I wanted to include these weekly round-up posts to give myself a chance to reflect on the week and give a shout out to some things I’ve been enjoying that might not merit their own post. I listen to a wide range of music, I read a lot, and I watch a variety of shows. I can’t really claim to have good taste, but I know what I enjoy. I think getting accustomed to posting more often will be easier if I start with what I know.
The name “Spin Cycle” is something I used when I had a blog as a teenager. I got the idea from somewhere, but it’s been so many years that I’ve long forgotten where it originated. I like the idea of it–in my mind it somehow implies a mix of things, but also that it’s part of a cycle.
In tandem with the Spin Cycle blog post, I have also brought back my vlog! Check it out below for a little glimpse into how my week went. Or read on below for all the details.
Feeding my Inner Foodie
I had the opportunity to try TokyoTreat through my work at JRock News and I honestly enjoyed it quite a bit! I try new snacks occasionally, but it’s been a while since I’ve gone out of my way to try a variety of new foods with interesting and unique flavors. Despite the fact that I am blessed to live near several different Asian grocery chains, it’s not often that I take a chance on a new snack. I usually just stock up on things I already know I love.
My coworker told me about an app called Too Good To Go, which gives you the opportunity to buy leftover food from local restaurants and bakeries at a discount. The food is usually a surprise grab bag of day-old leftovers, but at 60-80% off the normal price, it’s really not bad. As a plus, it also helps reduce food waste! I used it to buy bread from a local Japanese bakery. I got a selection of white bread, English bread, and butter rolls. I used the thick-cut English bread to make French Toast this weekend!
I saw someone make a reel about Szechuan Mountain House on Instagram. Unfortunately, I don’t live particularly close to Rowland Heights, however I have a friend who does! I hadn’t seen her since before the pandemic, so I asked if she’d be interested in trying the place out with me. I would never have made the drive just for the restaurant, but being able to spend the day with her made it well worth it! We were seated very quickly and the dishes were delicious. We got the swing pork belly, mapo tofu, street style noodles, and shrimp. Thankfully I was able to tolerate the spice on all of them; I’ve been building up my spice tolerance over the years! My favorite was definitely the noodles, but the shrimp came in a close second. The mapo tofu was a little disappointing, but maybe it’s just because I’m used to it being made a different way.
Finally, we ended up at Fujiwara Tofu Cafe, an Initial D inspired cafe that serves soy milk tea and tofu desserts. The entire place is covered with Initial D decorations and merchandise, and of course they have an AE86 parked outside. I got the Purple Shadow, a taro drink that just so happened to be their most popular. I probably would have ordered it regardless, because I’m obsessed with taro.
Soundtrack of the Week
ONE OK ROCK just released a brand new single, and its everything a rock anthem should be. They’re one of my favorite bands, so I might be biased, but just give it a listen and you’ll be ready to take up arms for the cause.
In keeping with the theme of Initial D, I also was listening to the soundtrack on my long drive to and from Rowland Heights. If you aren’t familiar with Initial D, I will explain: it is infamous for its Eurobeat soundtrack. It’s definitely not something to play while relaxing at home, but if you need to get pumped or if you’re racing along the highway in your car, it is perfection.
I heard this cover a while back, but I recently became re-obsessed with it. It’s the “Legends Never Die” cover from the Hwang Hyeonjo Team on Superband2 and it is incredible. It could be because I recently started to teach myself guitar again, but watching this group really makes me feel inspired. You’re definitely watching artists at work here.
Indulging in Escapism
I am 100% on board with the latest popular webcomics and webnovels–isekai, regressor, villainess, you name it, I’ll read it! There will be many more recs in the future, but for now I’ll give a special shout out to my top two.
Solo Leveling is the ultimate power fantasy. No deep meaning to what’s going on, just good old-fashioned unfairly cool protagonist defeating the bad guys and also leaving his allies in awe of his strength. It’s complete, so there’s no waiting for new chapters, and it has amazing art.
Trash of the Count’s Family is also currently updating as a webcomic, however I recently delved into the novel. I’m on chapter 325, which seem like it’s pretty far, but there is still quite a few chapters left. Thankfully, it’s the kind of series you never want to end. In a nutshell, it’s someone who transmigrates into an adventure novel as a side character. Our protagonist wants to do everything he can to ensure he can live a good life in this new world without getting entangled with the main character. Unfortunately that doesn’t work out too well, as he is, in fact, our main character.
My brother has finally been watching the Initial D anime. I’ve only been recommending it to him for years! I’m not doing a full re-watch, but I have definitely been taking a moment to watch an episode or two when I can. A lot of it is available to watch on YouTube and despite the awkward art style, it’s a classic for a reason.
Honorable Mentions
Sam and Victor on YouTube
Mignon, which was unfortunately pulled from Vimeo due to some issue with the creator’s former agency.
Yousician app for learning guitar.
Yakult, for taking care of my gut health, ha.