Here are some of my favorite things in January 2022!
Entertainment
Streaming service(s) might change from the time of writing this post due to the services’ contract with the movie/TV show networks.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts (2021)
Once I saw the news trending online, I knew I had to watch it. The entire time, it was such a nostalgic feeling looking at the actors and actresses who played my favorite characters and became a huge part of my childhood/teenhood. It was exciting seeing the brooding actors on screen be all thrilled and down to earth off-screen. I teared up when they included a tribute to the actors who have passed away, and it brought up the question of what if they were all still here today to see the huge impact that the movies still have on the generations that have watched them when they premiered and the generations who weren’t even born yet when they came out.
My heart melted seeing Daniel, Emma, and Rupert together again – Harry, Hermione, and Ron. I looked up to all three of them so much over the years that the films were released. They were the epitome of how I aim to be courageous, loyal, intelligent, and true to who I am.
Maturity Rating: PG-13 • Genre: Documentary, Family • Original Language: English • Streaming Service: Max
HARRY POTTER 8-MOVIE COLLECTION
I was only 7 years old when the first movie came out and no matter the challenge they were facing, they’ve always brought me so much comfort and happiness just being able to witness them and feel like I was a part of their world. I feared for the characters; I felt elated; I was rooting for couples; I cried for the fallen (oh boy did I bawl my eyes out for certain characters); I felt anger and frustration, and I felt the magic with every spell cast, every potion conjured, and every smile shown from the characters.
My kids will definitely be introduced to the wizarding world the moment they’re born.
Maturity Rating: PG/PG-13 • Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi • Original Language: English • Streaming Service: Max
STUDIO GHIBLI FEATURED FILMS
I have been wanting to watch the entire Studio Ghibli movie collection for a couple of years now (I’ve only seen Ponyo and The Secret World of Arrietty prior), and I’m so happy to finally cross off more of the classic titles off my watchlist and have them on my favorites list. I’m in love with the illustrations and their amazing storylines, at least for most of them. I don’t know how I ever made it this long not seeing most of them, and I hope in the future to collect the entire DVD collection and books. I will be making a separate post that will include my full review of each of these movies.
Maturity Rating: G/PG/PG-13 • Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi • Original Language: Japanese • Streaming Service: Max
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)
I have seen all of the other movies in the Conjuring universe, so it’s very fitting to watch this and stay up to date. Plus, I absolutely love the actors who portray Ed and Lorraine Warren. -spoiler- This sequel revolved more around possession and real-life murders, so there weren’t many jump-scares or tormenting spirits that had me covering my eyes waiting for something horrifying to pop up.
Maturity Rating: R • Genre: Horror, Thriller • Original Language: English • Streaming Service: Max
January Playlist
I wasn’t able to expand my music playlist this month mainly because my attention had been wrapped around Ghibli and Harry Potter movies. When I would listen to music, I often listen to these tracks, along with my December favorites.
PS: I know it’s weird that “My Heart Will Go On” is on here, especially when compared to the rest of the songs on this playlist. I was in a mood.
Food
Melona Ice Cream
Melona was my favorite ice cream as a kid, and I couldn’t help but try it again this time around. I was reminded as to why I loved it so much when I took my first bites – not too sweet, doesn’t melt as fast, and very delicious. My favorite flavor had always been Melon, which is what I got. I’m hoping to try all of the other new flavors I haven’t tried yet to see if they’re just as delicious.
Savory Bistro Café - Saipan
I was able to tick off one box of my Goals list for the year, which was to try the food at a restaurant I haven’t been to yet. This month I was able to try Beef Tapa and Orange Glazed Chicken Wings from an eatery named Savory Bistro Café. For a total price of less than $20, the servings were fit for about 2-3 people, and I enjoyed the food that was ordered. We did order take out, so I didn’t experience their customer service for dine-in. On the phone, however, the employee on the line was friendly. We waited about 40 minutes for our food to be ready for pickup.
Events
BIRTHDAYS
Andrew
Another beautiful soul who I was blessed to befriend over a decade ago. Although we were miles apart, he’s the type of friend who feels like nothing has changed between us whenever we get the chance to hang out.
Gaara, Shino & Minato
Happy Birthday to three of my favorites from the Naruto universe!
Gratitude
I AM GRATEFUL FOR...
- Being able to watch Studio Ghibli movies;
- Being able to re-watch Harry Potter movies;
- Bonding with my parents and our love for movies;
- Uploading my first YouTube videos;
- Being able to tutor someone in need.
A gratitude list does not have to include major life events (but 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 are grateful for.
We all need a good reminder to keep our feet on the ground.
“And now we welcome the new year full of things that have never been.” –Unknown
