We’re finally in Autumn season, and I’m so excited! A couple of amazing things happened this past month, and I’m so let’s get straight to it!
Entertainment
Streaming service(s) might change from the time of writing this post due to the services’ contract with the movie/TV show networks.
CINDERELLA AND THE FOUR KNIGHTS (2016) | 1 SEASON, 16 EPISODES
I was very hesitant to watch this at first as the storyline sounded too similar to Boys Over Flowers (2009 K-Drama series), but I became curious, so I gave in. And I actually loved it! My gosh. I planned on watching only one episode a day, but I ended up completing the series within three days. What I loved about it more than BOF is how they had more background stories to each of the four male leads, as well as excellent character developments. I do wish, however, that they would have stuck with the storyline of having the four knights pine after Cinderella, AKA Eun Ha-won, who I absolutely thought was realistically portrayed by Park So-Dam. I enjoyed Kang Ji-Woon’s humor and sarcasm (specifically towards the latter half of the series), Kang Seo-Woo’s sweetness, and Kang Hyun-Min’s thoughtfulness.
Maturity Rating: TV-PG • Genre: Romance, Drama • Original Language: Korean • Streaming Platform: Netflix
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (2018) | 1 SEASON, 10 EPISODES
The Haunting of Hill House is one the most brilliant stories I ever came across in my lifetime. I’ve been craving horror movies lately, and nothing has kept me on my toes quite like this series. It transitioned between past and present storylines, and while I don’t prefer this technique because it often confused me, Hill House pulled it off seamlessly. I loved its camerawork and visuals. The characters were incredible, especially Theo (flippin’ amazing character, and big kudos to the actress who played her).
Maturity Rating: TV-MA • Genre: Drama, Mystery • Original Language: English • Streaming Platform: Netflix
THE SPEED CUBERS (2020)
I found The Speed Cubers inspirational. I loved watching a blossoming friendship between two world-champion Rubik’s cube solvers, Max Park and Felix Zemdegs. Their friendship is one of the sweetest I’ve seen, despite having to compete against each other. The documentary reminded me of a good high school friend who loved solving Rubik’s cubes. At first, I thought it was a way for him to pass the time, but when he got me into it (temporarily), I did find it to be curiously therapeutic.
Maturity Rating: TV-PG • Genre: Inspiring, Documentary • Original Language: English • Streaming Platform: Netflix
CINDERELLA AND THE FOUR KNIGHTS OST
I have been hooked on two songs off of the Cinderella and the Four Knights OST: BTob’s For You and Oh Joon Sung’s Protect You. Honestly, their entire soundtrack sounds amazing, even the instrumentals. Their instrumentals are surprisingly relaxing, and I’ve been listening to them on repeat.
SUPERM'S "SUPER ONE" ALBUM
SuperM’s first full-length album was released this month, and I think it’s absolutely amazing. I was surprised by the amount of fully English songs in this album, but I’m not complaining. My favorite songs are Better Days, Tiger Inside, With You, Wish You Were Here, Big Chance, and Together At Home. AANNNDDD… I did a thing and bought copies of their album, the very first K-pop album I have ever owned – no regrets. I wanted to include my complete thoughts on their album here, but it grew too lengthy, so it’ll be uploaded in another post. But, to summarize, I loved the album, and I was right last month when I mentioned that it will be nothing less than 100. Give their album a listen on Spotify or YouTube!
Read More: My First K-Pop Albums
Events
FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY
I celebrated one of my close friend’s birthdays this month, and it was fun! We visited Birch Aquarium for the first time and had an amazing experience (while obeying proper COVID safety protocols, of course). Some areas, unfortunately, remained closed, such as the gift shop, but nonetheless, I loved seeing sea creatures that I haven’t seen before up close, such as a giant turtle and sea horses! We then dined at home on pancit made by my close friend’s co-worker, as well as a simple mango cake. Dear friend, if you’re reading this, I hope you had an amazing birthday and have an even amazing year ahead. I love you and Happy Birthday (again)!
Gratitude
I AM GRATEFUL FOR...
- Obtaining two copies of SuperM’s latest album.
- Visiting Birch Aquarium.
- Celebrating a friend’s birthday.
- Engaging more on social media – i.e. posting more photos.
- Eating at least twice a day.
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.
