Hot Dog Wednesday: A Taste of Nostalgia and the Power of Anticipation

Growing up in Taiwan, I didn't have much exposure to what we’d consider typical American food. Most of the dishes that hinted at a Western palate were lovingly prepared at home. Yet, in the bubble of my international school, one day stood out above all others: Hot Dog Wednesday.

It wasn't just any school lunch; it was an event. The wonderful Chinese woman who lived on the property didn't just serve food—she crafted it. I remember the smell of her homemade hot dog buns wafting through the air, their soft, warm texture a world away from any store-bought variety. The "chips" weren't from a bag; they were slices of potato, hand-cut, fried to a golden crisp. This feast was always completed with a side of a chocolate nougat bar. It was a simple, perfect meal, and I absolutely loved it.

My anticipation for this weekly ritual was immense.

By the time Monday rolled around, I was already counting the hours until Wednesday. That feeling—the slow, building excitement—is a memory I cherish.

The Perfect Order

My order never changed. I was a creature of delicious habit:

• Two hot dogs with mustard and onion

• A side of those incredible, hand-cut chips

• A chocolate nougat bar

• A Coke

The lunchroom was in the school's basement, and I can still picture the scene: the long, snaking line of students, shuffling down the steps, one slow step at a time, until I finally reached the counter to claim my plate. And once I had my two hot dogs? I’d enter a blissful bubble. I would savor every bite, barely speaking to anyone, entirely lost in the moment. It was my weekly feast, and I wanted to make it last.

The Wisdom of Hot Dog Day

Looking back now, I realize that Hot Dog Wednesday was more than just a meal—it was a life lesson wrapped in a perfect, fluffy bun. It taught me the profound importance of having something to look forward to.

We all need that anchor, that small, reliable spot of happiness on the horizon. It doesn't have to be a grand vacation or a life-altering event; it can be as simple and specific as a homemade hot dog. That anticipation—that feeling of dreaming about something that is a source of good memories and good feelings—is what truly gets us through the inevitable tough spots.

In a world full of big plans and major goals, we often forget the power of the small pleasures. That weekly treat, that special tradition, that moment we carve out just for ourselves, provides the necessary emotional fuel.

So, here's to Hot Dog Wednesday—to the incredible woman who made the buns from scratch, and to the enduring power of looking forward to something, no matter how small. It’s what makes life flavorful.

What's your "Hot Dog Wednesday"? What small, simple thing do you look forward to every week? Share your nostalgic traditions in the comments!

©Lisa King, MS, LPC, NCC