California living
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Well here we are
Hi guys, I know I’ve been absent here for a while, and in the meantime the world has been turned upside down. I just wanted to let you know I’ve started a second blog at coronavirusdiary.net as an immediate response to these uncertain times. I began it earlier this week when my hometown of San Francisco announced a “shelter in place” order, and life as we knew it changed (albeit temporarily) in ways that I never imagined. I’ll still be posting here when I can, and actually have a couple of things already drafted that I’ve been working on over the last month or so, so make sure to check…
- adventure, balance, California living, mental health, mindfulness, musician life, running, self care, travel
Reboot!
Did you know that America is the only advanced economy that doesn’t guarantee paid vacation? Think of what most European countries get – 20-something days in addition to national holidays, so a total around 34 days – and you realize what a raw deal we get. For those of us who are independent contractors, however, it can be a different story. While I try to maximize my work (given that I have no guaranteed assurance of future gigs), it conversely also gives me some flexibility in my own time off. Those of you who follow my various social media that I’ve had a particularly busy season, often on the road…
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Some trees would do you good
There has been quite a bit written about forest bathing in the last several years – and, no, it’s not about plunging into an outdoor spring (although that’s actually pretty awesome), but rather bathing in the atmosphere of a forest. A Japanese movement that began in the 80’s, shinrin-yoku is a timely reminder for us city dwellers of the importance of connecting to the natural world. Time spent in nature has shown to boost the immune system, decrease stress and blood pressure, and to contribute to a better overall sense of wellness. Wellness is something I could use these days. As you’ve probably gathered from my previous post, I’ve been…
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Wild foodstuffs of Pacific Heights
I’ve always been kind of sensitive to things being out of place (I chalk it up to having a neat freak Asian mom, but maybe it’s just my nature). It’s useful when I’m editing for mistakes in a musical score (I’ll write a whole blog post on that some time) but less so when I’m rearranging leggings at Costco because they’ve mixed in some navy with the black ones. So lately I’ve been trying to use this proclivity of mine, not to judge my environment but to use as a tool to be more aware of the little moments of wonder I might be missing in the world around me.…
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Ode to my Step-thru Pedego City Commuter: Black Edition
O Pedego City Commuter, how I loved thee. I rode you everywhere, from Ocean Beach to the Ferry Plaza to Marin. Your five levels of Pedal Assist whizzed me up many a San Francisco Hill, while your slightly squeaky brakes kept me from hurtling too quickly down said hills. You were a constant companion for weekends gliding through Golden Gate Park or late night returns from dinner parties. You held water bottles, extra hoodies and most importantly, Pinkerton in your fetching basket. You were the epitome of green commuting and California living. To the asshole who stole you out of our garage; Fuck you. The battery wasn’t in it. Good…