DATELINE: Sherwood, Arkansas
Thursday, December 26, 2002
Christmas.
Makizushi for Friends,
Chocolate for a Grinning Dog —
And a Merry Christmas to Everyone!
By Yukiko Hayata
Dear Everyone,
I've been spending my holiday at my host parents' house in Sherwood, Arkansas. Yesterday was the Christmas. So, how was your Christmas? I hope your Christmas was wonderful and you got lots of presents from Santa Claus!
I cooked and ate all day yesterday. I cooked makizushi, shrimp tempura (Japanese deep-fried seafood or vegetable), twice cooked potato, and an apple cake. Makizushi is a type of sushi that some people call "California Roll." Place cooked rice (mixed with vinegar) and seafood, vegetable (anything you want), on a dried seaweed. And roll it with a makisu, which is the Japanese cooking tool, which looks like a bamboo mat.
Yesterday, I used an avocado, imitation crab meat, salmon etc. to make makizushi. I don't know how many cups of vinegar to use when cooking rice. I usually do the way my mother cooks at home, so I guess I have to go to your kitchen to cook in front of you if you want me to teach you how to cook sushi.
Yesterday, I showed the rolling part of making makizushi in front of Gerry (my host father). I couldn't cook just like my mother (I'm sure it takes lots practicing). I didn't think my sushi was good, but my host family loved it. My makizushi and shrimp tempura were gone, so I was very glad. While I was cooking, I had to taste (of course!). Because I tasted too much, I was so full before Felicia (my host sister's) family came to have a Christmas lunch. When Felicia came, she immediately tried my sushi, so I ate some with her. By the time for the Christmas lunch, I was sleepy. Yes, I ate too much......
Last night, I put all of my presents on my bed; then I cleaned up the kitchen. Guess what? While I was cleaning up the kitchen, Pal, my host parents' dog, went to my room and ate all of my chocolate in a stocking! After cleaning up the kitchen, I was completely exhausted and was ready to take a shower and go to bed. When I walked in my room and turned on the light, I saw so many small pieces of aluminum foil all over my bed. Pal, on the other hand, became a super hyperactive dog!!!! He was running in the house so fast, and he actually looked like he was grinning!!!! I had never seen a dog like Pal. He had his own private Christmas in my room and enjoyed it. I guess I gave him a joyful Christmas present. Pal made me laugh on the Christmas day and that was priceless.
Please take care of yourself, and I hope you are having a great holiday!
Love and Peace,
Yuki
My New Year resolutions....
1. To live simple.
2. Be positive.
3. Be patient with myself.
4. To do compassionate listening. (I think listening with compassion will help others to suffer less, and it will help me to become a better listener.)
Yuki can be contacted by e-mail at tubaroom@hotmail.com
