My writing class is Wednesday.
My Korean class starts Feb. 4th.
Let the betterment begin!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Going to Hell
Three pieces of pecan pie, two lattes, four pieces of Kalbi, 8 dumplings, numerous slices of Peking duck, four spring rolls, 8 pieces of sashimi, a strawberry mouse and some things I am probably digesting right now that I can't remember. Gluttony. Greed.
I began thinking about the seven vices, or seven deadly sins.
Realizing that I have been guilty of indulging in them one time or another in my life. Sometimes simultaneously, just to make life more interesting. Yep, I am going to hell.
Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride.
Lust: That never ends well now does it. Either they don't live up to your fantasized expectations or you find out they are complete utter a**holes. Just imagine whoever you desire being a complete idiot or having inadequate bedroom skills and funky foot odor. That will end that. I always imagine that David Beckham has a hairy butt. Works for me!
Gluttony: Now today I can't speak on this, forgive me for I have sinned. Being in Korea my calorie consumption is usually quite low cause I don't snack as much and the portions here aren't mega-super-quadrupled sized. Though, it can be kinda hard when you visit family, like I do and they constantly have you grazing on food all day. But just learn how to say when. I don't pig out often. But I tend to have a seasonal disorder of doing so. Shilla in the Spring anyone?
Greed: Moving to Korea made me realize how much crap I have back home that I didn't and don't need. I get by on fewer pairs of shoes, less clothes, less home furnishings, less of everything here. Guess what? I am still alive!
Sloth: I am not the best expert in this area. I believe in relaxation. Probably because from an early age I have always worked and I also dealt with a lot early in my life that I believe in taking time out. I think that I have had enough time "off" and it is time to get back to it. Also, it is believed that you can be a sloth if you fail to utilize your talent or gift. *crickets* . Guilty as charged. I am on parole though.
Wrath: Never been very vengeful and spiteful. I have been very angry with people though and if looks could kill...I don't wish bad things on people but I definitely can say to hell with someone. I think this is one sin that I don't indulge in often.
Envy: In America, I did that a lot. Everywhere you go...you are made to feel incomplete. Wanting this, that. Secretly being jealous of others and envious. Envy can cripple you are transpire into other sins. I really appreciate my life as is and what it is about to become. So no more envy for me.
Pride: Not a big problem here. I don't think I am better than people. I give credit where it is due. I am not vain or narcissistic. I am more embarassed than anything by compliments and stuff.
The seven virtues are:
chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, humility.
Chastity: Living in Korea is handling that. Enough said.
Temperance:Moderation, I don't drink as much here. I have to work on the seasonal eating binge fests though.
Charity: Let's see what happens at PSBFK on the 30th.
Diligence: Writing this blog regularly is one step. Starting this writing class on the 21st is another. Korean class in February and socializing more. Hmmm...I am on my way.
Patience: Every child has taught me that. My father has taught me too. Living in the South and Living here in Korea has taught me that.
Humility: I am humble.
Maybe I am not going to hell with gasoline draws (underwear) on after all.
I began thinking about the seven vices, or seven deadly sins.
Realizing that I have been guilty of indulging in them one time or another in my life. Sometimes simultaneously, just to make life more interesting. Yep, I am going to hell.
Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride.
Lust: That never ends well now does it. Either they don't live up to your fantasized expectations or you find out they are complete utter a**holes. Just imagine whoever you desire being a complete idiot or having inadequate bedroom skills and funky foot odor. That will end that. I always imagine that David Beckham has a hairy butt. Works for me!
Gluttony: Now today I can't speak on this, forgive me for I have sinned. Being in Korea my calorie consumption is usually quite low cause I don't snack as much and the portions here aren't mega-super-quadrupled sized. Though, it can be kinda hard when you visit family, like I do and they constantly have you grazing on food all day. But just learn how to say when. I don't pig out often. But I tend to have a seasonal disorder of doing so. Shilla in the Spring anyone?
Greed: Moving to Korea made me realize how much crap I have back home that I didn't and don't need. I get by on fewer pairs of shoes, less clothes, less home furnishings, less of everything here. Guess what? I am still alive!
Sloth: I am not the best expert in this area. I believe in relaxation. Probably because from an early age I have always worked and I also dealt with a lot early in my life that I believe in taking time out. I think that I have had enough time "off" and it is time to get back to it. Also, it is believed that you can be a sloth if you fail to utilize your talent or gift. *crickets* . Guilty as charged. I am on parole though.
Wrath: Never been very vengeful and spiteful. I have been very angry with people though and if looks could kill...I don't wish bad things on people but I definitely can say to hell with someone. I think this is one sin that I don't indulge in often.
Envy: In America, I did that a lot. Everywhere you go...you are made to feel incomplete. Wanting this, that. Secretly being jealous of others and envious. Envy can cripple you are transpire into other sins. I really appreciate my life as is and what it is about to become. So no more envy for me.
Pride: Not a big problem here. I don't think I am better than people. I give credit where it is due. I am not vain or narcissistic. I am more embarassed than anything by compliments and stuff.
The seven virtues are:
chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, humility.
Chastity: Living in Korea is handling that. Enough said.
Temperance:Moderation, I don't drink as much here. I have to work on the seasonal eating binge fests though.
Charity: Let's see what happens at PSBFK on the 30th.
Diligence: Writing this blog regularly is one step. Starting this writing class on the 21st is another. Korean class in February and socializing more. Hmmm...I am on my way.
Patience: Every child has taught me that. My father has taught me too. Living in the South and Living here in Korea has taught me that.
Humility: I am humble.
Maybe I am not going to hell with gasoline draws (underwear) on after all.
Chronographically Speaking
Time flies. This weekend was no exception. The only peace I have with this is that this upcoming week is the last one before our Lunar New Year break. I love Korea. Seriously we just came back from a three week hiatus and now we are off for another week!
Here is a recap:
Friday:
After work, I met up with my friend to eat at Outback Steakhouse. Discovered I am officially lactose intolerant. Damn. I love cheese too. Oh well.
Went to Hot Tracks and bought stationary...everything in Korea is insanely cute and artsy fartsy.
Everyone around me is getting or is sick...so I swabbed with a Zycam stick and took a shot of Nyquil...nighty night.
Saturday:
Lounged around and half-assed cleaned.
Met up with friends at Two Two chicken to gorge on fried chicken...very deelish.
Then I met some other friends in Apguejong and ate again, drank fusion soju and shared a fruit plate.
Left in somber mood of tales of woes. Soju made us sleepy too.
Sunday:
Met my cousin and his new girlfriend.
Friends and I engaged in a gorge fest at the Shilla Hotel for a birthday celebratory feast.
So full right now...it is absolutely ridiculous.
That's all folks.
Here is a recap:
Friday:
After work, I met up with my friend to eat at Outback Steakhouse. Discovered I am officially lactose intolerant. Damn. I love cheese too. Oh well.
Went to Hot Tracks and bought stationary...everything in Korea is insanely cute and artsy fartsy.
Everyone around me is getting or is sick...so I swabbed with a Zycam stick and took a shot of Nyquil...nighty night.
Saturday:
Lounged around and half-assed cleaned.
Met up with friends at Two Two chicken to gorge on fried chicken...very deelish.
Then I met some other friends in Apguejong and ate again, drank fusion soju and shared a fruit plate.
Left in somber mood of tales of woes. Soju made us sleepy too.
Sunday:
Met my cousin and his new girlfriend.
Friends and I engaged in a gorge fest at the Shilla Hotel for a birthday celebratory feast.
So full right now...it is absolutely ridiculous.
That's all folks.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Rebirth
Snow on your birthday is good luck Ms. Howe, one of my students said.
I really hope so. I thought.
Today is my birthday.
I would like to thank:
1. My father, although you do not remember today is my birthday, I know you love me with all your might.
2. My mother, having you around is worth more than anything you could ever do for me.
3. Akosua, thank you for showing me that life is indeed worth some confetti.
4. Anthony, for being excited about e'ry and anythang.
5. Krissy, for holding me down!
6. Marci, you make everything an adventure!
7. Halona my fellow Cap, you showed me how to take risks!
8. Shannon, for being generous and kind and eases my soul.
9. Matt for making me believe in myself and the possibilities of yet to come.
10. My students of past and present, who have taught me patience.
Yayyy! 31 Here I come. 2009 Let's go!
I really hope so. I thought.
Today is my birthday.
I would like to thank:
1. My father, although you do not remember today is my birthday, I know you love me with all your might.
2. My mother, having you around is worth more than anything you could ever do for me.
3. Akosua, thank you for showing me that life is indeed worth some confetti.
4. Anthony, for being excited about e'ry and anythang.
5. Krissy, for holding me down!
6. Marci, you make everything an adventure!
7. Halona my fellow Cap, you showed me how to take risks!
8. Shannon, for being generous and kind and eases my soul.
9. Matt for making me believe in myself and the possibilities of yet to come.
10. My students of past and present, who have taught me patience.
Yayyy! 31 Here I come. 2009 Let's go!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Baby Steps
One of many reasons why I moved to Korea was to volunteer and help biracial Korean children living here.
So many children are abandoned by their fathers and often their mothers (social stigma) that they are often placeless children in a society that is homogeneous. These children will face many prejudices, discrimination, psychological and emotional issues. Along with that the prospect of becoming a successful member of society is slim.
I also found out that 2012 Korea will end international adoptions. Leaving me to wonder, what will happen to these children. They won't let single people adopt, so I can't do that. Although I would. The only thing I can do is volunteer while I am living here. Which depends on the winter ahead if it will be two to four years. Brrr....
Anyways...I had to literally harass the Pearl S. Buck Foundation here to respond to me. Here is an excerpt of the email:
Generally, PSBFK is looking for volunteers into some categories and that are ;
Well, you can guess which one I chose. I will take door number 2!
Then I got this weird email:
I am sorry to say that I had to ask a question, "Can you speak Korean?" before.
Because almost of our children cannot speak English so every volunteer needs ability for speaking Korean.
Uhhh....I was like are you SERIOUS? My Korean is preschool if that. Elementary at best. I can read characters, but unless the words are familiar to me, I have no clue. I can say basic things and understand okay. That is it. (By the way, I am taking Korean classes in February)
I had the Korean language teacher, a friend of mine, email this lady and tell her that I really wanted to help out in some form or fashion, plus I would teach them English, which is a highly prized skill here...for FREE. I mean parents shell out tons of bucks to send them to afterschool programs called hagwons and oh yeah all these English "teachers" over here are because of that.
She finally got back to me and understood my passion. I had the Korean language teacher practiacally beg to give my free time and services. Geesh.
Anyways, I am meeting her over the Lunar New Year. The journey will be about 100 minutes according to the subway guide.
I wonder if they have like a Big Brother/Sister deal.
That'll be cool. Will keep you posted.
So many children are abandoned by their fathers and often their mothers (social stigma) that they are often placeless children in a society that is homogeneous. These children will face many prejudices, discrimination, psychological and emotional issues. Along with that the prospect of becoming a successful member of society is slim.
I also found out that 2012 Korea will end international adoptions. Leaving me to wonder, what will happen to these children. They won't let single people adopt, so I can't do that. Although I would. The only thing I can do is volunteer while I am living here. Which depends on the winter ahead if it will be two to four years. Brrr....
Anyways...I had to literally harass the Pearl S. Buck Foundation here to respond to me. Here is an excerpt of the email:
Generally, PSBFK is looking for volunteers into some categories and that are ;
- Document Translation - My organization has lot's of document to translate from Korean to English.
- Mentorship Volunteering - PSBFK is supporting for the bi-racial children to have a mentor who can speak English and give inspiration to them.
- Etc - Please, let me know what you can.
Well, you can guess which one I chose. I will take door number 2!
Then I got this weird email:
I am sorry to say that I had to ask a question, "Can you speak Korean?" before.
Because almost of our children cannot speak English so every volunteer needs ability for speaking Korean.
Uhhh....I was like are you SERIOUS? My Korean is preschool if that. Elementary at best. I can read characters, but unless the words are familiar to me, I have no clue. I can say basic things and understand okay. That is it. (By the way, I am taking Korean classes in February)
I had the Korean language teacher, a friend of mine, email this lady and tell her that I really wanted to help out in some form or fashion, plus I would teach them English, which is a highly prized skill here...for FREE. I mean parents shell out tons of bucks to send them to afterschool programs called hagwons and oh yeah all these English "teachers" over here are because of that.
She finally got back to me and understood my passion. I had the Korean language teacher practiacally beg to give my free time and services. Geesh.
Anyways, I am meeting her over the Lunar New Year. The journey will be about 100 minutes according to the subway guide.
I wonder if they have like a Big Brother/Sister deal.
That'll be cool. Will keep you posted.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Have and Have Nots
Life short. Just ask the author of "100 Things to Do Before You Die" who ironically died this past summer at 47 from a slip and fall.
See, you are never promised tomorrow. Watch the movie Bucket List.
I was thinking about how people make bucket lists and their goals, aspirations. etc. At the same time there is a saying about appreciate what you have. I know with the beginning of the new year people, including myself, think of a million and one things to do better, more or try for their future. Looking at other people's 43 things list(www.43things.com) or bucket lists, I realized I have done a lot of things that I don't give myself credit for. So, I decided to jot down the things I have done:
1. Learned how to sail a boat.
2. Learned how to windsurf.
3. Driven across country twice.
4. Traveled to South Africa.
5. Lived in Germany.
6. Traveled to Paris, Florence, Prague and many other European countries.
7. Participated in a large national beauty pageant. (Miss USA)
8. Been a published writer.
9. Been an extra in a movie.
10. Learned how to salsa dance.
11. Graduated from college, grad school.
12. Own a home.
13. Volunteer.
14. Heard Barack Obama speak in person.
15. Met Congressman John Lewis.
16. Met Randall Robinson.
17. Was a personal assistant for a Oscar nominated Actor. (before he was nominated)
18. Skinny dipped.
19. Planted a tree.
20. Snorkeled.
21. Ate conch...love it.
22. Been a bridesmaid twice.
23. Paid off my undergraduate loans.
24. Been camping.
25. Been skiing.
26. Witnessed a solar eclipse
27. Witnessed a lunar eclipse.
28.Fell deeply in love -- helplessly and unconditionally.
29.Drank beer at Oktoberfest in Munich.
30. Witnessed ChristKindlesMarkt in Nuremberg.
31. Been a mentor.
32. Been passionate about a cause and spend time helping it, instead of just thinking about it.
33.Made a fool of myself.
34. Have a tattoo (I have two and want more)
35. Gambled in Vegas
36. Celebrated NYE in NYC in Times Square. (2001)
37. Had a Grey's Papaya hot dog.
38. Ate Philly cheesesteaks at Gino's and Pat's.
39. Ice skated at Rockefeller
40. Been to a concert.
41. Living abroad...in Korea now
42. Been in a protest
43. Seen Mt. Fuji
44. Been to Tokyo
45. Adopted a pet (two cats)
46. Rode the shinkansen. Bullet Train.
I have more to follow, I have to really brainstorm. But hey, that is pretty impressive when I reread it.
You should think about your haves and not your have nots! It may inspire you!
See, you are never promised tomorrow. Watch the movie Bucket List.
I was thinking about how people make bucket lists and their goals, aspirations. etc. At the same time there is a saying about appreciate what you have. I know with the beginning of the new year people, including myself, think of a million and one things to do better, more or try for their future. Looking at other people's 43 things list(www.43things.com) or bucket lists, I realized I have done a lot of things that I don't give myself credit for. So, I decided to jot down the things I have done:
1. Learned how to sail a boat.
2. Learned how to windsurf.
3. Driven across country twice.
4. Traveled to South Africa.
5. Lived in Germany.
6. Traveled to Paris, Florence, Prague and many other European countries.
7. Participated in a large national beauty pageant. (Miss USA)
8. Been a published writer.
9. Been an extra in a movie.
10. Learned how to salsa dance.
11. Graduated from college, grad school.
12. Own a home.
13. Volunteer.
14. Heard Barack Obama speak in person.
15. Met Congressman John Lewis.
16. Met Randall Robinson.
17. Was a personal assistant for a Oscar nominated Actor. (before he was nominated)
18. Skinny dipped.
19. Planted a tree.
20. Snorkeled.
21. Ate conch...love it.
22. Been a bridesmaid twice.
23. Paid off my undergraduate loans.
24. Been camping.
25. Been skiing.
26. Witnessed a solar eclipse
27. Witnessed a lunar eclipse.
28.Fell deeply in love -- helplessly and unconditionally.
29.Drank beer at Oktoberfest in Munich.
30. Witnessed ChristKindlesMarkt in Nuremberg.
31. Been a mentor.
32. Been passionate about a cause and spend time helping it, instead of just thinking about it.
33.Made a fool of myself.
34. Have a tattoo (I have two and want more)
35. Gambled in Vegas
36. Celebrated NYE in NYC in Times Square. (2001)
37. Had a Grey's Papaya hot dog.
38. Ate Philly cheesesteaks at Gino's and Pat's.
39. Ice skated at Rockefeller
40. Been to a concert.
41. Living abroad...in Korea now
42. Been in a protest
43. Seen Mt. Fuji
44. Been to Tokyo
45. Adopted a pet (two cats)
46. Rode the shinkansen. Bullet Train.
I have more to follow, I have to really brainstorm. But hey, that is pretty impressive when I reread it.
You should think about your haves and not your have nots! It may inspire you!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Investments and Bailouts
I was emailing back a friend today, who was pondering the direction of their life and they were discussing possible moves they wanted to take. What was hindering them? Then they stated, "but I am invested."
True. I began thinking about the current state of America's economy and also how people are invested in relationships with themselves and other people.
We all are invested in whatever place we are at now in our lives. Whatever we believe has been built from years of investing in those philosophies and rationales. Whoever we are personality wise, we created a pretty impressive portfolio.
Losing your investments can be scary. Right? But I am not talking about money here.
Think about the woman that won't leave her marriage, because she has been invested in it so long, despite the fact being abused, she will stay to ride that investment on out.
Look at that unhappy coworker who won't quit and try a new job, cause they are invested in it. They'd rather be miserable.
Consider the person who is known as the (insert personality trait here) guy/gal and won't change their behaviors, just because they have become invested in it.
What we need to realize in light of these news stories of economic turmoil....is that whatever you are invested in, will turn on you. You will be wondering why.
Examples:
That woman will stay in an unhappy marriage until he leaves her. Then what?
The coworker who gets laid off after 27 years at a job they never liked now won't get retirement and face it, will face age discrimination. Then what?
What about that mean, bitter woman who becomes old and has no one visiting her at the nursing home. Then what?
Why give power to other people?
Other people become invested in you too. Like shareholders. They expect you to be that so and so friend, wife, brother, boss, whatever and they don't understand when you begin to shift and change or when you don't associate with them anymore or when you develop new interests, beliefs or ideologies. When you run into people you knew many moons ago, but they are still invested in the past you ...may look confused and will not get the present you and they definitely won't understand the future you. Think about it, people you run into reminisce of how you used to be, never long is the conversation about what you are to become or who you are at the present.
Overall, No one is going to bail you out. But you. If you don't like your life, do something about it and don't hold on to poor investments. Trust me investments are not as faithful as you are love. That sorry man, your lame job, your attitude....bail yourself out.
Stimulate your mind in 09. Create a bailout package for yourself. Invest in the future.
You!
True. I began thinking about the current state of America's economy and also how people are invested in relationships with themselves and other people.
We all are invested in whatever place we are at now in our lives. Whatever we believe has been built from years of investing in those philosophies and rationales. Whoever we are personality wise, we created a pretty impressive portfolio.
Losing your investments can be scary. Right? But I am not talking about money here.
Think about the woman that won't leave her marriage, because she has been invested in it so long, despite the fact being abused, she will stay to ride that investment on out.
Look at that unhappy coworker who won't quit and try a new job, cause they are invested in it. They'd rather be miserable.
Consider the person who is known as the (insert personality trait here) guy/gal and won't change their behaviors, just because they have become invested in it.
What we need to realize in light of these news stories of economic turmoil....is that whatever you are invested in, will turn on you. You will be wondering why.
Examples:
That woman will stay in an unhappy marriage until he leaves her. Then what?
The coworker who gets laid off after 27 years at a job they never liked now won't get retirement and face it, will face age discrimination. Then what?
What about that mean, bitter woman who becomes old and has no one visiting her at the nursing home. Then what?
Why give power to other people?
Other people become invested in you too. Like shareholders. They expect you to be that so and so friend, wife, brother, boss, whatever and they don't understand when you begin to shift and change or when you don't associate with them anymore or when you develop new interests, beliefs or ideologies. When you run into people you knew many moons ago, but they are still invested in the past you ...may look confused and will not get the present you and they definitely won't understand the future you. Think about it, people you run into reminisce of how you used to be, never long is the conversation about what you are to become or who you are at the present.
Overall, No one is going to bail you out. But you. If you don't like your life, do something about it and don't hold on to poor investments. Trust me investments are not as faithful as you are love. That sorry man, your lame job, your attitude....bail yourself out.
Stimulate your mind in 09. Create a bailout package for yourself. Invest in the future.
You!
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