Current Mood

Personal Update

So it's been over a week since I wrote about escalating anti-Asian violence and shared some safety tips. Since then 62-year-old grandmother Gui Ying Ma passed away from her injuries after briefly waking from her coma. Mrs. Ma was out sweeping her property on Thanksgiving last year when a homeless man struck her in the back of the head with a rock so viciously that after she fell over he picked up the rock and hit her again. The man who was apprehended faces three felony charges, including a charge of assault with intent to disfigure and dismember and a charge of assault with intent to seriously injure someone with a weapon. This is still being investigated as a hate crime even though one of his previous victims was also Asian. On the Sunday before last, a man went around on a rampage attacking seven different, Asian women, all unprovoked, in the span of 2 hours. The victims who were punched in the face, elbowed and pushed, suffered minor injuries. The man was caught and charged with seven counts each of assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment. Of course people are already coming out to question if his crimes were racially motivated and voicing concern about his mental health. What about the mental health of the victims? I'm just really worn out and coupled with world news and the premature relaxing of pandemic safety measures, I'm feeling an uneasy sense of uncertainty about a future that seems quite terrifying. All I can do is to continue being an advocate and I will keep my own personal pandemic safety measures for as long as I feel I need them.

Reading...
Written unconventionally in the style of a screenplay, this award winning book by Charles Yu, appears to be a satire of Hollywood but it is also a smart and compelling exposition on social identity and the Chinese American immigrant experience. I'm really enjoying this one for it's heart and humor.

Watching...
This drama is based on the movie Masquerade which we did watch but don't quite remember. Anyway it tells the tale of a paranoid king who has a doppelgänger clown from a touring troupe sit in for him as he fears for his life following a failed assassination attempt. The clown faces court intrigue and power plays as he tries to keep from becoming discovered while falling in love with the queen. Yeo Jin Goo is masterfully convincing as dual characters and the production and cinematography are film level. So far we have not been able to predict what will happen and that's the way we like it.

Watched...
This drama has been recommended to me so many times and it is on many top lists. We've avoided it because the tone just seems so miserable. The story revolves around a young woman and a middle aged man who work in a office and how their lives become entwined. It is not a romance thankfully but rather a deep, layered tale about the strength of the human spirit. Much the circumstances the characters begin in are heartrending and that was hard to watch but the heartwarming payoff is worth it. It teaches a valuable lesson about what is important in life. Lee Sun Kyun who has been a favorite since Coffee Prince delivers an incredible performance. And I have never been impressed with IU's acting until watching this. You really felt her pain. The supporting cast was really strong as well. Definitely recommend.

Eating...
This taco salad (recipe from the Kitchn) is a healthier take on tacos which I've been making a lot lately. I like that it's packed with flavor, protein, fiber and healthy fats. The creamy yogurt and cilantro dressing is so good!

Boosting...
My Protein Intake
Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder is the cleanest protein powder I've been able to find that doesn't contain any carbs or sugar. I like to use it in my morning smoothies or when a recipe needs a protein boost. I've been upping my protein intake because I'm trying to build muscle.

Trying...
I've always wanted to see how prescription strength skincare  would work on my dark spots so of course I was interested when Musely reached out to see if I wanted to try their service and products. I will be using their Spot Cream and Anti-Aging Night Cream and I'll post a review sharing my experience after I spend some time with them.

Working out with ...
These guys appeared on a recent episode of Master In The House and I was intrigued by the dynamic workout they put together so I checked out their videos which I found to be really good because they are geared towards home fitness enthusiasts which is what I am. They offer different types of workouts of all levels. I really like their cardio workouts and their energetic and concise format which makes their exercises easy to follow. I've been alternating between their workouts and my exercise bike for my cardio lately. I always have a good sweat with them. Mark and Ryo are my favorite instructors. 

Loving...
My Home Edit Divided Freezer Bins do a wonderful job of streamlining the proteins in my freezer. This rack has made a huge difference in organizing packaged goods and opening up space in our freezer. I don't know I lived without this before. I ordered another one as soon as I had this one set up and saw how functional and space saving it was.

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12 comments

Ivana Split said...

Take care, these are crazy times.

R's Rue said...

I need to try those tacos. Stay safe Rolala.

Steph-G said...

My prayers go to all the Asians who had to endure the hate they dont deserve.

https://bit.ly/3hlnA8F
Steph-G

Mariann Yip said...

Love this list.


Love: Mariann Yip
https://www.mariannyc.com/celebrating-the-book-launch-of-un-hinged/

Hena Tayeb said...

It's a crazy world, stay safe.
Is the protein powder vegan?

Lovely said...

It's scary! Take care and stay safe!
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com

Lovely said...

Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com

Pablo Parra (Fungi) said...

Hello there!

First of all I hope you're doing well an thanks for your latest comment on my blog post. Talking about vision boards I actually think that you do a lot of fantastic vision boards style on your blog for your posts, so that's a way to keep doing vision boards too :)! This one is a fantastic example of options that can help us to expand the possibilities and find out new things: from cultural products to some amazing food or things that can nourish our bodies and souls.

It is really sad to hear that violence against Asians is still happening, specialy in the current scenario of war and chaos :( It makes me really sad specially because latinamericans also suffer a similar kind of racism of violence in many places. Thanks for raising awareness on this topic, there's a long way to go but we have to keep fighting!

Pablo
www.HeyFungi.com

Kinga K. said...

Nice post, take care❤

Mica said...

So sorry that there are still so many cases of senseless violence around :( I'm glad that you are able to stay safe and do what feels right for you. On a lighter note it's god that you have found some things to enjoy and some things to watch and read to relax and unwind. Take care of yourself!

Hope that your week is going well! Another stormy day here.

Away From The Blue

Emmylou said...

Chingu, I totally understand how you feel about the anti-Asian violence:( It really is quite depressing. I don't even know what to tell the kids anymore except to always be vigilant, and really try not to be alone. I've never talked about this on my blog, but just before the pandemic happened, my eldest was out trick-or-treating and was going home alone (he left his group) when he was attacked by a group of kids and we ended up calling the police and had an investigation going on. These vile people start young, you know?
Anyhoo....on a lighter note, thank you for the heads up on all these great shows!:)

Sakuranko said...

Oh very good favorites