With time, Pecan Pie has become one of my signature creations. Mastery had not come easy, though I'm glad to declare that a lunch hour at home was all I needed to achieve a splendid slice of fresh pie. Having a pre-shaped pie crust in the freezer helped of course.

I had forgotten the whiskey this time around, but at long last achieved the desired crust thickness without much shrinkage. Par-baking the crust from frozen definitely assisted with preserving integrity.

My schedule permitted participation in a Monday evening Zumba class. I arrived early, hoping to use the empty studio for warm-up and practice. The instructor turned around, seemingly shocked to see someone in the same space. She noted that, while I could use the space in her presence, I should not use the room alone, as I could be liable for any missing equipment.

Her stern remarks had me slightly taken back, causing me to approach the start of her class with caution. However, her attitude transformed entirely when the music started. Embodying high-energy Latin fundamentals with toning exercises woven in between, I was impressed with the challenging but cheerful session. It was precisely what I hoped for: a fun, sweat-filled Zumba session.

​Heading to the office enabled me to inform colleagues about my impending departure. As anticipated, the wretched scrap of feculence had not initiated any communication with neither the immediate nor extended team, let alone handover procedures! Consequently, due diligence was enacted on my part.

​The remaining mall lunch walks are now numbered.

Although I revel in conducting errands during off-peak hours with complimentary underground parking, the shift from a sleepy, suburban setting towards a busier, grimier urban centre is necessary for personal growth (and sanity).

1) Ma Lai Goh/馬拉糕 (Round 4)
​
A variation of 馬拉糕 strictly using Taiwanese black sugar resulted from an impromptu decision to create and a general impatience to wait for slab cane sugar to dissolve over low heat. With a significant increase in surface area, I deduced that black sugar would dissolve more readily to form a sugar syrup, thus reducing the lengthiest step of active labour. Furthermore, the output product could potentially garner a darker hue (compared to past trials) and enhanced robustness.

The day commenced with a bloodwork appointment, followed by a Timmies run. My browsing partner was enlisted as the day's chauffeur, giving rise to unexpected escapes from the parking lot (which meant I had to wait in place) and irritable behaviour when rushed. While the sequence of planned activities flowed flawlessly in my mind, it inadvertently gave rise to a constant sense of urgency - an element that I neither mind nor dislike.

​Within the first half of the approximate hour-long drive to Markham, a BLT Artisan Sandwich and Peach Lemonade Quencher was enjoyed from the passenger seat.

The motivation behind the mid-week day off was an appointment at The Grand Medical Aesthetic Clinic. Booked approximately one month ago, the session would mark the first of a series of pricey laser treatments.
I had assumed the aesthetic clinic to be located within New Kennedy Square, but was proven wrong when Google Maps uttered its despicable wrong turn notification sound. After looping around the block, it was learned that GMA Clinic was located off a dead-end side street at the rear of New Kennedy and accessible only via Hwy 7 eastbound.

GMA Clinic occupied the unit closest to the entrance of the commercial plaza. Upon entering, I was warmly welcomed into the space and greeted by the lady who had conducted my virtual consultation. Before commencing treatment, I was required to complete a series of forms corresponding to each treatment. Washrooms were also utilized during this time; much to my horror, the unisex facilities (Yes, there were male clients as well.) were not maintained well despite the prices of their services. A spider was spotted crawling along the edge of the cabinets, there were water stains and dust in the corner, the toilet seat was spotty, and rustiness was forming along the caulking of the tiles.

My technician introduced herself before guiding me towards the treatment room. Unknown to me at the time of appointment booking, the numbing cream required 20-30 minutes to take effect. The lower limit of 20 minutes was to ensure coverage for the first treatment of Yellowbeam, however the technician adhered to the upper limit of 30 minutes as to enable continued numbing effects for both Yellowbeam and Picosure treatments. The mandatory downtime extended the total appointment time to well beyond the reserved hour. This process was unexpected, for Ocean Clinic in Gangnam moved extremely quickly with seemingly no downtime whatsoever. While the Korean numbing cream was likely more potent, the rushed procedure had likely attributed to a comparatively painful turnout. Application of GMA's version resulted in a tingling sensation followed by numbing. My upper lip persisted a bid uncomfortable, akin to when anesthesia had been injected for removal of wisdom teeth.

A playlist titled "Pop Sings" played throughout the treatment. It comprised of well-known tunes that were, interestingly, not performed by the original artist. Navigating between the Yellowbeam and Picosure lasers was a swift process. Yellowbeam was largely painless, but concentrated flashes of Picosure could be felt even with the numbing cream. For the full face Picosure segment, the technician handed me a tube to adjust the direction of cool air being blown towards my face during treatment.

The session concluded with a soothing sheet mask and thorough application of moisturizer and sunscreen. Within the first few minutes afterwards, my skin flared up in red patches. I requested a mask from the front desk before departing, as I wasn't particularly keen on debuting such a wild appearance in public. ​For future visits, I ought arrive with a mask, visor, headband, and wide-necked top in tow.

My browsing partner came to pick me up after provision of a ten minute notice. We headed to Markville, with me dodging any and all sun exposure with an umbrella positioned closely to my face. Within an hour, my skin calmed down significantly. My freckles became darker and my cheeks ached, but the experience didn't come even remotely close to the excruciating nature of mole removal at Ocean Clinic.

By virtue of presentation of my Matcha Layer Brownies, I quietly made the office aware of my participation in the Aprons in Action campaign. Unfortunately, the nestling of my banner next to the treats was too subtle to be noticed. (I later learned that printing a larger poster and tacking it near the sink also didn't help my case!)

​I accompanied a coworker towards Sea Shanty Fish & Chips over lunch. The request for a Full Size order of signature Fish & Chips came as a surprise to me, for the pub offering deviated drastically from the components typically found in the colleague's packed lunch. But of course, the average person does not seek out what can be constructed at home when dining out.

​Visually quite impressive, the haddock fillet had been lightly battered, exhibiting a golden glow and obvious, airy crunch.

​While heading towards Walmart afterwards, an uncanny encounter was made: I crossed paths with one of my first year elective classmates! About 13-14 years have passed since that time, yet we recognized each other without hesitation. Astounding was the coincidental timing of it all, but even more so was how both of us retained the contact details of the other in our phones. Unexpectedly crossing paths after all these years reminded me fondly of the early years of adulthood, as well as the abundance of growth that had taken place in that duration. She relayed to me an imminent wedding and her move to the west side of the GTA. Naturally, we resolved to catch up one day.

​Back in the office, a partially eaten box of donuts was offered to the kitchen. Adjacent to a trio of somewhat melty Chocolate Dips was the newly launched Ryan Reynolds Maple Butter Glazed Donut. Another member of staff hovered nearby, curious about the creation. We opted to split the donut in half for sampling - a wise choice, given its abhorrent sweetness. A Blackberry Yuzu Lemonade Quencher - with no presence of yuzu whatsoever, mind you - was inadequate in combatting the cloying qualities.

Fatigue crept up over the course of the day, prompting a trip to Costco instead of heading home for exercise. The decision was deemed appropriate, for it enabled relief from pre-long weekend crowds.

When my Guinness Cake arrived in the office on Monday morning, I noticed that the rate of consumption had stalled compared to most days. The final piece remained in place until lunchtime, which was triple the period required for the adjacent Butter Tteok to vanish. However, office remarks were positive - overwhelmingly so! While I hadn't observed most people take to the cake, I was later informed that the bitterness of the cake was indeed reminiscent of Guinness' wondrous qualities, perfectly offset by the subtly sweet, yielding frosting.

Almost one year later, I'm extremely proud to declare that my presence is observed and, above all, my abilities recognized. The office had welcomed me at long last, noticing periods of my absence and excitedly gravitating towards me when present. While I despise the constant need to participate in meetings, those that actually require my engagement does not constitute time lost.

This week has given rise to yet another whirlwind of emotions. It has been extremely hectic, in which I constantly found myself in conversations that I neither expected, or did not expect to go beyond the specified duration. I continue to despise the work and its seemingly endless nature, but am starting to feel mournful: The relationships I've strived so hard to build are finally bearing fruit.

​Appearances in the office were brief. At Walmart, I spotted a low-quality K-pop Demon Hunters tiger plush being retailed at an atrocious $54.95. This was an outrage considering that my recently acquired CoCo plush cost well under half the price and featured superior and significantly softer material. 

​In spite of floral installations in the Grand Rotunda signifying the arrival of spring, Mother Nature was compelled to disagree with an influx of flurries and brisk, single-digit temperatures throughout the week.

​Appeasing some of my anxieties was an LCBO stopover - the first of this year's, might I add!

​The opportunity allowed for a well-deserved restock of sake, along with craft beer. Proof of age was, shockingly, not requested during this visit, which led me to contemplate whether ongoing work stress had resulted in a telling, withered appearance.

​Availability of imported seasonal produce is on the rise. Recently, grocery stores have seen a surge in Fuji apples and mangoes. The latter served as a splendid complement to Nani's Gelato's Mango Lassi formula.

​I slaved away for the rest of the work, actively questioning when my stress-induced weight gain would dissipate. Office sightings of fruit cake, brownies, and sour candy weren't beneficial to my case, though I was mindful to increase exercise accordingly.

1) Matcha Layer Brownie

It was on Tuesday morning amidst rushing to prepare my lunch for another in-office day that my mind wandered in the direction of matcha brownies. The vision was oddly specific: Brownies with a layer of Matcha "Brownie" on top. When I had arrived in office and saw the Mini Egg Brownies constructed by another member of the office, I couldn't help but admit to a sense of déja vu.
"I was contemplating matcha brownies, actually." I began.
"Yes!" The creator of the Mini Eggs Brownies immediately stood up to voice support.
"See you Monday." piped another colleague.

The exchange was amusing and lovely all the same.

When the weekend rolled around, I took to The Brownies To End All Brownies, adapting it to align with my vision.

Ingredients:

A) Original Brownie Batter

• 128 g unsalted butter
• 135 g 52% chocolate couverture  
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• 120 g granulated sugar
• 95 g dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 30 g AP flour
• 30 g cornstarch
• 60 g cocoa powder
• 22 g olive oil

Directions

1. Line a 8 in x 8 in square baking pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Place diced unsalted butter and chocolate couverture in a large, heat-proof bowl. Gently melt in bursts in a microwave until just fluid. Do not subject the chocolate to prolonged periods of high heat.
3. Dissolve instant espresso powder in the chocolate-butter mixture. Add in vanilla. Mix well and set aside. Let cool to at least room temperature before using.
4. Combine eggs, sugars, and pinch of salt in a medium bowl or Pyrex pitcher. Thoroughly aerate using a whisk until thickened and pale in colour. The mixture should be able to form loose ribbons in the bowl, then vanish within seconds. A hand mixer is not necessary; this consistency should be able to be achieved by manually whisking with a wire whisk.
5. Ensure chocolate-butter mixture has cooled to at last room temperature. Continue to let cool if still warm.
6. Gradually incorporate aerated egg mixture into chocolate-butter mixture. Combine well.
7. Add in flour, cornstarch, and cocoa powder. Whisk to combine, ensuring no streaks of flour remain.
8. Drizzle in olive oil and fold until homogenous.
9. Set aside while preparing the Matcha Brownie Batter. Alternatively, transfer to the lined square pan and bake at 350 F for 35-40 mins for non-matcha brownies. The surface should be set with signs of crack propagation, while the centre slightly moist but not runny.
10. Let cool completely before slicing.

​I've learned a lot from my current role, whether it be outsourcing data or making connections to compensate for limited resources. Perhaps the biggest revelation though, was discovering the impacts of insecurity. When someone is insecure, they unleash an uncanny ability to twist reality into a scene that aligns with their inner monologue. When someone is insecure, they gatekeep information instead of sharing it for the benefit of others' work. When someone is insecure, they'll project their tendencies instead of identifying commendable differences and striving to become better people, together.

​Human psychology is a profound subject that I don't believe I shall ever fully grasp. Despite being able to quickly identify those with which I will never connect on a personal level, changing their narrative is another story altogether. Although optimistic by nature, the job switch has confirmed to me that: people, at their core, do not change.

With time, members of the office have come to accept me as I am. My presence is acknowledged and my work quality is recognized; conversations flow with ease. I appreciate the difference in attitude tremendously, for there were tragic reservations eleven months ago.

My lunch walks are brief, and often short-lived due to presence of back-to-back meetings.

​Leading up to St. Patty's day, Uncle Tetsu released a vibrant green Pandan Coconut Cheese Tart and Cheesecake duo. The former was exceptionally interesting, evoking the creaminess of their original Cheese Tart with the exotic essence of pandan and delightful aromas of toasted coconut. Decidedly unique, the pairing was definitely worthy of a try!

I also obtained a Matcha Cheese Tart, which continued to boast a gooey interior and crunchy, gratifying shell into the evening hours.

​I returned to the office the next day. March Break had enabled smooth, school bus-free commutes, much to my pleasure. The Rec Room had also adjusted their hours to account for increased visitor volumes.

Inspired by Seo In Guk, who I've truly been smitten with since watching Boyfriend on Demand, I attempted a Whiskey on the Rocks.

The first sip was ever so potent, immediately instilling a burning sensation followed by warmth in the chest. These effects subsided as the liquor was diluted with ice, rendering it surprisingly palatable. The formula was best enjoyed across small, dainty sips, for consuming quickly could lead to heartburn and discomfort.

I expressed my "fear" of adding more artists to my radar, for time is finite and the amount of content to cover is impossibly vast. The coworker that had first led me to investigate his discography responded to my declaration with surprise. Liking different artists "adds to diversity of life". Her quote stuck with me: she was right!

For my third consecutive in-office day, I attempted an outdoor stroll instead. It was atypically frigid for March, with gusts so brutal that my skin became numb and dry within the first twenty minutes of walking.

Around the City Centre area, I discovered:

• A new opening by the name of Ji Gong Fu, which advertised Chinese-style rice bowls in stone pots as opposed to Monga's giant fried chicken cutlets
• The rising cost of plushies, juxtaposed by the downward trend in material quality
• Availability of The Decadent's Chocolate Chip Cookie mix - Will I finally be able to create it??
• CoCo's M City location being the most annoying outpost with a 1 PM opening time, infinitely inexperienced (and often lazy) staff, and lack of familiarity with the VIP system

Anxieties have surged this week, which means that the urge to crawl into a hole and remain there until the tsunami passes has returned.

​Frankly, I'm not sure what to make of office situation. Despite being in dire need of time off, I've been deferring time off, as well as work-related reimbursements, for there is tremendous uncertainty surrounding the imminent future.

Assuming one of the scarce stretches of respite in my daily work life are lunchtime walks. Often are these strolls executed in solitude, however I enjoy the moments when fellow ranters wish to take part. Even excursions as short-lived as a Tim Hortons run has the ability to bring about a sense of connection - confirmation that I am, in fact, not out of the ordinary for merely desiring work-life balance.

I returned home that evening to munch upon a Traditional Hot Cross Bun from COBS Bread, an Easter staple.
​
The subsequent afternoon was brimming with meetings; my attempt to weave both pie-making and a Nene Chicken order into the mix resulted in a woeful amount of stress. The emotional rollercoaster was a foreign feeling, an element that wouldn't have been experienced in my former job due to fair workload distribution and a priority for worker sanity. Alas, the current load of meetings and duties customarily refrain one from exercising their hard-earned lunch break.

​Despite the ongoing UberEATS BOGO offer, the Nene Chicken transaction totalled a whopping $93.53! After tip, the grand total came to a preposterous $109.17. The order comprised of 16 pieces each of Bone-In Soy Garlic Chicken and Boneless Swicy Chicken, plus $2.75 of Pickled Radish. Three generously-filled containers constituted the side; the mu was indeed superior to MyMy Chicken.

​Both varieties of chicken were fleshy and well-seasoned, but regrettably spicy. The heat propagated from the centre of the mouth towards the throat and temples. Although we enjoyed the chicken fresh, leftovers grew progressively spicier, eventually leading to discomfort in the throat and body.
I began to perspire and shake later that evening. The combined effects of spice and grease had conflicted with my body's needs. Propelled into a low fever and headache, I decided to call in sick. Informed was this decision, for the one-day breather provided the overdue physical and mental relief I desperately needed.

Prior to deterioration was the preparation of a peanut-soy-black sesame tangyuan (from Laurel, instead of our go-to brand of LKF) and the creation of Fig Jam.​

Often we tell others to "hang in there" when they express having a hard time, but is that really the best approach? Until when are they to keep holding on?
The saying "hanging by a thread" applies to situations such as these, for one's grip can only be sustained for so long. Continuous challenges without adequate moments of rest, recovery, and happiness inevitably lead to one's regrettably predictable demise.

Being "depressed" would be an understatement given the latest state of affairs. I'm merely living a nightmare that won't end - a reality where even fitful dreams are better than awaking to see another work day.

​I'm absolutely done with this place, and have been for almost one whole year.

Similar to the soul-sucking days of consulting, those in my surroundings have strived to show support during these times. Whether listening to my ceaseless rants, dissecting dilemmas that have somehow plagued me, and just interacting with me in a way that shows appreciation and acknowledgement, I am deeply grateful for it all. It's nice to know that humanity exists in this world, even if not within my immediate team.

​A small amount of anguish was released during a much overdue lunch walk with a coworker. The conversation comprised of future career plans, the unbelievable act of a team member failing to provide notice for a three-week long vacation and setting others as her out-of-office contact without discussion, and Roll Up The Rim insights.

I learned that Tim's Chai Oat Latte was far superior to their London Fog with Oat Milk. Their Double Chocolate Donut was much better than their Chocolate Glazed and much, much better than Chocolate Dip. It was also discovered that not all menu items were eligible to earn "rolls".

​With knee pain being persistent and progressively prominent, a physio appointment was booked for the next day. Driving to Markham after being placed on a three-week waitlist simply was not feasible. A clinic hidden within a pharmacy provided swift treatment coupled with convenience.

On my way back home, I couldn't resist attempting another Roll Up The Rim chance.

​Biscoff dipped in Chai Oat Latte proved a stellar pairing. Unfortunately, I lost all three rolls on this purchase.

​A Fruit Explosion was received in place of the supposedly discontinued Chocolate Hazelnut Muffin. The concoction was less desirable than in my childhood days, for recent iterations have omitted the slice of apple on the surface and increased the stabilizer content in the jam filling.

​With the exception of flights, setting my alarm for earlier than 7 AM hasn't happened for the past year. With an all-day training course scheduled to commence at 7:30 AM though, I found myself awaking groggy and irritable to pre-sunset hours.

I still arrived about ten minutes late, though the instructor was, thankfully, very friendly and lenient on latecomers.

​During the well-deserved one-hour lunch break, I hurriedly ate my pre-packed lunch and made my way over to Costco. Within forty-five minutes, I had somehow succeeded in completing the trip for paper towels and detergent.

Itinerary-making is an aptitude I hadn't considered grand or commendable. 

How hard is it to do logistics? One decides on the points of interest, maps them out, and determines the viability of the route based on constraints. Amusingly, discussions with others in my surroundings concluded that it was a mightier effort than most preferred to engage.

A downtown day had been hinted when cloooodles noted her next live drawing event to be at "the end of the month downtown". I was eager to align this day with my browsing partner's return, promptly introducing another time-sensitive agenda item.

The geographic boundaries of the outing were established when Hey Tea's final week of grand opening promotions was expressed as an event of interest.
In order to make all the agenda stops though, the day would need to commence early. After all, I wasn't about to miss the Textile Museum's operating hours nor desired to rush for the Wildlife Photographer exhibit.

​The proposed departure time was 8:30 AM, but ultimately leaned closer to 9:20 AM due to extenuating circumstances on my part. Thankfully, early weekend morning traffic was extremely forgiving and we arrived at the designated parking within 40 minutes.

At 9:55 AM, we spotted the queue for Hey Tea forming outside the store, then promptly joined it. During this time, staff delineated the line to prevent blockage of the mall corridors as best as possible.

​During our time in line, we were presented with promotional posters outlining the eighteen days' worth of grand opening events as well menu items limited to the heytea Lab locations. Exclusives were identified by their black cup and numbered notations of "3.3", "5", and "0".

It was only natural to opt for the lab-limited concoctions. Although I couldn't be further from an enjoyer of "cloud"-topped beverages, the element assumed a heytea signature that ought be sampled while on the premises. We agreed on trying the Rock Oolong Caviar Tea and Gongfu 3.3.

About twenty minutes passed by the time we entered into the store. Merchandise such as incense sticks, ceramic tumblers, and matcha lined the tiered wooden shelves against the wall. I attempted to pick up the items for closer inspection, but found every single article firmly glued to its underlying surface - likely to prevent theft.

As we drew closer to the cashier, I caught sight of two ice cream makers churning away. One featured Rock Oolong Caviar at $7.50, while the other Matcha at $6.50. Rock Oolong Caviar was advertised as a collaboration with Chef Susur Lee and likely assumed the most popular pick of the Toronto Lab location. Curiosity was articulated to my browsing partner, who responded with, "Do you want to try?"
I debated the inquiry at first, for having ice cream before 11 AM felt strange. We had both eaten breakfast not too long ago and would have two creamy drinks in hand in the imminent future. Alas, the opportunity was too great to pass on: I nodded in affirmation.

During the event period, each drink purchase would enable one raffle draw. While we had our eyes on the branded merchandise, we both received a 15% off voucher for use before April 5th.

Approximately ten minutes passed before we received our drinks. Seating was quite limited, but turnover was thankfully quick. We briefly hovered about the self-serve bar, which provided lids, water, and a garbage receptable, before shifting towards the pick-up area to observe the drink preparation process.

​When 2025 came to a close, my browsing partner had concluded it was a tough year for me. To be frank, I had spent so much of my time trying to stay afloat that the actual depth of the struggle wasn't an element I considered.

Unfortunately, with new years come new challenges. I suppose adulting is like that: Live and learn.

"The hardest is yet to come." I had foreshadowed. With tension in my body intensifying with every step, I heaved an enormous sigh, not knowing whether to shed tears of frustration, sadness, or both.

Every single work day has played out in a relatively similar fashion:
I commence by booting up the laptop, equipped with a plan in mind on how to tackle outstanding tasks
My inbox is overwhelmed by urgent tasks that are, in retrospect, not urgent at all.
I am subject to this manufactured sense of urgency and respond accordingly - not by applying a streamlined approach because of the timelines, but swiftly engaging in the same steps to conclude the task in hopes of moving on to other duties.

But this load never seems to cease. There is an incessant stream of emails, documents, calls, meetings, and more to obstruct the natural flow of work. And, above it all, is obviously none other than the delusional donkey reeking of incompetence and insecurity making drama to fake importance.

When I set foot into the mall and gazed high at the beaming, blue skies beyond the skylights, I thought to myself, "I miss my friends. I miss freely going out." It didn't take me long to realize "I miss being happy." more than anything.
It was a problem identified early in the career change, yet persisted unaddressed due to economic factors in play. For any overly pragmatic being, prioritizing financial stability over mental wellbeing was the default choice. With time, this becomes unsustainable, but I had never thought to remain in this state in perpetuity.

Strolling the mall, I made a handful of observations:

• The former Middle Eastern light fixture outlet and former former space of Canada Post would soon see a new tenant
• Easter displays had landed at Lindt, inclusive of a gold foil bunnies riding a moving (!) ferris wheel
• Heesung as a spokesperson for an unfamiliar cosmetic brand
• Adorable spring finds at Simons
• Easter and Eid products at Purdy's
  

The nation also welcomed back another season of Roll Up The Rim. In honour of the pre-pandemic legacy, the franchise re-introduced physical cups that supported rim rolls.

Each mobile order enabled two digital rolls in addition to the physical cup, providing incentive for lovers of iced beverages. It was with regret that I did not win on the physical cup, but instead scalded my tongue on the piping hot Chai Latte with Oat Milk - delicious, by the way. That said, a donut was won from one of two digital rolls on the Tim Hortons app.

When a Lunar New Year lunch was hinted earlier last month, there was no hesitation on my part whatsoever to RSVP. Even more inclined was I upon seeing the invite: We were going to the exact Mandarin location frequented in my childhood!

​Visiting Mandarin again after so many years touched a very deep part of my soul in a way that only nostalgia can.

The first day of Lunar New Year is often a jolly one. I arrived to smiling faces in the office and several members fittingly dressed in red attire.

Alas, it would be an understatement to say that my day was negatively impacted at the onset of our despicable team meeting. If there is anything that never ceases to amaze me, it is the brazen audacity of the incompetent. Being confident about one's nonexistent abilities deserves contempt to start, but leveraging one's ability to obstruct the growth of others is another pitiful act altogether. Suffice to say, my response to confidential performance review results being exposed to the small team comprised of shock, surprise, and confusion.
I received plenty of outraged responses from my support network, yet found the mild reactions of my workplace to be unnerving. They had downright downplayed the severity of the act on the account that it failed to align with their personal perception of the individual. Moreover, the altercation led many to believe that I was, in fact, underperforming. Without comprehensive knowledge of the situation, these bystanders are not entirely at fault. That said, the sheer absence of observation and dismissal of obvious intents are quite mind-blowing.

​I collected feedback from my peers, then proceeded with the rest of the hectic day with stormy thoughts, akin to a witch's brew simmering up to a chemical unstable response. While I could have overlooked the inaccuracies in my performance review (for I know my capacities very well), the blatant disrespect and breach of confidentiality were sufficient grounds to instigate a counter attack. Someone decided to wake up and choose violence. To that, I respond with an expressionless war cry.
My job is likely on the line. But if I go down, you're coming with me. One year of suppression later, the animosity is anticipated to be piercing.

​Leading up to lunch, I reminded a colleague of Nani's Gelato's Buy 2 Pints for $19.99 Tuesday promotion. The Matcha Strawberry flavour would soon be concluding its rotation, accelerating the need to visit. Unfortunately, we arrived to find the establishment dimmed and empty: Nani's had changed their opening hours to be 2 PM. Dismayed - and me without my phone - we retraced our steps.
Along the way, I recalled Japadog's Wagyu Fest promotion. Off to Square One we went!

While a Japamiso BLT and Matcha Milkshake was requested beside me, I inquired of the Soft Serve varieties. Initially, the cashier had informed that only Vanilla Soft Serve was available, but then returned to confirm availability of Matcha as well.

There were seemingly further misunderstandings, for I was handed a single scoop of soft serve instead of the depicted swirl. Although the scoop was a smaller portion than expected for its $4.99 price tag, I was minimally bothered, already being full from lunch. The concoction was creamy, lightly grassy, and positively delicious. But after the first spoonful, the staff member requested to recall the cup.

A brief moment later, a plastic cup with a heaping swirl of Matcha Soft Serve was bestowed upon me. Mouth agape, both arms were extended to receive the lofty serving. Its profile was identical to the scoop I had received earlier: creamy, flavourful, and grassy without being overpowering.

Equally enjoyable was the Matcha Milkshake, or so I was told. We collectively agreed that the matcha creations offered impressive value: even at regular price, the Milkshake was just $3.99 while the Soft Serve $4.99. They were incredibly filling as well; I made a mental note to share the specimen next time around.

​The Japamiso BLT entailed generally positive remarks, noting that the bun was "good" but the combination wasn't particularly unique and could easily be assembled without challenge.

Later happenings involved laying eyes on To Go Coffee's New Year Scratch Card promotion, indulgence in an Orange Madeleine with Tempered Chocolate Coating, and comprehensive review of corporate policies in preparation of launching a response in combat.

​Days in and out of the office have felt endless. With each minute comes another meeting, another email, another assignment, or another unwarranted, trivial incident. Beyond tiring of the work itself, my spirit has been dampened with the constant influx of duties that neither bring about fulfillment nor sense of accomplishment. Learning has been stagnant, and progress of tasks exceedingly so.

Between meetings, I only managed to muster forty minutes for lunch. As opposed to a mall walk, I retrieved my skates from the car and conducted a few laps on the Celebration Square rink. With temperatures hovering about the freezing mark, the external environment was exceptionally mild - aka did not warrant handwarmers.