A passage from Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami

But the proposition that we can look into another person's heart with perfect clarity strikes me as a fool's game. I don't care how well we think we should understand them, or how much we love them. All it can do is cause us pain. Examining your own heart, however, is another matter. I think it's possible to see what's in there if you work hard enough at it. So in the end maybe that's the challenge: to look inside your own heart as perceptively and seriously as you can, and to make peace with what you find there. If we hope to truly see another person, we have to start looking within ourselves.

:)

First off, Happy New Year! This is a long over due post. I ought to post on the last day of 2018 but my laziness got the best of me, so yeah, 24 days later, I am writing this.

2018 was one of a kind. I bet every year is. hahahaha. But seriously though, 2018 was a roller coaster ride for me. I'm really glad I survived. So, let's start my official throwback on how my 2018 went. 

Work life: This one was pretty much the reason why I was really depressed and unhappy last 2018. Work really drained the life out of me. It made me think that I lost all hope to becoming really and sincerely happy with my life. I let my negativity towards it consumed me, to the point that I'm coming home from work crying my eyes out. I just couldn't explain the unhappiness I'm feeling. I was thinking to myself whether this was fate or this is something I could endure and get over with. It's not that the workload is unbearable, but the people I'm with is seriously devouring me alive. Like a beast eating its prey, that harsh. But of course, they wouldn't know that because I don't have any way of telling them due to my lack of courage to face the enemies. I know, this is exaggerating but this what I felt then. 

Spiritual: Only God can truly help me overcome the problems I'm facing and will be facing in the future. Being a weakling, I can only turn to God for help. My mind is full of negative thoughts and I need God to guide me. I should not let negativity overpower me. So, I prayed. I prayed for courage to face the world. This world may not be all smiles and laughter but it is a world full of life. A life you could live. And I thought, I needed strength to really get by and slowly become better. I need God to be with me every step of the way. In order to do so, I read the gospel every single day for 2018. It also had reflections you can relate to. It helped me be reminded that I am not fighting this battle alone. I am with a strong God. I also prayed the rosary. I felt really secured every time I pray.

Family: My foundation. My rock. My parents are awesome. They never failed to support me and guide and always be there for me. I couldn't ask for more. 

Friends: Crazy people who keep me sane. Despite all the problems and negativity, they were there to listen and keep me company whenever I feel like the world was on top of me. They put up with my misery. Also, gave me advice to really appreciate life despite the challenges that came with it. 

Special Friend: The person who could put up with my weirdness. <3 

Travel: I got to travel to different cities last year with people I love. 

Overall, 2018 was not all bad. It was a year full of realizations and lessons. It was a year that I get to experience life in whole new perspective. I am truly grateful for 2018. 

Believer (2018)

This one, I had to see because of Ryu Jun Yeol. I didn't hesitate when I saw that he's a part of the cast. And boy, he did a great job. Superb acting. He may not be that good looking but his acting was really on point. The story was really good. The twists and turns were really well played to give the audience the shrill and thrill. You would feel rage towards some characters and you'll question the inhumane tendencies of people. You'll witness the true evil brought about by drugs and how these substances devour humans. I'm never really a fan of crime dramas and movies, but this movie sparked my interest in this genre. And I'm thinking of watching more.

The King (2017)

Watched this the day after watching Believer. Well, for obvious reason, because of Ryu Jun Yeol. I'm a huge fan. While Believer was focused on cops and drug dealers, this one deals with prosecutors and power. The film revolves with the people trying to be king of the law and perhaps, the country. It was really mind opening how men of power try to manipulate things just so they can have their way. Of course, Ryu Jun Yeol's acting, was superb in this movie. Contrary to his role in the Believer, his role in the King was loyal.

I'm really thankful for his many projects. Just so I could witness him showcase his acting skills. I'm truly proud of him. A fan.

Anne with an E

I came across this series while browsing twitter. One account I'm following was obsessed with this show. So, I watched the first season. And then it hit me. The show was "divine". It was one of my favorite time settings, the 1900's. Twentieth century Canada, was quite similar with that of the British, if I may compare. (This comment was based on watching too much tv and films.) 

Anne was not your typical, heroine. She's strong and independent, but what I like the most about her is she's open-minded. She also, has a certain way with words. You couldn't help but admire her choice of words and how she puts them together to convey her thoughts. That was a another reason why I love her. Also, she's a free spirit. "A kindred spirit", to quote her. The second season premiered this month, and just last night, I'm left with that longing for season 3, having watched the season finale of season 2. How could I wait a year? Well, I don't have a choice but to put up with it.

P.S. I really love the opening credits of the show. So much aesthetics.  

The Good Doctor

This is a long overdue post on The Good Doctor. I've done watching season 1 of this series for quite some time now, but I wasn't able to post. So, here it is. 

This is a remake of a Korean Drama with the same title, which, I've also watched before. They changed some things with the American version, but it has made the plot more exciting. The actor, Freddie Highmore, did  a good job of being Dr. Shaun Murphy. I like his acting too. Some scenes, are also quite funny. Also, the other supporting characters are really good too. The series, is also educational. It gives us, viewers, some ideas of medical conditions that we are not familiar with. And how the doctors deal with all the medical drama and personal life. I would give season one, 4 of 5 stars. And I'm looking forward to the next seasons to come.