Food...

I have a love. A deep love. 

And it is for food.

It may have something to do with the fact that I need it to survive. But there is more to it than that. Not only is it my life source, it is also a great pleasure of mine. I believe it stems from growing up with Gygis, a foodie superstore, as the main source of income for everyone in my family, including myself, at some point in our lives. I love being there. I love the products that are sold. I love the people that come in to shop.  I love the tradition that is shared by so many families. I love pretending that I know everything about food and how it works just because I have sold some tool or gadget that could be used for "that." I love that Gygi's is kind of like a part of me. 

I can also attribute my love to my family. I grew up in a family where good food was appreciated. But not only did we eat it. We celebrated it. Even now when we get together it is generally centered around food. "Where or what should we eat?" is a common question when planning to get together. And now my sisters are among the best of the best when it comes to baking and cooking. I love to see what they will bring to the table. They are gourmet. They are talented. And it is fun to share recipes and ideas with them.

Now that I am married with another family that I love dearly, I have realized that it was not just coincidence that I married a "family" that also has a passion for food. I was secretly planning it all along. It was something that drew me to Ty and the Whitesides from the beginning.  They love food. They appreciate it and look forward to each and every upcoming meal, just the way I do. In fact, I often feel that when we are all together we eat breakfast, clean up breakfast and begin preparing lunch, which is followed by cleaning up lunch and moving right into dinner. Much conversation and activity happens in between. But the things I usually remember best are the food we ate and the words we spoke.  I love that. Some of the best conversations that have ever been had occur around the dinner table.

I look forward to coming home at night. Making dinner is a chance for me to think about the day and "digest" the stress and cares of life. Ty and I sit down, we eat, we talk about what we ate. Each meal is analyzed and discussed. (It helps that I have a professional taste tester for a husband, he really gives me the science behind the food) It is fun for me.

I have taken endless photos of food, and for what reason? To look back and think, "Wow, that was such a good dinner. We should do that again." And that is reason enough for me.

So the whole reason for the post. The inspiration for this wordy message. Ty and I made sushi. And the whole time I thought, "This is so fun. Do other people have this much fun when they cook? Or are we peculiar in this regard?"

So here is a photographic collection of our 1st attempt at making sushi. And it definitely will not be our last.

Is this love? Is this an obsession?
Either way, it is not going to change. In fact, I look forward to the many meals, appetizers and desserts I will make and partake of in my lifetime. Are there others out there like me?