February: brutal winter’s finale

Howdy, folks. It’s been over two months since my layoff, and I have been overwhelmed with interviews and job applications. While there’s some movement, I have very little expectations from them. Why? Because ghosting a candidate has become the norm. It doesn’t matter if there’s a chemistry between you and the hiring managers, promising conversations or signs, or the friendliness of recruiters. It’s all a show and nothing –and I mean, NOTHING is guaranteed. Plus, after my experience with JP Morgan (physically going into the office for a final round of interviews – only to get rejected a month later), I am extra skeptical of these employers.

I’m not even being a pessimist. It’s the reality of our current hiring culture in an employer-based market. Companies are afraid of what’s to come in the next few years and that fear is trickling down to people getting laid off left and right, and companies not creating jobs–including yet-to-be-filled vacant positions.

What can I do but apply like it’s my full-time job. Oh wait, it is my full-time job at the moment. Ha!

Self-Treat for Sanity

The demanding process of searching for a job makes me go insane. I can’t stay in and work on job applications like a machine. I’m human — I need occasional indulgences, simple pleasures, and spontaneity to keep myself sane. So, I went to one of my favorite restaurants in the city – Hawksmoor. They had a special ‘Restaurant of the Week’ menu which came with two courses. I treated myself to some good food and drinks for lunch. I’m so glad that I did.

Started the meal with a champagne cocktail. Hawksmoor serves excellent-quality steak but they’re also known for their cocktails. When I first visited the restaurant (circa 2021) and read, “Award-Winning Cocktails,” I scoffed because these restaurants self-proclaim themselves with high praises for advertising reasons. Then I actually had some of their cocktails. Indeed, they deserved that award.

Beet salad with creamy yogurt as a base–topped with pickled fennel, sprinkles of horseradish, and hazelnuts. Every bite was a delight.

After my first cocktail, the server asked if I’m interested in any other drinks. To which I asked, “Can I get a wine menu?” I took a look at it and was overwhelmed. I think she knew that so she suggested two white wines and let me taste them. The one I chose was a Grenache Blanc from California. It was smooth and very clear.

The highlight of the meal was finishing it off with lemon pavlova. Have I mentioned? I love pavlovas. It was zesty, refreshing, and decadent in my mouth.

Disappointing Super Bowl

Please don’t hate me. I was rooting for the Patriots this year. Why? I wanted them to redeem themselves after Tom Brady’s departure. I usually root for the underdogs for Super Bowl, which was the Seahawks, but I’m not a fan of Seattle people (except very few individuals). Although I was proud to see a fellow UGA alum, Mike Macdonald — coach for the Seahawks — I was disappointed by the Patriots. What in the world? It was pretty clear from the first-two quarters that the Patriots did not have a chance to beat the Seahawks. Both teams had solid defense players — so much so that the game was boring!

As for the half-time show, I did not think much of it except people’s reaction made the performance unnecessarily annoying. People on TikTok like to rank half-time shows. Some say Kendrick Lamar was the best in recent years. Some say Usher’s was the best. Some say Bad Bunny’s performance had a powerful message. The list, reasonings, and opinions go on and on.

I will say this for sure. Half-time show would not be what it is today if it weren’t for Michael Jackson. He revolutionized the meaning behind and the culture around it. He stood motionless and in silence for nearly two minutes and the entire stadium went bananas. He knew how to captivate people’s attention, give a goddamn show, and unite the country through his songs. This was all before social media and advanced technology. He truly earned the title, “King of Pop.”

I didn’t host a watch party but I had some staple tailgating foods.

Unforgettable Winter Storms

This winter has been brutal. I may sound dramatic but the snow storms were unforgettably severe and a burden (“What can be unburdened by what has been…” IYKYK). I had thought that the January 25th snow storm was intense but nope! I was wrong. We had another blizzard on February 23rd. It was painfully cold!

While fresh snow is pretty to look at, the aftermath of snow is often dangerous, filthy, and unpleasant. If the snow is not paved or thawed, it will freeze and you’ll be left with mountains of frozen snow on the sidewalk, which is what happened after January 25th.

Dog poop made the post-snow conditions worse. For some ridiculous, stupid reason, many dog owners chose not to pick up after their dogs — leaving frozen or smeared dog stools on the streets! I was busy tip-toeing away from poop than carefully watching my steps to avoid falling.

It’s always these types of adversities that remind me of people’s selfishness and stupidity. Especially here in the city… From pandemic lockdown to recent snow storms, you really get to see the ugly parts of humans when experiencing the extremes.

Another snow, another winter wonderland.

I made a small snowman. Yes, he’s supposed to be frowning.

Spring weather is slowly resurfacing. Hope to get warmer, sunnier days and some good news to share soon.

xo,