Our dishes were much more intimidating than this little thing.
After a few tumultuous weeks I was stuck in a cranky mood 24/7. It was getting to the point of getting irritated by the sun coming up and then, just as I got used to it, it deciding to go back down. God, make up your mind already, SUN!
My bestie of 10 years, Summer, and I had plans of getting together for quite some time and so when she called Tuesday morning with plans of a sushi dinner and general hanging out for that night, I was more than ready and willing to drop everything and meet up right away, only I had to wait until the sun decided to go back down, you know.
In true you-outta-earn-your-freedom fashion, bedtime was adventurous, we’ll say, and kids had juuuust gone down when she arrived. After showering for the first time in too long and getting dressed we were officially on our way. We settled on a nice Japanese place and get this– had real sushi for the first time.
Here’s where I openly admit that although I’ve had “sushi” plenty of times before, it never included any raw fish of any sort– think California roll or something with fully cooked fish. After surviving that Weekend of Killer Food Poisoning that nearly wiped out our entire household in early 2010, I shudder at and thoroughly fear even the thought of risking food poisoning. Even if it’s from a reputable place and the risk is low, I have something called Bad Luck, you may have heard of it, and we run into each other too often. So I was avoiding it as you may avoid running into someone you really hate.
But not Tuesday night, for Tuesday night was a night of chances! and freedom! and adventure! which will include going out on a limb and eating some raw fish– I was NOT going to let the fun gods down, lest I not be granted such a night ever again! Summer and I took the plunge and got “real sushi,” she being braver than I and digging right in. After the okay from her, I gave it a try. And you know what? IT WAS DELICIOUS. And? We lived sans poisoning.
tapioca/boba/bubble tea drinks
We enjoyed a delectable dinner in a light, fun atmosphere and then headed out for dessert, which ended up being Tapioca drinks at a nearby teahouse. Somehow we ended up spending nearly three hours there, I think, and decided to head back to my place. I think the best way to describe our night out was having to explain to people that the Tapioca drinks were the only drinks we had all night– twice.
That there, is the makings of a damn good time.
After getting home we got settled in and chatted with my sister for a while. I should also point out that everyone loves it when Sumer comes over. Or really, it’s more like WHEN SUMMER COMES OVER!!!! If I make the mistake of mentioning it before she actually arrives, then my sisters and Aiman ask if she’s here yet just about every three minutes and then get super hyper when she finally arrives. So it’s like, an event when SUMMER’S COMING OVER!!!!
It was already pretty late, as in officially-Wednesday-late, and my mom would be coming home from work soon. This is how I get Summer to spend the night, or how it’s worked out nearly every single time.
Summer comes over before or after the kids go to bed.
We go out or stay in, but have a girl’s night regardless.
Summer stays late, usually post midnight around the time my mom comes home.
My mom’s happy to see Summer.
Summer tries to call it a night.
My mom won’t let her drive at that hour.
I chime in and we chant “Just spend the night” in a totally creepy way.
Summer gives in, calls her mom to let her know, and then..
SLUMBER PARTY TIME.
Beignets are a soft, doughie sort-of-donut-like...thing, with loads of powdered sugar on it, if you're unfamiliar with them. You don't have to tell me how talented I am in describing things, I already know.
That’s how I’ve been able to host slumber parties for myself as a mom and wife. It totally makes up for the lack of slumber parties I went to or had as a teenager and the few “slumber parties” I’ve attended/had were with Summer, which were really us working hard and late on our school projects (read: chill/watch movies/dance around for hours and then actually start on our project merely hours before going to school the next day). So in a way, this is a strong tradition that has always been a part of our friendship since high school, through a marriage and then two kids on my part.
In other words: We don’t know how to NOT have her spend the night…eventually.
Frankly, I don’t know why she even tries to resist. The moment my mom drives into the driveway and sees her car, IT IS ON AND THERE’S NO GOING BACK.
So spend the night, she did. The following morning Saad got us all beignets from a coffee shop for breakfast because he’s easily Husband of the Year. After beignets and tea, she tried to leave– something about things to do that day– and eventually made it out the door, but if it was up to Aiman and the rest of us, she would’ve been held hostage stayed for much longer.
I’m so glad and thankful she called that night and it was such a treat to hang out, as it always is. I love that girl!
(It totally helps that she’s FAMOUS! and her boyfriend, Corey, is a hip-and-happenin’ (awesome) upcoming Christian rap artist!)
This is an old picture, but she's EVEN SKINNIER AND GORGEOUS NOW. God, if I didn't love her so much...
You just mentioned three of my most favorite things in one post! I love love love beignets, sushi, and bubble tea! Two things I have not had in a long time (much too long) are beignets and bubble tea!! Where do you live where you can get all three so easily?! I have been making a list of foods/places I need to revisit and eat while I’m in NY. All three were on my list…except for beignets…I was just going to pick up my beignet flour (I bought from New Orleans and left at my parents’ house) to bake myself when I get back home.
You know, I don’t realize how luck I am to be in such a big city that has an enormous culinary culture until someone mentions that they don’t find certain foods easily, and when whatever they’re looking for can definitely be found one way or another here in Houston.
But you’re traveling so we’re even!
We all need a friend like Summer! Welcome to the world of uncooked fish (California Spring roll is not sushi people! At least not in my book
). Perhaps you feel brave enough to try some sashimi next?
Indeed, Summer’s a keeper! And I completely agree– Cali roll isn’t “real” sushi; its that wanna be stuff, but great for starter, I guess? Something with cooked fish is slightly better, but taking the step toward the raw fish is a big one. At least to me. Whenever I find out what sashimi is, I’ll give it a try….BECAUSE I’M A REBEL NOW!
God, I love sushi. All kinds. Sashimi too. What a coincidence – the first time I had sushi was in Houston. My sister practically shoved piece after piece down my throat – (plus ginger and wasabi) and then she said “Did you like it?” I said what was it dude!
“Sushi,” she said smilingly.
That began my love affair with sushi.
Oh and Summer sounds wonderful. Great friends are totally irreplaceable!
Do you visit Houston often??
Ginger and muddy wasabi (with soy sauce) makes the flavor explode! Love it.
If you’re ever in Houston, we should totally sushi. And yes, I just used sushi as a verb.
Aww, thanks, we’d totally sushi! My sister lives in Houston so I visited her once, hopefully Insha Allah if I ever go there again, I’d defo try n meet up. On the other hand, come to Dubai, it would b fun!
Oh, I bet!! My husband and I were just talking about vacationing somewhere and Dubai diiiiiid come up so, maybe one day!