We're currently in the midst of a very cold winter in NYC. As a lifelong New Yorker who remembers winters like this here, it doesn't really bother me. What is bothering me is what's going on in this country. As a POC, I don't have any illusions about America because it's never really been a good place for those us descended from immigrants. It wasn't so long ago that Asian people were being attacked and killed. My life is fine but right now I'm just trying to strike a balance between staying informed and staying sane. Please let me know if you are as well. Ignoring it is not the answer. Not everyone has that privilege. And something doesn't have to happen to you for you to care about it.
While immigrant communities and people of color are most the heavily impacted, it's becoming obvious that this is no longer about immigration, it is about authoritarian control, fascism and state sponsored terrorism. What makes me feel better is little actions like speaking out, engaging with my community, educating myself, donating to mutual aid and cutting off money to companies that support ICE. I participated in the ‘National Shutdown’ on January 29 and I'm also going through these helpful resources: things to do to stop ICE now and how to fight back against ICE.
If you're asking yourself, why should I care about Minnesota because it's not happening to me, know that just because something doesn't affect you now, it doesn't mean that will always be the case. The resistance to injustice is going to take all of us and there are small actions that everyone can take. You can simply use your voice and your platform to point out atrocities and what can be done. I'm still planning to move away eventually but for now I'm going to do what I can to fight because things won't just magically get better. We are not going to be able to vote our way out of this if our right to vote is taken away from us. It is not normal to experience the level of trauma perpetuated by our government so if you're feeling distressed that's normal. Remember to take care of yourself.
Reading...
I gravitated towards this book because it seemed similar to
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop which I absolutely adored. A bestseller in Korea, the story is set in a village called Marigold where an enigmatic woman opens a magical laundromat. She has the ability to wash away painful experiences from her customer's hearts, transferring them into stains on a T-shirt that are transformed into flower petals. However she must learn to find her own peace before she can truly help others. This is definitely a healing book which is uplifting and comforting. Defin is something I really need in the wake of the ugliness of humanity nowadays.
Watching...
This is technically a rewatch since I watched this Hong Kong television series back in 2001 when it was originally released. A film sequel Back To The Past came out in December. Seeing all the news regarding the movie made me nostalgic and remember how much I loved the show. Fortunately I was able to find it on Tubi and we are getting through 40 episodes. It's so much fun and I totally remember why I loved this show because it's a great combination of action, comedy, history and romance. Oh it's about a 21st-century police inspector who goes on a mission back in time to the Warring States period of ancient China, where he becomes embroiled in significant historical events leading to the unification of China. It was Louis Koo's last television series and his film career blew up after that. I forgot what a crush I had on him back then. He was seriously so good looking especially before he began tanning himself. Anyway I think I'm really going to get back into HK dramas for the sake of my Cantonese language skills.
Watched....
The last K-drama we watched was Dynamite Kiss, a rom-com that begins with passionate fling that includes a "dynamite kiss" which ends as abruptly as it starts. Fate reunites the two when the woman joins the man's company under the guise of a married mother.This drama got off to a strong start but faltered a bit. I really enjoyed the chemistry and performances of the main leads Ahn Eun Jin and Jang Ki Yong who carried the show even when the story slowed down or leaned into the usual K-drama tropes. The central romance was emotionally engaging but there was a lot of unnecessary drama when I just wanted a fluffy fun rom com. I wasn't mad at this but wished it was better.
Eating...
Kimchi Jjigae
We eat kimchi jjigae all year round but it's been on heavy rotation lately. Savory, spicy and full of flavor, kimchi jjigae is perfect for those chilly winter days. It's so easy to make by combining kimchi with meat, garlic, tofu and vegetables. Served hot, it is so satisfying and comforting. Kimchi jjigae is usually eaten with rice but we like it with ramen in our house.
Drinking...
Grown in the lush Fujian Province of China, this delightful, hand-processed green oolong tea features a double infusion which yields a creamy, indulgent, full-bodied taste layered with rich sweet cream notes and a soft, lingering finish. This tea has a creamy, complex flavor and the most amazing scent with less than a quarter the amount of caffeine per cup than coffee. A lovely way to start my mornings.
Holding...
60 Second Planks
Achieving the ability to hold a plank for one minute is a significant milestone in my core strength training. because it indicates that my core endurance and trunk stability are decent and my posture muscles are functioning well. This level of endurance was a goal since it is beneficial for various aspects of fitness, including posture, back support, and muscular endurance. Next up is 90 seconds next and then two minutes. I try to do this 5 times a week. I am very dedicated to my exercise routine because I consider it a gift to my body and overall wellbeing.
Wearing...
I subscribe to the philosophy of "buy less, buy better" in all my purchases so I tend to be very mindful about my clothing purchases and limit them to timeless wardrobe staples I can picture myself wearing years from now. This cable cashmere sweater is a forever sweater. It feels so luxurious, super soft and cozy to wear. While I really like the polished yet relaxed feel of the oversized fit, it is so generously sized that I had to go down to an XXS.
Going out to see..
We always enjoy art exhibitions but going to see art in the winter is like a cozy, indoor escape. We have such amazing
local museums and galleries in New York. Recent highlights include Chiharu Shiota's
‘Echoes Between’ where the artist's immersive thread-based installations explore memory, existence and transcendence. Also really enjoyed the
Ruth Asawa retrospective at the MOMA which details how the artist transformed humble materials into a radically expansive artistic language, collapsing the boundaries between sculpture, drawing, craft, and lived experience. Her signature suspended wire sculptures which are so delicate yet architecturally complex are amazing to see in person.
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