5 Happy Things To Celebrate
Weekly Reminders To Stay Positive #1
Little and big things to be cheerful about in my adult life:
1. Summer in the Pacific Northwest
It’s my first time experiencing summer in Washington state and so far is one of the most magical experiences I have had in the US. This June is an unusual cool and rainy weather for Seattle, causing by an ‘atmospheric river’ - a narrow strip of deep moisture sourced from the tropics. The average June’s temperature in Seattle is 60F (19C) which compared to Austin’s 2022’s record hot weather with 18 days of 100F+(38C) is a world difference.
I am beyond grateful that I can be shielded from that scorching sun for a while. Not to mention the beautiful lakes: Lake Washington, multitude of parks: Gas Works, UW Arboretum Garden, Kerry Park and mountains here in the city.
2. New Foods Discoveries
Culinary adventures that fuel my stomach this past month(s):
Papaya yogurt bowl: Inspired first by @emilymariko and then my trip to Oahu. This creation uses half of a ripe papaya as a vessel to carry Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, granola and good quality honey. It is absolute divine.
Central Texas BBQ: I tried this the first time at La Barbecue in Austin. This BBQ style emphasizes the meat rather than the sauce, comes with various options for side dishes like pickles, slaws, pickled jalapenos or even kimchi and can be eaten with a potato bun to dampen the fatness from the meat and sourness from the pickles. The meat (think brisket and ribs) is slow roasted over oak with dry rub like salt and pepper, and become so tender, meat falling off the bone type thing. An Austin signature delicacies that is a must try.
Frozen Xiao Long Bao and Green Tea Mochi from Trader Joe’s: Come eating out, come eating in. I and my current/temporary roommate discovered our newest obsession in TJ’s frozen section. The pork and ginger + chicken xiao long bao taste just as good as the ones you get in restaurants. We also love the frozen green tea mochi which are perfectly smooth and delicious.
3. My recent favorite inspiration:
Stevie Triesenberg aka Bay Flight, is a 24-year-old software engineer, aircraft owner and pilot. She flies a vintage 75 year old plane called the Beechcraft Bonanza and documents her flying with breathtaking views on Tik Tok (@planegirl) and Instagram (@bayflight) As a long time flying aficionado, I can only say how much her sharing makes me want to learn how to fly an airplane. Adding this to my life long dreams.
Veggie Anh - Vietnamese vegan food blogger who makes delectable Asian meals among many other things. She’s a ray of sunshine and her colorful + healthy dishes never fail to inspire me to eat better.
Taylor Bell - I discovered Taylor last year when she appeared on the Graham Stephan’s iced coffee podcast and have loved following her journey ever since. Taylor is a management consultant living in NYC and Youtuber but most importantly, she has an uplifting and goofy personality that puts viewers in a great mood. I learn a lot about consulting and reselling on her channel, would highly recommend.
The Jibbits Podcast - My best friend from college, Minjae launched her podcast this past week. Minjae is one of the coolest and creative people I know, give her some love on this journal style, down to earth chit chat podcast.
4. New journeys and finishings:
My long time buddy and most supportive cheerleader TN started her full time job this past week in Denver! I am most excited to visit her soon this summer.
My sister finished off her 11th grade in high school with flying colors. Now one more year until she becomes a college student!
5. Revival of my love for online writing:
Finally, I am determined to continue putting my time and efforts into the art of written words. Manifesting my dream to become a writer, I am trying to read more and am always open to reading suggestions.
What I’m reading:
David Perrell’s recent essay about the city of Austin - “What’s up with Austin?” (where he IMO aptly describes Austin as an average city but a great place to live, which I 100% agree with)
David Foster Wallace’s This Is Water Essay
Book: Hunger - Roxane Gay (a memoir on Roxane’s relationship with food, body and love. A slight trigger warning for those with eating disorders or are sensitive to this topic)
Book: You and I Eat The Same - Chris Ying (an analysis of how different cultures/countries share the same food concepts and dishes, eg: protein wrapped in dough of various forms think banh trang nuong, burrito, jian bing) The foodie in me is very much intrigued in the diversity and wide coverage of food this book.