White Harte Pub and Planta Cocina

Ellie had been complaining for months about her MCAT exam. Between her long work hours, her boyfriend, and studying, things were starting to get to her. And it was understandable. The MCAT is an eight hours long exam with only a 30 minute lunch break. So, her brain was fried. Her stress even wore down her boyfriend, and when she was done, he was exhausted as well. After it was over, she and her guy went out, and got blitzed.

The next day, she wanted to celebrate with me. So, we went to her favorite pub, White Harte Pub in the valley, and had drinks.

The second celebration will be tomorrow. I’m taking my friend out to dinner to Planta Cocina in Marina Del Rey to celebrate her birthday.

I’ve already been here before. Their vegan sushi is yum. I have had vegan sushi in the past, but so far, this place tops them all. Here are some photos from the last time I was there. It’s a fun place to just kick it for a few hours, and perhaps even go for a long stroll before or after dinner. If you decide to go, you may want to skip their unmemorable drinks, and opt for wine or beer.

Dragon roll

Crispy rice – a popular dish.

Drinks – can’t even remember what we had, but it basically had no flavor, no alcohol, and tasted like water mixed with sugar.

Croquetas – so so. I didn’t care for the texture

1,000 Layer Crispy Potatoes

Truffle Kamameshi – yum. 

Maitake mushrooms (excellent)

Unagi Eggplant Nigri (excellent)

And let’s not forget views, views, and views…

 

Copycat

 

A lot of people have no imagination and just copy what someone else does. It takes thinking and creativity to be original. I’d rather be an original than a fake. Even if this means that I may fail a lot before I succeed.

I have noticed lately that some people look at the photos on my blog, and then go and post similar photos. My posts are all original. I don’t go around looking to see what others do and then copy them. And if I do this, I make it a point to be obvious about it and say I got this idea from someone on the internet, twitter, Facebook or something to that effect.

Even my books are original. And I know that gets me into trouble oftentimes because reviewers don’t know where to place me. When I enter contests, there is often no specific category where my book could be placed. Even my first book is not just a “romance book.” But I don’t care. I don’t want to fit in. Fitting in is boring. As Gloria Gaynor says: "I am what I am, I am my own special creation." And I like to keep it that way. How sad it is for those who just copy.

I mean, it’s okay to research and see what others are doing to get ideas and to make your creativity flow, but to copy exactly what someone does is not cool. Anyway, that’s my rant for today. I’m just tired and am going to reduce my activity on social media and focus on my book.  

Oh, the Places You'll Go! and Raw-Vitalize

I bought two books last week. I finished one: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss which I found out about by eavesdropping on someone’s video conversation 😉 Many of you have probably read the book. I read a lot when I was little, but I had never read anything by Dr. Seuss.

One of the reasons I got this book is my brother and I may be collaborating to write a children’s book, and I wanted to get an idea of how to write one. My brother made up this story which he used to tell his kids at bedtime. One day we were sitting in the kitchen of his house, and he told me about his made-up tale. I loved it. And the plan was to do a book together, but we never got around to it.

Even as an adult, I enjoyed reading Dr. Seuss’ book. There are some life lessons in there, and you can find a YouTube video on it, but I opted for the book because I love reading.

I received my second book yesterday: Raw-Vitalize by Mimi Kirk & Mia Kirk White. I got this because I have an auto immune disorder which makes life difficult, if not impossible, for me. It started in my twenties, but I was able to manage it. Unfortunately, it got much worse after my mom passed away, and I have been struggling with it since. Doctors tell me that there’s no cure, and my only choice is to take medications which may or may not work for the rest of my life. The medication causes cancer and other health issue. So, thanks, but no thanks.

There are a ton of people who talk about the raw diet, but I chose Mimi Kirk for two reasons. She too has an autoimmune disorder, but no symptoms. She says that it is because her raw diet helps her control it. Also, she is a good cook. I can cook, but I don’t’ know how to put raw things together unless it’s a salad, or a simple veggie dish. I’m looking forward to reading her book and trying out some of the recipes. This is going to be a process as I learn different tricks.

When the weather is cold, I prefer cooked food. But with summer around the corner, I think now is the best time to get started and get used to eating this way. I learned a lot when I took my mom to the Gerson Institute such as nothing is the same as eating live food. I learned that when I cooked food at a high temperature, I killed a lot of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. I also learned that a plant based diet is much easier on the digestion.

My snacks. I’m going to start juicing again, and to work towards balancing my days by having 80% raw, and some cooked food because I like herbal teas, and I enjoy socializing with friends and family.

I just want to feel better, and live life to the fullest. I believe that there are many components that contribute to good health such as taking care of our mental health by staying active, working, socializing, eating healthy, meditating, and letting go of negativity. Life is a journey, and we are always learning about ourselves, and the people, and the world around us.