NYC Winter 2023 — Lostinthewoodz

Life has been good. The first few weeks of the year were filled with uncertainty—getting back to wintery NY, joining a new musical improv class, starting a new team at work, dating someone new—but the dust has settled and I feel I’ve reached homeostasis.

Winter is not as cold (literally and metaphorically) as I expected, I am coming into my own at musical improv (or at least trying my absolute best), work has settled down, and we are no longer dating.

I am content.

I’ve continued going to boxing. My endurance is improving and I feel stronger day by day. I’ve started going to church more often.

My friendships are good. In the past I may have erred in not being fully present with other people but lately I’m trying to be as present as possible.

I could be better in my sleep habits. I could be more consistent in producing music and finally finsih my next project. I miss my family.

But besides that I have no real complaints.

For the first time in a while every week feels like an iteration where I have the opportunity to do/be better. In other words, life does not seem stagnant.

Memorable Moments Since I Last Wrote

There’s a lot to catch up on.

Went to Atoboy with Will and Kelvin. One of the best meals I’ve had in recent memory. A fresh, updated spin on modern Korean food. Their soju cocktail was one of the best alcoholic drinks I’ve had in a while

Went to Cote with Kristy, Tim and Linda. I’d been wanting to go for a while and it was worth the wait. Meat was pretty good but the sides pushed the meal over the edge. Unlimited refills on kimchijigae and other sides made the meal very filling. The soft serve ice cream with sweet soy sauce syrup at the end was memorable as well

Hung out a lot with Aastha. Various restaurants, exploring new parts of Queens. We also watched Immortal Jellyfish Girl—a puppet show set in a dystopian future. Pretty fresh, creative.
Lots and lots of improv. Watching it, participating. As someone who—in recent years—has become far too reflective and analytic, improv has been a great counterweight to all that overthinking. You either act in the moment or lose it forever.
Apollo visited and we watched Kimberly Akimbo, a musical about a high schooler who has an advanced aging disease that makes her look like a grandma. First half was delightful. Second half was ok. The story was creative, interesting. Also had All'Antico Vinaio an Italian sandwich spot I’d had on my list for weeks. Pretty delicious. Expensive but big portions.

Went out with Will’s friends and played 1000 Boxes. Very fun live action Jackbox like game show. Went on a pizza tour afterwards.

Most of my updates are food related huh. The people matter too. Would not have eaten as much food if it weren’t for the people.