The Japanese Way

Although I am of Asian ethnicity, I am pretty much your basic whitebread American. I was adopted into a Caucasian family and grew up in a very small (white) farming community. In fact, I was the ONLY minority in my elementary and junior high school. (And lemme tell ya, it wasn't exactly the best experience of my life). As a result, all of my values and cultural beliefs are firmly embedded in smalltown America tradition.

Nonetheless, I've always been fascinated by Japanese tradition. (And, for the record, I am not Japanese). Mostly the food fascinates me, but the overall culture is pretty damn cool, too.

So, in light of all that's happening in Japan right now, I've decided to add a little Japanese culture into my life. I'm going to try my hand at some Japanese cooking, and I'm going to learn a few key phrases in the language (just about anything is possible with the apps on my cell phone).

My heart goes out to all the people in Japan who suffer right now. But their culture is long, their lives are serene, and the people must be strong to have lived these thousands of years. I am sure they will move forth from this disaster and continue to be a nation of strong people.