Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger
  • ~ Home ~
  • ~ What I Think ~
  • ~ What I See ~
    • Events
    • Food
    • People
    • Places
  • ~ What I Make ~
  • Blog Series
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer

Out & About #833 | Two Weeks of Visuals + The Final Bay

9/3/2022

0 Comments

 
​If my work schedule is tumultuous and unceasing, then my internal state of mind can only be more chaotic.
Picture
Picture
Picture
For seemingly every challenging task, there is an even more grueling hurdle.
  • Interactions with residents can be tiring, but even more so is the commute, which constantly fluctuates between forty and sixty five minutes.
  • Early mornings, sleepless nights, and long drives are exhausting, but even more so is the act of deducing unclear objectives and obtaining direction from those unwilling to provide them.
  • Corporate greed and inconsistent work responsibilities present further obstacles for fairness and equality, but even more so are the underlying, unspoken financial matters surrounding my everyday life.
Picture
​I've come to realize a distinct weight loss over the past few months. While originally thought to be temporary and ensuing as a result of poor eating habits, fluctuations in the scale have been minimal. The combined effects of fatigue, restlessness, stress, and anxiety are evident. Physical strain - cramped hamstrings and chest pain, to name a few - and emotional pressures have surged from extenuating circumstances, none of which could have fallen within my realm of control even if I tried. 120% of efforts were exerted in vain, for one cannot reason with the world. Society is discovered to live on rotating about the axis of each individual's selfishness and lack of consideration for unity. One could say that I've lost faith in humanity, yet, as third-party spectators never fail to point out, "I care too much to stop trying".

The mindset is both a blessing and a curse: a drive to constantly find new ways to perform better, all while succumbing to the thoughts and beliefs of others and losing yourself in the midst of it, unconsciously.
Picture
Picture
​This short-term fieldwork assignment has taught me plenty. It was more than mere education by ways of municipal priorities and sidewalk remediation. Throughout this project, I've had the opportunity to witness unyielding stubbornness, a typical element of small town culture, as well as the interconnecting implications of certain actions. Certified within the company was the boundless gluttony of those who have tasted profit, and the drastic actions taken to ensure consistent flow of such profit for personal gain. And while I tried my very best in handling a daily routine occupied by work, timely conflict resolution, and weariness, my actions were responded to with laziness, lack of consideration, and further pressures to "do more", to do "better".
It would be a lie to say that feelings of inadequacy weren't experienced thoroughly.
Picture
​But such scenarios lie beyond my realm of control. A sense of helplessness is often felt, as knowing that any and all attempts at altering the situation for a more preferable outcome is futile.
Picture
Picture
​In the past two weeks, I've tried to stomach various meals. From PC's Extra Cheesy Mac & Cheese to even the plainest of takeout items, my digestive system refused them all. Stomach pains, headaches, and more resulted from any intake beyond rice, kale, and lean pork. Moreover, I'd expect constant dreaming to also contribute to an overall decrease in functionality.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Chocolate chunks had been retained for the construction of Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins, which ultimately never materialized due to - you guessed it - tiredness.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Interestingly enough, one of the few items capable of being digested was alcohol. I had no issues with Tiger Beer, and even sensed an urge for Sapporo.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​My mandated thirty-minute lunch periods were spent browsing autumn/Halloween décor at the nearby Dollarama and Michaels.
These air-conditioned stops were likely the most exciting ventures of my work week, beyond the occasional conversations exchanged with members of the Contractor team.
Picture
Picture
​Hankerings for bottled Sapporo were eventually satisfied at Sobeys, where the last can of Dark Dab was also secured.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Another Real Fruit Peach Slush concluded the week, for Mango is being reserved for sampling with the sleepy polar bear.
Picture
​A last-minute decision for the construction of a Black Sesame Japanese Cheesecake would be squeezed in prior to CNE.
Picture
Picture
Opting not for the finnicky formula of cotton cheesecakes past, I jumped to integrate unsweetened black sesame paste with a relatively simple, comparatively quick, and relatively popular, Chocolate Japanese Cotton Cheesecake recipe.

​Results were fabulous, with absolutely no cracking, no crumbling, and, best of all, no wait time after baking! The impromptu experiment marked my swift conversion.
Picture
Picture
​The days of my site presence are coming to a close, as made evident by the rapid progress thus far.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​While a part of me is excited for later mornings and shorter commutes, I am less than pleased to return to the miserable, never -changing scene of micromanaging and soul-sucking.
Picture
​Revisiting Michaels for breezy, Wi-Fi-accompanied walks, I chanced across a shelf of colourful FIMO clay. The small blocks of clay instantly ruffled childhood memories. It is strange to think that the ever-excited crafter of the 2000s would evolve into an adult allergic to sitting still for DIY projects.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Stops at bulk barn and Shoppers were made for the restocking of gummies and investigation of Halloween candy selection. Not so attractive were the opaque qualities of the eyeballs and brains; instead, I took to a small bag of the tri-colour pumpkins. Albeit cute, they taste tacky and almost licorice like, especially the yellow-tinted variety.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​A rain day prompted an early return, continued paperwork and neck pains at home, and a comical communication mishap with the sleepy polar bear. Alas, I received my Koala's March (and an unpictured glass of bonus Pocari Sweat).
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​On Thursday, the last bay of sidewalk was poured. I observed from a distance with bittersweet feelings; the moment was shaken as resident and client issues surfaced. Settling them quickly, I zipped towards Mapleview Mall.
Picture
I remain of the opinion that Decathlon ought open a location closer to the GTA, be it Oakville if not Mississauga. Over one month later, I finally managed a time slot to tend to my online order return.
Picture
Picture
Frankly, it was my first time visiting any of the Decathlon stores in person. Lofty celings and an unbelievable selection of merchandise filled my perspective. A fully-furnished rock climbing wall was arranged at one side of the entrance, and an automatic checkout system (like UNIQLO) resided on the other.
My return was processed in the blink of an eye. Having entered within the first hour of store opening, the grounds were fairly vacant. Uninterrupted assistance was received on distinguishing sock sizes and types (cotton vs. running).
Picture
Picture
Picture
Concluding the week are sightings of an inflatable monkey in a birthday cupcake, a Coco Grape beverage from the sleepy polar bear, and a too-soft Black Sesame Rice Krispies.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​With weekend plans postponed by a day and frozen pie crust (or was it galette crust??) residing in the freezer for far too long, I did the unthinkable: Pecan Pie was revisited.
Picture
On hand was about 175g of pecans, which was augmented to the prescribed 225g with a handful of almonds. Volume-wise, the batch exceeded that tart's pan's capacity. The delectable, nutty custard overflowed, and the sugar crystallized in the pan after cooling. It was a nightmare to remove, even with the tart pan's loose bottom.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Beyond the sticky removal process (pun not intended), I am proud to declare my third pecan pie a grand success! The crust, despite having been frozen for who-knows-how-long, was crisp and flaky, succumbing not to the liquid nature of the custard pre-baking. To ensure rolling without ripping, the doubly shrink-wrapped disc was allowed to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then at room temperature for about thirty minutes while I undertook other preparations.

The almonds, though not a regular constituent of any pecan pie, contributed a crunchiness more distinct than pecans without overwhelming the overall composition and pie personality.
Picture
Picture
​Resulting from an unexpected mall outing were sightings of LINE Friends masks - this time with Sally and Cony - and bedazzled flasks at Holt Renfrew.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​An efficient acquaintance of mine didn't hesitate to express outrage at the price.
​
"Aren't they cool though?" I grinned.
"Maybe $10 cool."
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Who Am I?

    Formerly an avid owner of several interest-based portals, Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger presents precisely the elements expected. From experiments in the kitchen to miscellaneous musings, from IGOT7 reflections to developments in transportation infrastructure, it's all consolidated here. Welcome to the raw, unfiltered side of Quirky Aesthetics.



    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013


    Categories

    All
    Ahgabond Adventures
    Ahgase
    Arctic Aquarium
    Atlantic Canada 2018
    Barrie
    Beauty
    Birthday Buddy
    Calgary 2023
    Chinese New Year
    Conquering COVID 19
    Daily Randoms
    Eyes On You World Tour 2018
    Food
    Friends
    Hallyucon
    Hamilton
    Hong Kong
    Iron Ring
    J Movie
    K Drama
    K-Drama
    Korean Beauty
    K Pop
    Los Angeles 2017
    Macau
    New York 2018
    Ottawa 2019
    Pilates
    Random Rant
    Restaurant Review
    Seoul
    Shopping
    SSMC
    Taiwan
    Vacation
    Vancouver 2013
    Vancouver 2014
    Vancouver 2015
    Vancouver 2016
    Vancouver 2020
    Vancouver 2022


    trazy.com

    RSS Feed


WHAT DOES "QUIRKY AESTHETICS" MEAN?

Quirky =  a term that commonly refers to something/someone distinctly different and unique
Aesthetics = the visual aspect of things



Together, Quirky Aesthetics refers to the things, events, and happenings seen and perceived by this blog's creator - quirky perspectives in a visual form.

Contact ME

​Subscribe

Join our mailing list today!
Join Now
© Quirky Aesthetics. All rights reserved. Last modified: August 10, 2015.