It feels like it has been over a week since I've posted. In reality its only been five days. The post before the 25th was another five days. This accounts for the eerie feeling of being so long since the colors have been updated. All the winners of the "Blog it Forward" campaign have check in and now it's time to go out shopping in the shopping district for something original and culturally unique. A gift that shouts this is Korea, South Korea... the soul of Asia.
The Korean Lunar New Year was great. A few duckets (cash) came my way. Mostly for my skills in playing poker. When the T.V. was on, the act of not paying attention to the game came in handy. People were unable to figure out if my hand was genuine or not. The uncertainty help to win a few more duckets either way... They called if I had the real deal and folded when I was bluffing.
On Monday evening I met up with the fellas and headed to our stomping ground to celebrate the festivities.
Wednesday was back to work which turned out to be a nice three day work week.
This brings us to Friday.
A friend of mine (Canadian Wildcat) picked up a book for me about picking up women. The book has a lot to say about social interactions and how to keep a female interested in the pursuit without getting distracted or uninterested. Mostly the book offers confidence to those who may lack suck confidence when interacting with women. This has nothing in common with me. In most situations I'm calm and easy to get along with. It helps that I've got a natural intuition about reading body language and possibly a sixth sense about interacting in social settings. In the past it was hard to put a finger on what exactly gave me the cues to do what and how. The book gave a little light to how it all looks under the microscope and in some sense will refine my ability to interact with people in social settings.
Tonight I hope to put some of the things that have been enlightening in the book to the test.
With regards to the weekend... I hope that everybody had a wonderful week and that the weekend is just as enjoyable. I'll have a Gin w/Apple Juice to start the night off and I hope you raise your alcoholic beverages up on Friday night with thoughts of grandeur.
Cheers!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Happy Lunar New Year
If you fucked it up the first time there's always the Lunar New Year. This year the Lunar New Year falls on Monday. This is one of Korea's busiest week. One of 2 weeks that Seoul becomes a ghost town The Korean Lunar New Year and the Korean Full Moon Thanksgiving (Chuseok).
Most Korean people are on a mass exodus to their country side homes. It's where one of the parents are originally from or their Grandparents. In some cases it's where their ancestors are buried. Families come together and gift each other with money and feast on a variety of delicious Korean dishes.
Unlike the North American holiday system Korea is restricted to a few holidays a year. If your lucky you might have a total of 10 days off in a year. These 10 days vary from year to year due to the lunar calender which makes dates change from year to year. For example... last year the Korean Lunar New Year fell in the month of February. As you may well have known this year the same holiday is in January.
This year my New Year's plan was to get out of Seoul at least once a month. Last weekend a bunch of friends and I ventured out of Seoul to visit a Folk Village and the city fortress of Suwon. Suwon is a city south of Seoul about an hour out by transportation. The hour varies depending on what system of transportation a person takes. On our way to Suwon we caught the bus which took almost two hours. We stayed the night in Suwon and saw the important sights or the ones that were visible from our point of trajectory. The fortress is smack in the middle of town surrounded by mountains and a wall encircling the the fortress. It's amazing.
The best part of this time around is that I'm not in the drunken stupor that I was in a few weeks back. Later today I will visit my Aunts' and Uncles'. We will travel to see my Grandfather's younger brother who is the head of the family (It's a Confusionist/cultural thing, my grandfather passed away before my mother was married now my grandfather's younger brother is the head of the family. I just call him Grandfather or lil Grandfather). We will feast on food. We will give our respects to our elders by bowing in traditional Korean (I'm still figuring out how to do that right). The men will gather around a table and play 7 card stud. This is the Korean Lunar New Year!
Happy Korean Lunar New Year everybody.
I'd like to take this time to congratulate the four commenter's on my previous post. Congratulations. Although, originally there were only going to be three winners I think an exception can be granted to the four who stamped their mark of approval.
The winners are...
Sandi
Julian
JenBun
Paris
If the following four can drop a note in my inbox/email with their address I can begin stocking you four. No, seriously their should be a gift culturally Korean in the mail for you within the month.
I ask in return (minus JenBun, this originated through her) the three of you ladies to forward a gift as done here on this site or something similar. Actually, adding your own twist would definitely add some flavor.
... and my favorite alcoholic beverage is... wait for it... Gin & Apple Juice on ice. I'll settle for whiskey on ice if no apple juice is available.
Cheers!
Most Korean people are on a mass exodus to their country side homes. It's where one of the parents are originally from or their Grandparents. In some cases it's where their ancestors are buried. Families come together and gift each other with money and feast on a variety of delicious Korean dishes.
Unlike the North American holiday system Korea is restricted to a few holidays a year. If your lucky you might have a total of 10 days off in a year. These 10 days vary from year to year due to the lunar calender which makes dates change from year to year. For example... last year the Korean Lunar New Year fell in the month of February. As you may well have known this year the same holiday is in January.
This year my New Year's plan was to get out of Seoul at least once a month. Last weekend a bunch of friends and I ventured out of Seoul to visit a Folk Village and the city fortress of Suwon. Suwon is a city south of Seoul about an hour out by transportation. The hour varies depending on what system of transportation a person takes. On our way to Suwon we caught the bus which took almost two hours. We stayed the night in Suwon and saw the important sights or the ones that were visible from our point of trajectory. The fortress is smack in the middle of town surrounded by mountains and a wall encircling the the fortress. It's amazing.
The best part of this time around is that I'm not in the drunken stupor that I was in a few weeks back. Later today I will visit my Aunts' and Uncles'. We will travel to see my Grandfather's younger brother who is the head of the family (It's a Confusionist/cultural thing, my grandfather passed away before my mother was married now my grandfather's younger brother is the head of the family. I just call him Grandfather or lil Grandfather). We will feast on food. We will give our respects to our elders by bowing in traditional Korean (I'm still figuring out how to do that right). The men will gather around a table and play 7 card stud. This is the Korean Lunar New Year!
Happy Korean Lunar New Year everybody.
I'd like to take this time to congratulate the four commenter's on my previous post. Congratulations. Although, originally there were only going to be three winners I think an exception can be granted to the four who stamped their mark of approval.
The winners are...
Sandi
Julian
JenBun
Paris
If the following four can drop a note in my inbox/email with their address I can begin stocking you four. No, seriously their should be a gift culturally Korean in the mail for you within the month.
I ask in return (minus JenBun, this originated through her) the three of you ladies to forward a gift as done here on this site or something similar. Actually, adding your own twist would definitely add some flavor.
... and my favorite alcoholic beverage is... wait for it... Gin & Apple Juice on ice. I'll settle for whiskey on ice if no apple juice is available.
Cheers!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
De-lurking Week/ Blog it Forward
It's not often that I win anything. It so happens that last week I was awarded a prize from among five. Cheers!
If you visit JenBun's blog you can get the detail to the win.
This is how it works. All you anonymous reader get to de-lurk yourselves and leave a comment. You can share your favorite alcoholic drink or just pop in to say hi. Anybody can get involved. This isn't just for the anonymous. The best part is that from among the commenter's I will choose 3 people to receive something uniquely Korean in the mail (Blog it Forward). In return I ask that the 3 winners Blog it Forward by sending an act of kindness without expectation of anything in return. I think the following quote sums it up best...
"[T]he exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in his/her turn, pass the kindness along and pay it forward in his/her own way. I agree to send something fun, inspiring or uplifting to three random commenter's. In turn, those three will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and so on." (Adam)
You have till 11:59 P.M. Friday U.S. Pacific time. This should give all the North American folks the same amount of time as those out here in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Hope to hear from you all.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Funny Things Kids Say
Today was Show & Tell day at school. Normally this involves the kids bringing in some type of item. The kids are then taught how to talk about the item in English. In the past this involved toys, favorite items, pictures or something culturally Korean. Today was different. The kids spoke about their parent's career/occupation. Most Korean mothers are home makers. This led most of the students to speak about their Father's occupation. Of the 11 kindergarten students only five knew what occupation their Father was in.
Each student took turns answering my first question:
Grey: What is your Father's occupation?
One student: T.V.
Grey: Your Father is on T.V.?
One student: No. My Father watches T.V.
The Eleven students that I teach are divided into two classes. One class is slightly more advanced than the other class. This week two of the students advanced into the higher level class. In the lower level class the students were curious about why the two students left their class and were now in the higher level class (they don't call it the higher level class. They call it Sammy Class).
Girl Student: Teacher.
Grey: Yes?
Girl Student: Why Jasmine in Sammy Class? (Literally, as it is written).
Grey: ... (silence).
Boy Student: Jasmine wanted to be in Henry's class because their going to get married.
If you got anything to add. Please honor us with your knowledge of funny things kids say.
Each student took turns answering my first question:
Grey: What is your Father's occupation?
One student: T.V.
Grey: Your Father is on T.V.?
One student: No. My Father watches T.V.
The Eleven students that I teach are divided into two classes. One class is slightly more advanced than the other class. This week two of the students advanced into the higher level class. In the lower level class the students were curious about why the two students left their class and were now in the higher level class (they don't call it the higher level class. They call it Sammy Class).
Girl Student: Teacher.
Grey: Yes?
Girl Student: Why Jasmine in Sammy Class? (Literally, as it is written).
Grey: ... (silence).
Boy Student: Jasmine wanted to be in Henry's class because their going to get married.
If you got anything to add. Please honor us with your knowledge of funny things kids say.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Grey's Commitment Issue
Did anybody see the movie about a guy who ages backwards? It's quite an interesting movie. The story is intriguing and definitely worth your time. It doesn't end very happily. If anybody is planning on watching it remember, although it isn't happy it's well worth the time investment. It isn't exactly depressing either. A very well rounded story told on film. Check it out.
There was something about the movie that got me thinking about my own women situation. The issue involves... mainly commitment. Let me back track a little.
I'm not sure if it's true and maybe somebody from the world of the Multi-web can give some light to it. Do women settle? I mean, it seems that women are always speaking of their dreamy unfulfilled love with a guy. This usually takes place some time in their late teens or early twenties. Women talk of this dreamy unfulfilled love sometime after they are involved with somebody else. I'd say some women would trade their present life situations for a chance to relive their dreamy past. Some women have actually ventured to fulfill their dreamy love and have failed terribly. Later in life the dream of this unfulfilled love on their death beds.
The women that have crossed paths with me have long passed that dreamy love stage in their lives.
"There's no way that this is love." Grey says.
Now of course... this is all beside the point. The truth of Grey's matter is that he's got issues. The issue boils down to commitment.
It isn't quite clear to me if it's fear that prevents me from falling in love or my lack of interest to begin with. My lack of interest in love? No, this couldn't be it. Love and it's many aspects awakens my curiosity.
There is the other idea that hovers over my issue. The amount of people there are on this Earth. There are billions of people. As a pragmatist following the line of my favorite philosopher... Shouldn't all the women have their say and is that even possible? Of course not. I'd be dead and why would they want to take the time to speak their opinion to me? They wouldn't. Not every woman would have their say. Why? Not until the end of the world and no human is procreated again would their be an end of a woman's opinion.
Who wants to make a mistake? Not me. I don't want to marry the wrong person.
I'm pulled between the two spectrum's. Maybe there is no spectrum. It boils down to me being afraid.
Now... back to that dreamy unfulfilled love. Woman aren't the only one's with dreamy unfulfilled love. Is that the other side of the spectrum that divides this heart.
The variable amount of women sit on one side of the spectrum. The possibility of making a mistake and giving up on my dreamy love from the past.
My issue with commitment... fear. No more denying it.
There was something about the movie that got me thinking about my own women situation. The issue involves... mainly commitment. Let me back track a little.
I'm not sure if it's true and maybe somebody from the world of the Multi-web can give some light to it. Do women settle? I mean, it seems that women are always speaking of their dreamy unfulfilled love with a guy. This usually takes place some time in their late teens or early twenties. Women talk of this dreamy unfulfilled love sometime after they are involved with somebody else. I'd say some women would trade their present life situations for a chance to relive their dreamy past. Some women have actually ventured to fulfill their dreamy love and have failed terribly. Later in life the dream of this unfulfilled love on their death beds.
The women that have crossed paths with me have long passed that dreamy love stage in their lives.
"There's no way that this is love." Grey says.
Now of course... this is all beside the point. The truth of Grey's matter is that he's got issues. The issue boils down to commitment.
It isn't quite clear to me if it's fear that prevents me from falling in love or my lack of interest to begin with. My lack of interest in love? No, this couldn't be it. Love and it's many aspects awakens my curiosity.
There is the other idea that hovers over my issue. The amount of people there are on this Earth. There are billions of people. As a pragmatist following the line of my favorite philosopher... Shouldn't all the women have their say and is that even possible? Of course not. I'd be dead and why would they want to take the time to speak their opinion to me? They wouldn't. Not every woman would have their say. Why? Not until the end of the world and no human is procreated again would their be an end of a woman's opinion.
Who wants to make a mistake? Not me. I don't want to marry the wrong person.
I'm pulled between the two spectrum's. Maybe there is no spectrum. It boils down to me being afraid.
Now... back to that dreamy unfulfilled love. Woman aren't the only one's with dreamy unfulfilled love. Is that the other side of the spectrum that divides this heart.
The variable amount of women sit on one side of the spectrum. The possibility of making a mistake and giving up on my dreamy love from the past.
My issue with commitment... fear. No more denying it.
Monday, January 5, 2009
An end to binge drinking... for a while.
How could I allow my vacation to slip away... one drink after another? On one day it seems that my vacation was beginning. A few drinks later it was the day before my vacation ended. In between the drinks were a few blank memories and hours of laying in bed trying to recover. There were many things that could have been accomplished. This marks the end to binge drinking... at least for awhile. Grey's liver needs recuperation. Grey's kidneys need proper liquids to filter and expunge. Grey's body needs proper nutrition to get his mind functioning as a healthy young male brain should be functioning.
Now drinking isn't down the drain forever all together. There are times of lapsing into the dark tunnel of drunkenness. A lapse into it can be revelatory. Now it's time to allow the creative spirit to unleash itself. It is time to focus the energy towards creativity, life & the pursuit of happiness?
All of Grey's anatomy has the right to equal benefits of health. We the anatomy of Grey's Republic here forth declare this day...
It hasn't fully sunk in that the year has progressed and it is now the year Two Thousand and Nine. Can you believe it folks? Where has the time gone?
During my youth I remember thinking that the year 2000 had so much to offer humanity. The imagination ventured to see the moon colonized. Humanity would be driving floating cars [like the ones from back to the future]. Seriously, back in the 1980's. Didn't you imagine a world of the future by the year 2010... at the least 2020? Now that seems like 360 days away. A little more than 51 weeks left till Michael J. Fox shows up with his Dalorian... back from where ever the fuck this time. It's amazing... time and aging. It boggles me to fathom.
The truth is, at the least from my subjective perspective... technology has advanced more in the last 30 years than it has in any given 300 years combined [that was a long sentence]. It's hard to imagine the world before computers, Internet, cell phones and big screen theaters.
Imagine with me of how information traveled across the populace just 200 years ago. Imagine how rumors of wars were heard months if not years later.
Today, information is instant. We hear of terrorism in Mumbai hours after it occurred. We watch buildings crumble as it happens and wonder in fear if we are at war.
All this reflecting leaves me wondering. What does the next 10 years hold for us/humanity?
Cheers to you all. I hope this year you find much to appreciate and embrace with full curiosity.
Now drinking isn't down the drain forever all together. There are times of lapsing into the dark tunnel of drunkenness. A lapse into it can be revelatory. Now it's time to allow the creative spirit to unleash itself. It is time to focus the energy towards creativity, life & the pursuit of happiness?
All of Grey's anatomy has the right to equal benefits of health. We the anatomy of Grey's Republic here forth declare this day...
It hasn't fully sunk in that the year has progressed and it is now the year Two Thousand and Nine. Can you believe it folks? Where has the time gone?
During my youth I remember thinking that the year 2000 had so much to offer humanity. The imagination ventured to see the moon colonized. Humanity would be driving floating cars [like the ones from back to the future]. Seriously, back in the 1980's. Didn't you imagine a world of the future by the year 2010... at the least 2020? Now that seems like 360 days away. A little more than 51 weeks left till Michael J. Fox shows up with his Dalorian... back from where ever the fuck this time. It's amazing... time and aging. It boggles me to fathom.
The truth is, at the least from my subjective perspective... technology has advanced more in the last 30 years than it has in any given 300 years combined [that was a long sentence]. It's hard to imagine the world before computers, Internet, cell phones and big screen theaters.
Imagine with me of how information traveled across the populace just 200 years ago. Imagine how rumors of wars were heard months if not years later.
Today, information is instant. We hear of terrorism in Mumbai hours after it occurred. We watch buildings crumble as it happens and wonder in fear if we are at war.
All this reflecting leaves me wondering. What does the next 10 years hold for us/humanity?
Cheers to you all. I hope this year you find much to appreciate and embrace with full curiosity.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
End of the Year Party!
The year is coming to an end. I hope that everybody has had a wonderful year. With the new year, may there be many new experiences to fill you all with joy. A wise saying that I carry in my heart goes like this: Eat, Drink & be Happy! May this new year be a time of happiness for you all.
I've got a few hours left of this year in Korea. At mid-night, hold your glasses high and your loved ones near. Let's drink and cheer for our new year.
I've got a few hours left of this year in Korea. At mid-night, hold your glasses high and your loved ones near. Let's drink and cheer for our new year.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Not Quite a Vacation but my Vacation.
I'm on vacation now. Not sure how it already is Tuesday. I've got one good thing going for me today. It's morning, late morning but none-the-less. The afternoon has yet to begin.
Christmas Eve: The 24th.
Following the Christmas Presentation for the kids. I took off with D. Wolf & J.A.De to the Christmas Eve party at the 1950's Bar. It was also J.A.De's birthday.
We got a seat at the bar. There was to be a presentation of bar tenders dancing and spinning bottles. They usually do this sort of thing on special occasions.
It also happened to be D. Jaguar's birthday also. He showed up later on in the evening.
I made a quick run to Baskin Robins to pick up a cake for J.A.De. The smile and surprise on her face was priceless. [This is where the voice for the Master Card commercial comes in]
After the bottle spinning performances and arrival of more people the dancing began. The regulars know. Seriously crazy time.
Christmas Day: The 25th.
I stayed in bed all day. There was no recollection of the journey home. The film from that part of my memory and much of what happen after the spinning bottles of the night previous was stolen from the vault. The vault being my memory bank.
The feeling of staying in bed all Christmas seems sort of depressing but it was sort of what I needed.
The Day After Christmas: The 26th.
There was a late day of work. I had to finish the progress report/evaluation cards and send them home with the afternoon kids.
Following work I rendezvous with a friend that partied with me on the 24th - 25th. Together, we were spending more time than usual. It was enjoyable to spend time with somebody on a consistent basis. How much of it will last is already written into the cards. This mystery girl will be heading back to Australia in a few days. The Korean-Australian lady will not be close for long. Though it is nice to have her company. It ends in time... The right time. In time for the end of the year.
I drank until the bar closed. Then we moved the party to another western bar down the road called California. A few people I new showed up and the rest is another stolen film from the vault.
I do remember at one point telling two girls around me to just duke it out. Go ahead, fight for me.
Saturday: The 27th.
The phone rings. It's Gib. "You do remember we have a wedding to go to this afternoon".
The front desk lady/teacher got married. It was a wonderful wedding. Reminded me of when my younger sister got married. The food after the ceremony was delicious. I ate a lot of salmon and ate some soup. After the ceremony dinner I began to sober up.
The Korean-Australian lady met up later that evening for a beer and a movie. I was extremely tired. The movie was well worth the trip out rather than the trip home to be alone.
Sunday: The 28th.
Hectic afternoon. I got a little hungry and cooked up some ramen noodles. The K.A.L. was suppose to call me at 8p.m. that evening. She didn't call so I took off to my Aunt's house. My mother's sister.
As I was eating pizza and playing 7 card stud with my uncles the phone rang. It was a number that I didn't recognize before. I let it ring. The phone was bombarded by this number. I stepped out to smoke a cigarette and answer the phone. It was K.A.L.
K.A.L. is sort of upset. She's at my place and I'm not there. I give her my password for the door lock.
I continue to play poker for another hour before taking off to pick up K.A.L. Now I'm running real late. While I was on my way to my Aunt's house Gib sent a message. He wanted to meet up at the 1950's Bar.
I finally make it there at 1A.M.
It's quite possible that I got to bed at 5A.M. that night/morning.
Monday: 29th.
Ordered McDonald's delivered to my house. Yeah, can you believe that? McDonald's is delivered here. Ate a Big Mac meal set. Then I jammed on the guitar until 8P.M.
That evening K.A.L. invited me out to meet some of her friends. Childhood friends that she went to elementary and middle school with. It was fun.
They ate some Korean food and drank soju. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage usually made of potatoes or rice and is not very good. I personally don't like soju but that's beside the point. There had to be an exception made on my part. I couldn't be the only one drinking something other than what the crowd gathered was drinking. It was cold last night. I was home before 1.A.M.
Today: 30th.
With the morning sunrise so did my eyelids rise. With all this time on my hands I've got some time to recollect this busy week/weekend that has passed. No highlights I suppose. Maybe just attempts to hide the loneliness of being in Korea alone. In some ways... I'm numb to it.
Christmas Eve: The 24th.
Following the Christmas Presentation for the kids. I took off with D. Wolf & J.A.De to the Christmas Eve party at the 1950's Bar. It was also J.A.De's birthday.
We got a seat at the bar. There was to be a presentation of bar tenders dancing and spinning bottles. They usually do this sort of thing on special occasions.
It also happened to be D. Jaguar's birthday also. He showed up later on in the evening.
I made a quick run to Baskin Robins to pick up a cake for J.A.De. The smile and surprise on her face was priceless. [This is where the voice for the Master Card commercial comes in]
After the bottle spinning performances and arrival of more people the dancing began. The regulars know. Seriously crazy time.
Christmas Day: The 25th.
I stayed in bed all day. There was no recollection of the journey home. The film from that part of my memory and much of what happen after the spinning bottles of the night previous was stolen from the vault. The vault being my memory bank.
The feeling of staying in bed all Christmas seems sort of depressing but it was sort of what I needed.
The Day After Christmas: The 26th.
There was a late day of work. I had to finish the progress report/evaluation cards and send them home with the afternoon kids.
Following work I rendezvous with a friend that partied with me on the 24th - 25th. Together, we were spending more time than usual. It was enjoyable to spend time with somebody on a consistent basis. How much of it will last is already written into the cards. This mystery girl will be heading back to Australia in a few days. The Korean-Australian lady will not be close for long. Though it is nice to have her company. It ends in time... The right time. In time for the end of the year.
I drank until the bar closed. Then we moved the party to another western bar down the road called California. A few people I new showed up and the rest is another stolen film from the vault.
I do remember at one point telling two girls around me to just duke it out. Go ahead, fight for me.
Saturday: The 27th.
The phone rings. It's Gib. "You do remember we have a wedding to go to this afternoon".
The front desk lady/teacher got married. It was a wonderful wedding. Reminded me of when my younger sister got married. The food after the ceremony was delicious. I ate a lot of salmon and ate some soup. After the ceremony dinner I began to sober up.
The Korean-Australian lady met up later that evening for a beer and a movie. I was extremely tired. The movie was well worth the trip out rather than the trip home to be alone.
Sunday: The 28th.
Hectic afternoon. I got a little hungry and cooked up some ramen noodles. The K.A.L. was suppose to call me at 8p.m. that evening. She didn't call so I took off to my Aunt's house. My mother's sister.
As I was eating pizza and playing 7 card stud with my uncles the phone rang. It was a number that I didn't recognize before. I let it ring. The phone was bombarded by this number. I stepped out to smoke a cigarette and answer the phone. It was K.A.L.
K.A.L. is sort of upset. She's at my place and I'm not there. I give her my password for the door lock.
I continue to play poker for another hour before taking off to pick up K.A.L. Now I'm running real late. While I was on my way to my Aunt's house Gib sent a message. He wanted to meet up at the 1950's Bar.
I finally make it there at 1A.M.
It's quite possible that I got to bed at 5A.M. that night/morning.
Monday: 29th.
Ordered McDonald's delivered to my house. Yeah, can you believe that? McDonald's is delivered here. Ate a Big Mac meal set. Then I jammed on the guitar until 8P.M.
That evening K.A.L. invited me out to meet some of her friends. Childhood friends that she went to elementary and middle school with. It was fun.
They ate some Korean food and drank soju. Soju is a Korean alcoholic beverage usually made of potatoes or rice and is not very good. I personally don't like soju but that's beside the point. There had to be an exception made on my part. I couldn't be the only one drinking something other than what the crowd gathered was drinking. It was cold last night. I was home before 1.A.M.
Today: 30th.
With the morning sunrise so did my eyelids rise. With all this time on my hands I've got some time to recollect this busy week/weekend that has passed. No highlights I suppose. Maybe just attempts to hide the loneliness of being in Korea alone. In some ways... I'm numb to it.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Blessings to All
It's Christmas Eve over here in Korea. I've got a busy day before the calm of Christmas. I hope everybody has a great and wonderful Christmas. I especially like to take time to remember my precious sister who was given to me 30 years ago on Christmas Day. She's the greatest Christmas gift I've ever received and could ever ask for.
Blessing to you all!
Blessing to you all!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Rambling on about much of nothing.
I can only imagine what it's like to have a child of my own. The joy and innocence that surrounds me everyday can soften the coldest of hearts. Which reminds me... is the working title of my novella. Cold, Heartless & without Remorse.
Last night Grey met his friend J.A.De for a drink and to talk.
J.A.De: People are not like you and I
GREY: What do you mean?
J.A.De: You see things that normally others might not see.
GREY: Explain
J.A.De: Intuition of some sort... A six sense about your surroundings.
GREY: What if I don't see what your saying... no intuition there.
Last night Grey met his friend J.A.De for a drink and to talk.
J.A.De: People are not like you and I
GREY: What do you mean?
J.A.De: You see things that normally others might not see.
GREY: Explain
J.A.De: Intuition of some sort... A six sense about your surroundings.
GREY: What if I don't see what your saying... no intuition there.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Grey's Dilemma Part 1
Today was rehearsal day... again. The first half of rehearsal has gone by fairly well.
On Monday Grey strolled into work like most days. He didn't have his iTouch which is a bummer. How can anybody live without music to keep the rhythm of life on beat. However, He managed to stop by a coffee shop to purchase a grande size Americano.
The issue this week in Grey's world involves his partner teacher. Let's call her Belly. On Monday, she snapped at Grey. She looked unrested from the weekend and possibly was on that period thing.
Grey, being sensitive to the situation attempts to avoid any conversation with Belly. It's not a good idea to upset the cat who's not had her meal. Grey knows though. She hasn't been with a man physically for 30 odd years. The culture is partly to blame. Her mother who Belly lives with might be part of the blame. It could be her isolation from the male population that is partly to blame. Her inexperience with pushing boundaries might be partly to blame.
About a month ago. Gib (another teacher) hosted an open house. He moved from the dungeon to a new apartment further from any subway stop. Further towards the outer edges of Seoul's city limit.
Let's back up even further. Back to June of 2008. That's when Grey moved back to Seoul. He moved into the new apartment that his employer provided. It was a small one room flat. There was literally only room for a small single bed, desk, closet, t.v., small refrigerator and a bathroom.
The bathroom was so small that when you sat up from the toilet seat you'd end up bumping your head against the wall in front of you. The bathroom was so small that you can point the shower head on you while you took a shit. The bathroom was so small that you'd hate going to the bathroom. Did I mention that Grey's bathroom was small?
There was one large window. On the other side of that window was another building. The other building was approximately 4 feet away from the window. The sun never shined into the room. This is why it was given the name the dungeon.
Three months later Grey moved out to another apartment provided by his employer.
About a months ago Gib moved out of the dungeon to the isolated apartment buildings built for the 1988 Paraplegic Olympics in Seoul. This meant that Gib's apartment is made to be wheelchair accessible. It makes for a nice flat. A gigantic restroom. A kitchen separate from the room where the bed is located. All the doors in his flat are wide. Wide enough for wheel chairs to have access to all parts of the flat.
Back to Gib's open house. As I was saying. Gib had an open house a few months back. All the employee's of Orchard Kindergarten (not the real name of the place of employment) were invited to Gib's open house.
There was a good number of folks that showed up. They ate, listened to music, drank wine and chatted away about subjects ranging from the 70's to the modern life of university students.
Half the group left as Belly arrived. She ate and mingled as we drank the remaining wine and moved on to a bottle of gin mixed with different fruit juices.
When 11 o'clock came around Belly had to leave. We convinced her to stay a little longer.
"I have a curfew", Belly said.
To make a short story even shorter... Belly's mother called and Orchard's Kindergarten director had to speak to Belly's mom. To let her know that she would be on her way soon.
The point being that it was her second time ever being late for curfew. Belly has always been in the grips of her mother's hand. Did I mention that she's 30 years old?
This is a little picture of how people live in Korea. Grown adults still live with their parents and are controlled by them in strange ways. (Which reminds me of a cool song by MF DOOM called "strange ways" which has nothing to do with this post all together).
The rest of Monday, Grey avoided any conversation with Belly.
Tuesday became a similar scenario. What was Grey to do?
Wednesday has come and gone. Grey has begun to feel the awkwardness stack up further.
What should Grey do?
a. Continue to avoid Belly
b. Take time to talk to Belly and get any unspoken frustration out of the darkness
c. Be just as rude to Belly as she has been to Grey
d. (Your suggestion)
On Monday Grey strolled into work like most days. He didn't have his iTouch which is a bummer. How can anybody live without music to keep the rhythm of life on beat. However, He managed to stop by a coffee shop to purchase a grande size Americano.
The issue this week in Grey's world involves his partner teacher. Let's call her Belly. On Monday, she snapped at Grey. She looked unrested from the weekend and possibly was on that period thing.
Grey, being sensitive to the situation attempts to avoid any conversation with Belly. It's not a good idea to upset the cat who's not had her meal. Grey knows though. She hasn't been with a man physically for 30 odd years. The culture is partly to blame. Her mother who Belly lives with might be part of the blame. It could be her isolation from the male population that is partly to blame. Her inexperience with pushing boundaries might be partly to blame.
About a month ago. Gib (another teacher) hosted an open house. He moved from the dungeon to a new apartment further from any subway stop. Further towards the outer edges of Seoul's city limit.
Let's back up even further. Back to June of 2008. That's when Grey moved back to Seoul. He moved into the new apartment that his employer provided. It was a small one room flat. There was literally only room for a small single bed, desk, closet, t.v., small refrigerator and a bathroom.
The bathroom was so small that when you sat up from the toilet seat you'd end up bumping your head against the wall in front of you. The bathroom was so small that you can point the shower head on you while you took a shit. The bathroom was so small that you'd hate going to the bathroom. Did I mention that Grey's bathroom was small?
There was one large window. On the other side of that window was another building. The other building was approximately 4 feet away from the window. The sun never shined into the room. This is why it was given the name the dungeon.
Three months later Grey moved out to another apartment provided by his employer.
About a months ago Gib moved out of the dungeon to the isolated apartment buildings built for the 1988 Paraplegic Olympics in Seoul. This meant that Gib's apartment is made to be wheelchair accessible. It makes for a nice flat. A gigantic restroom. A kitchen separate from the room where the bed is located. All the doors in his flat are wide. Wide enough for wheel chairs to have access to all parts of the flat.
Back to Gib's open house. As I was saying. Gib had an open house a few months back. All the employee's of Orchard Kindergarten (not the real name of the place of employment) were invited to Gib's open house.
There was a good number of folks that showed up. They ate, listened to music, drank wine and chatted away about subjects ranging from the 70's to the modern life of university students.
Half the group left as Belly arrived. She ate and mingled as we drank the remaining wine and moved on to a bottle of gin mixed with different fruit juices.
When 11 o'clock came around Belly had to leave. We convinced her to stay a little longer.
"I have a curfew", Belly said.
To make a short story even shorter... Belly's mother called and Orchard's Kindergarten director had to speak to Belly's mom. To let her know that she would be on her way soon.
The point being that it was her second time ever being late for curfew. Belly has always been in the grips of her mother's hand. Did I mention that she's 30 years old?
This is a little picture of how people live in Korea. Grown adults still live with their parents and are controlled by them in strange ways. (Which reminds me of a cool song by MF DOOM called "strange ways" which has nothing to do with this post all together).
The rest of Monday, Grey avoided any conversation with Belly.
Tuesday became a similar scenario. What was Grey to do?
Wednesday has come and gone. Grey has begun to feel the awkwardness stack up further.
What should Grey do?
a. Continue to avoid Belly
b. Take time to talk to Belly and get any unspoken frustration out of the darkness
c. Be just as rude to Belly as she has been to Grey
d. (Your suggestion)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The President of South Korea
The picture is of the Korean President with soon to be ex-President George W. Bush. The Korean president was elected into office at the end of 2007. It was ridiculous to say the least.Let me explain. In America we have a simple two major party system. Sure we have our libertarians and Green parties. Nationally, we narrow down our candidates to two major persons. That is far from the case in Korea.
Yi Myung Bak ran against 7 other candidates. There were actually 10 candidates running until days before election.
If you look very carefully in this picture you can see that Yi (Lee) Myung Bak has his eyes open. I promise you. The Korean President's eyes are open.
At the kindergarten the teachers and students have been very busy this month. The reason for this business is due to a big performance the school is presenting to the parents of our students. Each class has a speech or some presentation of art and dance.
The age group that I teach have come together to perform a dance routine to Natalie Cole's, Love Song. It was originally done by her father Nat King Cole. I teach two classes rotating between them with my co-teacher. She teaches one class while I am teaching the other. Through out the day we switch back and forth depending on the day of the week and the schedule.
For one of the classes the students have been practicing speeches. It is a self introductory speech for one of the four Mt. Rushmore Presidents. Anyways... On Friday we had a large rehearsal for the entire Kindergarten. We all gathered up stairs in the activity room (Surprise Room) to perform in front of each other. While one class was getting ready I was looking through some pictures that I made for my students. The pictures were portraits of the Presidents. Each student would hold up the portrait/picture while they spoke. Introducing the president as themselves in first person.
This is the conversation that occurred as I was looking through the pictures.
STUDENT: Teacher, they are so ugly.
GREY: Do you think Yi Myung Bak is handsome?
GIB (another teacher): I tell my students that I'm Yi Myung Bak.
GREY: (laughing) You would need smaller eyes.
GIB: Are you kidding me? If I think I'm Yi Myung Bak, I need to open my eyes
Both are laughing out of control.
GREY: That is a great pun!
It's much funnier if you were there.
The Lemonade Award
I received an award for having a great attitude. Thank you Kris Anne
Here are the rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.
6. The bloggers listed below are truly deserving of the Lemonade Award for having a great attitude. They have become dear blogging friends and inspirations!
The Nominee's are..... [drum roll]
Read this post. ---> Aesthetic Success! <---
Cheers!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Goal #2: Aesthetic Success
Success! I am very happy to announce that yesterday my goal of obtaining seven followers is complete. During my early infant stages of blogging I decided to set a few eccentric goals. One of them being the topic and reason for celebration in this post.
I think a glass of Johnny Walker [Green Label] is called for (be right back).
Today will be a celebration of Aesthetic Success. In doing so I'd like to thank all my friends here in blogger world who have added so much color and beauty to Grey Images.
Alex: You are seriously my first commenter. You gave me great encouragement to brave the overwhelming world of the Multi-net. You are consistently the most friendly and kindest person I could ever ask to be part of Grey Images. Thank you, Sincerely. Thank you.
If anybody is interested in art. Alex is also a very creative and talented artist.
The Geeky Quill: Then there's the somewhat illusive writer, mom, and wife. She's my second commenter who has consistently showed up to presence her quill to the world of Grey Images. Thank you Mrs. Illusive Writer with no name on her profile. You can check out her first chapter of her current project ----> Here <----
Cyn: Then there's the young, imaginative young lady from the Philippines. She loves poetry and has been very supportive of the abstract creations that have been presented here on Grey Images. Thank you Cyn. Please come back often. She is sure to become a great poet as she ages with wisdom.
Sandi: Then there's the woman with a large and a honest heart. She holds back nothing and you'll see for yourself how wonderful her corner of Earth is. The ups and downs are filled with humor and sadness that will leave you pondering even when away from the portal called computer. Thank you Sandi. If you come from a large family or like large families you will most definitely love this blog.
Julian: Then there's the blogger who will keep you coming back. For myself... curiosity. She's made her presence on Grey Images mid-way through this short journey and recently became a full member. Thank you for your presence and we all look forward to getting to know you more as we make this journey to bring color to Grey.
C.J.: Recently C.J. joined us to bring some Brazilian flavor as well as her deconstructed world view of America. It will be a pleasure for us all to get to know you better as we move forward from here. Thank you for joining us and asking such inquisitive and interesting questions the past few days. We also look forward to reading and seeing more of your art.
C. Woods: Last but not least. The completer of this successful goal. I look forward to getting to know you more in the future. Thank you.
I'd also like to thank all the other visitors who have also added particular insight and strokes of color to the canvas of Grey. It's been extremely fun for me. (Goes to pour another drink of [Green Label] to salute a cheer). To the future! Cheers!
I think a glass of Johnny Walker [Green Label] is called for (be right back).
Today will be a celebration of Aesthetic Success. In doing so I'd like to thank all my friends here in blogger world who have added so much color and beauty to Grey Images.
Alex: You are seriously my first commenter. You gave me great encouragement to brave the overwhelming world of the Multi-net. You are consistently the most friendly and kindest person I could ever ask to be part of Grey Images. Thank you, Sincerely. Thank you.
If anybody is interested in art. Alex is also a very creative and talented artist.
The Geeky Quill: Then there's the somewhat illusive writer, mom, and wife. She's my second commenter who has consistently showed up to presence her quill to the world of Grey Images. Thank you Mrs. Illusive Writer with no name on her profile. You can check out her first chapter of her current project ----> Here <----
Cyn: Then there's the young, imaginative young lady from the Philippines. She loves poetry and has been very supportive of the abstract creations that have been presented here on Grey Images. Thank you Cyn. Please come back often. She is sure to become a great poet as she ages with wisdom.
Sandi: Then there's the woman with a large and a honest heart. She holds back nothing and you'll see for yourself how wonderful her corner of Earth is. The ups and downs are filled with humor and sadness that will leave you pondering even when away from the portal called computer. Thank you Sandi. If you come from a large family or like large families you will most definitely love this blog.
Julian: Then there's the blogger who will keep you coming back. For myself... curiosity. She's made her presence on Grey Images mid-way through this short journey and recently became a full member. Thank you for your presence and we all look forward to getting to know you more as we make this journey to bring color to Grey.
C.J.: Recently C.J. joined us to bring some Brazilian flavor as well as her deconstructed world view of America. It will be a pleasure for us all to get to know you better as we move forward from here. Thank you for joining us and asking such inquisitive and interesting questions the past few days. We also look forward to reading and seeing more of your art.
C. Woods: Last but not least. The completer of this successful goal. I look forward to getting to know you more in the future. Thank you.
I'd also like to thank all the other visitors who have also added particular insight and strokes of color to the canvas of Grey. It's been extremely fun for me. (Goes to pour another drink of [Green Label] to salute a cheer). To the future! Cheers!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Questions?
I'm pretty much addicted to the Internet. If it isn't on my laptop at home or the office computers then you'll find me surfing blogs on my ipod touch. It's a really cool gadget for mp3's and has the great ability to surf the Internet using Safari web browser by Apple. If you don't know much about it you should google it.
Today, while on my surfing expedition I came across an interesting idea about asking questions. It was all about asking the blogger questions. I'm running with this one. However, instead of asking me questions I'm asking you these few questions.
What’s your favorite color?
What’s your favorite number?
What is your ideal vacation and with who?
Is there life after death? What sort of life would that look like?
Does religion do more harm to the world than intended?
Do you believe the idea of an intelligent designer?
Addendum: I suppose you can ask questions too. Let's have fun with it!
Today, while on my surfing expedition I came across an interesting idea about asking questions. It was all about asking the blogger questions. I'm running with this one. However, instead of asking me questions I'm asking you these few questions.
What’s your favorite color?
What’s your favorite number?
What is your ideal vacation and with who?
Is there life after death? What sort of life would that look like?
Does religion do more harm to the world than intended?
Do you believe the idea of an intelligent designer?
Addendum: I suppose you can ask questions too. Let's have fun with it!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Hospital Visit Number 2 & 3
During the winter months of the year I have a recurring problem. This problem involves the excessive perspiration of my feet. The problem is bad to the point that by the end of the day my feet are drenched with perspiration. You can imagine the odor that accompanies this problem.
I've been trying all sorts of antics to remedy the problem. I've applied baby powder to my feet. The logic to this is that the powder would absorb the excess sweat that is created by my beautiful, stinky feet. It works to a degree. However, it doesn't complete the job. The feet still stink. It's like the Peanuts character Pigpen. An odor that is unavoidably recognizable.
On the second day of my hospital visit. I was nervous about my soggy socks and odor. As the first visit but it seemed to be worse. Maybe I didn't go home the night before. This type of thing happens even on work days. Drinking whiskey in Korea is a Marathon of longevity. It's fun too. And when it's time to start heading back home you might find yourself holding some ladies hand. Where you end up at night is discovered the next morning as your stretching out of bed to get ready for work. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the reason though.
It made for an embarrassing moment. Your feet are bare and the Doctor is poking his little needles into you. The entire time that lingering smell manifests itself. I wonder if they have some sort of acupuncture for excessive sweat from the feet?
The Doctor is done with his poking. A stream of different nurses are in and out of the curtain room around my unfortunately small and uncomfortable bed. I feel bad that they have to smell my feet odor. It makes me very, very self conscience.
That night (Thursday) I went out to my regular hole in the wall spot for drinking and socializing. It's quite the spot the "1950's Western Bar". When I first started dropping into the spot back in April of 2007, it was the music that drew me in. I literally lived about 7 minutes away from the place that's elevator time included. Needless to say, it became my favorite spot to sit down and socialize. The people there are the sort that finds solace and comfort in whatever way they know how. Mainly solace and comfort is found in a bottle with this crowd. Sure, there are always exceptions.
When you frequent a place over a period of time you begin to see patterns. These patterns, social or otherwise makes an interesting impact onto our psyche. It allows us to let down our guard. In many respects it allows for contact with the outside world from our own. I made many friends and so it's always nice to visit 1950's Western Bar even when I live an 8 Dollar cab ride away now.
I didn't make it home that Thursday night.
Friday morning, I stretched out of bed washed up and headed to the subway station with my friend who's place I crashed at for the night. She was heading to work as was I.
I'm not completely sure why the hospital insisted that I have three visits or sessions. When I asked about having to come for the third one the receptionist laughed.
In a slightly broken Korean Grammar, "Do I really have to come tomorrow? My ankle doesn't hurt any more. I can walk on it now".
Now the problem was climaxing. I have the same smelly socks on and my feet aren't particularly doing so well. A spot opened up later in the afternoon for me to slip out to the hospital and back before teaching my last class for post kindergarten reading (An after school program for kindergarten graduates... Ha).
I quickly grabbed some baby powder found in the teachers office a few days earlier. Most of the teachers were in class teaching. I powdered up my feet. Boy were they soaked. It's crazy that it's being said here but seriously.
I had two options. Eat free food left over from lunch or go to the hospital and pay $10 to be poked with needles. Lunch was great by the way... meatballs with rice and some fried potatoes with little slices of ham. The choice was obvious, right. That's exactly what I did. Free food.
There was no third visit to the hospital. Maneuvering around is not at all uncomfortable. Things are looking up.
I've been trying all sorts of antics to remedy the problem. I've applied baby powder to my feet. The logic to this is that the powder would absorb the excess sweat that is created by my beautiful, stinky feet. It works to a degree. However, it doesn't complete the job. The feet still stink. It's like the Peanuts character Pigpen. An odor that is unavoidably recognizable.
On the second day of my hospital visit. I was nervous about my soggy socks and odor. As the first visit but it seemed to be worse. Maybe I didn't go home the night before. This type of thing happens even on work days. Drinking whiskey in Korea is a Marathon of longevity. It's fun too. And when it's time to start heading back home you might find yourself holding some ladies hand. Where you end up at night is discovered the next morning as your stretching out of bed to get ready for work. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the reason though.
It made for an embarrassing moment. Your feet are bare and the Doctor is poking his little needles into you. The entire time that lingering smell manifests itself. I wonder if they have some sort of acupuncture for excessive sweat from the feet?
The Doctor is done with his poking. A stream of different nurses are in and out of the curtain room around my unfortunately small and uncomfortable bed. I feel bad that they have to smell my feet odor. It makes me very, very self conscience.
That night (Thursday) I went out to my regular hole in the wall spot for drinking and socializing. It's quite the spot the "1950's Western Bar". When I first started dropping into the spot back in April of 2007, it was the music that drew me in. I literally lived about 7 minutes away from the place that's elevator time included. Needless to say, it became my favorite spot to sit down and socialize. The people there are the sort that finds solace and comfort in whatever way they know how. Mainly solace and comfort is found in a bottle with this crowd. Sure, there are always exceptions.
When you frequent a place over a period of time you begin to see patterns. These patterns, social or otherwise makes an interesting impact onto our psyche. It allows us to let down our guard. In many respects it allows for contact with the outside world from our own. I made many friends and so it's always nice to visit 1950's Western Bar even when I live an 8 Dollar cab ride away now.
I didn't make it home that Thursday night.
Friday morning, I stretched out of bed washed up and headed to the subway station with my friend who's place I crashed at for the night. She was heading to work as was I.
I'm not completely sure why the hospital insisted that I have three visits or sessions. When I asked about having to come for the third one the receptionist laughed.
In a slightly broken Korean Grammar, "Do I really have to come tomorrow? My ankle doesn't hurt any more. I can walk on it now".
Now the problem was climaxing. I have the same smelly socks on and my feet aren't particularly doing so well. A spot opened up later in the afternoon for me to slip out to the hospital and back before teaching my last class for post kindergarten reading (An after school program for kindergarten graduates... Ha).
I quickly grabbed some baby powder found in the teachers office a few days earlier. Most of the teachers were in class teaching. I powdered up my feet. Boy were they soaked. It's crazy that it's being said here but seriously.
I had two options. Eat free food left over from lunch or go to the hospital and pay $10 to be poked with needles. Lunch was great by the way... meatballs with rice and some fried potatoes with little slices of ham. The choice was obvious, right. That's exactly what I did. Free food.
There was no third visit to the hospital. Maneuvering around is not at all uncomfortable. Things are looking up.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hospital Visit Number 1
I'd like to take this time to welcome Julian to grey images. She has definitely brought some more color to Grey.
The other day we received a visitor all the way from Egypt via the 'Silver Thermos' blog entry. Can you imagine the story behind Cairo's visit? It inspires me to envision the disposition that spiraled Cairo's search for a silver thermos using our all favorite www.google.com.
Do I dare try? Maybe another time.
Two nights ago in a rush to use the restroom I slipped in my bathroom causing me to bang my ankle against the frame of the door. You can imagine the pain that I found myself in as cursing poured out of my mouth.
I went to sleep with my ankle elevated with a pillow. When morning arrived the ankle had become swollen and showed bruising. For some ridiculous manly reason I thought I could walk it out. So, after showering up and dressing down in my usual slacks and dress shirt I marched down the road towards work. I stopped for my coffee without my thermos. (I keep the thermos at work now leaving it to sit at my office desk). I smiled at the pretty lady who serves me coffee and continued on my way. It ended up being a 25 minute walk. It did not help to walk it out.
Upon arriving at work I immediately told my boss that I needed to go see a doctor.
She asked, "are you sick again"?
"No, not at all. I slipped in the bathroom and hurt myself".
Next door to the kindergarten I am employed at is a Hospital that specializes in acupuncture. It was close enough to be in and out in 40 minutes. It's exactly what I did with the opening in my schedule.
The hospital must not get many foreigners. They were extra friendly and kind of giddy. After checking in at the front desk they kindly asked me to have a seat. In less than 10 minutes I was being ushered into a room with a desk and a man with a white robe. The doctor had a big smile on his face.
I explained to the doctor what happened. He then tried to bend my ankle in a direction it doesn't normally bend.
"Ouch... Uhmmm. I don't think it normally bends that way," I said.
The doctor said, "Okay, okay".
The doctor and his team of nurses then ushered me into another room with a lot of beds. Each bed had a curtain around it. I took off my hoody (Yes, I wore slacks and a button up dress shirt and wore a thick furry hoody as a coat). I took off my All Stars (Chuck Taylor All Star shoes). I then laid down on the slightly uncomfortable bed.
The doctor took off my left sock and rolled up both legs of my slacks. He then rolled up the right arm of my sleeve. Before I could realize what was happening and how uncomfortable it was to have a doctor touch me, needles were being pressed into my right arm and hand. The doctor then proceeded to put a needle into my right leg.
"It's my left ankle," I said.
The doctor said, "I know, I know," and proceeded to put the last acupuncture needle into my left big toe.
I had more needles in my right arm than the rest of my body. I was dumb founded. It was my left ankle that was injured.
The doctor then used a needle to make multiple punctures into my left ankle. He then applied a suction cup instrument to draw out the blood that was causing the ankle to swell up.
In about twenty minutes I was out the door. It was easier to move my ankle. As I left the hospital the front desk lady scheduled another appointment for today... which I also went to and returned from.
I think this entry is long enough and so I'll save the following hospital entry for another day.
Don't slip on the ice. You might hurt something other than your ankle. Be careful when in the restroom also.
The other day we received a visitor all the way from Egypt via the 'Silver Thermos' blog entry. Can you imagine the story behind Cairo's visit? It inspires me to envision the disposition that spiraled Cairo's search for a silver thermos using our all favorite www.google.com.
Do I dare try? Maybe another time.
Two nights ago in a rush to use the restroom I slipped in my bathroom causing me to bang my ankle against the frame of the door. You can imagine the pain that I found myself in as cursing poured out of my mouth.
I went to sleep with my ankle elevated with a pillow. When morning arrived the ankle had become swollen and showed bruising. For some ridiculous manly reason I thought I could walk it out. So, after showering up and dressing down in my usual slacks and dress shirt I marched down the road towards work. I stopped for my coffee without my thermos. (I keep the thermos at work now leaving it to sit at my office desk). I smiled at the pretty lady who serves me coffee and continued on my way. It ended up being a 25 minute walk. It did not help to walk it out.
Upon arriving at work I immediately told my boss that I needed to go see a doctor.
She asked, "are you sick again"?
"No, not at all. I slipped in the bathroom and hurt myself".
Next door to the kindergarten I am employed at is a Hospital that specializes in acupuncture. It was close enough to be in and out in 40 minutes. It's exactly what I did with the opening in my schedule.
The hospital must not get many foreigners. They were extra friendly and kind of giddy. After checking in at the front desk they kindly asked me to have a seat. In less than 10 minutes I was being ushered into a room with a desk and a man with a white robe. The doctor had a big smile on his face.
I explained to the doctor what happened. He then tried to bend my ankle in a direction it doesn't normally bend.
"Ouch... Uhmmm. I don't think it normally bends that way," I said.
The doctor said, "Okay, okay".
The doctor and his team of nurses then ushered me into another room with a lot of beds. Each bed had a curtain around it. I took off my hoody (Yes, I wore slacks and a button up dress shirt and wore a thick furry hoody as a coat). I took off my All Stars (Chuck Taylor All Star shoes). I then laid down on the slightly uncomfortable bed.
The doctor took off my left sock and rolled up both legs of my slacks. He then rolled up the right arm of my sleeve. Before I could realize what was happening and how uncomfortable it was to have a doctor touch me, needles were being pressed into my right arm and hand. The doctor then proceeded to put a needle into my right leg.
"It's my left ankle," I said.
The doctor said, "I know, I know," and proceeded to put the last acupuncture needle into my left big toe.
I had more needles in my right arm than the rest of my body. I was dumb founded. It was my left ankle that was injured.
The doctor then used a needle to make multiple punctures into my left ankle. He then applied a suction cup instrument to draw out the blood that was causing the ankle to swell up.
In about twenty minutes I was out the door. It was easier to move my ankle. As I left the hospital the front desk lady scheduled another appointment for today... which I also went to and returned from.
I think this entry is long enough and so I'll save the following hospital entry for another day.
Don't slip on the ice. You might hurt something other than your ankle. Be careful when in the restroom also.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving Day!
This Thanksgiving Day passed without a turkey to be seen. You'd be surprised how little Koreans are aware of our North American bird the turkey. It didn't bother me so much last year when Thanksgiving Day came and went. This year, it sort of got under my skin. Sure, I miss my family and not being able to be with them back home in the states on important holidays can make a huge difference. However, there was something else that irked me.
This past Halloween, the kindergarten I worked at made a big event of the day. We ate candy and dressed up as little monsters, princesses & superheroes. We traveled in our little buses to the homes of a few students to receive candy from parents. We made it to be a day that encouraged the kids to see it as an important American holiday.
Now, do remember that I really gave up on Halloween in my teens. My family didn't particularly agree with the whole celebratory aspect of Halloween and what it stood for. As children our parents participated as do most American families. However, as my sister and I grew up Halloween became less important. Now my sister has children and is married to a minister. The pictures I saw on my networking site (facebook) showed my little nephew and niece dressed up for Harvest Night The Christian re-interpretation of Halloween for kids. Not a bad idea if I may say so.
Getting back to Korea. Here I was with a bunch of Korean kids attending an American based private kindergarten that was showing them an American holiday. Not an important holiday. Mostly an excuse for children to eat more candy than they should & adults to dress up in strange costumes and get drunk.
Then Thanksgiving came around. An important holiday in my mind's eye. A day when families from across the country and Earth gather back together all under one roof. It's a day to remember why and for what each family and person should be thankful for. Here in Korea... it was forgotten, for the most part in my kindergarten.
Sure, I made an extra attempt to inform my students of Thanksgiving Day. The school however, down played it. I worked, as most Koreans did on Thanksgiving Day. As I went through the day. I felt robbed of my National identity.
There is another day in Korea that is very similar to America's Thanksgiving Day. It's called Chusoek. On this day, all of Korea migrates to their families to celebrate the harvest. It's one of two very important holidays here in Korea. Chuseok & the Korean New Year which follows the lunar calender.
This is the background and the logistics of my Thanksgiving Day. At the end of the day I was drinking a bottle of whiskey at the western bar that never forgets my name.
This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for life, liberty & family. I'd also like to thank all my friends who are in some ways an extended family away from home.
This past Halloween, the kindergarten I worked at made a big event of the day. We ate candy and dressed up as little monsters, princesses & superheroes. We traveled in our little buses to the homes of a few students to receive candy from parents. We made it to be a day that encouraged the kids to see it as an important American holiday.
Now, do remember that I really gave up on Halloween in my teens. My family didn't particularly agree with the whole celebratory aspect of Halloween and what it stood for. As children our parents participated as do most American families. However, as my sister and I grew up Halloween became less important. Now my sister has children and is married to a minister. The pictures I saw on my networking site (facebook) showed my little nephew and niece dressed up for Harvest Night The Christian re-interpretation of Halloween for kids. Not a bad idea if I may say so.
Getting back to Korea. Here I was with a bunch of Korean kids attending an American based private kindergarten that was showing them an American holiday. Not an important holiday. Mostly an excuse for children to eat more candy than they should & adults to dress up in strange costumes and get drunk.
Then Thanksgiving came around. An important holiday in my mind's eye. A day when families from across the country and Earth gather back together all under one roof. It's a day to remember why and for what each family and person should be thankful for. Here in Korea... it was forgotten, for the most part in my kindergarten.
Sure, I made an extra attempt to inform my students of Thanksgiving Day. The school however, down played it. I worked, as most Koreans did on Thanksgiving Day. As I went through the day. I felt robbed of my National identity.
There is another day in Korea that is very similar to America's Thanksgiving Day. It's called Chusoek. On this day, all of Korea migrates to their families to celebrate the harvest. It's one of two very important holidays here in Korea. Chuseok & the Korean New Year which follows the lunar calender.
This is the background and the logistics of my Thanksgiving Day. At the end of the day I was drinking a bottle of whiskey at the western bar that never forgets my name.
This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for life, liberty & family. I'd also like to thank all my friends who are in some ways an extended family away from home.
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