#35 | holi-daze
Welcome to post #35 of tomorrow.
yes, I'm using my template today.
I'm focusing on being less mopey and this structure is going to be a healthy framework for that. I spent Christmas weekend in Arizona with my family, doing some hikes and seeing the Grand Canyon. When I told friends that I was going to see the Grand Canyon, they often reacted by saying "Oh," in mild surprise. It's one of those US national parks that is cool, but I don't necessarily hear about people visiting very often. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Niagara Falls, Joshua Tree, Colorado in general, etc. are more popular. After seeing it, I think I understand why. The Grand Canyon basically just has one long paved path along the rim. Going into the canyon itself seems to require being an advanced hiker or climber, so the experience for the average person is honestly kind of... dare I say, boring?
Family vacations are difficult. I like visiting home because I can hole up in my room when I need to recharge, but travel is more intense. I definitely got irritated at some points, and also spent a fair amount of time staring out the car window listening to music and daydreaming about my ex, wishing I could just hug her and tell her about my day, but it was overall a good trip.
Things I did recently
1. Had a really good fucking smoothie.
The Southwestern US is such an interesting place. They're so obsessed with Buddhism, traditional Chinese medicine or general Asian ingredients (goji berries, cordyceps, turmeric, ginger, matcha), yoga, indigenous herbs (spirulina, maca, etc.). Not even getting started on the amount of 'mystic' shops selling crystals and whatnot. But mannnnn I had the best smoothie of my life this week. And I did go to a vegetarian restaurant where they used dosa batter to make everything gluten free. I have to admit that was really tasty.
2. Solidified my packing essentials.
I always forget a dang plastic bag for my dirty laundry. I've also realized that I need to start bringing a pair of house slippers because I hate hate HATE walking on hotel carpets, even if they look clean. One of my best friends from college is very diligent about doing that as well. My mom brought me an extra pair and that will become what I bring around now<3
3. I already detailed the rest of my recent activities in the intro today, so I have nothing else in this list. :)
Media roundup
- Started watching Pluribus and it's so good, ugh. The world needs more mainstream lesbian protagonists!!! The show's entire environment is shifted because her attraction to men is simply not there. It's so refreshing.
- Watched Marty Supreme with my family. I knew my parents would like it because all Chinese people like ping-pong, and I was right. I thought it was fine and interesting, but I doubt it will stick in my head for very long. No 'staying power' as they say (and by 'they,' I mean me).