It's really not that exciting. I've seen articles about Korea in the New York Times quite frequently. This is, however, the first time I've seen a Korean company get openly mocked by such a high profile website. See it here. I appreciate this little bit of fun-poking! Mostly because we see crap like this all the time from large companies like Samsung and LG and I've often wondered if the same ignorance occurs in my native land. Sure enough.
Since we're bashing Korea, I'll mention something else real quick. I recently purchased a PC monitor from the local tech market. I bought it for the church to use and I wanted to see what it looked like/would it work for what we needed it for. After connecting the cables and setting it up on the desk, I ran my fingers lightly around the frame to wipe off the dust, styrofoam, etc. I noticed a quality control sticker flutter down to the desk and picked it up just to make sure it wasn't important. It read, "Warranty Void If Removed." Crap hahaha. Yep, it's probably pretty crappy. This is the quality of inexpensive merchandise here.
Jen and I recently went to Taiwan and LOVED IT. Sure we packed for 80 degree temps and found 50 degree temps, sure it rained 5 of 7 days we were there, and sure there's only two things to do there, but it was fun! We'll try to put up some pictures. The pics I took on the iPhone have been uploaded to facebook. Jen took a lot more pictures with our point-and-shoot, and those will come later. We'll only put the best on this site, so check back again.
Happy New Year!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Catch UP!
Hello all you disappointed readers and followers! I know you check this blog every 3 hours or so to see if anything new has come up, and you're countenance falls multiple times each day. CHEER UP! It's the holidays! Christmas is breathing down our necks and New Years is lying in wait just a few days later! Be merry, but go easy on the eggnog.
What's been going on here in Korea! (Hold on, let me check the last time I posted.) WOW! I haven't posted since Sept. 23rd! It's been a full quarter of a year. Yikes. Well, it wasn't too long after that post that I began working officially as an office staffer at Jen's school. I head in with her in the mornings and contribute as much as I can before leaving at Noon. At first (through October), I donated a lot of time in the afternoons because there was stuff to be done and no REAL reason to go home (other than Xbox and blogging). Halfway through October, I received a call about a job opportunity in the afternoons working in the career development center of a local Korean University. I meet with young potential graduates to discuss their resumes and give tips about job interviews in English. It's a great job that gives me steady hours, good pay, and a visa so I can stay in the country with my wife! The university just happens to be one of the universities I had chosen as a potential Master's program in International Relations. I've been accepted to their school and will start classes around the beginning of March. I'm pretty excited about it. There are lots of things you can do with a International Relations degree, but I'm most excited about opportunities to travel and learn about other cultures. I just might even get the chance to make a difference in the world. The longer I live, the more I feel like I have ideas and methods to contribute.
Well, that pretty much brings us up to today. Christmas is the day after tomorrow. Both of our sets of parents were kind enough to ship us boxes for Christmas and we've been busy shopping for our families and each other. The tree might lose it's bottom layer of branches to make room for the rest of the gifts. :) We are blessed to have such awesome parents and siblings. We certainly feel loved.
So what else has happened lately? The United States Congress is "flipping the bird" to the American people by ramrodding a catastrophic bill through the legislative process (quote is from RNC Chair Michael Steele). President Obama seems bent (not a reference to his inexplicable bowing habits) on having something on his resume for the SoU address next month. Unfortunately for him and the rest of America, it's a crippling load of paperwork that will burden an already weak economy. I don't understand how the folks in power can look at all the other examples of socialist healthcare and think it's a good idea! People wait over a year on average for referrals in the UK. Canadians flee the country (but not for long) to get the services they need. If everything works out according to plan, the only positive effect of this disaster will be the Mexican government halting it's promotion of free American health care facilities and Americans might begin heading south for health services!
Health care here in Korea is pretty cheap. Heck, people have surgery for everything! Extra fold lines in your eyelids, calf muscle extraction, tummy tucks, cheek bones, you name it. But there isn't nearly as much protection for the people in this system. Malpractice just doesn't seem to be an issue. I wonder if fixing the litigation system in America would help bring health care prices down?
In other news, America is losing friends and being mocked by its enemies. Brazil's de Silva being the most recent in my understanding. Pardon me if this is incorrect. Incidentally, our president considers de Silva a friend WHILE de Silva mocks our country. These are interesting times.
This is the last paragraph. (Sorry for vomiting so much politics onto your screen, but it's become an interest of mine.) I wonder if Obama is rethinking his decision to abandon the Eustern Europe Missile Defense plan now that Iran (who doesn't care how many deadlines the West throws at it) has built a missile that is powerful enough to reach parts of Europe. Perhaps Bush WAS on the right track there.
It's great to be back on the web. Thanks for reading. See you next time.
What's been going on here in Korea! (Hold on, let me check the last time I posted.) WOW! I haven't posted since Sept. 23rd! It's been a full quarter of a year. Yikes. Well, it wasn't too long after that post that I began working officially as an office staffer at Jen's school. I head in with her in the mornings and contribute as much as I can before leaving at Noon. At first (through October), I donated a lot of time in the afternoons because there was stuff to be done and no REAL reason to go home (other than Xbox and blogging). Halfway through October, I received a call about a job opportunity in the afternoons working in the career development center of a local Korean University. I meet with young potential graduates to discuss their resumes and give tips about job interviews in English. It's a great job that gives me steady hours, good pay, and a visa so I can stay in the country with my wife! The university just happens to be one of the universities I had chosen as a potential Master's program in International Relations. I've been accepted to their school and will start classes around the beginning of March. I'm pretty excited about it. There are lots of things you can do with a International Relations degree, but I'm most excited about opportunities to travel and learn about other cultures. I just might even get the chance to make a difference in the world. The longer I live, the more I feel like I have ideas and methods to contribute.
Well, that pretty much brings us up to today. Christmas is the day after tomorrow. Both of our sets of parents were kind enough to ship us boxes for Christmas and we've been busy shopping for our families and each other. The tree might lose it's bottom layer of branches to make room for the rest of the gifts. :) We are blessed to have such awesome parents and siblings. We certainly feel loved.
So what else has happened lately? The United States Congress is "flipping the bird" to the American people by ramrodding a catastrophic bill through the legislative process (quote is from RNC Chair Michael Steele). President Obama seems bent (not a reference to his inexplicable bowing habits) on having something on his resume for the SoU address next month. Unfortunately for him and the rest of America, it's a crippling load of paperwork that will burden an already weak economy. I don't understand how the folks in power can look at all the other examples of socialist healthcare and think it's a good idea! People wait over a year on average for referrals in the UK. Canadians flee the country (but not for long) to get the services they need. If everything works out according to plan, the only positive effect of this disaster will be the Mexican government halting it's promotion of free American health care facilities and Americans might begin heading south for health services!
Health care here in Korea is pretty cheap. Heck, people have surgery for everything! Extra fold lines in your eyelids, calf muscle extraction, tummy tucks, cheek bones, you name it. But there isn't nearly as much protection for the people in this system. Malpractice just doesn't seem to be an issue. I wonder if fixing the litigation system in America would help bring health care prices down?
In other news, America is losing friends and being mocked by its enemies. Brazil's de Silva being the most recent in my understanding. Pardon me if this is incorrect. Incidentally, our president considers de Silva a friend WHILE de Silva mocks our country. These are interesting times.
This is the last paragraph. (Sorry for vomiting so much politics onto your screen, but it's become an interest of mine.) I wonder if Obama is rethinking his decision to abandon the Eustern Europe Missile Defense plan now that Iran (who doesn't care how many deadlines the West throws at it) has built a missile that is powerful enough to reach parts of Europe. Perhaps Bush WAS on the right track there.
It's great to be back on the web. Thanks for reading. See you next time.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Giving Thanks
I am certain that these days many are taking time to give thanks in light of the coming holiday. Of course, we know that we are to "give thanks ALWAYS" - but at this season we are reminded to share with others what we are thankful for.
This post is actually about a month overdue, and would be much better if coming from the fingertips of my better half, but as he is so busy these days, I, Jen, decided to share how God has so graciously provided for us.
Cory finished up his 2nd contract at Gumgye Elementary School in August. He had been commuting about an hour one way for 8 months and planned to find work closer to our new home. He had several plans - you know, there's always a fall-back. Well, even his fall-back plan kind of fell apart due to paperwork issues.
So, August came and went and we really didn't know what we'd do. If I remember right, the week he finished his former job, my principal asked me if he'd be available for substitute teaching. We were in need of a 2 week sub. The timing was perfect and Cory was able to fill the spot.
Not long after that my school hired Cory part time to help with the registrar/records work in the office and to be available to sub as needed. Cory is so good with organization and data, so to his wife, it was perfect!
Cory has also started to look into Masters programs here in Korea ... so working part time seemed like it would free him up for taking classes and studying.
In mid-October Cory got a call from a Korean friend of ours who is a professor at a nearby Korean University. They were looking for a native English speaker to fill a part time position in their career counseling office. After some pushing paperwork and several visits to immigration, Cory now has an afternoon part time job at Chung Ahn University!
What a blessing it has been! Cory stays really busy between his 2 jobs, access to the university fitness center, an evening Korean class once a week, and working on our church's website. However, we are SO thankful! He is thankful, I think, for a break from the classroom, AND he might enter the Masters program at the university he is now working for!
Well, you must be on information overload. And you must also be wishing Cory had indeed written this post himself. It certainly would have been more succinct. Oh, well.
We thank YOU for reading our blog and wish you a lovely Thanksgiving holiday! We are blessed with some military friends who we'll be joining for a turkey dinner this year! Cory has to TAKE the day off, but he gets the day nonetheless!
God Bless!
This post is actually about a month overdue, and would be much better if coming from the fingertips of my better half, but as he is so busy these days, I, Jen, decided to share how God has so graciously provided for us.
Cory finished up his 2nd contract at Gumgye Elementary School in August. He had been commuting about an hour one way for 8 months and planned to find work closer to our new home. He had several plans - you know, there's always a fall-back. Well, even his fall-back plan kind of fell apart due to paperwork issues.So, August came and went and we really didn't know what we'd do. If I remember right, the week he finished his former job, my principal asked me if he'd be available for substitute teaching. We were in need of a 2 week sub. The timing was perfect and Cory was able to fill the spot.
Not long after that my school hired Cory part time to help with the registrar/records work in the office and to be available to sub as needed. Cory is so good with organization and data, so to his wife, it was perfect!
Cory has also started to look into Masters programs here in Korea ... so working part time seemed like it would free him up for taking classes and studying.
In mid-October Cory got a call from a Korean friend of ours who is a professor at a nearby Korean University. They were looking for a native English speaker to fill a part time position in their career counseling office. After some pushing paperwork and several visits to immigration, Cory now has an afternoon part time job at Chung Ahn University!
What a blessing it has been! Cory stays really busy between his 2 jobs, access to the university fitness center, an evening Korean class once a week, and working on our church's website. However, we are SO thankful! He is thankful, I think, for a break from the classroom, AND he might enter the Masters program at the university he is now working for!
Well, you must be on information overload. And you must also be wishing Cory had indeed written this post himself. It certainly would have been more succinct. Oh, well.
We thank YOU for reading our blog and wish you a lovely Thanksgiving holiday! We are blessed with some military friends who we'll be joining for a turkey dinner this year! Cory has to TAKE the day off, but he gets the day nonetheless!
God Bless!
Monday, November 9, 2009
A Weekend Away ... Seoraksan National Park
Before the hike
A group of teachers from our school went away this past weekend on an overnight hiking trip. We left Friday evening and drove about 4 hours east to Seoraksan, the 3rd highest mountain in South Korea according to Wikipedia.
We slept in a hotel Friday night, rose early the next morning for breakfast and then started on our trek! Although it seems that Fall is passing us by quickly, the colors were still quite vivid!
We hiked several hours up towards a unique rock formation called Ulsanbawi.
After quite a hike to the base of these rocks, Jen was ready to consider the trip successful. Above us rose metal staircases that seemed to disappear into the rocks.
Deciding she had come too far to turn back, she hiked up the steps (we've heard there are 800 total) and we happily made it to the top!
After descending all those steps and the mountain trail, we took a much easier trek to the cable car which took us to a different peak where we could enjoy the view and a bit more exploring.
We had a great time with co workers and enjoying God's creation! What a way to spend the weekend!
We slept in a hotel Friday night, rose early the next morning for breakfast and then started on our trek! Although it seems that Fall is passing us by quickly, the colors were still quite vivid!
We hiked several hours up towards a unique rock formation called Ulsanbawi.
After quite a hike to the base of these rocks, Jen was ready to consider the trip successful. Above us rose metal staircases that seemed to disappear into the rocks.
Deciding she had come too far to turn back, she hiked up the steps (we've heard there are 800 total) and we happily made it to the top!
After descending all those steps and the mountain trail, we took a much easier trek to the cable car which took us to a different peak where we could enjoy the view and a bit more exploring.
We had a great time with co workers and enjoying God's creation! What a way to spend the weekend!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Jen's Adventures
One of the things I, Jen, have picked up while here in Korea is a love for riding. I've always liked riding, since my first ride on the back of a Harley and then multiple rides on a red Yamaha in Guam ... but now I am developing a love for DRIVING.
When we moved into Seoul, we were just far enough away from my new school that walking or a bus could take 30 minutes. Driving, on the other hand, takes 10 or less. That's where it started.
When we moved into Seoul, we were just far enough away from my new school that walking or a bus could take 30 minutes. Driving, on the other hand, takes 10 or less. That's where it started.
We picked up what was supposed to be a 50 cc scooter for a cheap price. Then we learned why it was so cheap. We live on the side of Namsan which is probably the highest point in Seoul - it's where Seoul Tower is located. The ride to school involves both up and down hill and the poor little scooter just didn't have the steam.
I was brave enough to consider a step up. We stopped by our local bike shop, where they've come to know at least the bald foreigner who comes in, if not his wife, too. They laughed at my scooter and said "Made in China." Cory test drove a few other 50 cc bikes that had considerably more power, so we made the trade.
I had this scooter for about 6 months and loved it, though I can't find any pictures of it! It wasn't super powerful, but it got me where I needed to go, shopping bags fit between my feet when necessary, and I could even drive it to church and my mid week Bible study. It seemed perfect for me. There are other adventures I had on it I could share, but those are for another time.
I became a little dissatisfied with its lack of power, but had promised that I wouldn't keep upgrading. Someone else made the decision for us and stole it right out of our driveway about 2 weeks ago.
Our buddy, Eddy, left Korea in August and left his scooter with us to sell. He hadn't had any luck and we didn't mind. Ok, I didn't mind! I enjoyed riding his 125 cc!
So, the end of the story is that it seems we will be purchasing Eddy's bike from him for me. I love driving it and still feel like I'm not in over my head! I don't know that I'll ever graduate to a bigger bike or motorcycle style. I like wearing skirts to school and can still do it modestly!
I was brave enough to consider a step up. We stopped by our local bike shop, where they've come to know at least the bald foreigner who comes in, if not his wife, too. They laughed at my scooter and said "Made in China." Cory test drove a few other 50 cc bikes that had considerably more power, so we made the trade.
I had this scooter for about 6 months and loved it, though I can't find any pictures of it! It wasn't super powerful, but it got me where I needed to go, shopping bags fit between my feet when necessary, and I could even drive it to church and my mid week Bible study. It seemed perfect for me. There are other adventures I had on it I could share, but those are for another time.
I became a little dissatisfied with its lack of power, but had promised that I wouldn't keep upgrading. Someone else made the decision for us and stole it right out of our driveway about 2 weeks ago.
Our buddy, Eddy, left Korea in August and left his scooter with us to sell. He hadn't had any luck and we didn't mind. Ok, I didn't mind! I enjoyed riding his 125 cc!
So, the end of the story is that it seems we will be purchasing Eddy's bike from him for me. I love driving it and still feel like I'm not in over my head! I don't know that I'll ever graduate to a bigger bike or motorcycle style. I like wearing skirts to school and can still do it modestly!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Walk in the Park
The other day Jen and I were getting tired of the routine. The city of Seoul had just finished construction on a new park by the river not too far from our house.
I'd call it Han River Park, but that name gets used by ALL of the 10-15 parks along the river from the west side to the east side. We decided to jump on the scooter and head down to the river with the dog and catch the sunset. But, I think we missed it.
The sun was gone, but there was still enough light to catch some decent pics of the scenery. Every once in a while, my 3-year-old point-and-shoot surprises me with some good shots. This was one of those times. I like the first one the best.
What do you guys think?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)