It is a surprise that Buddha does not wake up.
This was on the way home from a snowboarding trip (my first time!). It was amazing.
12.30.2009
12.19.2009
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Hey everybody,
So, it is that time of year. Time to stress out about Christmas cards and Christmas gifts. Except, imagine being half the world away from the people who are the most important to you. It kinda sucks...but, I will end the pity party here. I guess on the bright side, I had to get all my shopping and mail done really early!
I received one gift from home...from Emily Gorman, Amanda Foster, Matt Jolly, and Hannah Hergenrather(naught/y). Thank you again for the gift. My kids loved the Toy Story candy...and I love the Life Cereal. =)
I took a few videos today (Friday) of the Hedgehogs. I think they are adorable and hilarious, so I thought I would share. These are the kids/people I spend the majority of my time with here, in Korea.
First up, we have a video of Woody doing his story-telling contest speech...he wrote this story himself and was a little bit nervous in front of everyone, but he did a good job...and the story was fantastic (when he was not nervous):
Second, we have a video of Woody and Nancy going crazy and singing. This is the energy that us teachers at 2nd campus of S.E.A. have to deal with everyday...but we love it (forgive the awkward starting picture...I did not plan that):
Also, please notice how Odette is relatively unphased by everything...she just keeps coloring. She will never break a law in her life; whereas Nancy may cause some laws to be written.
Third, we have a video of the Hedgehogs just doing their thing...they love arts and crafts...and I delivered bigtime for them this week by finding a Christmas Tree craft. They loved it. Odette is a better drawer than I will ever be in my life, Woody just loves putting things together and Nancy can lose anything--any size or shape--it is like a magic trick, I swear to god:
That is all for now...happy holidays and I hope that you are happy with whatever you are doing. I am off to bed now to try and get some sleep...I hate being sick.
Alan
11.17.2009
My (New) Apartment
So, long story short, I had to move apartments to accommodate a couple that my school hired. The couple is not getting here until later December, but once I knew I had to move...I wanted to move ASAP. Also, they told me that I had to move on my birthday. Thanks, school.
One and a half months later, I finally moved. I tried to find my own apartment, in some misguided sense of spite towards the school, but in the end, I moved to their last open apartment.
Overall, I really do like this apartment. I am spoiled with my appliances and the setup is pretty fantastic. The space is used perfectly for me, and this brings me joy like you would not believe. Check out the video below, it is long--I warn you. PLEASE PLEASE comment if you watch the video. Thanks.
Alan
One and a half months later, I finally moved. I tried to find my own apartment, in some misguided sense of spite towards the school, but in the end, I moved to their last open apartment.
Overall, I really do like this apartment. I am spoiled with my appliances and the setup is pretty fantastic. The space is used perfectly for me, and this brings me joy like you would not believe. Check out the video below, it is long--I warn you. PLEASE PLEASE comment if you watch the video. Thanks.
Alan
11.03.2009
Andong Folk Village and Banpo Bridge
Hey everyone,
Last week, a few co-workers and I headed towards the Banpo Bridge at night to drink some wine and watch the bridge's light and waterworks show. It was entertaining and it was good company. We have to enjoy some of the outdoors while we still can, before it gets too cold. Brrrrrrr.
This weekend, I went on a meet-up trip to a little man-made lake, a mountain with a decent hike and walk, a Korean folk village with some cool mask dances, a cave, and a place where you can choose your own meat and cook it in a restaurant above the ordering area.
The folk village was very cool. Here are two videos from the mask dance at the folk village.
A farmer is killing a cow/bull in this first video.
An Ajoma (wrong spelling) character is joined by an audience member. They dance together for a while before they try to get her off stage. It is quite hilarious.
Overall, it was a fantastic weekend. I met more nice people and I had a good time. I hope to meet-up with them again.
Adios for now.
Last week, a few co-workers and I headed towards the Banpo Bridge at night to drink some wine and watch the bridge's light and waterworks show. It was entertaining and it was good company. We have to enjoy some of the outdoors while we still can, before it gets too cold. Brrrrrrr.
This weekend, I went on a meet-up trip to a little man-made lake, a mountain with a decent hike and walk, a Korean folk village with some cool mask dances, a cave, and a place where you can choose your own meat and cook it in a restaurant above the ordering area.
The folk village was very cool. Here are two videos from the mask dance at the folk village.
A farmer is killing a cow/bull in this first video.
An Ajoma (wrong spelling) character is joined by an audience member. They dance together for a while before they try to get her off stage. It is quite hilarious.
Overall, it was a fantastic weekend. I met more nice people and I had a good time. I hope to meet-up with them again.
Adios for now.
10.25.2009
Cheonggyecheon Stream Light Show
While walking with some friends down the Cheonggyecheon, we came across this light show. Good timing, I would say.
10.17.2009
Busan Film Festival
Last weekend, I went to the Busan Film Festival with some friends. It was a lot of fun. I was able to see a lot of movies. Unfortunately though, I spent much of the weekend half-asleep...including a lot of the time I spent in the actual movies. It was OK though, I can say I have been to a movie festival and waited in line at 5am-9:30am for movie tickets.
So, I saw 5-ish movies on Saturday-Sunday morning, went to a jjimjilbong (spa/sauna with places to sleep as well) with Agne after our last movie (at like, 7am). We enjoyed the spas and slept there until noon. Then we went to see a famous temple called Beomeosa. It was a pretty fantastic site. Definitely my favorite temple in South Korea so far.
Later that night, we took a KTX home. We had standing seats, which saved us 5000won? We ended up sitting in an area between two trains the whole way. It was not bad at all. I was very excited to ride the KTX because the KTX is the fast train in South Korea. I can now cross the Eurostar from Brussels to London, the TGV from Luxembourg City to Paris, and the KTX from Seoul to Busan off of my list. I am a huge train and subway nerd, so of course, I had to take a video:
So, I saw 5-ish movies on Saturday-Sunday morning, went to a jjimjilbong (spa/sauna with places to sleep as well) with Agne after our last movie (at like, 7am). We enjoyed the spas and slept there until noon. Then we went to see a famous temple called Beomeosa. It was a pretty fantastic site. Definitely my favorite temple in South Korea so far.
Later that night, we took a KTX home. We had standing seats, which saved us 5000won? We ended up sitting in an area between two trains the whole way. It was not bad at all. I was very excited to ride the KTX because the KTX is the fast train in South Korea. I can now cross the Eurostar from Brussels to London, the TGV from Luxembourg City to Paris, and the KTX from Seoul to Busan off of my list. I am a huge train and subway nerd, so of course, I had to take a video:
10.03.2009
Tradtional Dance - Chuseok - National Museum of Korea
This video of a traditional dance was taken at the National Museum of Korea on Chuseok (October 3rd, 2009):
9.28.2009
Seoraksan
This weekend, the climbing group and I went to Seoraksan, Mt. Seorak, here in South Korea. It is the third highest peak in South Korea--2nd largest on the peninsula as Jeju Island has the highest. For some wikimation (wikipedia information), check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoraksan .
Before I get to any hiking stories, I have to mention a video from school this week. This is Woody's "Marble Maze" that he made at an art academy. I forgot how much I used to LOVE these things when I was younger. This is just another reason why I love Woody:
So, onto the hiking: When we got to Seoraksan (a 4 hour bus ride east from Seoul), it was about 1pm. We had some lunch and then took off. I volunteered to be part of the 'fast' group...which proved to be a very smart decision for me because a.) I love to be pushed physically, b.) we flew up the mountain and c.) I had already had enough nighttime hiking from the weekend before. The 'slow' group did not arrive to our shelter until ~9:00 and had been in the dark for an hour or more.
When we got to the shelter, it was a large group of Koreans cooking an eclectic gathering of food. Our group had some pork to grill, which was a shock to me. I did not know Alex was carrying a huge pack of frozen pork on his back for 5 hours. We also had some ramyeon noodles. It was a very delicious meal. Harald began making friends with some other foreigners outside the shelter and before long a grand ole time was being had.
For a while, we were not sure where we would be sleeping...to the point where we almost had to sleep outside. I do not think the second group fully understands how nerve-racking this was for about an hour as we scrambled to find a place to sleep. I was already a bit sick as it was...add in some frigid temperatures with wet conditions and a large group of Koreans and foreigners with minimal sleeping bags and blankets and you get a really bad situation. All worked out though.
Even in the shelter (we went to bed ~ 10:30pm), no one slept much. Except the Koreans, who snored like no tomorrow. Luckily, I learned in Europe to always bring earplugs whenever I do not sleep in my normal sleeping location. This kind of helped. However, there were other...events that equally led me to not sleep/want to get up as soon as friggin possible that I shall not mention here. I think I slept for a few hours...like 1-3. I do not really know. I do not look at my phone/watch in times like this because I do not want to know as it will only pysch me out.
We woke up at 3:30 am, went outside, helped clean up the prior night's festivities and got ready for the day in general. We hiked up to the peak of Seoraksan at 4:30 and prepared for the sunrise:
It was still pretty cloudy, but a LOT better than the night before. The most amazing part of the morning, to me, were the stars when we woke up. I do not think I have ever seen stars so clearly as that morning. We even saw a few shooting stars:
When we finally saw the sun, everyone was really excited. It made the whole trip even more worth it. The way down from the peak was pretty spectacular as well...as we could finally see more than 10 meters without seeing clouds/mist. The color is just beginning to change there, as well:
Eventually, though, we ran into some more clouds and mist. It was nice though, for me at least. The mist was light enough that we could see the rocks around us, or silhouettes of the rocks, and what we could see was pretty spectacular; it left the rest up to the imagination:
Overall, despite getting a little bit sick (which I am no fighting by trying to sleep for as much as possible every night), it was an amazing time. I want to go back whenever I can, as long as I have a somewhat more secure sleeping plan. Thanks to everyone who made it an amazing trip!
Alan
Before I get to any hiking stories, I have to mention a video from school this week. This is Woody's "Marble Maze" that he made at an art academy. I forgot how much I used to LOVE these things when I was younger. This is just another reason why I love Woody:
So, onto the hiking: When we got to Seoraksan (a 4 hour bus ride east from Seoul), it was about 1pm. We had some lunch and then took off. I volunteered to be part of the 'fast' group...which proved to be a very smart decision for me because a.) I love to be pushed physically, b.) we flew up the mountain and c.) I had already had enough nighttime hiking from the weekend before. The 'slow' group did not arrive to our shelter until ~9:00 and had been in the dark for an hour or more.
When we got to the shelter, it was a large group of Koreans cooking an eclectic gathering of food. Our group had some pork to grill, which was a shock to me. I did not know Alex was carrying a huge pack of frozen pork on his back for 5 hours. We also had some ramyeon noodles. It was a very delicious meal. Harald began making friends with some other foreigners outside the shelter and before long a grand ole time was being had.
For a while, we were not sure where we would be sleeping...to the point where we almost had to sleep outside. I do not think the second group fully understands how nerve-racking this was for about an hour as we scrambled to find a place to sleep. I was already a bit sick as it was...add in some frigid temperatures with wet conditions and a large group of Koreans and foreigners with minimal sleeping bags and blankets and you get a really bad situation. All worked out though.
Even in the shelter (we went to bed ~ 10:30pm), no one slept much. Except the Koreans, who snored like no tomorrow. Luckily, I learned in Europe to always bring earplugs whenever I do not sleep in my normal sleeping location. This kind of helped. However, there were other...events that equally led me to not sleep/want to get up as soon as friggin possible that I shall not mention here. I think I slept for a few hours...like 1-3. I do not really know. I do not look at my phone/watch in times like this because I do not want to know as it will only pysch me out.
We woke up at 3:30 am, went outside, helped clean up the prior night's festivities and got ready for the day in general. We hiked up to the peak of Seoraksan at 4:30 and prepared for the sunrise:
It was still pretty cloudy, but a LOT better than the night before. The most amazing part of the morning, to me, were the stars when we woke up. I do not think I have ever seen stars so clearly as that morning. We even saw a few shooting stars:
When we finally saw the sun, everyone was really excited. It made the whole trip even more worth it. The way down from the peak was pretty spectacular as well...as we could finally see more than 10 meters without seeing clouds/mist. The color is just beginning to change there, as well:
Eventually, though, we ran into some more clouds and mist. It was nice though, for me at least. The mist was light enough that we could see the rocks around us, or silhouettes of the rocks, and what we could see was pretty spectacular; it left the rest up to the imagination:
Overall, despite getting a little bit sick (which I am no fighting by trying to sleep for as much as possible every night), it was an amazing time. I want to go back whenever I can, as long as I have a somewhat more secure sleeping plan. Thanks to everyone who made it an amazing trip!
Alan
9.20.2009
A Harrowing Weekend
Videos from this weekend:
I particularly like the end of the first video...because Martin yells my name and it just makes me laugh hearing his voice.
This repel was really scary for me at the time...but now seems very easy compared to what came after.
So, this was the view on the final rock. I was the third of sixteen climbers to the top of this rock...so I had a while to chill and hang out before the final repel. The final repel was ~55-60 meters. About 180 feet. About half of it, ~30 meters, was free-hanging. What that means is that I was just dangling off two ropes and my harness, slowly repelling down. It was so fantastic, but let me first explain the conditions:
So, as you can see in the third video above, it was beginning to get dark by the time we were on the final rock. By the time we got everybody down the final repel, it was ~9:30pm...and it was dark. I should add that we all repelled down in the dark...Seoul looked beautiful afar from the mountain. A memory I will never forget, that is for sure.
When everybody got up to the final rock, we had to hang those same ropes down for the repel...unfortunately they got tangled on our first attempt and we had to pull the lead climber back up. It took 6 men. We fixed the ropes and each went down one by one...about 5 minutes from hook-up/prep time to the ground. So it took a while for 16 climbers to get down.
Part of me wonders if it was more soothing at night, this repel. I do not think the full shock of how high and exposed to the open world I was hit me in the night. A blessing in disguise perhaps. Regardless, it was a very cool feeling at night. I wish I could post a video here to do it justice.
We still had to hike down a rocky, ridgy path for 2.5 hours after we finished the repel. We did not get off the mountain until 12:30am. I was on that mountain for about 15 hours. One of our organizers fell on the way down and got pretty hurt...but I believe he will be alright. I spent the final two hours just walking with him, trying in some way shape or form to show gratitude for the amazing events he has graciously assembled for all of us.
Alan
I particularly like the end of the first video...because Martin yells my name and it just makes me laugh hearing his voice.
This repel was really scary for me at the time...but now seems very easy compared to what came after.
So, this was the view on the final rock. I was the third of sixteen climbers to the top of this rock...so I had a while to chill and hang out before the final repel. The final repel was ~55-60 meters. About 180 feet. About half of it, ~30 meters, was free-hanging. What that means is that I was just dangling off two ropes and my harness, slowly repelling down. It was so fantastic, but let me first explain the conditions:
So, as you can see in the third video above, it was beginning to get dark by the time we were on the final rock. By the time we got everybody down the final repel, it was ~9:30pm...and it was dark. I should add that we all repelled down in the dark...Seoul looked beautiful afar from the mountain. A memory I will never forget, that is for sure.
When everybody got up to the final rock, we had to hang those same ropes down for the repel...unfortunately they got tangled on our first attempt and we had to pull the lead climber back up. It took 6 men. We fixed the ropes and each went down one by one...about 5 minutes from hook-up/prep time to the ground. So it took a while for 16 climbers to get down.
Part of me wonders if it was more soothing at night, this repel. I do not think the full shock of how high and exposed to the open world I was hit me in the night. A blessing in disguise perhaps. Regardless, it was a very cool feeling at night. I wish I could post a video here to do it justice.
We still had to hike down a rocky, ridgy path for 2.5 hours after we finished the repel. We did not get off the mountain until 12:30am. I was on that mountain for about 15 hours. One of our organizers fell on the way down and got pretty hurt...but I believe he will be alright. I spent the final two hours just walking with him, trying in some way shape or form to show gratitude for the amazing events he has graciously assembled for all of us.
Alan
9.15.2009
My Apartment
Also, on my way home from COEX mall tonight, I decided to stop at a Mr. Pizza to see how much a pizza would cost. I ended up getting a "Hawaiian Delight" pizza with ham and pineapple for about 13,500 won...or about 10 bucks. A good deal, I think. It was amazing...first pizza in two months for me. Here is a picture of the box, which took them about 5 minutes to wrap up in that ribbon:
Alan =)
9.13.2009
Settling In
I have been in South Korea for eight weeks now (officially two months this Friday--the 18th). I have begun to find my rhythm, a rhythm that I like. It goes something like this:
Monday-Friday: Wake up ~7:30-7:45am. I make tea, I make some sort of breakfast--usually nothing more than cereal unless I have a lot of time--and some other small tasks for about an hour. I arrive at work around 9:00am. Depending on the day, I have things that I have to get done. The kids arrive by 9:40am and I have to formally begin teaching at 10:00am. The kids learn basic English...and there is a lot of coloring involved. I have 50 minutes for lunch, starting at 12:10pm. I usually make a quick run and get some gimbap:
The kindergarten-ers leave at 2:20pm. Then, I either teach elementary kids from 2:40-4:30 or 6:30, depending on the day or how much my schedule has randomly changed.
At night, I have a wide variety of options. On Wednesdays, I usually go out with my friends from home for some dinner or other random shenanigans. Other days of the week, I meet up with other friends from the hiking group or some of my Korean friends. Some days I do absolutely nothing and come back to my apartment.
Saturday: I enjoy spending my time with a group of rock climbers organized by a couple Koreans, Mr. Kim and Alex Lee. I owe so much to them. In the past few gatherings, I have met people from Lithuania, Mexico, Sweden, England, Canada, all over the United States and more Koreans. I really enjoy the people. The activities we do are very enjoyable as well. We have done rock climbing, hiking, rafting, bike riding, and yoga...all in the last 4 weeks! I plan to spend as many Saturdays as I can with this group.
Sunday: I am lazy. I try to do at least one thing on Sundays...something that will get me out of the house. Usually this involves shopping and spending money at some of my favorite stores here (read: Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, Giordano, Xara, Puma). But sometimes, like today, it involves traveling to see something that is significant to the Korean culture. Today, I went to the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, a UNESCO Heritage Site, with Jessica (another rock climber/yoga enthusiast from Saturday) and her friend Brandon:
That is usually how my week goes...with slight deviations. This weekend has been a good weekend. It was needed.
Here are a couple videos from last week:
1.) Me explaining a bit of my work life as well as the area where I live.
2.) A video of the Banpo Bridge, which I live near, and the water fountains that are on it.
Alan =)
Monday-Friday: Wake up ~7:30-7:45am. I make tea, I make some sort of breakfast--usually nothing more than cereal unless I have a lot of time--and some other small tasks for about an hour. I arrive at work around 9:00am. Depending on the day, I have things that I have to get done. The kids arrive by 9:40am and I have to formally begin teaching at 10:00am. The kids learn basic English...and there is a lot of coloring involved. I have 50 minutes for lunch, starting at 12:10pm. I usually make a quick run and get some gimbap:
The kindergarten-ers leave at 2:20pm. Then, I either teach elementary kids from 2:40-4:30 or 6:30, depending on the day or how much my schedule has randomly changed.
At night, I have a wide variety of options. On Wednesdays, I usually go out with my friends from home for some dinner or other random shenanigans. Other days of the week, I meet up with other friends from the hiking group or some of my Korean friends. Some days I do absolutely nothing and come back to my apartment.
Saturday: I enjoy spending my time with a group of rock climbers organized by a couple Koreans, Mr. Kim and Alex Lee. I owe so much to them. In the past few gatherings, I have met people from Lithuania, Mexico, Sweden, England, Canada, all over the United States and more Koreans. I really enjoy the people. The activities we do are very enjoyable as well. We have done rock climbing, hiking, rafting, bike riding, and yoga...all in the last 4 weeks! I plan to spend as many Saturdays as I can with this group.
Sunday: I am lazy. I try to do at least one thing on Sundays...something that will get me out of the house. Usually this involves shopping and spending money at some of my favorite stores here (read: Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, Giordano, Xara, Puma). But sometimes, like today, it involves traveling to see something that is significant to the Korean culture. Today, I went to the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, a UNESCO Heritage Site, with Jessica (another rock climber/yoga enthusiast from Saturday) and her friend Brandon:
That is usually how my week goes...with slight deviations. This weekend has been a good weekend. It was needed.
Here are a couple videos from last week:
1.) Me explaining a bit of my work life as well as the area where I live.
2.) A video of the Banpo Bridge, which I live near, and the water fountains that are on it.
Alan =)
9.06.2009
Bukhansan
Hey friends,
The last few weeks have flown by, but all is well. I have been teaching for five weeks. I have been here for seven. Wow. The kids are great. I have met a lot of cool people hiking...some of whom have found this blog! So here is my shoutout to the Climbing in Korea folk, you all rock =p.
Here are two videos from this weekends hike at Bukhansan. Watch them both!
I could not get YouTube to work for me in Korea (to upload) for some reason...some law, but props to Vimeo. It is pretty nice.
I am excited for Thursday...it is my payday. My first full payday. Some of it will be spent on some small expenditures that I want (an iron, some nice new pants, maybe a new fan, some random hiking gear) and some of it will be spent on a recordplayer because I am dying to get a chance to play my records. If I ever get to play my records, I will post a video up here. Hopefully, though, most of it will be saved. I think it will be easy to save a decent amount here...even with college loans.
Anywho, it is getting late. I hope all is well back home and keep in touch!
Alan =)
The last few weeks have flown by, but all is well. I have been teaching for five weeks. I have been here for seven. Wow. The kids are great. I have met a lot of cool people hiking...some of whom have found this blog! So here is my shoutout to the Climbing in Korea folk, you all rock =p.
Here are two videos from this weekends hike at Bukhansan. Watch them both!
I could not get YouTube to work for me in Korea (to upload) for some reason...some law, but props to Vimeo. It is pretty nice.
I am excited for Thursday...it is my payday. My first full payday. Some of it will be spent on some small expenditures that I want (an iron, some nice new pants, maybe a new fan, some random hiking gear) and some of it will be spent on a recordplayer because I am dying to get a chance to play my records. If I ever get to play my records, I will post a video up here. Hopefully, though, most of it will be saved. I think it will be easy to save a decent amount here...even with college loans.
Anywho, it is getting late. I hope all is well back home and keep in touch!
Alan =)
8.16.2009
8.14.2009
Back to Reality
The last post was chalk full of confidence...this one is more mellow.
We are two weeks into my solo-teaching adventures. Things are going pretty well. I know I have a lot to learn about teaching methods and tactics, but I think I am heading in a good direction. The kids are so enjoyable. I am way more attached to kindergarten, but the elementary students are equally as fun. I just do not have a lot of time with them.
One teacher, Krysta Teacher, left today...she was really nice and will definitely be missed at S.E.A. I am sure her replacement, Julia Teacher, will be just as good. What struck me, though, is how fleeting it all is. Literally, one moment she is there with kindergarten--who are all crying because she is leaving--and the next moment the ball is rolling again. It is obvious we are making a difference with these kids--some more than others--but at the same time I can see how teaching is a 'thank-less' job. When it is over, it is over. Especially here by returning to the U.S.A. Will we ever see this kids again?
Tangent: One thing that disappoints me is that I have not been able to go 'social dancing' or hiking yet. Those are two things that are very high on my priority list. There is a small chance that I could cross both of these things off my list tomorrow...but that depends on how tonight goes. I was going to do this midnight hike (through the night..to watch the sunrise), but I am not feeling currently confident enough to go by myself--not knowing anybody. Just writing about it now makes me mad that I am 'giving up on it.' Wow, when something bothers me, it is so hard for me to get over it. It is hard for me to get over anything I perceive as 'giving up.'
On the bright side, not doing this midnight hike will motivate me to do other things that I may have let fall by the wayside. Tomorrow, I will ideally either go 'social dancing' at night or hiking during the day. Perhaps both!
Finally, it was four weeks ago that I left for Korea. Four weeks. What? Seriously? I cannot believe it. This is going to go so fast.
Alan =)
We are two weeks into my solo-teaching adventures. Things are going pretty well. I know I have a lot to learn about teaching methods and tactics, but I think I am heading in a good direction. The kids are so enjoyable. I am way more attached to kindergarten, but the elementary students are equally as fun. I just do not have a lot of time with them.
One teacher, Krysta Teacher, left today...she was really nice and will definitely be missed at S.E.A. I am sure her replacement, Julia Teacher, will be just as good. What struck me, though, is how fleeting it all is. Literally, one moment she is there with kindergarten--who are all crying because she is leaving--and the next moment the ball is rolling again. It is obvious we are making a difference with these kids--some more than others--but at the same time I can see how teaching is a 'thank-less' job. When it is over, it is over. Especially here by returning to the U.S.A. Will we ever see this kids again?
Tangent: One thing that disappoints me is that I have not been able to go 'social dancing' or hiking yet. Those are two things that are very high on my priority list. There is a small chance that I could cross both of these things off my list tomorrow...but that depends on how tonight goes. I was going to do this midnight hike (through the night..to watch the sunrise), but I am not feeling currently confident enough to go by myself--not knowing anybody. Just writing about it now makes me mad that I am 'giving up on it.' Wow, when something bothers me, it is so hard for me to get over it. It is hard for me to get over anything I perceive as 'giving up.'
On the bright side, not doing this midnight hike will motivate me to do other things that I may have let fall by the wayside. Tomorrow, I will ideally either go 'social dancing' at night or hiking during the day. Perhaps both!
Finally, it was four weeks ago that I left for Korea. Four weeks. What? Seriously? I cannot believe it. This is going to go so fast.
Alan =)
8.03.2009
Time to Boast
I love my life.
I love my life because everyday is an adventure.
I truly believe that you can control your environment. There are many subtle different ways to view a single event. If you try to take the most positive but yet realistically grounded view, you will find yourself happier. Humor helps. Laughing at yourself helps. Humility helps.
Happiness for me is the experience.
I love that no matter how scared or nervous of things I am, big or small, rational or irrational, I still try. And usually succeed.
When I do not succeed, or see no clear sign of success, things work themselves out in wonderful ways. This never fails. (Please notice the usage of "When I do not succeed..." as opposed to "When I fail..." Life is all about perspective.)
Life should always, ALWAYS, be cross-pollinating. I do not care if you are Ghandi preaching civil disobedience, Mozart writing music, or a mathematical genius like Einstein...you can always learn something new. People have something to offer if you give them a chance. The moment you stop and think you know it all is when life smacks you in the face and you realize how foolish you are. Arguably, I have acquired more knowledge about English simply through the act of teaching than the amount I have bequeathed upon my students. A net positive for Alan.
I think kindergarten-ers brains are so absorbent because they do not have to worry about social cues or other social pressures. For them, it is all about learning. Everything is new to them relative to us. Environment is huge. With this being said, I think it is possible, to a degree, for adults--as I guess I can call myself--to have an absorbent mind. As absorbent as when we were younger? No. But, I do feel that I can quickly adapt to new locations and new situations...even new languages to a decent degree. Maybe it is because my brain operates on patterns. I say this because I have been complemented multiple times on my Korean and chopstick skills--by Koreans nonetheless--despite only knowing a handful of phrases. Phrases that can get me in and out of a conversation quickly. I learn something new, I hear it in context, and I adapt it into my vocabulary. Language is just one giant puzzle for me. Perhaps the Koreans are just being nice, though, and I should get off my soap box.
I have no idea what the cashier is saying to me but I know when they are asking me if I want a bag (sans hand motion). Also, plastic grocery bags are an additional cost here, like Europe. America needs to take note.
Bedtime.
I love my life because everyday is an adventure.
I truly believe that you can control your environment. There are many subtle different ways to view a single event. If you try to take the most positive but yet realistically grounded view, you will find yourself happier. Humor helps. Laughing at yourself helps. Humility helps.
Happiness for me is the experience.
I love that no matter how scared or nervous of things I am, big or small, rational or irrational, I still try. And usually succeed.
When I do not succeed, or see no clear sign of success, things work themselves out in wonderful ways. This never fails. (Please notice the usage of "When I do not succeed..." as opposed to "When I fail..." Life is all about perspective.)
Life should always, ALWAYS, be cross-pollinating. I do not care if you are Ghandi preaching civil disobedience, Mozart writing music, or a mathematical genius like Einstein...you can always learn something new. People have something to offer if you give them a chance. The moment you stop and think you know it all is when life smacks you in the face and you realize how foolish you are. Arguably, I have acquired more knowledge about English simply through the act of teaching than the amount I have bequeathed upon my students. A net positive for Alan.
I think kindergarten-ers brains are so absorbent because they do not have to worry about social cues or other social pressures. For them, it is all about learning. Everything is new to them relative to us. Environment is huge. With this being said, I think it is possible, to a degree, for adults--as I guess I can call myself--to have an absorbent mind. As absorbent as when we were younger? No. But, I do feel that I can quickly adapt to new locations and new situations...even new languages to a decent degree. Maybe it is because my brain operates on patterns. I say this because I have been complemented multiple times on my Korean and chopstick skills--by Koreans nonetheless--despite only knowing a handful of phrases. Phrases that can get me in and out of a conversation quickly. I learn something new, I hear it in context, and I adapt it into my vocabulary. Language is just one giant puzzle for me. Perhaps the Koreans are just being nice, though, and I should get off my soap box.
I have no idea what the cashier is saying to me but I know when they are asking me if I want a bag (sans hand motion). Also, plastic grocery bags are an additional cost here, like Europe. America needs to take note.
Bedtime.
8.02.2009
Vinyl Records
When I moved in, there were a bunch of vinyl records sitting on top of a cabinet. I thought it random:
Upon looking through the collection, there were some gems. The highlight:
Here are the rest:
Faith - George Micheal
Always On My Mind - Willie Nelson
Harvest - Neil Young
Metal Health - Quiet Riot
Greatest Hits - Neil Diamond (with a really creepy picture of him on the cover)
Aqualung - Jethro Tull
20 Greatest Hits - The Beatles (from 1982)
No Jacket Required - Phil Collins
Desire - Bob Dylan
Building the Perfect Beast - Don Henley ("includes the hit 'Boys of Summer'")
Best of the Doobies - The Doobie Brothers
French Kiss - Bob Welch
Shout at the Devil - Motley Crue
Invisible Touch - Genesis
Wheels are Turnin' - REO Speedwagon
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Delicate Sound of Thunder - Pink Floyd (Live)
The Final Cut - Pink Floyd
CooleyHighHarmony - Boyz II Men
Listen Without Prejudice - George Michael
Happy Nation - Ace of Base
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got - Sinead O'Connor
Open Up and Say...Ahh! - Poison
Double Fantasy - John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Lennon's last album released before he died)
In Square Circle - Stevie Wonder
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Pronouced leh-nerd skin-nerd - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin
Falco 3 - Falco
The Original Musiquarium I - Stevie Wonder
In Through the Out Door - Led Zeppelin
Live in Japan - Deep Purple
Slippery When Wet - Bon Jovi
Appetite For Destruction - Guns N'Roses
Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin
Hot Rocks 1964-1971 - The Rolling Stones (first compilation album)
Physical - Olivia Newton John
Footloose Original Soundtrack - Footloose
Western Movie Themes - Some Random Korean album
The John Lennon Collection - John Lennon (1982, released after his death)
P.S. The Olympic Stadium was very cool, to bring conclusion to a prior post.
Upon looking through the collection, there were some gems. The highlight:
Here are the rest:Faith - George Micheal
Always On My Mind - Willie Nelson
Harvest - Neil Young
Metal Health - Quiet Riot
Greatest Hits - Neil Diamond (with a really creepy picture of him on the cover)
Aqualung - Jethro Tull
20 Greatest Hits - The Beatles (from 1982)
No Jacket Required - Phil Collins
Desire - Bob Dylan
Building the Perfect Beast - Don Henley ("includes the hit 'Boys of Summer'")
Best of the Doobies - The Doobie Brothers
French Kiss - Bob Welch
Shout at the Devil - Motley Crue
Invisible Touch - Genesis
Wheels are Turnin' - REO Speedwagon
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Delicate Sound of Thunder - Pink Floyd (Live)
The Final Cut - Pink Floyd
CooleyHighHarmony - Boyz II Men
Listen Without Prejudice - George Michael
Happy Nation - Ace of Base
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got - Sinead O'Connor
Open Up and Say...Ahh! - Poison
Double Fantasy - John Lennon & Yoko Ono (Lennon's last album released before he died)
In Square Circle - Stevie Wonder
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Pronouced leh-nerd skin-nerd - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin
Falco 3 - Falco
The Original Musiquarium I - Stevie Wonder
In Through the Out Door - Led Zeppelin
Live in Japan - Deep Purple
Slippery When Wet - Bon Jovi
Appetite For Destruction - Guns N'Roses
Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin
Hot Rocks 1964-1971 - The Rolling Stones (first compilation album)
Physical - Olivia Newton John
Footloose Original Soundtrack - Footloose
Western Movie Themes - Some Random Korean album
The John Lennon Collection - John Lennon (1982, released after his death)
P.S. The Olympic Stadium was very cool, to bring conclusion to a prior post.
7.31.2009
7.29.2009
Rearrangement
So, now that I have the time, I am trying to rearrange and clean my room. Making myself at home, if you will.
Progress is slow but I like what I am seeing.
I had my first laundry attempt today. It was a success. My machine has six buttons that all have four or five settings a piece. Not really sure what all I pressed. I tried washing some of my extra bedding, first, to make sure that it would turn out OK. The machine sings a little song when it is done washing. It took me a while to figure that out. Time to wash some actual clothes now.
Either later today or tomorrow, I am off to check out the 1988 Olympic Stadium and Park. I am excited.
Progress is slow but I like what I am seeing.
I had my first laundry attempt today. It was a success. My machine has six buttons that all have four or five settings a piece. Not really sure what all I pressed. I tried washing some of my extra bedding, first, to make sure that it would turn out OK. The machine sings a little song when it is done washing. It took me a while to figure that out. Time to wash some actual clothes now.
Either later today or tomorrow, I am off to check out the 1988 Olympic Stadium and Park. I am excited.
7.28.2009
Welcome
Welcome to my blog!
I will occasionally update this throughout the year with good stories from work, life, and friends.
Enjoy.
I will occasionally update this throughout the year with good stories from work, life, and friends.
Enjoy.
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