I Made Sushi!

Hi everyone. It's Karen here. Making sushi with my own two hands may be comparable to humans discovering fire. It is pretty monumental. As many of you know, I look for every shortcut possible when I am in the kitchen. So the idea of me voluntarily spending time and energy to make sushi is a mind-blowing one. How did I get here?

I LOVE sushi. But it can be expensive to get "good" sushi and, when you break down the ingredients, you realize you are mostly paying for the labor. Then there is COVID-19. Being at home for six months does strange things to a person. For me, it gave me the time and energy to finally try my hand at sushi. I mean, how hard can it be? (famous last words). There are few food "projects" I would get this excited about and actually follow though with, but when the forces align, just go with it.

I have made two official tries at making sushi rolls, and I am proud to report that there will be more. I am learning, and slowly honing my skills. Here are some things I have learned on this unexpected journey:

- You don't need a sushi bazooka (yes, it's a thing). A bamboo mat is 100% sufficient.

- There is great personal satisfaction top be found in practicing a craft, whether it is food-related or not. Focus on the process and you may find unexpected joy.

- Keep your expectations low (which is a great life hack in general).

- Take advantage of a supportive and honest audience. Remember that lesson on "Learning Agility?" I used all the tips, especially the one about not getting defensive with feedback ("You think the nori is chewy? Well don't blame me, I didn't make it!")

- Don't force it. For years, I told myself that I "should" try to make sushi. Everyone told me it was easy. But the time wasn't right and I wasn't ready. When the time is right, you'll know. Don't beat yourself up in the meantime about what you think you "should" be doing.

Who knew there was so much meaning in making sushi?! :)