Half of the year just went by in the blink of an eye. 2023, liked all the years before it, started with fireworks, enthusiastic cheers, and equally enthusiastic whoops and yells. Now it’s early August and I’ve been hearing some AM radio stations playing Christmas songs. 🎄 At this rate, Christmas will be in the air by September and I’m not complaining. Hohohoho!
Aside: I spent the last week of July away from work. Not for a vacation. Not for a grand birthday celebration. More for hibernation. 😆 I slept early and slept in most of those days. It was DELICIOUS. Sleeping/napping is always delicious. 😁
The loneliest New Year
I was six or seven years old and I was spending New Year’s Eve in the hospital. Memories are fuzzy, but I remember seeing distant fireworks as I stood by my hospital room’s window. I wasn’t really feeling well, but the fireworks cheered me up.
My next memory is waking up to darkness, with only a sliver of light from the hallway as the nurse opened the door and stepped inside. My guardian was in one corner of the room. I could see his sleeping form. Then in a hushed voice, the nurse said something that I didn’t catch. She took my hand and began drawing blood from not one but all fingertips with a sharp piece of glass. It smarted a little but I was used to needles and stuff. And I was groggy from sleep. It all happened so fast. Next thing I know, the nurse left and I was back to dreamland.
My family came back the next day, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed from the celebration back at home last night. I wanted to go home but I still didn’t feel too well. I was happy to see them, though. Hearing their voices and seeing their faces made me feel better.
I said I’m used to needles and IV drips, but I’m not fond of hospitals. I take comfort that they exist to cure us and heal us, though. So there’s that, I guess.
Down the rabbit hole of Asian dramas
I only talked about one Thai drama in my newsletter, but I have somehow amassed six as I type this down. Well, four since “Revenant“ and “Enigma” recently ended. Horror and murder mysteries are my favorite genres. With the fresh releases of “Longing for You“ and “My Lovely Liar“, my kdrama-loving heart is bursting at the seams with thrill and excitement. 😁 The former has drama, murder, mystery, and a dash of humor while the latter leans more towards romance and comedy, with a twist of mystery and a supernatural element to it.
“The Uncanny Counter season 2: Counter Punch” started off strong. The first two episodes were fun and exhilarating! I can’t wait to see how the Counters’ newest recruit will develop his gift. I do worry about this new set of villains, though… 😬
I tried watching romcoms about a month or so ago but ended up dropping them. They all started out so good and I know it’s a me thing. It just feels like it’s been dragging for the most part. I guess I’m just used to the 16-episode format.
Words I’ve been consuming
I’ve been slowly getting back to catching up on reading my newsletter subscriptions and thought I’d share with you the ones that I’ve been enjoying immensely.
Sikodiwa
Sikodiwa is a portmanteau of the words sikolohiya (psychology) and diwa (spirit, psyche). It is a project that explores the grit and magic of the Filipino mind. It was created by Carl Lorenz Cervantes.
Fariha Róisín – How to Cure A Ghost
“I do think there’s something that I provide, uniquely — whether that be concise and thoughtful film criticism, occasional poetry, my very popular Twenty Things (where I document, in detail, things I am in joy with including new ceramics, music and art shows) as well emotional (yet hopefully profound) details about my inner life, thoughts and musings.”
Liz Galvao – Like You Know Whatever
LIKE YOU KNOW WHATEVER is a combination of micro-personal essays, my super secret diary, pop culture obsessions, and rants and raves from writer and performer Liz Galvao.
The week, so far
Brand spankin’ new month. I wish you more sun-infused days brimming with laughter and comfort. Also, take that hike to your nearest friendly mountain trail. (To be honest, I wish I’d done this more when I still had the energy. My last hike was during 2017, at Taipei’s Elephant Mountain Trail. Watching the sunset from there was breathtaking and beautiful and wonderful.)
