Flying by

And it is already the end of February! Already, a sixth of the year has gone by so quickly.

I did spend a good 2 weeks in the very beginning of this year traveling to Hong Kong and Thailand. We were very overdue on visiting relatives in Hong Kong. And since we had flown all the way over there (16 direct flight, ftw), we figured we mind as well take a short side trip to Thailand as well. Below are some photos from Thailand and Hong Kong:

Thai bird chilies in a street market in Bankok

Gold covered building at the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Some cool bird statues on the facade of a building in the Grand Palace

Rahul and I at The Peak, with a view of (cloudy) Hong Kong

Been making some pretty awesome food already as I work to improve my culinary skills. For Valentine's day, we made an awesome filet mignon wrapped in bacon with seared scallops in Manhattan sauce, with lemon drizzled asparagus over a bed of smoked gouda mashed potatoes. It was really damn good!

This was an awesome dish. And plating didn't look too bad either, although it could still be improved.

Then, we made some deviled crab cakes with a jalapeno cilantro tartar sauce, and had it with the leftover asparagus and smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Very heavy, but absolutely delicious! And with tons more crab than what you would get in a restaurant.

Not quite Maryland fresh, but still pretty delicious.

Been trying to get outside as much as I could, as this has been a snowy and cold winter! Been skiing a bit, not nearly as much as last year in Oregon, but hoping to go as often as possible. I got to say, I kind of miss the softer stuff in the West. But if I am to be a good skier, I must learn to handle all conditions!

Got a new ski tracking app - gives tons of stats, as well as a visual placed on top of Google Maps so you can see your runs and where the lifts are!

Also wanted to go snowshoeing, but the state park guy lied to me and told me they would be open when they weren't. So we couldn't rent snowshoes, but decided to take a hike around Moreau Lake State Park anyway. Snowshoes would have helped in some areas, but due to the warmth it was already pretty packed down so it wasn't too bad going around in hiking boots.

 Walking through the trails at Moreau Lake State Park on a warm (40 degree) day. 

 As part of my attempt to get more exercise, I am trying new things - for example, learning how to rock climb (in a gym - The Edge in Clifton Park). So far, I've only gone twice but it has been quite fun! The only problem is that the cost adds up so if I am to go more often, it would make sense for me to invest in gear - shoes, harness, and the belay device & carabiner. After an hour and a half of climbing the easy walls, I am tired! I clearly lack the upper body strength needed to progress with harder walls, and my grip is pretty awful.

So, life has been busy and good. Still want to get outdoors more. Although I love winter, and I love having seasons, there are a few things I can't wait to do when it gets warmer:

• Wash my car! My rubber mats are crazy dirty with the endless salt and dirt from the roads. 
• Give my car an oil change - I don't want to go anywhere since I invested money in the jacks and stands, but my garage is still uncomfortable to work in when it is a few degrees outside.
• Bike. My poor bike is just sitting in the garage. The wheels are probably deflated as hell. I should have bought a trainer in the beginning of winter, but at this point I'd rather just wait for it to warm up.
• Hike. Without trudging through the snow. Otherwise, it may be time to invest in some snowshoes. 

Reflections & Resolutions

Made it. What a year! 2013 has certainly been a year that has been both exhilarating and stressful at times, but it has been a year that has shaped me, so I will be very open about reflecting upon my year and my goals for the future. I feel that I've grown a lot from my experiences this year. Maybe now I'm a real adult (just kidding).

2013 Lows:

• Surviving boredom in Oregon 
• Having to go to Canada every other week to work out issues with suppliers
• Stress of uncertainty of post-program full-time job attainment
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem issues
• Family issues

2013 Highs:

• Got the off-program role I wanted, been busy in my new job, feeling like I have some importance to my team
• Getting much more into cooking (this is my domestic instincts coming out)

Spicy garlic miso udon with shiitake mushrooms. Om nom. I love noodles.


• Worked through relationship issues
• Started to invest in stock market (no real results so far as it was very recent)
• Did my own 30,000 mile car maintenance (and did not destroy my car)
• Bought new ski boots and ski jacket, they are awesome
• Seattle trip in Feburary with good friends
• Washington, DC trip in September with good friends
• Various New York City trips to catch up with old friends

Went to another hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Every time I watch these, we lose.

• Went on a few hikes in the Adirondacks and Catskills, getting to know this area better
• Muse concert in Boston with friends
• Real snowfall in Albany. I live in upstate NY, I expect real winters!

Ben is shoveling while I take this photo. About 15" of snow on the ground there!

Phew, what a year. But it turned out to be a great one, and one that I will remember for a while to come. And now, looking forward to the future!

2014 Goals:

In addition to the goals from last year (which I still need work on), here are some additional ones:

• Be less judgmental of people, talk less shit about people behind their back
• Have better relations with family, both immediate and distant
• Be more appreciative of what I have, not be jealous of others
• Be more financially aware 
• More personal reflection of my own goals & interests