February 6 — National Chopsticks Day

I’m pretty sure they don’t mean the piano classic

Today is National Chopsticks Day.
I did not grow up using chopsticks. College was the first time I ever tried sushi. I still need to learn the difference between sushi and sashimi off-hand. I don’t know what sauce goes best with what type of sushi.

Now, I admit all of these are manageable problems.

The one problem I need help solving is how to use chopsticks. And I don’t know why. I try to use them when I eat sushi. I have tried to use them many times. I even have very young relatives who can use them with ease. But for whatever reason, whenever I get chopsticks in hand, I somehow lose all manual dexterity.

I even give off a look of fear when presented with chopsticks. I was at a Korean house party, and everyone picked up chopsticks when it came time for the meal. The host took one look at me and asked if I wanted a knife and fork. “Yes, please,” I sheepishly answered.

But dear reader, I will not be deterred because I can’t do something that small children can. I will indeed continue on this journey because there is too many delicious chopsticks utilizing foods to try, and I want to eat them all.

I will just have to conquer it, one pair of chopsticks at a time.

Photo by Önder Örtel on Unsplash