Recent Loves in July

July had a lot of rainy days, binge watching shows, online shopping, and overall just living life mostly (still) in the great indoors. 

Sharing with you a bit of the small but certain happiness, the moments I've cherished in the month of July:

Eating a pint of ice cream after so long

This deserves to be the first mention, because dairy in general is prohibited in my household. Haha! Since I still live with my parents, I also follow their healthy diet. This is a plus for me, though of course it means I crave takeout food a lot. So how was I able to get away with eating a pint of ice cream?

I had my wisdom tooth surgery one weekend in July. It was an impacted case, and right after the session, I was able to eat ice cream. I guess I wouldn't include a surgery as an experience I particularly enjoyed because it IS painful, but it was the ice cream and healing part that I deeply appreciated.

I saw the healing period as a time to slow down. It was during this time that I got to admire how the body heals itself. It's a gradual process, but I noted every single change in my body within a week. Even with my work, I'm blessed to have colleagues who understand that I won't be able to speak much in meetings, nor would I be able to turn on my camera because of my swollen cheek. 

But yes, I'm grateful for ice cream. : - )

Shows and films I loved:

Anime- To Your Eternity (2021)

I'm always looking for a good anime to watch. Luckily, I have a handful of friends who message me from time to time to recommend me some anime they think I might like. This month, my friend recommended Fumetsu no Anata e or To Your Eternity. The story is about an orb who takes on the form of the things of this earth and learns about life through them. The orb first turned into a rock, then into a wolf, then finally into a human boy, yet at the cost of these transformations were the lives of each one. 

I didn't know what to expect with this anime, only that I ended up crying in the first episode. Then again on the succeeding episodes. It's the kind of anime that's so sad yet so good. Each character was effortlessly endearing, I'm sure anyone would wish to have them live long and good lives. 

I clearly wasn't prepared, and my friend didn't share a disclaimer at how sad yet deeply profound this was going to be! But I'm grateful to be watching such a gem. It's still an ongoing series and it will end after August. I've paused for a while at episode 11, and will wait until it gets completed at episode 20. 

Monthly Magazine Home (2021)

We all have to love the typical convenience store dates

I haven't been watching Korean dramas lately, but since I heard Jung So-min has an ongoing drama, I decided to watch it. I loved watching her at Because This Is My First Life (I highly, highly recommend) and was delighted that her role here at Monthly Magazine Home was quite similar. The quick gist of her story is that she is aiming to buy a good home to live in.  

I enjoy watching dramas that have the working professional setting; it inspires me as it reflects the joys and pains of adulthood. The notable aspects of this show would be how they give tips on how to save money, what to say when others attempt to overstep boundaries, and also to remain focused on the goal. For our heroine, it's all about owning a house, so I'm excited to see how she'll get there. 

The Office (2005-2013)

My colleague recommended this to me, and I finally started watching! I'm now presently at season 6 (there's a total of 9.. I realize I've come a long way). The first season admittedly had me thinking if I should continue watching, since it showed so many red flags and each episode reflected a toxic corporate environment. But then I gave season 2 a shot, and in each episode I began to understand why the setup is the way it is. Then eventually I found myself laughing hard because of the characters' reactions, quirks, and allow me to say it, stupidity.

I have to admit that I also love the office romance with Jim and Pam. While it's not the center in the story, I feel that it just developed naturally over the episodes, and it was the most wholesome thing. I guess my favorite character is Jim. His mannerisms and the way he puts out a knowing smile at the camera had me smiling too. 

I'm glad I'm able to watch this show now as a full-time working professional. I find that I appreciate it more now as some aspects are relatable. Not necessarily the toxicity part, but just the overall office banter, the moments where they would gather at the pantry, or when they would huddle in the conference room.. all these things I realize I miss from when I was coming in to the office for work. 

It's also great now that I know where the jokes and GIFs come from, like when Michael says "that's what she said" and such : - )

The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)

Sher and I watched this film together, after she had watched it 3 times on her own. I'm overjoyed whenever I see my friends get excited over something they love, and all the more when they share the experience with me. The story revolves around two university professors who have a hard time finding love. They end up meeting each other and decide to get together, but only for the purpose of a platonic companionship-- no romance allowed.

It's a sweet and wholesome story; I felt like it was a Korean drama condensed into 2 hours worth of film, and maybe I wouldn't be surprised if a K-drama would be based off from it. Their exchanges were intellectual and each moment shared was meaningful. It was hard to think that they wouldn't fall for each other.

More online escape rooms

This deserves a mention again, because Sher and I finished the Enchambered Escape Room series. It was frustrating yet fun for the most part-- we didn't finish the game in one night and we had to continue it on the next day, which was totally fine. We didn't want to pressure ourselves, and wanted to solve it at our own pace. I guess that's the beauty of doing it online; there's no set time for you to finish and you don't have to think about whether there will be a next person who will use the room. 

We also used the guide which was filled with clues for us to finish the games. I think it's fine to know when to ask for help rather than getting stuck and remaining frustrated. But there we go, now that we've completed all the rooms, we're now looking for new online games to play. Any suggestions?

Revamping my cabinet and closet

Staying at home for most of my days has allowed me to do deep cleaning more often. In July, I was finally able to let go of my old journals and flute music sheets which I've been keeping with me for more than 10 years. I'm amazed at myself for holding on to all of these things for such a long time! These were once essential parts of myself, and they were important to me at that specific point in my life, though I can't say I feel the same way now.

I still continue journaling, although I think I've gotten over making them overly colorful like a scrapbook. I still play my flute, although it's no longer with an orchestra. I'm still the same old me, yet hopefully better. I feel at peace now with letting go of my old belongings, so I can make room for new items! More new art works, more new journals to fill-in. 

I've also been revamping my closet. I've been taking out a lot of my old clothes and putting in some of my new purchases. I have a rule for myself, in which whenever I bring in something new, I have to take something out. This is just to keep me from hoarding too many clothes. This is a process I've been enjoying, because as I rebuild my closet, I'm able gain back my sense of style which I believe I've lost last year. I'm not letting that happen again! 

Lately I've been into linen. My color palette has been white, green, beige.. earthy colors. I'm also bringing in more dresses, because they're easy to wear especially even as I work from home. Would you be interested if I wrote a roundup of my recent purchases? : - )

Finally selling my art online

July was also when I started selling my art online! : - ) I planned to do so earlier in this year, though I kept putting it off for later. I finally made the announcement one rainy weekend in July. One of the most rewarding things is knowing that the package has reached its destination. I have this unexplainable anxiety whenever I ship something or I have something shipped to me, because I always think it might not end up where it's supposed to be. Which is why I'm selling locally for now-- I'll do some more experimenting with international shipping first before I open it up to the rest of the world.  

Also! I realize that there are also many loving and supportive online kindreds out here. One of the things that keep me going with blogging and making art would be knowing that it helps me connect with all of you reading this right now. ♡♡♡♡

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How was your July, and what have you been loving lately? I hope you've been well and keeping safe, dear reader.

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