Out & About #603 | The End of an Era - Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger

Out & About #603 | The End of an Era

12/13/2019

Since mid-October, my weekly KDC sessions have repeatedly been supplying me with new perspectives. As much as dance is a form of exercise, it is also a medium of expression, surpassingly so.

Despite being an amateur at "feeling the groove" while memorizing a sequence of movements, the classes were always a blast, and always a portal to absorb new information. Contrary to my initial belief, the choreography introduced did not have to be reproduced identically. Rather, it seemed that both participants and instructors preferred slight modifications, such that the moves aligned with one's original style.

I grasped the core meaning of "community" - a space free of judgment and brimming with absolute freedom, a collective of positive vibes and mutual encouragement.

KDC classes bridged the gap between Intermediate and Advanced levels, which was, admittedly, still too advanced for the likes of me and my lack of practice. Years of recreational badminton have honed my hand-eye coordination, yet left my sense of rhythm stagnant. The ability to move my body with grace was impaired. I was but a zealous concert-goer unaccustomed to the complex steps of urban dance.
However, the more experienced attendees did not bat even an eyelash. Many were more than willing to lend a helping hand - or arm, or leg - in assisting newbies like me learn a new move.

The term concluded with a double class: the first incorporating b-boy vibes and the second fluid attitudes à la house and ahgase's very own Hit The Stage champion.

One Beginner class and two KDCs later though, I was more than ready to call it a day. The team at the nearby McDonald's was apparently aware of this as well, for I lucked out with a triple-sized Vanilla Cone due to worker error.
This single serving was sufficient in compensating the dissatisfactory swirls of the past.

In review of the rest of the week was an incredulously lengthy baking session, which, in turn, resulted in a decent batch of gingersnap cookies and a not-so-spectacular dual-toned pound cake.

Savoury mini crepes, an LCBO run for seasonal craft brews, and the rare CoCo trip followed suit. (Guinness Blonde is great, by the way.)

Sugar-laden beverages in hand, a fellow game enthusiast and I then headed over to The Rec Room for some fun and games.

Sightings of Uncle Tetsu's infamous pop-up at the The Food District were also made.

Bread and Salt Bakehouse had resided on our to-go list since early autumn. Postponed time and time again due to schedule conflicts, this trip was a highly anticipated one.

Unfortunately, neither of us were able to stay. One had prior dinner arrangements that swept her away with a simple phone call, while the other was eager to return home for pilates (Ahem). Samples of the bakery's signature Syrian rolled ice cream were tested just prior to the fateful departure, but while they were indeed tasty, neither of us could stomach any more sugar for the afternoon.

A vegetarian Farmer's Market focaccia pizza and 5-pack of Whole Wheat Pitas were purchased for slow consumption over the upcoming week instead.

The downtown core never seems to tire of lights and festive decor, even inside evident by Cali-native retailers such as Hollister.

The first day of the work week concluded with errands, a needlessly tedious sign-up process at Goodlife - it was a 3-visit pass for crying out loud - and Empire Bulgogi at Sikgaek.

Unpictured was the syrupy Brown Sugar Ginger Milk Tea obtained by my dining partner.

This edition of Office Treats was extended into a complete breakfast spread - complete with fruit salad, frittata English muffin sandwiches and Christmas-themed sugar cookies!