Bye Binger~

Binger baby~ photo taken by VeganBeats

hey babes~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Back in 2009 I got a brilliant being introduced to my life. He was shy, beaten, blinded, thin, and needing a lot of love. I got him back in Vermont after a road trip with space, whilst there was tension, we drove into a grimy neighborhood and anxiously walking through the rusted fence. As the gate creaked, booming barks escaped the disheveled condo. I balled my fists, felt Space behind me, nerves calmed and I banged on the door. I tired person jarred open the door, barked at me with her dogs and guided me up a messy staircase to a cage placed in a corner, underneath bags of lizard and bird pellets, and moldy dog bones. There, underneath a rotting wooden tunnel and among soiled bedding was my baby, Binger.

Sleepy Binger~ photo taken by VeganBeats~

Heya!! Photo taken by VeganBeats

Yo~ photo taken by VeganBeats

"Mom!!! Hi!"~ photo taken by VeganBeats

years ago~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The moment I picked him up, he shivered and cried, and my heart wrapped right there around him. One of his eyes was knocked slightly blind and he was painfully thin. We all drove home and I introduced this little guy to actual food. At first he backed away from it, unsure what this strange green thing was. He was scared of fruits and vegetables, and refused to leave out from underneath his tunnel. Months went on and he was still scared. I let him be outside on my back porch with my small vegetable garden. He managed to will enough courage to eat all of my parsley and cilantro...the fear was broken. 

photo taken by VeganBeats

     Since then, he gained weight, grew social, was curious, purred, snuggled up with anyone that picked him up. He loved Space, cooing at him and running all over him while he was reading or pounding away on a keyboard. For me, he nuzzled up to my face, curled into my chest and stomach; talking about his veggie-filled day. He'd follow me around my apartment, screaming at me to slow down.
     When Space left, Binger met me with laughter and smiles and a constant source of kisses and snuggling. Whenever I was down, he'd go the extra mile to get out of his cage and would snuggle me. He was playful and always providing me with care and company.

a little angel~ photo taken by BroBeats

     Soon after I found myself standing alone in the universe, stripped of all my stars and planets, all the galaxies and silverlinings...one remained, he stayed by me. Binger and I were together, living, breathing, sleeping, being. That year (end of 2009-2010) Binger stuck by me; was my safety net, my best friend, son, roommate, bed-mate, my confidant. He was the last soul I saw before China, the first being I ate with when I returned.
     Through traumas and the most testing period of my life, Binger was the safe face, the source of love and, the hug I could count on. When my universe completely collapsed, Binger was by my side as I sobbed and died a thousand times over. He loved me when I didn't shower for weeks, couldn't muster anything besides a whimper, and was more than lost.

sleepy boy~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     He moved with me to my parent's house, and still with my tears and upset, it was Binger. I'd wake up and share my morning coffee with him laid out in my lap, go to one job and return to him talking and asking about my day, job again, and whenever I did return, he was there to welcome me. He was the last soul I shared my bed with before coming to Korea. He was a skype date; the little one to remember me whenever I called, spoke to him, or walked through my parent's doors. He never forgot me, and I will never forget him.
    Binger, you were more than a guinea pig, more than a pet..you are my baby, my best friend, my kid, my safety, my love, and the rock that kept me grounded~ whenever I was floating away.

Thank you Binger...for giving me life when I felt as if mine was ending...

RIP Binger~ photo taken by BroBeats

Rest in Peace my little nugget~ 2012/12/22

Wiggling into Wedding Shoes~

     Thursday was marking the approaching "wrap up" of this brilliant and short stateside trip. It was also the day of the rehearsal dinner. My morning didn't start off so well, hit a lot of traffic from Burlington to Boston and dealing with the blip of potential "impossibility"~ I was as pooped as a kid could be.
      Several hours later I met up for the rehearsal dinner/wedding day and the moment I saw Nichole and the wedding party, all my stress disappeared.

This is why I'm here...

     I was filled with love, excitement, and a dream-like-kick it into gear Maid of Honor mode. A lot of little blips were thrown in the way and stress was sitting all around us but this could easily be dealt with a change of location, breaking "break" and sharing food, laughs, and stories over at The Mediterranean Grill. The last time I cruised by this place, I was with Alex and we were in one of those holy "I NEED I CRAVE FALAFEL" spaces and The Mediterranean just opened and when we glided our eyes and grumbly bellies over the menu we saw....pizza. WHAT?!~ Hearts broken, we just barely stomped out. This time around, I didn't expect anything vegan friendly, I was thinking coffee or cranberry juice and vodka...but there was hummus (grawwwwww) and babaganoush (aiiiighghhghghhghg)...split a plate full or some veggies and toasted pita with the table...

     wait weird thing...they put olive oil and basil over the celery...again, WTF?! Still...nom nom nom.

hummus and babaganoush~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     After filling our night with more laughter than laughs we all parted ways for sleep and wedding day preparation.
     The wedding was PERFECT! Nichole was BEAUTIFUL, my family was stunning, the dancing was brilliant, my date was awesome (naming him GT), I was smiling...if anyone had diamonds on the soles of her shoes (besides the bride) it was this lady~
     Ahhh quick pics~ 

GT and I =^ㅊ^=~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Papabeats and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Mamabeats and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     How much do I miss my brother?!~ Too much....TOO MUCH~

Brobeats and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Brobeats, Groom, Bride, and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

GT and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Nichole and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

The groom and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

TOO MUCH~

Alex and I~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     After dancing up a storm, laughing too hard, being surrounded by insurmountable levels of love, being with Best friends and BQ over three states...America this time was beautiful~

     This wraps up stateside Veganbeats way...

Veganbeats does Vermont

     Wednesday morning was a robotic maneuver to 34th street, somewhere between 11th and 12th ave for a bus (via Megabus) to Burlington. It was foggy (my mind at least) and though pumped to see some more of the BQ crew, kicking it in New York for a few days longer was beyond tempting. And this temptation grew when my bus was half an hour late. I kept thinking I'd "have" to tumble back to Towsky's.
     Anyways, megabus showed up ($29.00 to Btown from NY?!?!?) and I crashed on the bus...not literally.   Nine hours later I pulled into the familiar campus that I trekked around for five years. I instantly flowed back into class flows and rushing through students to break it back to my dorms and a little bit of flying time. The Davis center was my bus stop, and that's where a huge part of home also sits...WRUV. Home of my old radio station, a space of creativity, love, fun, music, sound, poetry~ the memories in that booth and during those hours way back then. I wandered past and felt my heart and brain magnetically draw to the old doors.

Radio home~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The No Rules Variety Hour was made up of a bunch of us kids, Bezark, Aaron, Ian, Headley, Juice, Spy, and myself. The second half of our show was mostly Spy and I, you know how life happens and those damned classes demand so much ya! I so wish I could do the show again, a reunion show of sorts...hmmmm

     After wandering down memory lane and taking stalker like pics of the old radio home, I met up with Jason, a wonderful worldly soul who always brings lightness with him wherever he is. We caught up and trucked by my old house! 

MY old home~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     It was a bit eerie being back in VT, the last time I was here, a lot of horrendous things were happening, and I was wrapping those loose ends up while trying so hard to focus on all the beautiful memories this place held. This time, my energy was different, I was bringing the love from New York that I was clutching onto with me, and I was meeting and joining with my old crew. I only had until 2am to fit everyone in!
     I met with Harry at the RadioBean (this place harbors so many starts and memories!) for some tea while he had a break and getting such a hug from an old friend- again home. Comfort, safety, joy, just pure bliss! Ahh~ Then we met up with Harry for tea and chilling. He's got a swanky big kitten names Potus (guess how that name happened) and lives in a really cute space!
     After kicking it with Harry, I met up with one of my best friends, a beautiful womyn I have been blessed to grow close with and create such a strength and bond with. Ninabean~ seeing her again was perfection. Yoga buddy, sister, love, tea sipper, kimchi nommer~ I needn't get into how wonderful and brilliant it was to reunite with Nina!
     After downing ridiculously strong coffee (sorry for the sleepy eyes!) I went to the Terrace and kicked it with more BQ loves! Dubs, Ari, Corey, Daiki~ these boys, these men have been such loving lights in my life. Back in the Bearquarium, I lived with Dubs and his lady and a whole handful of stunners! The terrace is a true home, literal house stocked with rolling fire in the fireplace, comfy couches, loads of soft blankets, fuzzy rugs, a beautiful kitchen, yard, smiling faces~ What a perfect setting and group of people to end VT with. Loads of chatting, laughing, flying, and then the 2 am bus to Boston.
     Only issue~ getting on the 2am bus was almost not going to happen. Went to the stop without a printed ticket (said I would pick up) and when the driver stated that I wouldn't be able to board the bus my reaction was that of a ten year old denied playtime outside. I started crying and burbling about a rehearsal dinner and maid of honor responsibilities....apparently aigyo works and they let me on the bus. Where I passed out without wiping my eyes.

Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding fill-ins soon~

VeganBeats back Stateside: Rushing around and Bumbling through Brooklyn

     As most people and crew know, I wandered my way stateside for a best friend's wedding (CONGRATULATIONS LOVERS) but while doing so, I invested a lot of emotions and parts work into the trip. The trip was very tightly scheduled and within it, involved traveling all around...but I was ready, and am so glad I did it all.
     I took American Airlines most of the way, and despite rumors of no more veggie meals, they were somewhat accommodating. They came up with some pretty horrid ideas of veggie meals (cucumber, kiwi, butter soggy sandos?!~) I did start my first flight on Japanese airlines and their vegan meal was surprisingly good. I got a green salad with carrots, daikon, spring greens, and a few cherry tomatoes and a simple balsamic redux dressing  the main was a pumpkin, zucchini, carrot, and onion curry served with turmeric rice and peas, and a spicy tomato eggplant jalfrezi. This was served up with a side of two chapati/pita and the dessert was a raw coconut, apple, apricot bar! HELL yeah vegan jams!

Japanese air Vegan meal~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     As soon as I landed, I booked it home for a quick shower and buzzed to The Melting Pot for Nichole's bachelorette party. I honestly wasn't up for eating (and fondue just doesn't get me sassy) and felt vodka was a smarter choice. I asked for a cranberry vodka and got a giant glass of cranberry flavored vodka. Swirling about later I managed to make a couple dozen decorative bows for the wedding.
     The next day (Sunday) was family jams. I made three different types of hummus and one bean dip while my mom made roasted pumpkin, a Japanese soba noodle salad, and mandu soup. Vegan jams for the WIN! Even in pictorial absence, there was a feast prepped and I so wish the wedding was towards the end of the week...lady stress aside and implied insecurities fully owned~ how can I enjoy feasts when I've got a dress to snuggle into at the end of the week?

veggie platter...photo taken by VeganBeats

     Oh~ minor MAJOR detail, my boy Binger~ he remembered me! The little old man full of creaky knees, a foggy eye, digestive struggles, started chatting away the moment I opened the door. He's an old one but still a pup. I'd be lying if I didn't say he was someone I was BEYOND pumped to spend some mama baby time with! 

heya mama~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Seriously, the second I put him on my chest he stretched out and caught me up on the past year of shenanigans and trouble he's been getting into. Too bad he tired himself out!

sweepy~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The next couple days was all about finding my ground, getting some rooting in, getting my head back on, reconnecting with positivity, and understanding what it is that I love and need to maintain a pleasant, positive, and productive state of being. Monday began with a blinded sprint through South Station to settle a spot via FungWah to New York ($15.00 to NY from Boston!). I was going to kick it with some Bearquarium loves and I was all too eager to get to NY as fast as possible. BUT 20 minutes outside of South Station, just over the Mass border these horrendous sounds started rumbling in the bass of the bus. Smoke started to billow out and angry hisses erupted out of the bus's sides, it started to slow and the heaviness started to hint in my chest.
      On the side of the highway, half a bus full of people sat seeing hundred of cars wiz by, free of complications. I've only read about the failed FungWah missions, and after taking it for nearly a decade and well over a dozen times, this was a first. After an hour, another bus came and picked us up and this one, bus number two, broke down three separate times on the way to New York.
     I arrived and Towsky just began his class, I hailed a cab after walking a couple blocks (cabs are a plenty...but only in Seoul). I stumbled into a bar, interrupted a class and was presented a strong cranberry vodka (this time WITH juice). Filled with giddiness and genuine excitement about actually sitting NEXT to Towsky, I got far drunker than intended (thanks Professor). I blame my roadster rush into inebriation on BQ love! Once class wrapped up, we headed back to Towsky's and I explored my home for the next two nights. I've only seen Towsky's place via skype and if it was impressive then~ in person it's insane! My favorite part was his indoor greenhouse, goji berries, basil, avocado tree, greens...grahhhhhhhhh.

garden glory~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      After a bit we linked up with Spy and went for a wander around Brooklyn. We stumbled (literally) into a park and started climbing trees (pics later...maybe) and everything felt so balanced. The bliss and content that used to be a big part of my life was surrounding me. (whine: I love my friends here, but I really miss BQ) I was feeling...good, great, at peace. These things have been so clearly and loudly missing from my life here. 

by our park~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      After putting monkeys to shame and getting swirlier than intended, I skipped back home and Towsky, Spy, and I shared a few bottles of wine, laughs, stories, and still...peace. I passed out earlier than intended and woke up at 7!! Towsky conveniently woke up and there were two options; deal with our spinning hangovers sleeping OR throwing on waterproof clothing, sneakers, and hitting the dewy morning on bikes!
     We were both in this world of disbelief. I haven't seen Towsky in years, and though Skype has been brilliant, physical presence is a world of difference. Is this a dream?
     Towsky is now gluten-free and more than accommodating to vegan jams (you are kind of stuck with me ya) and he found Sun In Bloom, a gluten free, raw, and vegan restaurant. (facebook page)

You see these types of signs...all over NY~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     I'm not a breakfast lady but how often am in New York?! How often can I eat a raw meal with a BQ crew bud?
     Phbbbt~ and game~ Towsky got a chia seed almond milk that was nearly pudding. Kissed with cinnamon and coconut, thick and creamy, this drink was pure energy and bliss. It was rather pricey though, but recreation is a mission worth getting on~

chia seed almond milk~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     For a main, he got the Bloom Burger as a salad ($9.25). This is a live burger (nothing is cooked) made up of tomato, basil, caramelized onions and assorted seeds and such. It was served with cabbage, lettuce, with a Live sunflower dill dressing. The dressing was a bit too sweet for me, and I can't help myself, I want sriracha on EVERYTHING.

Towsky's dish~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     I got a Rueben Special as a salad ($9.25), which was marinated tempeh with house made raw sauerkraut and a live creamy Russian dressing. It was served on a bed of raw cabbage and lettuce and dusted in parsley and black pepper.  This was so good, but I've NEVER had a Reuben before so owning that I have nothing to compare it to. But if this is what they taste like...whoa~

My dish~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      After brunch, Towsky had class and I met up with Spy for more jolls around New York. I foolishly wore GIANT shoes and still trekked the town...eh who needs to feel anything below the ankles right?
     We wandered through all of High Rise Park and in all my times in New York, how could I have missed this? The past visits have involved nightly escapades and shows or swirly mornings...another gracious thanks for getting in some sun and having a New York day. The park is quite brilliant, it was a deserted subway line that runs over several main streets in the city. There are hidden art pieces along the path and cute spots to open up a sketch pad, read a book, binge on coffee, snuggle up with a loved one, or just be.

road view~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     When we got to the end of the park I squealed about wanting to see Lady Liberty and being a great sport, he was game to kick it to the Hudson river.
     The weather was pristine, and I was already glowing and full of all this love and grounding, my appreciation and presence with the world was electrifying me. I was feeling so connected to NY, I really loved it, and my energy was more than above baseline. So many people are out;  awake, running, biking, loving, snuggling, singing- int heir own world's and still interacting in this world, on the river, on the roads. The community is present!! I know Seoul has it's special things too, but there's something really nice about seeing and being with all that activity!
     We wandered to the Freedom Tower (hell yea NY) and we wandered back toward his neighborhood for coffees while waiting for Towsky to get out of class. Whilst binging, I was on mission numero two...VT~ I wanted and planned to kick it with as much of BQ as possible, and I wanted to squeeze it in before Wedding Rehearsal time. I came to discover that the only possible way I could do this was to catch an 8:30 am bus to Burlington and arrive at 4 then to catch the 2am bus BACK to Boston at 7:30am. I did complain and argue with the computer for a bit, but if I was Seoulside, I'm sure I'd be in such a bitter and angry position where hatred would fill my veins. I was frustrated, but...aigo.
     Spy and I got out missions done then met with Towsky for a late dinner...messing up subway lines and getting confused we took longer than planned (Seoul subways...thank you for making sense to me) and by the time we got to his place...like old times, I was interrupting slumbers. Spy juiced up our mission and we whirl-winded out to the chilly streets for another wine and dine mission.
     Oh Towsky's place is even better because there's a Trader Joe's so super close!!! ughghhghghghg I'm a space cadet in Joe's and though I was wine-focused, I started wandering and had to be barked at to get focused...Damn You Joe!!
     A quick wine purchase and we went to Mocha Hookah, a grungey and delicous Mediterranean spot. We got a cute corner booth and still...I can't string enough words together to express my peace. As soon as we sat, we got a generous plate of green olives; oily, briny  just enough sour to draw me in. These fatty morsels are a treat...god damned the dress haunting me in my home.

olives~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Dishes and appetizers were all affordable and the fact that Mediterranean was suggested absolutely tickled me. Making consumption easier for me is not a huge things, but a few people have always gone out of there way to just...help me out. Also, I LOVE going out to eat with these boys, hungry people hell yeah! We got a tabouli salad, LOADED with parsley and light on the bulgur, hummus, babaganoush, a falafel platter (with extra falafel balls), a thick salad (greens for V), pita, and stuffed grape-leaves for Spy. I generally and regrettably kind of despise eating with friends, or in public, or amongst a community. I'm one of those solo-diners, but back in the day, BQ always did family style, and this was just another way to give me a gift of grounding and home. I've savored those meals with the BQ family although I did most of my consumption with Spy. This connection back "home" brought me closer to BQ, safety, acceptance, and clarity.
     How I've missed home...

tabouli~ photo taken by VeagnBeats

family style noms~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Post belly bulging, we scampered back to Towsky's and opened up my new wine and enjoyed my final night in Brooklyn.
     The details of the evenings needn't be explored, I just left feeling a lot of peace, grounding, content, and a better understanding of where and what I want to be. A whole slew of parts were/are talking and this sounds potentially awful and ungrateful of me to say, but for the first time in a really long time, I felt like I was stepping on some ground. I could see a bit clearer and I felt warm, safe...I was happy, I was present, and I wasn't stressing. I was joking around, feeling light-hearted, ate a huge meal and was good with it. All this comfort and "home" I used to feel was visiting me. My parts have been waiting for it and embraced these very comforting emotions willingly, almost hungrily. It felt as if these parts have been missing, left behind, taken...and we were rejoined, just for a bit, but I think I can see the ground, or make out a hemisphere...
     I feel so much better now that I've interacted with these parts again, I do feel like I've carried some of them back with me...but I'll get into this later.

Until later~

Sun In Bloom:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch
Hours: 8:30am-9pm {M,T,W,Th,F} Weekend~ 10am-5pm
Address: 460 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone #: (718) 622-4304
E-mail: info@suninbloom.com
Facebook Page

Mocha Hookah:
Hours: 9am-midnight Everyday
Address: 183 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11201
between Court and Clinton St
Phone #: (718) 624-6764
E-mail: info@mochahookah.com
Facebook Page

IN-N-OUT Burger

     Today was a big day for Californians! My friend invited me to an event that was held in Sinsa over on Garusogil! She, being from Cali, and being an omnivore said that the "comfort" fast food of Cali-kids is the burgers from In-N-Out Burger. This morning/early afternoon, the franchise came to Garusogil and specially prepared their "famous" hamburgers to growing lines of people. I don't think I'll ever understand the fast-food trend or comfort it seems to provide (and I don't want to), but it was interesting none the less to be part of all these eager people.
     My friend is a CA gal and she's been craving fast food, Western food, home-food (there's someone growing in her ^^*) and during class this am she texted me~ she invited me along and I got to witness a load of stoked Gyopos! I don't have much to say but here are some pics!

photo taken by VeganBeats

     The In-N-Out was set up inside Cork for Turtle (Mug For Rabbit) cafe and looked all diner-esque! (Is it bad that I just wanted to binge on coffee while people nommed on buns?!)

photo taken by VeganBeats

my friend's box of food~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

up close (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I was the only vegan around, I honestly felt a bit guilty for taking up a seat and stealing a bracelet for a spot, but...meh~
     The lines grew exponentially, we were only inside for maybe 20 minutes and by the time we left, the crowd was easily over 200 people! I heard it sold out...ehhh
     After fulfilling the cravings, my buddy and I wandered around and did some shopping...I bid farewell with a cheesy hat!~

glamorous~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Delta Airlines: Vegan plate

     Anytime traveling happens, I'm filled with a general eagerness~ what adventures are around the bend, what fruits will I gorge on...what will the people be like...all that positive vibes juiced jazz. The only slight uneasiness I have (besides the take-off and landing) is the vegan meal. So many times, what airlines serve as "vegan" is horrid. Flavorless, mushy, aesthetically yelched. I mean, it's airline food, you're not going to get anything you'll request in REAL life.
     Anyways, I flew via Delta and on the way to Japan, I got a cute Japanese style Bento box filled with...a better attempt at attractive.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     The main was a piece of steamed pumpkin, slice of steamed carrot, one small steamed mushroom, a fraction of a steamed green bean, one small steamed broccoli floret, a slice of cold grilled eggplant, one cherry tomato, one green olive, and a slice of pickled daikon. The rice balls were seaweed and the other one was ginkgo nut. I also got a slice of Asian pear and apple. Admittedly I was a bit wine-d out so I actually ate the plane food (Sorry Anothony Bourdain). I avoided the rice all together (blech rice) but picked out the ginkgo nut. I ate all the veggies, but didn't finish the eggplant, too cold, soggy...off. The mushroom had a sweet soy sauce marinade, so it seemed to work well with all that wine.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     I wish they were a bit more generous with the veggies. I would have been happier with no rice and only veggies. But then again, at least this vegan meal was actually vegan!!

recents...

     For the past two weeks I've been kicking it with some cute dogs, breathing in that Namsan mountain air, and relaxing (with a healthy dose of stress and planning). Coming back from the states left me, no-shined some dusty feelings out. (Think back in the ol'ol'American gold rush days, sifting through all that mud and muck, knowing there's gold there and shake it enough...some shiny nuggets start blinding you...get the simile?) America this time around was free of employment and obligations (besides enjoying everything). Being in that state and around those individuals put me in a state of "what now?!" Torn between going back to the states, working, and working towards more degrees/studying again~ or kicking it Seoul-side, finding footing, indulging my talents...I do miss school, studying and working towards some sort of award...so I'm looking into educational programs. As much as I love my friends rolling stateside, I can't, shouldn't drop all the factors that get my lips curling up...I've never been good at casinos, I take risks when I know I'll win.
     Anyways~ being here so far has left me busy and invisible. Not that that's horrid or bad, I've allowed myself to slow down a bit and reflect, free of drinking, staying out super late, and  getting in some much-needed shut eye. In the nearly two years I've been Seoul-tromping, I didn't really hang out on Namsan, I had the freedom to and...love!~

photo taken by VeganBeats

     My mind is still hanging onto stateside stuff~ parts of me want to gamble. I like the risk, the chance, the...potential for bizarre things to happen, but Disney hasn't always played out.
     Being vegan in the states is an easy journey also. Everything is labeled; getting something free of animal products takes minutes, even seconds versus this side of the world...not hating just...when something is called "vegan" in the states, you can trust that shrimp won't be considered some sort of veggie. I brought a bunch of stuff back with me, and made some meals that~ probably unhealthy...yeah, I'm a glutton.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     What is that?!~ It's field roast Italian sausage pan fried with sweet vidalia onions, mushrooms, and loads of garlic and served on a dollop of sriracha- follow your heart vegan mayo, whole wheat ritz and organic red leaf lettuce. I only had three, it was rich, and a lot of flavor. Maybe I could live off of appetizers?! eh...I'd support that American stigma for sure then...ugh~
     I'm not sure where this post is really going...lots of thoughts, but I'm hitting a sleepy drum.
I leave you with a cute pup...a snuggle pup~~

wanna snuggle?~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

The Final Night Stateside~

     Here will be my loving on Shanghai again! Being a place that's been purely celebration and all love, I have nothing negative to say about it being a wonderful location, and starting point. Before kicking it to Korea, it seems that Shanghai has been the spot! My hometown is close to Thayer street and when it comes to spending time with some wonderful people (and old coworkers) this street's the spot. The summer before Seoul, I spent a lot of time here just wandering, knocking back coffees, teas, and puffing around in Hookah bars. My last night this time around was spent in this bar with food, good friends, and the lovely Scorpion bowl!

Scorpion bowl (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The night began with kicking it at the lovely Daihana's house, then running over to Shanghai for dinner and drinks. RI was majorly cold and we sat by the door, rocking jackets! Parts of me, nearly all parts of me didn't want to leave...not yet. I had only hours left with these wonderful people and..ugh~ why are they so wonderful?!...

adorable (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I don't want to post too many pictures of my friends up on this...I'd love to share their wonderful faces with the world but... I feel it's smarter not to.

good camera or IPhone? Ahh Beautiful Daihana and myself! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Wanda and Antwan (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     After drinks, we went back to Daihana's place and Ryan joined! It was us again and...I kept hearing the clock ticking and wishing time would slow. While everyone was growing tired, I was growing antsy. I'm hoping (and WANTING) them all to kick it Seoul-side with me! (hint hint)

this is the phone I used...goinnnng back~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I pulled an all-nighter, loaded onto the plane and started missing this crew hardcore~

This vacation, this visit to the States was wonderful~ A completely sugar-coated sweet and positive experience. I surprised my family, met my brother's beautiful girlfriend, kicked it with the Dwyers, went bridesmaid dress fitting, got together with Ryan, had REAL beer, kicked it with Daihana, Antwan, and Wanda, went to Vermont and kicked it with the BQ crew, played Cyclono, played in Boston, took loads of photos...and it all ended with the same lovely crew that saw me off the last time I was in the states...

I didn't think I'd have such a hankering for the sweet things~!