Chopsticks

     I had lunch with one of my boys.  It cracks me up that I say “boy” as if he’s a toddler, when in fact he’s in his twenties.  We went to his favorite sushi place in town.  A place that he’s eaten so much that the waitress says, “The usual?” prior to him ordering and when she left the table, I’m told she’s making a birthday cake for her son tonight.  Personal service really is still the best!  As we sat chatting, I couldn’t help but think about how wonderful it is that although I love this person sitting across from me at the table, I also like him. 

     I’ve eaten sushi before and I like anything that doesn’t include raw fish (which really makes me wonder if technically it can be called sushi at all).  Ha

     I was told that I would be using chopsticks to eat and with a straight face said “okay”, but on the inside I cracked up thinking there was no way that was going to happen.  We spent a few minutes practicing and it didn’t go as bad as I thought it would.  He was patient as he told me several times how to hold it and then decided that I needed to mimic his holding the chopstick and once again, after a few times – I got it. 

     The soup arrived first, and thankfully – there’s a spoon for that.  It is however, very difficult to use a spoon with sides without making a slurping noise – he was quick to tell me “Don’t worry, everyone slurps when they use it.”  I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. 

     Our rolls arrived and the games began.  It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be to get the food in the chopsticks.  The difficult part was dipping in the sauce and getting it into my mouth without wearing it.  I didn’t even attempt to look at the bottom of the roll as that would have required skill I clearly do not have yet.  I don’t think I’ve concentrated that much to eat lunch – ever.

     This fun, learning something I had never done before lunchtime, reminded me that it’s so important to be open-minded and saying “Yes” when we have the opportunity to be adventurous – okay, maybe sushi with chopsticks isn’t exactly “adventurous”; but it does require an open mind and willingness to make a fool of yourself while learning.  The best part – I spent an hour with one of my boys just talking about life and it doesn’t get much better than that.