American Dream Pizza

Yesterday I went chasing after a dream at American Dream Pizza on 214 SW 2nd St in Corvallis and chickened out. When I was in the drive-through at Citizen's Bank in downtown Corvallis, I looked in my rearview mirror to see this shiny black new stretch limousine drive past. It was a mini-hummer, brand new. It was the kind of stretch limousine that the richest people ride in. Somebody really important was in Corvallis. I thought it had to be Obama or one of the Clintons so I made the decision to see where it would go.

I'll tell you about my adventure or mis-adventure as it turned out. In my quest to be a pretend investigative reporter, first I had to go to the post office for work. Then I parked my car near Subway and started walking to Old World Deli. I went in and I didn't see any evidence of a Clinton or Obama there so I asked questions. I asked about other choices to eat in the neighborhood--maybe pizza. He mentioned New Morning Bakery and then American Dream Pizza. I told him what I saw. He said, "All the political types go to American Dream Pizza." I thought it must be great pizza. I asked where American Dream Pizza was and I walked briskly towards it. It's right next door to the Citizen's Bank parking lot. I went in the door and scanned the room. I didn't see anyone who looked like the Clinton's or Obama. I didn't see secret service standing guard at attention.

I started to feel awkward so I decided to leave. Maybe I was wrong. I didn't have extra money to buy a small pizza. I started to feel foolish. The "who do I think I am" script started to play in my head so I started out the door to see a man and woman. The man said, "You're right." Now what does that mean? I don't like it when people talk in code. How would he know what I was thinking or that I was trying to follow a dream? Do I have neon words flashing on my forehead? Could he read my mind? I dismissed all of this as absurd and continued out the door.

I was close. Maybe someone really was there. I walked to my car in 99 degree heat, turned on the air conditioner and went home. Later I tivoed two Eugene news broadcasts. It could have been Hillary on her way to Portland or Obama on his way down to Roseberg. Who knows? I may never know, but it was fun to try.