Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone has been safe and healthy. It has already been one month since my last blog post, and I have been meaning to write for awhile. However, I could not get myself to sit still to write a meaningful post until now. I think it is a positive that I pay for this blog on an annual basis. Since I am paying for this website, it motivates me to quiet down and write down/organize my thoughts at least once a month.
This is my first “regular” blog post, after the chain of travel related posts, and I hope to see for myself that the simple things, can bring as much relaxation and happiness as an international vacation.
The start of 2020 was a quiet and humble one. I was able to welcome the near year with a couple of close friends and light the candles I brought from Thailand. I had spent all of the Christmas Holidays visiting extended family and spending time with family at home, so it was nice to see some friends after traveling.
When I think about where I am in life, I am grateful that I have a career that challenges me in every aspect. With that said, in the last couple of weeks, I have met, interacted, and seen some of the most difficult people in my life. I am sure that I will continue to come across people that are hard to please, but at this time, I am blessed to have people to share my frustrations with during these times. When the negative feelings passed, it helped to remind myself that it is not personal. People are worried about their pets, and when finances are a major concern, a person may sometimes place blame where it is not due. I can find pleasure in the fact that my patience and endurance are being tested/becoming stronger. However, I have to say, I have also met some of the most wonderful human beings, during a time that may be one of the most difficult such as saying goodbye to a loved family pet.
This seems like an appropriate time to discuss my growing interest in Scotch whiskey! I enjoy winding down after a long day with a pour of Scotch whiskey. This is officially my go to drink, as it has truly grown on me this past month. If anyone is interested in this topic or have any recommendations, please let me know! I had to find an alternative to beer, wine, and other drinks post travel. I am pretty sure most of the travel weight gain was from the affordable beer and other alcoholic beverages. Personally, beer is too filling (I still enjoy) and wine is a bit high in calories (and it is difficult to only have one glass). I have gone to a whiskey bar and tried a few different pours, but I am trying to stay in a price range of $50-$150 for bottles. I am more interested in quality and enjoying the drink, as opposed to anything else (quality vs. quantity). I have purchased a Glenlivet 12 year, Glenmorangie Original 10 year, and Macallan 12 year. I wanted to purchase a Macallan 15, but I ended up with the last two, as they were on sale, and Macallan 15 was not available at that time. I recently visited a bar in MD, planning to drink some beer with some appetizers, but ordered an Old Fashioned instead. I enjoyed that I did not feel full after half my drink! I highly recommend trying Scotch if you have never tried before! I will try to keep updating this blog with random bits of my new found interest.
Now to discuss my favorite drink, coffee! This past month I purchased an automatic coffee bean grinder, and it has changed my life. I have put away my manual grinder for now, and highly appreciate, how quickly I can grind a large amount of beans in less than 2 minutes. I am trying to purchase local beans from places that I visit, so if anyone has recommendations, I am open to them!
My goal is to use my free time to discover and post about food! There will be a few food updates at infrequent intervals as it can be expensive, and I have my other hobby of Japanese FluentU that is still ongoing (it is going well if you were curious). Plus, I recently committed to paying for four new tires, cabin and engine filters, and a new battery for my car (sad face). For now, see below for some food highlights with pictures and captions!
La Barrita Restobar, Baltimore, MD
I will be going back to this restaurant at dinner time (pictured is brunch) for the $90 platter of steak meats (for two people), and I am sure it will be worth it!
Pho Bac, Baltimore MD
I spent way too much money here. The food was delicious, but I am not sure about spending more than $10 on a bowl of pho. To be fair, there was a lot of quality meat in the pho compared to an $8 bowl. I personally like more noodles than meat.
Huck’s American Craft, Baltimore MD
Not pictured is the old fashioned, which was a bit sweet for my taste. The crab dip was a bit too salty, however the cheese curds were on point.
Desserts
Simply delicious
Well, that is it for now. I have a long stretch of work ahead of me, but I will hopefully make my next blog post soon (goal is less than a month until my next post). Be safe and stay healthy!
SOPHROSYNE 
💜
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