Notes of a Desolate Libra

Now that the end to this  horrible month is drawing near, I can do a brief summary of the end result of the crazy events that took place earlier in the month. There were other insane events that happened this month, including close relatives of very good friends passing away, one of my best friends’ father having gotten into an accident and she herself was rushed to the ER and found out she was loaded with bacteria and viruses… it’s not been pleasant. But there’s no point looking back or moping, we can only gather our thoughts around what we have to be thankful for, and love those that are important to us even more…

Seeking serenity.

My dad’s car has been examined by the other car owner’s insurance company. Well, at least that’s done for now. The rest of it is out of our hands. We no longer have a car, but I’d like to think that it’s for a reason.

My mom was finally released from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving after spending almost a month in there. I can’t even imagine how much pain and suffering she went through. For these weeks, the only time the family was able to be together was if my dad and I happened to be at the hospital at the same time. We tried to stagger our visits so she can have company for more times during the day. Her hospital experience warrants another post, but I’ll write that one if I have the energy.

My low blood pressure issue is finally under control so I don’t feel like I’m about to fall over anymore. However, a few times this month I totally lost the peace and calm that I felt earlier. I always that you couldn’t lose it once you had it, like learning to ride a bicycle or swim… but I was wrong. The stress, lack of sleep, and overload of life just took over and I had a few flip outs. But it was a good lesson for me. I know I have much to learn… and to always be vigilant… because no, I am not immune to everything.

Let’s all look forward to a better end of the year and a new year with new blessings.

New York City, VoCaL Family, Friendship, Zen

To be honest, I am sick of the subways and buses in New York, but I have to admit that we pay a lot less than most other countries.

The other day, I waited about 40 minutes for a bus that was supposed to come every 10 minutes. Needless to say, I was very frustrated. I also had an important errand to run that day, and the lateness really didn’t help.

Of course, I am not the only one who is always frustrated on the weekends when the trains suddenly go on a different schedule, with lines and schedules twisted in all crazy ways imaginable. Of the 24 lines, sometimes only 2 remain unchanged, and those 2 usually run on a very limited route.

But I am not sure if everyone realizes that the amount we pay for our public transportation system, which is the only one that runs 24 hours and goes almost everywhere in Manhattan and Brooklyn, is really minimal. Someone once commented that if we had to pay the actual amount that we should pay for services/goods, we would realize how lucky we are now. I’m not giving the MTA any excuses, but sometimes it’s good to reflect on how good things are, and not how bad things are. Otherwise, we’d all be very unhappy people all the time

New York City MTA

I find that I am unable resist good food. And I get spoiled when I’ve had TOO much good food. Ok, this is the sign of a real foodie (not that anyone would argue).

My meal at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon is probably THE most decadent and delicious meal (and expensive of course) meal I EVER had. I was fortunate that my friend so kindly offered to treat me to a birthday dinner. Otherwise I would not have the money to walk in there for a few years.

Foie Gras~ (*hand over heart*)

This review really tells you what was included in the discovery menu and the author does a better job than I could ever hope to. My post is basically to rave about how much I enjoyed this experience.  It’s much like when I had REALLY good sushi/sashimi at Sasabune. Once you’ve been there… you can’t quite go back. I don’t regret it. At least that means I will work hard at improving my own cooking skills (which are lacking as of this moment)

However, I really wish I had gone to L’Atelier earlier, because as I do more research on the restaurant, I think I have positively fallen in love with the previous Executive Chef, Mr. Yosuke Suga. The last thing I could find on him is that he’s now currently the Executive Chef of the Taipei branch of L’Atelier. No matter, I will visit the Taipei branch one day and fawn over him then.

Another thing that impressed me is that they gave me a special treat – an extra dessert plate – for my birthday! the service definitely has to do with how much you love a restaurant. And I think a lot of times people pay the money not only for good food but also for the service.

Extra Special

That said, there are still many more wonderful restaurants that I have yet to visit in New York. But I’m making my way there!

New York City Food, Restaurants

This post was created per Jack’s request. Being that he’s the one hosting my site and is my personal all purpose tech support, I must abide by his wishes and do a thorough examination of my own feelings toward these two yogurt shops. Although I must apologize that I started this post BEFORE I left NYC in June and am just finishing it NOW…

If you’re not generally a fan of yogurt, you may still come to like these two frozen yogurt stores, Pinkberry (watch out for the obnoxious bgm, you can turn it off on the bottom right) and Red Mango. Their yogurts have a nice tangy taste and feel lite. My personal preference is for Pinkberry. Now hear me out. Basically most of the toppings are the same. On that note, remember that there is “mochi” available for your picking even though sometimes you may not see them among the other toppings. They are usually hidden away in the fridge somewhere. Toppings are probably a non issue since they’re mostly fruits, sprinkles, oreos, and all that good stuff. I can’t say I noticed much of a difference. I haven’t tasted all of the different types of frozen Yogurt (Pinkberry has Original, Green Tea, Pomegranate, Passion Fruit, Coffee, and Coconut; Red Mango has Original, Green Tea, Pomegranate, and tangomonium). But from what I can tell, really, the original is good enough for me (for the other ones you have to add money).

Anyway, I think for anyone who has tasted both stores, the general opinion is that Pinkberry is more “icy” and Red Mango is more “creamy.” It’s like the sorbet versus ice cream sort of thing. I’m just more of a sorbet girl (usually, if all the flavors are the same). I also think that Pinkberry is slightly more tangy than Red Mango. Interestingly enough, it seems a serving of Pinkberry will put you on the more decadent side (averaging ever so slightly higher on the sugar, calories and carbs scale). However, I think I can deal with 100 calories per serving (vs. 90 for Red Mango).

Whichever one you like, I really think it’s a taste thing. I know fans of both, and I know people who swear by one of them… my personal preference would probably be different from yours… the best way to find out is to have a taste yourself!

Pinkberry @ 32nd

Red Mango @ 32nd

VERSUS

Where you find one, you will very likely find the other right across the street or a few stores down. They are also rivals in their native Korea. I guess we all have different tastes, but consumers are usually the winners when there is competition.

New York City Food, Frozen Yogurt, New York City, Pinkberry, Red Mango

“The Senate recently held a debate on just such a proposal, during which the sponsor, John Thune of South Dakota, said that if people from his state were able to go to New York and visit tourist attractions while carrying their concealed weapons, ‘Central Park would be a much safer place.’” – Gail Collins, NYT July 31, 2009 (”Have Guns, Will Travel“)

Seriously… is this still the image people have of Central Park? I am not against guns. I’m sort of flexible on the issue. But the way these people go about trying to convince me of one way the other is just downright comical in a sad way.

I love(d) walking around Central Park when I was in NYC. As with any other place in New York City (or anywhere, for that matter), as long as you don’t wander around at night, the park is generally safe. People always have this image of NYC being such a dangerous place… I can only say for those who do not know to appreciate the beauty of the city, they’re missing out on more than they know.

See me in the Sun.

New York City Central Park, Gail Collins, New York City, New York Times