Turned RIGHT down

I was not successful in getting a free H1N1 vaccination. I asked: they turned me down HARD. It was embarrassing. I'll get over it. Really? They couldn't spare one little shot?

You should have seen the impromptu clinic though: it was so efficient. Seriously. But the nurses weren't wearing gloves. Just shooting the kids up with this stuff and sending them on their way. I didn't really see a concerted effort to clean the skin prior to poking it. I guess some things don't matter (?).

Oh Korea, you got me again.

Note the date

http://blog.hakwerk.com/images/crazy_it_party.jpg

Holla. Today is December 1. That means this marks my fifth month in Kooooorea. Goodness time flies. In a month, I'll be dancing it up New Years' styles, then headed to the temple ("ohm"), then to The Big Thai. Whoot whoot. Enjoy the last of November, friends. Holiday season has officially begun.

(I'm dying...that picture is entitled, "Crazy IT Party". I can't stop laughing.)

Thanks for the chat last night, Laur.

I feel much better today.

The Swine

http://mulattodiaries.files.wordpress.com

The kids are getting the H1N1 vaccination today. I'm going to try to sneak in, pretend to be one of them, and get myself vaccinated. Leanne got hers at a travel clinic in anticipation of being on a plane for 20 hours: I like that theory. I'm only going to be on a plane for ten hours, but hey, that's long enough.

Wish me luck (I look like a Korean high school student, right?)

Artist Watch #4

Art takes on all forms. Check out www.wordboner.com. It's wonderful.

quakeragitator.files.wordpress.com

Fortify yourself with contentment,

for this is an impregnable fortress.

--Epictetus



I'm not sure that I can build something impregnable
Not sure I'm strong enough for that.
I'm not entirely sure that what I have inside me is big enough, tough enough, to build something that will keep the bad stuff out and the good stuff in.

Maybe that's not the point...

Maybe the point is just to try. I can do that.

In Your Atmosphere

Oh John Mayer, you get me everytime.

(I love that I can sit here and listen to "Where the Light Is" all day while I do my work. Hearting Korea right now...)

www.luckygeorge.com

I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
I don't know how to land and not race to your door
I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore

I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
I'm not sure that I really ever could
Hold on to your hotel key in your Bedroom neighborhood
be sleep-walking in Hollywood

I'm gonna steer clear
Burn up in your atmosphere
I'm gonna steer clear
Cause I'd die if I saw you
I'd die if I didn't see you there
So I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore

I dont think I'm gonna go to LA anymore
I get lost on the boulevard at night
Without your voice to tell me I love you, take a right
the ten and the two is the loneliest sight

I'm gonna steer clear
Burn up in your atmosphere
I'm gonna steer clear
Cause I'd die if I saw you
I'd die if I didn't see you I'm gonna steer clear, oh yeah

Burn up in your atmosphere here
I'm gonna steer clear
Cause I'd die if I saw you
I'd die if I didn't see you there
see you there



I think I'm gonna stay
gonna stay in the gray
think I'm gonna stay
And all the street lights say nevermind nevermind
All the canyon lines say nevermind
Sunset says we see this all the time, nevermind,
never you mind.



Where ever I go
Whatever I do
I wonder where I am
In relation to you.

To Collect and Last

all images from www.sylvanianfamilies.com

I'm an only child. I have things and these things are my things: I really don't like to share. I took care of things: I didn't cut my dolls' hair, didn't colour on Barbie's face, didn't forget those small accessories, ruining outfits. I bordered on obsessive. I come by it honestly: my mother really did teach me the importance of respecting things and being careful. Ah, we'll get back to my mother in a moment.

I had a collection, a small collection, but a poignant collection, nonetheless. It included, from memory, the Wildwood Rabbit Family, one Slydale Fox Family member (he was like the Creepy Uncle), and the Honeybear Brown Bear Family. I had furniture as well. If I recall correctly, it was the green dining room table and four chairs. These precious little numbers were known as The Sylvanian Families. I can still recall the song that went with the advertisements: "Sylvanian Families: to collect and last." Oh, what's that? To COLLECT and LAST? That's funny, because I seem to recall that I don't have the Sylvanian Families anymore. Hmmm...I wonder what happened to them?

When I was a child of about eight (too old to play with this stuff, but not to old to marvel in it's beauty), my mother did something so horrible, so nearly unspeakable, that it has taken me until NOW to come forward about it. I've never quite forgiven her for this, though you may think I've taken the hurt a bit too far. Too far is never enough when it comes to pain of this magnitude. Yeah, my life was a bit sheltered.

She gave them away. And worse, she gave them to my neighbour. Lacey was close enough to me that I could have asked for them back, but I knew (and my mother, of course reminded me) that I just couldn't ask for it back. It was a gift. And it was gone.

I always wondered by I love gingham as much as I do: mystery solved. I had the couch too. Sigh.

So who cares, right? It was twenty years ago...eventually I should be able to get over it. Should, but can't. Because now I live in Korea, the land of foreign things; the land of "Gee, nothing here looks familiar". Until now.

I went to Namdaemun (pronounced, "NUM-day-moon") on Saturday. One of the reasons we wanted to go was to visit the six-storey art store there. It was remarkable. Unexpectedly, they had a massive toy section (note to parents: I would gladly have bought a GREAT gift for Avi and Mia, but everything was made in China [read: lead paint warning], so I refrained). And what do you know...I found the long-lost Sylvanian Families. Not just ONE family, ONE furniture set...the WHOLE enchilada, baby. The selection was astounding.

Not wanting to be a creepy lady, I didn't buy the Sylvanian Families. But I'm tempted to go back and scoop them up :) I KNEW there was a reason I came here!

Korean Christmas Shopping

Unbeknownst to me, there are some places in Korea that celebrate Christmas. Perhaps "celebrate" isn't the right word. Perhaps "epitomize", "embrace" or "fully embody with the spirit of the most materialistic pagans" is more like it.
Erin, Jeffrey, Carolyn, and I went to Namdaemun to pick up some "traditional Korean Christmas gifts" to send home. Though I didn't find much of note, I did find something for my mother that she'll either adore or despise (I'm leaning toward the former): I can't get enough of it myself.

We ate homemade, hand cut rice noodles in a tent-like shack at the side of the road. It was the first non-vegan meal I've had in about three or four weeks, so it tasted amazing. Sometimes real food is just what you need.

We walked around in the cool day: the weather here is great these days: it's not so cold that you have to avoid outdoors, but it's cold enough sometimes that staying inside, staying warm is perfectly socially acceptable. We drank in the overly Christmas'd sights, marvelling in how well they took the over the top spirit and went with it. I found some Junior Mints in a foreign store and ate quite a few of them. Again, non-vegan = one delicious day.

After the Find of the Century (for mom), we scooted over to Myeongdong, for some Western shopping. As Erin put it so well, it is only here that she is reminded that she's in Asia. It is the shopping district of one of the world's biggest, most important, most prevelant cities: it should be as busy as it was. It was Saturday night, the stores showed no signs of ever closing, and there were human beings everywhere. It was great.

I stopped for a latte and went to see the Myeongdong Catholic Church. I love that the Catholic church owns this entirely pretentious, huge parcel of land on an enormous hill in one of the most expensive places on earth to buy real estate. I can't imagine how much this piece of property would sell for if they decided to, I don't know, get rid of it and feed all of the world's hungry. Just a side thought.

Starbucks note: vanilla latttes do not taste good with soy milk. They're fine, but they aren't the original.

Here's a picture of the Christmas scene where passersby like yours truly can pile up on an outdoor couch and pose with Korean Santa and his trees. Note the area rug on the floor: I love Asia today.




Last night marked the official end of Module 3 for the Math. I can't tell you how relieved I was to hit that "Post" button last night and send forth the Unit Plan. I'm not certain it is my best work, but I did put a lot of heart into it. There's even a retirement joke about embezzled funds from Nigeria. Props to BNS for making email money scams from Africa part of my vernacular (and hence, my joke repitoire). The group also posted our final group project, so that heartache is over as well. Phew. Two more weeks and the course is over. Oh, and I'm finally a certified teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers (just a little behind the times).

I went to one of my student's house for lunch today. I was exhausted, but her mother put on this entirely vegetarian spread just for me. It was really nice. I haven't eaten that much tofu, walnuts, and vegetables ever in one day, but I had to make up for Saturday's gorging somehow.

Matt and I watched the first two episodes of Glee tonight. BEST show ever (Lainey Gossip was right). If you haven't (and why haven't you?), you MUST Glee (it's my newest verb). You will download it and watch it illegally (yes, I said it). And then you will tune in and watch it as faithfully as you watch Grey's Anatomy. And you will thank me because your life will be that much better. Think about how good you feel after you watch Chicago. It's like that only current and set in high school: it's perfect. It made me miss Jamie and Mike and the curling up, wining, and watching we used to do while we were in school. Good times in STT ;) I'm listening to Slow Dancing in a Burning Room. I can't help but think of you.

I hope you had a good weekend.

Momma Knows...

My mom sent this to me in response to my last blog (thanks, Mom):

On this day of your life, dear friend, I believe God wants you to know...

...that "Why is this happening?" is the most useless
question in the Universe.

The only really profitable question is, "What?" As in,
"What do I choose now?" This question empowers.
The "why" question simply perplexes, and rarely
satisfies even when it gets a good answer.

So don't try to "figure it out." Stop it. Just focus on
what you now wish to create. Keep moving forward.
There's nothing behind you that can possibly serve
you better than your highest thoughts about tomorrow.

Neale Donald Walsch

It just was. It just is. Artist Profile #3

Tenderness and Rot by Betty Clark...http://www.bettyclarkpainter.com/

I've often thought that given that we have a thousand choices available to us at almost every moment, isn't it remarkable that we choose the way we do? Hindsight easily reminds us of the mistakes while foresight is unforgivingly blind to the inevitably unpleasent future.

Why is it that we opt for the things we do? Do we look ahead, like I'm prone to do, and imagine what life will be like down the road once this choice is made? I once said, "I chose you because of the man I hoped you'd become." Ouch. Or do we, sigh, live for the moment and make decisions based on how good they make us feel? This latter reason has very little to do with logic: basing decisions based on how good or how right they are right now usually means they don't work in ten months from now.

If given the choice, would you go back? Would you change all those choices you made? Do you regret that time? That moment?

For me, there are some snapshots I wish I could do over. There are specific moments that I can identify as the birthplace of my anger or my sadness. I wish I could redo those exact moments. Then, I think, I'd be able to avoid all those horrible emotions. I guess you could argue though that without all those unpleasent moments, I wouldn't fully appreciate the wonderful moments that flank them. Perhaps.

Personally speaking, I don't regret a thing. I did it, all of it, made all those choices, because it felt so right, I did it because I thought it would create a great life in the future. Why him? Why teacher's college? Why Korea? I guess the answer is the same for every single question that haunts me at times: "Why not?"

This is an entirely unlikely quote from "Savior" by Rise Against. It reminds me that we're lucky to have everything we do, even the terrible memories. If those people meant something to us, surely we must mean something to someone.

"...as the telling signs of age rain down

a single tear is dropping

through the valleys of an aging face

that this world has forgotten..."

I can't forget you, no matter how hard I try. I hope you can say the same.

Humiliation

http://www.london-musical-ticket.com

Koreans are masters at the art of embarrassment. Which is entirely odd, considering they get so undesirably embarrassed when confronted with the necessity of speaking English to a foreigner (not to mention how shy women get when in the presence of a man they fancy).

The other day, two students and their mothers were ushered into the office I share with 13 other teachers. Apparently (and note that this story is wrought with assumption, since I'm not entirely sure that anyone tells me whole truths when they translate from Korean) the two girls had been absent so much from school that they were being "asked to leave". If this is akin to expulsion, I would be stunned, since it seems as though bad behaviour, though frowned upon, is generally overlooked after the intense humiliation the girls must suffer. It may be that they were suspended or even asked to leave for the day (the proverbial slap on the wrist, since they were not actually beaten today in the presence of a family member).

The families got to the office at around 12. They left just shortly before 3 pm. What, pray tell, were they doing there for nearly THREE HOURS? My take? They were being humiliated.

Yes folks, this is my observation of one of the oddest customs I have seen so far in Korea. It is the art of embarrassment, or worse, the art of humiliation. It is that uncanny attempt to make someone feel as though they are lower than ground zero, worse than the worst, more despicable than anything anyone can imagine. This is the art of eliciting shame. It is the cunning game more parents have played with their children than any other for centuries: the one called, "I'm so disappointed in you." Stab me with your steely knife. Twist. Repeat.

The girls went from an attitude of quiet indignation to sadness, then to eventual grief. They cried as their heads drooped lower and lower and lower. I suppose three hours could do that to anyone. So could, my friends, intense shame. The mothers reacted in the same way though. They too were almost forced to sit there, waiting for...hmmm..what were they waiting for?

A teacher talked to them for some time, seemingly to explain the situation, so they weren't waiting for him. The manager came back from his class and talked to them as well. They weren't waiting for them. Perhaps they were waiting for some sort of reaction from their daughters. They could have waited until Armageddon for that. Korean school children basically stand, dazed, when people scold them. They very rarely meet the yeller's gaze, don't really move, and hardly ever speak. Maybe this is a cultural difference with which I just can't empathize. Maybe it's just the kids at my school. I'm not sure. Maybe the mothers and their daughters were waiting for Godot.

Then they sat. Just the four of them, their heads bowing further and further as the minutes ticked on. Maybe they simply lost track of time. The clock was behind them, after all. Maybe when you are so embarrassed, you forget time and place and think only of how you could have raised such an insolent child. But I highly doubt it.

My theory? I truly do believe that the mothers were serving penance as well. I'm not sure why the school or the teachers, the institution or the profession have such a profound effect on grown adults, but I think this is what I saw. I can't explain it, can't understand it, but there it was: humiliation.

I heart Alan Cross

http://images.artistdirect.com/

Today's been slow at work (I don't teach until 2:40), so I've been working like a dog on my Unit Plan. I'm exhausted from this math. Anyway, I get to listen to the Edge because Chorus Radio is amazing and is pretty much the only sane music (other than Laura's) that I can listen to out here.

Matt Good is on the History of New Music right now and I just can't get enough of him. I just heard Born Losers for the first time in a long while and I just can't get enough of the lyrics. Reminds me unfondly of my Ghost of Relationship Past...but reminds me of how lucky I am to be where I am today.

"Born Losers"

Well there ain't nothing to this but your daughter
and the life you would not give her break your plans
traipsed across the continent a squatter
for your lies at night to sleep between my hands

When the lights come on this whole place gets ugly
but when they're out strangers fall in love
she could never say that flat out she don't want me
cause I could never say that half way ain't enough

New Order's on the turn table we're dancing
cause what else do you do when you don't talk?
crucified to crawl into your mansion
Ya, that's why I learned to crawl before I walked

We're back where we belong
straight back where we belong
no days for nights, no cocaine cons
just back where we belong

Take me out back to your piranhas
And beat me until I can't even stand
your whole life a plane without no landing gear
so if this is it then come on let me land

That trailer trash pedigree is calling
it rats you out when you're down on all fours
me I like to cast my death on yesterday
cause what doesn't kill us now just makes us better whores

We're back where we belong
straight back where we belong
no days for nights, no cocaine cons
just back where we belong

Go put it in the ground
go bury it some place it can't be found
go put it in the ground

Well there ain't nothing to this but your daughter
and the life you would not give her break your plans
traipsed across the continent a squatter
for your lies at night to sleep between my hands

It's like the softer side of Sears, but more expensive

If you are a 50 Cent fan, you'll love this. God, he's well spoken. And if you haven't heard of Chelsea Handler, you have GOT to love her. Enjoy. I did...thrice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glBVGE_e9PE&feature=player_embedded#

45 more days...

...until The Big Thai.

(32 to Christmas. Can you believe how fast the time's gone?)

One Hundred Years

http://www.a1.vox.com/

Let it be said that this is a pretty good book and I'm finally getting into it (after more than half of it's been read). Though the Spanish names are so similar from one generation to the next that I have to consult the handy family tree at least three times per read, it's really coming together as a story. Hmm...I wonder if I'll agree with the critics though that it's Nobel Prize worthy. Because now I'm on the selection committee, apparently ;)

Speaking of which, Oprah is retiring. My mom told me this on Friday...I can't believe it. I mean, she'd have to go eventually, but what is North America going to do at 4 pm now? This is truly the loss of pop culture as we know it.

Mrs. Lim brought more grocerries over this morning. Love her long time.

What a night!

www.seoultimes.com

Well well well...what a great day Saturday was. It was AMAZING to see Eliza after all this time and catch up. We haven't talked like that in years, and it was high time we did it again. Never before have I heard so many St. Patrick's references in my life. I just love to hear about how all those childhood friends are doing...we swapped gossip and good news stories over way too much wine...but I'm skipping ahead.

Eliza got to the bus station a bit late and missed her originally paid-for bus ride. She called me to tell me she'd be in Seoul at around 4:30, half an hour from when we were expected at the soccer game. I did some quick planning to get the tickets to my friends so that they wouldn't have to wait for us, then her train came in early! The poor girl: I was expecting her at Seoul Station, and she got in to the Express Bus Terminal (they're an hour apart). I instructed her as to how to get where we were and we finally did meet up. We were just on time for the game: every place takes an hour to get to from every other place in Seoul, I swear.


The game was amazing. The mayor's seats were very good, though we weren't hobnobbing with Korean celebs, as hoped. We kept looking up longingly at the (heated) VIP section that over looks the stadium. Though it was cold, we were all dressed appropriately enough to withstand the temperatures for a full two hours. Much like the prison we visited last weekend, there was not ONE heated area in the whole stadium. Even the restrooms were freezing cold. This constant cold is the hardest part to get used to. Canadians do winter RIGHT.


Eliza and I talked the whole game (game? What game?). Every time there was a goal, firecrackers went off near our seats, sending us into a flurry of screams and shocked gasps. Girls.


When the game was nearly over, us gals had to head out to make it on time to the show. The guys stayed for the penalty kicks that resulted from the tied game. Apparently it was a pretty good ending. We made it all the way to City Hall (an obvious hour away) before four of us decided we were too hungry to sit through an hour and a half Korean Musical. Let's just go for dinner and drinks! The other two in the group were a little sore that the plans were changed, but hey, we live in Asia...sometimes plans change. Plus, I hadn't seen my friend in ages. I had to sit and talk with her more.


We went back to Budda's Belly in Itaewon and had an amazing Thai dinner. I have to tell you, when you get off the subway at Itaewon Station, there's a HUGE sign advertising the Hamilton Hotel. All it says is, "HAMILTON". Well Eliza Jane just FREAKED out and naturally had to photograph it. Unfortunately, she had to back up pretty far to get it all in, essentially stopping foreigner traffic. There are far more foreigners than Koreans in Itaewon, and we don't like to stop for other people's photo ops. And there she stood, getting just the right shot, not stopping for anyone. I was enamoured: who does that? It was great.


At dinner, Eliza and I polished off two bottles of wine. I haven't had a drop to drink in over three weeks. I'm amazed my body dealt so well with my abuse. Tiffany and Holly headed home as we opted for dancing in the city. We asked some Korean women on the street where we should go to find a dance club (and "MEN!", as I so shyly asked). They pointed us to Helios.


Crammed inside the club were far too many people and good music. You know when you know it's going to be a good night and nothing can go wrong? That's how I felt. Eliza had her overnight bag and we had winter coats, so we were thrilled to see that the Koreans had thought of everything and had installed lockers for patrons. I TOOK a locker from the same two gals we met on the street (who just so happened to follow us back to the club). I just nonchalantly walked between the two of them, grabbed the key, and started to fill the locker. I pretended they weren't there. Hey, the way I looked at it, I saw it before them, so I must have first dibs on it. Voila done.


Eliza is a HOOT to be out with. She dances, she flirts with all the men, and she knows just when to get away from the Nigerian importers at the end of the bar. We wondered what they imported, but decided to get the hell out of dodge before they started in the Foreigner Exporting business. Cringe.


Following that move, we found some new humans and danced with them into the night. Two women, who I'm sure were attempting to pick us up, bought us tequila shots. I poured mine on the floor because at this point I'd polished off three more glasses of wine after dinner. Hey, at least I know where to draw the line: apparently red wine is good for my heart ;) At least I know my girls would agree.


We slept for most of Sunday, lounged around the house, and talked some more. Seeing Eliza, being able to talk openly with an old friend, having her open my fridge and help herself to food in the morning all really helped alleviate the homesickness. Knowing she's only a bus ride away (albeit a 3-hour ride, but one ride nonetheless) ensures my future comfort. Unfortunately, she said I made her feel more homesick. Yikes...sorry.


Since I'm still sans camera, I'll post some pics as soon as Eliza sends them my way. Good day.

Haircut

I presented a picture of Mandy Moore with a long bob (if that's what this is called)...an easy cut if you asked me. I was ushered right in without a wait and the hairdresser motioned for me to sit down. I was surprised when she cut my hair dry, but I was willing to let her do her thing. She glanced at the picture about five times and did her very best to replicate it. It was amazing: it looked EXACTLY like the picture.

She asked me time and time again if the length was alright, how short I wanted the bangs, and so on. She was very good. I have to say, I was really nervous. Everyone here talks about the horrors of hair salons and how badly they mess up perfectly easy haircuts. I was pleasantly surprised though :) There was a young man there (a client) who came over to help translate whether I liked the do or not. They were very concerned.

The best part of the experience (other than the $20 price tag) was the hair washing experience.

The sink AND the chair both moved, for optimal comfort. The gal who washed my hair must have been a masseuse because she attacked my head with her ninja fingers for a looong time. I have never experienced anything like this. Might be worth the $20 just for the hair washing.

I lost the concept of time and space for about ten minutes. That's how long she massaged my head. I felt like a mangy dog who was getting her belly scratched. It was amazing. She massaged my NECK and forehead, all the while keeping the intense pressure at her fingertips. I wanted it to be over because the pain was pretty intense at times, but at the same time, if she stopped, I knew the joy I felt wouldn't come back until I was in that chair next time.It's like I was brand new to the pampering department...Korean pampering: who knew?

After my hair was washed, my hairdresser combed it out. She combed my hair like I was a terminal patient and she was my caretaker. It was fabulous. I was reminded of one of my first real haircuts. Mom took me to First Choice Haircutters when I was about six. I sat on a board on the chair so I'd be high enough for the gal to cut my locks. She COMBED my dry hair. I cried. Excessively. It was that day that I learned I had a "sensitive scalp" and have never forgotten it. When Nata combs my hair she always says, "are you joking?" each time my eyes well up with tears. No, not joking. But this Korean woman was amazing: so gentle and caring. Amazing.

I'd take a picture, but I can't. Someone else will snap one, I'm sure. Sigh. Need to get a camera for The Big Thai. Technology is super expensive in Korea. Again, who knew?

I think I get it now...

I just had an epiphany.

I underestimated how essential you were to my happiness. I knew how essential you were to my survival, but I didn't realize how closely you were tied to my day-to-day happiness. That's why I get so homesick when I hear really good news...because this really good stuff is the guts of our whole operation. When I can't be there to share it with you -- all of you -- I feel a void where whoopee! and hells yeah! used to be.

January's Punishment. Ahem, I mean, "January's Rest"

www.zen-art.co.kr

I actually voluntarily signed up for this...

2010 WINTER RETREAT (Kyul-Che) SCHEDULE

3:00 a.m. Wake up

3:20 Meditation

4:10 108 Bows (what the hell is this?)
4:30 Chanting

5:00 Meditation

6:00 Breakfast

6:30 Work period

7:00 Community Meeting

7:30-10:00 Meditation

11:30 Lunch

2-4:00 Meditation

5:00 Dinner

6:00 Chanting

6:30 Meditation

9:00 Lights out

I just hope it's okay if I need to pass out at, say 7 pm. To rest up for 3 am wake up. Oh my goodness.

Gulp

I'm skipping pilates and going to get a Korean haircut. I'm nervous, given that everyone has warned me against them. I'm armed with pictures of great cuts and also a curly do that I love. Pretty sure I won't get a perm, but I might just opt for some highlights. Who knows. Will post pictures when all is said and done. Wish me luck.

Badass of the year meditates twice daily...swoon.

http://www.whosdatedwho.com/

Clint Eastwood is on the cover of December's GQ Magazine. Though I was never a fan of his (don't hate me...I just don't like older movie stars...he's 79 years old. I do appreciate older films though: one of my all time favourites is "Same Time Next Year" staring Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn. So there), after seeing Gran Torino, I was sold. And who wasn't? Here's what he had to say during his interview with GQ (I love it):

His new movie, “Invictus,” is the true story of Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) and the mostly white South African rugby team that helped usher the country out of apartheid.

“The world needs this kind of story nowadays,” Eastwood said. “It’s just…everybody’s so screwed up. It seems like our country’s in kind of a morbid mood, because of the recession or whatever.”

We’re “becoming more juvenile as a nation,” he said. “The guys who won World War II and that whole generation have disappeared, and now we have a bunch of teenage twits.”

Eastwood meditates twice a day, avoids saturated fats and does 30 minutes on the elliptical machine each morning."

Look how mad he looks...he's such a spirited icon. He's someone to which we can say we look up and not have to say it sheepishly. With all the depressingly non-talented "talent" in the business today, it's nice to know there is one professional out there.

On a related note, Justin Timberlake is filming a movie about the invention of Facebook. Though JT is much more of a sex symbol than anything else (to me), he too is a talented human. And he didn't let the fame and "the life" make him into a douche. I like that about him. Though he isn't the best actor, I do think he has integrity. That scores him my ticket at the box office.

My dad saw "Law Abiding Citizen" and said it was wonderful. In fact, I think he gave it 14 thumbs up? That might have had something to do with his 7 parent-teacher interviews...I can't remember. Anyway, I want to see that, "Time Traveller's Wife", and "Inglorious Basterds" (still haven't seen it).

Man of the Hour

www.norahjones.com

Norah Jones has just released a new album...it's fab. In "The Fall", she collaborated with Ryan Adams, whose cover of Oasis' "Wonderwall" makes me melt. The song, "Man of the Hour", obviously about her dog, is so Norah Jones when I first heard her live on Jay Leno in 2000 (in Sydenham, obvi). Other faves on the album are, "Light as a Feather" (way dark for NJ), and "December" (so perfect for 36 days before Christmas).

Anyway, take a listen...I loved it. Thanks for telling me about it, Matt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_F5xyP6cuE

...oh my God, "Chicago" is on tv. I'm out.

OBviously

I'm sure you Westerners have already seen this, but here is what I've been expecting since People announced who they were considering for Sexiest Man Alive 2009. There was a contest? Johnny IS the contest. He's the rules, the judge, the finalist, and the winner. Yumma. Gracious, he's gorgeous.

...the universe is unfolding as it should

http://www.readymix160.wordpress.com/

Yesterday the coolest thing happened. The mayor of Seoul was given tickets to a playoff soccer game at World Cup Stadium for Saturday's match. He couldn't go, so he gave them to his secretary. His secretary couldn't go, so he gave them to his brother. His brother couldn't go, so he brought them to work and gave them to ME. I promptly texted my friends and nine of them are all ready to go! So there...apparently the seats are next to the VIP section. Pretty, pretty nice (and free). Gotta love free swag. Is it called "swag" if it's not really all that glamourous? I'm not sure.


Eliza is finally coming to Seoul. I'm meeting her at Seoul Station on Saturday afternoon, then we're headed to the game. After that, we're off to the Korean traditional performance, Miso. To tell the truth, I'm not thrilled about going to this show: it's not really my cup of tea (haaaha...I live in Asia and I just made a tea reference. Hilarious). But Eliza and others say it's good, so we're going. And then who knows what the night will hold.

http://www.global.seoul.go.kr/

I'm so happy that my old friend is coming to visit. We haven't spent much time together since university, or even talked, but she's the kind of old soul that is easy to be around, easy to talk to, easy to become reacquainted with. She lives about three hours away by train, so seeing her often isn't really in the cards. Nonetheless, I'll make the trek out there someday.

Details to follow after the weekend's over.

I've been doing some research about teaching in Italy (mainly I've googled "teaching in Italy"...big effort, I know) and haven't come up with much. Does anyone know any contacts or recruiters that can help with this process? I'm stumped. And not really giving much of a concentrated effort currently, and was really hoping someone else could pick up my slack.

Argh...Leanne suggested I come home forever (well, you've ALL suggested it, she just has a pressing date now prompting her to say it louder than the rest of you). I'm so tempted. I could just wrap up here and then come home and start my wicked teaching career. In Toronto. But then, what's one more year abroad? I'll never be able to do it again...maybe now's the time. Decisions, decisions.



"Fate" by Jeffrey Hayes (http://jeffhayesfinearts.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html)

Lastly, to answer a question recently posed, yes, I do believe that most things in my life are pre-ordained. Since I'm such a planner by nature, this is difficult to admit, but I do think that in the grand scheme of things, I have very little control over what happens to me. Life this far has been somewhat expected: even being here. I was SURE that my ghost of Relationship Past becoming my Ghost of Relationship Present was always going to happen. Some people think that him becoming my Ghost of Relationship Past Revisited was also written in the stars. Try as I may to change the course of things, things unfold just as they are supposed to, for the most part.

I recently read, "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann for the first time. It floored me. It was kind and simple, but shockingly modern and relevant. I'll share. It's long but well worth the read...

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career,

however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Love is a Wonderful Thing

Congratulations, Leanne and Mark!

Well, well, well, turns out I'm going to miss a LOT this year. I'm thrilled to announce that Mark proposed to my bestie Leanne and she said YES! Good lord, I can't believe I'm missing this. I have no details to share with you (yet)...she's keeping it all under wraps for now. We do know two things: they're getting married and she loves the ring :) I can't say it enough...I'm so happy for you! Enjoy this time...these months are golden (heart).

I love you!

Iiiiiiit's Heeeere!

http://www.wroughtnapples.com/

Alright, the package has officially arrived! I am officially ready for Korean winter. Bring it on SK! I felt like I was shopping in my own closet store...it was so amazing. Who knew that a winter coat and some sweaters (and 7 hats, flannel pajamas, proper running gear, and "Legally Blonde") could bring so much joy? Unabashed joy. Ahh...it's a good day.

Thanks for sending everything, Mom, especially the apple juice: what a GREAT surprise ;) And A-Leash! Thanks for picking up my bracelet...it's like I never took it off.

Everything is puffing back up after two months of being vacuum-packed. I sat around in my coat and winter hat for about an hour...sooo thrilling. Hence, the "thrilled" photo found above.

Thanks again...what a great day.

Researching Bangkok Accomodation

Kids are writing yet another test, so I spent the morning searching for places to stay in Thailand. What a hoot! I found this one pretty appealing hostel in Bangkok, since I'm not sure that we want to be Big Spenders right off the plane. So we might stay in a hostel (bet you never thought I'd say that either, eh?) for the nights we're in Bangkok before we take off for the North (Chaing Mai: where the elephant rides and wicked hiking tours are) and then the South (Krabi: where the wicked beaches are). This little place looks nice. Get this...we can upgrade to a room with its own bathroom for a whopping $5. Awesome.






http://www.shambarabangkok.com/

Then check THIS place out...

http://www.suk11.com/

I have a feeling this is the communal kitchen, but I can't be sure. I just LOVE the idea of being a backpacker in Thailand. Wow...sometimes I still can't believe all this has happened.



You know, if you had told me that I'd be here on this day two years ago, I'd have said you were nuts. Just picturing my life back then, imagining years more of a life like that, makes me sort of sad for my Former Self. But life is amazing: just when you feel you've taken the biggest knock out ever, everything turns around and you get to fly to Thailand with your Bestie for two weeks. I feel like I'm living in a parallel universe. Luckily there isn't another Me living unhappily in a life she'll never leave. Luckily, there's just This Me...and I'm pretty damn happy.

Things always work out exactly as their supposed to.

http://www.seoulzen.org/information.html

I also officially registered for four nights at the Temple Stay. I'm going to go this time, not duck out to hang out on a gorgeous island like I did for Thanksgiving. I leave on January 3 and return, rested and meditated, on January 7. I leave for The Big Thai the next day. This is SO exciting! Lordy, if you had told me I'd be going to this winter wonderland in the foothills of the South Korean moutains two days after New Years, getting up way before the crack of dawn to meditate, I wouldn't have said you were crazy. I would have shaken my head and said, "you don't know me." Life's remarkable.

CLA-ASSIC

Marcy just sent me an update about my cousin, Mia. She's the wonderchild who brought you the video about Sarah who made all the biscuits. Anyhoo, she's in dance class now and, naturally, hilarity ensues. Here's what Marcy wrote (too funny to keep to myself!):

"The dance teacher tells the kinds, when she calls their name, they are to stand up and say their name, their age, their favorite color, what they like to do and then they have to sing a song. She calls up Mia (last)...

Teacher: tell us your name
Mia: I'm Mia
Teacher: How old are you, Mia?
Mia: 3 and a half
Teacher: whats your favorite color?
Mia: I like pink (Alexis' note: of coure she does)
Teacher: what is your favorite thing to do, Mia?: I like to bounce bounce bounce on the trampoline (jumping up and down) (Alexis' note: of course she does...how perfect is that comment? I'm so using, "I like to bounce bounce bounce" all the time now.)
Teacher: will you sing us a song Mia?

Mia: ok...She's a very kinky girrrrlllll
The kind you don't take home to mothaaaaaaa
Super freak, super freak, super freak

Bet you didn't know what a scandalous little cousin you have."

Does it GET better than that? Superfreak? Seriously? I LOVE it.

Thank you SO much for sharing that, Marcy! Love you long time :)

NINE

http://media.photobucket.com/

Here's a synopsis from tribute.ca about NINE:

NINE is a vibrant and provocative musical that follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he reaches a creative and personal crisis of epic proportion, while balancing the numerous women in his life including his wife (Marion Cotillard) his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidant and costume designer (Judi Dench), a young American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the whore from his youth (Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson) and his mother (Sophia Loren).

Sounds delicious, non?

Rob Marshall is the same director who brought us Chicago. And you all know how I dealt with that: I was Catherine Zeta-Jones for about three weeks after I saw the movie. Tap dancing my way around town was how I got around for that period. Niiiice. Gossip has it that CZ-J backed out of the movie (I hope she was picked first over Nicole-I-still-can't-get-the-image-of-making-out-with-her-in-my-bathroom-out-of-my-head Kidman).

Here are some of the stars from NINE on the November issue of Vogue. Though they look completely spliced together, even though they were all at the photo shoot (I know because I watched it) and I wonder why Annie Liebovitz would have done this, they are so riche (that's French for "class-ay"). God, Hollywood is so glamourous. I miss English mags.

http://cdn.thefrisky.com/

Lexi...the Veggie

http://davidszondy.com

Hardy, har har (sarcasm abounds). So the cleanse is done! Yeah! I made it...two weeks of vegan non-dairy food, with no wheat, caffeine, alcohol, or sugar. I did eat eggs because I knew tofu would grow old, but otherwise, I stuck to the plan. I'm psyched.

I feel amazing. I have so much energy, my stomach doesn't hurt (except when I accidentally drank some milk after badminton...oh my GOD, the pain!), my head doesn't hurt, and I'm not hungry. I've learned to actually pay attention to hunger instead of just eating whenever I was "supposed to". I love it. And I especially love packing my own lunch and avoiding the school cafeteria. The amount of salt they use (or maybe MSG...the thought makes me shudder) sent me gulping down at least two litres of water every afternoon: that's just not right. Oh, and this is interesting, since eating this super healthy diet (and consuming far less calories), I've decreased my water intake from a whopping five litres per day to about three. I'm VERY happy about that. Lord knows I didn't need that much water.

Sooo...I think I'm going to keep it going. I know you meat fans are groaning (I am too, a little), but meat in Korea isn't really all that great; even the fish is hard to enjoy. So what's the harm? I love the non-dairy part, but I think I'll adopt some coffee back in to the diet right away :) Boy, how I missed my cuppa joe. But I have taken on soy milk as a great alternative and do love it in a latte.

There you go, your friend Alexis has moved to Korea and become a veggie. Never thought you'd see the day, did you? Love you all...xoxo

Sunday Musings...

This was a quote from PostSecret today. I thought it was perfect...

I see God in the love of my friends.