I can't believe it's November already and I know everyone likes the mild fall we've been having but I'm not really feeling too good about the fact that I was able to wear short sleeves outside this time of year this week. It's not normal and it's not a good thing because this is a result of climate change and it will only get worse. And the election results of this past week are encouraging but as a a realist, I really need people to realize that no wins have actually happened yet and voting is just the beginning. We need to hold our politicians accountable to make sure meaningful systemic change actually happens.
Reading...
Set against the backdrop of an unforgettable summer in Taipei, Lily Chen is a Yale student who is there for a ten‑week Mandarin program hoping to reconnect with her cultural roots. Her experience quickly becomes overwhelming as she navigates a transformative journey. As a fan of R.F. Kuang's writing, I was interested in this book as it centers on Heritage language learning and the emotional complexity of a diaspora identity. I can definitely relate as someone who is currently relearning Chinese with plans to eventually move to Asia. I really like the way the story grapples with grief, language, and culture shock in a way that is at the same time wryly humorous and profoundly moving.
Watching....
In a year with many good rom coms, Make Me Tingle might be one of my favorites. This series that tells the story of a conservative marketer, and the CEO of an adult‑products startup, whose disastrous blind date turns into an opposites‑attract workplace romance as they clash over values, intimacy, and love. These two have profoundly different perspectives on sex and relationships and are able to find their true selves through healing healthy communication. It's smart and heartwarming without relying on tropes and the characters stay true to themselves. Nam Ji Hyun and Kim Jae Young are so good and their chemistry is off the charts. And this is the first show that given me second lead syndrome in awhile.
Finished Watching...
I never thought I would love a show set in a prison but I absolutely did. This Taiwanese workplace comedy drama is about a former Taekwondo athlete who is forced into working as a prison guard to pay off a debt. He initially laments his situation but soon he bonds with fellow guards and inmates and discovers unexpected humanity amidst absurd and harsh conditions. My husband and I enjoyed the Taiwanese humor as well as the emotional resonance and how the show blends darkly funny situations with a slice‑of‑life undertone about finding friendship, purpose, and resilience in an unlikely job. This show also has the most ridiculously fun and entertaining opening, I've ever seen. We've really been loving TW series lately and watching them has helped to improve our Mandarin.
Eating...
After the cyclosporiasis outbreak of the summer. I'm still not taking any chances and cooking my vegetables. I love a roasted vegetable salad because it makes for a hearty meal that is healthy, won't be heavy or cause inflammation. I try very hard to avoid inflammation because it shows up on the face and manifests through your body. I love any combination of broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and mushrooms tossed my favorite miso tahini sauce - so delicious and gut friendly! It so good topped with roasted tofu, salmon or chicken.
Drinking..
Miso Soup
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fall is a time when the body adapts to cooler weather, and drinking warm, nourishing soups helps to counteract cold and dampness. Made from miso (fermented soybeans) and dashi broth, miso soup is a comforting, nutrient-rich choice that supports warmth, digestion, and immune health. I enjoy it for breakfast with lots os seaweed, kale and tofu. Who am I kidding, I drink hot soup all year round and never ever touch iced beverages to support my digestion.
Preparing for..
Potential Emergencies and Disasters
Many public authorities across regions in North America, Europe and Asia are currently recommending that citizens maintain emergency stockpiles inside their residences. Official agencies have advised people to keep a reserve of water, food, and vital provisions to ensure self-sufficiency if critical infrastructure fails during an unexpected crisis. Truthfully, I still maintain a home emergency kit and I've been moderately stockpiling since the start of the pandemic. If it taught us anything, it's that supply chain issues and shortages can happen. So I always keep essentials on hand to reduce risks and live with peace of mind. I might have purchased water purification tablets, toilet liners, a backup emergency radio and some thermal emergency blankets recently though.
Playing...
Pickleball
My husband and I decided to take advantage of the pickleball courts around our neighborhood and we've started playing pickleball. It was surprisingly easy to pick up and is quite fun. I also enjoy the low‑impact, exercise it provides. Playing pickleball is considered a highly effective form of moderate‑to‑vigorous exercise with meaningful cardiovascular and muscular benefits. We've also become acquainted with other players and sometimes play with them.
Going to see...
Broadway Shows
Seeing Broadway shows is one of the best things about living in NYC and we started going again in September. The best thing is that we've never paid over $50 per ticket because of of lottery and rush tickets. We've seen Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across Manhattan, (heartfelt), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (really fun), The Play That Goes Wrong (funny), and Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody (raucous and entertaining but definitely for fans of the show. The highlight is Maybe Happy Ending which tells the story of two outdated HelperBots, Oliver and Claire, in near‑future Seoul as they unexpectedly form a deep emotional bond, exploring companionship, love, and the fear of loss as Claire’s system begins to fail. So heartfelt and charming, it's been our favorite for sure. And I won the ticket lottery so we scored 2nd row balcony tickets for just $20.64. There are some other shows we want to see like Oh, Mary which looks like a riot but we're going to hit pause for now since it's cold and flu season and people these days are so nasty that they go out and spread their germs like it's nothing when they're sick. We still mask but no thanks.
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