I cannot believe how quickly August came and gone. It really did seem like it was only yesterday when I was typing up my first monthly favorites and goals list, and now I’m on to my second one.
Entertainment
Streaming service(s) might change from the time of writing this post due to the services’ contract with the movie/TV show networks.
BIG TIME RUSH (2009-2013) | 4 SEASONS, 74 EPISODES
I recently discovered Big Time Rush on Hulu (as of editing this post in 2023, the series is no longer available to stream on any popular platforms), and I’m living for it. It brought back so many childhood memories, and I have been binge-watching it. Kendall, James, Logan, and Carlos are hilarious characters, actors, and singers. I love the storylines and I wish they would have filmed more seasons.
Maturity Rating: TV-PG • Genre: Sitcom, Music• Original Language: English • Streaming Platform: Unknown
JURASSIC PARK SERIES (1993, 1997, 2001)
I have also been binging the original Jurassic Park series. The CGI dinosaurs here set the highest standard for all other live-action dinosaur films. I love how realistic most of them appear, and I’m so excited for the next Jurassic movie to come out. It’s going to be an ensemble cast, and I have big hopes for it.
Maturity Rating: PG-13 • Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure • Original Language: English • Streaming Platform: Hulu
THE PIXAR STORY (2007)
The Pixar Story is an inspirational film that shows that hard work pays off, to take risks in what may seem impossible, and to always remember who I am and what I stand for.
Maturity Rating: G • Genre: Documentary • Original Language: English • Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime (Rent or Buy)
BEAK & BRAIN: GENIUS BIRDS FROM DOWN UNDER (2013)
Beak & Brain: Genius Birds from Down Under is an educational film that impressed and expanded my knowledge of birds, specifically Keas and New Caledonian Crows.
Maturity Rating: PG • Genre: Documentary • Original Language: English • Streaming Platform: Unknown
BIG TIME RUSH OST
Since re-watching Big Time Rush, I have been listening to their music on repeat. BTR is one of the first bands I became a fan of and love not only their TV series but their music ventures as well. I tore up watching and hearing them sing Worldwide on their 10-year reunion back in June (I know I’m late to the party, I’m sorry). While re-listening to their albums, there are multiple songs that I ended up liking so much more now, such as Untouchable, We Are, and Time of Our Life. I’m hoping Spotify would include Blow Your Speakers, Paralyzed, Stuck, and This Is Our Someday to BTR’s profile. If they ever end up doing a reunion tour, you’ll catch me on the front row living my childhood dream.
SUPERM KPOP GROUP
Another music group I was having high hopes for is SuperM. I’ve been a supporter of theirs since their debut, and I personally enjoy listening to their music. The group released their latest single, 100, earlier this month, but it took a couple of listens before I finally came to love the song. The beat helps energize my mood, especially when I’m working on something. I also admire the message of the song about being determined to work hard, and not letting the negative dissuade pursuing one’s goals. If this is how the first single of their first full-length album sounds like, I have no doubt that this album will be nothing less than 100. Yes, I did go there.
BOOKS
THE QUIRKY TALE OF APRIL HALE | CAT OCTORINA
Similar to most of my favorites this month, I threw it back with my reading. I re-read Cat Octorina’s (demonicblackcat) The Quirky Tale of April Hale on Wattpad. The first time I read it, I was blown away by the unique characters and storyline, and now, after rereading, I’m reminded of how much I still love the characters and plot. The author did mention that she is completely re-writing the whole story to include a more in-depth background for the male lead, as well as for the story itself. The original version is still available to read, and I highly recommend reading that as well.
Foods
CHICKEN ADOBO
This month, I didn’t necessarily try any new food, but I did cook a well-known Filipino recipe that I am incredibly proud of accomplishing. The dish is called Chicken Adobo. I followed my mom’s recipe, and I’m surprised it came out delicious. Thank you, mom!
Gratitude
I AM GRATEFUL FOR...
- Being able to shower with clean water every day;
- Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my daily food intake;
- Talking with my parents more than twice a week;
- Cooking and eating more homemade meals;
- Posting more on my blog.
A gratitude list doesn’t have to include major life events (but do include them when they do happen). Simple blessings, such as showering with clean water, are overlooked privileges to be grateful for.
Incorporate or reserve at least 10 minutes of your daily routine to write at least three (3) things you’re grateful for.
We all need a good reminder to keep our feet on the ground.
