Life ain’t fair, and in a world like today’s, when it feels like the end of the world almost everyday, I’ll just do my best to enjoy what I can and help as many people enjoy their day as best I can. For example, I will go and eat some really great food. 

C and I went to Heritage Asian Eatery a few weeks ago, and I came across these photos on my phone, which reminded me of how awesome that little shop was. One of these was the duck bowl and the other was the pork bowl:

3 bao’s to go for H, stuffed with meat and fresh veggies:


I thought these had the right amount of sauce/meat to rice (or bao) ratio. The eggs were cooked perfectly (by that, I mean the yolks were runny enough but the whites were not too soft). I want to come back to try the brunch one day, but I have too many other places on my list right now.



I am sort of trying to save money, so eating at home more is on my list of goals for the next 2 months. This is proving to be quite difficult. I already knew that this year would not be a good year for saving money from reading Your Chinese Horoscope 2017 by Neil Somerville. I’m pretty much ready for next year to start, I’m getting tired of typing “2017”.

PS: I'm so super tired today. I think I'm letting the unfairness of this whole situation bring me down, because I just don't know how to let this go without some sort of... admonishment. When somebody does something wrong, they should own up to it and not waste all of our limited time here, arguing that it was something else that caused the glitch. Either that, or get bitched out when we find out it really wasn't the fault of anything else. It's frustrating to me that I can't just let this go...

PPS: The Queen of the Night in our basement started blooming last night! It was spectacular. This is what life should be about.

It was a choice between Dalina, Au Bade, and Propanda. Dalina was too busy, Au Bade was on the wrong side of the street, and we ended up at Propaganda:



I had the macchiato, and it was weak compared to Pallet. The sandwich was packed with meat, and I must’ve been starving, I polished it off. The others had a ham and cheese croissant, which they seemed to enjoy. I think I would come back again because it’s less crowded than Matchstick, but the coffee could be stronger.

For those of you who are into Munchkins the Marvel edition, this place has a metal table.



This weekend, I tried hiking (walking in the park) at night for the first time. It was the annual NiteHike, and H really wanted me to participate, so there I was… in the middle of the woods… We started walking around 8PM, and it was just before 6AM by the time we finished the event. It was nice to get lost in the woods. It was also nice to feel so physically drained that once my head hit the pillow, nothing in the whole world mattered anymore.

Ended up sick again. Late 20s has not been good for health so far.

 1. EATING:



Came to Pho Lan for dinner with P and J, in the quest for large amounts of Vietnamese food. Pho is one of my favourite foods. This place was pretty dark and dingy, so I couldn’t really tell how clean everything was, but the pho was great. Not too salty, came with lots of toppings, and a large pile of noodles. I finished the XL bowl by myself! Achievement unlocked. I didn’t care too much for the spring rolls here, tasted like it was refried, but maybe if I weren’t so full from the noodles I would’ve liked it more.



2. ANSWERING QUESTIONS - Customer said that I’m good at this I did not make this up.
Customer: When will you have this in stock?
Me: *tells him the date*
Customer: But how soon will you find out if the date will get better?
Me: Sometime between today and above date. *SECRETLY DYING FROM LAUGHTER*
Customer: You’re very good at answering questions.

3. BEING HONEST – I suck at games that require lying, like Coup and Werewolf. I absolutely hate these games. Another game I hate… Legendary. Can’t wait till Cayman Islands at the end of this month, where I’m sure I will not be playing any of those.

That’s about it, I guess.

After 10 minutes of driving from the beach (it probably wouldn’t take more than an hour to drive around the entire island), we reached Vesuvius. We didn’t know the name of the restaurant, but from the institutions in the “town”, Seaside Restaurant was probably the only place to grab a bite. Oysters, fish and chips (halibut), and clam chowder:



Tasted extra good, after all the fails with the clams. The chowder had huge chunks of clam, the fish was fresh and had good meat to batter ratio, and we were ready to keep going. For a little place on a tiny island, the food was better than good. If they set up shop on the mainland, I might go again, but it’s still not worth the 3 hour ferry ride.



1:00PM: Mt. Erskine

Trail is a bit steep, but the fairy doors are worth it.

More info on this trail: https://saltspringmarket.com/hiking-on-salt-spring-island/mt-erskine-from-juniper/

Side note: S8 came out today. I dropped my S7 from the seat of H’s 4Runner (now known as Big Bertha), while I was getting out of the car, and it tumbled to hard cement ground. A couple side scratches, no cracks. Faith restored in Samsung.


Return to Day 1 on Salt Spring
Go to Day 2 on Salt Spring

At Le Marché St. George, one of my favourite nooks in Vancouver, with a good friend, enjoying the sunshine this weekend before heading off to the Eastside Flea Market. I got a Rose Mocha and a French onion soup, and the croissant is C’s. I can’t wait to come back, every single time. They pay attention to all the details! The only thing we didn’t do was bike; it would’ve been a complete Vancouver-style weekend.



Looked back on some old photographs, which brought back some good and bad memories. I’ve been thinking about what I’ve learned since (love, work, family), and when the switch was flipped from “child” to “adult”. The past was fun, but I’m more excited to keep moving forward.

Last day, rather early start, wandered into Mazarine Coffee for breakfast around 8AM:

I had found this place just by searching Google for coffee near me at the beginning of this trip, and I had wanted to go since the very first day, but circumstances brought me to Starbucks for efficiency’s sake. Eggs were done perfectly, just cooked, so softly poached with a light layer of sprouts and cracked pepper on top for flavours. I would come back in a heartbeat. Coffee was strong too. I think my barista was in training – the latte art got mushed up a bit. Not sure if that affected the flavour…

After breakfast, I had originally planned to finish watching Harry Potter, which was showing on the television, but after careful consideration and D’s reminder, I booked it to the airport to see if I could get on an earlier flight. Weather was being unpredictable in Vancouver…

Ended up spending about $150USD to switch my seat. There was even enough time to go to the Duty Free to pick up a bottle of Johnny Walker, a box of See’s candy, and this Laneige BB Cushion that has been out of stock EVERYWHERE for the past half year. I am just glad it’s back in my life. Still can’t find it on the Sephora website for Canada.

Laneige medium shade, and Nespresso as I get ready today.

I’m glad I cut my day short in SF because I made it back safe and sound, no delays. Whether it’s business or personal, it is sometimes for the best to just cut your losses, take what you have gained, and make the most of the situation. How do you determine at that you’ve given it your best? At what point do you walk away from the deal or the relationship?

Busy days and tough decisions ahead.

Here are the links to all the days from this trip:
Day 1
Day 2.. and sort of 3
Day 4 - Part 1
Day 4 - Part 2
Day 5 

Woke up late to this view at the JW Marriott, 11th floor, room 1111:

So, instead of walking over to the Viator tour office where I was supposed to pick up my vouchers, I took a cab… Felt like such a waste of money, but made it on time for the ferry to Alcatraz:

It was interesting how we could just casually stroll along the same paths that serial killers, kidnappers, psychopaths, etc. had taken just a few decades ago. The self guided audio tour was interesting and told stories of escapades. I would come back at night to experience the full spookiness of it, although there were no ghost stories.

Had an early lunch at the Fog Harbour, where we had also gone last year for one of the dinners pre-show. I remembered they had really good clam chowder, which I had a craving for after the cold damp ferry ride.

Deeeeelicious. So creamy.

Wanted something boozy to warm me up more. This was something with rum.

And the grand finale, crab roll! It was a bit cold, to be honest, and I didn't quite like the clamminess.

Got a ride to Muir Woods from the tour office again, as part of the tour package:

Mysterious… The “hike” was a 30 to 45 minute walk around a very well groomed dirt/wood path, with huge puddles from the recent rain in the area. Tour guide was pretty cool, he dropped us off at our hotels after and told us stories about his family.
I’m not sure if I would do this tour on my own again. It cost $150USD, and I only did the Alcatraz and Muir woods portion, completely skipping the Dungeon and the complimentary wine tour. It was exhausting to rush around like that, and my legs were shot from all the walking in the past 2 days. Even thinking about it now is making me feel sore.

Day 3 was sorta the same as Day 2, ie. work. Day 4 though. Everything changed because I was on my own again. D, M, and I went for breakfast at Honey Honey Cafe and Crepery:

I had the one with the crab cakes and cheese. AND IT WAS MAGNIFICENT. D seemed to really enjoy the nutella crepe. The only thing was that the sausage that M ordered was deceptive – he expected 2 sausages, but got ONE that was cut in half! Oh well, he seemed happy with it.



I’m slightly buzzed off Icelandic beer right now (see the photo of Garun Iclandic Stout here, definitely one of my favourite beers… it’s a bit difficult to type accurately right now just because it’s 11.5% alcohol and WONDERFUL), and just thinking about how bad things just happen and plans don’t always work out. For example, I ended up traveling around San Francisco alone last weekend; car accidents; being forced to move, snow storms, feelings and what not. D gives great pep talks , and I really appreciate having him around sometimes, because he’s right – bad things happen and you just deal with it.

“i love louisa ng” H said through all these troubles we’re having.

I haven’t been home since last Monday morning of January. Feels so relaxing to come back to home base, it feels like I can breathe again. Last week, I was in San Francisco for a tradeshow with work, talking about our new products, meeting new people, learning and connecting… People always look so surprised when I reach out for that first hand shake. Apparently, I look extremely young still, but I didn’t get carded at one of the restaurants…

Team building at Puccini and Pinetti:

Conveniently at the bottom of the hotel, we came here for a quick bite after day 1. Deliciously fluffy and chewy pizza, with melt off the crust toppings. The cheeeeeeese… I also tried my first gluten free beer, and was not too impressed. I'd go back if somebody paid for me, but not really a first choice. The Yelp and Tripadvisor and Zomato reviews are pretty accurate for this place - average.

This first day was so busy, I went back to the hotel and just crashed into bed. Just like tonight.

As the 45th US president was being sworn in, some Canadians were watching closely. Others, like me, decided to hit the slopes at Whistler. There was quite a crowd, even though the snow wasn’t the freshest and the sky wasn’t the clearest. A mountain day is always a good day… 

We drove up to Whistler on Friday night, right after work (9-5 office life for all 4 of us in my car), stopping by Squamish to grab a late dinner at Mag’s 99:

 

Top: Fried chicken, fries. Bottom: Chimichanga

This must’ve been the best chimichanga I’ve ever had. It was packed with rice, and the pool of mysterious orange sauce it was sitting in really complimented the flavors of the rice and meat inside. I’m hungry just thinking about it. This was enough to put all of us into a food coma.

It was not easy to finish it off, because LOOK AT ALL THE RICE, from just a quarter of the chimichanga!

The chicken was OK, slightly dry. I’d give this a 3/5 for the chicken and 4/5 for the chimichanga. 

We got to the hotel, started playing Machi koro, and didn’t get to bed till 1:30AM… Staying up late and struggling to wake up the next morning seems to bring us together.

Met up with some pals for brunch at 33 Acres and had some coffee…

…and some beer batter waffles topped with ham infused butter…

…and I think I really liked it. Strong coffee, perfectly poached eggs (the others had this), and just a great atmosphere. It’s such a busy place at around 11AM though, I’m not sure if I’d go back on a Sunday Brunchday.

Being busy is being lucky, says my mother. Being busy is a disease, says the Internet. I personally like to keep busy, I have plans to make plans… The coming year should be a busy one, with lots of plans to travel, explore, and develop those skills I already got. I recently (yesterday) purchased Your Chinese Horoscope 2017 by Neil Somerville, and I’m so excited to read it. The rest of this darn Monkey year is just dragging on and on! 10 more days till we reach the end of this torturous year…

I thought I’d put in the effort to plan a party, but ended up getting way too busy with things that life throw at you. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel though. Here’s how I’ve been celebrating so far:

Price Smart Dark Forest cake at work. Their cakes have always been surprisingly good, and this one did not disappoint. Thanks guys.

Fauborg!!!! Rich and full of flavors, aroma, texture, gold flakes. This was their espresso chocolate one I think… Not sure as H ordered it for me. It’s a little too rich for everyday, but such a treat for my birthday. Thanks H and family.

Donuts from Cartem’s instead of cake. Had a bit of the earl grey (pretty good), london fog (B’s favorite, cream filled and pretty good), coconut cream (cream filled again, and average), honey parmesan (I didn’t taste any parmesan, but apparently everybody else did), and the walnut (average).  The light in this Main Street location is fabulous though, and it smelled so good that I started salivating once I stepped inside. I still prefer Lucky’s though. Sorry B!

Much gratitude to everybody for starting this year with me. Birthdays are sure different from what they used to be. I’m starting to prefer the smaller groups, partly because it’s so hard to get everybody together. It’s usually worth the effort, but it’s also impossible to plan. I guess once the babies start coming, we’ll be even busier. We’re not even past January, and there’s been a lot of baby talk this year already. I’m not ready for this. I still have so many places to go!

Battle of the donuts continues…

Went to Boiling Point for what must be the 7th time. Every time I go, I try something new. They only have 10 different flavors, and the only ones I haven’t had are the Beef, Veggie Tomato, and the Curry Fishball, so I must’ve been there 7 times. Today was the 7th, and I had their Taiwanese Spicy Hot Soup:

It’s bright, flaming red.

Noodles included. Milk tea sold separately, but highly recommended to put out the flames.

Lucky number seven. This was so spicy, it’s been 3 hours since I had it, and my stomach is still burning. My body feels like it’s on fire. I probably have an ulcer now. It did clear up the sinuses and wake me up, after another long day. I’m just twirling around in life right now.

Source

I just wanted to be at home tonight, go do some yoga, and chill out, because class is starting tomorrow. I guess things don’t always go according to plan, but it sucks when it’s because of other people. I mean, H’s problems are my problems, and I’ll be there if he really needs me, but I guess I just didn’t see the dire need for me to be there right now when I can barely take care of myself. WHAT ABOUT ME?! Well, I guess I have this blog to vent and be emo, so that I can be my usual self in real life. Thanks for reading.

More about my Boiling Point experiences here:

http://luwesa.blogspot.ca/2016/11/food-diary-hot-pot-essential.html

http://luwesa.blogspot.ca/2016/12/merry-5152.html

First week of 2017 is over. It’s been a busy one, life doesn’t seem to want to slow down, even after the holidays have ended.

I tried to chase the sunrise at the Richmond Dyke on New Year’s Day too, but never got around to posting about it, likely because the photos didn’t turn out as I’d hoped (clouds in the way):

We might be so busy because we’re still house hunting! I say “we”, but it’s mostly fallen onto H’s plate, because he’s the one who will be living there with his ‘rents, but I’m just going along for support. I hope we get this resolved by the end of this month, because it’s really quite stressful. Life is too short for this.

Went to Shang Noodle House in Richmond after one particularly stressful afternoon of it. I had their Special B, which consists of Japanese BBQ pork miso ramen, 3 takoyaki balls, and a drink (I had the hot lemon water). CHECK OUT THAT PERFECTLY COOKED MARINATED EGG. Cheese tart was just OK, probably wouldn’t order again because I didn’t like the watery consistency of the cheese custard, and the tart was possibly store bought. The soup for the noodles wasn’t too salty, as I wasn’t chugging water all night. Total cost for 2 people was about $30, which is relatively cheap for dinner. The one thing that really stops me from going back more frequently is the lack of service. What can you expect from a busy Chinese restaurant?

That’s all for tonight folks. Maybe I’ll find time to post more tomorrow about the Lions Club charity concert I attended tonight… Most likely not though.

Hoping to find that balance of enough stress to drive me towards pursuing my goals, and enough rest to make sure I’m alive to see my dreams fulfilled.