everything and nothing

I never think it'll happen again, but it does and it's strange and it hurts.

Growing, that is.

I'd put a lot of effort in becoming comfortable with myself and accepting that I am who I am. Embracing it, even. Allowing myself love and adventure and the company that comes along with them. I never thought I'd get to the point where I felt the need to turn myself off.

In deciding to write this I started to reflect upon past hurt and the people I used to say that'd caused it. Now I'm more inclined to take responsibility. I'll never deny myself the way I feel but I've learned that I need to be more cautious. Selfish, even.

The funny thing is: I feel like I've learned this lesson before. That other people will always think of themselves first and that I should do the same, too. That I should always keep myself at a healthy distance.

I don't like this. I don't like gaslighting my own feelings. I don't like stopping myself from loving anyone the absolute most that I can. But I also don't like opening myself up only for others to pretend I'm not there.

Until I find a balance, it's goodbye for now.

office life

Way back in February, our office hosted a "Formal V-neck Friday" (a spin on our regular "Formal Friday"). Shidume sent me the photos and as I compiled the snapshots together, I couldn't stop giggling over how fantastic our office is.

You guys... I WORK with these people!!!

dok suni

I've been on a Korean-food-kick ever since going with Anna at the beginning of the month. When my sister and I were in New York we had some pretty strong bi bim bap cravings (she's pregnant; I have no excuse) so we made sure to spend one of our nights at a Korean restaurant.



My favorite way to eat (any) food (but especially Korean) is family style. Between splitting the banchan, bi bim bap and japchae-- there was plenty to share and try together. Ginger cinnamon tea was just the perfect way to top it all off.

saturday

Next time, I'm bringing my bike.

the first time

I'd been to New York once before-- when I was 16-- but I never saw the Statue of Liberty. I finally made it out on the Staten Island Ferry one Sunday evening with friends.

It'll always be funny seeing famed monuments like this. In this instance, I spent my entire life anticipating an enormous, glory-filled representation of our country. What I got instead was the most gorgeous sunset view of a tiny Lady Liberty-- complete with beer, popcorn, and that evening's landfill shipment. 

O beautiful for spacious skies, indeed.

babbo

Tease me all you want but yes, I did drag my sister to Babbo just because it's one of Mario Batali's restaurants. I remember staying up late watching Iron Chef (the original dubbed version) from the top of my bunk bed and later watching it once Mario became an Iron Chef. I even did a presentation on him for an Italian class in college.



Contrary to what I'd expected, the restaurant is very quaint and almost hidden from the outside-- I don't think we would have found it if we hadn't looked for it.



It's silly, I know. But his food is pretty amazing.

the park

There are few things better than Sundays in the park with friends. Ice cream is just the chocolate-shell on top.

happy mother's day weekend

Our office compiled this video in which we answer the question, "How has your mother inspired you to travel?" It warms my heart knowing that the people I work with cherish their mothers like this; and that my own mother has always been the original source of all my inspiration.

PS - I'm on the video landing page!?!

caracas

My new favorite restaurant and my new favorite food in my new favorite neighborhood. Arepas are where it's at.

I didn't know what arepas were until Joanna introduced us to Caracas. If you're unfamiliar, I'd describe them best as little Venezuelan sandwiches with corn-buns (gluten free!). They come in a ton of different combinations but my favorite so far are any that include avocado and plantains.

The perfect little meal.

 

bakeri

My favorite way to find new places is through the recommendation of friends. After just arriving in Williamsburg, I wrote to Nicole asking for advice about local eateries and Bakeri was one of the cafes I happened to visit from her list.

The tiny bakery is tucked away in a street off Bedford, the main road. There isn't much room inside and upon entering, I realized it wouldn't have the same charm if it had been any bigger. There's one large communal table and a little hodge podge of tiny tables by the window. There are vintage relics throughout and all the plates are mismatched (my favorite).

Beyond all of this charm, I ordered a strawberry, pastry creme, and lavender galette which tasted exactly as it sounds: like Spring. I didn't have quite enough time to sit and enjoy everything as much as I'd wanted (it's like I'm always late), but it wasn't a terrible way to start the day.