Although this year went by quickly, a lot has happened in the US within that period of time and sadly enough I didn't share these moments with my close friends and family. However, at least I know where I was at when these things happened.
Highlights
-Inauguration (fist black president of the US).
-Michael Jackson's death and many others.
- Missed Monica's Wedding and Teresa's Wedding. (My first 2 girlfriends to officially get married). I have a feeling who'll be next.
-Solar Eclipse (in US).
-Meteor shower.
-Swine flu (apparent) pandemic.
These are the only highlights I could think of. Time to catch up soon and enjoy my 20s with those close to me...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Korea, Taiwan, Thailand
By order: Korea, Taiwan, Thailand.
Notice that Korea is the only coin that has English on it. English is really taking over Korea even though Taiwanese speaks more English than Korean, at least from my experience that's how I feel.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
It's coming to an END! Or shall I say, it's close to a NEW BEGINNING!
So I have about 4 more months left in Korea. I've been extremely busy putting projects together, applying for different things, and just tying loose ends in Korea.
A few more things to cross out on my list of things TO DO.
-Keep on practicing my guitar and learn how to professionally play at least one good song.
-Learn how to cook one more meal.
-Finish one more book.
These are just personal goals, but other than that, I've probably done most of the things on my "to do list".
Oh yeah gain 5 more pounds and bungee jump with the Cuza from France!
A few more things to cross out on my list of things TO DO.
-Keep on practicing my guitar and learn how to professionally play at least one good song.
-Learn how to cook one more meal.
-Finish one more book.
These are just personal goals, but other than that, I've probably done most of the things on my "to do list".
Oh yeah gain 5 more pounds and bungee jump with the Cuza from France!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Still I rise...
Here's a famous poem by my all time favorite author Maya Angelou. I used this poem as an example to teach about how to write a critical essay. Basically learning how to analyze someone else's work and write about it. Strength, weaknesses, message you get, target reader, repetition, etc...
STILL I RISE
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
By Maya Angelou
STILL I RISE
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
By Maya Angelou
I feel LOVED...
Random: I just noticed today that more than 50% of my students wear glasses. I spoke about culture/New years with my students today and I realized that I actually celebrate New Years 3 times a year. American, Chinese, and Cambodian...i never really thought about it.
I feel loved by my family. A big something I got in the mail. It made my day, despite the 8 hours of actual teaching.
Today is the most tiring day ever. I had to teach 8 consecutive hours. But coming home to see a big box of love sent from my family makes me forget how tired I am and how stressful work is...<3<3<3<3<3<3
I feel loved by my family. A big something I got in the mail. It made my day, despite the 8 hours of actual teaching.
Today is the most tiring day ever. I had to teach 8 consecutive hours. But coming home to see a big box of love sent from my family makes me forget how tired I am and how stressful work is...<3<3<3<3<3<3
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
weird, weirder, weirdest.
-One of my students (a quiet one) came up to me after class a few days ago, put a note in my hand and ran away. Below is a picture of the note.
-I was helping one of my 4th graders spell his name in English. As I leaned over to help him, he started feeling on my arm.
-When I was walking back home from school, some random middle school/ high school girl grabbed my boobs as we walked pass each other. Judging by her physical appearance, I'm think she's a special kid, therefore I didn't say anything, but I did give her a strange look.
-The past week, weird noises would come on the intercom in my apartment late at night. It sounded like old men's gibberish. It would come on around 1 am. I really wanted to go downstairs and tell those old farts (the security guys) to stop getting wasted and disturbing other people's sleep, but I didn't cause I would of had to look up the words in Korean. It would have been too much work. Since I'm a light sleeper, I didn't get much sleep.
-And today, out of no where while I was just lying in bed watching TV, this absurdly loud alarm came on. At first I thought it was some stranger ringing my door bell again so I went downstairs to look at my security screen, but no one was at the door. I pushed the stop button and a few minutes later it started ringing again. I can't read any of the labels or instructions on how to use any of the electronic devices in my apartment nor can I ask for help, hence normally I'll try to figure it out myself or just ignore it. Most of the time I'll figure it out, but it takes time, otherwise I'll just ask my co teachers for help.
-I was helping one of my 4th graders spell his name in English. As I leaned over to help him, he started feeling on my arm.
-When I was walking back home from school, some random middle school/ high school girl grabbed my boobs as we walked pass each other. Judging by her physical appearance, I'm think she's a special kid, therefore I didn't say anything, but I did give her a strange look.
-The past week, weird noises would come on the intercom in my apartment late at night. It sounded like old men's gibberish. It would come on around 1 am. I really wanted to go downstairs and tell those old farts (the security guys) to stop getting wasted and disturbing other people's sleep, but I didn't cause I would of had to look up the words in Korean. It would have been too much work. Since I'm a light sleeper, I didn't get much sleep.
-And today, out of no where while I was just lying in bed watching TV, this absurdly loud alarm came on. At first I thought it was some stranger ringing my door bell again so I went downstairs to look at my security screen, but no one was at the door. I pushed the stop button and a few minutes later it started ringing again. I can't read any of the labels or instructions on how to use any of the electronic devices in my apartment nor can I ask for help, hence normally I'll try to figure it out myself or just ignore it. Most of the time I'll figure it out, but it takes time, otherwise I'll just ask my co teachers for help.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
5 paragraphs make an essay...
So I taught an English essay class today to a bunch of advanced Korean students. These kids are incredibly smart and bright. I felt like I was teaching American 9/10th graders.
They were attentive with my teaching.
I never thought I would see myself teaching kids the proper way of writing an essay and I did it with a last minute prep. Literally one hour before the class started, they told me I had to teach a 3-hour English essay class. That's when my improvisation skill had to come in. Although I was outraged and extremely upset with the situation, I think I did a fantastic job. It felt good.
"Kids, a basic essay is made up of 5 paragraphs. 1 Introduction paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and 1 conclusion paragraph. And one paragraph is made up of at least 5 sentences. And does anyone know what the most important thing in an essay is?....the thesis..........."
They were attentive with my teaching.
I never thought I would see myself teaching kids the proper way of writing an essay and I did it with a last minute prep. Literally one hour before the class started, they told me I had to teach a 3-hour English essay class. That's when my improvisation skill had to come in. Although I was outraged and extremely upset with the situation, I think I did a fantastic job. It felt good.
"Kids, a basic essay is made up of 5 paragraphs. 1 Introduction paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and 1 conclusion paragraph. And one paragraph is made up of at least 5 sentences. And does anyone know what the most important thing in an essay is?....the thesis..........."
Monday, March 23, 2009
Korea vs Japan
Update: So Korea lost. 5 to 3. Poor Korea. Although Ichiro, that man is something. Skilled and handsome. He even has his own museum in Japan.
---Korea has once again justified itself to be powerful in sports. This will be the 5th time Korea and Japan are going against each other in the WBC final. Korea has worked its way up to the classic final for World baseball. The joy and excitement of this achievement has spread throughout South Korea. Baseball in Korea is like Football in America and the WBC is like the superbowl to Koreans.
I must say Korea has earned its spot in this world competition, and based on their winnings of 13 gold during the 2008 Beijing summer olympics, they have proven themselves to be a fierce competitor.
US on the other hand has lost our potential place in the final battle to Japan right in our own soil. It's quite an embarrassment; however, to many, USA still remains number one in many other things.
I don't know who I should root for Japan or Korea. I think Korea. They are very good at baseball and they are competitive, but then Japan is good as well. Although no country can ever beat my love for American sports. Below is a semi-final game between Korea and Venezuela.
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200903223985051
The final game will be aired 3/23 @ 9pm, technically 3/24 12pm Korea time.
---Korea has once again justified itself to be powerful in sports. This will be the 5th time Korea and Japan are going against each other in the WBC final. Korea has worked its way up to the classic final for World baseball. The joy and excitement of this achievement has spread throughout South Korea. Baseball in Korea is like Football in America and the WBC is like the superbowl to Koreans.
I must say Korea has earned its spot in this world competition, and based on their winnings of 13 gold during the 2008 Beijing summer olympics, they have proven themselves to be a fierce competitor.
US on the other hand has lost our potential place in the final battle to Japan right in our own soil. It's quite an embarrassment; however, to many, USA still remains number one in many other things.
I don't know who I should root for Japan or Korea. I think Korea. They are very good at baseball and they are competitive, but then Japan is good as well. Although no country can ever beat my love for American sports. Below is a semi-final game between Korea and Venezuela.
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200903223985051
The final game will be aired 3/23 @ 9pm, technically 3/24 12pm Korea time.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Precious time.
Okay, I keep asking myself over and over again. Am I gaining new experience or am I just wasting time? Everything that I said I wanted to accomplish while being here in Korea has either been accomplished or is very close to being accomplished. I'm already bored of Korea. It's like I'm not able to wake up from a fantasy dream world or is constantly sleep walking.
I am actually ready to take on the REAL world. I am ready to launch my career and move on with life. I think I've gotten a good feel of Korea in just these past months. I feel like from this point on I am no longer taking in new experience, but just wasting time.
I fed my curiosity about living abroad. And my passion for traveling has been fulfilled for the time being. Now it's time to move on to something new.
2009 is yet another new chapter in life for me. I am ready!
In the mean time here's a list of what I will and will not miss about Korea. I'll be adding on to this list as time passes by.
What I WON"T MISS about WORKING in KOREA/living in Korea.
1. My very timid yet "KNOW IT ALL"---"CO-TEACHER."
2. The sudden news or work imposed on me with VERY last minute preparation.
3. The daily RICE and KIMCHI served during lunch time.
4. The REDUNDANT lesson plans I have to present/teach each day to about 800 kids.
5. The inefficient and frustrating moments I have to endure of not having my own PERSONAL desk or computer to work at.
6. The students saying "DEY" with a clueless look on their faces when in reality, they do understand me...urrrggg...and this applies to one particular kid.
7. The no confidentiality/personal space
ex: at least in America you see people in their bathing suits when you go to a gym with a Jacuzzi. In Korea everyone is 100% naked, OLD and YOUNG. A little bit of mystery makes the mind wonder, but Korea doesn't have this. i.e when I have an appointment at the hospital, I have to tell them exactly what it's for.
9. Their lack of creativity. They follow everything they see or hear in the media.
10. Having to report ever little thing I do to them, even when I need to go pay my bills or use the rest room.
11. Always being the last find out about anything.
12. The way Korea censors out all the bad stuff. They live in the dark. They only see the light. They are hidden from the aspects of good and bad. Therefore, they are not able to compare. I guess ignorance is a bliss? At age 23, I've done more than most of these 30 year old ladies.
13 The 16 year old youth mentality instilled in the many middle-aged Korean women. (GOSH GROW-UP!)
14. Having to sit with a bunch of Koreans that I can barely communicate with.
15. Trying to convey my message across, but ends up giving up because ignoring the issue is just much easier.
16. Having to race my way to lunch and grab all the food I could get. Everyday lunch time is like a race competition, if you are first, you get plenty, if you are last you get almost nothing. And we all pay the same monthly fee for lunch. $25.
17. Being treated like I'm a kid. Them telling me what to do and when to do it.
18. Having to estimate how much toilet paper I would need prior to actually using it at school and at most public restrooms.
18. Having to leave my water running for at least one minute before it actually gets warm.
20. Having to run from one computer to another just to get any work done. And when I finally got my own computer, it's a 1992 SAMSUNG desktop compare to the rest of the 2006 Samsung.
21. The aggressive cars/drivers that will run you over if you don't hurry your ass up and cross the street.
22. How people will just push you to the side to get through. Saying excuse me isn't something that Koreans do, even though the word does exist.
23. The different noises Koreans make that isn't even a word, but is a part of body language/gesture...ex agoo, chincha!, YAy!...shivering with annoyance ****
24. The way they don't say excuse me or bless you when they sneeze or when someone else sneezes. Those words don't exist according to what I've learned.
Things I WILL MISS.
1. The night life
2. My nice apartment
3. The good long sleep on the weekends.
4. Lots of free time
5. My personal space at my apartment.
6. The cheap spending
7. Some of my new friends
8. Some of my cute little students
9. The convenience of traveling to other countries.
10. The freedom of walking everywhere without being verbally violated aka hollered at (cause every girl here is overdressed).
11. my 10 minute WALK to work.
12. Traveling by foot.
13. The secure and safety environment Korea offers.
TO BE CONTINUED...
***When every little thing about a place/person annoys you, that's when you know you've had enough. I guess perhaps, if I didn't have my current job I would probably enjoy Korea more, even though this is one of the easiest jobs I've ever had. But because it's easy, it's boring. No passion.
I am actually ready to take on the REAL world. I am ready to launch my career and move on with life. I think I've gotten a good feel of Korea in just these past months. I feel like from this point on I am no longer taking in new experience, but just wasting time.
I fed my curiosity about living abroad. And my passion for traveling has been fulfilled for the time being. Now it's time to move on to something new.
2009 is yet another new chapter in life for me. I am ready!
In the mean time here's a list of what I will and will not miss about Korea. I'll be adding on to this list as time passes by.
What I WON"T MISS about WORKING in KOREA/living in Korea.
1. My very timid yet "KNOW IT ALL"---"CO-TEACHER."
2. The sudden news or work imposed on me with VERY last minute preparation.
3. The daily RICE and KIMCHI served during lunch time.
4. The REDUNDANT lesson plans I have to present/teach each day to about 800 kids.
5. The inefficient and frustrating moments I have to endure of not having my own PERSONAL desk or computer to work at.
6. The students saying "DEY" with a clueless look on their faces when in reality, they do understand me...urrrggg...and this applies to one particular kid.
7. The no confidentiality/personal space
ex: at least in America you see people in their bathing suits when you go to a gym with a Jacuzzi. In Korea everyone is 100% naked, OLD and YOUNG. A little bit of mystery makes the mind wonder, but Korea doesn't have this. i.e when I have an appointment at the hospital, I have to tell them exactly what it's for.
9. Their lack of creativity. They follow everything they see or hear in the media.
10. Having to report ever little thing I do to them, even when I need to go pay my bills or use the rest room.
11. Always being the last find out about anything.
12. The way Korea censors out all the bad stuff. They live in the dark. They only see the light. They are hidden from the aspects of good and bad. Therefore, they are not able to compare. I guess ignorance is a bliss? At age 23, I've done more than most of these 30 year old ladies.
13 The 16 year old youth mentality instilled in the many middle-aged Korean women. (GOSH GROW-UP!)
14. Having to sit with a bunch of Koreans that I can barely communicate with.
15. Trying to convey my message across, but ends up giving up because ignoring the issue is just much easier.
16. Having to race my way to lunch and grab all the food I could get. Everyday lunch time is like a race competition, if you are first, you get plenty, if you are last you get almost nothing. And we all pay the same monthly fee for lunch. $25.
17. Being treated like I'm a kid. Them telling me what to do and when to do it.
18. Having to estimate how much toilet paper I would need prior to actually using it at school and at most public restrooms.
18. Having to leave my water running for at least one minute before it actually gets warm.
20. Having to run from one computer to another just to get any work done. And when I finally got my own computer, it's a 1992 SAMSUNG desktop compare to the rest of the 2006 Samsung.
21. The aggressive cars/drivers that will run you over if you don't hurry your ass up and cross the street.
22. How people will just push you to the side to get through. Saying excuse me isn't something that Koreans do, even though the word does exist.
23. The different noises Koreans make that isn't even a word, but is a part of body language/gesture...ex agoo, chincha!, YAy!...shivering with annoyance ****
24. The way they don't say excuse me or bless you when they sneeze or when someone else sneezes. Those words don't exist according to what I've learned.
Things I WILL MISS.
1. The night life
2. My nice apartment
3. The good long sleep on the weekends.
4. Lots of free time
5. My personal space at my apartment.
6. The cheap spending
7. Some of my new friends
8. Some of my cute little students
9. The convenience of traveling to other countries.
10. The freedom of walking everywhere without being verbally violated aka hollered at (cause every girl here is overdressed).
11. my 10 minute WALK to work.
12. Traveling by foot.
13. The secure and safety environment Korea offers.
TO BE CONTINUED...
***When every little thing about a place/person annoys you, that's when you know you've had enough. I guess perhaps, if I didn't have my current job I would probably enjoy Korea more, even though this is one of the easiest jobs I've ever had. But because it's easy, it's boring. No passion.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
WATCHMEN <3<3<3..A Warner Bros production.
"What happened to the American Dream?! it came true! You're looking at it!...Hallelujah...Nothing ends, nothing ever ends." Wow, this movie portrays the world as SUCH a scary place. Maybe because it is..."God didn't do this to the world, we did."
my favorite character: Rorschach
my favorite character: Rorschach
Monday, March 9, 2009
Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall....
So spring is coming soon. Spring in Korea doesn't start until end of May, which means it's still pretty cold right now. While I look forward to this warm and lovable weather, I don't look forward to the crazy miscellaneous schedule I presume to have.
Must do. my A,B,C,D...plan
1. I have to start applying for jobs in the Bay Area and New York starting the end of May.
2. I have to continue studying for my GRE because I still have one part left to take.
3. I have to finish my portfolio/reels.
4. Work on my resume and cover letter.
5. Apply for grad school for Fall 2010.
6. Apply for financial aid.
7. Apply for programs.
8. Start looking for apartments.
9. Do my taxes
10. Files paper-wok for my miscellaneous funds...i.e my stock account, 401k, spending account...etc
Want to do.
1. go out more often and try to hit up a new place in Korea every weekend.
2. Take more pictures and try to post at least one new picture up every weekend.
3. Take up a hip hop dance class.
4. Stop hibernating.
5. Finish my books.
6. Finish knitting my scarf.
7. Find a new joint to eat at every weekend.
8. Travel to more parts of Korea.
9. Make more Korean friends.
On top of this crazy list, I have to juggle my 20 hr lesson plan, plus 6 hours of extra debate classes, and private tutoring with my oh so lovely (dry sarcasm) principal.
Hey at least it'll be warm by then, just hope those crazy mosquitos don't bug me much.
Must do. my A,B,C,D...plan
1. I have to start applying for jobs in the Bay Area and New York starting the end of May.
2. I have to continue studying for my GRE because I still have one part left to take.
3. I have to finish my portfolio/reels.
4. Work on my resume and cover letter.
5. Apply for grad school for Fall 2010.
6. Apply for financial aid.
7. Apply for programs.
8. Start looking for apartments.
9. Do my taxes
10. Files paper-wok for my miscellaneous funds...i.e my stock account, 401k, spending account...etc
Want to do.
1. go out more often and try to hit up a new place in Korea every weekend.
2. Take more pictures and try to post at least one new picture up every weekend.
3. Take up a hip hop dance class.
4. Stop hibernating.
5. Finish my books.
6. Finish knitting my scarf.
7. Find a new joint to eat at every weekend.
8. Travel to more parts of Korea.
9. Make more Korean friends.
On top of this crazy list, I have to juggle my 20 hr lesson plan, plus 6 hours of extra debate classes, and private tutoring with my oh so lovely (dry sarcasm) principal.
Hey at least it'll be warm by then, just hope those crazy mosquitos don't bug me much.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fire is SCARY.
God I never knew fire could be this scary, perhaps because I've never been a victim of arson, but today's experience has changed my view of fire.
I mean common sense, everyone knows not to play with fire because it is obviously dangerous; however, no one ever really thinks about it until they have been affected by it.
It was 8:10 pm in Korea and I had just finished cleaning out my fridge. I notice the three round potatoes just sitting inside my fridge for almost a week now. I thought to myself, French fries sound good right about now. Thus I reached in grab the three potatoes and started to chop them up in long rectangular pieces. I placed the pan filled with used oil from the previous night on the stove and turned the fire on. As the fire is flaring its heat underneath the pan, I took out the pasta that I had made from the previous night, went to my futon and enjoyably stuffed my face. Lost in the essence of delicious food, I forgot for a minute that I am still cooking. As I lift my head up, I notice smoke profusely spilling out from underneath the lid of the pan. I ran to the stove; turned on the vent to my kitchen hood and backed away. Smoke continues to overflow the surface of the pan thus I reached in, placed my hand over the lid and picked it up. Fire immediately flared out from inside the pan igniting itself from the oil. I panicked. What am I suppose to do? Where the hell is the fire extinguisher? Oh god what the hell should I do, I thought to myself.
It took my brain a good 30 seconds to process the situation. I thought to myself, it'll take me too long to look for a fire extinguisher and by that time the fire may grow. I need help. I picked up the pan ran outside to my next-door neighbors and started pounding away on their door.
Is anyone in there? I yelled, I need help out here! Forgetting that I am in Korea and English is not a language that EVERYONE in Korea speaks, I continued to pound away anyways. A lady opens the door with her 3 kids, looks at me with a dumbfounded glare and says *&&*^%$$. I have no idea what she had said, but I'm damn sure she knows what situation I have involved her in.
The fire continues to find its way to other things, by that time I realize that I am no longer able to uphold this pan, I quickly dropped it to the floor splattering the oil everywhere. Now the fire is really burning. I thought to myself, oh god, am I really encountering a fire? Am I really going to be a victim of fire? What am I suppose to do? By this time, a substantial amount of smoke has made its way throughout the corridor and the fire alarm to the entire building is ringing uncontrollably. Should I run for it or should I take the next step in this horrific situation and warn others, but this fire has yet to reach anyone else so would I be impulsively overreacting if I do warn others? Okay I'll just wait a little longer, I said to myself.
In 5 seconds, if this lady doesn't come back out with a fire extinguisher, I'm going to do what I have to do. Okay counting in my head, one......two......three......four......lady where are you, I don't want to die in Korea, not here and definitely not now.......five. As I prepare myself for this next procedure, the rescuer of the day came rushing out with her mini fire extinguisher. Thank you lord! I stepped aside assuming she would do the rest. She looked at the fire and immediately handed the fire extinguisher to me. I'm thinking, oh god how do I use this? No time to learn now, just improvise and use your common sense. In just a short time, I found the safety release, and started to spray away. It felt good. The fire is gone, hence I look down at the floor and there I see, a big black round brunt shape imprinted right in the middle of the corridor's floor. Yikes! I wonder if they're going to make me pay for this damage?
The lady smiled, nodded her head, snatched her fire extinguisher away from me, and slammed the door in my face. Gosh lady, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I didn't want anyone to die because of me.
I was relieved.
I went back into my apartment, sat down on my futon, stroke my fingers through my hair, and thought to myself, wow that was a rush, but I think I did extremely well. Then I realize the fire had burnt part of my hair and the flaming oil pierced through the thin surface of my skin leaving my fingers with small brown spots. I guess that's my evidence of this little disaster and a little something to remember.
Lesson of the day: Always know where your fire extinguisher is. And when you are cooking, REMEMBER that you ARE cooking.
Now I'm starving, but I'm afraid to cook again, at least for tonight. Guess I'll just munch on my junk food for now. What a day.
I mean common sense, everyone knows not to play with fire because it is obviously dangerous; however, no one ever really thinks about it until they have been affected by it.
It was 8:10 pm in Korea and I had just finished cleaning out my fridge. I notice the three round potatoes just sitting inside my fridge for almost a week now. I thought to myself, French fries sound good right about now. Thus I reached in grab the three potatoes and started to chop them up in long rectangular pieces. I placed the pan filled with used oil from the previous night on the stove and turned the fire on. As the fire is flaring its heat underneath the pan, I took out the pasta that I had made from the previous night, went to my futon and enjoyably stuffed my face. Lost in the essence of delicious food, I forgot for a minute that I am still cooking. As I lift my head up, I notice smoke profusely spilling out from underneath the lid of the pan. I ran to the stove; turned on the vent to my kitchen hood and backed away. Smoke continues to overflow the surface of the pan thus I reached in, placed my hand over the lid and picked it up. Fire immediately flared out from inside the pan igniting itself from the oil. I panicked. What am I suppose to do? Where the hell is the fire extinguisher? Oh god what the hell should I do, I thought to myself.
It took my brain a good 30 seconds to process the situation. I thought to myself, it'll take me too long to look for a fire extinguisher and by that time the fire may grow. I need help. I picked up the pan ran outside to my next-door neighbors and started pounding away on their door.
Is anyone in there? I yelled, I need help out here! Forgetting that I am in Korea and English is not a language that EVERYONE in Korea speaks, I continued to pound away anyways. A lady opens the door with her 3 kids, looks at me with a dumbfounded glare and says *&&*^%$$. I have no idea what she had said, but I'm damn sure she knows what situation I have involved her in.
The fire continues to find its way to other things, by that time I realize that I am no longer able to uphold this pan, I quickly dropped it to the floor splattering the oil everywhere. Now the fire is really burning. I thought to myself, oh god, am I really encountering a fire? Am I really going to be a victim of fire? What am I suppose to do? By this time, a substantial amount of smoke has made its way throughout the corridor and the fire alarm to the entire building is ringing uncontrollably. Should I run for it or should I take the next step in this horrific situation and warn others, but this fire has yet to reach anyone else so would I be impulsively overreacting if I do warn others? Okay I'll just wait a little longer, I said to myself.
In 5 seconds, if this lady doesn't come back out with a fire extinguisher, I'm going to do what I have to do. Okay counting in my head, one......two......three......four......lady where are you, I don't want to die in Korea, not here and definitely not now.......five. As I prepare myself for this next procedure, the rescuer of the day came rushing out with her mini fire extinguisher. Thank you lord! I stepped aside assuming she would do the rest. She looked at the fire and immediately handed the fire extinguisher to me. I'm thinking, oh god how do I use this? No time to learn now, just improvise and use your common sense. In just a short time, I found the safety release, and started to spray away. It felt good. The fire is gone, hence I look down at the floor and there I see, a big black round brunt shape imprinted right in the middle of the corridor's floor. Yikes! I wonder if they're going to make me pay for this damage?
The lady smiled, nodded her head, snatched her fire extinguisher away from me, and slammed the door in my face. Gosh lady, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I didn't want anyone to die because of me.
I was relieved.
I went back into my apartment, sat down on my futon, stroke my fingers through my hair, and thought to myself, wow that was a rush, but I think I did extremely well. Then I realize the fire had burnt part of my hair and the flaming oil pierced through the thin surface of my skin leaving my fingers with small brown spots. I guess that's my evidence of this little disaster and a little something to remember.
Lesson of the day: Always know where your fire extinguisher is. And when you are cooking, REMEMBER that you ARE cooking.
Now I'm starving, but I'm afraid to cook again, at least for tonight. Guess I'll just munch on my junk food for now. What a day.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
"Experience is the best Teacher."
"Experience is the best Teacher."-Slumdog Millionaire is a great example of this saying.
It makes me want to go visit India even more now after seeing this movie.
And...."Travel is a classroom without walls."-somewhere
new song:: Fall for you by Secondhand Serenade.
I am extremely lethargic to write about my experiences in Japan and Thailand,
but I figure I should if I want to practice on my writing. Writing is most likely
the best idea right about now considering I have all the time in the world at this
very moment.
Today is my first day back at work since spring break. I'm sitting at a
desk browsing through random websites and blasting today's hottest hits in my
ears. Today feels like the beginning of everything again. New classroom, new co-workers, new air. My previous co-teacher got transferred to Singapore thus I am stuck here alone again with everything "NEW" to digest.
Six months have passed since I've been to Korea. While current events at
home appear to be the same, my life here has shifted dramatically. Within
a period of only 6 months, I feel that my wisdom level has risen
enormously. Before I left the Bay Area, I was still a kid. Not wanting to grow up and not wanting to imprison myself behind the world of 9-5; trapped in a charade of liberty only to find myself surrounded by capitalism in the form of status quo, I ran. However, now I can honestly say that I am READY to become an
adult. However, no matter how far the journey of life will take me, I will
always and forever be a kid at heart. In addition to the many aspects of my adventurous life, I still feel like the same person I was six months ago. A skinny southeast Asian oriented gal raised in the ghetto with a passion for food seeking knowledge in a world so far fetched than her society could even imagine, walking through the path of life with strong virtue and traditional beliefs instilled in her is "WHO I AM".
So what's next after this? I know what's next. Just give me some time and I'm sure I can make it happen.
The finale of Thailand.
It is Friday February 25th 2009. We had just arrived back to Bangkok. This will be my last night in Bangkok along with one of my other friends. My other friend on the other hand will be staying for another night. At the sight of our quick landing, we scouted for a taxi and immediately made our way to our 5 minute distance hotel.
To be continued...
It makes me want to go visit India even more now after seeing this movie.
And...."Travel is a classroom without walls."-somewhere
new song:: Fall for you by Secondhand Serenade.
I am extremely lethargic to write about my experiences in Japan and Thailand,
but I figure I should if I want to practice on my writing. Writing is most likely
the best idea right about now considering I have all the time in the world at this
very moment.
Today is my first day back at work since spring break. I'm sitting at a
desk browsing through random websites and blasting today's hottest hits in my
ears. Today feels like the beginning of everything again. New classroom, new co-workers, new air. My previous co-teacher got transferred to Singapore thus I am stuck here alone again with everything "NEW" to digest.
Six months have passed since I've been to Korea. While current events at
home appear to be the same, my life here has shifted dramatically. Within
a period of only 6 months, I feel that my wisdom level has risen
enormously. Before I left the Bay Area, I was still a kid. Not wanting to grow up and not wanting to imprison myself behind the world of 9-5; trapped in a charade of liberty only to find myself surrounded by capitalism in the form of status quo, I ran. However, now I can honestly say that I am READY to become an
adult. However, no matter how far the journey of life will take me, I will
always and forever be a kid at heart. In addition to the many aspects of my adventurous life, I still feel like the same person I was six months ago. A skinny southeast Asian oriented gal raised in the ghetto with a passion for food seeking knowledge in a world so far fetched than her society could even imagine, walking through the path of life with strong virtue and traditional beliefs instilled in her is "WHO I AM".
So what's next after this? I know what's next. Just give me some time and I'm sure I can make it happen.
The finale of Thailand.
It is Friday February 25th 2009. We had just arrived back to Bangkok. This will be my last night in Bangkok along with one of my other friends. My other friend on the other hand will be staying for another night. At the sight of our quick landing, we scouted for a taxi and immediately made our way to our 5 minute distance hotel.
To be continued...
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The smell of pad Thai. Bangkok, Thailand in a nutshell.
For 500 bhat each, you could cruise through the mid stream of Bangkok, Thailand. Lines of motor canals line the port of this narrow stream as each of us passes by one by one viewing this incredible sight.
A collection of beautiful and very spiritual buddhas stand strong and powerful with traditional atmosphere circulating the temple.
A peak at our tuk tuk driver JOY.
A beautifully decorated tuk tuk roams the streets of Thailand spearing for lost foreigners as they try to appear as sincere Thai citizens wanting to help tourist venture around the Thai land.
Despite the many different uncivilized and utterly disgusting parts of Bangkok, a quick look at these bright pink taxis make Bangkok appears more modern and diligent than anticipated.
A collection of beautiful and very spiritual buddhas stand strong and powerful with traditional atmosphere circulating the temple.
A peak at our tuk tuk driver JOY.
A beautifully decorated tuk tuk roams the streets of Thailand spearing for lost foreigners as they try to appear as sincere Thai citizens wanting to help tourist venture around the Thai land.
Despite the many different uncivilized and utterly disgusting parts of Bangkok, a quick look at these bright pink taxis make Bangkok appears more modern and diligent than anticipated. 
Friday, January 23, 2009
Adventure in Japan w/the sis.
-woke up 4 hours early just to prepare for our flight but when we got there, we had to run to the gate just to catch our flight. reminded me of the journey I had w/ my dad to Europe. My poor dad, he hasn't exercised for years and for his body to work out like that, it was hard for him, yet hilarious to me.
-the agent assigned a double seating, I had the same seat number as the guy next to me, but the guy ended up getting upgraded to business class while I got his seat. prejudice?
-my sister's luggage decides to completely fail her. All three handles broke off...LOL... Luckily we got that street smarts, which enabled us to improvise.
-when I walked out of a restaurant, a pair of dirty chop sticks got stuck on the knee part of my pants and I walking with it the whole entire time. Those Japanese were probably thinking is chop stick a new style now? lol...
-the agent assigned a double seating, I had the same seat number as the guy next to me, but the guy ended up getting upgraded to business class while I got his seat. prejudice?
-my sister's luggage decides to completely fail her. All three handles broke off...LOL... Luckily we got that street smarts, which enabled us to improvise.
-when I walked out of a restaurant, a pair of dirty chop sticks got stuck on the knee part of my pants and I walking with it the whole entire time. Those Japanese were probably thinking is chop stick a new style now? lol...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
All Smiles..=))))))))))
I came home today and received a call from my co-teacher. She tells me "Dara you have a package from some other country." I'm like okay???
I went to the guard's room to pick up my package, and to my surprise, it's a HUGE package from my cousin Mary in OHIO.
I am seriously going to enjoy this good supply of hot chips, dorritos, and good mexican candies...YUM YUM!
Sincere thanks to my lovely Mary.
I went to the guard's room to pick up my package, and to my surprise, it's a HUGE package from my cousin Mary in OHIO.
I am seriously going to enjoy this good supply of hot chips, dorritos, and good mexican candies...YUM YUM!
Sincere thanks to my lovely Mary.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bread human body parts
I stumbled upon this while looking for videos to teach my kids about human body parts. Of course I won't be showing them this video.
This world is getting more and more creative. The bread looks kinda scary, but hey I'd still eat it.
This world is getting more and more creative. The bread looks kinda scary, but hey I'd still eat it.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Paris hilton on Korean comedy show.
What is she famous for again? Oh yeah her sex vid.
She said one line and the rest of the time she just smiles and and tries to look cute.//=?
She said one line and the rest of the time she just smiles and and tries to look cute.//=?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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