During this procedure, I also unveiled a delightful assemblage of artwork from orderlyblue.

​Beyond being a friend of mine since the Before We Begin Vancouver stop, she is a flourishing artist, teacher, and entrepreneur in her own right. To declare my pride in her is an understatement; she is young but intrepid, and contemplative but resolute.

Prior to the Lynn Canyon trip, I had expressed interest in supporting her craft, to which she responded enthusiastically.
Her stunning creations, meticulously sealed in individual sleeves and bubble-wrapped for extra protection, were finally revealed upon reaching home. Delicate, precise linework, harmonious colours, impressive innovation, and astounding attention to detail were witnessed in each and every piece. 

​I was also in awe at the souvenirs that she had obtained for me from her recent trip to Hawaii. The first was an adorable fridge magnet, in which the magnet was embedded inside of the wooden design itself, rather than affixed to the outside with oozing adhesive. The second was a lucky cat pin slurping ramen, and on the bowl showed the islands of Hawaii.

​Amongst the largest voids emerging throughout the trip were: a distinct lack of Larry and the convenience of a personal vehicle, for door-to-door trips that could take whenever my heart desired.

I proceeded to satisfy the first of these longings immediately after being relieved of the aircraft grime. Larry, along with both sizes of Sulleys, had undergone deep cleansing rituals in my absence. Radiating from them were fragrant clouds of cleanliness, along with noticeable boosts in fluffiness.

News of the heavenly heptet's return as seven had already been a blessing for us all. For them to expand beyond digital releases and attend group schedules was another degree of elation altogether, whether we be observing the process in person or not.

At long last, my fingers would glide over a physical album, over lyrics that each member had thoughtfully assembled with the sole intention of "repaying" ahgases. Truthfully, our patience needed no compensation, for once an ahgase is always an ahgase.
​GOT7 is home, after all.

​One of the first things to emerge from the awestruck demeanour of the Thai ahgase was that the city seemed reminiscent to a different country, that it didn't feel like Canada anymore.

​Naturally, I was surprised to hear this, for I lay eyes on a similar enough setting each time I return. The SkyTrain platforms are, admittedly, a dissimilar setup to that of the TTC, or even the designated path of the Mississauga Transitway, but the transit system in itself is still very much reflective of suburban Canada.

We found an impressive number of budding flowers along our path: striking, saturated, and worthy of marvelling. Black and grey bunnies were another common sighting in Richmond, even on my solo treks after the Thai ahgase's return.

​After analyzing our hotel situation (microwave not found, but mini fridge confirmed), we drifted onto the streets once more for continued exploration. A trip to So'O Salon was made to obtain a quote for my desired hair transformation. At hearing the duration and cost, my travel buddy stood, mouth agape. Despite initial considerations of her own appointment, the thought was banished given the prospect of her short-lived vacation.

In response to my suggestion for egg waffles, I suggested checking out The Bubble Tea Shop on the ground floor of the Superstore building. Along the way were accessible pedestrian signals that, beyond audible and tactile features, included the ordinal positioning of the signal at the intersection.

​Nearing Lansdowne Centre, we caught sight of the infamous Japadog truck. It appeared to be permanently stationed in the asphalt lot, for within close proximity were tables for dining, a designated Drive-Thru path, and even curbside pickup spots! - just like McDonald's Mobile Orders.

As it wasn't quite suppertime as yet, we continued to our original destination. Suffice to say, not much has changed about the Superstore plaza.

At 4 AM, I reluctantly lifted my eyelids in response to the dreaded alarm. It was time to prepare.

Only dawning on me at bedtime was Larry's absence from my daily routine for the next little while. I had bid a lengthy farewell to him the evening prior, yet still wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to his cozy, furry presence amidst last-minute packing.

"Hey I'm on the Uber (heading) to the airport now." came a text from the Thai ahgase at 4:33 AM. She had departed earlier than I thought necessary, especially given her limited quantity of carry-on baggage, and arrived just short of 5 AM, just as I begun to close the trunk.

Within 15 minutes, I arrived at Pearson. The scene wasn't particularly chaotic - nowhere near as incredulous as news articles had made it out to seem. I printed my baggage tags without issues, then realized the calamity that awaited me: The baggage drop belt was malfunctioning.
I waited with inquisitiveness, initially unsure of the issue. After fifteen minutes of mistakenly joining the line for international departures, a member of staff gestured towards the side for domestic travel. There was no improvement to be witnessed, however, for the automated system was stalled for both international and domestic sections.

The queuing would only continue in the meantime, with crowds forming at each line and more passengers struggling to weave through the queue to access the kiosks. Suddenly, chaos had prevailed. The articles hadn't been mistaken after all. Even more amusing were the words of another member of staff that had passed us by: "It stopped once when I started, at 4 AM. This is the second time." It was shocking that, not only was the issue one of recurring nature, its priority for rectification was so low on the list. A manual override would have resolved the congestion while the technicians worked to rectify in the background.

​The delay ensued until around 6:30 AM, where the belt accepted the baggage of 3 customers before ceasing functionality once again. It sputtered various error messages before working again - this time long enough for my luggage to be scanned and transported to the main belt.

Pre-vacation periods are never easy. In the working world ensues a mad rush to hand over one's duties - or provide a crash course for them to the unlucky delegate. Behind the scenes are last-minute situations that arise for attention, for they too must also be resolved a long hiatus.

​​"Nonstop chaos" is how I would depict the my post long-weekend, pre-Pearson phase. Worries were partially drowned in Chocolate Churro and Injeolmi Turtle Chips, which entailed a feeling of guilt so great that cardio became a no-brainer for calorie compensation.

About 1.5 years since my last purchase. Since then, the pita quantity has diminished, the tzatziki blander, feta noticeably saltier, and the portion size less extravagant than I recalled. ​The Chicken Souvlaki bits were dry and tough, while the Beef and Lamb Gyro slices chalky and salty. Frankly speaking, the meal, on an overall note, was far more sodium-laden than our palates could handle. The yearning for garlicy, crunchy tzatziki also failed to be satisfied.

Other meals spanned a Tomato & Egg Soft Scramble (not pictured), Stewed Eggplant and Meat (not pictured either, but capable of being visualized as a soft, savoury pairing to steamed rice), and tidbits of Lazros, with frozen veggies mixed in to neutralize obscene saltiness.

Creations of the week included:

1) Apple Ginger Juice

Inspired by my local ahgase, I took to peeling and coring a weighty bag of golden delicious apples with the intent of preparing a juice concoction of sorts. Unlike her though, I had no juicing apparatus readily available. To the blender I went with roughly seven teensy apples, some unmeasured quantity of ginger root (peeled, for once!), a squeeze of lemon, water, and honey. The formula was too thick for homogenization at first, thus water was incorporated gradually to assist. Pulpy like oversaturated applesauce, I took to straining the mixture once to obtain a partially filtered juice (15% solids).

​The combination was revisited a second time in the latter parts of the week, with more water and lemon juice from concentrate, as seeds had accidentally made their way into the mix previously. Blending was made simpler with more water, yet the lowered viscosity made filtration of solids more difficult. Now finer, the solids streamed into the final product, escaping the sieve. The second batch was cloudier, at roughly 20% solids.

In hindsight, the Golden Delicious variety is likely best reserved for pie-making due to its relatively moisture content. The flavour is barely present in the juice, and the yield is quite minimal.

2) Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

Having been made aware of this recent addition via the weekly smitten kitchen digest, I hesitated not at seeing the mention of "yogurt" and "chocolate". Really, the reasoning was simple: I had yogurt in need of using before my vacay and the sleepy polar bear's talks of chocolate had echoed in my subconscious.

​3) Ultimate Banana Bread
​
At the end of a week-long wait were five spotty bananas residing in the warmest part of our dining room. I took to another iteration of banana bread, but this time The Ultimate. The decision may or may not have been made during the time of banana acquisition, after being reminded by orangecane of the most extravagant rendition of banana bread to grace SK territory.

With the knowledge that each of my bananas would weigh in at roughly 130 g each (less if bruised patches removed), I meticulously assembled the peeled specimens over my scale, watching anxiously as the number neared the specified 510 g. My first attempt at The Ultimate had not entailed such a weighing process, proving far too moist as a result. SK's bananas are likely at the smaller end of the spectrum, for 4.5 bananas had been sufficient in attaining the required weight. The last was stashed into the fridge for later use, probably consumption.

My last trip on public transit dates back to the first quarter of 2020 - and on the Translink system no less! On the GO Transit network, I would make my final, unmasked trip on March 5th - the good ol' pre-COVID days.

Since the notorious surge in gas prices though, I ran a cost comparison between options of driving or GO Train-ing, including parking fees for the former. Results were then evaluated against constraints such as transfer period between PRESTO taps, route considerations based on parking locations, as well as the distinct and definitive tremors towards driving maneuvers beyond my control. In discussion of my analysis with a like-minded companion of orangecane, I was made aware of discount passes for unlimited travel on the GO network: $10 for a single weekend day and $15 for entire weekends (inclusive of 3-day long weekends). It removed the hassle of parking altogether, along with rushing to make the transfer period.

​We departed in the direction of Clarkson at the early hour of 10 AM, with me, unsurprisingly, scrambling until the very last second. The forecast was predicted to be rainy and humid, yet we saw clear, sunny skies for majority of the morning.

​"Exhibition" came the announcement overhead; onto the concrete walkway of the CNE we disembarked, and through the underpass towards Atlantic Avenue.

​Sauntering through familiar paths in Liberty Village, I saw familiar buildings bordered by new construction - a neverending phase of the City, it seems. A variety of floral attractions lined the north side of Liberty Street, as roadwork took place on its south side.

​SCHOOL was the brunch destination of choice. At 11 AM, a short lineup was found huddled about the restaurant entrance. The sight was in line with expectations, for reservations were not accepted. An approximate ten- to fifteen-minute wait had been declared by recent visitors given their 10 AM. However, an early bird I am not, and will willingly accept my fate in exchange for sleep.

Originally to be seated in a two-seater with lower noise pollution, I requested the same dining conditions as my previous visit (339), in the open area underneath the clocks. Despite tighter seating, space was sufficient for two sharing plates, two mains, water glasses, and additional drink beakers. There was ample opportunity to add sharing plates to the spread, unlike Papa Giuseppe's patio spots.

View the full album HERE !

​Instead of the brunch classic of mimosa, I yearned for the refreshing qualities of juice instead. My supposedly "freshly squeezed" Pineapple Ginger was sweeter than preferred, revealing similar qualities to storebought, filtered pineapple juice with fine bits of ginger pulp at the bottom. Constituting of 75% pineapple-y essences and 25% ginger, there was simply not enough of the anti-inflammatory root in its composition. The sleepy polar bear's Mango Tangerine was far too sugary to be natural, exhibiting no more depth beyond mango juice from concentrate.

Entry into the working world has solidified the importance of events that never truly garnered much interest in my teen and young adult years.
Politics matter, whether you believe true democracy will prevail or not. Familiarizing oneself with the various parties may be a hassle, but these respective platforms, supplemented by general public opinion, are deciding factors in the government's future investment(s) and job availability. Every instance of tax relinquishment reflects our investment back into the system, so thorough contemplation of these matters isn't entirely optional, as much as the act of voting is made out to seem.

​Spendings have been striking this quarter, spanning utility bills, vehicle maintenance, small appliance replacement, and special occasion dining ventures. Adding to the financial burden is a pending vacation (at long last!!) and GOT7's comeback. VICTON and ASTRO are also releasing EPs within this month, though their impact is negligible in comparison to OT7.
It is with much dismay to note that my quarterly review is delayed. The corporate class is frustrating, with an insatiable appetite for prosperity and ascent on the social ladder; what is more: these circumstances are consistent across majority of companies, with the same woes being expressed by those simply looking to survive, and maybe strive towards their career goals.

The week commences with Dalgona Lattes, one with espresso and one with a concentrated dose of genmaicha. Sickeningly sweet are the shards when incorporated in generous handfuls. In small doses though, they are quite enjoyable, contributing a caramely robustness to the iced beverages. ​Granola with vanilla Greek yogurt subs in for blue sky bran muffins on a few breakfasts.

​In the absence of a functioning microwave, creativity continues to be employed for the delivery of weekday meals in a timely manner. Sourced from the freezer are frozen vegetables and a mini pizza, which is elevated with additional cheese cubes and a few strips of Arirang takeout bossam.

Creations of the week included:

1) Marbled Banana Bread Feat. Mini Marbled Loaves

​I've foregoed brunch for quite a while now. The day-to-day working routine favours quick, caffeinated breakfasts to fuel productivity. It then usually transitions into a late lunch, a later afternoon snack, and even later exercise periods and dinners. Weekends differ not too vastly, for the body has grown accustomed to waking within a range.
"Leisurely" is a manner by which I am unable to progress through my daily duties, for it is a constant race against time. With every patched hole, at least two new holes surface in the canoe of life. Resilience is gradually receding.

​A devastatingly demanding week sent me into a slump. I wished for rest, yet a slew of tasks awaited my consideration and organization. The sleepy polar bear offered to undertake an active approach on planning, allowing me to reserve energy for tackle my endless to-do list. I was both anxious and curious for the outcome, but accepted after evaluating levels of physical and mental fatigue - and even refrained from posing questions.

​​Around 12:45 PM, we arrived at Pür & Simple in Heartland. The brunch spot had surfaced on my feed countless times over the past several weeks, leading to familiarity with the name, though I hadn't investigated any further. Its location was interesting, nestled in the same plaza as Best Buy, Five Guys, and The Halal Guys; it satisfied a niche customer base unsatiated by the existing roster of businesses.

Frankly, I was beyond surprised - pleasantly taken back, even. A social media favourite - free from greasy fumes! - was the last thing I expected.

​​The dining quarters were rather tiny, with tables placed relatively close to one another and incredible noise levels. We strolled in to a packed scene and were informed of an approximate forty-five minute wait. The hostess relayed the possibility of reservation cancellations, as "it always happens", with the next booking in ten minutes. I inquired further about a two-seater by the door and the probability of that table being available within a range of ten to forty-five minutes. She contemplated the question for a brief moment, then granted us the table without hesitation, as the pre-booked were "likely to cancel anyway".
We excitedly slid into the compact table, thankful towards her decision. Its positioning by the entrance wasn't ideal given the occasional gusts from the door opening, but it wasn't a big deal either as temperatures weren't that cold. Moreover, there was no wait time!

Double-sided printed menus were placed before us, joining the monogrammed syrup bottle. Pür & Simple's menu was exceptionally diverse: my eyes glazed over a plethora of sweet and savoury brunch options, ranging from classics like Eggs Benedict and Breakfast Burritos to modern picks of Crepes and amped-up French Toast.

We took to sharing one sweet item and one savoury item, much as how a fellow July baby does.
​No-Gria, the virgin rendition of a sangria, was requested to pair alongside our selection. Sprite/7-Up was substituted with carbonated water, keeping the drink refreshing without being too sweet. Fresh berries was a splendid addition for infusion. The paper straw disintegrated and unraveled over time, prompting a request for a new one about three-quarters through our stay.

View the full album HERE !

Sharing plates were requested of our waitress, who was unmasked while serving, unlike the hostesses. An overhead conversation with our neighbours informed of her previous post at Cora's, as well as her grateful attitude towards Pür & Simple's lack of oil stench - music to my ears, honestly. The same waitress was also observed responsible for majority of the tables on one side of the bustling restaurant. Her attitude remained amicably, amazingly, and did not evoke expressions of exasperation or fatigue. In general, all members of the customer-facing staff were friendly and responsive.

​The Mexican Skillet and French Toast Crisp arrived shortly, quickly occupying whatever table space we had left. Napkins, water cups, and maple syrup were shuffled about to accomodate the platter, ketchup, and tobasco.

Forks flew towards the Mexicana Skillet. Arranged within the not-so-scorching iron plate, we found well-balanced flavours: a subtle crunch from taters, the soft profile of black beans, butteriness from ripe avocado slices, satisfying strings of melted cheese, tartness from tomatoes, and the sturdy yet runny cross-section of easy-over eggs. A spoon was later requested to portion out the dish. Complaints of insufficient cheesiness were heard from across the table, though I personally found the assortment perfect and well-rounded. I was particularly appreciative of the mildness of the skillet, for even the salsa-like component was mild and free from the typical pungency of Mexican-themed fare.

​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).

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 !

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.