How are we almost at the end of April? I'm actually doing fine but I feel exhausted by this year already. Trying to straddle the line between staying informed and staying sane can do that to you though. I've gotten back into hand lettering and am still progressing with my language learning. I'm also still deeply invested in curbing my consumerism. I'm just more interested in sustainability practices than acquiring more stuff that I don't need and I'm vibing with people who are on the same wavelength.
Reading...
Game Changers is a LGBTQ sports romance series centered within the professional hockey world. These books are standalone stories that a connected universe. I started reading Heated Rivalry because I watched the television series and I wanted to see how closely it followed the book. The show was actually a pretty faithful adaptation of the Heated Rivalry book. So being invested in the show and looking forward to the second season, I read the sequel book The Long Game and am now reading Role Model. The author herself calls her books "hockey smut" and she has managed to fit all kinds of different dynamics and romance tropes into them. They're an easy read and I enjoy the humor as well as the character development in her writing. No I have no interest in hockey the sport. It looks boring not mention the NHL, most players and actual hockey culture are toxic AF and not inclusive at all. I don't want to support that kind of crap and I really hate how they're using the popularity of Heated Rivalry to try to whitewash their image. Gross!
Watched....
So I actually took a break from Asian entertainment and watched Heated Rivalry at the suggestion of a few friends. I wasn't sure what to expect but it made me swoon, it made me feel, it made me laugh, it made me cry. I became invested in the love story and I totally get it now. I can't wait for season 2! I have watched it a few times and have taken away something new with each watch. My husband watched it with me and enjoyed it too. It's so well executed, the quality for the budget the show was produced on is very impressive. and the acting is actually solid all around. A reason I stopped watching American tv/films is because of the lack of quality and bad acting from the nepo babies and influencers that get cast. The breakout performance belonged to Connor Storrie who played Ilya Rozanoz. I was surprised to find out that he was from Texas because he perfectly embodied a Russian hockey player who hides his trauma beneath a tough exterior. It wasn't even just his flawless Russian, it was all the subtlely and total transformation of his portrayal. I haven't been this impressed with an American actor since the late Chadwick Boseman and he is an exciting talent. So anyway I ran into Connor at my grocery store a few weeks ago when he was in NYC shooting a movie. I'm not going to get into details but it was a lovely encounter and he is really lovely. Living in NYC, I see celebrities all the time but rarely interact with them so this was a rare occasion and it made my day because he was so sweet.
Watching...
Agent from Above (乩身) is a Taiwanese fantasy television series based on the novel series The Oracle Comes. This series blends traditional Taoist folk beliefs with modern urban fantasy, portraying a world where gods, spirits, and humans coexist. We are enjoying it for the engaging story, strong performances, and impressive visual effects. I really appreciate how Asian shows can successfully blend genres like humor, action and supernatural together. And I like hearing Mandarin spoken.
Lisening to...
I recently discovered the musical stylings of DPR IAN and I can't stop playing his songs. His multi-genre approach which incorporates elements of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative pop translates to an avant-garde and enigmatic musical style. I'm spinning the album Moodswings In To Order on repeat and my favorite songs are So Beautiful and Peanut Butter & Tears.
Eating...
I think I have maybe eaten one eggroll in my entire life because they're not traditional Chinese cuisine and are actually a typical Chinese American takeout staple. I do however enjoy this eggroll in a bowl recipe because it is a low carb, easy and healthy dish that combines protein and vegetables that is endlessly versatile because you can change up your protein and veggies as you like. I like to eat it with a small portion of purple rice.
Focusing on..
My Arms & Abs
I remain dedicated to my exercise routine because I consider exercise a gift to my body and overall wellbeing. I'm currently working out 7 days a week. I've been particularly focused on building core and arm strength through 2 days of strength training and 1 day of pilates. My eleven line abs have become more defined and I feel a better sense of balance and form. I'm also happy with the definition of my arms and the strength I've gained. Ready for sleeveless season. Speaking of working out, I'm really proud of the fact that I haven't bought any new workout wear in over two years. I cycle through 4 outfits that I take care of and this is all part of my efforts to live sustainably.
Cooking with...
As much as I like my Boos Board, it's nice to have a flat more streamlined board with more surface area to work on. I got rid of my plastic cutting board because of microplastics concerns so I purchased Material’s The MK Free Board on sale last month. This large plant-based cutting board designed to be non-porous, antibacterial, and free of permanent microplastics is perfect for meal prep. I’ve been using it for a few week and I'm quite impressed with it's functionality and size.
Loving...
My Aviator Glasses
I tend to favor rimless and semi-rimless glasses because I like the low profile. I recently got this pair of aviators which is a style I've always wanted to try. Anyway they are so chic and go with all types of outfits. I love them so much that I got myself a backup pair. It's so funny that they look small on their own but so oversized on my face. Been diligently using my ZIIP Halo and it has been doing wonders for my skin.
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1 comment
It is great to hear what you have been up to. I heard good things about that show (Heated Rivalry) and it is great you had al lovely interaction with the actor that stars in it. It is also good that it is a faithful adaptation of the book.
Proud on you for being so consistent with your fitness journey. Doing sports regularly plays such a difference, especially with years. I have a colleague in her sixties that I often go hiking with. She always tells me that she has a duty to her kids to stay as healthy as possible and that is why she is so strict and disciplined with herself. I wish more people thought like that.
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