Thursday, June 23, 2011
May wouldn't go away, and June is done too soon
Last month I complained about the crawling pace at which time was progressing. I guess someone heard me and decided to switch things up a bit. Thus, June was come and gone in a blink of an eye. Now I get to complain about how fast it is going. Time 1 Olenka 0.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Jay Park... SMH
As I was teaching a group of 9 middle school students a dear friend and kpop enthusiast called me today to tell me about an impromptu Jay Park fan meeting that was going to be happening in Daegu. Thrilled to the bone I eagerly jumped on the subway the second my class was done and header over to meet her at the stage where she graciously saved me a spot near the yellow ropes that separated the commoner from the all mighty VIP section (people who had bought over 100,000 won worth of clothing from a particular store). Sure enough the crowd was a mixture of middle school girls and equally giddy 20 somethings as well as a sprinkling of 40 some year old women who still hoped to capture Jay's heart.
Even as I was riding in the metro I was pondering how such an event is to be perceived, both as the fan and as the person who is holding the fan meeting. My reservations for accepting this even as a legitimate human interaction is that one person is shelling out big bucks to meet another person, touch them, be in their presence. That has to be awkward for both parties involved no? Even if there is a general level of support that the fan wants to give the star why do they pay to meet them, the stars get paid enough I think. And don't the stars feel weird being pimped out, they are basically saying- pay 20 dollars to shake my hand. Not normal, right?
The moral dilemma behind me I was standing inches away from the yellow tape and the minutes were ticking by slowly but surely. A few minutes before 6pm the announcer came on stage and started working the crowd. Luckily my friend's co-teacher was there and able to translate what he was saying. One of the questions was- who traveled the farthest to see Jay? My friend and I screamed that we were from America and in true Korean fashion we were ushered onto the stage, given a free T-shirt and ofcourse had our picture taken. Didn't get a sneak peak at Jay unfortunately.
The crowd went wild when moments later he emerged from the white tent that was surrounded by security. He barely acknowledged the crowd and touched his abs in a way that made it seem like he just ate a huge dinner and needed to loosen his pants. His disinterest in the event and the fans was apparent from the beginning. He didn't smile and seemed like he wanted to be anywhere but there. My friend and I looked at each other several times because we were both sensing that something was off. Jay then sat down and began to sign autographs and bop along to his music. Still, no smile, no appreciation beyond the bare minimal. He was basically avoiding being rude, but thats about it. It wasn't even the large exasperated exhales or the vagrant glances that put me over the edge. The last straw that made me straight up leave the event was when an over-excited fan- in a cute not a creepy way- came over and was clearly having an awesome star-struck moment he gave her a look like - you a crazy person, instead of smiling at her. She was oblivious to the disapproving stare down that he was giving her but I would have to have been blind to miss the grumpy and "over it" look that he gave that poor high school girl (I know this because she was still in her school uniform). It may be argued that he was tired or that he was sick, but if either case was true he would have to be dying of an incurable disease for me to overlook the attitude he was giving his adoring fans. I also wondered if he felt pimped out or uncomfortable with the situation, I am sure living in the lime light isn't easy but no one is holding a gun to his head telling him he needs to represent the brand so he doesn't have to do these fan meets if he really doesn't want to. I couldn't help feeling like he knew that they had paid already so he already had their money and they should just be happy with the Jay Park they were getting. It's easy to fall for the cuteness on youtube videos but when the real deal was in front of me he just didn't deliver on the personality or charisma that sold me in the first place, so if he can turn it on and off so easily it is probably quite an act (read: fake) so points to Jay for being good at turning on the charm when the camera is around.
So as I left I decided that last week's no show at the concert and today's lackluster performance (I mean, come on dude, SMILE!) put an end to my interest in this pop idol.
"I'm so full" (OF MYSELF!!!)
What a happy camper...sucks to have so many people adoring you.
Even as I was riding in the metro I was pondering how such an event is to be perceived, both as the fan and as the person who is holding the fan meeting. My reservations for accepting this even as a legitimate human interaction is that one person is shelling out big bucks to meet another person, touch them, be in their presence. That has to be awkward for both parties involved no? Even if there is a general level of support that the fan wants to give the star why do they pay to meet them, the stars get paid enough I think. And don't the stars feel weird being pimped out, they are basically saying- pay 20 dollars to shake my hand. Not normal, right?
The moral dilemma behind me I was standing inches away from the yellow tape and the minutes were ticking by slowly but surely. A few minutes before 6pm the announcer came on stage and started working the crowd. Luckily my friend's co-teacher was there and able to translate what he was saying. One of the questions was- who traveled the farthest to see Jay? My friend and I screamed that we were from America and in true Korean fashion we were ushered onto the stage, given a free T-shirt and ofcourse had our picture taken. Didn't get a sneak peak at Jay unfortunately.
The crowd went wild when moments later he emerged from the white tent that was surrounded by security. He barely acknowledged the crowd and touched his abs in a way that made it seem like he just ate a huge dinner and needed to loosen his pants. His disinterest in the event and the fans was apparent from the beginning. He didn't smile and seemed like he wanted to be anywhere but there. My friend and I looked at each other several times because we were both sensing that something was off. Jay then sat down and began to sign autographs and bop along to his music. Still, no smile, no appreciation beyond the bare minimal. He was basically avoiding being rude, but thats about it. It wasn't even the large exasperated exhales or the vagrant glances that put me over the edge. The last straw that made me straight up leave the event was when an over-excited fan- in a cute not a creepy way- came over and was clearly having an awesome star-struck moment he gave her a look like - you a crazy person, instead of smiling at her. She was oblivious to the disapproving stare down that he was giving her but I would have to have been blind to miss the grumpy and "over it" look that he gave that poor high school girl (I know this because she was still in her school uniform). It may be argued that he was tired or that he was sick, but if either case was true he would have to be dying of an incurable disease for me to overlook the attitude he was giving his adoring fans. I also wondered if he felt pimped out or uncomfortable with the situation, I am sure living in the lime light isn't easy but no one is holding a gun to his head telling him he needs to represent the brand so he doesn't have to do these fan meets if he really doesn't want to. I couldn't help feeling like he knew that they had paid already so he already had their money and they should just be happy with the Jay Park they were getting. It's easy to fall for the cuteness on youtube videos but when the real deal was in front of me he just didn't deliver on the personality or charisma that sold me in the first place, so if he can turn it on and off so easily it is probably quite an act (read: fake) so points to Jay for being good at turning on the charm when the camera is around.
So as I left I decided that last week's no show at the concert and today's lackluster performance (I mean, come on dude, SMILE!) put an end to my interest in this pop idol.
"I'm so full" (OF MYSELF!!!)
What a happy camper...sucks to have so many people adoring you.
Monday, May 23, 2011
may may go away
This month has been dragging along. Usually May = freedom. No more going to school (both as a teacher and a student) no more stress or worries and lots of fun things to look forward to. This year has been exceptional in many ways, one of which being that I am not free from my obligations until August 1st (and then the freedom lasts a short 4 days...) so I guess the fact that I already packed my bags to leave is me working on my presumption that this month of May will bring me temporary freedom...it is unfortunately not so.
Friday, May 6, 2011
ROK 2.0
Dear Korea
I may be a little irrational because I didn't sleep last night. The pint of icecream I consumed can only be blamed for part of the reason that I didn't get much rest. What kept me awake was the tinging sensation that pulsed through my body as I tried to comprehend the news--I had just accepted a job offer in Kenya. I know, I know, your little world is spinning right now. What? How? Where did all this come from? And you are right, you deserve an explanation. Here goes... We had been getting along so well, I love and appreciate everything that you have offered me but this new temptress, Nairobi, has me hooked and I cannot deny my lust for her. She seduced me with an opportunity to train teachers and write curriculum, the need for a Masai warrior bodyguard is only an added bonus that heightens the thrill factor for when we get together. I get to help thousands of slum children gain literacy and open their world with the power of education. You know that this is what my wet dreams are made of. So I will leave you in August, with a heavy heart of course but knowing that I have lived to my fullest here and the time is right to move on.
That's not to say that I will not miss you. There will be many mornings where I will yearn for the spicy taste of kimchi on top of my eggs, but it will not be nearly packed away in a giant tupperware in a separate fridge. Nor will there be a tetris game of "where do I put the tupperware" when I attempt to retrieve myself a snack after school. I do solemnly swear that I will continue to use chopsticks when I eat my meals, life is just more fun that way. I will also miss getting things from students with both of their hands extended, even if the object is a pinky nail sized eraser, two hands will be used. I will miss their cheerful hellos and immediate burst of laughter. I will miss the people that Korea has brought into my life that for no reason outside their own kindness have made my time here so pleasant. Oh, and I will miss the bromancing boys holding hands in the halls of guiding each other lovingly out of my classroom. I will probably cry when my catchphrase-"Good Morning Class", does not yield a return of "Good Morning Ms.Lenets" along with a laser beam of smiles that easily eradicates negativity from my body. Oh Korea, you have been a fine mistress. Your bitterness in winter was complimented well by your summertime heats of passion and never again will I see a club full of 20 somethings in stellagmite heels dancing away in near choreographed unison to Panamaricano. You will find a new English teacher to fill the gap that I leave behind, but lets think of this as not a goodbye but a see you later, because destiny-willing I hope to cradle a Korean youngster as part of my own brood someday.
Forever grateful of your boundless love
Olenka
p.s. do you think it's a coincidence that I am moving from one ROK to another? The wise old turtle from the Kungfu Panda movie says "There are no mistakes, there are no coincidences!"
I may be a little irrational because I didn't sleep last night. The pint of icecream I consumed can only be blamed for part of the reason that I didn't get much rest. What kept me awake was the tinging sensation that pulsed through my body as I tried to comprehend the news--I had just accepted a job offer in Kenya. I know, I know, your little world is spinning right now. What? How? Where did all this come from? And you are right, you deserve an explanation. Here goes... We had been getting along so well, I love and appreciate everything that you have offered me but this new temptress, Nairobi, has me hooked and I cannot deny my lust for her. She seduced me with an opportunity to train teachers and write curriculum, the need for a Masai warrior bodyguard is only an added bonus that heightens the thrill factor for when we get together. I get to help thousands of slum children gain literacy and open their world with the power of education. You know that this is what my wet dreams are made of. So I will leave you in August, with a heavy heart of course but knowing that I have lived to my fullest here and the time is right to move on.
That's not to say that I will not miss you. There will be many mornings where I will yearn for the spicy taste of kimchi on top of my eggs, but it will not be nearly packed away in a giant tupperware in a separate fridge. Nor will there be a tetris game of "where do I put the tupperware" when I attempt to retrieve myself a snack after school. I do solemnly swear that I will continue to use chopsticks when I eat my meals, life is just more fun that way. I will also miss getting things from students with both of their hands extended, even if the object is a pinky nail sized eraser, two hands will be used. I will miss their cheerful hellos and immediate burst of laughter. I will miss the people that Korea has brought into my life that for no reason outside their own kindness have made my time here so pleasant. Oh, and I will miss the bromancing boys holding hands in the halls of guiding each other lovingly out of my classroom. I will probably cry when my catchphrase-"Good Morning Class", does not yield a return of "Good Morning Ms.Lenets" along with a laser beam of smiles that easily eradicates negativity from my body. Oh Korea, you have been a fine mistress. Your bitterness in winter was complimented well by your summertime heats of passion and never again will I see a club full of 20 somethings in stellagmite heels dancing away in near choreographed unison to Panamaricano. You will find a new English teacher to fill the gap that I leave behind, but lets think of this as not a goodbye but a see you later, because destiny-willing I hope to cradle a Korean youngster as part of my own brood someday.
Forever grateful of your boundless love
Olenka
p.s. do you think it's a coincidence that I am moving from one ROK to another? The wise old turtle from the Kungfu Panda movie says "There are no mistakes, there are no coincidences!"
Monday, May 2, 2011
My computer is FIXED!!!
Hooray!
Today really restored my faith in humanity, though living in Korea it is rare that my faith is every dissolved in the first place. My computer was fixed by a kind man who is a friend of my host dad. He tinkered with it for literally 2 minutes before taking out the battery and then replacing it back- the act breathed life into my little computer baby and all was right in the world once again.
That was not the miracle that I was most impressed by however. Upon waking this morning I was informed that today was my host dad's birthday. Sure, a nice heads up would have been nice, but this is Korea so I guess I shouldn't have expected much. Anyhow, he had promised me yesterday that right after school we would go to the repair shop that his friend owns and he could take a look at my computer. I had little faith in this being a fruitful outing but I love my baby computer so any chance of it getting fixed was worth a shot. Now, he did not mention that today was his birthday so I was surprised to learn this fact because he knowingly commit himself to the unpleasant task of taking me to a repair shop on his birthday. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't commit myself to such a mundane experience if the roles were reversed.
When I arrived back that the house, he was already making phone calls and inquiries about where we could go to fix my computer because his friend was busy at the moment. Then he spent about 30 minutes on the phone with the IT lady and translated her questions as a scrunched my face up into a thousand varied but equally unpleasant grumpy faces as I made each response. Then he ran off to a meeting with his sister and allowed me to take over his room and use the computer for the work that I needed to finish as well as responding to my apologies for having to use the computer late into the night with- "That's fine, make yourself at home." At this point, he had already earned his gold star for the day but the kindness kept going as he left his birthday dinner with me in tow to go to the repair shop where he had arranged a special meeting past their working hours. It felt really nice to be treated like a real korean daughter. I had witnessed it from the waygook end in my previous homestay, where the girl's needs ran the show. But to have someone go out of their way to help me, especially on their birthday! That was something extra special and very very kind. I am grateful and will strive to do something equally kind for him.
Today really restored my faith in humanity, though living in Korea it is rare that my faith is every dissolved in the first place. My computer was fixed by a kind man who is a friend of my host dad. He tinkered with it for literally 2 minutes before taking out the battery and then replacing it back- the act breathed life into my little computer baby and all was right in the world once again.
That was not the miracle that I was most impressed by however. Upon waking this morning I was informed that today was my host dad's birthday. Sure, a nice heads up would have been nice, but this is Korea so I guess I shouldn't have expected much. Anyhow, he had promised me yesterday that right after school we would go to the repair shop that his friend owns and he could take a look at my computer. I had little faith in this being a fruitful outing but I love my baby computer so any chance of it getting fixed was worth a shot. Now, he did not mention that today was his birthday so I was surprised to learn this fact because he knowingly commit himself to the unpleasant task of taking me to a repair shop on his birthday. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't commit myself to such a mundane experience if the roles were reversed.
When I arrived back that the house, he was already making phone calls and inquiries about where we could go to fix my computer because his friend was busy at the moment. Then he spent about 30 minutes on the phone with the IT lady and translated her questions as a scrunched my face up into a thousand varied but equally unpleasant grumpy faces as I made each response. Then he ran off to a meeting with his sister and allowed me to take over his room and use the computer for the work that I needed to finish as well as responding to my apologies for having to use the computer late into the night with- "That's fine, make yourself at home." At this point, he had already earned his gold star for the day but the kindness kept going as he left his birthday dinner with me in tow to go to the repair shop where he had arranged a special meeting past their working hours. It felt really nice to be treated like a real korean daughter. I had witnessed it from the waygook end in my previous homestay, where the girl's needs ran the show. But to have someone go out of their way to help me, especially on their birthday! That was something extra special and very very kind. I am grateful and will strive to do something equally kind for him.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Tempe Stay
Copied over from my journal that I used during the temple stay:
The orange vest and purple pants outfit is topped off with a large straw hat that the wind threatens to blow off my heat at any moment. The outfit has transformed me into a temporary Buddhist monk. I am looking down on a temple outside of Yesan and the chilly wind is giving me goosebumps. I cam to experience a side of Korea that is so dominant on travel brochures but not quite so transcendent in daily life. Buddhism. From what my previous host family taught me about their religion I know that building a tower out of rocks near a statue is the equivalent of releasing a dream. A hope that I have constructed from stone is that I have a secure job for next year that will bring me happiness as well as a new cultural understanding and finally set me up for a career that I can enjoy for the duration of my employed years.
******
It is very fitting that this temple stay experience allowed me to channel my happyness about being in Korean in a Korean way- through the 3 step bowing followed by meditative prayer. We listened to monks beating away on the drums to bring salvation to those who walk on land, fly in the sky and swim in the sea. We beaded a necklace of 108 beans- each one focusing on a particular dream or wish that we hoped would come true. A hike in the morning allowed to me talk about my experiences with a Korean woman who was very insightful because of her 3 year stint in America. Then, teatime with a monk brought a nice closure to the stay as he reminded us that even though we make choices about our lives we were destined to make those choices so what we are doing at all times is exactly what we should be doing. He also emphasized that Buddhism may be a way to find out the meaning of life it is only through our complete selflessness and continuous prayer for others that we carry through on the path to enlightenment. All in all, it seems that Buddhism asks very little of the people who chose to follow it's teachings. Thus, when people do make time to devote their energy in payer, meditation or bowing we can be assured that those actions are completely genuine and done with the utmost sincerity. At first, I was slightly puzzled by this hand-off attitude that I attributed to Buddhism's outlook on worship practices, but then I realized that it does make sense and allows the devotees to choose their level of involvement and so making the experience tailed to their needs.
Summary: Because Korea has given me so much to be thankful for it is nice to have a structured Korean way to say thank you for all of my blessings. :)
The orange vest and purple pants outfit is topped off with a large straw hat that the wind threatens to blow off my heat at any moment. The outfit has transformed me into a temporary Buddhist monk. I am looking down on a temple outside of Yesan and the chilly wind is giving me goosebumps. I cam to experience a side of Korea that is so dominant on travel brochures but not quite so transcendent in daily life. Buddhism. From what my previous host family taught me about their religion I know that building a tower out of rocks near a statue is the equivalent of releasing a dream. A hope that I have constructed from stone is that I have a secure job for next year that will bring me happiness as well as a new cultural understanding and finally set me up for a career that I can enjoy for the duration of my employed years.
******
It is very fitting that this temple stay experience allowed me to channel my happyness about being in Korean in a Korean way- through the 3 step bowing followed by meditative prayer. We listened to monks beating away on the drums to bring salvation to those who walk on land, fly in the sky and swim in the sea. We beaded a necklace of 108 beans- each one focusing on a particular dream or wish that we hoped would come true. A hike in the morning allowed to me talk about my experiences with a Korean woman who was very insightful because of her 3 year stint in America. Then, teatime with a monk brought a nice closure to the stay as he reminded us that even though we make choices about our lives we were destined to make those choices so what we are doing at all times is exactly what we should be doing. He also emphasized that Buddhism may be a way to find out the meaning of life it is only through our complete selflessness and continuous prayer for others that we carry through on the path to enlightenment. All in all, it seems that Buddhism asks very little of the people who chose to follow it's teachings. Thus, when people do make time to devote their energy in payer, meditation or bowing we can be assured that those actions are completely genuine and done with the utmost sincerity. At first, I was slightly puzzled by this hand-off attitude that I attributed to Buddhism's outlook on worship practices, but then I realized that it does make sense and allows the devotees to choose their level of involvement and so making the experience tailed to their needs.
Summary: Because Korea has given me so much to be thankful for it is nice to have a structured Korean way to say thank you for all of my blessings. :)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Rainy Day
So if I were to put together a pro and con list for the topic of "rainy day" the only thing on the pro side would be that it gives me a valid reason to wear the bright pink polkadot rainboots that my mom sent me. The con side carries more weight. For starters, a rainy day "washes away" about 50% of my energy allotment for the day and I feel it necessary to supplement the kilacals by consuming "comfort food". In this weeks case, it has rained three times, thus forcing me to consume an entire 17,000 won bag of assorted mars candy- think bitesize snickers, twix, milky way(both regular and midnight) as well as the boring musketeers that are the last to be picked out of the batch. Another go to staple is my beloved roasted almonds. The energy drain that results from even a mere glimpse at the miserable weather is also a reason that I was able to finish off season 7 and 6 of family guy in the past two weeks. So basic moral of this post- rain rain go away or else i have to curl up with a bin of chocolate and a movie for the rest of the day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)