the road less traveled - a story i'd read
i figure in a day and time saturated with crappy reality shows, my life is as good as any... here goes.
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
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So I'm back in Seoul after spending some much needed time away reflecting, contemplating, showing Louie the beauty of the 오토바이... and just taking some time to recover. As I got off the bus last night in Soul, I noticed a particular smell... not necessarily bad, but not exactly pleasant either. I was talking with my housemate this morning and told her about it, she commented, "Ahh the smell of metropolitan Korea." Hmmm.. Interesting. As I got back to my room and proceeded to take a shower the subtle scents took me back 11months ago to my first impression of the "mother land" as some refer to it... I remember the excitement, the anticipation, and then the shear exhaustion of my first transpacific flight in over 20 years. Anyways, it's amazing how the slightest scent or voice can take us back days, weeks, even years... translate us for a few breathes... I'm glad to be here another year. The opportunity to study, work, learn, teach, give, experience, I welcome them all.
Oh yea... I saw my other roommate just a few mins ago... His first words, "Nice to see you're back... you gained weight, ha ha ha" My response... yea 2lbs, thanks for noticing.. :P On vacation, all the comments were "wow, you're small" or "you look sick, you need to gain some weight" or "man, I don't even recognize you." Here, they're just the opposite, how a few miles can change people's perceptions so much... It's good to be back.
Oh yea... I saw my other roommate just a few mins ago... His first words, "Nice to see you're back... you gained weight, ha ha ha" My response... yea 2lbs, thanks for noticing.. :P On vacation, all the comments were "wow, you're small" or "you look sick, you need to gain some weight" or "man, I don't even recognize you." Here, they're just the opposite, how a few miles can change people's perceptions so much... It's good to be back.
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Well, Yonsei's Intensive Korean Language level 2 is over, and it's on to level 3! Level 3 is different in several regards from the first two levels. First, in the first two levels, you switch instructors after midterms, in level 3 it's the same instructor all the way through. Next starting in level 3 you get to choose an elective. In level 3 there are four: reading, writing, speaking, listening. Beginning in level 4 you can choose to learn subjects like korean culture, food, and even hanja, Korea's ancient language and alphabet (this is the foundation of Chinese, Japanese and Korean).





Group photo at the peak of our hike!


The semester ended with a big bang. Actually it ended with hiking a hill behind Yonsei University.

You can tell the semester's over by all the smiles on people's faces.

The three men in the class... ;)

Teacher in the center, and yes, peace signs are still in...

Heading away from KLI and starting our hike...

Hiro got tired... Why's it always the big guy that has to do the grunt work?
I've got enough weight to carry!
Group photo at the peak of our hike!
A shot of Namsan Tower, I'll be heading there in a few weeks, but here are some pictures of it from Building 63~

Found out there's a little gym at the top of the Yonsei Hill. Seems the older folk like to go up there and do their thing. I like the guy doing pushups in the back... Reminds me of Rockstar. and is that Teli in the orange?!
Next thing: I sent in a request to Duke Law for a one year deferment in order to take advantage of some really neat opportunities that have presented themselves here in Korea, including the ability to pursue the Korean language to a graduate proficiency level. I received word back a few days ago... YES! So it looks like I'll be here for about another year, studying the language, the culture, and Korea's new law school system! Exciting stuff... I'm really excited because Duke has an amazing International Comparative Law program as well as some emphasis on National Security, both of which bring me happy thoughts! I feel that this extra time in Korea will really help me broaden myself for both!! I'll keep you posted on that as time goes on. Who would have thought!?
Oh yea, almost forgot, been doing some reading lately and updated a blog to our dorky book club ;)
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A lot has been going on since I last put thoughts to keyboard, here are some in no particular order:
1) I was inspired by a blog about eating dark chocolate
I'm a fan of chocolate, dark chocolate to be specific. And to be more specific, the 72% variety. So when my good friend blogged about the nuances of enjoying a piece of dark chocolate, I must say I was inspired.
2) Sent in my letter of acceptance to Duke Law School
3) Applied for a tourist visa to China
Do you know that a tourist visa costs over $130 for an American to get a visa!?!?!? Highway robbery I tell you! Anyways, I also secured the hotel for my trip, the Westin Beijing Financial Center. Looks pretty cool, it should be fun, except neither my friend or I can speak any Chinese, but I suppose if we did it wouldn't be as adventurous right?
4) Finished reading "Blue Like Jazz," "Rules for Revolutionaries," and "I Isaac Take Thee Rebeka"
So I tried reading Blue Like Jazz once before and couldn't get past the first couple of chapters. I'm not quite sure the reason, but I really disliked the book. I mean, really, really disliked it! Anyways, so I thought I'd give it another shot and I must say that in the couple of days it took me to read it, I fell in love with Donald Miller... Well not with him, but with his writing style and the book. If you've ever wondered what becoming a Christian is like from a non-christian's point of view is, or if you've never considered yourself a Christian, or if you sometimes find yourself wondering if after death comes an eternity filled with pools of vanilla wafer pudding... (don't know why I threw that last one in there?) This book is for you.
5) Visited family
6) MC'd a Music Competition at the Korean Language Institute
Not so bad?

1) I was inspired by a blog about eating dark chocolate
I'm a fan of chocolate, dark chocolate to be specific. And to be more specific, the 72% variety. So when my good friend blogged about the nuances of enjoying a piece of dark chocolate, I must say I was inspired.
2) Sent in my letter of acceptance to Duke Law School
3) Applied for a tourist visa to China
Do you know that a tourist visa costs over $130 for an American to get a visa!?!?!? Highway robbery I tell you! Anyways, I also secured the hotel for my trip, the Westin Beijing Financial Center. Looks pretty cool, it should be fun, except neither my friend or I can speak any Chinese, but I suppose if we did it wouldn't be as adventurous right?
4) Finished reading "Blue Like Jazz," "Rules for Revolutionaries," and "I Isaac Take Thee Rebeka"
So I tried reading Blue Like Jazz once before and couldn't get past the first couple of chapters. I'm not quite sure the reason, but I really disliked the book. I mean, really, really disliked it! Anyways, so I thought I'd give it another shot and I must say that in the couple of days it took me to read it, I fell in love with Donald Miller... Well not with him, but with his writing style and the book. If you've ever wondered what becoming a Christian is like from a non-christian's point of view is, or if you've never considered yourself a Christian, or if you sometimes find yourself wondering if after death comes an eternity filled with pools of vanilla wafer pudding... (don't know why I threw that last one in there?) This book is for you.
5) Visited family
6) MC'd a Music Competition at the Korean Language Institute
Not so bad?

8) Hung out with Gong Shan, or Shan Gong... ? :D
Good times of course!
9) Found a church near Duke that I like.
Found it through the Acts29 network, I've listened to several of the podcasts and I've enjoyed them very much. It's called Summit Church.
10) Considered staying in Korea another couple of months to take advantage of a potential scholarship offering and a neat research opportunity...
Not sure on the details just yet, but I'll keep you posted as more becomes available.
11) Found out that scholar jon is a finalist for the Fulbright!
He might be coming to KOREA!
I think that's it for now. I should really get back to studying for my finals next week. :\ I think I hate the quarter system.
Good times of course!
9) Found a church near Duke that I like.
Found it through the Acts29 network, I've listened to several of the podcasts and I've enjoyed them very much. It's called Summit Church.
10) Considered staying in Korea another couple of months to take advantage of a potential scholarship offering and a neat research opportunity...
Not sure on the details just yet, but I'll keep you posted as more becomes available.
11) Found out that scholar jon is a finalist for the Fulbright!
He might be coming to KOREA!
I think that's it for now. I should really get back to studying for my finals next week. :\ I think I hate the quarter system.
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As mentioned, I'm loaded up with a slew of courses this semester and have been waiting for some books that my mom was supposed to forward on. When I came home today, I was delighted to see two packages. Of course my first thought was, School books, nice. Then I opened the package...

Now, I could be frustrated that I haven't received my books yet, but on the other hand, it's actually kinda funny, and besides, who can't use another weight loss cookbook! So in the words of Louie Armstrong, quoted in Joe's recent blog...

Now, I could be frustrated that I haven't received my books yet, but on the other hand, it's actually kinda funny, and besides, who can't use another weight loss cookbook! So in the words of Louie Armstrong, quoted in Joe's recent blog...
...and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.
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(Updated 2/8/08)
Okay it’s next time ;) thought I’d through together a few things about my Intensive Korean class. So far the group is pretty interesting. First there’s teacher 2.0a; she’s what I could consider a “typical” korean girl. Cute, in a 14 year old cousin sort of way, easily embarrassed and not one to be very forceful. Then there’s teacher 2.0b who’s totally not your typical Korean. I’ve heard that she hold some level of seniority at the school, and boy does she walk around like it. The first day of class she came in wearing corduroy pants, Puma shoes, and a turtleneck. As rockstar would say, “she’s rock n’ roll.” Then there’s Hiro, one of five Japanese students in my class. He’s probably in his late forties, has two daughters? and is in Korea studying the language for his job. He works for a Japanese company whose clients are increasingly more and more Korean. There are two girls that I would say are fairly “typical,” there’s the “80’s guy” someone didn’t tell him that tight jeans and turtlenecks left 25 years ago, and then there’s the “stripper.” There’s one girl from Hong Kong, pretty straight forward. Three girls from China, one, Boo-kie looks like a little doll, to quote the Ravi, “her pudgy cheeks make her eyes look like an afterthought” but she’s sweet and of course the baby of the class. Then there’s the Chinese guy who looks mid thirties but is actually early twenties. Hmmm. Rounding out the group is the Brazilian Korean with a brazilian first and middle name and the last name Won. She looks a bit like a Brazilian Lucy Lu to me, except her parents are both Korean? Of course then there’s me, the gyopo (korean abroad) who brings American humor and entertainment to the group. :D I have to say that I’ve been blessed with another great group of friends. I still keep in touch with the last class. Mai, Liene, Zhui-Fong, Nanupa, Elle, and Teacher #1.5a.
(Teachers: So perhaps I should explain my coding for teachers. Each level is broken into two session and each half has two teachers, the main teacher and the reading teacher. So Teacher 1.0b is the level 1 first session reading teacher, while Teacher 1.5a is the level one, second session, main teacher. Make sense? oh well.)
A month or so ago, I was walking with a friend in the subway and she looked to me and asked, “What does a guy in the US do when he’s walking with a girl who’s carrying a heavy bag?” Hmmm, I thought for a second and replied, “Well, I suppose it depends on the context. I mean, how old is the girl? how well do they know each other? does he like her? Where are they going? etc...” She responded, “I mean, if two people are walking and one’s a guy and one’s a girl and the girl is carrying a heavy bag, what does the guy do?” Hmmm, I replied, “Again, I think here the context is important.” This same dialogue went back and forth for another min or two before I finally understood that she was trying to tell me that she had had a long day and would appreciate a guy helping her carry her book bag. I asked her why she didn’t just ask if I could carry something for her to help her out? (Who knows).
So that’s partially the art of asking without asking. I heard it’s really hard for westerners to master... :\ (Indirect communication is pretty Greek to me to begin with... so we’ll have to see how this goes!) Well I think I’ve about talked by fingers off about Korean class. Check out the pictures, we even did a bit of cooking too!
Just sitting here in 수원 with some time to kill before meeting up with a friend for lunch so I decided to put some thoughts to words. Several things have happened since I got back this week, including jet lag. What the hell is up with jet lag?! I thought I might have finally beaten it last night, but nope, 4:00AM this morning I was bright eyed and bushy tailed. My intensive Korean class is becoming just that: intensive. From what my teacher tells me, upon graduating level 2 of Yonsei's KLI program students will know about 50% of what the "average" Korean knows with regards to the language and grammer. Now while that might sound very impressive at first, let's remember that the majority of Americans have somewhere around a 5th grade reading level.. (a little less impressive huh?). I'm also taking three online classes through ASU so I can ensure my timely gradution prior to entering law school. (probably a good thing)
I got to see several of my relatives last night, including grandparents, cousins, and uncles/aunts. Also found out that my cousin Benny and his wife Jinny (whom I mentioned previously here) are expecting a baby in about 7 months... wow, that was quick.
On the law school front, still waiting...
Other than that, perhaps a couple of intersting things to talk about after next weekend, but until then, I'll just be studying korean, intercultural communication, technical writing, geology, and reading one of the many books I brought.
Oh yea.. and of course I can't finish the blog without a picture of the all new macbook air... (now that's sexy!) I'm willing to bet the good doctor gets one soon ;)
I got to see several of my relatives last night, including grandparents, cousins, and uncles/aunts. Also found out that my cousin Benny and his wife Jinny (whom I mentioned previously here) are expecting a baby in about 7 months... wow, that was quick.
On the law school front, still waiting...
Other than that, perhaps a couple of intersting things to talk about after next weekend, but until then, I'll just be studying korean, intercultural communication, technical writing, geology, and reading one of the many books I brought.
Oh yea.. and of course I can't finish the blog without a picture of the all new macbook air... (now that's sexy!) I'm willing to bet the good doctor gets one soon ;)
I'm tired... I've slept a combined 10 hours in the past three days trying to reconfigure my sleep to match the U.S. In less than 12 hours I'll be on a Boeing 777 from Inchon to S.F. where I'll have a 4 hour layover (which is good because hopefully I can get my iphone reactivated) and then it's on to Sky Harbor. In the past month I've really started to feel like Seoul is my home. I'm familiar with the surroundings, I have my favorite restaurants, I've made some new amazing friends and finished up a semester of school. I'm a little nervous about going back, so many things to do and so little time to do it in. I'm sure the three week Christmas/New Year break will pass in a blink and then I'll be back at KLI for another serious of 4 hour a day intensive courses..
I have to say that while learning Korean is a great reason to be here, the challenges that I'm facing and the growth they're requiring of me are alone well worth the journey. I'll be taking the iPhone on the plane and I'll try to send updates when I can... Maybe I'll go shower now? Or talk to rockstar...
I have to say that while learning Korean is a great reason to be here, the challenges that I'm facing and the growth they're requiring of me are alone well worth the journey. I'll be taking the iPhone on the plane and I'll try to send updates when I can... Maybe I'll go shower now? Or talk to rockstar...
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Well the first half of my study in Korea is coming to an end. As a matter of fact in 12 days I'll be in Phoenix probably eating breakfast at Parsons' with good people. In an effort to go out with a bang, I decided to take my classmate up on his offer to introduce me to some "authentic" korean food. So last night my one classmate and I, (JweeBong, He's Chinese) decided to go to Oh-Jo-Doe's house (He's from Uzbekistan) and share in some good food and conversation.
Disclaimer: If you have a weak stomach, if you really love cute animals or really hate bugs, STOP. Do not read any further... (you've been warned).
Now, Both JweeBong and I knew what the main course was going to be: 보신탕. Literal translation: Protector Soup, or Guardian Soup. (dog soup). To my surprise it didn't come out as a soup, but came out as a BBQ dish with a side of soup. The meat was seasoned well, cooked along with veggies. The taste was quite interesting, not nearly as gamey as I would have expected, but definitely a very unique flavor. I must admit it might have been the most tender meat I've ever eaten.
After dinner, we decided to head over to a HOF (aka Beer House) to chat over a drink. It was a good time, I found out quite a bit about Ohjodoe's past, what brought him to Korea and his experience in the past five or so years since he's been here.


During the middle of the conversation he stops and and asks me if I'm okay eating something that doesn't look appealing but tastes good? Hmmm, NO. I'm not okay with that. So he says fine and orders something. A few mins later a dish comes out and it's some sort of chicken. Of course I let Jwee taste it first, and he shakes his head in approval. (Jwee doesn't talk much, probably because he knows about 12 english words and 30 or so Korean words. But we end up communicating with sign language, of sorts, and by drawing pictures or pointing at pictures on the wall). So I proceed to eat the chicken and it's pretty good. The texture is sort of like calamari and it's seasoned quite well. While I'm eating it, Ohjodoe mentions that some things, although they'd sound funny are really quite tasty. I stopped and paid closer attention to what he was calling this: 닭똥집. hmmm. Literal translation: Chicken ***** House. (aka, Chicken rectum)! Hmmm... I couldn't help but start laughing and as I looked over at Jwee who, still not knowing what it was, was going to town on the the Chicken.


During the middle of the conversation he stops and and asks me if I'm okay eating something that doesn't look appealing but tastes good? Hmmm, NO. I'm not okay with that. So he says fine and orders something. A few mins later a dish comes out and it's some sort of chicken. Of course I let Jwee taste it first, and he shakes his head in approval. (Jwee doesn't talk much, probably because he knows about 12 english words and 30 or so Korean words. But we end up communicating with sign language, of sorts, and by drawing pictures or pointing at pictures on the wall). So I proceed to eat the chicken and it's pretty good. The texture is sort of like calamari and it's seasoned quite well. While I'm eating it, Ohjodoe mentions that some things, although they'd sound funny are really quite tasty. I stopped and paid closer attention to what he was calling this: 닭똥집. hmmm. Literal translation: Chicken ***** House. (aka, Chicken rectum)! Hmmm... I couldn't help but start laughing and as I looked over at Jwee who, still not knowing what it was, was going to town on the the Chicken. Next Ohjodoe ordered 번대기찌개. Literal translation: Silk Worm Soup. Hmmm... I've seen cooked silk worms here before at the 17 and Under World Cup, and it didn't look very appealing then. Let me just say, it looked less appealing in a boiling soup! The boiling water made the silk worms look like they were moving... Definitely something out of fear factor. I looked up at Ohjodoe... who appropriately responded.. 로마 안에때 "When in Rome..." I clamped down and took a bite.... (Just for the record, I ate 2). While the soup was quite good, it was hard to get over the little worms in the soup. Even Jwee, who'd eatin ants, grasshoppers, and other crawly things couldn't get over it.. but we used peer pressure and he tried it.



All in all it was quite a night. Soon after, Ohjodoe's wife showed up (they own a chiropractic/massage clinic) and we chatted some more. She told us about Korea and eating interesting foods, we told her about school and America. One of her life dreams is to see the grand canyon! Jwee and I got back around 1Am... I was beat, but I can add a few more interesting tales to my collection.~tim
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Hmmm. rockstar's not surprised, "I knew it would happen, it was just a matter of time..." or so he said. And no, I'm not talking about that which he presumes I'm talking about, what I'm really talking about is the "finals" atmosphere that seems to envelope everyone and every thing around here. I mean finals week in the US is one thing, but here they've taken it to another level. You have to show up before 9:00am if you plan on getting one of 2000 electronically reservable study desks at the library on the weekend! My cousin spends hours a day at the library while my housemates do the same. Me? Finals start next Tuesday and yes, tonight, a Friday night, I could be found at Starbucks...studying. And while it's not the school library, I consider it just as bad. What's even CRAZIER is that I'm up past 10PM!!! (I wonder just how Korean I'll become? )
Not much new going on lately, between "normal" classes, Korean classes, and hangin with family most of everyday seems to be consumed. Hung out with my cousin yesterday, pretty fun, had Chinese food and then I had the opportunity to introduce her to Cold Stone! Her expression was priceless! (Side note, she's never tasted coconut!?) Christmas starts a little early in Korea, primarily because their Thanksgiving is in October so right after Peppero day (or pocky day as Steph calls it) it's right on to Christmas.
Korean class is going well; KLI switches up the teachers after midterms to help mix things up. The new teachers are pretty good, and the pace seems to be just right. I'm headed to the DMZ tomorrow, really looking forward to it. (Although, I'm not quite sure what I'm hoping to see?) I'm sure I'll snap plenty of pictures and hopefully get in some more Atlas Shrugged (ML's kick'n my butt!)
Now this is marketing!
Have you ever looked at a magazine ad or watched a commercial and thought, "man, now that's come clever marketing?" I know that in the US, we pride ourselves on our innovative marketing skills. Take Hersheys for example: Of course we're all familiar with the "Hershey's Kiss." How brilliant was that? Name a chocolate after something that boys and girls have pursued since the beginning of time and you've got a hit. But they didn't stop there! What goes better with kisses than hugs?! And while I thought that the height of candy marketing genius, last week I found out that US companies might learn a thing or two from Lotte (롯데). Lotte makes this cracker called Pepero (빼빼로). They're basically thin cookie sticks covered in chocolate. Well guess what November 11th is? National.. YES NATIONAL Pepero day. Why might you ask? Because November 11th is 11-11 and that looks like 4 Peperos! GENIUS! Can you imagine if there was a National Kiss Day? or National NutterButter day?! Where the entire point of the day is to buy people _____ (fill in the blank). 


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/07/health/07fat.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1194438040-WQ8KzBIizxq%20luYBavokrw&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin
Have you ever looked at a magazine ad or watched a commercial and thought, "man, now that's come clever marketing?" I know that in the US, we pride ourselves on our innovative marketing skills. Take Hersheys for example: Of course we're all familiar with the "Hershey's Kiss." How brilliant was that? Name a chocolate after something that boys and girls have pursued since the beginning of time and you've got a hit. But they didn't stop there! What goes better with kisses than hugs?! And while I thought that the height of candy marketing genius, last week I found out that US companies might learn a thing or two from Lotte (롯데). Lotte makes this cracker called Pepero (빼빼로). They're basically thin cookie sticks covered in chocolate. Well guess what November 11th is? National.. YES NATIONAL Pepero day. Why might you ask? Because November 11th is 11-11 and that looks like 4 Peperos! GENIUS! Can you imagine if there was a National Kiss Day? or National NutterButter day?! Where the entire point of the day is to buy people _____ (fill in the blank).

The ball and chain... (Korean Culture)
So we learned in Korean class today that there are certain gifts that are generally reserved for girlfriends and spouses to give their man/men. Specifically, neck ties and belts. As the teacher was telling us this, my classmate Jason looks over at me as says, "that's as bad as getting socks for Christmas." I have to agree. But, it's actually much much worse. Of course everything has symbolism, so what do these gifts symbolize? OWNERSHIP! Yup, the ol girlfriend buys you a tie because it's something she can drag you around by, and she buys you a belt so that she can grab a hold of it incase you try to run off. Now while the "girls" will tell you it's actually more cute and affectionate than that, they're lying! Just let a different girl buy you a tie and see how your girlfriend reacts!
GETTING FAT?
On a side note, I ran across a pretty interesting article in the New York Times, the Headline: Causes of Death Linked to Weight.
Now while you might immediately think that the article is going to be about how overweight people die from all sorts of crazy diseases and should immediately drop 1,000 pounds, what a series of recent studies have shown is quite different.
It appears that "overweight" people (not to be confused with "obese" people, actually have a lower death rate than other weight classes. It seems that overweight people "are much less likely to die from a grab bag of diseases that includes Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, infections andlung disease."
"The new study began several years ago when the investigators used national data to look at death risks according to body weight. They concluded that, compared with people of normal weight, the overweight had a decreased death risk and the underweight and obese had increased risk."
Hmmm.. Maybe I should ease of my new super "one day maybe I can look like Joe" exercise plan?
On a side note, I ran across a pretty interesting article in the New York Times, the Headline: Causes of Death Linked to Weight.
Now while you might immediately think that the article is going to be about how overweight people die from all sorts of crazy diseases and should immediately drop 1,000 pounds, what a series of recent studies have shown is quite different.
It appears that "overweight" people (not to be confused with "obese" people, actually have a lower death rate than other weight classes. It seems that overweight people "are much less likely to die from a grab bag of diseases that includes Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, infections andlung disease."
"The new study began several years ago when the investigators used national data to look at death risks according to body weight. They concluded that, compared with people of normal weight, the overweight had a decreased death risk and the underweight and obese had increased risk."
Hmmm.. Maybe I should ease of my new super "one day maybe I can look like Joe" exercise plan?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/07/health/07fat.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1194438040-WQ8KzBIizxq%20luYBavokrw&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin
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