Meat-dominant, all-you-can-eat models make exceptionally few appearances on this space - and for good reasons. My limited appetite works against cost efficiency in this format, resulting in steep bill totals and minimal value gain.
The suggestion for the priciest AYCE Japanese BBQ establishment in the west side of the city came after a thorough review of similar eateries: Gyu-Kaku had been tried, Daldongnae had been eliminated, and Gyubee's menu appeared decent at best. A lukewarm review and general reluctance from the sleepy polar bear further steered me from the Hurontario-and-Eglinton spot.

​I eventually landed on Takumi's menu, which appeared promising with a wide array of marinated meats (and vegetables!) for DIY grilling, along with ready-to-eat maki rolls and appetizers.

​Our reservation had been made two weeks in advance, revealing itself as a well-informed decision. Traffic was relatively light heading eastward on Burnhamthorpe, but customer volumes within the restaurant were brimming. The prior arrangement eliminated wait time, and we were able to slide ourselves into a roomy booth within a matter of minutes.

It's worth nothing that, while the booth itself was quite spacious, leg room had been compromised drastically due to installation of the grill infrastructure beneath the table. A few spotty bits were observed on the seating cushions; these were voiced to the dress shirt-donning, manager-like authority, who expressed little concern by promptly flipping it over and gesturing that I sit down.

​Two menus resided at the table: a narrow, double-sided sheet with icons and hardcover booklet of alcoholic offerings and mocktails. On one side of the sheet were items that would arrive raw ("for grilling", as I had defined it), while the other cooked and assembled for immediate consumption. All items falling on this sheet would be included in the weeknight dinner fee of $38.99 per person; alcohol would be accounted for separately, unsurprisingly.

As we awaited the final member of our party to arrive, I began to observe my surroundings. Positioned from the ceiling, underneath the piping and mechanical systems, were green accents, likely artificial shrubbery. Closer to the table were warm-toned bulbs encased within geometric fixtures; they too were hung from the ceiling, just low enough to offer illumination above the grill yet high enough to prevent concussions to lanky patrons.

Resting at the inner edge of our table were a trio of sauces: a sweet-savoury BBQ, tangy Ponzu, and squat pitcher of Spicy Sauce. Also seen was a small container of togarashi for those craving solid specks of heat. A printed QR code was tacked onto the separation panel to access the menu from the convenience of one's smartphone. Above it was a plexiglass barrier for visual delineation from the diners on the other side of the panel.

​Placed before each seat was a partitioned condiment dish and tongs, edges curved just enough to be placed on the edge of the grill without attracting heat. Chopsticks and small plates were provided for the devouring process.
A request for warm water was met with mint chocolate ceramic mugs filled with a zingy lemon infusion. Several water refills ensued over the course of the meal, ensuring hydration in the face of smoky, seasoned meat.

View the full album HERE !

​Mother Nature  ̶c̶a̶n̶ ̶b̶e̶ is indecisive. It remains early to commence outdoor activities, yet the few spurts of warm weather have tempted us to ponder otherwise.
With a light dusting of snow on the ground, the sleep polar bear voiced concerns over all-season tires versus winter tires, declaring that "more snow" hadn't been anticipated. I raised an eyebrow at this uninformed statement and matter-of-factly retorted, "It's Canada. You should expect the unexpected." because that is precisely what statistics have led us to prepare for.

The drive to Studio Bon was the most memorable one yet in my eight months of routing to York Mills. A collision on the 401 had stilled all movement between at the Express-Collectors split, forcing eastbound to the 427 and 409 alternative and even locally to Eglinton and Martin Grove. But beyond this collision was a far more traumatizing experience. No novice to the varying circumstances of congestion and delays, I would have weaved about the scene while in review of the big picture, perhaps resulting in only a minor delay in arrival. The more significant issue at hand was adopting the role of a passenger in a vehicle guided by aggression, anxiety, lack of spatial and directional awareness, and overall unfamiliarity with the workings of the real world. When navigation assistance provided in objective terms failed to bring about the desired result, I turned to relative measures. However, those relative descriptions were forgotten in a matter of milliseconds, leading to mutual frustration and unwarranted blame. Despite having several years of tutoring under my belt, I felt frazzled, wronged, and stifled.
How could I provide universally usable instructions without use of cardinal directions, without mention of street names, without trust, and without reference to nearby landmarks in the face of instantaneous forgetfulness? Stress levels were formidable, and I silently vowed to undertake the comparatively less tense, less risky solo commute for my sanity next time around.

​We arrived at the studio later than preferred, but still in advance of the start time. The class, reviewed against the catastrophe of the eastbound drive, proceeded quite effortlessly.

​Our warmup series would commence with the Cardio Tramp, each move gradually escalating in difficulty. With a neutral spine, the following were performed:

• Feet together, extending the knees to jump, and landing on both feet
• Feet together, extending the knees to jump, lifting the legs towards the ceiling, and landing on both feet
• Feet together, jumping while maintaining a tabletop position with the knees, and landing on both feet
• Feet in turnout position, extending the knees to jump, and landing on both feet
• Feet in turnout position, extending the legs outward from the Carriage in a V-shape, and landing on both feet
• Upper body flexed upwards into a crunch, gaze at 45 degrees upwards, and feet together, extending the knees to jump, and landing on both feet
• Upper body flexed upwards into a crunch, gaze at 45 degrees upwards, and feet placed at hip width distance, bring in one leg for a single leg stretch, switch in mid-air, and land on the other foot.

​
​Continuing the session while lying on our backs, we were guided through a few thigh and hamstring stretches (with one red spring) in preparation for lower body exercises. One foot was threaded through the hand strap and eased into a stretch by steady tugs of the tension cable towards one's body (hamstring stretch), across the body while resisting pelvic rotation (IT band), and away from the body (inner thigh) while resisting pelvic rotation. This was repeated on the other foot for symmetry.
Then, with two red springs affixed, both feet were threaded through the hand straps and lowered such that a neutral spine could be maintained. A pilates ring was placed over the feet to engage the gluteus medium. The legs would be lowered down while keeping tension of the ring, to the side, and with knees bent to form a tabletop position. I recalled executing a similar series at the studio's old location, recapping an unmistakable struggle to keep the legs lowered in the "starting position". Since then, the exercise has seemingly lessened in difficulty, though pelvic rotation and a quivering left gluteus medium remain as areas for improvement.

The Reformer Box in the Long Box was used once again for upper back and tricep exercises. Shifting to an all-fours position with scapular protraction, one foot was placed on the footbar and the other resting on the Box. The knee would be extended to push the Carriage out, all while maintaining square hips. It was a modified variation of the bird dog, but perhaps one that placed more strain on the wrists than the class was accustomed to. When switching over the other leg, I was quick to readjust my hands into fists.

Most amusing was the instructor's next exercise. Standing behind the Carriage facing the footbar, we arranged our legs wide over the Reformer frame and eased into a plié squat position. A few regular wide squats were performed, then quickly transformed into single leg heels-up "bounces" - "pulses" in blogilates' terminology - and pulses/holds with both heels up. Familiarity with this move rendered less extreme of a response than my fellow classmates. That said, maintaining a wider stance than usual proved effective in challenging both inner thigh endurance and ankle stability.

​The class concluded a bit earlier than expected with a standing rolldown.

After recoiling in disgust at the fishiness of Kinka's Mentai Kimchi Udon, I had my heart set on revisiting MeNami. Again ensued another navigating calamity, followed by streams of profanities amidst an incomprehensible head-first parallel parking maneuver. But we arrived in one peace, with me more than eager to have two feet planted on stable ground.

Reservations had not been made beforehand, as my departure time from Studio Bon tends to range between five and fifteen minutes. However, I wasn't too concerned about a lunchtime queue. The hostess-waitress greeted us without much enthusiasm and gestured towards the dimmest table of the restaurant. She hesitated slightly at my request for a spot by the window, though gradually assumed a friendlier demeanour over the course of our stay, even introducing a smile on her once-sullen face.

I proposed their classic Corn Kakiage to start, along with newly-introduced appetizers of Salmon Tataki and Grilled Ika (Squid).

I've found myself functioning at a lower level of efficiency lately, compromising productivity for periods of laziness are wholly unwarranting of praise.
"I do wish you'd go with the flow sometimes." says my birthday buddy who is all too familiar with my comparatively high energy levels and equally drastic burnout routes.

The week commenced with takeout from Chiuchow Man, notably, the first takeout meal from the establishment in recent times.

< Pictured above and below:
L11 魚鮫墨魚丸麵 (午特) / Fish Dumpling and Squid Ball Noodle in Soup
L3  潮式鹵水五花腩肉飯 (午特) / Marinated Pork Belly on Rice
M02B 鹵水鴨 (半只) / Marinated Duck (Half)
N02 魚皮餃麵 /  Fish Dumpling Noodle in Soup >

Our orders were quite reminiscent of the now-faded dine-in ventures several years ago. Piping cups of Lemon Tea had accompanied the two lunch specials - denoted by "L#" - proving concentrated but passable. The Marinated Pork Belly and Duck were tasty, the former served with a heaping helping of seasoned white rice. Less to my liking were the Fish Dumplings that exhibited rigidity via a thick wrapper and minimal filling.​

Crafted shortly after lunchtime was my own Soy Braised Eggs. They emerged slightly overcooked, as my mind had wandered elsewhere during the soft-boiling phase. Nonetheless, the richly flavoured protein bites were fabulous over steamed white rice or a side of Korean purple rice and kale.

Creations of the week comprised of:

1) Walnut Soup - failed, unpictured, and an item we shall not speak further of.

2) Banana Bread (x2)

In response to the looming fate of six spotty bananas, I acted quickly and doubled SK's marbled banana bread recipe (without the cocoa powder) to salvage them. The result was too damp and too greasy, leading me to contemplate an excess quantity of butter while forgetting to factor in disposal of dark banana segments.

The final product remained delicious, though less ideal than previous iterations. The pre-consumption procedure would involve toasting lightly on both sides for roughly 2-3 minutes each, then allowing to cool to restore its crunchy edge.

Residual bleakness had carried over from the previous day, lingering about until the early afternoon. My drive to York Mills was swift, and free from distractions. Snowbanks that had once persisted along the curb lane of Lesmill Road had disappeared for the most part, restoring usability of both southbound lanes.

We reverted back to the Bosu ball for the warmup series, much to my delight. After 20 counts of marching and 20 counts of running, we proceeded with activation of the gluteus medius:

• Side leg lifts with one foot on the Bosu
• Side lunge lifts with one food on the Bosu and feet in turnout position

Flipping over the Bosu, slow, wide squats were commenced. The instructor demonstrated the movement, noting a slow downward movement spanning five seconds, holding for a brief moment, then slowly returning to standing after another five counts, trying to minimize shakiness in the ball by bracing the core. She also attempted to do a one leg standing squat, but even moving both feet close to the centre of the Bosu proved shaky enough for all class participants to be deem the variation unsafe. Thus, we returned the Bosu back underneath the Reformer.

Reminders were extended to verify correct positioning of the gear bar and stopper. For this session, all four attendees were to have the gear bar in the second position and stopper in the third. Rarely was this setting altered for participants within the same height range, though adjustments have been witnessed for stronger and taller students, such as body-building types or the male companion of girlfriends/wives.

​​Core work ensued with one blue spring for my neighbours and one blue plus one white spring for me. The addition had been made likely to render the exercises fitting of my strength (core endurance) level, as an alternative to increasing the range of motion.
With the pelvis in imprint position and hands woven through tension straps, the following exercises were performed:

• With the head rested on the Carriage, hands were pressed down to beside the hips without touching the Carriage and returned to the starting position pointing towards the ceiling
• With the head rested on the Carriage, hands were extended out to the sides of the body with elbows locked, then drawn towards the trunk (adduction)
• Tabletop crunches while gazing at the ceiling at a 45-degree angle (The descriptiveness of pilates is truly wonderful, I must say)
• Tabletop crunches with leg extensions (5 reps) while gazing at the ceiling at a 45-degree angle
• Leg extension hold in pilates stance with hundreds - likely the most challenging of them all

​Returning the footbar to the highest position, the focus transitioned to the lower body, in particular the inner thighs. Performed were lying hamstring curls via leg extensions; the balls of the feet were placed on the footbar and a slightly deflated ball was placed between the inner thighs as to continuously engage the legs by squeezing. The move involved pushing the Carriage out with an imprint pelvis and returning to neutral. Despite using two red and one blue spring, the process felt lighter than an arm routine with only one blue. We then proceeded to shift the ankles to a flexed position, placing the heels on the footbar in preparation for bridges. The Carriage was kept as still as possible to test core stability. It was observed that, while others had one red + one blue, I had only one blue, which demanded a greater degree of core control. Attaching the feet on the footbar increased the level of difficulty and emphasis on inner thighs.

The upper body routine never strays too far from posture rectification and upper back exercises. We sat on the Long Box facing away from footbar and with legs crossed over the head rest and hands threaded through crossed tension straps - think an "X" formation. From there, we would engage in:

1. Upper back pulls ("Use your wings!")
2. Seated chest presses with elbows raised to shoulder height, isolating the upper back once more while maintaining a straight back
3. Holding the hand straps to form a circle with softened elbows slightly lower than the chest, then slowly conducting a rollback and returning to the starting position while maintaining a C-curve. A variation of this move involved rotating to left (inhale), centre (exhale), and right (inhale), and back to centre (exhale), then finally coming back to starting position via C-curve.

I received reminders to stabilize the body and prevent the trunk/hips from leaning towards one side.

The remainder of the day assumed a more social format, involving a long awaited meetup with orangecane and a comrade of the sleepy polar bear.

Discussed in the second year anniversary recap of COVID-19's official entry into the global healthcare scene, I lean towards pursuing the "Quarantine Update" titles no more. They take up a greater character count, and furthermore do not accurately depict our existing society and gradual re-opening attempts.

​The work week passed with a kerfuffle of Change Order documentation, speedy digits over the keyboard, and an intro to the Alignment dialog box in Civil3D, which remains an item demanding a deeper level of comprehension.

​A longing for minty hot chocolate guided me in the direction of an expired After Eight packet gifted to me by the sleepy polar bear. Dating back to pre-pandemic times, I was surprised to find a persistent mintiness mixed with the tackiness of age. Half the mug's content flowed down the sink. Little had I known that more ancient foods were in my future.

Creations of the week included:

1) Stale Barley Rice and Kidney Beans - as I have yet to restock my multigrain blend
2) Blue Sky Bran Muffins, which have been executed countless times before and proved as durable of a formula as ever with a buttermilk substitute.

The project stemmed from a hankering for fluffy sponge and a sudden increase in soon-to-expire cream cheese supply. Opting for my 6-inch cake pan instead of Sunday's sheet tray eliminated any asymmetrical cake scraps from sugar cookie-esque cutting. The swap also meant a prolonged baking time due to reduced surface area, though a straightforward conversion had yet to be developed. The temperature was maintained at 350 F for fifteen minutes, then dropped to 325 F for an additional ten. As the surface began to brown nicely, I attempted to remove it from the oven. The delicate jiggle, though, in conjunction with a collapsing top, indicated rawness. Back in the oven it was returned with a greased piece of foil on top.

​In spite of the meticulous step to prevent adhesion, the centremost section of the cake peeled away relentlessly. In spite of it all, the toothpick returned damp and sticky. Nearly admitting failure, I returned it to the oven, uncovered this time, for an addition five minutes. The top emerged an alarming shade of brown, nearly to the point of charring. The top layer was removed (and devoured instantaneously), while the rest were portioned into three layers of relatively uniform thickness, notwithstanding some choppy edges.

​The middle and bottom layers had cooked thoroughly; as such, they were readily layered with an espresso-infused cream cheese-and-whipped cream mixture to form a Tiramisu Cake. The centre of the top layer, being raw, was disposed of. Remaining was a ring of sponge that was partially ripped up for snacking, then placed into a glass dish for pairing with unset filling. This creation was decent, dare I say so, despite being inferior to the "proper" cake.

Impeccably smooth and luscious was the final result. A generous dusting of cocoa powder had accentuated the bitter notes of Kahlua, then shifted the spotlight to distinctly plush layers of sponge and a sweet yet sturdy cream filling.

"You know where I've had the best tiramisu?" I posed a question to which even I wasn't entirely sure the answer.
"Yours." came a firm response. "Yours is the best."
"But it's cake! Not proper tiramisu, mind you." I hesitated not to correct the statement while in contemplation of my next impromptu invention.

As my Sundays often start, I prepared for my weekly drive to York Mills for pilates. The only difference was that, this time, I would be joined by the sleepy polar bear, whom I had convinced to join with the promise of enhanced body awareness and improved alignment. Traffic was incredibly light once again, leading us to arrive at the 37-minute mark despite leaving later than I would have liked.

I maneuvered to the class floor at the clock neared 11 AM, while the sleepy polar bear completed preparations for a private introductory session. Joining me was a familiar face known for both a strong physique and persona. In combination with weight training, my neighbour had adopted pilates into her workout regime. It hadn't taken long to observe her push-pull tendencies nor to establish a sense of respect for dabbling in and committing to more than one form of exercise. To my right was a participant I had seen only a handful of times, whose minimal appearances garnered additional form reminders from the instructor.

​We commenced with the Cardio-Tramp once again, though the series was adjusted to include heel taps (x3) in a turnout position and flutters (x2). Incorporating the flexed position of the pilates stance (with a foam roller placed horizontally behind the shoulder blades) into the warm-up contributed another level of difficulty. The stopper and gear bar were adjusted several times during the session, with a different configuration for the bodybuilder-in-the-making.
Once the trampoline contraption had been removed from the Reformer and the footbar reinstated to the highest position, core activation would be commanded. Toe dips in tabletop position were executed while switching between the imprint and neutral positions. Throughout the series, the conscious decision would be made to keep the ribs tucked and pressed into the Carriage "mat" while maintaining a slight curve in the low back via an anterior pelvic tilt. Single leg toe dips evolved into double leg toe dips; eventually, we graduated to a double leg lift. With straight legs and pointed toes, the legs would be lowered down "as far as we could hold" before returning to the starting position. In order to sustain proper form, I opted to reduce my range of motion, only to have the instructor bring my legs further down with the remark of "I think you can go lower since you are strong.". I winced and responded with chuckle, giddy at the compliment but fearful of the unspoken rep count. Oblique-targeting moves were omitted this time around.

​Proceeding onto the upper body with the Reformer Box in the Long Box position, we executed a number of pullbacks and tricep extensions with the hands woven through the hand straps. The final pullback involved crossing the hand straps to form an X, operating in a nearly identical fashion to the rehab pullbacks I often engage in while in mindless spectator mode. "Your back got stronger!" I was told. Admittedly, the exercises had felt less daunting than before. My movements were, dare I say, more fluid than before, but instability and weakness can be seen in the left shoulder nonetheless.

I was spared from resistance band-ed glute bridges this time around. Instead, the gluteus medius would be targeted by standing atop the Reformer and platform extender in a hinge position. Pushing the Carriage out while keeping the standing leg centred on the platform extender was intended to work both hips. Regardless of which leg assumed the fixed position, tension was experienced on the right side only. These concerns were vocalized to the instructor, who then proceeded to inform me of noticeable weakness in the left hip and glute, and that I ought be conducting these exercises on the left side only to build symmetry.

I've learned a significant amount about my body since starting pilates, yet it remains astounding how much more I am discovering with each visit to the studio. Over the past few classes, insight has been shed on:

• Trunk rotation to the right (combat by twisting to the left slightly)
• Forward rotation of the right pelvis
• Noticeable weakness and poor activation of the left hip/glute, consequently contributing to a visually smaller left hip
• Tendency for hyperextension of wrists

Lunch took the form of Thai cuisine, an unfortunate rarity in our neighbourhood despite Mississauga's multiculturalism. I proposed revisiting Jatujak, for it was close and, frankly, I missed it.

​Standing strong for over four years, the interior was just as I had remembered it. The same would apply to its tiny parking, which was just as narrow and chaotic, though thankfully easier to secure a spot this time around.

View the full album HERE !

Snow arrives when you least expect it, just like the influx of work requests robbing me of hard-earned periods of spec and drawing familiarization time every Friday.

​The despair ought be apparent in my utterances: Week 104 (aka 52 x 2) has arrived. While a multitude of COVID-19 restrictions have been eased - and continue to be eased - there remain several aspects unchanged since its first appearance:

• My work-from-home situation persists, upholding my title as an involuntary homebody
• My professional license remains unattained, despite the tremendous degree of hell I've somehow survived and lived to tell the tale of
• My next concert has not yet happened, nor have I seen GOT7 since the summer of 2019

I've debated continuing with these titles as the world gradually regains its pace. No longer is every day a quarantine day, masked with fear of the scientific unknown. These thoughts hinder us from moving forward as individuals, as a society, and as a global community. Inflation and supply-demand issues prevail, their impact undeniable in our daily lives, but, if anything, I hope for these comparatively minor struggles to be less daunting than the past two years endured by the Earth and its inhabitants.

Can we possibly leave it all as pawprints in the show? Let's learn, digest, and forge ahead.

Creations of the week included:

1) Genmaicha Japanese Cheesecake

On a strangely temperate morning in early March, I began my journey east. It was warm, almost unreasonably at 15 degrees Celsius, but also exceptionally windy. Minimal volume on the 401 has made for a speedy excursion lasting even less than the typical thirty-minute commute to Studio Bon.
​
I strode into the studio, a relatively quiet space with only half the normal count of participants occupying the previous class slot. Prior to the arrival of other class attendees (the tardy duo observed two weeks ago), I was asked about overall status of body and if any discomfort was present. I relayed concerns over pains in the mid- to lower back area on the left side of the body, along with persisting wrist pains and general weakness in both wrists. The instructor declared a rotation of the body and height difference of shoulders, neither of which was news to me, though I had hoped that engagement in pilates would have assisted to rectify these biomechanical issues to some degree. Tension was noted in the right shoulder as well as the left mid-back - a potential result of this rotation. Stretches for these two areas were advised to relieve tension in the body.

When the balayage-bearing beginners reared their heads, we commenced on with Cardio-Tramp warmup series:

• Knee extensions: one would attach the feet and press out from the Cardio Tramp, maintain long legs in mid-air, and return to the tabletop position, feet positioned at the centre of the Cardio-Tramp
• Tabletop position: The tabletop position would be maintained throughout the reps, from pushing out to mid-air to return.
• Thigh openers: Legs opening to form a V-shape in mid-air and returning to a turnout position on the Cardio-Tramp
• Straight Legs in the air: Legs would be sent up towards the ceiling after pushoff; this was not a variation of the reverse crunch, for the lower back was to adhere to the Carriage at all times
• Knee extensions in pilates stance: With the upper body flexed forward, ribs tucked and spine in neutral, the gaze was cast upwards at 45 degrees while jumping from the trampoline attachment.
• Scissors in pilates stance: Maintaining the flexed stance from the previous position, the legs were lifted alternately and stabilized back onto the Cardio-Tramp. This was particularly intriguing given my acquaintance with scissors in mat pilates, for the tension springs in the Reformer and returning position on the Cardio-Tramp added a dose of whimsy to the move.

​We remained lying face up on the Carriage for the next series of exercises. A slightly deflated ball was handed to my neighbour, while cloth resistance bands to myself and another participant of the class. Her was pink, while mine black - apparently harnessing slightly heavier tension than the rest. Articulation of the spine was revisited for glute bridges. From there, the soles of the feet would be placed atop the footbar, slightly wider than hip distance. My left thigh was commanded slightly further from the centreline than the right; the intention was to engage the left gluteus medius, the weaker side, more. Pressing out against the band to the best of my ability, we proceeded with glute bridges, quick pulses, single leg bridges with upward and downward sweeps, and a knee extension exercise I had yet to ever execute prior to this day. With the heels pressed against the footbar, the knees would be extended such that the body would resist the selected tension spring on the Carriage. The body was not to touch the Carriage, and instead return to the starting position using hamstring power. My legs had been tired out to start, with total annihilation achieved through this portion of the routine.

​Navigating to a seated position perpendicular to the Carriage atop the Reformer Box in Short Box position, the hand closer to the footbar was woven through one hand strap and placed before the belly, elbow bent. The other arm was placed in a relaxed position. We were then instructed to rotate slightly to the left, for all three class participants (including myself) were observed to have tendencies towards right rotation. The looped hand would be brought towards the corresponding side of the body for work on the chest and deltoid. A variation of this exercise involved extending the bent arm upwards at a 45 degree angle, with mild assistance from the other hand for the initial tension demand.
Then, in the same position with the arm strap dropped, a handful of oblque crunches were completed. On the left side was a forward fold to engage the core and back; this folding movement was not repeated on the other side given existing rotation issues.

Finally came a hip flexor stretch turned lunge and hamstring burn in a standing position inside the Reformer. With no springs attached to the Carriage, core strength was demanded to keep movement of the Carriage calm and fluid. A standing rolldown concluded the class.

​Pilates is an activity that never seems to grow easier in spite of dedication level. With greater awareness comes conscious, isolated activation. This was only proven truer with each successive exercise.

Throughout the class, I was reminded of a few form aspects for fixing:

• Anterior vs. Posterior tilt of the pelvis: In instances of muscle fatigue and weakness, my neutral spine required a slight posterior tilt (no imprint!), while keeping the ribs and tailbone tucked.
• Extension and flexion of the wrist: Wrists were to be maintained in a neutral position with "hyperextending".
• Strength imbalance in gluteus medius and hips: To combat weakness on the left side of the lower body, additional resistance could be incorporated with the left knee constantly pushing out against it.

Blue skies, the rapid formation of puddles, and horrendously gusty winds eased us into the afternoon hours.

With the easing of COVID restrictions, maintaining overall the wellbeing of society has shifted to an honour policy system. Hub has since reverted back to washable utensils from their disposable array used last December, removed the vaccine passport requirement, and increased the number of tables for dine-in customers.

"What is the good in being useful when all that results is to be taken advantage of?"
The question was once posed to me with an air of dumbfoundedness. Admittedly, I struggled to answer without a brief delay. To be useful to another had always entailed a sense of accomplishment to me, that the skills I've developed thus far had a purpose in society. Any contributions made to society was - and is - viewed as a privilege, validation that my work is not exclusively beneficial in a theoretical space.

As a consequence, it is of no surprise that the inability to make timely progress and results leads to a sense of dread and, in an extreme case, a crippling sentiment of guilt - a self-inflicted belief that a singular fault would be enough to drag down a team. While it is ongoing task to straighten myself of the excessive burdens I've created in my own head, my determination to be "useful" remains as resilient as ever.
Being able to bring some degree of worth to the table was enlightening. Receiving praise, on the other hand, often supplies pressure than motivation.

With the arrival of March, the global population enters their third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. On a personal level, it marks my one-year anniversary with the most despicable projects of my working lifetime. Both have had their grim moments, with each feeding off the other to intensify moments of dread and despair.

I've turned to friends (virtually) and, most notably, in-house creations in search of solace. The occasional CoCo provides joy, as do Lindt truffles - in justifiable amounts, of course.

At a time where many were coping with the situation by introducing small tidbits of happiness, I powered through the chaos, turning a blind eye to the negatives and striving to maintain only optimism. Forgotten were the sweet treats that I enjoyed tremendously, as well as the favourite cereal of my teen years, Crispix. Having succumbed to inflation over the years, its acquisition was forgoed on the basis of economics. In retrospect, the unit rate was a meager price to pay in comparison to many other hobby items (ahem, concerts).

Recent experiences of excitement include quick, weekday trips to the mall, the commencement of Business Proposal, and working evenings with a side of (surprisingly not-too-sweet) cider.

​Meals of the week have comprised of takeout after takeout sessions, with once-fresh dark, leafy greens rotting in our produce drawer to no avail. Frozen kale saves the day in such instances, though fails to compensate health and nutrition points. 

To curb an inkling of a craving for Caribbean cuisine, small Oxtail and Curried Chicken sets with Rice and Peas are ordered from Jerk & BBQ Haven. The compact grab-and-go establishment resides not far from the City Centre district, nested inconspicuously in the plaza where The Kolkata Club had once stood.

​The Oxtail was flavourful, though quite bony, with sharp edges causing the tongue to curl in agitation. Delicious were the plump, gravy-soaked rice grains - soft and easy to consume, unlike that of McKoy's. Curried Chicken was, by far, the least mild of the selections I've tried, yet splendidly supple and undeniably delicious. Fleshy pieces were regrettably few though, with no more than two medium-sized chunks and a partially intact drumstick resting atop the rice platter. The rice-to-meat ratio was a whopping 17:3 (otherwise depicted as 85% rice).