Does anyone listen to music while they work? Maybe while you drive or go for a walk with your dog? I almost said run but we all know I don't run! I do not enjoy listening to audio books but, since around mid-September, I started getting into a few podcasts. These podcasts are geared towards dating but also self-improvement, self-evaluation and even women's careers. I should mention that, even though all of these are created by women and target women, they are provide great insight and guidance for anyone. 

So the big question is...what the heck podcasts have I been listening to, right?! Well, fear not, I've listed them below with my thoughts and their overviews! Personally, I listen to these on Spotify so that's where the links will take you but you can find these on any platform that you listen to podcasts on! 

Kinda Dating 

    

Overview - Hosted by Natasha Chandel, a wickedly talented and successful woman in the entertainment industry, this podcast discusses dating topics with experts and takes a deep dive into the human psyche and modern dating.

Thoughts - This podcast kind of "showed up" on Spotify and I was like "why the fuck not?" I selected an episode with a topic I felt was most relevant to me at the time which happened to be "What's Your Attachment Style." Ever since that episode, I became a fan. Natasha is witty, thoughtful and open. It feels like you're having a conversation with a friend rather than just listening to a podcast. At least, that's how I feel because she sounds just like I do when I talk - blunt, snarky and in love with the work fuck. If you're going through a breakup, finding dating to be a hot mess (you're not alone, I promise) or are even in a relationship but want to maybe learn a bit more about yourself and improve...this is the show to listen to. If you don't love Natasha, it's definitely you, not her. 

Dateable 

    

Overview - Dateable is hosted by two women, Yue Xu and Julie Krafchick. They are both on the older side of the spectrum when it comes to the Millennial generation and offer dating coaching along with bringing experts onto the show and collaborating with others in the space, Natasha Chandel from "Kinda Dating" has worked with them. This podcast is raved by the Huffington Post as one of the top ten podcasts about love and sex. 

Thoughts - Once I added "Kinda Dating" to my list on Spotify, this show popped up. As a curious little thing that I am, I look through the episodes and overview. The one that caught my attention was the episode titled "Addicted to Love." I found the episode insightful, thoughtful and intriguing. It was easy to listen t both Yue and Julie speak on this topic and just the flow of the episode was impressive. Clearly, I'm a fan. I've been plowing through episodes while I'm driving and even when I'm at work handling administrative tasks. I highly recommend picking an episode that has a topic relevant to you to start because you'll gain valuable insight and also become hooked. 

Women's Dating and Confidence Podcast 

    

Overview - This is hosted and created by Amber Grubenmann, an experienced dating coach. This podcast focuses on improving confidence, social skills and dating overall. While the title suggests its only about women, anyone can find value in listening to this podcast.

    

Thoughts - I stumbled upon this and really found it helpful. The episodes are usually shorter than most podcasts, usually under 20 minutes. I appreciate that it's concise and focused on a singular topic. I learned some good stuff about myself and how I handle things, how to improve and what to just accept. This isn't only about dating but also about exploring things about you from triggers to habits. Highly recommend giving a list.  

I have taken a long time to blog and it pains me. I think, honestly, COVID and all the things going on in my life and the world really impacted me in my creative core. I've been doing a lot of photography but just didn't want to write. Something that's always a constant in my life is music so I thought to share what I've been listening to most. Hope I bring some new music into your life! 

1. Underwater - Meghan Trainor ft. Dillon Francis 
2. All That - SoMo
3. Good Thing - Zedd ft. Kehlani
4. Breaking Me - Topic, A7S
5. I Don't Know if We can be Friends - Hollyn
6. Someday or One day - Shi Shi
7. Shouldn't Couldn't Wouldn't - 88rising, NIKI, Rich Brian
8. Bullet to the Heart - Jackson Wang
9. Oxygen - Jackson Wang
10. 100 Ways - Jackson Wang 
11. That's Why I Like You - Eric Chou
12. Senseless - Phe Reds, pH-1
13. Your Hands - Phe Reds, Jay Park 
14. Wonder - Eric Nam
15.  Still - Niall Horan
16. Maldad - Steve Aoki, Maluma
17. Ice Cream - Blackpink ft. Selena Gomez 
18. Lie for You - Snakehips ft. Jess Glynne
19. Head & Heart - Joel Corry ft. MNEK
20. Pretty Please - Jackson Wang 

Pets, like friends, are usually the family members we get to select for ourselves. This is how I view pets, at least. There is a large difference from owning your own pet from having a family pet. I think that many of us who grow up with family pets don't realize all the realities of having that life depend on us. I would definitely include myself in this category which is how this post gained the concept for writing. 

1. Pets tend to be expensive - This might sound odd, funny or obvious but it's true. Between grooming, vet bills, toys and food, pets cost a mini fortune when you start to add all the money spent together. Obviously, certain pets are much more economical than others, think fish versus a cat. 

2. Pets can be high maintenance - Once again, think cat or dog versus fish. Fish, outside of cleaning the tank, are relatively low maintenance. Dogs are on the high maintenance spectrum with exercise, attention, affection, training and grooming (dependent upon breed). Having a Pomeranian, for instance, kills my wallet in the grooming department. 

3. Traveling can become hard with pets - Pets have to be factored in when traveling, even if it is a short trip. Will you have someone come over to check on the pet or will you board the pet? How much do you want to pay or can pay for either of these? Do you have family or friends that wouldn't charge or would be more reasonably priced? Another thing to consider is if you want to bring the pet with you. Boarding fees, shot requirements and more then need to be factored and considered when planning a trip. It just got a whole lot more complicated, right?

4. Pets become part of your family - Pets become our confidants, our shadow and take a special place in our hearts and lives. This is a very positive thing and sometimes they can really be great support systems, especially those suffering from anxiety, depression or other mental/cognitive illnesses. Caring for a pet also acts as a really good grooming tool for those considering children because, like children, they rely solely on your to survive. 

5. Just because you want it, doesn't mean it works for you - This is a hard lesson, but it's one that needs to be faced. Many people want the cute puppy or kitten until they have one. They realize their work and personal life schedules don't line up well with properly caring for the pet. Others learn they have allergies or can't properly bond to the pet. All of these are scenarios in which it is better to give the pet a proper home than to keep it with you and make it and yourself miserable. 

The much talked about concept of "The Bucket List." I created one a few years ago and finally feel confident in sharing it. The idea of having this list is to have something to reference as you go through life and say "I did things and experienced things I really wanted to." Do you have a bucket list? If not, are you thinking of creating one? 

The List

1. Live Abroad
2. Go to Asia
3. Go to My Ethnic Backgrounds as an Adult
4. Work for a Global Company
5. Get Married to a Life Partner
6. Buy a House
7. Live in LA, Seattle, Boston or back in NYC
8. Cut My Hair into a Long Bob
9. Dye My Entire Head Pink
10. Live Alone
11. Get a Dog or a Cat
12. Go on an African Safari
13. See the Pyramids in Egypt
14. Become an Instructor (Cycle, Yoga, Mat Pilates or something similar)
15. Buy a Luxury Car
16. Travel Solo

What I've Accomplished 


1. Travel Solo - I accomplished this earlier this year in February when I went to Taiwan. I'm glad I did it because the experience was fantastic and I saw I enjoyed traveling alone.

2. Go to Asia - Once again, Taiwan checked this off but Thailand will also check this off when I go next year.

3. Go to My Ethnic Backgrounds as an Adult - Within the last two years I've been to Puerto Rico, Spain, Italy and Portugal. This summer ensured I checked this off.

4. Buy a Luxury Car - In June I began financing an Acura so that has been checked off. 

5. Live Alone - Last July I moved into my first apartment alone. This has been checked off for over a year. 

6. Get a Dog or a Cat - Earlier this year I put a deposit down for my Wei, a Pomeranian, and picked him up in March. This was going to wait another few years but after the death of my beloved Rusty I didn't do so well and ended up getting a puppy.

I have to start out by saying I LOVE Taiwan. I'm definitely planning on returning within the next few years. The culture, food, people and shopping were all amazing. If Taipei isn't on your list, you're missing out on a great city and some really awesome food. The night markets are well worth attending between the food and the items shown. Personally, I came back with a quarter of my suitcase filled with souvenirs, clothing, beauty products and snacks. I decided to compile this list so hopefully it piques your interest in Taipei, Taiwan. All of these photographs are mine. I took them while in Taiwan earlier this year. 

1. Taipei 101 - This structure is like the Empire State Building of Taiwan. It's known for having the fastest elevator in the world and is a beautiful modern building with hints of its Asian roots throughout the design. It also boasts restaurants, an observatory for a fantastic view over the City and shopping.

2. Moon Bus - This is a total tourist trap/Instagram trap but it's cute and right across the street from Taipei 101. I think the best time to see it and take photos inside of it is after 10 pm at night. 

3. Shongshan Ciyou Temple - One simply does not go to Taiwan and not see a temple, or four. This is one of the most famous temples in Taipei which means it is almost always extremely crowded. It's near Rahoe Night Market so make sure to go to this temple midday or so to stay for the opening of the night market. 

4. Chih Nan Temple (Zhinan Temple) - I walked so many steps to get to this temple but every step was worth it for the magnificent view and the interesting stories about the temple immortal mixed with the temple itself. 

5. Lin Family Mansion and Garden - This tends to be very crowded but it was very pretty with true Chinese architecture very obvious within the buildings and the layout. I suggest trying to go earlier in the day. It began to get extremely crowded as I was leaving closer to the middle of the day. 

6. Ximending - Think a calm, clean and less expensive Times Square and you get Ximending. This is where I purchased the most stuff from socks to souvenirs for family and friends. It's totally worth it and if you can't find it in Ximending, it probably doesn't exist!

7. Raohe Night Market - Here is where I tried deep fried soft shelled crab! It was delicious, in case you were wondering. This is a famous night market and is very crowded but very interesting. There's a lot to see, buy and eat. Definitely worth the crowd! 

8. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall - First, this has an incredible view of Taipei 101 behind it (reference the above photo). Second, there's so much in this area to see and read and know. Very interesting and easily accessible in the Xinyi District, a 20-ish minute walk from Taipei 101. 

9. Lungshan Temple - This temple is always VERY crowded and one of the busiest temples around. It's not only beautiful but also very humbling. The earlier you go, the better! 

10. Tonghua Night Market - This night market was literally a two minute walk from where I was staying so I ended up in it several times for dinner and to buy things such as fruits and souvenirs. It is a bit more local and less touristy which I loved but it's still pretty packed during the "peak" hours. 

Netflix has been stepping up to the plate and has added loads of Korean and Chinese Dramas to the fold, some are also Taiwanese, Japanese and Thai. Coupled with that, in order to jump on the wave, Netflix has produced its own Korean and Chinese Dramas, I believe there is a Thai remake of a Korean Drama, too. This makes me a happy camper since DramaFever was cut only a few months ago leaving me with Viki, which I love, but sometimes it doesn't hold everything I want to see. So if you love Asian Dramas or never watched one, this list is for everyone! 

1. Ashes of Love (Chinese) - This Drama is a 2018 Chinese Fantasy and Romance show. I watched it as it was on air in China through Viki and fell in love. It's so detailed and beautiful from the story to the costumes and settings, you'll be captivated. I cried a bit, not even going to lie. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Hidden away by her mother, the Floral Goddess, the naïve Jinmi is drawn to Xufeng, the Heavenly Emperor's son, yet forces conspire against them."

2. Lion Pride (Taiwanese) - This is a 2018 Taiwanese show set in modern day Taipei. It was interesting, clever and wasn't all about romance so if you're not a big romance person, you might still want to watch this one. I enjoyed it and it only further pushed me to want to go to Taipei.

The short synopsis reads as such:"Two teachers, with opposite viewpoints, must work together to solve a crime."

3. Something in the Rain (Korean) - This is a modern-day Korean Drama focusing on the struggles of dating a younger guy, family expectations and career aspirations. I really enjoyed this one because it was very raw and real feeling. It wasn't overly happy to where you realize it's fake and that made me connect with it. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "When a single career woman reunites with her best friend's younger brother after he returns from three years of working abroad, their efforts to reconnect grow into romance."

4. Meteor Garden (Chinese) - This is a modern day Chinese remake of Boys Over Flowers and I have to admit I preferred this. It's super romantic but messed up and will really grate on your nerves but also pull at your heart strings. I loved this one and think it's something any romance lover should see.

The short synopsis reads as such:"Dong Shancai is determined to excel at her dream university, where she encounters an elite clique of dashing, popular high-achievers--and finds love."

5. Here to Heart (Chinese) - This is a modern-day Chinese Drama with a lot of twists and stress. I really enjoyed it and have to admit that I was even shocked at the level of devotion between the two, it's a second chance romance. 

The short synopsis reads as such:"After 10 years of separation, a man and a woman struggle to rebuild their relationship." 

6. Accidentally in Love (Chinese) - This is a young adult type modern-day drama. It's funny, a bit ridiculous and totally within the style of the Drama world. Personally, I didn't enjoy it but I forced myself to watch the show to the end. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Chen Qing Qing is the daughter of a rich household desperately wanting to avoid an arranged marriage and find love on her own terms." 

7. Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (Chinese) - This is a fantasy Drama with a love of moving parts. The story line focuses on two Gods and their evolution as well as the evolution of their relationship. It's extremely fascinating and the costumes are beautiful. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "The love between Deities Bai Qian and Ye Hua stands the test of three lifetimes." 

8. The Rise of Phoenixes (Chinese) - This is a very complicated and sometimes inconsistent Historical Chinese Drama. The costumes and acting were incredible but, at many times, the plot line left for something to be desired. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Feng Zhi Wei is the unfavored illegitimate daughter of the Qiu family, who is banished from the clan after falsely accused of a crime. Zhi Wei cross-dresses as a man to attend the prestigious Qingming Academy and stuns the world with her talent and knowledge." 

9. Love 020 (Chinese ) -  A modern-day University Drama that incorporates gamers, love and college days. It's sweet, fun and pretty much a feel good show. It introduced me to Yang Yang (actor who portrays the make lead)  and I'm in love. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Xiao Nai is a gaming expert who, courtesy of his basketball skills, academic excellence, swimming talent and game company presidency, also happens to be the most popular student on campus. When he first comes across the gorgeous computer science major Bei Wei Wei, the infinitely talented wunderkind immediately falls in love." 

10. Pretty Man (Chinese) - This modern-day Chinese Drama is all about misunderstandings, love, responsibility and happiness. The three main characters have a triangle of complication, if you will, along with the pushing of misunderstandings due to lack of communication and parental expectations. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "What could possibly go wrong with a fake relationship? Qiao An Hao and Lu Jin Nian have a history together. They were very much in love in high school  but misunderstandings kept the two apart. More than a decade later, Jin Nia has become a successful CEO of an entertainment company and An Hao is trying to make it into the business as an actress." 

11. A Love so Beautiful (Chinese) - This is a modern-day Drama that will really make you want to believe in love again and cheer on the female lead. You might tear up or straight up cry at points because the acting and feelings are that powerful but it's sweet and has a solid ending. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "The ups and downs of school, family and growing up test the affection between a budding artist and her handsome but indifferent classmate and neighbor." 

12. My Only Love Song (Korean) - This is a time travel Drama. The female lead gets sent back in time. She doesn't get sent back alone and, due to her personality, it's a very comical show. The episodes are rather quick but I think it's a fun watch.

The short synopsis reads as such: "When things don't go her way during the shooting of her new show, a top actress runs away in an old van that guides her on a time-traveling journey." 

13. Ice Fantasy (Chinese) - This Chinese Drama is a mix of fantasy and historical. There are multiple realms, including the human one. The show focuses on the Ice tribe's heir and his younger brother that he always favored. It has romantic elements but has a lot of action, fantastical elements and great acting.

The short synopsis reads as such: "Ka Suo, the Ice Tribe prince, makes the journey to the magical holy shrine with his entourage in order to vanquish evil, but ends up in a war with the Fire Tribe and his long-lost brother." 

14. Diamond Lover (Chinese) - This Drama only has the condensed version of the show which can lead to some confusion when watching it. Overall, I think it was meant to be cute but I found it annoying and kind of pitiful. There was a major undertone of fat-shaming going on so that will really bother some. It's meant to be like a second chance at life and a chance at love Drama but it fell flat for me. I only really watched it for the stars in it. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "After an accident leads to a great loss of weight, Mi Duo starts a new life working for her secret crush, Xiao Liang, CEO of a diamond company."

15. Fall in Love with Me (Taiwanese) - This is another Drama where Aaron Yan is the male lead. He seems to have a thing for creative agencies and roles. This is a modern-day Drama where Yan portrays an Advertising genius who is burned out and decides to take time off. This show is very unrealistic at certain points and realistic at others. It's a feel good Drama that is on the romantic comedy spectrum. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Le Si battles to protect her brother's agency but instead falls in love with Tian Xings disguise, Xiao Lu."

16. Just You (Taiwanese ) - This is a funny and sweet modern-day Taiwanese Drama set in Taipei. This is the Drama that introduced me to Aaron Yan, a famous Taiwanese Actor who was part of boy group Fahrenheit. The plot is easy to follow but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "Liang-liang is on a mission to get her new, strict boss and landlord to mellow out, after the imposition of a strict policy forbidding office romance." 

17. Boys Over Flowers (Korean) - This is a remake of the Taiwanese and Japanese shows and where Meteor Garden got its concept from. It's an extremely popular Korean Drama, pretty much considered a staple Drama to watch. It's about school time love, the life of wealthy elites and the clashing of love when two people from different backgrounds come together. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "The story of Geum Jan-di, a normal girl who finds herself attending a prestigious private school after saving a student's life."

18. Hymn of Death (Korean) - Hymn of Death is a Historical Korean Drama that is very, very deep. If you don't like sad endings, this is definitely one to skip. The weight of this show is very heavy as it touches upon the strains of life with regards to personal relationships, society and family. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "During the Japanese colonial period, married playwright Kim U-jin falls in love with soprano Yun Sim-deok, one of Korea's notable New Women."

19. Mr. Sunshine (Korean) - This is another Historical Drama which has the male lead as a Korean American, living in American from a young child as he fled from Korea. The female lead is a privileged Korean young woman who wants to make a difference in her nation. This is set during the Japanese occupation of Korea. It's really heavy with cute and funny moments sprinkled out. It shows a lot of blemishes of the Korean society structure, too. I found it to be one of the most interesting things I've ever watched. 

The short synopsis reads as such: "A Korean boy from a poor family who ends up in the United States after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to his homeland during a historical turning point. Now an office with the American military, Eugene falls in love with Ae-sin, an aristocrat's daughter, and discovers a dark scheme to colonize the country from which he once fled. Ae-sin tries to figure out if Eugene is a friend as they wonder what the English word 'love' means." 

Any flight over eight hours is going to be uncomfortable. My 16 hours aboard a direct flight to Taipei, Taiwan has taught me this in a very real way. The good news is I have some tips to make the long flights just a little bit more pleasant. 

1. Pack personal items in your carryon - Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, intimate wipes, face wash/face wipes and/or baby wipes. You buy travel sized items that are allowed in your carryon with regards to toothpaste and mouth wash. You can either buy, if available, travel sized face wash or put some into a ziplock bag. The intimate and baby wipes are to make yourself feel cleaner because, at least for me, you can feel absolutely gross after a long flight. 

2. Don't sleep much the day before - Before my flight to Taiwan, I slept maybe four hours and hen worked all day and stayed up until 1:30 am my local time before finally falling asleep on the plane. Forcing yourself to be exhausted will make it easier to sleep the plane ride away, even if it isn't the most comfortable. 

3. Headphones and electronics are absolute musts - In your carryon, keep your laptop, tablet, phone, headphones and chargers. I find it's easier to block out all the sounds in the plane when I fall asleep with my headphones in. If you can't sleep, watch something on either the screen the plane has or something you have on your phone or other device. The chargers are pretty explanatory. 


4. Wear comfortable clothes - It's so interesting to see people boarding a 10 plus hour flight in dress clothes or stiff clothing items. That makes it even harder to sleep or be comfortable so why would you do that to yourself? Personally, I wear workout clothes. 

5. Have blankets, hoodies or jackets - Planes tend to get very cold and just the thin blankets some airlines provide doesn't cut it. I personally wear hoodies or sweaters aboard a plane, regardless of the season. I don't like to be cold when I know I won't be moving much. 

6. Get up and stretch - Using the restroom and just getting up to walk around a bit when the fasten seatbelt sign is not on, even if it's for a few seconds, is a smart idea. You can get stiff if you are in one spot for too long.

Birth control is such an interesting thing because more than half of the population that can use it doesn't really understand it. This comes from several dozen reasons including religious beliefs, family structure, societal pressures and misinformation all over the internet. I figured it was time I put my two cents into this topic to hopefully give some thoughtful insight, especially for those who are considering the usage of it. 

Types 

1. Pill - Everyone has heard of the pill form of birth control. It's probably the picture that pops into most people's head once they hear the word birth control. There are loads of brands and types of birth control pills. The standard structure is to regulate the menstrual cycle which helps with avoiding the issues of pregnancy. There are pills that have low dosage hormones, high dosage, mixed hormones and just pure "female" hormones as well as pills that offer only four times a year menstruating.  

1. Ring - The ring is a low dosage form of birth control that is inserted by the user, similar to using a tampon. The ring is low dosage and requires it to be refrigerated until use. Note that is can "come out" during intercourse but, if you place in far enough inside, you shouldn't have any issues. If you're used to using tampons, you won't even notice while you have it in and it doesn't impact you doing intercourse but minimally, if at all. 

1. Shot - For a three month effective usage, there is the birth control shot. It works much like the ring and pills but requires a doctor's appointment and one shot lasts three months. 

1. Implant - The first implant option gets implanted into your arm by a doctor. This, like an IUD, is a longer term solution as it can be effective for up to five years. 

1. IUD - The final birth control option is the IUD. This has two options, a hormone option and one without hormones (copper). Both options require a doctor's visit as the doctor is the one who needs to insert it. On average, the hormonal option last three to six years and the copper option last five to ten. 

Uses

1. Stabilize Hormones - Since almost all birth control options have hormones, it makes sense that adjusting and stabilizing hormones would be a use for it. People who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome use birth control for this purpose, myself included.

1. Prevent Pregnancy - The main reason everyone thinks over 50% of women are on birth control, to avoid unwanted or unexpected pregnancies. It is an awesome perk because, let's be real, why can't women enjoy sex, too?

1. Lighten Periods - Many people experience shorter and light flow periods when starting birth control, any kind. I am a living example of this as my period would normally last six to seven days and the first five days I would bleed like someone slit an artery. Now, after using birth control, my period lasts between three and five days and only day one is heavy. 

1. Ease Menstrual Pain - It would be logical to think if the flow of the period is lighter the pain is less, yeah? Birth control is known, but it's not a guarantee, to ease cramping pain. Personally, it's made mine bearable so I don't need strong prescription drugs anymore to tolerate it. 

1. Combat Acne - Acne tends to be a direct result of hormones rather than having a dirty face and/or body (yes, body acne impacts people, too). A few of my friends would get cystic back acne and once they started birth control, that went away. 

1. Regulate Menstruation - Some females suffer from "sporadic" or not consistent periods from timing to length. Birth control restructures that and gives you one every month, unless you take the four times a year kind, and makes it a consistent length. It's nice for the people who were never regular.

Side Effects 

• Weight Gain/Loss 
• Acne 
• Smell Sensitivity 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Headaches 
• Vaginal Discharge 
• Very Serious Issues (Blood Clots, Stroke, Heart Attack)

Misconceptions

• Pregnancy cannot happen while taking or on birth control.
• Birth control is only for avoiding pregnancy. 
• Women who are on birth control are sluts/whores who just want to sleep with a lot of guys without having babies. 
• Birth control is not essential to leading a healthy life.