Hi Everyone and Happy OT! (Thanks @mary you're more than prompt!)
I've been assisting at a children's retreat which was uplifting, a great learning experience (for both adults and children) and also very tiring. The latter called for lying low and resting. And so, I've rested … by sitting and watching dramas. 😉. Yes, I do multi-task!!! Heh!

The show that took my heart and took me by surprise was The Secret Life of My Secretary. I believe a large part of that heart was smitten by Kim Young Kwang looking smitten by Jin Ki Joo, and I mean both officially on camera and off. I watched their BTS and was gratified by how often he looked at her, and how warm his eyes were. Yup, now I know why fans call for real life pairings of actors who were the OTP of a show.

That reminds me that I'm saddened by the dissolution of the real life pairing of Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. I really liked that couple together. I thought their official statements were appropriate and unemotional, and I do not read any blame hidden in those words.

I was thinking about myself and the times when being together with the spouse was hard. It took time and painful growth and lots of patience, but we always decided to be in for the long haul. In other words, the 'd' word was banned and that certainly helped. It's been a pretty good long haul for a while now.

Other shows: Angel's Mission has me squinting at all things other worldly, and I've finally seen where show or writer is suggesting the analogy to the ballet Giselle lies. We viewers have mooted several possible ways to link the characters with the ballet characters in Giselle, but possibly not for the reasons that show may be suggesting. I'm still waiting for the redemption arc to out itself. There seems to be a lot of folks in this show that need that arc!

Angel is one among probably several other shows that have insufficient motive behind actions in them (let me call it 'Motive-lack' for short). The motive for murder remains unconvincing. I had been hoping that the baddies would get more development by now, but no. Craziness of baddies is the closest I can get to an explanation.

More of the same 'Motive-lack' and crazy baddies are also found in Absolute Boyfriend. At least it does have a little twist that I like. I wish there was a chance to develop the eccentric and possibly mad Diana character. She would probably have been a more worthy antagonist all by herself rather than whats-his-name ex-manager. Her motives are more understandable, since it's in character for her to be sadistic and to punish. Also having her expensive toy stolen is quite a good reason for her intelligent retribution. Ex-manager's reasons for creating mayhem never made much sense to me. Didn't he shoot himself in the foot by antagonising his cash cow?

Hello everyone, finishing my holiday trying to catch up with dramas and already suffering from post holiday blues, I would love to spend another week on a couch with cold drinks and new dramas, wincing at further PR battles between Son-song couple.

Hi Everyone! ..... I hope you are all doing well today.

Perfume - Min Jae-hee's husband just needs to go to a place far, far away.

Nokdu Flower - What a miscalculation by Queen Min.

Arthdal Chronicles - Saya going head-to-head with Taealha ..... bring it on!

Angel's Last Mission - Did I miss something or do we not know anything about that lady Nina went to for (dancing?) advice? Who is that lady exactly?

WWW: I've only watched up to episode 7, so I have no idea what happens in 8 yet, but I'm thinking Ta-mi should not have taken Scarlett to that meeting with Ga-kyung.

That's all for now. Everyone take care and have a great Friday!

Hi everyone. hope everyone is having a blast day :) Just wanna say hi :D

I've been pretty lucky with dramas lately. I finished most that I have started, so I want to keep it this way. I hate dropping drama because it makes me feel like I've wasted my time. I'm careful to pick dramas to watch. Now Secret Lyfe of Secretary has finished, which romcom drama should I started to fill the quota. I'm considering Her Private Life or Angel Last Mission, which one is better?

Hellloooo~

Perfume this week was awesome. I'm happy with the development especially with Jae Hee's arc. I'm also happy I have a drama I genuinely like and not just watching in spite of myself. I'm both excited and anxious for the upcoming episodes 😆.

I have several open houses/parties to attend over the weekend. Yay! Foooddd! 🍽

Happy weekend all!!

Summer Heat: I’ll be working outdoor concerts this weekend. Summer also brings the return of the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) . I take them for swimming lessons. We think Voles are happily chewing roots.

So I watched Cowboy Bebop and loved the soundtrack by Yoko Kanno. Spent the last week listening to the OST.

The current shows I’m watching, Chief of Staff and Nokdu Flower are weekend shows. Makes for a long week. Started rewatching Let’s Eat

Hello, beanies! I hope you are enjoying laid-back days in glorious weather, broken only by siestas and appropriate refreshments! Here we are entering one of our big holiday periods and everything gets a little crazy; I hope to squeeze in some beach days, but the chances are slim, as this is also a busy period workwise.

We try to simplify come summer and one way is we LOVE to eat alfresco, and I was reminded of this by the # of dramas this week that included eating outdoors.
Any other fresh air foodies out there?

Happy weekend Beanies!

Tomorrow I am trying a new Korean restaurant in our capital city with some of my Korean classmates. It is one of those gatherings that my body dreads, because I already spend 5 days a week in the capital for work and this week also in a heat wave. Needless to say my body wants to catch up on sleep and introvert at home afterwards.

However, my body also never refuses an opportunity for Korean food, and I long to see my classmates again after so long. I do not regret quitting the language classes and continuing learning Korean with my friend, but of course I miss my old classmates a lot. It is one of those events you dread, and yet you already know you will not regret attending after all.

Saturday night has sort of become K-drama, currently Her Private Life, night, and I have ambitions to increase my week(end)ly dose of watching from 1 to 2 episodes. Only time will tell. The rest of the weekend is still a question mark, which usually means introverting, so I am satisfied.

Happy OT Beanies!

I can't believe my car tyre got 'nailed' by an Allen key. It made the most horrible sound when I continued to drive. Had to yank it out and drive 3km to the nearest tyre shop.

When I first heard the sound, I had to pull the car over to the side. I did it as safely as possible but it's weird that what came to mind was how horrible people drive in kdramas. You know, the way they pull very suddenly to the side or when they do an abrupt U-turn? I guess it makes for dramatic driving? Because real driving is boring. Long time ago, in those days when they filmed 'driving the car' scenes, they had to do them in a studio. To simulate the real thing, actors often move their steering in rapid short movements. Who drives like that in real life?

GOOOOOD morning Beanies!

I went to Yellowstone last weekend and despite my soft and tender feet getting blisters, it was lovely. Such a beautiful and nearly untouched landscape. We got lucky and saw some really cool geysers go off like Beehive, Daisy and the coolest one, Steamboat (which is the highest geyser in the world). There are some incredible sights there and it was a blast hanging out with my family and cousin (who is visiting from Australia). And despite being away from kdramas for a few days I managed to to go through withdrawl. I kept myself busy with the awe-inspiring sights and I read through 3 books of a new series by one of my favorite authors (Lindsay Buroker).

Just last night I finished watching The Secret Life of My Secretary and I absolutely loved it. The premise itself isn't anything special but all the characters made it fantastic and so far one of my favorite dramas of the year. I was never really into Kim Young-Kwang, I found him ok, but he was prefect as the weird and sincere Do Min-Ik. I also found him SO incredibly attractive in this which I never really did before. I could watch him smiling adorably for a whole drama. Jin Ki-Joo also did a great job as Jung Gal-Hee. She was equally a weirdo but not obnoxious. Some actors can go over the top with a character like this but I think she was spot on. And of course, how can I mention TSLoMS without Verrrrrronica Park. She has been one of my favorite kdrama characters. I don't really know who Kim Jae-Kyung is but I hope she gets all the roles from now on. I think there needs to be a Veronica Park spin-off drama. The whole drama was so adorable and sweet and cute and thankfully didn't have the awful trope of the bitchy secondary female or a love triangle. There was no noble idiot. I also rewatched the last like 10 min. of the drama like 5 times (I wish I was kidding). Highly recommend this drama!

I've been watching a lot of random dramas these last couple weeks and have gotten into a gay drama binge. Sadly there aren't many out there. But I watched the cdrama Addicted, which was excellent but sadly China banned it and canceled any possibility of a 2nd season 😞 Also watched SOTUS a Thai drama which I loved and the actors did a great job. I watched both HIStory 1 and 2 which are Taiwanese dramas. History 1 had 3 about hour long eps. with different stories and characters. The first 2 were ok but I really loved Obsession. The 2 leads had great chemistry in that one. History 2 had 2 series in it which were both 4 episodes long. The first one was ok but I really liked Crossing the Line. Sadly most of Asia is pretty backwards towards LGBTQ* things so it's hard to find good gay dramas out there. Taiwan and Thailand are the best about them but their dramas aren't always up to the high quality that kdramas, or even cdramas, are. But if anyone has some good recommendations I am eager to find more to watch!

How is everyone? I wasn't going to write anything for the OT today because I'm leaving for a conference and need to get my charts done before I go, but then I remembered this conversation this week and had to share it! But first, some background. I just finished TSLOMS and, unless you’ve not been on the fan wall and living under a dramaless rock, you know there is a certain fish that is a minor plot point. I’ve been binging said drama early this week because hubby has been away on business and also going out to dinner with my daughter, because I don’t cook. One of our favorite restaurants is a Chinese buffet that is pretty authentic and they have these two white arowanas at the front of their store. We see them and note they’re there, but I’ve never really paid attention to them. This day, on the way out, I mentioned them to my daughter.

Me: You know those fish, daughter?

Daughter: Yeah, they’re really cool.

Me: You know what they’re called?

Daughter: Oh yeah, they’re arowanas and they’re supposed to be very auspicious. They’re probably here to bring success to the restaurant.

Me: *Jaw drops* thinking, “Who are you and what have you done with my 11-year-old daughter? Who says 'auspicious?'”

Me: Uh, yeah. You’re right. The show I’m watching has one. They try to resuscitate it and it’s the most ridiculous thing! I’ll have to show you. *falls flat*

Moral of the Story: Read up on everything before talking to your precocious kids.

2nd Moral: Crazy sub-plot put everything into play, and was really the whole plot of TSLOMS.

3rd Moral: Enjoy your weekend, Beanies! I’m taking a road trip!

I am actually debating whether to leave my home this weekend. My job has been exhausting as of late and once I hit my home on Friday it is couch and online delivery.

I want to see Toy Story 4, but then I remembered that I would have to not only leave the house but actually be presentable to do so.

Its been 22 years since Harry Potter started. I started reading the books at age 10 and really really hoped it was real and that I would get a letter! :P
Netflix is releasing so many new kdramas in my region- Fight for my Way, School 2017, Queen for Seven Days and more. Just when I was thinking of uninstalling because Netflix is taking too much time away from real life work.

Hello all:
All this house-hunting is so stressing. (Not as stressing as some dramas, though.) We just returned from not seeing a house. The realtor didn't show up. Now am expecting some potential buyers to show up here.

Finished up a short story which was stressing me out so am ready to send it to the anthologist.

Been watching Leila, which is an Hindi dystopian specfic on Netflix. I heartily recommend, but prepare for the grim. The villain pursuing our heroine is so gorgeous that i keep hoping he'll change his evil ways and fall in love with her.

Dramas:
Abyss: okay, you know what? I won't complain. We got a happy ending so why fuss about the dynamics?

Joseon Survival: Finally, the first sageuk in a while where I'm trusting for a happy ending. I kinda wanted the gisaeng dance to be a bit more fusiony, new but old-fashioned. Our villain is so intelligent and acculturated to this old world that he could do major damage.

WWW -- Loving this still, and all the ramifications of internet searching. I feel as if I'm in the hands of a good writer. Totally loving "What's wrong with my sister-in-law?" and am hoping Scarlett and our maknae actor hook up. I do wish Park Mogun would stop being such a wish-fulfillment character for heroine and viewers alike. He's boring me and has no real life other than for our heroine.

Perfume: Finally! I hope finally. I knew i could trust our phobic designer to love someone who wasn't designed to be a model. Please, perfume bottle, run out of perfume!

One Spring Night: Giseok and Jeong-in's dad are downright pitiful..and dangerous. As is Dentist-abuser. How to get out of this Seo-in?

Chief of Staff: Ah, powerful men and the women they throw away! I don't think our hero will totally throw his secret love away. He's got ways of turning stuff around. Fighting, Aide! But don't lose your soul.

Arthdal Chronicles: Taelha reminds me of our thrown-away domino in Aide. Ah men! Use women, then toss them. Her being Saya's "omma" does give her some power. And seriously, does Tagon really feel safe in getting a wife who doesn't know the secret of his mixed blood? Am not sure if i want Taelha with Tagon. She would be a good enemy but hopefully, he'll begin his downward slide and have to crawl his way back up to the top...like a good hero. Saya is so darn needy. Just like his dad. Like father, like son...and like Mother.

Have a great weekend, all.

Good morning!... Almost afternoon! It's been a while since I've popped on, but I wanted to share some good news--I'm back in school! Just one philosophy class for now, but I keep resisting the urge to let all my philosophical foundations stem from my knowledge of Terry Pratchett and his novels. ^^

On the drama front, I... watched a lot of stuff, recently finishing Mother.

I'm also rewatching Just Between Lovers... and excited for Hotel de Luna!

Happy Friday, everyone, don't take yourself to seriously, Descarte would argue you might not exist at all! (until you start thinking again, that is^^)

PS I am taking drama recommendations until some of the new shows start, so if you have a good one let me know, please! ^^

Hi everyone!!! TGIF!!! Regarding Song/Song couple. To be honest, after watching few DOS episodes and reading of them from dating to marriage. I am thinking that they are wrong for each other. Now, they are getting divorce. I hope they move on forward and be civil to each other. This is from my experiences. Since, I have couple of friends who is divorced.

Since, I am watching few dramas. I am just gonna post regarding Story of Minglan drama. Due to, I like ZLY and watched most of her dramas except Princess Agents. I dropped that drama halfway. So far, I do not see chemistry of her and her hubby nor with Zhu Li Long. However, I love the ost musics, storyline and cinematography and the costumes and the cast.

It has been finally warm up with cool windy, sunny summer day. However, this means it will be HOT Fall weather again. 😭 I wish we win lottery due to why kids are starving in summer days. 🤦🏻‍♀️😑 I swear after feeding them and they eat snacks all day and night. They acted they never eaten a day and always be hungry all the time. My oldest son can not wait to go to Vietnam due to he want to try drink tiger beer. 🤦🏻‍♀️😑 I swear, sometimes I feel like God punished me with my oldest son. 🤣😂

Final note, I hope everyone have great day!!! 😁💗🌷

Hi, beanies.

I'm back from Scotland. I spent about 10 days shuttling from Edinburgh to Glasgow to Oban to Dundee. It's summer there, but freezing cold, with temperatures dipping below 9 degrees on some days, and biting winds...these killed me, they were so cold, and my umbrella was no protection against the blustery winds.

On the flight there, I watched Rampant with Hyun bin. He's just gorgeous in sageuk, but the story is so meh, and the love story was weaker than the coffee they served me, and that coffee was pretty bad, so you can guess how dreary and uninspiring the love line was. The zombies were the only good thing about the movie. Apart from Hyun Bin, of course, who charmed with his usual dazzling smiles and flirtatious dimples...or is that flirtatious smiles and
dazzling dimples? I was just - blinded.

So, on the three hour train ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh, I decided to write another chapter of my fanfic, and thanks to Korean drama, I decided to throw in amnesia...lolol. My hero gets knocked down by a car, and he falls WHAM! and just like that, he forgets the girl....in 24 hours. Hahahaha. I felt so powerful wielding my finger, I can tell you that...with a few taps of my forefinger on my tablet, poor Jaemin forgets everything associated with the love of his life.

You can check out my fanfic here. It'll move you to tears. I'm not kidding. Seriously, I cried writing my story.

Jaemin the Icy Prince
The Last Empress

https://www.wattpad.com/user/Kainingwen

I'm still in shock over the Song Song Couple. No comment.

Loving Perfume. Loving SSR, and the lead actresses, especially Go Won hee. She's so beautiful and poised and funny and sad at the same time, and she has amazing, heartbreaking chemistry with SSR.

So this week..

Secret Life of My Secretary ended, it was cute overload but a rather typical romcom in my opinion. My surprise favorite character was Veronica Park (yeah).

Abyss ended. Writing could have been much more sharp, but still really liked the lead couple.

Angel's Last Mission I know it's been said repeatedly over on Soompi, but I am really getting Goblin-ending vibes. Well, this isn't a bad show, but its no Goblin, you know what I mean?

Absolute Boyfriend Wow, has the second lead male ever been written as a jerk. It's still all about him. He feels like all robots could be dangerous so his solution is to publicly confess his love for his ex in the belief she'll coming running back to him? And this after 09 had just come to his rescue. But at least this show is touching on some of the issues related to robots gaining self-awareness and emotions. And, wouldn't they be androids instead? Does Korea not use that term, or is no one using it anymore because Google likely has trademarked it?

On my radar Deep in My Heart a Chinese show that seems to be He is Psychometric mixed with either Hyde, Jekyll and Me or Oh, My Ghostess (depending on what is going on with the heroine, which I hadn't figured out from the part of the first episode that I saw.