June Thoughts

My life is still an ongoing spiral of work, home, eat, binge a show, and going outside in limited occasions. Trying to take a stroll. I've made a conscious effort to improve my social life in the city by trying to converse with like-minded women on an app but unfortunately it is a matter of "when" if I can actually grab coffee with anyone. Although given my (bad) luck with females, I've lowered my expectations and do find comfort in solitude. I realized that lately I've been struggling to talk about things that I like because of how irritated I get when being shut down. I do not mind differences, but it is that quick, snobby dismissal of someone else that irks me. I simply have an affinity toward open-minded individuals but I wonder if that makes me a picky person. I still look forward to getting to know people in the city despite of that. There has to be a platonic term related to being a "hopeless romantic" because I am like that in friendships (hahaha!). I will really try for a friend until I am given reasons not to. I am quite hopeful for lasting relationships.

If there is one thing I am consistent with, it is definitely my skincare routine. Having a 7-step routine may seem too much for some but it really isn't bad. Some people think that women who obsess about skincare and cosmetics are ridiculous. Well, I am proudly ridiculous. The older I get the harder it is to control the facial imperfections that I dislike about myself such as noticeable pores and blemishes (unfortunately, I care about crap like that). I feel that whatever it is I am doing to my skin is working for maintenance. Also, I am an oily skin type so keeping the sebum at bay without totally drying my skin out has been the top of my skincare goals. Also, it is so fun and relaxing to do after a long day. I come home filled with the city's impurities. 

Food has been my source of comfort. I do not consider myself a "foodie" in a way that I want to find facts and details or look for only the "authentic" cuisine. I can't even stand food snobs. I just simply like to eat whatever my palette considers good and fortunately that is a wide variety. I like being introduced to new dishes and appreciating the version of whoever makes them. I feel that I've given some people the impression that I am some sort of food encyclopedia. I love learning about cultures but I am not knowledgeable like that (willing to learn though). 

It is a good thing that I commute to work because I know I should weigh more than I currently am. Wednesdays are for fried pork. 

I finished reading a novel recently and started a new one. At least I have that to look forward to. I've been switching from a classic, contemporary fiction, sometimes historical fiction, and nonfiction. There are four books that I am juggling the same way as I would juggle TV shows. 

I think I've found the right therapist for me. I think it is funny that in my chief complaint I put worry. It's not even about the state of the world but the state of my life, rather. 

Hang in there NYC. Sooner or later, it will be phase 3. Outdoor dining is looking good. Do not lose sight of your goals, if any. Unfortunately, I am officially over with COVID-19. Don't wear a mask in an open area but please value physical distance, carry a mask and wear them when close in proximity around people, and be mindful of stores that require it and abide!

Unproductivity

Weekends are for not doing anything. 

That is such an awful mindset to have. I loved exploring the city on my day off. I cannot wait to resume this habit. Come on, I finally landed a job that has weekends and holidays off!

I read the news as a habit and being updated gives me the illusion of being productive. Unfortunately, the world is full of bad news and that leads me to feeling unmotivated and listless. The state of the world is awful. The front page looks like word vomit. I need to stop reading the news during the first morning of a weekend. I need to stop making my mornings feel like crap. Damn it. 

Oh social media. Twitter has a lot of toxicity and it is not for the faint of heart. But.. I still choose Twitter over Facebook. I can lurk on Twitter endlessly and actually have the time to troll. Another ingredient for being unproductive. 

Streaming services are cool but could easily take my whole day or my whole weekend. I had started to binge a lot of shows especially when the shelter-in-place happened. I rewatched some of Parks and Recreations and started /continued the following: Money Heist, Upload, The Big Bang Theory, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Brooklyn 99, This Is Us, etc. I know I am missing a few more. I am juggling all these shows. I am a fucking couch potato.

All great series so far though. I should start adding the Star Trek series on my list. 

Thankfully I DO NOT have a PlayStation!

I am lagging on my reading. I have so much books on queue. I have so many great books that I am looking forward to reading. I would feel so much more accomplished if I just start binge reading. Ugh.

I wish I have the motivation to go for a walk as a habit. Take my phone away.... but I seriously wont go outside without any GPS access.

I am grateful for food delivery services. 

Finally Some Greenery

In lieu of what is going on, I am grateful that I remained sane. The uncertainty of COVID-19 in the beginning caused me some anxiety but that gets brushed off with the idea that I have to be at work anyway. I feel that since the healthcare field is the only job I know how to do as an "employed" person, it grew me a thicker skin in certain situations. I just have to be mindful about how I choose to protect myself because obviously I cannot predict the actions of others. 

I am over wearing a mask but I understand that it is necessary. 

I had been living in NYC a little over seven months and Prospect Park is not too far. It is such a BEAUTIFUL park. It took an interest to participate in a protest at Grand Army Plaza to finally walk around the park. It is so green, so serene, and a lot of people are getting their fitness on by biking or running. I got inspired to run (haven't done it yet). In addition, it is so great to see a group of friends or family doing their own thing by having a picnic, hanging out, playing sports, etc..

Beautiful path!

Beautiful lake!

I definitely miss going to Central Park during my Sunday Manhattan walks with my better half's cousin but I am so thankful to have this nearby. The better half has wheels so it is definitely an easy access.

As the weather is now warm and often humid, icecream shops has my attention and I am grateful for them being open. My favorite kind of milkshakes are from chocolate icecream. The one I had recently from Ample Hills Creamery at Prospect Heights surpasses my previous favorite from Miami called Vicky's. Dark chocolate icecream that is so chocolatey and not overbearing with sweetness.

Milkshake around Prospect Heights.

I may be at the epicenter of the outbreak but I am so grateful to experience a life in NYC. I hope it gets better from here as the phases that are necessary so NYC can be open are getting evaluated.