Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
DB 2: Why Am I Here?
People often ask me, "What exactly is Plan II?" I answer them with something along the lines of, "It's basically a Liberal Arts Honors that prepares me to do just about whatever I want to do. It's kind of like high school where you take classes from different subjects." Of course, I don't really know what I'm talking about. I bs it because I don't want to look dumb.
Plan II students are full of ____. :)
Instead of stopping with the questions, they proceed with, "What do you do with it?" I don't really know the answer, so I tell them, "It prepares you for graduate schools."
Then they ask the final question, "Why did you do it?" My answer varies from time to time. Sometimes I'd say, "because I want to go to graduate school eventually," other times I just tell them, "because it is prestigious, and there are only 150 of us in the program." Do I believe the things I say? I don't know. Nevertheless, the question "why" lingers in my head. Why did I choose Plan II? Why did I choose U.T.? Why bother going to a university altogether? Yes, indeed, why am I here? I often ponder upon those questions, and, even now, I wonder if I really made the right choice in terms of choosing the right place for me.
Honestly, I never pictured myself at U.T. Now that I think about it, I was really cocky. Before college decisions came out, I really thought I had it in me to go somewhere East Coast. I mean I had done as many if not more things than a lot of my classmates at St. Mark's. I had similar if not better grades as the ones that went to IVY League schools. Even to this day, I regret not disobeying my parents and applying to UPenn early decision (7 out of 7 kids who applied early got in from my school). Tough luck. I'll get over it someday. Nevertheless, last year's college admission process was not kind to many people, and especially for an international student like me, it was even worse.
random fact: Both Acho's in the football team are from my school! I'm so proud!
Nevertheless, I had some good choices. I read reviews-college prowlers are so FUNNY and informative- and personally visited most of the colleges. I was surprised that I really, REALLY liked what I saw found at U.T. I liked many things about U.T., but most of all, I liked the student environment. I like the big student body that lets you meet many people and avoid those you want to avoid. More than anything, I just disliked the vibe I got from the other schools.
*cough* what?
When I was applying to U.T., I did not even think about attending here. It offered in state tuition and pretty much guaranteed admission, so I decided to apply. While I was at it, I applied for Plan II just for the hell of it. In all honesty, I do not know how I got into Plan II. My application for Plan II was the worst piece of crap I have ever written. The application deadline was near, and I just needed to write something to finish the application process. I ended up with some political piece about Korean politics. I proofread it once and turned it in barely on time.
Week later, I got into my backup major at U.T. Afterward, I checked e-mails and the website daily to see if I got something from Plan II, but I got nothing for months. Then, one day, my mom called me while I was out to grab dinner to tell me that I got into Plan II. When I heard it over the phone from my mom, it was so anti-climactic for me that I didn't know how to react. I just yelled half-assed, "yay..." and hung up.
she ruined my surprise!!!
Even though Plan II was not my top choice when I applied, it became my #1 choice when the time came to decide. As I said earlier, among the choices I had, Plan II at U.T. seemed like the best choice for me.
Why did I even bother going to a university? I don't know. I never deeply thought about it. For me, going to college seemed like a natural process of education. Ever since I was a kid, I wondered about which college to go to, not whether I should go to college. I suppose I just want to learn more, or maybe I want to experience being a college student. Perhaps, I am afraid to face the real world and want to stay in school. Or my motivation is simply calculative and want to earn more money when I get a job. Whatever my subliminal motives may be, one thing is for sure: my fellow students and I are in college to "learn to respect, to consult, to aid each other" (166). These skills are the most basic skills one need to survive in the real world. If not anything, one should at least learn those essential skills.
Now, why U.T. and Plan II? For me, the process went more in terms of, "I should go to U.T. because I want to be in Plan II," not "I should do Plan II if I go to U.T." I wanted to be in Plan II mostly because I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future. Well, that is a lie. I sort of have a plan, but I do not know if that is the right path for me. Hence, I wanted to study different subjects as an undergraduate and find out where my passion lies. Plan II offered what I wanted from a university: Liberal Arts Education. While I did not know the true meaning of liberal arts education and Plan II program, I just liked the sound of them.
So far, Plan II has been what I imagined it to be and maybe more. I imagined it to be a lot of interactive discussion classes and a lot of reading. While my expectations mostly came true, I found out Plan II is more than just that. Plan II promises, "A baccalaureate education that lays the foundation for a future of self-education -- and feeds its graduates' curiosity so well that most of them will make learning an essential part of their life-plans" (173I). I was especially pleased with my World Literature course. I expected it to be focused more on scholarly discussions over the readings (similar to the environment I was exposed to at St. Mark's). However, I found it to be more than just scholarly discussions. Professor Bump asked us to find out WHO we are. So far, it has been a meaningful journey to find out more about myself.
I especially enjoy the experiential learning Plan II promotes. This active learning is offered in both World Literature and Modes of Reasoning courses. I agree that "while you are participating, you are paying more attention" (184). The things I did outside of class for extra credit and self inquiry stick to my head more than the lectures I heard in classes. Furthermore, I like the use of multimedia in our essays. Pictures stimulate the right side of the brain, and "because both sides of the brain and many intelligences are engaged active involvement results in processing of information deeper than mere memorization" (184). I am actively learning things, and this is why I enjoy my Plan II classes.
If you ask me, "Do you think you made the right choice by coming to U.T.?" I will answer, "I don't know if I made the right choice." In fact, I will never know. The fact is, I am comfortable with where I am, and that is all that matters.
Plan II students are full of ____. :)
Then they ask the final question, "Why did you do it?" My answer varies from time to time. Sometimes I'd say, "because I want to go to graduate school eventually," other times I just tell them, "because it is prestigious, and there are only 150 of us in the program." Do I believe the things I say? I don't know. Nevertheless, the question "why" lingers in my head. Why did I choose Plan II? Why did I choose U.T.? Why bother going to a university altogether? Yes, indeed, why am I here? I often ponder upon those questions, and, even now, I wonder if I really made the right choice in terms of choosing the right place for me.
Honestly, I never pictured myself at U.T. Now that I think about it, I was really cocky. Before college decisions came out, I really thought I had it in me to go somewhere East Coast. I mean I had done as many if not more things than a lot of my classmates at St. Mark's. I had similar if not better grades as the ones that went to IVY League schools. Even to this day, I regret not disobeying my parents and applying to UPenn early decision (7 out of 7 kids who applied early got in from my school). Tough luck. I'll get over it someday. Nevertheless, last year's college admission process was not kind to many people, and especially for an international student like me, it was even worse.
random fact: Both Acho's in the football team are from my school! I'm so proud!
*cough* what?
Week later, I got into my backup major at U.T. Afterward, I checked e-mails and the website daily to see if I got something from Plan II, but I got nothing for months. Then, one day, my mom called me while I was out to grab dinner to tell me that I got into Plan II. When I heard it over the phone from my mom, it was so anti-climactic for me that I didn't know how to react. I just yelled half-assed, "yay..." and hung up.
she ruined my surprise!!!
Why did I even bother going to a university? I don't know. I never deeply thought about it. For me, going to college seemed like a natural process of education. Ever since I was a kid, I wondered about which college to go to, not whether I should go to college. I suppose I just want to learn more, or maybe I want to experience being a college student. Perhaps, I am afraid to face the real world and want to stay in school. Or my motivation is simply calculative and want to earn more money when I get a job. Whatever my subliminal motives may be, one thing is for sure: my fellow students and I are in college to "learn to respect, to consult, to aid each other" (166). These skills are the most basic skills one need to survive in the real world. If not anything, one should at least learn those essential skills.
Now, why U.T. and Plan II? For me, the process went more in terms of, "I should go to U.T. because I want to be in Plan II," not "I should do Plan II if I go to U.T." I wanted to be in Plan II mostly because I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future. Well, that is a lie. I sort of have a plan, but I do not know if that is the right path for me. Hence, I wanted to study different subjects as an undergraduate and find out where my passion lies. Plan II offered what I wanted from a university: Liberal Arts Education. While I did not know the true meaning of liberal arts education and Plan II program, I just liked the sound of them.
So far, Plan II has been what I imagined it to be and maybe more. I imagined it to be a lot of interactive discussion classes and a lot of reading. While my expectations mostly came true, I found out Plan II is more than just that. Plan II promises, "A baccalaureate education that lays the foundation for a future of self-education -- and feeds its graduates' curiosity so well that most of them will make learning an essential part of their life-plans" (173I). I was especially pleased with my World Literature course. I expected it to be focused more on scholarly discussions over the readings (similar to the environment I was exposed to at St. Mark's). However, I found it to be more than just scholarly discussions. Professor Bump asked us to find out WHO we are. So far, it has been a meaningful journey to find out more about myself.
I especially enjoy the experiential learning Plan II promotes. This active learning is offered in both World Literature and Modes of Reasoning courses. I agree that "while you are participating, you are paying more attention" (184). The things I did outside of class for extra credit and self inquiry stick to my head more than the lectures I heard in classes. Furthermore, I like the use of multimedia in our essays. Pictures stimulate the right side of the brain, and "because both sides of the brain and many intelligences are engaged active involvement results in processing of information deeper than mere memorization" (184). I am actively learning things, and this is why I enjoy my Plan II classes.
are these pictures stimulating YOU?
If you ask me, "Do you think you made the right choice by coming to U.T.?" I will answer, "I don't know if I made the right choice." In fact, I will never know. The fact is, I am comfortable with where I am, and that is all that matters.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
私は最後の週を旅することに
私は最後の週を旅することに費やして、日本への旅行を愛していました。 私は、音楽にあてがわれた忍者戦いについてのライブのショーの中にいました。 それは非常に精力的で、幸福でした。 今私の計画はノルウェーとポーランドを含んでいます。 私のショーの一覧表を入手するために、私にいくらかの郵便〔メール〕を送ってください。 その時まで、たくさんのケーキとアイスクリームを食べてください
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
cheetah and horse
Hongrak Kwon
Bump
E603A
22 September 2009
My Totem Animal: Cheetah and Horse
I sat down, clicked play, and began my meditation. As I listened to the constant drum beat going, “tong, tong, tong, tong, tong…,” I reached a peaceful state, and with the sound of mesmerizing male voiceover, I embarked on my journey to find my totem animal. While meditating, I went down canyons and into the light to arrive at a forest. Many animals appeared to me, but I think I knew, even before I went on this spiritual journey, that horse is my totem animal. A brown horse with white diamond shape on the forehead showed up a fourth time, and I knew for sure that she was my power animal. Actually, if I went on this journey eight years ago, I am not sure if my totem animal would have been a horse. Spiritual presence of a horse has always been there, but it was not as great as it is now. Honestly, if I went on this spiritual journey eight years ago, I believe my totem would have been a cheetah. Sure, horse was still there in the back of my mind as a young kid, but presence of a cheetah outweighed the presence of horse by far. Many things changed when I moved from Korea to the United States, and change of totem animals would explain some of the changes within me.
Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, I had nothing to do with animals as a child. In a city like Seoul, it is hard to see an animal other than the typical dogs and cats. Nevertheless, I always had a thing for horses; I don’t know what it is, but I just like them. Perhaps it has something to do with my Chinese zodiac being a horse. I always wanted to learn to ride horses and begged my mom daily; sadly, I had to satiate my desire with the horse riding simulations on top of a plastic horse. This love for horse, however, was small compared to the new love that developed in my early childhood. As a kid, I loved reading. I was an introvert who loved to read while sitting in the car, walking down the street, and lying on the bed. One day, I read an encyclopedia page about a cheetah, and it immediately grabbed my attention. Cheetahs are fascinating animals that are fastest land animals. They can run up to seventy to seventy-five mph and accelerate from zero to sixty mph in less than three seconds, which is faster than most supercars. After reading the encyclopedia on cheetah, cheetah became my favorite animal. I memorized all the nifty things about cheetah and somehow found ways to bring it up in a conversation. In my head, cheetahs were the coolest and the strongest animals in the wild.
Just out of curiosity, I decided to look up the characteristics of a cheetah as a totem animal. As a totem animal, cheetah represents speed and flexibility. Cheetah people have “great capacity to feel and respond quickly to the hurt of others.”[1] I used to be very compassionate little kid. I could not pass any poor homeless person without begging my mom to donate something small for the poor man, and whenever I saw people avoid a hobo, I felt bad and wondered why anyone would be so heartless to ignore the poor and weak. The other characteristic of a cheetah person describes my past self really well: “Cheetah people tend to be solitary and have a select few they trust and bond with.”[2] As I stated earlier, I used to be very introverted and anti-social. Television, books, and comic books were my friends, and I disliked going outside to play with other kids. However, there was this one kid named Sea-Jin that I really loved to hang out with. He was a popular guy at my school, but he and I went way back to pre-kindergarten. Other than him, I didn’t have many “friends.” According to the Course Anthology, one’s totem animal is the one that answers the question: “Are there any animals that you find to be extremely frightening or intriguing"[3] Cheetah used to be the answer to that question, and seeing as how the description of a cheetah person fits so perfectly, I am sure my totem animal used to be a cheetah.
However, my personality changed when I moved to the United States eight years ago. I don’t know what made me change so much, but I became a whole new person. I changed from looks to personality that my old “friends” from Korea cannot recognize me at first. Even my best friend could not recognize me at one glance. I used to wonder what changed me, but after finding my totem animal is a horse, I think I might have found the answer to my question. I do not know if change of totem animal is possible, but if it is possible, then that would explain a lot about the changes I went through in America. I will never really understand why my totem animal became a horse; I guess that is just part of the question to find the totem animal: “Have you ever felt drawn to one animal or another without being able to explain why?” [4] I really cannot explain why I am drawn to horses. I have ridden a horse once in my life and that is it. I have seen them in ranches as I drive by few, but I never really got to interact with one. However, after reading the description of horse people, I think I slowly understand why my power animal is a horse.
Horses represent travel, power, and freedom.[5] New journeys await horse people, and indeed my journey to America has been a significant one. My journey to America has also led to freedom; I attained freedom from the conservative Korean mindset. I still strive to have more freedom of my own. Even in college, it is hard to have freedom from parents when one’s parents are typical Asian parents who are always on one’s back. Lastly, for last eight years, I strived to be in position of power in high school. I was the captain of the fencing team, president of a club, and the head of a local volunteer organization. Perhaps, my totem animal helped me on my journey to achieve all that. More importantly, as a horse person, I am friendly and adventurous, which describe my personality perfectly. My recent personality test revealed that I was ENFJ person, meaning I am very extroverted, and as an extrovert, I love to go out on an adventure and try new things. This is totally the opposite of my old self who disliked going out and socializing. Perhaps, I lost interest in cheetah because I am no longer a cheetah person by description. My new freed self loves to socialize and make new friends. Unlike my old self, I am amiable and talkative; basically, I am a social animal that cannot sustain without socializing. Whether my totem animal caused the change or followed the change that occurred to me is still uncertain; nevertheless, I like the new horse self with more confidence and friends
Throughout my life, I have a strong feeling that I have had two totem animals. First was a cheetah, who guided me through my solitary life in Korea, and second and my current one is a horse, who is guiding me to new directions and adventures. As I went through changes, I think my totem animals also changed. Perhaps change of totem animals triggered the changes within me; maybe, it is the other way around, and the changes within me caused my power animals to change. I still do not really understand why cheetah and horse became my power animals, but I feel that they have always been here for me and shaped me into a person I am now. My journey began with a cheetah guiding my introverted self and teaching me to be a compassionate being and continues with a horse teaching me the meaning of power and freedom and taking me on adventures. In retrospect, my cheetah self’s life style has been too boring and anti-social. I know that my journey with my power animal horse is going to be fun, exciting, and full of surprises. It is really intriguing to see how mythical things such as totem animals serve as evidence to show why my personality is the way it is.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Wave Clouds
Waves
waves of grace
waves of misfortune
waves are a constant on the paths we travel
even in calm windless days, there remains a silent ripple of oscillation
descent rides gravity, accent requires effort, tide with flow
dare to reach up and tilt the playing field - 180 degrees
look up, assimilate, and ride the reciprocal highway
light spray and mist will invigorate
the sun always looms to the West
which roads will you travel?
wave as you pass
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Road Map Reading
I was so sad that my road map did not have a lot of pictures of me as a young kid! :(
All of my pictures are in Korea, but my dad happens to be here at the moment... So I couldn't get any of the pictures of me as a young kid! (which is probably a good thing) =P
Hopefully, some of you guys still enjoyed watching my movie even though it doesn't have a lot of pictures of me in there...
Jade:
I love the first quote you used! I learned that quote when I was a little kid back in elementary school! Well, the version I learned is, "千里始足下," which is "천리길도 첫 걸음부터." I totally agree with the statement that everything starts SOMEWHERE. Just out of curiosity, 1,000 li is more like 400km, which is roughly 250 miles, isn't it? It's really clever of you to just say 1,000 miles since it doesn't change the meaning or anything!
Also, I looked up the first song because it is in Korean. =D I've never heard of 이지아 or Ejiah. I like her song though.
Ejiah!
The lyrics, however, is whacked! o.0
네 두눈엔 내가 있죠
차마 바라 볼 수가 없어
이런 눈부신 행복이란거
내 곁에 찾아왔죠
의미없는 내 하루가
거짓말처럼 달라져버렸어
하루라도 널 보지않으면
죽을 것만 같아서
컵케익도 네게 줄게
외계인 얘기 해줄게
이건 비밀이지만 너에게만은
전부 다 말해줄게
사랑인것 같은 느낌 다시는 가질 수 없는
소중한 어제처럼 반짝이는 너
안아 버리고 싶어
둘이서 나란히 누워 올려다보던
어느 하얀색 천장에
왜 나는 이렇게 행복한건지
다시 한번 더 말하고 싶어
너를 사랑한다고
잊을지도 모르니까
얼마나 사랑하는지
얘기하지않으면 놓칠것같아
이상하게 너만이
전부인걸 같은 느낌
너무나 멍청해진걸
그래도 나는 괜찮아
컵케익보다 니가 소중하니까
In case you're curious of what it says, I'll sum it up for you. It is another one of those typical Korean love song. Basically, she is saying she loves him so much. She'll give him everything and even tell him stories about aliens. He is her everything, and she feels stupid. But it's o.k. since he is more important than a cupcake. haha...
Good song though :)
Callie:
I moved around a lot and transferred schools constantly, so I am quite jealous that you have a best friend who shared every experience! I wish I had a friend like that. I know a lot of people, but I am not REALLY close to any of them because I've known them for at most three years... I think you're blessed to have a friend like Caroline.
Also, I don't know much about cats or any animals, so I did a little research about the average life span of cats. I found that cats live on average 12~15 years. Seeing as he lived over 18 years, I think you are right when you say "Smokey completed her mission in life." I think you really had a special cat who cared for you. =)
On a side note, I was curious why you put "(and Bandit..)." It caught my attention because my girlfriend's dog's name is Bandit. =P
Emily:
First, I must say that I'm impressed and amazed you made a 17 minute long video!! o.0
Secondly, I was quite surprised to find out you were quarter Asian when you told me! I guess that would explain being in the orchestra and such. ;) All jokes aside, I am impressed that you know all the family members even though you have so many of them! I am even more impressed that you have pictures of them all! >.< I really enjoyed all the pictures you had in your video! (you even had one of you in a playboy bunny costume!! ^^;;;) But really, thank you for the pictures of Italy, New York, China, Colorado, and Alaska! I have not been to Italy, China, and Alaska, and I found them fascinating! THANKS! p.s. I still found the milking goat part pretty amusing!
Maysie:
I really enjoyed watching your video! I like the little clips of you doing weird things! =D I also liked that song "Aguas de Marco." By the way, do you understand what it is saying? I like the song even though I have no idea what it is saying.
I thought it was funny when you said your four year old sister Emma is "the serious one out of [your] two sisters." You never know, she might be an ENFJ like you and I. ;) On a more serious note, I'm happy to hear that your sister made it last summer and sorry it is back. I really hope Emma makes through it the second time! It is really tough to see a family member in pain. If I were a fervent Christian, I'd pray for you, but since I'm not, I'm here if you need me. =) I hope you have the chance to find out if Emma is really the serious one of the two!
By the way, I really like how you changed colors of the words, so they stick out more. That was really clever! I don't know why I didn't think of that..
Sharad:
I thought it was interesting you transformed from extroverted to introverted after you moved to U.S. It is interesting to see how similar events affect people in different ways. I opened up and became an extrovert, while you became an introvert. Fascinating! I must agree though that moving and traveling around the world really do change and shape one's life.
Also, I must say that those monkeys really do look a little intimidating! =P
Thuyen:
Two things from your movie resonate with me.
Of all things, "I still uphold the Vietnamese traditions, speak the language, eat the food, and always remember where I came from," struck me the most. Sometimes, I have trouble doing all the things you mentioned above. I don't know if you ever have felt this way, but there was a time when I had a feeling of loss of identity. I didn't know which group I fit in with. Was I American or Korean? Should I try to be one over the other? In the end I found my own way of coping with it, but your statement just reminded me about that time of my life. Oh, I definitely agree with the food part! The first thing I missed when I moved from Korea was the FOOD! That is the first thing that hits you and makes you homesick!
Also, I can kind of feel how you felt when you said, "I finally got to visit my homeland after 12 years this past summer." For me, it was SIX years before I got to return, but even then I was overwhelmed with lots of emotions when I stepped on the Korean soil. It's something hard to explain with words, but I bet it's somewhat close to how Odysseus felt when he returned from his long journey. ;)
All of my pictures are in Korea, but my dad happens to be here at the moment... So I couldn't get any of the pictures of me as a young kid! (which is probably a good thing) =P
Hopefully, some of you guys still enjoyed watching my movie even though it doesn't have a lot of pictures of me in there...
Jade:
I love the first quote you used! I learned that quote when I was a little kid back in elementary school! Well, the version I learned is, "千里始足下," which is "천리길도 첫 걸음부터." I totally agree with the statement that everything starts SOMEWHERE. Just out of curiosity, 1,000 li is more like 400km, which is roughly 250 miles, isn't it? It's really clever of you to just say 1,000 miles since it doesn't change the meaning or anything!
Also, I looked up the first song because it is in Korean. =D I've never heard of 이지아 or Ejiah. I like her song though.
Ejiah!
네 두눈엔 내가 있죠
차마 바라 볼 수가 없어
이런 눈부신 행복이란거
내 곁에 찾아왔죠
의미없는 내 하루가
거짓말처럼 달라져버렸어
하루라도 널 보지않으면
죽을 것만 같아서
컵케익도 네게 줄게
외계인 얘기 해줄게
이건 비밀이지만 너에게만은
전부 다 말해줄게
사랑인것 같은 느낌 다시는 가질 수 없는
소중한 어제처럼 반짝이는 너
안아 버리고 싶어
둘이서 나란히 누워 올려다보던
어느 하얀색 천장에
왜 나는 이렇게 행복한건지
다시 한번 더 말하고 싶어
너를 사랑한다고
잊을지도 모르니까
얼마나 사랑하는지
얘기하지않으면 놓칠것같아
이상하게 너만이
전부인걸 같은 느낌
너무나 멍청해진걸
그래도 나는 괜찮아
컵케익보다 니가 소중하니까
In case you're curious of what it says, I'll sum it up for you. It is another one of those typical Korean love song. Basically, she is saying she loves him so much. She'll give him everything and even tell him stories about aliens. He is her everything, and she feels stupid. But it's o.k. since he is more important than a cupcake. haha...
Good song though :)
Callie:
I moved around a lot and transferred schools constantly, so I am quite jealous that you have a best friend who shared every experience! I wish I had a friend like that. I know a lot of people, but I am not REALLY close to any of them because I've known them for at most three years... I think you're blessed to have a friend like Caroline.
Also, I don't know much about cats or any animals, so I did a little research about the average life span of cats. I found that cats live on average 12~15 years. Seeing as he lived over 18 years, I think you are right when you say "Smokey completed her mission in life." I think you really had a special cat who cared for you. =)
On a side note, I was curious why you put "(and Bandit..)." It caught my attention because my girlfriend's dog's name is Bandit. =P
Emily:
First, I must say that I'm impressed and amazed you made a 17 minute long video!! o.0
Secondly, I was quite surprised to find out you were quarter Asian when you told me! I guess that would explain being in the orchestra and such. ;) All jokes aside, I am impressed that you know all the family members even though you have so many of them! I am even more impressed that you have pictures of them all! >.< I really enjoyed all the pictures you had in your video! (you even had one of you in a playboy bunny costume!! ^^;;;) But really, thank you for the pictures of Italy, New York, China, Colorado, and Alaska! I have not been to Italy, China, and Alaska, and I found them fascinating! THANKS! p.s. I still found the milking goat part pretty amusing!
Maysie:
I really enjoyed watching your video! I like the little clips of you doing weird things! =D I also liked that song "Aguas de Marco." By the way, do you understand what it is saying? I like the song even though I have no idea what it is saying.
I thought it was funny when you said your four year old sister Emma is "the serious one out of [your] two sisters." You never know, she might be an ENFJ like you and I. ;) On a more serious note, I'm happy to hear that your sister made it last summer and sorry it is back. I really hope Emma makes through it the second time! It is really tough to see a family member in pain. If I were a fervent Christian, I'd pray for you, but since I'm not, I'm here if you need me. =) I hope you have the chance to find out if Emma is really the serious one of the two!
By the way, I really like how you changed colors of the words, so they stick out more. That was really clever! I don't know why I didn't think of that..
Sharad:
I thought it was interesting you transformed from extroverted to introverted after you moved to U.S. It is interesting to see how similar events affect people in different ways. I opened up and became an extrovert, while you became an introvert. Fascinating! I must agree though that moving and traveling around the world really do change and shape one's life.
Also, I must say that those monkeys really do look a little intimidating! =P
Thuyen:
Two things from your movie resonate with me.
Of all things, "I still uphold the Vietnamese traditions, speak the language, eat the food, and always remember where I came from," struck me the most. Sometimes, I have trouble doing all the things you mentioned above. I don't know if you ever have felt this way, but there was a time when I had a feeling of loss of identity. I didn't know which group I fit in with. Was I American or Korean? Should I try to be one over the other? In the end I found my own way of coping with it, but your statement just reminded me about that time of my life. Oh, I definitely agree with the food part! The first thing I missed when I moved from Korea was the FOOD! That is the first thing that hits you and makes you homesick!
Also, I can kind of feel how you felt when you said, "I finally got to visit my homeland after 12 years this past summer." For me, it was SIX years before I got to return, but even then I was overwhelmed with lots of emotions when I stepped on the Korean soil. It's something hard to explain with words, but I bet it's somewhat close to how Odysseus felt when he returned from his long journey. ;)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Blast from the Past Copy & Paste Posties with Sleep Apnea
This is the city, and the city was tepid to my aspirations.
You can give your best shot at something, and find that it was just not enough. The world can chew you up and spit you out like a bad piece of gristle in a BBQ sandwich. I guess I knew that, but never expected to feel such turmoil and defeat. As I stood on Broadway my inner reflections seemed to go back to the start of it all ....
My big break came in 2004 when the New York Times noticed my journalism skills. They were reading my blog and liked what they saw. To my surprise, an offer was made, and I excepted. Within two weeks I had moved to a small loft apartment and begun my incredible journey into the realm of business reporting. Things were good, and I bought 38 new custom tailored suits, each with a custom hat to compliment each jacket. I looked the part, played the part, and WAS the part. Then she walked into my life
She was tall, brown eyed, and quick witted. The moment I layed eyes on her I was smitten, and fully captured in her strong presence and beauty. Charming?? ... that was not a strong enough word for her. She was magnetic, and invigorating. I never knew just how we became a couple. It seemed my suits may have been the biggest draw. Well, that and her desire to be featured in my daily column. You can already guess I did write that article, and it propelled her career in the fashion industry to epic proportions. Magazine covers and television appearances were soon to follow. Slowly she drifted out of my life, and my heart left with her. I was empty, like a spilled glass of whisky on the bar.
The New York Times also noticed my new void of ingenuity, and writers block was now my best friend. My last and final article was called, "Life, who gives a shit" .... I was fired that day.
So, here I am standing on Broadway with a twenty dollar bill and a plane ticket. "Back to Hollydale" for this Speedcat.
Dreams? Now I only have them in my sleep, and even they are interrupted by my heavy snoring.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Box O Litter with Clumps & Chicken Breasts
"Blogging is a lot like a box of litter with clumps" ...
Speedcat Hollydale
After many years of this posting "things" almost every day, I seem to have learned quite a bit. In fact, when I started I was very much new to even using a computer and ventured out not understanding where or why I was blogging at all. For months my posts were just scribbles in space that nobody found or read. Search engines ignored me, and comments were almost non existent.
Slowly as I met others out there doing the same thing, I found commenting "pals". You know, the classic I comment on your blog ... you comment on mine. This became the new formula. Great system, until you become over-reached and commenting on one hundred plus blogs! Don't get me wrong, I love the communication and reading posts, but sometimes the time it requires is just not in the cards. My blogging bike is now more of an afternoon ride than a Tour de France marathon each week.
The aspect of creating material is also one that I think everyone has toiled with. Honestly, I never really know or plan what will be next. In fact, I simply started typing for this one. Making up crap as I go, to place in my blogging litter box. Soon this will be a buried clump of yadda yadda blah blah blah in the archives. I guess what I have found to be the best part of this blogging litter box is that it is never-ending. You can dig down through layers containing thoughts and memories from months and years past. Sometimes I
simply just retreat back and relive moments in time. There lie some of my happiest moments ... some sad moments ... and even moments of massive life change. Of course, as I sift though the box I also find lots of random craps that still stink as bad as they did when first hatched.
. SPEEDCAT HOLLYDALE PAGE
My blogging bike is now more of an afternoon ride than a Tour de France marathon each week. The aspect of creating material is also one that I think ...speedcathollydale.blogspot.com/ - Similar -
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Mellow Yellow & Yellow Dog & Yellow Cheese & Music Monday
Mellow Yellow Monday #35 Click to Play !
Believe. Act. Achieve! - dcr Blogs dot Com » Blog Archive » Sunday ...
Sep 13, 2009 ... He screams. We scream. We all scream for melting ice cream! ... Watch this come up soon at the #1 spot in Google for “Melting Scream! ...
MUSIC MONDAY
Under My Bed - Music Video
Friday, September 11, 2009
Purple Sky & Purple Space Grapes
Purple Saturday September 12, 2009
Purple SaturdayMORE PURPALLIE STUFF 4 U ....
Royal Chihuahua / DCR Blogs
ObamaCare: Your Butt is Mine / Miss Moneypenny
Original Photo ... make one yourself .. quick, simple, EASY! Click link above to join
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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basketball neck fat catWednesday, September 9, 2009
Loonie Golf Longest Course on the Highway
With over 1.7 million hits on their website, there has been huge international interest in the new course. What an interesting idea ... I think we need a golf track like this in the US !
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