Remember when I questioned God why the heck He would design us human beings to require sleep, here on this post? I’m surprised it took so long for me to get it. But I’ve finally found out the answer. The answer is that sleep isn’t just a biological requirement for us humans to function properly. It’s a gift from God.
After this winter break, I’ve discovered the true function of sleep. Our daily lives are like a school semester. We work, we study, we think, we debate, we hang out, we play. But by the end of the semester, we’re just burned out, and we’re sick of school, sick of all the constant activities. But thankfully, we’re granted a break just before we go crazy. During that break, we actually get to relax, because we’re free from all the stress and worries of homework, 10-page essays, and exams. If it weren’t for these occasional holidays, school will just…be intolerable, a complete hell-hole, even if the classes are fun and interesting. At some point, we just need to be able to let loose and forget about everything school-related.
Same thing with sleep. During the day (or night, if you’re a night owl, cough— Christina— cough 
), you’re constantly laboring, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. By the end of the day, you’re probably a bit cranky. Stay up a bit longer, and you’ll probably get on somebody’s nerves. That’s when sleep comes in. Sleep temporarily transports you into a different world in which you are blissfully ignorant of the real, 3-dimensional world. You have no choice but to slow down, relax, and succumb yourself to your dreams, which you’ll probably forget when you wake up.
And when you do, you’ll be all ready for a new beginning, a new day. Your mind, body and soul has been replenished, so you wake up with refreshed energy to jump right back to your daily activities.
As I said, I only really realized this after my break, because as fast as it seemed to pass, and as burned out as I was by the end of last semester, I’m now all ready and eager to start the new semester! I think I’m taking some pretty interesting classes too. One of them will be on Global Health Issues, and another is Art: Drawing. I can’t wait to burst out of my little American bubble and learn more about global issues, and I’m so excited to rediscover my passion for art.
That said, I have one final post left to share about my eats back in the east coast. And please don’t throw your snowballs at me, but am I freaking glad to be back in sunny SoCal! I can’t help cackling wickedly to myself in my t-shirt and flip-flops, while my parents still waddle around like penguins in these attires: 
Aaahh. God bless L.A. 
Okay, back to chilly DC. I met up with one of my best friends, Joyce, her boyfriend Allen, and an old friend John for a last lunch together the day before I left. We went to a local restaurant called Sweet Ginger in Vienna: 
Sweet Ginger is a pan-Asian restaurant, mostly known for its cheap sushi and huge menu. It’s walking distance from my house, and has been around for quite awhile, but I’d never found the incentive to visit until now.
The interior is trendy, with bold, intense colors. Seems like most Asian places are sticking with modern design now.
Unfortunately, even though I asked for a seat with good lighting, the place was really dark, which means photography fail #1. Meanwhile, there were bright rays of direct sunlight— photography fail #2. Le sigh. With my crappy point-and-shoot camera, there wasn’t much I can do, but I tried my best to take decent pictures.
John ordered a Sweet Ginger special per my recommendation, the Sweet Ginger Pasta: 
Red curry cream sauce chicken & Asian fettuccini pasta topped with spicy curry cream sauce and spinach, mushroom & basil
According to John, it was good, but the sauce was a bit more liquidy than we’d expected. 
Allen ordered the Chicken Panang Curry: 
Thai pan-cooked curried peanut sauce with herbs and spices, served over grilled chicken breast 
It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great, either. The portion was a bit small, especially for a steak-loving guy like Allen.
Joyce ordered the Box C Lunchbox Special: 
Shrimp and vegetable tempura and sushi. With Miso Soup, House Salad, Rice, California Roll, Japanese Dumpling and fried tofu. 
I would have ordered the lunchbox special myself, if I didn’t already have something else in mind.
I ordered the Crazy Roll: 
Asparagus tempura, cream cheese, crabmeat, rolled outside with avocado, salmon, tuna, and roe, and spicy sauce 
Holy roll!! This was one crazy roll, all right! Damn the lighting, it could have been SO beautiful if there was better and more natural lighting! 
But anyway, it was damn GOOD! I’m not a sushi connoisseur, so I can’t judge the freshness of the fish, or the perfect temperature and seasoning of the sushi rice, but this made one hell of a combination…a fiesta in my mouth! How do you say “fiesta” in Japanese, anyway? Anyone? 
The only fault I found with this roll was that it was not filling at all. I could have easily ordered another one of these, and still have room left over. 
I can’t believe I haven’t had sushi in 4 years. I would foresee more sushi in the future if I wasn’t so broke. If anyone wants to treat me to sushi, give me a ring.
It’s so nice to catch up with old friends. I only allowed myself about a few minutes to stop talking and inhale my wonderful sushi. And then it was gabble time. We talked and talked about everything from school and marriage to false prophets and cults. Haha. And it was really interesting, because we are such an eclectic group, bonding over one common love: Christ. 
John (who I haven’t seen in 2 years!) is quiet, reserved, sensitive, and incredibly helpful. Allen (the one on the right and who is about to blow his nose into a napkin) is gregarious, sincere, passionate, and easily excitable. 
Joyce is sweet, reflective, lovable, and dreamy. And me? I’m the slow fool who only just started to appreciate sleep and rest.
Speaking of sleep— I have not forgotten my New Year prayer topic to turn into bed before 2 am. I’m still not there yet, but I’m climbing into bed earlier and earlier each night, so yahoo to progress!
Question of the day: Non-college students are probably back to work, while we college students are getting ready to start a new semester. Either case, are you happy to be back to a normal, busy lifestyle? And what is your favorite Asian cuisine?
Related posts:
That crazy roll is so pretty! I have recently fell in love with Philadelphia rolls — so, SO good. My favorite Asian cuisine is Pad Thai noodles, sushi and egg rolls. Lol, I’m not very exotic.
Jenn
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Wow, crazy roll! You have had some awesome eats during your break!
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Yummy what a great treat! I want a bite. I had a 3 week break from work, its a bit of an adjustment getting back. My favorite Asian dish? Bim Bim Bop, did I spell that right..its sooo delicious, served at my favorite sushi restaurant.
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Wow, totally different site look! Congrats! I’m not sure I’m back in normal mode yet, still so many friends visiting and lots of eating going on!
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I like your thoughts on sleep. I’ll need to ponder them a bit myself.
Also, your cheesy pumpkin balls (how wrong does that sound?!)
were the only recipe folks submitted to my blog’s little “contest,” so you won! I think you would have won anyway, though, because the recipe looks amazing. Bleu cheese? Yum!!
Anyway, you win either a chance to guest post on my humble little blog, or for me to feature you. Thoughts? Send me an email at escagnel04 (at) yahoo (dot) com.
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I think sleep is a lot like God taking a rest on the seventh day. If God felt the need to recharge, why shouldn’t we? Of course, I also think we could get by with less sleep than we do, but that is only my feelings, not substantiated with any facts.
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I totally agree with you… I don’t envy anyone back east! I will take the sun over snow anyday
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I’m jealous of all of the tasty eats you’ve had lately!
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looks like a GREAT end to your trip back east!! and i’m smiling at the image of waddling penguins
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So glad you were able to reconnect with friends and family and of course get caught up on sleep.
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im very sad to be back in school
your parents look so cute (and frozen) in the snow. im very jealous of your warm weather! i think you’re the only warm state in the country right now lol.
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I love sleeping!!!
I wish I lived California during the winter lol…thanks for rubbing it in
You need to think of a porn name because you are the QUEEN of food porn! Hands Down!
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Your blog always makes me feel like I have the blandest, boring-est, most ugly menu ever! I want everything! All at once!
I love Thai and sushi…nom nom nom! I love it all, actually : )
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This food looks amazing! The sushi rolls and tempura would have to be my favorite!
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oh I adore japanese/asian food!
spinache gomae is one of my fav. dishes. sushi! and sake;)
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The sushi looks awesome! I’ll have to get some soon! I’m already back to freezing Virginia
wish I could stay warm a little longer!
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Great post on sleep. I didn’t do a very good job at honoring my body with sleep during grad school! And it rebelled. Now, I can hardly function on less than 6 hours a night for a few nights in a row!
And I miss LA! Especially, now that I’m running more! Long runs are WAAAY more exciting outside where you have pretty scenery!
Yay for ordering pasta in a restaurant! I actually did the same tonight…which I realized was THE FIRST time I have done that (ordered pasta in a restaurant!) since before my E.D. days! I know that I have truly kicked ED’s butt, but it just felt nice when I ad that realization! (By the way, it was a huge plate of cheesed stuffed manicotti that was OH SO DELICIOUS!)
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I have to admit, I am totally not happy to be back to my busy schedule. I miss the holidays!
That food all looks so good. I have never tried an Asian cuisine that I didn’t love! I especially like Korean food – it is so flavorful. I love Japanese too!
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In regard to your comment on my blog – I think the curry has peanut butter in it, but we bought it from a deli at an organic grocery store … so I don’t know for sure. It was excellent though!
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i can use some ginger pasta right about now to soothe my sore throat! the one you had looked yummy!
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Thank you for visiting my blog! You have a lovely family! All the sushi looks great! I want a bite.
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I’ve discovered a new appreciation for sleep over my winter break, too. Can you imagine that sleeping makes me feel less tired? Wowww. I don’t think I’ve slept so well for such a prolonged period in years. Too bad it all ends now…
That crazy roll really is crazy!
Is that asparagus I see sticking out of the center?! Hahaha. The lighting doesn’t look too bad to me! It’s all colorful and rainbow :] Very pretty.
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Wow. I really like how you opened up this post… Sometimes (like during finals week especially), I’m like why do I need to sleep!? I think it’s so stupid! But really, it truly is a GIFT that God has given us- the ability to rest and relax when our days are so busy! Thank you for posting this!
(jealous your in nice warm Cali, btw!)
And your roll looked delicious- I’m sorry it wasn’t filling, but the asparagus in it looked phenomenal! I’m happy you had a good time catching up with old friends
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Got me craving good sushi now!
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I’m jealous….still “waddling around like a penguin” here in Boston!
I love sushi and that looked amazing!
I am back in school for the first time in 7 years! I am loving the feeling of starting a fresh semester! Clean slate
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Ahh..so jealous. I’m still waddling around in the cold.
The roll looks wonderful! I’m a huge sushi fan. It’s so fresh and delicious.
Oh, and I like your thoughts on sleep. It makes a whole lot of sense.
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wow crazy sushi rolls! that place looks awesome, so glad you got to catch up with an old friend
I am not a college student and BACK to work!!
love yoru explanation about sleep! you always make me think deeper, I love it
especially in the morning, its like a workout for my mind!!
fav asian cuisine is sushi! I also love seaweed salad!
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Your parents are adorable bundled up in their winter-wear.
I miss good sushi. It’s so hard to find in the middle of the country. I should move back to a coast…
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I’m actually going through a huge transition right now because I just graduated in December and am now working in the “real world.” I feel kind of alone because most students graduate in May! But I kind of like how it worked out – new year, new life!
It kind of just hit me that I’m a college grad….since I’m not flocking back to school like I usually do this time of year. It’s an incredibly freeing and exciting feeling, but it also a bit strange to get used to! The job I have right now is incredibly flexible, and I’m not used to being able to manage my own hours and what not. I certainly can’t complain
So overall I’d say I’m pretty content with my lifestyle at the moment. Not being a student anymore gives me more time to focus on personal goals and accomplishments rather than studying for tests and writing papers that I’m mostly likely not interested in!
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Getting back to normal has been great. My mind and body seek a good routine.
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I’m loving all your posts on delicious Asian places in DC. I need to start trying some of these places!!
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Hahaha woww I’ve never seen asparagus in a sushi roll before! It looks so good! I’ve gotta get me some sushi now, you’re making me drool! It’s wicked cold here in NJ, wish I were in SoCal!
I totally hear you on the sleeping and recharging of our bodies and minds. I’m currently on winter break from grad school, and I was very go-go-go during finals period. Then came Christmas and New Year, which were semi-go-go-go with family obligations and such. I really enjoyed my sleep during those times. But now it’s been 3.5 weeks since finals and I’m definitely all caught up on sleep and ready for the next semester (my final one!). I’m actually quite bored at home right now with no holidays or work to do, so I guess you could say I’m replenishing myself all day, everyday, for now hahaha.
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Yes, sleep is necessary! My body was severely lacking on it and went into overdrive with sleeping for a LONG time this past week.
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You look beautiful in that picture – it’s great to see you so happy and healthy.
Sleep is so necessary! Just wait until you have babies who wake up all through the night to be fed – you will so appreciate sleep then.
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i never read your blog without getting hungry for asian food. not chinese food from the local hole in the wall, but i want to go all out to the nearest thai food place and go bananas.. now.. im hungry!
Im back to work.. oh joys!
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what a fun day out with friends. the food looks superb! i am SO grateful for sleep. my problems never quite seem so big when i first wake up in the morning, sometime a nice nights sleep was all i really needed!
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That food looks amazing, there is nothing that gorgeous here in Oregon! I am so glad to be done with the holidays and back to normal or what passes for normal in my house!
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Sleep is really important…it’s amazing how screwed up you get if you go without it!
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I like to stay up late, love to sleep and don’t much like waking up real early even though I have to do it every day. It amazes me how cranky I am when I don’t get enough sleep.
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The curried peanut sauce sounds delicious, and I love all those unique sushi rolls!!
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Oh Sophia, the pictures of the food are torturing me, since I am starving…they all look so yummie
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wow that meal out looks AMAZING! wish I had some of that now!
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Agreed!! Sleep is definitely a gift from God. Love your blog…entertaining and inspirational!
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I am not back to school until FEb 1st, but I’ve been having to work in the early am so I’m doing good getting back into routine!
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oh yeah! Back to work, and finally gettin replies to my emails! HAha.. stil got grouchy peeps to deal with tho. All seemed so reluctant to get back to work!
MY fav Asian dish?
Fried rice! Econ rice! nasi lemak *oh shit..i’m so carbs loaded kinda gal!*
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Oooh man I love my sleep! I get up early too, so I cherish my sleep time. Especially after working long days in the restaurant kitchen, by the time you get home, all you want is your bed.
But I do understand why you wouldn’t want to waste time sleeping. Sometimes there isn’t enough time in a day, but I figure if God gave us 35 hour days, we’d still end up filling most of the time with something.. so its almost never enough.
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MMMM sushi!
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