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Location | New York City

Today began my first day of puppysitting Ms. Elliepoo. After work I ran over to Christine’s to drop off all my stuff before running to the Ritzy Canine Carriage House to pick up the pup. I walked her back home where she scarfed down dinner and then hopped up to the couch and promptly fell asleep.

Ellie is pooped

Around 9 I took Ellie out for her walk. Boy, she did NOT want to take a walk. Furthermore, I forgot poop bags… so luckily I came upon a newspaper dispenser and grabbed a newspaper to pick up her… poops. Good thing, or else that would’ve been mortifying.

Now I’m sitting on Ellie’s dog bed (b/c I need to be near the ac outlet) while Ellie is sprawled out on the couch sleeping. Lucky dog.

Location | New York City

Went to Central Park to see how the snow covered the park. The Mall was closed unfortunately, but you could walk around and take photos. Went around the Mall to Bethesda Terrace then up to the boathouse.

Central Park Mall

The Mall looks really peaceful without anyone walking through it.

Little snowman

Not much to the post besides that I adore Central Park

Location | New York City

I’ve had a fantastic day. I decided to go on a date with myself. It began with a trip to H&H Bagels, which, if you have never gone there before, you must. I was incredibly happy with my favorite toasted everything bagel w/ lite lox spread (delectable!). Sat there enjoying my lovely bagel and writing in my journal.

Facade of the Cloisters

Then I walked across town and got on the M4 bus to go to the Cloisters. The bus ride literally took more than an hour. When I got there, I decided to take some shots outside first because the daylight was perfect. Then I went in and walked around. It’s really a lovely museum. A lot of courtyards and places to rest and just enjoy the museum.

Stained Glass

I definitely need to return in the spring when the gardens open up.

Statue

Then afterwards, I walked through Fort Tryon Park (the museum is located in the middle of the park). I walked through snowy pathways and to the entrance where there was a playground. Of course, me, being the child I am, totally went on the swingset.

The bus came and I took the hour and a HALF long ride back to the city where I stopped off at Book-Off and then Zaiya before running 10 blocks to meet up with my coffee date, and specified lover from SF, Albie. We sat around and had 2 coffees, fries and sweets before he walked me back home.

I believe tomorrow I may be going to the opera with Albie. Soooo excited to finally go!

*humming opera songs

Location | New York City

It’s already been 15 days into February and I have not written a single 365. So, I think it’s time to close that project and go back to what this blog was originally about – exploring.

So hiatus 365. Sorry and see you again one day.

Location | New York City

Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

On Friday, James and I went to see the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle workshop at the Ohio Theatre in SoHo. Combined with elements of theatre, cinema, puppetry, it was a very good production. I was pleasantly surprised in how engaged I was in the story since the book is not the easiest one to read. It’s denser than most of his other novels and quite long.

Portions of the book were cut out so that it could be well adapted for the play itself, including my favorite characters – Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Creta, but otherwise, the play did a good job of getting the point across.

Murakami is a current obsession of mine and I hope that others will revel in his spellbinding stories.

The Wolf Moon - Night of January 29-30th

The night of the 29th to the 30th was the night of the Wolf Moon – it will appear about 14 percent wider and 30 percent brighter than the typical full moon. It was really beautiful looking at the moon while walking through SoHo. I wish I had a rooftop to look at it from.

Sunday was uneventful, I woke up a little bit late only to find out that I’d forgotten about going to Tea Time at the Crosby hotel with Jiye and Christine (I’ll post a photo up later). We enjoyed finger sandwiches, scones and tea and there was a great ambiance to just chat about life.

Later that night I went over to Christine’s to find a shaved Ellie (she looks like a different dog!) and to watch the Grammy’s.

Location | New York

I know, I’m bad. It’s too easy to not write on the blog. Inspiration doesn’t come easy when you don’t make many plans to do anything.

No photos this time, except one. I’ll post that last.

Well, I returned to New York on the 26th. It was relatively uneventful. The best part was landing in Newark and seeing the Manhattan skyline from a distance. I love being reminded that I live in such a beautiful city (from afar!).

Wednesday I had Lisa over for dinner. I made my usual fare – curried coconut chicken and rosemary parmesan potatoes. Lisa made stir-fried spinach.

Today wasn’t much, Jiye came over to pick up my gsm phone, we ate at Baoguette and I got my eyebrows threaded.

I’m most excited about seeing the Wind-Up Bird Chronicles play tomorrow. It looks really excellent from what I can tell. I’m lucky to have a ticket!

I leave you with this photo:

Ukiyo-e

This is a wood block print known as Ukiyo-E (pictures from the Floating World). I’ve always been fascinated by these prints. I’ll post some more information about them in the future.

Location | Canton, Michigan

I tried to get into fashion...

Sunday was just a silly day. I went to the mall with 2 of my best friends and we ended up at the Forever 21 accessory store… here Stacy found this tiny little hat you could clip onto your hair. This is me posing with it.

Suburban life is quite interesting. You drive everywhere, eat fast food, and hang out with your friends whenever.

I spent the rest of the evening in Ann Arbor. When I got out of the parking lot and was walking toward Espresso Royale… lo and behold… I ran into RJ Q!! I thought RJ was in California, but he had moved back and was randomly walking down the street! So we went to Espresso and hung out for a bit and Alan stopped by, as did Ngoc, Dave and later Chris Q. It was definitely a great time seeing everyone.

This is Hanna!

The next day was just a “take it easy” day for me. Went to Ann Arbor, hung out with Ngoc and co then later Chris Q stopped by. Had dinner with Nikki which I just now remembered that I was supposed to treat her… BUT I TOTALLY FORGOT!!! Oops… I will have to treat her in June!

Anyway, it was a wonderful trip to Michigan and I’m looking forward to returning in June and again in August!

Location | Canton, Michigan

The writing on the toilet stall

I’m back in my home state! The moment I got back, we headed to Michigan’s campus and had Pita Kabob Grill, walked through the diag, where we stopped in at Angell Hall’s bathroom and there was graffiti all over the wall. This one particularly caught my eye. Although the line is so simple, it’s quite beautiful.

Besides PKG, we headed to Bubble Island. I was one of the few Asians there (which scared me…). Had a Thai tea then headed to Stacy’s apartment in Bloomfield Hills.

The next day we went to Panera for breakfast and then to see the location for Stacy’s wedding. After that we drove to Elizabeth’s Bridal Manor in Plymouth where we tried on dresses. Luckily we all found a dress that we could agree on.

I may not be smiling, but I like this dress!

You can barely see the dress in the above photo, but you can also find it on the website for the designer. We’re getting the dress in plum.

After getting the dresses, we decided to go to Grand Traverse Pie Company to have a slice of pie. After that, my cousin picked me up and we went to Potbelly’s for dinner and then I got back to my cousin’s place where I just cleaned their ENTIRE apartment… my goodness…

Location | New York City

L'Artusi Salad Prep - Credit to Zagat Buzz

Again, I’ve become delayed on the 365. That’s what happens when you’re working late hours. Last night I happened to go to L’Artusi in the West Village. I would’ve loved to take some photos, but the place was a little too classy for me to pull out my camera and take any photos. Anyway, I went to take my friend Chris out for his birthday. We ordered scallops (raw!) with uni (yummm!), potato gnocchi with braised chicken and wild boar with cranberry over bruschetta.

Ok, so we felt just about right after eating all of that, but we still went to Magnolia to get their amazing banana pudding. If you go to Magnolia for their cupcakes, you’re definitely going for the wrong thing. Their banana pudding is where it’s at!

For today, the inspiration is a little less. I walked to the gym and some random guy decided to say/mutter “MICHIGAN!” as I was walking by… apparently he can read my pants.

A Wild Sheep Chase (photo credit to justonlysteve)

I just started to read “A Wild Sheep Chase” by Haruki Murakami. I’m actually quite enjoying it even though I am confused as to what’s going on. It reminds me that I need to re-read some of my Murakami’s. Anyway, the photo is a reminder as what I want to do this summer – READ AND DRINK COFFEE OUTDOORS!

Location | New York City

Do you believe in fate? Things that happen for a reason?

No photo. I dedicate today to S.B.D.

Today I got off the subway at 49th street as usual, but I caught a glimpse of someone I did not expect to see and it completely made my head spin. I could feel my chest tighten and my whole body go rigid.

It was almost like seeing a ghost. It was S.B.D’s sister. As she was heading into the station, I was exactly exiting. What is the likelihood of running into someone from your past that happens to be a mom living in Michigan at 9:15am at the same subway you get off of in New York City?

Sometimes I wonder what the grand scheme of things is… but it was just a very strange out of body experience.