I ate sushi many times over the subsequent 13 years as a result. 

But in about 2008 or ‘09, I went out with coworkers and got some sushi. At the time, I wasn’t feeling great, but I went anyway and ate. I came down with the flu afterwards. I don’t blame the sushi but my brain and stomach held the association anyway. And I quit sushi cold turkey. 

In early 2012, I decided to give it another try and I went to a local place. It didn’t make me sick but it had zero flavor whatsoever and, as a result, I lost desire to have it again. 

Fast forward to tonight, Nathan and two of his cousins went to my parents’ house to spend the night, so Katie and I went out to a hibachi grill with my brother and his wife and I wound up trying sushi again. 

It was fantastic! Nothing particularly risky. Just checking to see if I enjoyed it and it didn’t make me sick. Check and check. 

I’m gonna do it again! Heck yeah! Plus we all had fun just hanging and eating and then going out for drinks afterward. 

Don’t worry. We were safe regardless how this pic looks.