Asking for a Fork

LIVE AND LEARN. What choice do we have, other than to die, or to live and not learn? I was graciously invited to lunch by a friend of mine and his family, and, after a lively discussion, sushi was the chosen framework. I was starving, and up for anything.

When the server brought everyone chopsticks, i initially felt a surge of panic, then, collecting myself, i had enough presence of mind to speak right up, up front, and say, "I have no chance with chopsticks alone. I am from arkansas, and therefore cosmopolitan-culturally compromised, so can you please americanize me, utensily?" The nice young lady brought me a fork, and i thanked her. We all had a nice laugh, at least i did, praising my self for my honesty and humility.

When the food began to arrive, in waves, merely having a fork available gave me the courage to try chopsticks. With backup, what was there to lose, other than my dignity? I immediately asked for a quick lesson from my friend's daughter, a bright college junior, majoring in pre veterinary medicine.

She led me through the standard, by the book chopsticks in hand position, which left me feeling clumsy and awkward. I quicky forgot all she had taught me about proper form, but tried the chopsticks, and was able to stab, spear, and tweezer enough into my gaping mouth to avoid starvation and ridicule.

The entire family was highly supportive of me, and as the courses arrived, one at a time, i became increasingly bold and confident. I got greedy, though, and cocky, and overreached my ability, by trying to pick up a bundle of eggs with seaweed wrapped around them with my chopsticks. About a third of the tiny orange eggs fell out, and landed next to my plate. Since they were delicious, i wasn't about to waste them, so i unabashedly scooped 'tm up with muh fork, and shoved 'em in. High class, that's me.\

But i am still glad that i had enough sense to draw attention to my lack of experience with chopsticks, and turn it into a good natured learning experience, rather try to fake my way through the entire meal, and end up looking like barney fife.  That shows maturity. And japanese food is delicious beyond comprehension. Maybe next time, maybe someday i will have the courage, and experience, to not ask for a fork.