We’ve made it to that last month of the year. How insane has 2020 been? How was your November? Mine was interesting and different than any other month prior. I spent half of it in NYC and the other half in Chicago. The half spent in Chicago was spent mainly at home because the COVID numbers across the country have been on the rise. And I think we’re officially in another surge.

On another note, vaccines are popping up all over the place. They seem promising. The big question is if they are promising enough to get me to where I want to go…or need to be. I don’t know if you remember my friend Bin (she’s a Korean medical student from Korea), but she has set her official wedding date and I fully intend to be in South Korea for it. Hopefully, without the need for a 14 day quarantine, but if I must…I will make it work.

A quick note on Thanksgiving. I’m not sure what you did, but Rachana and I stayed home in Chicago. I did miss the giant gathering that my family usually has…like a lot. We did a family Zoom in the morning and the aunts and uncles were so excited to see each other. It was adorable. And my grandpa, he cried happy tears…and we still found a way to exhaust him. I think these are the humans I absolutely miss the most and can’t wait until we can all get together again.

So, let’s wrap up November per the usual content. Excursions, food and my media watch list.

Other Things:

1. Painting the guest bedroom yellow.
2. Painting the kitchen cabinets white.
3. Holiday shopping gone crazy.
4. COVID testing…so much of this happened. Not because I needed to, but because of traveling.

Excursions:

1. New York City (really the only excursion of the month)

This was an interesting trip. Yes, even more interesting than the month I spent there…and different interesting than the first time I was there (which was with Bin). This time, indoor dining had started up. The weather was getting much cooler. But also, the first week I was there, it was in the 70’s.

My friends convinced to try online dating again because really, what do I have to lose. Although, dating during a pandemic should be interesting. Here’s what I will say, my dating life, after this trip to NYC seems less dismal and I’m trying not to be as pessimistic about app dating. Let’s get real, meeting people in person on the random is extremely not likely right now. I went on a date…it went better than expected, so maybe there’s hope for the future. (Also, does anyone just miss making out?)

I did not get to see my usual group of friends this trip because we were all busy. I did get to see my bestie though for a lunch and that was everything. I really do miss my humans and the things I used to be able to do with my humans. My trips just aren’t the same. Being home just isn’t the same. Anyone else looking for that first big, warm hug?

This trip to NYC included two visits to Central Park. I don’t general go to Central Park (although, I do love it). I generally spend most of my time south of 14th Street. That’s where most of my food things are…and most of my social activities. But now, I have a friend up town so we do food things up there. It’s fun to rediscover uptown. I used to spend a lot of time there when I lived in NYC and worked in Midtown.

So, above are some pictures of the fun that was had (there’s also a YouTube video wrap up of my adventures).

Media Consumption (not including all the holiday movies):

• 1. Fade Away (Thai, YouTube) – it was cute
• 2. Khun Mae Suam Roy (Thai, YouTube) – I also wanted to solve this who done it.
• 3. Roy Leh Marya aka Decietful Love (Thai, YouTube) – I enjoy the two leads. It was cute and funny and yet some definitely evil intentions.
• 4. Prom Mai Dai Likit (Thai, YouTube) – didn’t love the 2nd half, but I’m happy with the end.
• 5. Let’s Eat (Korean, Netflix) – pretty sure half the time I’m watching this for the food
• 6. Find Yourself (Chinese, Netflix) – it’s my change of pace show
• 7. The Unicorn: S1 (English, Netflix) – I thought it was movie…and then it wasn’t. It’s good though…light-hearted enjoyability.
• 8. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (Korean, Netflix) – It was cute…and at times heart breaking.
• 12. Game Sanaeha (Thai, YouTube) – I like this one, but would she just grow up sometimes.
• 13. The Start-Up (Korean, Netflix) – LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
• 14. The Mandolorin: S1 & S2 (English, Netflix) – why did I wait so long. So many squee moments…you can ask Rachana.
• 15. Trah Fah Mee Tawan aka My Forever Sunshine (Thai, YouTube) – I love her…and him, so we’ll see how this goes.
• 17. Dash & Lily (English, Netflix) – it’s a definite cute holiday series.
• 18. TorraneeNiNeeKraiKrong (Thai, YouTube) – ehhhhhh, watched for the leads – it’s an old show
• 19. Schitt’s Creek: S6 (English, Netflix) – held it off for this long. 😦 it’s over now.
• 20. Paragit Likhit Huajai (Thai, YouTube) – it’s enjoyable
• 21. Samee (Thai, YouTube) – still watching…but I like Great, so there’s that
• 22. Kiss Goblin (Korean, Viki) – a surprise find that I completely binged in 2 days (binge-able in 1 day)
• 23. Private Lives (Korean, Netflix) – it’s intriguing, but taking my time with it.
• 24. Sugar Rush: Christmas (English, Netflix) – great when I need English words and don’t need to pay attention (and it’s Zumbo)
• 25. Grace & Frankie (English, Netflix) – rewatch, always so good and so funny
• 26. Vagabond (Korean, Netflix) – intrigued, but I hear the ending leaves much to be desired
• 28. Wacko At Law (Chinese, Viki) – only on the first episode, but love George Hu

I did eat a ton of food…and most of it happened to be Asian. Be warned, the following below will be a food photo dump. It was just all sooooo good. I ate so many soft pretzels this month.

The holidays this year really won’t be the same. Not that mine ever really are. I usually have dinner with my mom, brother and stepdad. This year, that is very unlikely. It’s very likely I’ll just be in Chicago. I also usually spend it with Anne’s family (also probably not happening this year. How are you holiday plans shoring up?