LLG: learned that I still can do without shopping (in store). The only reason I’d go out of my way to shop is to figure out what my size is for specific brands. Everything else is frankly a waste of time. Went to the mall around 2pm and was surprised at how many couples were there. If I weren’t single and I had the day off with my boo, I definitely wouldn’t be spending it at the mall. Also learned that my size hasn’t changed which is a relief. It was interesting to explain why a business would be on Instagram. I mean, it’s free publicity. Why wouldn’t a business jump on that?

Gratitude goes to Fresh Off The Boat (the show), online shopping, living frugal, boardking, and new boots.

LLG: learned today about coffee beans. I didn’t know that coffee beans are seeds of a fruit. #mindblown. I watched about 5 youtube videos explaining the process. Interesante. Learned that exercise is about hurting your body. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not pushing hard enough. When you feel that stretch or burn, that’s when you know you’re working out. People often quit when it starts hurting, but it’s quite the opposite. It’s just getting started. You gotta endure it. Also learned that gifs are complicated unless what you’re meaning to say is spelled out. If not, it’s hard to decipher what people typed in to get to that gif.

Gratitude goes to good food, gifs, YouTube, curiosity, and research.

LLG: learned today that I’ll never be a fan of Halloween. I don’t like to pretend, or be someone else. Yea, I get its cosplay, but still. Not my Forte. I’ll stick with being me, and perhaps opening up more to being me. Sean said I hold back a lot. I agree. Maybe next halloween I should dress up as the future me. Another thing I learned is that we can’t change unless we want to change. There’s got to be a sense of ownership. Last but not least, learned today that I need to not doubt what people say about me, especially positive things. Acceptance is hard to do, as it goes back to ownership. I need to own myself.

Grateful for friends who trust me, New Amsterdam, Instagram, messenger, and gentle reminders. We can all use a signal that let’s us know there are people who get us.

LLG: Learned that if I can’t seem to get through a book by reading it, it’s worth trying to listen to it.  The narrative voice plays a huge role, but I’m on chapter 8 for the Twelve Patients by Dr. Erin Manheimer–the book that the new NBC show New Amsterdam is based on.  The mix of Spanish words—mainly describing delicious Mexican foods enlightens me.  Who wouldn’t known this book is filled with lots of stories from Mexico? Even Popocatepetl came up.  I’ve never timed myself when reading a book, but audible says this book is 11 hours long. It has 12 chapters, so roughly an hour per chapter.  I wonder if that’s accurate? I’ve changed the narration speed to 1.80 as the default was way too slow.  Reading a book–I feel like I can go through a book quite quickly, way less than half a day, but who knows. I’ve never timed myself.  I read Creative Confidence as an e-book today too.  I skimmed the book from front to end.  It’s all about Design Thinking and how to put it into action.  It came full circle as the authors are a part of the company IDEOU— ideal u.  Clever huh? Some books I prefer reading it on paper, and others, I can read it easier digitally.  Wonder if there’s a formula? 

Gratitude goes to 1-month free trial subscription for Audible, instagram follows, life as it is, inspiration, and online resources.

LLG: today’s learnings…hmm…use what you know to adjust to the current situation. In my case, it was how to cook a steak. Since I knew this cut of meat today was much thicker than my usual, had to adjust searing time 30 seconds more on each side. It came out great though. I get that we all have our versions of certain dishes, but sometimes, I feel like I was cheated when something isn’t what you’re used to being it called. In this case it was a banh mi sandwich. In the best case scenario, a banh mi is in a French baguette, has a meat of your choice marinated in a sweet sauce, with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and raw jalapeños. Today’s was a version of it… But in my book, it wasn’t a banh mi, which led to a disappointment. Another learning is why did it take bra makers so long to come up with a hook on type for sports bras?

Gratitude goes to yet another win for the Cougs (we’re 7-1, #1 of the north pac-12 division), the great chants of go cougs during the game, Cougar gear, perfectly cooked steak on cast iron, and sweet potato treats.

LLG: learned today bout a new restaurant near the house. They have shaved noodles which is something we’ve been testing out for a while now. Wasn’t the biggest fan but seems like it’s not too bad. Tomorrow’s my night to cook. Get to have me some good piece of meat. Also learned about LegitScript, a tech company focused on security compliance. Got a screening exercise to do if I’m still interested. Sean and I started talking about dressing up as a ghost for Halloween and now I’m watching Casper. I remember watching this when it came out in 1995. I was in 6th grade lol. Do kids even say “are you chicken?” anymore? Christina Ricci is so young. And Devon Sawa. I had the biggest crush on the guy back then. I’m now crushing on a completely different kind of guy.

Grateful for old movies, texting, new restaurants, Thai tea ice cream, and recruiters.

LLG: Today’s learnings come from what I said to a friend in need of a few affirmations.  The conversation was long, but here are some of the deep quotes that resonated: 

• “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Gandhi
• It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon and continue to bitch about the world.  It takes courage, strength, and will power to act on your decisions. 
• Have you thought maybe people act the way they do because they haven’t seen it done any other way? 
• “If people are bringing you down it only means that you are above them.” 
• People often say they need to save money.  I’d say save positivity.  Lock those moments that make you feel positive so that you can use it in the future.  Use positive emotion as a currency.  

On a completely different note, I learned the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, and that New Amsterdam and This is Us airs on Tuesdays.  (Always thought it was Tuesday then Wednesday).  

Gratitude goes to talking to youngins about the power of their voice, hot showers, phone calls, visiting a new asian supermarket (S-Market), and finding out about nearby restaurants.  

LLG: Did a little research on alternatives to Tumblr since I somehow couldn’t figure out the commenting portion to work, but I figured it out with disqus and I’m staying here on Tumblr. I don’t need anything fancy and I don’t need a lot of followers. This place is for me to release my thoughts out of my head and in one space. Learned today that I’m particular about what I buy. Yes, I crave food, and I will get what I want regardless of price, but if nothing strikes me then I won’t. Even if it is dirt cheap. Art is so important to me. Something about words and music and photography. I suppose I like anything that evokes emotion.

Gratitude goes to my intuition, guys with beards, key connections, deliciousness, and tall guys.