Here are some of my favorite things from July 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.
NED'S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE (2004-2007) | 3 SEASONS, 54 EPISODES
When the series first came out, I was in the fifth grade, so it was only fitting for me to take notes of the tips that were given on the show. Granted, not everything that happened on the show happened in real life, but I did find some of the more general tips useful while I was in middle school. I absolutely enjoyed the series and still think that many of the tips provided could be very helpful to students of any grade.
Maturity Rating: TV-G • Genre: Comedy, Sitcom • Original Language: English • Streaming Service: Netflix
JULY PLAYLIST
I began including my monthly playlist this month last year. In order to avoid having dozens of playlists, from here and onwards, I will be adding on to the previous year’s monthly playlist. I think this will also be interesting to see how my music taste differs in the same month each year.
Food & Drink
Myungrang Hotdog
I had been craving the Korean-style corn dogs, and I was so happy when I found a business on the island that was making and selling them.
There were nine different fillings, and I got the ‘All Mozzarella,’ ‘Mozzarella Sausage,’ ‘Mozzarella Cheddar,’ ‘Potato Sausage,’ and ‘Potato with Mozzarella.’ The ‘All Mozzarella’ is hands-down my absolute favorite.
My cravings were satisfied, and I was a happy girl. I think I would prefer less sugar on them, but other than that, they tasted amazing. Crunchy on the outside, and some satisfying cheese pulls on the inside.
If you’re looking for Korean-style corn dogs, they can be found at the Local Food Market Myungrang Hotdog Stall at the Star Sands Plaza I Love Saipan, Garapan.
Strawberry, Melon, and Orange-Flavored Mochi
I’ve been on a mochi binge since there had been quite a variety of them available on the island. My latest discoveries are the Strawberry, Melon, and Orange-flavored Mochis. They’re so good! I forgot to take photos of the other two, but just imagine this same appearance but in green and orange colors.
Events
NMI Liberation Day Parade
It’s been years since I attended a parade, and I was thrilled to attend the 2022 NMI Liberation Day Parade. This year’s parade theme was: Honoring our Legacy as we Ride the Waves of Change. The parade started around 10:00 AM and it went along Beach Road from National Office Supply to the Garapan Fishing Base.
Parades in Saipan are often held along Beach Road as there are enough spaces on either side of the main road for families and friends to reserve a spot and enjoy the show. When residents reserve a spot, it means first come, first serve. Anyone can select an area along Beach Road, set up their own personal or rented tent and tables and it’ll be considered reserved. People often begin setting up their tents at least the day before the parade. The group I was with was able to reserve a great spot.
The weather throughout the parade was as Saipan weather as it could get. There were intervals of burning heat and heavy showers. Thankfully, my friend was able to lend me an umbrella because instead of staying under the tent, I brought out my extroverted side and sat by the road, where I had front-row views of the 60 total participants, including floats, of the parade. Sure, I still ended up having a severe case of sunburn afterward, but the experience was worth it.
I think my favorite floats, at least the ones that made the biggest impressions on me, were from the Division of Public Works (DPW) and Marianas Variety. Visually, I think both floats did amazing. I loved how Marianas Variety included newspaper clippings of some of their earliest editions and that they transformed the front of the truck to where it looked like an actual boat sailing through. Other than the visuals of their float, I enjoyed the live entertainment provided by team DPW.
Products
Epsa’s Organic Brown Rice Refreshing Shampoo and Moisture Conditioner
For the last couple of years, I have been having trouble looking for a shampoo that works for my hair. A lot of them either gave me a lot of dandruff, made my hair super thin, or made heaps of hair fall off more than usual. I’ve seen a lot of reviews that rice water helps take care of the hair, but I’ve been too lazy to apply this method. So, when a friend mentioned this brand, I didn’t think much of it at first. It was only when I saw it at a store, that I noticed the brand produces organic brown rice shampoo and conditioner. I had to try it.
I’ve been using the product for about three weeks now. The first time I used it, I absolutely loved the scent. It was refreshing and I couldn’t stop smelling my hair throughout the day. Since then, I have noticed some amazing changes in my hair. The first is that my hair had gotten thicker, which I absolutely love. Second, there are barely any flakes or dandruff. Third, my scalp and hair feel healthier and fresh. The scent is not as strong as the first time I tried it, but this is the first time in years that I have fallen in love with my hair. I do get the regular hair falls, but it’s nothing compared to the healthy transformation my hair is going through.
Gratitude
I AM GRATEFUL FOR...
- Rainy weather;
- Having new shorts;
- Taking better care of my body;
- Watching the NMI Liberation Day parade up close;
- Staying strong.
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.
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” –Babe Ruth
