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

Vatos Urban Tacos~ chyeak ye

     I completed week 1 of the P90X regular but have switched to the lean workout...so far, still loving it. I've kept with my vitamin schedule, have been present with my family back home (chyea skype), do my stretches, and have been social. I'm finding I have more energy, am overall more present in situations, and I've even gotten back into reading (more than usual). Currently I'm getting into The Omnivores Dilemma, it's been on my list for years (why have I waited so long?) I've been getting into the habit of reminding myself why I chose this lifestyle...am I the only person that does this? I watch the food education films (Forks Over Knives, Gary Yourofsky's speach, etc) only to get upset, but also to keep myself in touch with my reasons...


     Anyways, let's tie this into being social. Last week I got together with some of those Amazing Seouls that bring so much brightness into this country! I spent all day Saturday apartment hunting then wandered to Itaewon to the glorious Vatos Urban Tacos. The restaurant was super busy and buzzing with happy diners (and drinkers)! At first the group was just myself and three buddies, but soon enough we were joined by four more people! Kenny, John, and Jeena were more than accommodating ^^*!~ Pol and David had never been to Vatos and earlier that evening they suggested my showing them some vegan eateries...made the recommendation for this urban taco joint and they were down. We first got some drinks and UGH~ delicious!

my mango makgeolita up front (11,500w) and David's frozen orange margarita (12,000w) photo taken by VeganBeats

     I went with the mango makgeolita (which I got last time) and David went with the orange frozen margarita. The makgeolita is only ONLY available at Vatos and it is too good, I find myself craving this! I love makgeoli, and this just makes it better! Even David (not a makgeoli fan) said it was good. The drinks are generous, massive bowls of tasty drinks~ you can't find any drink this size, for these prices...worth it. And what did Pol get?

Mexican Martini 15,000W (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The Mexican martini, "This is three drinks...Jesus that's good!"
I've never been a fan of martinis, too salty, briny, and as wimpy as this sounds~ I'm not a fan of tasting liquor...(unless its a good whisky). But this drink(s) was very well done. It was strong, heated (there were jalapenos in it!) and again, generous. The mixer was full of more drink and it was so good that our table downed about four of them!
     Let's get to the food...I've heard nothing but great things about the kimchi carnita fries, not vegan but I wanted the guys to have a great impression of this joint (they were already impressed with the drinks...so) but so far, not difficult. The kimchi carnita fries (9,900w) are french fries served with shredded pork, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and lots of green~ the guys dug in and literally moaned when the forks hit mouths.

kimchi carnita fries (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      DO NOT FEAR fellow veg-heads, Vatos is SUPER vegan friendly. They have a new chef that has a lot of vegan experience back in the states and he whipped up a super spicy and delicious taco! Everything here is made to order and it's fresh, the quality of the food makes this very clear.

Vegan taco~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The taco was loaded with heat, well cooked and sauteed veggies (onions, peppers, cabbage, etc) and served in a crunchy fresh corn tortilla. It was served alongside a cabbage slaw that I really can't get over. I'm a bit of purist when it comes to veggies, so having something presented so honestly really makes this Vermont girl smiley (yea yea, I know I'm a Mass woman too)! Back in VT, I ate fresh, always fresh, local, honest food, so when it comes to fresh, I'm a snob. I LOVE that Vatos makes everything to order, and that everything tastes like REAL food. I've had tortillas that just, yech...it tastes like chemicals, old flour, salt...just awful. Having a real tortilla is a treat (Vatos makes them!!), and having veggies that aren't weeping (in Korea)...Awesome!
     The crew I was with were raving, and more than happy with the service, ambiance, energy, food...and drinks! The lay out of the space is very true to Kenny's intentions (check out the NEH article I wrote about it a while back)~ it's urban, chill, and welcoming. Everyone's in a positive state of mind, the food is great, drinks delicious...we left with smiles, happy tummies and:
     "I'll be back here again...many times."
       


This is for sure~

For directions/hours check out their site or my other post
Vatos Facebook site

Lean P90X Workout

PHASE 1 - 1st month

Week 2

• Day 1 - Core Synergistics
• Day 2 - Cardio X
• Day 3 - Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
• Day 4 - Yoga X
• Day 5 - Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X
• Day 6 - Kenpo X
• Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch

Animal street...road of disgust

  Animal street, a place near 동대문 where you can get all sorts of animals, my heart literally dropped and melted. Tons of supremely young animals stuck in cages being eyed

at...I wanted to take everyone home...but I'd only be supporting an inconsiderate industry...

     Without a doubt there is a whole slew of Animal abuse that occurs throughout the world, being disconnected with animals and the fact that they also are emotional loving beings is a "blissful" ignorance that many willingly eccept. My friend brought me here thinking "세희 you like animals right? I will take you to aplace where you will like."
     He didn't understand that liking animals involves caring for their general well-being...he didn't understand why I was getting upset and angry. Hundreds of animals were crammed into cages, being sold by googley eyed mis-informed individuals enjoying the idea of having something so cute in their posession. Not only are animals bought for their looks but aren't valued, at all. The sellers need to make money, these animals are a product. On top of that, the sellers have no knowledge about proper care, "feed the hamster 1tsp of rice." Many of the animals are too young, frail emaciated things, shitting and pissing on one another.
     There were tons of exotic animals too, shivering outside, clearly not accustomed to the chilly environment of Seoul right now. The parrots were covered with damaged feathers, the groundhogs were scarred on their noses (from frantically trying to escape their metal homes), and the chipmunks were suffering from panic attacks. I wanted to take everyone home with me, and at the same time I wanted to get out of there.
     Why are there places like this??

groundhogs, adorable, sad and scared (photo taken by VeganBeats)

you can't see the missing fur on this guys face )O:  (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Can you see the fur missing from their noses?

      After leaving animal street I needed to get a load of silence and walking in. I was (and still am upset) my friend couldn't understand. The unworthy environments that those animals are forced to be in coudln't be grasped onto. Many of the animals were very sick, and in such small places, without any issues their "roommates" will also get sick. I have never seen so many torn up faces, matted fur, bleeding eyes, and open wounds...and still people will go to this place, buy the cute animals and support the sellers. I understand they need to make money, but on the account of lives...

Anyways, here are some prettier places I was able to let my eyes and angry mind feast upon...

photo taken by VeganBeats

Seoul mind you is prepping for much romantic-ing...ahh Valentine's Day...>_<#

photo taken by VeganBeats

      Got some self-stressful news the other day...it's the weekend....I'm ready to do something...