I'm exhausted.
I want this to stop.
These three phrases have been on constant replay in my mind for the past three weeks. An unfamiliar work location, in conjunction with unfavourable management and toxic surroundings, have been acting as a frictional force in my day-to-day activities, gradually eroding the remnants of my sanity and spirit.
It's one thing to be completely engrossed in one's work to the point where sleep deprivation and nonexistent personal space can be neglected. That would depict the lifestyle of a workaholic - a title that I could never adorn myself with.
So with the bits and bobs of hard-earned leisure time throughout the week, I've resorted to food for relief. And GOT7 too, of course.
A recent discovery has been made: not only does the Heartland restaurant serve incredible congee and flavourful Chinese dishes, they also offer a heavenly Beef Brisket and Tendon Noodle in Soup. Wonton Chai has been our go-to destination for such comfort food for months, yet Congee Queen proved itself a worthy contender with supple, braised beef and generous chunks of buttery collagen. The broth is probably a tad slicker than preferred, though one cannot deny that its depth.
A compact outpost of the King West bakery, this smaller rendition retails bite-sized biscotti and carby Italian delicacies - at prices fit for a local souvenir shop. Service levels are also reflective of the aura: two French-speaking attendants sprang forth at the entry of any customer, gushing with detailed explanations of the products on display.
3) Downtown exploration randoms Feat. Phoenix Cafe's obscure location on Edward St.
5) A medium Strawberry Bingsoo from Wafflian was a bargain at $6.99 plus tax. Known to stray from synthetic strawberry works whenever possible, there is significance to my approval towards the item.
7) McD's Monopoly has officially begun!!
Pappa Roti's Square One location has finally opened its doors to the public. Despite being delayed by approximately 2.5 months, the Ontario flagship shop did not disappoint. The Signature Coffee Bun (and dine-in ice cream sets) had primarily circulated the Spadina shop, whereas the Mississauga outpost carried a vast selection of pastries was vast, ranging from chocolate croissants to savoury egg viennoiseries.
Closer to home were Coffee Buns that not only emitted a stronger, bolder aroma, but baked goods that were are indulgent as they appeared. It is, however, necessary to note that these breads are associated with a cost not dissimilar to an independent downtown pâtisserie. That said, the interior design was less ostentatious and, in reality, more Manzano-like. Homey seating was available on the premises, but I did find the dense concentration of greasy fumes and utter lack of ventilation in dire need of being eradicated before the area could be considered a comforting hangout destination.
13) Spooky skeleton Cheetos are a sodium-laden yet tasty treat.
After several weeks of back-and-forth messages with Ktown4U, my three copies of Present: You finally arrived at my doorstep, along with the 2018 version of the official lightstick (that was on back order for over 5 months).
A few hours passed before I was able to locate the accompanying smartphone app to garner the spectrum effect. (This was a grave display of my fangirl efforts being restricted by outdated phone software.)