, ''Micky D's'' still provides me comfort and a sense of happiness I am unable to perceive when going to other fast food restaurants. I guess those memories of the old school days are here to stay. Just the sight of that large yellow ''M'' brings a great sense of serenity to my heart. I do not think it is a coincidence that most toddlers with their very small vocabulary when shown the McDonald's icon can say the word ''McDonalds'' with the biggest smile on their face.

McDonald indeed is known almost everywhere, Its icon can be recognized half around the world. Even the least industrialized countries are still able to tell what the yellow ''M'' stands for. It is obvious that there is no other fast food chain so universally recognized. I would not be surprised if aliens one day would stop by on earth just to order a BigMac!

Other than the great memories that came along with my old school days, I also cherish McDonald's for its food of course. I think their french fries are the best. Nice, slim and perfectly aligned in that red container, they almost look like a work of art. They are always warm and perfectly salted. They are soft, yet firm and in all these years I must confess I never ever left any french fries. In order to do so, you must suspect I would be very sick. Neither do I hardly find any left over french fries from my eating neighbors.

The burgers are great with their pickles and right amount of cheese and ketchup. The buns are always soft and the nuggets are always of the right texture. There is hardly any item on their menu that I dislike. While people advocate that fast food is bad for you, in my little mind I think that every now and then it can be great for your mind and soul. It's like instant gratification, a nice prize at the end of the work day, a nicely earned gift.

Still today, I visit McDonald's on a regular basis. As hard as the economy may get, I always can afford a meal there. McDonald's will always remain my favorite fast food, other places may be good as well, but I guess nothing compares to the great childhood memories attached to this phenomenal place.

Learn more about this author, Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.