Weekly trips to the office can feel mundane: the same commute, the same scenery, and the same schedule. But I've rarely found downtown Toronto to be tame.
There are a multitude of pedestrian-friendly routes to reach the same destination, and every visit is an opportunity to peruse for something new and novel. Of course, vigilance is to be summoned at all times, for crowds are chaotic and one can often find himself or herself dodging the reeking stench of sewer while strategically swerving about unidentifiable spills on the sidewalk, as well as the homeless that may have caused them.
There are a multitude of pedestrian-friendly routes to reach the same destination, and every visit is an opportunity to peruse for something new and novel. Of course, vigilance is to be summoned at all times, for crowds are chaotic and one can often find himself or herself dodging the reeking stench of sewer while strategically swerving about unidentifiable spills on the sidewalk, as well as the homeless that may have caused them.
Swinging by a day before Valentine's Day meant witnessing a plethora of promotions for last-minute gifts.
 |  |
First were Hazukido's Jumbo Heart Croissant Cookies. Admittedly curious about the partially coated, palm-sized croissant hearts, I continued on my way upon getting a peek of its $9.50 price tag.
Venturing into Atrium on Bay, Muji was observed to be holding an end-of-season sale for their fleecy zip-ups.
 |  |
Fuzzy articles of clothing were very much still in-season items, should you ask me. Both Uniqlo, where mannequins were spotted donning light jackets and spring gear, and Muji would beg to differ, however.
 |  |
My mission of the day was to locate replacement cushion puffs. Traversing north along Yonge, I entered into H Mart. The spacious Korean grocery store was well-loved by post-secondary students in the area, and offered a wide variety of snacks and prepared foods to serve their niche demographic.
Regrettably, cushion puffs and beauty tools did not fall within the high-demand category.
Regrettably, cushion puffs and beauty tools did not fall within the high-demand category.
 |  |
Another IKEA trip was made; along the way, I spotted the demise of Mogouyan on Yonge and a new OHYO location, just minutes away from Octo Zone!
The Eaton Centre was not particularly helpful in my cushion puff hunt either. Neither Sukoshi Mart nor kiokii and ... supported tried-and-true makeup tools. Efforts to locate the item at The Face Shop, my go-to for blotting sheets, were also in vain, as the shop appeared to be liquidating with a 70% off storewide clearance sale.
The Eaton Centre was not particularly helpful in my cushion puff hunt either. Neither Sukoshi Mart nor kiokii and ... supported tried-and-true makeup tools. Efforts to locate the item at The Face Shop, my go-to for blotting sheets, were also in vain, as the shop appeared to be liquidating with a 70% off storewide clearance sale.
Valentine's decorations would come into view again upon nearing Läderach.
 |  |
Breathtaking boxes of swirled bark, truffles, and the Artisanal Swiss chocolate company's signature FrischSchoggi lined the shelves, inciting allure and beckoning indulgence. Nevertheless, I resisted temptation, assuring myself that my kitchen possessed more sugary goods than I'd need in a week's time.
I returned home to gloriously blue skies that evening, unaware of the plummeting mercury levels that would befall two days later.
Life is sometimes unnecessarily complex with its various procedures and personalities. Larry and Mr. Buttons serve to reinstate joy with their ceaselessly cozy presence.
 |  |
Thursday morning was seemingly calm at first, with concrete and asphalt paths as dry as could be. But my parched, cracking skin was telltale of an ominous occurrence.
Soon, flurries would fall. I was bound to my desk, mid-meeting, while observing in horror. The lunch walk would not be fun.
Soon, flurries would fall. I was bound to my desk, mid-meeting, while observing in horror. The lunch walk would not be fun.
 |  |
Approximately half a foot of the white mass had accumulated by 1:30 PM. Foot traffic was limited, but nonetheless present. I arrived at the core's only Michael's location after fifteen minutes of being ruthlessly pelted with precipitation.
 |  |
The arts and craft giant's Valentine's Day and Christmas clearance items were browsed.
Nearby were organizational bins, a popular item in many stores as of late, and two walls' worth of spring and Easter decorations.
Before treading back, I decided on a detour to King Fresh Food Market. The Korean-operated convenience store was situated on the basement level of a retail complex at the northeast corner of King and John, just minutes away from TIFF grounds and the lofty residential tower at John and Pearl.
 |  |
Staggering were the prices tacked onto the shelves. The selection was an amusing mishmash of local produce, Chinese beverages, Korean snacks, North American non-perishables (think cereal, Campbell's, and instant coffee), and small-sized household cleaning items (three-pack sponges, etc.). Most items were marked at least 30% higher than that of any grocery store, likely for convenience/proximity to residential communities and entertainment facilities.
The walk back was equally treacherous. With nearly one foot of snow accumulating on Nathan Phillips Square, I was amazed at how skaters managed to maneuver at all.
Its interior was evidently crafted of wintermelon purée, a common ingredient used in place of 100% pineapple filling used to keep production costs low. The pastry was indeed much better than the T&T rendition and would be acceptable in a pinch, but my own versions of Fenglisu still assume first choice.
Later that evening came an evening Costco run. We made haste, for the warehouse was set to close at 8:30 PM.
 |  |
Within the last five minutes of closing, I hurriedly placed an order at Hiroi for pickup. My Costco partner had shifted all decision-making duties in my direction, causing chaos in the face of urgency. This resulted in many "ums" and "uhs" during order placement, as well as over-ordering (the phone attendant forgetting to cancel?) in a state of panic.
We arrived at the compact sushi spot at 8:56 PM, just four minutes till closing. The knotted plastic bag was amongst the last orders of the day, with the only other being a takeout platter for staff.
Dinner took place around 9:30 PM - a far later slot than my liking, not that the neighbouring night owl would care.
Dinner took place around 9:30 PM - a far later slot than my liking, not that the neighbouring night owl would care.
 |  |
The assortment had been limited to All-Day Specials only, thus resulting in a final lineup:
- H8. Sashimi, Sushi & Big California; Assorted Sashimi (6), Assorted Sushi (5), Big California (8)
- H2. Hiroi Special 2; Assorted Sushi (5), Dynamite Roll (10)
- H1. Hiroi Special 1; Assorted Sushi (4), Big California Roll (8), Spicy Mix Roll (6)
- SR11. Aburi Salmon Dragon Roll; Dynamite roll topped with torched salmon
My heart had yearned for the Party Tray, and had been incredibly disappointed when informed of the last call ordering restrictions. Nevertheless, the salmon was buttery and delicious, and the Aburi Salmon Dragon Roll profoundly smoky and scrumptious. It was, in all regards, tastier than SR9. Aburi Scallop & Salmon Dragon Roll.
Of course, the remaining quantity of Sho Chiku Bai was summoned for pairing. Once depleted, Sho-Une made its stunning entrance.
While my recent eating habits haven't been particularly well-rounded, I was certain that all was fine in terms of iron content and veggie consumption. With the past two weeks being chaotic beyond belief, I had mindlessly skipped a meal and even grew unaware of my lack of bowel movements.
This absence of attention and lack of fibre in my diet soon caught up to me in the harshest form of a reminder. The following morning, I sat hunched over my knees, straining uncomfortably for at least thirty minutes before finally being able to stand on my feet. Excruciating stomach pains would continue into the afternoon hours, bringing about a bloated stomach and nothing to ease to pain. Suppositories were brought to my aid, yet my body persisted with pain. Laxatives were summoned next, followed by a stool softener (thank goodness I can swallow pills now!) at night.
Critical damage would be done in the evening hours. At thirty-minute intervals, I would fall into a state of drowsiness, awaken to rush to the bathroom aching, cry out in agony, then repeat the process. Any pressure on the body would simply worsen the already torturous numbing pains. Meanwhile, my stomach swelled to near pregnant-like levels.
This absence of attention and lack of fibre in my diet soon caught up to me in the harshest form of a reminder. The following morning, I sat hunched over my knees, straining uncomfortably for at least thirty minutes before finally being able to stand on my feet. Excruciating stomach pains would continue into the afternoon hours, bringing about a bloated stomach and nothing to ease to pain. Suppositories were brought to my aid, yet my body persisted with pain. Laxatives were summoned next, followed by a stool softener (thank goodness I can swallow pills now!) at night.
Critical damage would be done in the evening hours. At thirty-minute intervals, I would fall into a state of drowsiness, awaken to rush to the bathroom aching, cry out in agony, then repeat the process. Any pressure on the body would simply worsen the already torturous numbing pains. Meanwhile, my stomach swelled to near pregnant-like levels.
Roughly six hours later, some degree of relief came about. Bowel movements would take place at long last! By the 4 AM mark, I could finally fall into slumber properly.
The possibility of constipation hadn't even crossed my mind before the incident. Promptly altering my diet the next morning, I commenced the day with oatmeal, banana, and pecans instead of my usual banana bread. All Bran Cereal and possibly blue sky bran muffins may be slowly re-introduced as well.
Existing in peace is surely not easy.
The possibility of constipation hadn't even crossed my mind before the incident. Promptly altering my diet the next morning, I commenced the day with oatmeal, banana, and pecans instead of my usual banana bread. All Bran Cereal and possibly blue sky bran muffins may be slowly re-introduced as well.
Existing in peace is surely not easy.
RSS Feed