a crave for music, art and adventure...

I experience what people call "the concert high" and of course when there's a "high" there is a "low"... like coming down from a drug, so to speak. I don't feel this after every concert I go to, but for some reason, I've been feeling it more this time around. You may think it's a bad thing, but I don't see it that way. I see it as an opportunity. It can be an inspiring and uplifting feeling, in a way that drives me to want to do something with my life, however big or small.

So what concert did I attend that caused this revelation? NKOTB... that's right folks, I said it, New Kids on the Block. There's a song lyric I live by, from a band called the Sounds, and that is: I gave my heart to rock n' roll. But there's no denying that my love for music began with pop: Madonna, Michael Jackson... and then NKOTB. As a young kiddy-bopper, at age 8, I was not fortunate to see them in concert (I was living in Alaska and then to the Philippines during my young, NKOTB phase... yeah they never toured in those areas). It wasn't until 2008 at age 27 that I saw them for the first time for their reunion tour. I'm now 30 years old, and I just saw them for the second time for their NKOTBSB tour in July... and it was this particular show that I felt something. Now, this isn't about five talented, good lookin' men in a boyband anymore... well, maybe it is, just a little... lol. It was the way it made me feel just seeing these guys perform. Not to get all poetic, but it reignited something within me and it brought back the innocence and nostalgia of my childhood. When life was simpler, when instead of worrying about bills, I was worried whether or not my mother would buy that Teen Beat magazine with Jordan Knight on the cover for me... and let me tell you, it broke my heart if I couldn't have it. It wasn't just the memories that came flooding in... somehow it made me feel alive, like a sexy, giddy girl again. I had forgotten what that felt like in the last few years... this is something you don't want to lose at the (young) age of 30! So to NKOTB, I thank them for bringing out that spark in me again...

Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA July 8, 2011

From Jordan Knight's new solo album, "Let's Go Higher"

I don't know about you, but making plans and having something to look forward to is what life is all about. Getting stuck in the same boring routine makes me feel dead inside. So amidst this NKOTB-revelation... you can imagine my excitement when one of my besties messaged me and invited me to go on a cruise with her in January 2012. And this ain't no normal cruise... it's the Weezer Cruise! I'm not sure if you've heard, but this whole music cruise thing has turned into quite the new trend. In fact, the first time I'd heard of it was when NKOTB started doing it a few years ago! So I took it as a sign and spontaneously made the decision to go. Hooray for spontaneity! I get to hang out with one of my best friend's for a few days on a cruise boat from Miami to Cozumel and see a band I've been a fan of since my high school days! I haven't seen them live in a few years, so it's probably a good thing that I've got a ticket to their show in Seattle in about a week. :) Gotta bust out my old school cardigan and glasses for this one!

And lastly, going along with my roll on spontaneity... or I guess you can also call this "impulse purchase". I bought tix to this after just finding out about it within an hour... Joseph Gordon-Levitt posted on Twitter that he was coming to Seattle in a few weeks for "HitRECord at the Movies". It's gonna be a creative night filled with film, art collaborations and live performances. Sounds like a good time to me! And hello, did I mention it's with Joseph Gordon-Levitt???



random bits of seattle that made it to my tummy...

I suppose you can't really call yourself a wannabe foodie in Seattle until you've had a sandwich at the local famous Cuban joint, Paseo in Fremont. The pork was juicy, the onions were sweet, and the bread... truthfully, the bread can make it or break it... crusty on the outside, and soft enough in the middle to soak up the fillings. It was a wonderful sandwich eating experience... if not messy. I ordered the Cuban Roast...

Okay, I'll admit... I love Ballard, but I avoid it because too many damn "take a slight left, then a sharp right, curve to the 2nd left, go down 2 blocks and take a right" kind of street directions. But it was beautiful Sunday off and the farmers market sounded like a good time... and of course we had to start our late morning off with a damn good brunch at Senor Moose Cafe. I ordered the Machaca Con Huevos, and can I just say... beats any lame breakfast burrito anytime, anywhere! Oh, and by the way, best tasting drip coffee I've ever had too. I know right, drip coffee... who knew!

My sis, Abby, contemplating on what to order, too much good stuff!

...and then some gelato at D'Ambrosio after taking a stroll down the farmers market.

Now here's a place that I've gone to many-a-late-nights. Yes, it's been featured on the Travel Channel and yes, it's one of many great places to go while you're still buzzed off of alcohol or trying to cure a hangover... it's called Beth's Cafe. I never seem to order anything else but my favorite, the Southwestern Exposure (add jalapenos, with a side of drawing paper and crayons of course!)...

And just a bit north of Seattle, lies your basic, greasy Chinese place, T & T Seafood Restaurant. My sis and I decided to try their dim sum after a busy day of shopping. There really aren't many dim sum joints in the north, I don't see why, they're easy, fast and fun to eat. Tried chicken feet for the first time and wasn't really a fan, mostly because of the flavoring... now all they need to do is start serving soup dumplings, I'll be all over that!

and washed down the apple with an ice cold butterbeer... florida pt. 2

Orlando, Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter - May 1 - May 4, 2011

Florida was HOT. I hate to complain... but I do it anyway. It was right around 90 degrees from noon to about 5pm and that's a bit much for me. Even with sunscreen on, I get this thing called prickly heat when I'm too hot. And if I'm out in the sun long enough, I blow up like a I got stung by a bee. Yes, I'm allergic to the sun! Lame.

So how did I keep myself cool, you ask? Why, with butterbeer of course! No, it does not contain alcohol... but the wonderful flavors (or, flavours, if you wanna get British) of butterscotch cream soda. You can get it in a blended, slushy form or just ice cold. And the best part? The thick butterscotch whipped cream topping to give you that wonderful, foamy mustache!

I was happy to have had Orlando as the finale of our trip because I knew it wasn't going to be as chaotic as NYC. Hanging out in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was icing on the cake. It really does feel like you're a part of the books/movies... truly, magical... if you don't count the heat and the thousands of tourists. There's something off-putting about fake snow on the Hogsmeade shops and it being 90 degrees out. But it was so much fun... we'll be back soon for sure... perhaps when it's "winter" over there.

The restaurant, the Three Broomsticks!

Your standard English (Harry Potter style) fare: fish & chips, shephards pie, pumpkin juice and butterbeer. Delicious!

Oh, butterbeer, how I miss you.

The best ride was in the Hogwarts castle, the Forbidden Journey! It's probably a good thing that I drive a car and not a broomstick... talk about getting air-sick. But so awesome!

The Dragon Challenge roller coaster! Go here first with an empty stomache, otherwise, you'll you-know-what...

We ate at this salad buffet (yes, I said salad) called Sweet Tomatoes on I - Drive close to our hotel. Apparently there are locations throughout the states but this was a first for us. So fresh and so good! I still dream of this wonton chicken salad...

Yep, that's me. Don't be jealous of my 'stache... Cheers!

ate a big chunk of the big apple... new york pt. 1

Annnnd, we're back... 5 lbs heavier too, I'm sure! It's been over a month since we've been back from our trip and it's taken a bit to recuperate. Try getting sick before, during and after your trip! *sigh* I've got a curse. None-the-less, I didn't let that stop our fun.

New York City - April 26 - May 1, 2011

Is it so cliche to say, "New York, I love you"? Afterall, this was my first trip there and it just may be too soon to say that special three word phrase. How about, "New York, I really, really like you and I'd love to see you again sometime soon." Soon, as in we're already planning on doing the same trip over again next year because we had such a blast!

We made it to most of the major touristy destinations, but of course, there was so much more to see... and eat. I'm happy to report that we made it to most of the places mentioned in my previous post. It's unfortunate, however, that I was especially sick the first day of arrival to NYC because Les Halles was where we had our first meal and I could barely taste anything due to my stuffy, runny nose. :( But I know that it was good! I ordered the filet de boeuf with bearnaise sauce, the steak was tender and the frites salty and crispy... frites so good that I've dreamt of it since then. I made the mistake of ordering an alcoholic beverage and towards the end of the meal, I was feeling light headed and nauseous. So disappointing that we had to leave directly after eating and didn't have a chance to get dessert! Don't mix cold meds with alcohol, kids! So, Les Halles, I'll be seeing you again soon to make it a proper good time! Sadly, I couldn't take a decent picture due to the restaurant being really dim. But no fear, I made sure to act as papparazzi to the other food destinations...

Ess-A-Bagel

I ordered a plain bagel with lox, scallion cream cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers... probably the messiest bagel sandwich I've ever eaten but damn good.

Lombardi's

Just had to have a pizza in NYC! Great pizza, although Seattle's really getting good at making pizza too, but it was pretty cool to have pizza at the first pizza joint in America.

Eataly

I've been to Asian and Mexican style grocers, why not an Italian one?! If we had a kitchen in our hotel, I would've bought groceries here... instead, we had dessert and it was divine!

Joe's Shanghai

As soon as we got off the subway in Chinatown, it was instant chaos to my senses... it was time to eat. And my first bite of my first soup dumpling... wow, a revelation!

Sake Bar Hagi

Just a few blocks walk from Times Square, this was our dinner after watching an awesome Broadway show. This is my second time eating at an izakaya style restaurant. Can't say it was as good as Guu in Vancouver, BC, but it was still satisfying. We ordered various yakitories, yellowtail collar, cod roe fried rice, and takoyaki.

Gray's Papaya

I feel like I've been preparing for this meal for years... I think I have. It was sooo good. I know, it's just a hot dog right??? But it's a Gray's Papaya hot dog! I couldn't believe we only ate here once, next time, we'll have to come here at least once a day. Their hot dogs were so snappy and their specialty fruit juices were fantastic too!

Yep, I'm stuffing my face...

A nice guy even took a pic of my sis and I enjoying our meal!

Levain Bakery

Saw this place featured by Rocco Dispirito (yes, the hot Italian chef) on Food Network's "The Best Thing I've Ever Ate"... well, it sure was one of the best cookie's I've ever eaten.

53rd & 6th Halal

Now here was a place that we actually ate at three times during our five day stay. Probably the best street vendor food that I've ever had. Cheap, hearty (the portions are huge!) and really tasty. It was pretty dangerous that it was only a block from our hotel. The chicken and lamb plate with their special red (holy spicy!) and white sauce... *sigh*

Various

Just a few more photos of our NYC trip...

We watched "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" on Broadway starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter!!!) and John Larroquette. I snuck a photo of their standing ovation!

Till next time, New York...