After three days of summer intensives (and i think I am actually getting more sleep during them than before, cause I realise I have to be careful to sleep enough), it is vacation time! Ignoring the weirdness of taking a vacation from Thursday to Wednesday, I'm off! To Thailand!!! Woohoo!
Today went fine, the usual chaos of camp. Basically, I picked up 4 new classes and lost an hour of my prep time. fun. but so far i'm keeping ahead of it all.
we didn't do much tonight. called a friend for a bit, ordered some pizza hut, and watched Proof. I really, really liked it.
Tomorrow, the fun begins :) And since I got an advance on my pay, it's gonna be even more fun!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Wherein I Blog about Socks
So, last night Lindsay and I watched The Family Stone. I wasn't particarly impressed. The bit in the kitchen where everyone was falling over was the only funny bit and that scene at the dinner table where Sarah Jessica Parker's character talks about being gay actively made me cringe.
Another long day of work over, I swung by the apartment to pick up Lindsay and then we headed to the notorious Mexican Chicken restaurant for beer and chicken with the gang from Heritage, Sean, and Henry. Good times.
On the way home I bought the most rockin' socks ever. One has an old-fashioned Korean couple on it and it's key feature is that they both appear to be wearing violet lipstick. The other has a 10,000 won bill on it, but the guy is flashing the victory sign. Too cool. I'd post a pic, but Blogger won't let me. Bastards.
Another long day of work over, I swung by the apartment to pick up Lindsay and then we headed to the notorious Mexican Chicken restaurant for beer and chicken with the gang from Heritage, Sean, and Henry. Good times.
On the way home I bought the most rockin' socks ever. One has an old-fashioned Korean couple on it and it's key feature is that they both appear to be wearing violet lipstick. The other has a 10,000 won bill on it, but the guy is flashing the victory sign. Too cool. I'd post a pic, but Blogger won't let me. Bastards.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Real Korea? I think so!
I totally forgot to mention the rest stop on the way home from rafting yesterday. It's when I leave Seoul, and particularly at the rest stops during trips around Korea, that I really feel that I see Korean people out and enjoying themselves. This rest stop was crazy. People were all on their way home after a day of hiking, judging by everyone's clothing, and they were celebrating a day of hiking as only Koreans do - by drinking a ton of soju. The rather tiny bathroom was full of women, all pushing and shoving, and singing and dancing. Outside, the music was blaring away, the ajumas were dancing with each other, and everyone was eating either ice cream or dried squid (as you do). It was a blast.
Today was my first day of summer camp, aka summer intensives. And intensive it is, as I'm at work at 9.10 every morning and leave at 8.40 every night. It is a long day, and frankly, I just don't have that much cheerful perkiness in me. By the last couple of classes my teaching energy is just gone. Add to that the stupidly large number of books lacking ciriculum or books requiring new homework lists, or Harcourt tests needing to be redone, I am just going to be busy, busy, busy for the next month. Thailand will be a much needed break, but it would be nice if it was smack dab in the middle of camp, rather than after only 3 days of it. Should have gone to bed earlier last night too, but Lindsay was asleep and an invitation to hang out came my way... I never turn down some fun :)
Lindsay and I went for galbi tonight. She wasn't as impressed with the whole meat wrapped in lettuce leaves as I am, nor was she a huge fan of the red sauce. But she liked the meat and the pasta salad (one of my favs). I don't think she's likely to become a kimchee addict either, judging by her facial expression as she tried it. So, today, basically she and I have eaten lunch and dinner together and I've worked.
Maybe a movie and then early to bed, cause whether I like it or not, it's early to rise...
Today was my first day of summer camp, aka summer intensives. And intensive it is, as I'm at work at 9.10 every morning and leave at 8.40 every night. It is a long day, and frankly, I just don't have that much cheerful perkiness in me. By the last couple of classes my teaching energy is just gone. Add to that the stupidly large number of books lacking ciriculum or books requiring new homework lists, or Harcourt tests needing to be redone, I am just going to be busy, busy, busy for the next month. Thailand will be a much needed break, but it would be nice if it was smack dab in the middle of camp, rather than after only 3 days of it. Should have gone to bed earlier last night too, but Lindsay was asleep and an invitation to hang out came my way... I never turn down some fun :)
Lindsay and I went for galbi tonight. She wasn't as impressed with the whole meat wrapped in lettuce leaves as I am, nor was she a huge fan of the red sauce. But she liked the meat and the pasta salad (one of my favs). I don't think she's likely to become a kimchee addict either, judging by her facial expression as she tried it. So, today, basically she and I have eaten lunch and dinner together and I've worked.
Maybe a movie and then early to bed, cause whether I like it or not, it's early to rise...
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Life in the Rapids!
Lindsay appears to finally collapsed into sleep. She has been remarkably awake considering...
So, I picked her up yesterday around 8pm. Friday night I went out for "spicy pork" in hongdae, but it was an early evening. I slept in Saturday and then put off tackling the cleaning until the absolute last minute. However, it all got done and off I went to the airport. Just as I met Lindsay, James called drunkenly, which was highly amusing, as I attempted to say hi to her, push the cart, find the correct bus stop, and talk to someone who kept accidentally hanging up on me by dropping the phone. 8 beers, indeed!
We got back to good old Deungcheondong fairly quickly and walked her rather heavy suitcases to my place. Then, it turned out she was wide awake, so we went to Pedro's for drinks, the admiration of his new satellite tv, and my rather amusing attempts to get in and out of a hammock in a skirt. Lindsay liked the lit up bridges in the taxi ride over and the view from Pedro's. And he was kind enough to feed her fruit loops.
So, after only 4 hours sleep, we were up and on our way to meet the Adventure Korea bus at Hongdae. After a rather long bus ride that I sort of napped through, we arrived at a bridge where some people bungy jumped. I had been quite tempted, but don't want to do any more damage to the still-dodgy ankle right before heading to Thailand. So, we sat below and watched the fun.
Then it was on to a Korean buffet-style lunch, which Lindsay quite enjoyed. Pretty easy to handle stuff - bulgogi, some spicy tomatoes, ommelette things, and rice. She made a decent job of the chopsticks too.
Then, the whitewater fun. I must say, I am quite the tomato-red colour as a result of today's adventure. Lindsay and I ended up on "Team Death". We were number 4 you see, which looks like the Chinese character for death (check out Korean elevators, often the 4th floor has a F instead of the number). Seemed a good nickname for some rafting. They had us all get in the water and get wet first. Was concerned it would be cold, but I was fine inspite of my reptilian blood and need for heat! The guide was really funny - his English was basic but good and he told us the names of lots of the rocks and stuff. Instead of being all boring and paddling along to hanna, dul (one, two), we used two syllable words: kimchee, soju, mekju, galbi. Enough to make you both hungry and thirsty! In addition to paddling our way through rapids, we got to float along in the current, use the rafts as slides into the water from a beach, wrestle on the upturned rafts, and do various standing and rocking stunts designed to knock us all into the water. There was also a lot of splashing wars, naturally.
Some amusing points:
* Korean women really do wear high heels everywhere. And I thought sporty flip flops were silly, at least I wasn't sporting stillettos!
* Don't do up the straps that go between your legs tightly! Some poor Korean girl was yelling "My ass! My ass!" as she was hauled back in her raft. Thanks to a lovely Korean girl in our boat for the amusing running translation of the incident.
* Who knew that smoking a cigarette and simultaneously being a lifeguard for children floating along in a river current were allowed?
* Suntan lotion! More!!!
* Yes, Virginia, my ankle is fucked. Dunno what is wrong exactly, but today's activities didn't make it very happy.
So, I picked her up yesterday around 8pm. Friday night I went out for "spicy pork" in hongdae, but it was an early evening. I slept in Saturday and then put off tackling the cleaning until the absolute last minute. However, it all got done and off I went to the airport. Just as I met Lindsay, James called drunkenly, which was highly amusing, as I attempted to say hi to her, push the cart, find the correct bus stop, and talk to someone who kept accidentally hanging up on me by dropping the phone. 8 beers, indeed!
We got back to good old Deungcheondong fairly quickly and walked her rather heavy suitcases to my place. Then, it turned out she was wide awake, so we went to Pedro's for drinks, the admiration of his new satellite tv, and my rather amusing attempts to get in and out of a hammock in a skirt. Lindsay liked the lit up bridges in the taxi ride over and the view from Pedro's. And he was kind enough to feed her fruit loops.
So, after only 4 hours sleep, we were up and on our way to meet the Adventure Korea bus at Hongdae. After a rather long bus ride that I sort of napped through, we arrived at a bridge where some people bungy jumped. I had been quite tempted, but don't want to do any more damage to the still-dodgy ankle right before heading to Thailand. So, we sat below and watched the fun.
Then it was on to a Korean buffet-style lunch, which Lindsay quite enjoyed. Pretty easy to handle stuff - bulgogi, some spicy tomatoes, ommelette things, and rice. She made a decent job of the chopsticks too.
Then, the whitewater fun. I must say, I am quite the tomato-red colour as a result of today's adventure. Lindsay and I ended up on "Team Death". We were number 4 you see, which looks like the Chinese character for death (check out Korean elevators, often the 4th floor has a F instead of the number). Seemed a good nickname for some rafting. They had us all get in the water and get wet first. Was concerned it would be cold, but I was fine inspite of my reptilian blood and need for heat! The guide was really funny - his English was basic but good and he told us the names of lots of the rocks and stuff. Instead of being all boring and paddling along to hanna, dul (one, two), we used two syllable words: kimchee, soju, mekju, galbi. Enough to make you both hungry and thirsty! In addition to paddling our way through rapids, we got to float along in the current, use the rafts as slides into the water from a beach, wrestle on the upturned rafts, and do various standing and rocking stunts designed to knock us all into the water. There was also a lot of splashing wars, naturally.
Some amusing points:
* Korean women really do wear high heels everywhere. And I thought sporty flip flops were silly, at least I wasn't sporting stillettos!
* Don't do up the straps that go between your legs tightly! Some poor Korean girl was yelling "My ass! My ass!" as she was hauled back in her raft. Thanks to a lovely Korean girl in our boat for the amusing running translation of the incident.
* Who knew that smoking a cigarette and simultaneously being a lifeguard for children floating along in a river current were allowed?
* Suntan lotion! More!!!
* Yes, Virginia, my ankle is fucked. Dunno what is wrong exactly, but today's activities didn't make it very happy.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Random Post
Does anyone else ever blog in their head? Like, kinda mentally write a post, but then never get around to actually blogging about whatever? Cause I do it all the time!
So, here is a random collection of things that have been on my mind lately:
* The Hanson Mmm bop song. Bop means rice in Korean. Do you think Korean people were wondering why this boy band was singing a song about rice that made no sense?
* Cab rides. We took a black light cab home last night, which was also decked out with glow in the dark stickers. Should I ever buy a car, I may just have to decorate! Also, took one where I was belting out "I Will Survive" as we drove through the rainy streets of Seoul. And had a doozy of a ride home last weekend, with the bridges all closed and there was tons of backtracking.
* I've named a bunch of my students after friends and family - so far, I have a Lindsay and a Sarah, a Jasmine and a Jenny, a Lisa and a Danny. It is fun. I like giving students English names.
* My watch broke. Which sucks. I use my hand phone now, which is cool a bit in that I sometimes have to read the odd text message when checking the time.
* At school we have a song that plays as a bell. "Here we go Looby Loo" has made for the odd funny joke. If, you know, you are the type to have a dirty mind. Which I am.
* Laura sings a lot. I love that.
* One of my older students, Richard, was listening to Baby Got Back on his hand phone the other day. And he asked me what it meant. "So, Richard, sometimes men in North America think it is good looking when women have big bums." "I don't think so, teacher." No doubt, Richard, no doubt.
* The cute Korean guy at the bank said it was a long time since he had last seen me. Am soooo tempted to ask him out, not really in a dating way, but just out. He is too cute. I actually look forward to paying my next bill.
* It is stressful when a student's mom works in the post office. You have to always be on your best behavior.
* Summer camp is going to suck hugely. I am going to be soooooo fucking busy. But the extra money will be lovely.
* I miss my digital camera, now that it is AWOL.
* I love my hair so much. It is making me vain.
* Eating a meal that consists entirely of pork gives me a stomach ache. But I still do it.
* Eating Songdae, which is apparently intestines and blood, was a bad choice.
* The man who "fixed" my toilet has indeed made it act even more oddly, though the water doesn't constantly run anymore.
* I finally broke my silver earring buying streak by purchasing a necklass. I love that you can shop on the streets after midnight here while out for dinner and drinks.
* It is raining a lot this year. A lot.
* I love the samples at the HomePlus. There are so many. And it means you can shop when hungry here.
* When my boss tells me how great I am before asking me to do extra work it is super annoying.
* We Need to Talk About Kevin is a great book. I loved some of the insights about travelling a lot and deciding if you want to have kids. It is written by a woman named Lionel. What were her parents thinking?
* My sister arrives today! Woohoo!!!
So, here is a random collection of things that have been on my mind lately:
* The Hanson Mmm bop song. Bop means rice in Korean. Do you think Korean people were wondering why this boy band was singing a song about rice that made no sense?
* Cab rides. We took a black light cab home last night, which was also decked out with glow in the dark stickers. Should I ever buy a car, I may just have to decorate! Also, took one where I was belting out "I Will Survive" as we drove through the rainy streets of Seoul. And had a doozy of a ride home last weekend, with the bridges all closed and there was tons of backtracking.
* I've named a bunch of my students after friends and family - so far, I have a Lindsay and a Sarah, a Jasmine and a Jenny, a Lisa and a Danny. It is fun. I like giving students English names.
* My watch broke. Which sucks. I use my hand phone now, which is cool a bit in that I sometimes have to read the odd text message when checking the time.
* At school we have a song that plays as a bell. "Here we go Looby Loo" has made for the odd funny joke. If, you know, you are the type to have a dirty mind. Which I am.
* Laura sings a lot. I love that.
* One of my older students, Richard, was listening to Baby Got Back on his hand phone the other day. And he asked me what it meant. "So, Richard, sometimes men in North America think it is good looking when women have big bums." "I don't think so, teacher." No doubt, Richard, no doubt.
* The cute Korean guy at the bank said it was a long time since he had last seen me. Am soooo tempted to ask him out, not really in a dating way, but just out. He is too cute. I actually look forward to paying my next bill.
* It is stressful when a student's mom works in the post office. You have to always be on your best behavior.
* Summer camp is going to suck hugely. I am going to be soooooo fucking busy. But the extra money will be lovely.
* I miss my digital camera, now that it is AWOL.
* I love my hair so much. It is making me vain.
* Eating a meal that consists entirely of pork gives me a stomach ache. But I still do it.
* Eating Songdae, which is apparently intestines and blood, was a bad choice.
* The man who "fixed" my toilet has indeed made it act even more oddly, though the water doesn't constantly run anymore.
* I finally broke my silver earring buying streak by purchasing a necklass. I love that you can shop on the streets after midnight here while out for dinner and drinks.
* It is raining a lot this year. A lot.
* I love the samples at the HomePlus. There are so many. And it means you can shop when hungry here.
* When my boss tells me how great I am before asking me to do extra work it is super annoying.
* We Need to Talk About Kevin is a great book. I loved some of the insights about travelling a lot and deciding if you want to have kids. It is written by a woman named Lionel. What were her parents thinking?
* My sister arrives today! Woohoo!!!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
It's Magic!!!
So, the most exciting part of my three day weekend happened on Saturday. But we should start with Friday, as chronologicalness makes sense...
Friday night we went to Hongdae to have TGI Friday burgers, but got there to late. Had Freshness Burgers instead and had the greatest onion rings. Then we went to a little coffee/hof place for ice cream. And some dried fish, cause that goes so well with ice cream ;) And then I went to meet up with a friend in a little bar near Noksapyeong. There was karaoke and porn on the TV. Weirdness!
(While I write this I am listening to a Kate Bush cover done by the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. LimeWire is a wonderful thing.)
So, Saturday. The day of the magic. The magic straight, otherwise known as a straight perm. It took 3 long, boring hours but I love it. After 72 hours of no water (so the grossness of not washing, plus the hell that is trying to keep your head dry during monsoon season), it is still perfectly straight. I didn't even blow dry it this morning! I love it so much. I will do this for the REST OF MY LIFE!!!
Other notable things about Saturday? Bought a couple more books (bad me!), bought a purple umbrella, had a very good coffee, and went out to Carne with the usual gang and then onto Route 66. It was a fun evening. Went home with a different umbrella then I arrived with, but I suppose that is how things go ;)
I spent Sunday watching movies with Pedro. First, Firewall. It was okay, but very silly and we came up with tons of things Harrison Ford could have tried and didn't. Course then the movie would have ended in 20 minutes. Then Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which was very funny and so good. Can't believe I hadn't seen it sooner. And finally, The Village, which I liked very much in spite of expecting a very scary movie.
Monday was a day of relaxing. What with my disgusting hair, still waiting to be washed, i wasn't up for much. And I had been up all night chatting to people on the phone, which was great but lasted till 5am. So, I read a lot and went and did some grocery shopping and chilled.
Friday night we went to Hongdae to have TGI Friday burgers, but got there to late. Had Freshness Burgers instead and had the greatest onion rings. Then we went to a little coffee/hof place for ice cream. And some dried fish, cause that goes so well with ice cream ;) And then I went to meet up with a friend in a little bar near Noksapyeong. There was karaoke and porn on the TV. Weirdness!
(While I write this I am listening to a Kate Bush cover done by the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. LimeWire is a wonderful thing.)
So, Saturday. The day of the magic. The magic straight, otherwise known as a straight perm. It took 3 long, boring hours but I love it. After 72 hours of no water (so the grossness of not washing, plus the hell that is trying to keep your head dry during monsoon season), it is still perfectly straight. I didn't even blow dry it this morning! I love it so much. I will do this for the REST OF MY LIFE!!!
Other notable things about Saturday? Bought a couple more books (bad me!), bought a purple umbrella, had a very good coffee, and went out to Carne with the usual gang and then onto Route 66. It was a fun evening. Went home with a different umbrella then I arrived with, but I suppose that is how things go ;)
I spent Sunday watching movies with Pedro. First, Firewall. It was okay, but very silly and we came up with tons of things Harrison Ford could have tried and didn't. Course then the movie would have ended in 20 minutes. Then Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which was very funny and so good. Can't believe I hadn't seen it sooner. And finally, The Village, which I liked very much in spite of expecting a very scary movie.
Monday was a day of relaxing. What with my disgusting hair, still waiting to be washed, i wasn't up for much. And I had been up all night chatting to people on the phone, which was great but lasted till 5am. So, I read a lot and went and did some grocery shopping and chilled.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
What's up, apple juice?
Am I presently drinking the most acidic apple juice in the world? Yeah, I am. I diluted it with half a glass of water and it is still too acidic. This makes me sad. I love apple juice, but apparently Korea doesn't share my love. Instead, Korea has a love of tomato flavoured popsicles. This is a weird country.
So, I was out last night, on a Wednesday. It was Henry's birthday, so we went to Hongdae for some Mexican food (and a margarhita!) and then to Bricxx, where it just so happened to be ladies' night. So I got to have two free gin & tonics with the hookah we smoked. It's been ages since I've had gin & tonic and not only had I forgotten how much I love them, they were free! Score!
So, I was out last night, on a Wednesday. It was Henry's birthday, so we went to Hongdae for some Mexican food (and a margarhita!) and then to Bricxx, where it just so happened to be ladies' night. So I got to have two free gin & tonics with the hookah we smoked. It's been ages since I've had gin & tonic and not only had I forgotten how much I love them, they were free! Score!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
So I won't quite be taking over the world...
| 406,590 descendants - you're more genetically fit than 57% of the current population - | |
  | |
My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Genghis Khan Genetic Fitness Test written by gwendolynbooks on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test |
So no more complaining!
S should be happy. Three blogs in one day! In fact, this makes four. Good night, all!
A blog about books
So, I haven't been reading as much as I usually do. Why? Because of my inability to stop reading a book before it is finished combined with how much of a slog I found reading "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Most of it annoyed me - the language she used, a lot of the analysis that I just didn't see, just the book in general. That said, there was a bunch of chapters in the middle that did really interest me. I can see that maybe it is one of those books where if you read it at different life stages, you'd get something different out of it each time. However, I won't be reading it again - took me far too damn long the first time!
Then I moved on to "The Heart of Whiteness" by Robert Jensen. It was only 100 pages long, so my conclusion that while it was interesting and well-written, it wasn't very in-depth is not really surprising. The thing is, while it reminded me of things that I don't always focus on, in terms of white priviledge in North American society, I didn't feel it actually taught me anything new. But still worth a read.
I've been borrowing a lot of books from YunJin, including "The Heart of Whiteness" and when I returned that I picked up "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. I had heard all about the drama with it being a very unfactual "memoir" and the confrontation with Oprah and I was interested to read it for myself. I have to say that the dentist scene had me feeling decidedly queasy while reading and I am thankful to know it wasn't real. In general, I really liked it. It is one of those books where perhaps fiction can indeed hold a great deal of truth. I thought his description of addiction was fascinating and I read it in just two days. It brought up one issue I then wondered about - is AA and the 12 steps really all there is? He talks in the book about not being willing to accept God and hence unable to commit to the programme. And should I ever become addicted, I would have the same problem. I mean, give up on a lifetime belief, and a strong and well thought out belief, in the non-existence of God, or don't get cured? I have heard of secular treatments, though I am too lazy to google them and find out more.
I was in need of some lighter reading, so I read "Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants" by Louise Rennison. Yep, a young adult novel. I've read the first of the series, "Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging" and I now have to say that I'm hooked.
I am now reading "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown. I am having the same problem that I did with "The Da Vinci Code", which is that I think his writing sucks donkey's bollocks. In both books, I love the basic idea of the plot, but I don't like the books. Thank god it is turning out to be a quick read - only one day in and I'm halfway through.
I think a little bell hooks next.
Then I moved on to "The Heart of Whiteness" by Robert Jensen. It was only 100 pages long, so my conclusion that while it was interesting and well-written, it wasn't very in-depth is not really surprising. The thing is, while it reminded me of things that I don't always focus on, in terms of white priviledge in North American society, I didn't feel it actually taught me anything new. But still worth a read.
I've been borrowing a lot of books from YunJin, including "The Heart of Whiteness" and when I returned that I picked up "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. I had heard all about the drama with it being a very unfactual "memoir" and the confrontation with Oprah and I was interested to read it for myself. I have to say that the dentist scene had me feeling decidedly queasy while reading and I am thankful to know it wasn't real. In general, I really liked it. It is one of those books where perhaps fiction can indeed hold a great deal of truth. I thought his description of addiction was fascinating and I read it in just two days. It brought up one issue I then wondered about - is AA and the 12 steps really all there is? He talks in the book about not being willing to accept God and hence unable to commit to the programme. And should I ever become addicted, I would have the same problem. I mean, give up on a lifetime belief, and a strong and well thought out belief, in the non-existence of God, or don't get cured? I have heard of secular treatments, though I am too lazy to google them and find out more.
I was in need of some lighter reading, so I read "Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants" by Louise Rennison. Yep, a young adult novel. I've read the first of the series, "Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging" and I now have to say that I'm hooked.
I am now reading "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown. I am having the same problem that I did with "The Da Vinci Code", which is that I think his writing sucks donkey's bollocks. In both books, I love the basic idea of the plot, but I don't like the books. Thank god it is turning out to be a quick read - only one day in and I'm halfway through.
I think a little bell hooks next.
Funny English
My new body scrub isn't just going to slough away dead skin for me. Just read what it will be doing:
Cacao, as the main ingredient in chocolate, is the messenger of sweet love. It is like a virus of happiness spreading happiness and luck while comforting and providing superior moisturization to dry skin.
So, time to start playing the lottery, falling in love, and getting beautiful skin! Bring it on!!!
Then there is this lovely bag I got when buying used books at Abby's. Sadly, this means I don't know what kind of store it is from, cause now I am curious. But I know I've been in Korea awhile, cause it would all make perfect sense to me if only the word bedspread wasn't there.
Delay of all people who is the possibility of meeting from Korea where the example bedspread. My hobby comes to grip in the person wild hand and the world to go sightseeing. It does always and pretty in order it is loved in the many people and 'CCLONG-GIRLS' to become, it will endeavor to the bedspread. Love do as a favor plentifully.
Cacao, as the main ingredient in chocolate, is the messenger of sweet love. It is like a virus of happiness spreading happiness and luck while comforting and providing superior moisturization to dry skin.
So, time to start playing the lottery, falling in love, and getting beautiful skin! Bring it on!!!
Then there is this lovely bag I got when buying used books at Abby's. Sadly, this means I don't know what kind of store it is from, cause now I am curious. But I know I've been in Korea awhile, cause it would all make perfect sense to me if only the word bedspread wasn't there.
Delay of all people who is the possibility of meeting from Korea where the example bedspread. My hobby comes to grip in the person wild hand and the world to go sightseeing. It does always and pretty in order it is loved in the many people and 'CCLONG-GIRLS' to become, it will endeavor to the bedspread. Love do as a favor plentifully.
Okay then!
I received this email:
blog damn it, BLOG!
s
And since I like to please, here we go!
Last weeeknd was pretty par for the course. On Friday, we had pizza at Julie's, and then the boys took off and the girls watched Project Runway. Saturday I was in Itaewon, sorted out my phone, bought three books from Abbey's and waited to meet up with Laura. We had lunch at Geckos and then went shopping in Insadong, as I have a number of presents I need to send. After a quick trip home to shower, Laura, YunJin and I went to Hongdae. Had a drink at Route 66 and then went to a norae bong and sang for an hour or so. It was fun, regardless of my total lack of singing skills.
Sunday Laura and I decided to try some new food by choosing a random restaurant and pointing to something on the menu. While it wasn't ALL bad, I can't say I'll eat whatever we had ever again. I think the meat was pork and there was this sausage-like thing, except it was filled with rice and noodles. The non-fatty parts of the meat and the saugsage thing were fine. Then the soup. The broth part was fine, some of the meat was okay, but some looked soooooo weird. I have no idea what it was! Wish I had had my camera on me! We went to Starbucks after and then to Yongsan with Julie. Julie bought movies, Laura got a phone, and I was just along for the ride.
Not long till Lindsay arrives and then we head to Thailand!!!
blog damn it, BLOG!
s
And since I like to please, here we go!
Last weeeknd was pretty par for the course. On Friday, we had pizza at Julie's, and then the boys took off and the girls watched Project Runway. Saturday I was in Itaewon, sorted out my phone, bought three books from Abbey's and waited to meet up with Laura. We had lunch at Geckos and then went shopping in Insadong, as I have a number of presents I need to send. After a quick trip home to shower, Laura, YunJin and I went to Hongdae. Had a drink at Route 66 and then went to a norae bong and sang for an hour or so. It was fun, regardless of my total lack of singing skills.
Sunday Laura and I decided to try some new food by choosing a random restaurant and pointing to something on the menu. While it wasn't ALL bad, I can't say I'll eat whatever we had ever again. I think the meat was pork and there was this sausage-like thing, except it was filled with rice and noodles. The non-fatty parts of the meat and the saugsage thing were fine. Then the soup. The broth part was fine, some of the meat was okay, but some looked soooooo weird. I have no idea what it was! Wish I had had my camera on me! We went to Starbucks after and then to Yongsan with Julie. Julie bought movies, Laura got a phone, and I was just along for the ride.
Not long till Lindsay arrives and then we head to Thailand!!!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Rain
I love the sound of raining hitting an umbrella as you walk. What a great way to unwind after a day of work.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Why I love my country...
Link
HALIFAX (CP) - A day before Canada marks its 139th birthday, a young couple will wed in a ceremony that is sure to cast one of the country's most iconic symbols in a whole new light.
Dressed in their distinctive scarlet coats, RCMP constables Jason Tree and David Connors will exchange vows before a justice of the peace and a troop of other Mounties in their fabled red serge.
Reaction to the wedding - the first between two male RCMP officers - has befuddled the couple, who have been overwhelmed by interview requests from reporters and congratulations from well-wishers they've never met.
"We don't see our wedding as anything different or special," Tree, 27, said in an interview from his detachment in Meteghan on Nova Scotia's southwest coast. "Our goal was to get married, not have an international media story.
"I fail to see the big deal."
Tree, who has been an RCMP officer for six years, said he's received about 60 letters from strangers congratulating him on the big event and praising the couple for publicly proclaiming their love - and doing so in uniform.
He's heard the jokes that refer to the couple as the Brokeback Mounties, while headlines blurt out that this Mountie has gotten his man.
Blogs, too, are full of opinions.
"What.
! Neither is wearing white? Who has the garter belt and bouquet? As long as they can catch the bad guys, I don't care who they snuggle down with at night," one blogger wrote recently.
The pair decided in January to set a date for the ceremony, which will be held in a hall in Yarmouth, a town of 8,000 in western Nova Scotia that is best known for its lobster industry. They will recite their own vows before about 100 family members and friends.
Tree said he and Connors, who works in nearby Yarmouth, never intended to make a political statement.
"I don't think there's any difference between us and anyone else who wants to get married," said Tree, who met Connors more than eight years ago at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.
"I'm interested in getting married with David and I guess I'm not interested in engaging in a political debate or anything like that."
Like it or not, the couple's pending nuptials will be held in advance of another heated political debate over the fate of same-sex marriage in Canada, which was recognized by Parliament a year ago.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has pledged to hold a free vote in the House of Commons this fall to determine whether the issue should be revisited.
The move infuriated gay rights activists, who seized on the Mountie marriage as a public rebuke of the Tories' agenda.
"I think these Mounties are sending a message to the government that we are not going to let Harper dictate the natural progression of our relationships," Gemma Hickey, president of Egale Canada, said from St. John's, N.L.
"It flies in the face of every negative stereotype about gay men."
Environics Research released a poll last week that suggested a majority of Canadians accept gay marriage and oppose the idea of re-opening the issue in the House of Commons.
The survey, conducted on behalf of Canadians for Equal Marriage, said 62 per cent of respondents felt
the same-sex marriage question was settled. Only 27 per cent wanted it reopened.
Meanwhile, Harper has issued a gag order to his MPs, instructing them not to comment on the Mounties' marriage in a bid to avoid controversy.
However, Tree said the RCMP have been supportive of his relationship since he joined the force.
Sgt. Frank Skidmore, a spokesman for the force in Halifax, said the organization is trying to reflect a broader spectrum of the Canadian community.
"It's the law in this country, so it's accepted by the RCMP," he said. "The RCMP welcomes a workforce that is representative of Canadian society.
"People look at Canadian icons with their own eyes and if it changes it for them then so be it. But it certainly doesn't change anything for us. The RCMP's proud of its ability to be flexible and adaptive to shifting priorities."
In Yarmouth, where Connors has patrolled the streets for the past three years, the locals don't seem to be making much of a fuss over the wedding.
Brian Smith, warden of the area, said he hasn't heard much in the coffee shops or on the streets of the port town since the story first broke in May.
"It isn't a subject that's brought up daily here," he said. "It's just not a topic around here."
HALIFAX (CP) - A day before Canada marks its 139th birthday, a young couple will wed in a ceremony that is sure to cast one of the country's most iconic symbols in a whole new light.
Dressed in their distinctive scarlet coats, RCMP constables Jason Tree and David Connors will exchange vows before a justice of the peace and a troop of other Mounties in their fabled red serge.
Reaction to the wedding - the first between two male RCMP officers - has befuddled the couple, who have been overwhelmed by interview requests from reporters and congratulations from well-wishers they've never met.
"We don't see our wedding as anything different or special," Tree, 27, said in an interview from his detachment in Meteghan on Nova Scotia's southwest coast. "Our goal was to get married, not have an international media story.
"I fail to see the big deal."
Tree, who has been an RCMP officer for six years, said he's received about 60 letters from strangers congratulating him on the big event and praising the couple for publicly proclaiming their love - and doing so in uniform.
He's heard the jokes that refer to the couple as the Brokeback Mounties, while headlines blurt out that this Mountie has gotten his man.
Blogs, too, are full of opinions.
"What.
! Neither is wearing white? Who has the garter belt and bouquet? As long as they can catch the bad guys, I don't care who they snuggle down with at night," one blogger wrote recently.
The pair decided in January to set a date for the ceremony, which will be held in a hall in Yarmouth, a town of 8,000 in western Nova Scotia that is best known for its lobster industry. They will recite their own vows before about 100 family members and friends.
Tree said he and Connors, who works in nearby Yarmouth, never intended to make a political statement.
"I don't think there's any difference between us and anyone else who wants to get married," said Tree, who met Connors more than eight years ago at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.
"I'm interested in getting married with David and I guess I'm not interested in engaging in a political debate or anything like that."
Like it or not, the couple's pending nuptials will be held in advance of another heated political debate over the fate of same-sex marriage in Canada, which was recognized by Parliament a year ago.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has pledged to hold a free vote in the House of Commons this fall to determine whether the issue should be revisited.
The move infuriated gay rights activists, who seized on the Mountie marriage as a public rebuke of the Tories' agenda.
"I think these Mounties are sending a message to the government that we are not going to let Harper dictate the natural progression of our relationships," Gemma Hickey, president of Egale Canada, said from St. John's, N.L.
"It flies in the face of every negative stereotype about gay men."
Environics Research released a poll last week that suggested a majority of Canadians accept gay marriage and oppose the idea of re-opening the issue in the House of Commons.
The survey, conducted on behalf of Canadians for Equal Marriage, said 62 per cent of respondents felt
the same-sex marriage question was settled. Only 27 per cent wanted it reopened.
Meanwhile, Harper has issued a gag order to his MPs, instructing them not to comment on the Mounties' marriage in a bid to avoid controversy.
However, Tree said the RCMP have been supportive of his relationship since he joined the force.
Sgt. Frank Skidmore, a spokesman for the force in Halifax, said the organization is trying to reflect a broader spectrum of the Canadian community.
"It's the law in this country, so it's accepted by the RCMP," he said. "The RCMP welcomes a workforce that is representative of Canadian society.
"People look at Canadian icons with their own eyes and if it changes it for them then so be it. But it certainly doesn't change anything for us. The RCMP's proud of its ability to be flexible and adaptive to shifting priorities."
In Yarmouth, where Connors has patrolled the streets for the past three years, the locals don't seem to be making much of a fuss over the wedding.
Brian Smith, warden of the area, said he hasn't heard much in the coffee shops or on the streets of the port town since the story first broke in May.
"It isn't a subject that's brought up daily here," he said. "It's just not a topic around here."
Oh, and...
North Korea keeps exploding all those missiles. Not that it has impacted my life much. But I have heard about it from some soldiers, mostly mentioning that it is forcing them to stay closer to base, etc.
Movies and more
I just got back from Julie's where we were all (even Sean and Henry) watching The Breakup. It was an interesting movie that totally pressed all my buttons, considering my life recently. First off, it was very uncomfortable watching the fight scenes. Secondly, there was my reaction to the ending contrasted with other people's. They thought it was sweet and indicated they probably would get back together. I thought "Ahhhh. That is what a breakup should be like. A year later, they have learned so much about themselves, and grown and moved on, and they can be friendly and nice and want the best for each other."
Aside from the movie, I haven't been up to much. Canada Day was a blast. Spent it with Natasha, a Canadian, Kelly, a Scot from Glasgow, and some American army guys in Rocky Mountain Tavern. Because the soldiers all had a four day weekend to come from bases outside of Seoul into the city to party, there were actually far more of them around than Canadians, that I saw anyway. We had a drink at RMT, then samgypsal, then went to Gecko's. I saw a group of guys in the subway, and then singing the anthem as the walked down the street in Itaewon. In their matching red Canada T's, short black shorts, and white socks pulled up to the knees with flags sticking out they were certainly both patriotic and interesting!
Sunday I watched American Pie 4. Yes, you heard me. Who knew there EVEN was a 4??? Must hang out with folks with better taste in movies! ;)
Since then it has been work and silliness. I just discovered that the E-Mart (Happy, Happy, Happy E-mart-e!) sells Ocean Spray Ruby Red juice. I am going to spend a small fortune keeping myself in grapefruit juice. I also got bagels and cream cheese and what appears to be a small pecan pie, though I have yet to try it. My bank card seems to work sometimes, and other times not, so I need to get that fixed. Haven't gotten around to it yet, but really should. That and pay my bill and put money on my phone. I hate running errands, even though they are all on my 10 minute walk to work! Yes, I am lazy. I also need to clean my floor... sigh.
Aside from the movie, I haven't been up to much. Canada Day was a blast. Spent it with Natasha, a Canadian, Kelly, a Scot from Glasgow, and some American army guys in Rocky Mountain Tavern. Because the soldiers all had a four day weekend to come from bases outside of Seoul into the city to party, there were actually far more of them around than Canadians, that I saw anyway. We had a drink at RMT, then samgypsal, then went to Gecko's. I saw a group of guys in the subway, and then singing the anthem as the walked down the street in Itaewon. In their matching red Canada T's, short black shorts, and white socks pulled up to the knees with flags sticking out they were certainly both patriotic and interesting!
Sunday I watched American Pie 4. Yes, you heard me. Who knew there EVEN was a 4??? Must hang out with folks with better taste in movies! ;)
Since then it has been work and silliness. I just discovered that the E-Mart (Happy, Happy, Happy E-mart-e!) sells Ocean Spray Ruby Red juice. I am going to spend a small fortune keeping myself in grapefruit juice. I also got bagels and cream cheese and what appears to be a small pecan pie, though I have yet to try it. My bank card seems to work sometimes, and other times not, so I need to get that fixed. Haven't gotten around to it yet, but really should. That and pay my bill and put money on my phone. I hate running errands, even though they are all on my 10 minute walk to work! Yes, I am lazy. I also need to clean my floor... sigh.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Tell Me About Me
I thought this was quite cool. I wish more people had responded, cause some of the answers really brought back memories!
1. Reply and tell me about me.
2. Tell what song/movie reminds you of me.
"let's get it started... you were the first person to tell me it's really 'let's get retarded.'"
"The Snow Walker, purely because it's a Canadian film, I saw it when I was in Canada and Canada is where I met you, and you're Canadian! (Please bear in mind that I'm writing this after a hard morning's brain workout on my dissertation, and should be
drinking coffee not answering weird questions!!)"
"Right now it would have to be Thelma and Louise. But I'm sure that's changing ..."
"I Heart Huckabees"
"Miss Amanda Jones by the Rolling Stones"
"hmmm, this is a toughie. Anything by Sarah Harmer, but that's because you introduced her to me. Anything by Michael Moore, because I can enjoy him best with you. But that's a sucky answer. "Hunter" by Dido"
3. If you were to apply an o'clock to me, it would be...
"3am"
"Probably 4am, as that is when you seem to be most awake judging from your posts!"
"1am. You like to stay up late."
"Happy Hour!"
"9:00 AM because that's what time I read your surveys while I have my morning coffee at my desk"
"well, I think probably 4am. You are definately one of only a couple of
very night owly friends."
4. Name a single word that best describes me.
"adventurous"
"Intelligent."
"Inquisitive"
"Eloquent"
"'Free-spirit' or 'independant'"
5. Tell me the most memorable moment you've had with me.
"gotta go back to 2nd year and AJ's"
""So many to choose from, but the one I'll never forget was the big horned sheep in Jasper, ramming the car, me accelarating and you going flying!"
"I seem to recall us making creative use of Mlle D'Amico's French class. . ."
"So many--times I've read your posts and thought "right on chinook!!""
"oh dear, there've been so many. And yet in some ways so few. Er. geez. Living in that tent in Stymphalos was unquestionably memorable, as was creeping Andrea out with the whole fake 'lesbian lover' thing. Don't come a knockin' if the tent's a'rockin'!! And yet perhaps you telling me how much better it was to masturbate while smoking a joint?"
6. Tell me what animal I remind you of.
"A beluga whale. They're soo amazing and yet rather mysterious and because it reminds me of another Canadian memory, you, Alan and me going to Vancouver Aquarium."
"That's a tough one ... probably a dog - maybe a labrador?"
"Blue Heron"
"A wild horse, because it's wild and free and loves to run free and wander and is beautiful."
7. Tell me something that you've always wondered about me.
"censored!!!"
"Why you never became a campaigner for some cause, politics, charity, greenpeace. You have a lot of passion, cynicism, drive and you are a fighter. You could be the next Hilary Clinton, I was going to say Tony Blair, but that would kinda be an insult now.. Another example of power corrupts perchance?"
"nothing really .. I think I've got you pretty well sussed. "
"What originally inspired and continues to inspire your international travels?"
"if we'll get to meet irl one day."
"Are you truly happy, deep down? (sorry, that's rather serious....)
Also: Where do you find the strength to travel so well all on your
own? (I'm envious)"
1. Reply and tell me about me.
2. Tell what song/movie reminds you of me.
"let's get it started... you were the first person to tell me it's really 'let's get retarded.'"
"The Snow Walker, purely because it's a Canadian film, I saw it when I was in Canada and Canada is where I met you, and you're Canadian! (Please bear in mind that I'm writing this after a hard morning's brain workout on my dissertation, and should be
drinking coffee not answering weird questions!!)"
"Right now it would have to be Thelma and Louise. But I'm sure that's changing ..."
"I Heart Huckabees"
"Miss Amanda Jones by the Rolling Stones"
"hmmm, this is a toughie. Anything by Sarah Harmer, but that's because you introduced her to me. Anything by Michael Moore, because I can enjoy him best with you. But that's a sucky answer. "Hunter" by Dido"
3. If you were to apply an o'clock to me, it would be...
"3am"
"Probably 4am, as that is when you seem to be most awake judging from your posts!"
"1am. You like to stay up late."
"Happy Hour!"
"9:00 AM because that's what time I read your surveys while I have my morning coffee at my desk"
"well, I think probably 4am. You are definately one of only a couple of
very night owly friends."
4. Name a single word that best describes me.
"adventurous"
"Intelligent."
"Inquisitive"
"Eloquent"
"'Free-spirit' or 'independant'"
5. Tell me the most memorable moment you've had with me.
"gotta go back to 2nd year and AJ's"
""So many to choose from, but the one I'll never forget was the big horned sheep in Jasper, ramming the car, me accelarating and you going flying!"
"I seem to recall us making creative use of Mlle D'Amico's French class. . ."
"So many--times I've read your posts and thought "right on chinook!!""
"oh dear, there've been so many. And yet in some ways so few. Er. geez. Living in that tent in Stymphalos was unquestionably memorable, as was creeping Andrea out with the whole fake 'lesbian lover' thing. Don't come a knockin' if the tent's a'rockin'!! And yet perhaps you telling me how much better it was to masturbate while smoking a joint?"
6. Tell me what animal I remind you of.
"A beluga whale. They're soo amazing and yet rather mysterious and because it reminds me of another Canadian memory, you, Alan and me going to Vancouver Aquarium."
"That's a tough one ... probably a dog - maybe a labrador?"
"Blue Heron"
"A wild horse, because it's wild and free and loves to run free and wander and is beautiful."
7. Tell me something that you've always wondered about me.
"censored!!!"
"Why you never became a campaigner for some cause, politics, charity, greenpeace. You have a lot of passion, cynicism, drive and you are a fighter. You could be the next Hilary Clinton, I was going to say Tony Blair, but that would kinda be an insult now.. Another example of power corrupts perchance?"
"nothing really .. I think I've got you pretty well sussed. "
"What originally inspired and continues to inspire your international travels?"
"if we'll get to meet irl one day."
"Are you truly happy, deep down? (sorry, that's rather serious....)
Also: Where do you find the strength to travel so well all on your
own? (I'm envious)"
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