Writing Funk

Though I am so glad I got to travel around this month, it has taken a toll on my second draft. I've been away from it so long that my progress has taken a big hit. I know I still have time to finish before my deadline, but I feel so disconnected from the work which makes it difficult for me to keep going. Also, having a full-time job doesn't make it any easier when all I want to do when I get home is rest and zone out.

I know. I need to just suck it up, stop with the excuses and just do it, right?

But it's so hard to be in a writing funk. And then, when I'm in a writing funk, all I want to do is binge on shows (BTW, I am sooo obsessed with BBC's Sherlock! It's so good!).

I really need a slap in the face right now to get out of it. Anyone willing to oblige?

Valentine's in Vancouver

Did you guys have a good Valentine's? I hope so! For Michael and I, we kept it low key. We had one-hour massages that just felt oh so heavenly and a home cooked meal. I was in charge of cooking for the night so I made lobster and veggies and bought salumi and olives for the apps. This was the first time I had ever made lobster, and boy did it turn out yummy!

For the three day weekend, Michael took me to Vancouver, Canada (I'm a lucky gal!). I had never been to Canada and didn't know really know what to expect. He got us a room at the Opus Hotel. If you ever go to Vancouver, you should stay there. It's so trendy and cute, your greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, and the rooms are so retro and comfortable. Did I also mention they have deep bath tubs? Best baths ever!

 

Did I ever tell you that Michael is a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain? Well that's how he found out about the hotel and that's also how he found out about JAPADOG! So shortly after checking in Staurday afternoon, we ventured out into the drizzly rain to JAPADOG, a hot dog joint styled around japanese flavors. It was neat to try and their shaken fries were great. Then for Happy Hour we went to The Flying Pig for some drinks and fritters (As you can tell, this was a foodie weekend!).

Lately, I've been obsessed with Ramen. I mean, it's just so good! The broth, the noodles, need I say more? So we went to the best ramen house for dinner, Ramen Santouka. It was so good, Michael and I ate their everyday of our trip (yep, that's three times in three days ladies and gents) and each time we went there was always a line out the door! This is a must-go. I repeat, MUST-GO!

To end the night we had some drinks and of course some dessert!

On Sunday we went to Granville island to check out the public market. It was similiar to Pike Place in Seattle, but way cleaner and better organized. We checked out all the neat shops and strolled around then enjoyed some tea and macaroons and even fish and chips!

For dinner that night we went to Miku, a japanese restuarant that specializes in seared fish along the waterfront. The food was delicious! It differed from traditional sushi which made it a great experience to try. And again, let me just say the dessert was amazing!

On Monday our last day, we took it easy and went to the Planetarium then had ramen for lunch before heading back to Seattle.

All in all, another great trip and one for the books. This year is starting off right with so many trips and new experiences. Next stop? Palm Dessert!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I know today is a Hallmark/commercialized holiday, but love is in the air, pinks and reds paint the town, a sea of flowers overflow, and an assortment of sweet treats fill my eyes! I'm not ashamed to admit it, I like this holiday. I like receiving cute little valentine's and making an ordinary day not so ordinary anymore. So to you reading this, Happy Valentine's Day!

Fun fact, did you know the oldest surviving Valentine is kept in the British Library, dating all the way to the 1400's? Well now you know!

So how will I be spending today? Well, I woke up this morning and filled the apartment with little post-it notes for Michael to find when he woke up, filled with inside jokes, memories, and cute sayings. Last night when we had dinner with his sister and her husband in Bellevue, we picked up some truffles for our dessert tonight. I can't wait to devour them!

Tonight we're also getting massages, having a home cooked meal, and then Michael's taking me to Vancouver, Canada for the weekend! I'm so excited since I've never been!

Here's wishing you all a great Valentine's and a wonderful weekend!

NYC Series: Night life, Chelsea Market, and Ippudo

This will be the last post of my NYC series (for now anyway-I may make another return in April!). Continuing off my last post, this past Saturday my sister and her friends took me out for the night life on the lower east side for a few drinks and some great dancing. We went to a place called Fat Baby to start then ended at Hotel Chantelle. Both places were crazy packed, but both ended up being a blast!

My sister and I at Fat Baby

My sister's friend and I at Hotel Chantelle

The next morning my sister took me to the meat packing district so that I could walk the highline. Shortly after we went to Chelsea Market to check out all the neat shops and eateries.

Inside the Chelsea Market

 

But for brunch I had my heart, or perhaps I should say stomach, set on ramen! So we walked to Ippudo to satisfy my craving.

When we got there, ten minutes before the restuarant opened, there was already a line! Can you believe that? We ended up being somewhere in the middle of the line which wasn't too bad.

The wait was so worth it though. Such delicious food that completely warmed me up from the inside out. Even as I write this I'm still salivating for a taste of it! If you're ever in NY, check it out. It's worth the wait.
 

Pork Buns!

Ramen :)

All in all, my New York experience turned out great! I'm so glad I got to see my sister and I'm so happy I was able to experience the city even though it was a short while. The memories there will definitely be one for the books!

NYC Series: Grand Central Station, Central Park, and the Met

(Continuation of this post)

After getting done with the Library, I went to the Grand Central Station to see the comings and goings of New York City.

It was neat to finally see if after seeing it in so many films. Afterwards, I met up with my sister for brunch at Bareburger.

On my way I passed the Chrysler building so I took a quick snapshot of it:

After our brunch we took a long walk around Central Park, even though it was so cold out. Even in winter, Central Park is still gorgeous, all dolled up in its frosty glory.

 

Any Gossip Girl fans recognize this?

Or maybe this side of it?

See the Boathouse from 27 Dresses?

Bow Bridge

On top of Belvedere Castle

Next we went to the Metroplitan Museum of Art.

 



Inside the Met!

 

 

One of the cool exhibits

On the steps of the Met oustide.

All three places were exactly what I hoped it would be. By the time we finished, my sister and I were so famished that we had an early dinner at Barriere, one of her fave restaurants, then rested the rest of the evening before we went out again for the night life!

NYC Series: Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library

Last Saturday, I woke up early to take advantage of my time left in NYC. Since the Empire State Building is so iconic, I decided to make it my first stop. If I thought Seattle was cold, it was nothing compared to the frigid winter air of New York! Still I trudged along and walked from my sister's Manhattan apartment.

Walking up towards the Empire State Building

But right as I got there, a bus load of asian tourists got off. These weren't just any asian tourists. They were pushy asian tourists. For a moment I debated whether or not to just come back later, but wasn't left with much of a choice as I was swept into the crowd. Eventually I made it up to the top and was greeted with a wonderful view:

It was so cold, but worth it!

I spent awhile there just taking it in before I left. Upon exiting a snapped this photo from the lobby:

I quickly got into a cab then headed to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.

Front view of the New York Public Library

Back view of the Library

Unfortunately for me, I had an hour and a half before the library opened so I filled it with a walk around Bryant Park. It was a small but quaint park with an outdoor rink.

Outdoor rink at Bryant Park

After awhile and unable to deal with the cold, I ducked into Le Pain Quotidien, a cute cafe nearby to crab some coffee and a croissant for breakfast.

Afterwards I headed to the library and immediately loved it. The building was just beautiful! Just take a look of the photos below!

Entrance

Looking upwards at the ceiling.

Entrance view from the second floor.

Hallway to one of the wings.

Walking up to the second floor.

My favorite room of the Library.

Stairs

Lamp and window

Door detail

The Library had a neat exhibit about children's literature too.

If you ever find yourself there, check out the gift shop too. They have some neat stuff. I got myself a necklace with an Emily Dickinson quote and got Michael a ring with 15th century poetry (poesy) on it.

If you missed the first part of my NYC series, you can check it out here: NYC Series: A slice, Houston Hall, and Greenhouse .

NYC Series: A slice, Houston Hall, and Greenhouse

This past weekend was definitely one to remember spent in New York City visiting my sister! Yep, yep! Michelle Tran found herself in the big apple and boy was it a shock! This week I'll be posting a series of my NYC adventure, so stay tuned all week :)

Last Friday evening I arrived at Penn Station around six p.m. The first thing I noticed? People. Tons of people everywhere. At 4'11'', I craned my neck trying to find the exit to the street. Once I got onto the street, suitcase in tow I tried my best at hailing a cab. It was nearly impossible. Turned out it was market week. So when this guy on a bike comes around with an attached carrier seat and says that he can give me a lift, I agree to it because I'm freezing and I felt kind of bad for him.

So I get in. Right away I could tell that it was a BIG MISTAKE! This guy's weaving in and out of the streets and I realize I, or my luggage could fall out at any moment. Not to mention I finally noticed a sign on his bike that says $3 per minute (which is a rip off, a cap is cheaper and warmer!). Immediately I tell him I want out, I rather walk. So when I get out and try to pay for a six minute ride that only got me down three blocks ($15 dollars plus tip), his payment device wouldn't work. I should also mention that before I agreed to the ride I told him that I didn't have cash, only a card, which he said he was fine with. So when his device wouldn't work he started to blow up on me demanding that I pay up. Was it my fault his device wasn't working? No, right? I offered to buy him something to compensate, some food nearby and what not, but he's still upset that I didn't go through the whole ride. His voice started to rise as he inched toward me. I did the only thing I could think of: I grabbed my suitcase and ran.

What a great welcome to the city. Please note my sarcasm here.

But I tried not to let the incident bog me down or the fact that I was stupid enough to get trapped in the scam. Putting my feet to work I walked to my sister's apartment completely wide-eyed as I tried to take in the shock of the city compared to the Boston Suburbia where I had spent the days prior.

Quick shot of the lit Empire State Building as I walked by.

Finally I made it and was so stoked to see my sister! It's been almost two months since I had last seen her. Since I was starving she immediately took me to Vezzo where I got to experience the NY style pizza, or "slice" as they say. Granted it was at a restaurant and not a street vendor, but it still counts, right?

It was delicious! Half meat lovers (my sister's choice) and sweet italian sausage with basil (my choice).

It was so great to catch up and see how great my sister was doing in just a few months since she's moved there. By the way she talks and enjoys the city, I could tell she's found a home here.

Afterwards, she and her friends showed me the night scene. First we went to Houston Hall in the West Village for a few drinks.

Next we went to Greenhouse close by and ended the night by dancing the rest of the night away. It was a small jam-packed club with a great vibe with the multi-colored lights and hanging glass decor.

It had been a while since I had gone out to dance which made it such a great way to start off the memorable weekend and almost made me forget about my earlier haggling incident with the biker.