When You’re Right, You’re Right
Life is rough, most of the time. I’m predictably pessimistic, if you haven’t yet caught that. And while I like that we each have our own beliefs about life, mine is this: there’s nothing more than this. Nothing more than what you are feeling, experiencing right now. I believe this to the core of myself. Doing what makes you happy is your only obligation in life.
My friends Junko and Sean are two of a few close friends helping me through an intense part of my life right now, one where my happy place is pretty elusive. But their calm, kindhearted presence is invaluable. Also: Junko’s “Oh, I’m just making a little Japanese breakfast.” Those are beautiful words.
Grilled mackerel, or saba, is slowly surpassing my other favorite fish (trout) for first place. Unlike trout, saba is oily and rich. I’ll always love trout, but the older I get the more my brain requires Omega-3 fatty acids in order to keep from sticking to itself.
If you’ve never had burdock, or gobo, you’re missing out. It’s a homely, brown, long and slender root vegetable that needs to be peeled and cooked, but its flavor is something between a sweet potato and a parsnip; somewhat dry, earthy, mild and pleasantly textured. Burdock is also pretty cheap, so if you see it you should experiment with it. Tell your kids you’re having stick for dinner.
An egg to slide over your rice when you’re ready, and a very lightly steamed piece of broccoli topped with a squiggle of Kewpie mayonnaise – this is a flavor combination that breaks my heart with perfection. The Kewpie isn’t like American mayo – it’s more vinegary and somehow more savory, less like a sandwich spread and more like, well, a condiment. If that makes sense. I’ve implored you guys before to try some Kewpie, and I am practically begging now. A little dollop on anything from a cube of rare seared tuna to a simple black olive — okay, it’s not like I need to be encouraged to eat more mayonnaise, but, c’mon. Right now is not the time for austerity.
May 1st, 2010 | Obsessed
Junko is an amazing cook and incredibly gracious host. Also, they eat like this all the time. Can you imagine?
Standard American Diet FAIL. Ugh. I’m reading this book called Good Calories, Bad Calories right now and I keep thinking that it would all come out right if we’d eat tiny little portions of actual food out of tiny little dishes all the time.
Speaking of SAD…life is rough most of the time. And as far as our earthly purpose and/or obligations, I feel completely certain that my only obligation is to do right by my children, and all I really need is to see my girls grown up, healthy and happy. More would be nice, but that will do. I imagine I’m not alone in that sentiment.
The world would be a better place if only more people were as gracious and kind as Junko and Xanchi, indeed. Thank you both for being there and may your tiny little elegant bowls be ever-full … well, until you’ve eaten the lovely contents, heh.
@ Kate: Wonderful feelings you express for your children, parenthood it is surely the primary factor of the Human Condition that perpetuates everything else that has evolved from primordial soup.
However, from the tenor of your comment I feel that possibly you may have ironically both missed and hit-the-mark on Sunday’s stated philosophy. She said, “Doing what makes you happy is your only obligation in life.” … Ipso facto Kate: you ARE doing what makes you happy by striving for the health and happiness of your children. For you, that is your self-imposed ‘obligation’. We often forget that our ‘selfless acts’ are actually only forms of making ourselves happy. The classic WIN-WIN if ever there was!
Quag: word. The intent of Ms. Sunday’s words weren’t at all missed.
My most sincere goodwill to you both, whatever muck and mire you are traversing at the moment.
MY. LORD. That is one *gorgeous* breakfast. Wow.
Also, where does one find this Kewpie mayo? I’ve never heard of it.