When posed with the question "Why do we have leap years?", I frankly wasn't sure how to respond.
"It's a part of the calendar." I had answered matter-of-factly. Though, in reality, I hadn't ever pondered this topic, but merely accepted it as a recurring event that would rear its head every four years.
"It's a part of the calendar." I had answered matter-of-factly. Though, in reality, I hadn't ever pondered this topic, but merely accepted it as a recurring event that would rear its head every four years.
 |  |
 |  |
The second month of 2020 had flown by amidst my seemingly endless duration of sickness. It concluded with a bang in the form of Eric Nam's second opening act-accompanied concert, and third ever visit to "Canadia".
Superseding the unexpectedly long evening was a gloomy work-from-home instance, that later unfolded into an unavoidable round of errands.
Superseding the unexpectedly long evening was a gloomy work-from-home instance, that later unfolded into an unavoidable round of errands.
 |  |
The opportunity for indulgence lay before my eyes, and a trip to Wonton Chai simply that could not be refused.
I opted to swap my regular order of egg noodles for flat, rice noodles instead this time. The short strands were plump and spongy - an indication of being overcooked. Other elements, such as tender cubes of beef brisket and springy fish dace balls, remained consistent.
I opted to swap my regular order of egg noodles for flat, rice noodles instead this time. The short strands were plump and spongy - an indication of being overcooked. Other elements, such as tender cubes of beef brisket and springy fish dace balls, remained consistent.
 |  |
Fried Fish Skin was then taken to go, along with the remnants of my midday meal and an order of Plain Wontons.
 |  |
Heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures welcomed me back to the South Core. Oh, and did I mention loathsome transit delays?
 |  |
Lunch walks were contained within the warmth of the indoors, which, while comfortable at first, were ultimately deemed too toasty for maneuvering within at a speedy pace.
 |  |
Had I not announced a sugar-reducing resolution, I might as well have fallen victim to Sullivan & Bleeker's soft-baked S'Mores and Red Velvet sablé spotted at McEwan.
 |  |
My continued peregrination in the PATH was met with furry slippers at Miniso, further baked temptations, and the inexplicable sighting of Tea Poporn. (Honestly, The Alley is popular for reasons beyond me.)
 |  |
In search of a more expansive menu, I ventured to Pilot's second outpost in the downtown core. The Union Station location is a great for a swift walk, however options are limited in comparison.
At the east side of First Canadian Place, just before entering the connecting tunnel to Scotia Plaza, was the popular roastery/café's artificial shrubbery-decked storefronts. Featured as the Seasonal Special was the Cascara Cardamom Latte - a five-dollar creation fusing fragrant spices with consistently smooth espresso. The first sip delivered a distinct observation: a profile suppressed of its potential by lack of sweetener; three quick pumps of the syrup bottle amended this dilemma. Many beverages can be enjoyed unsweetened, but it is important to note that Thai Tea, HK Milk Tea, and spice-infused varieties (like Chai) ought to be adhere to their advocated doses.
At the east side of First Canadian Place, just before entering the connecting tunnel to Scotia Plaza, was the popular roastery/café's artificial shrubbery-decked storefronts. Featured as the Seasonal Special was the Cascara Cardamom Latte - a five-dollar creation fusing fragrant spices with consistently smooth espresso. The first sip delivered a distinct observation: a profile suppressed of its potential by lack of sweetener; three quick pumps of the syrup bottle amended this dilemma. Many beverages can be enjoyed unsweetened, but it is important to note that Thai Tea, HK Milk Tea, and spice-infused varieties (like Chai) ought to be adhere to their advocated doses.
Friday was welcomed with caffeine - but really, which weekday morning isn't? - à la instant Vietnamese coffee mix. G7 was its (humorous) name, and astounding was its strength. Energy-boosting office treats arrived on the communal table in the latter half of the afternoon, their vibrant packaging counterpoising my all-black, dance class-ready ensemble.
 |  |
A certain prehistoric creature's disappearance from the floor prompted my eventual usage of our collectively acquired 50% off stamp reward. In contrast to the St. Andrew station location, Waterfront's lightly sweetened Hong Kong Milk Tea was robust and, admittedly, gratifying.
As frequent attendees of group classes, fitness or not (531, 535, 610), shall know, the format of a session can vary drastically depending on the instructor. Precisely the case with this week's Kindred Beginner, we commenced with a blood-pumping round of strength exercises: burpees, squat pulses, tabletop crunches, high knees, and jump lunges had been incorporated into the total body "conditioning". Dance, as we were informed, was an activity that demanded control of one's movements, much like pilates which emphasized the importance of core, and consequentially balance.
Instead of our regular choreography-based lesson, the group engaged in drills. Bounces, in all directions, were the foundation of hip hop; furthering our roster were moves such as the Smurf, Bart Simpson, and Running Man (and a side-jump-shuffle step that I cannot recall the name of), all of which we had the opportunity to deploy for a freestyle battle at the termination of the session. Footwork is generally easier to adopt from a personal standpoint, and the freedom to create our own piece in the presence of fear was especially effective in re-introducing flexibility amidst structure.
And as for weekends, well, there's no doubt that mine is characterized by math and essay-writing, as per the norm.
RSS Feed