Sunday, October 26, 2008

Positivity Prospers

So this past week was pretty long. I worked my regular work week and a half-day on Saturday, and today at church there was a newcomer's party that lasted til 9:30. That's not to say the week was dull, however. I finished Cormac McCarthy's The Road, an immensely bleak book that served to brighten my life exactly because of its bleakness. In the book, the world has been mostly destroyed--lands, cities, even the atmosphere--and the few survivors eke out an existence pillaging other survivors until they themselves run out of provisions and die. It was harrowing but it made me thankful for the everyday things we have, so this week I was happier than ever. I recommend the book--it is a quick read and written in a thoughtful but often commonplace prose that is easy to navigate and appreciate.

Other than that feat, I read some other short stories and played a good bit of Scramble on Facebook. I'm getting better, much to my delight. I also bought some Pringles and some cereal that turned out to be peanut butter flavored and I couldn't be happier with both of those choices. I'm actually eating better than I ever have before, because food is the only thing I spend money on (well, there was that pesky $7 electric bill)...

On Wednesday I went to visit a friend for dinner and had my first taste of cream spaghetti. This spaghetti included shrimp, bacon, and other juicy morsels of unidentifiable food and it was absolutely fabulous. And it was cheap: $6 and that included dessert. I was pleased with the meal. The only sad part of the story was that someone told me the wrong bus number, so I ended up at a random bus driver "resting place," and the bus driver and I just exchanged confused looks as to why I was still seated when he pulled over. I departed the bus and found a taxi that took me to my proper destination, and so it made for a funny misadventure. At least now I know the bus system better...

Saturday I studied Korean a good deal, and I'm getting much better and reading and pronouncing some of the trickier sounds. I also learned my numbers this week in both counting systems (there's a Chinese and a Korean one that are used on different occasions) so I can now understand conversations marginally better. I also watched two Korean movies, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Lady Vengeance, which you may have realized are connected. They're actually the first two movies in the "Vengeance Trilogy" and I found them to be quite impressive. There's a host of other adjectives I could use for them as well, but let's just stick with that one to be simple. I'm quite impressed with the director's style: the films are nothing like what is available back in the States.

Lastly I should mention about Sunday. I went to the afternoon English Bible study and the evening service, knowing that there would be a "new member's party" afterwards. The Bible study was quite enjoyable and interesting--the group is made up of several quite different Koreans, an Armenian doctoral student, and myself, so sometimes the views expressed range considerably. The service was also good, although my translation headset cut out halfway through the preaching and I just nodded stupidly for the last half hoping that the problem would be corrected. Then around 6:30 we met downstairs as a 'young adult' group for an awesome dinner. We had lots of pork and veggies and rice and kimchi, capped with a feast of fruit for dessert. I probably ate a whole pineapple's worth of pineapple slices and I tried a persimmon and a cherry tomato for what I think was the first time. The persimmon was a bit sour and messy, though not terrible. The cherry tomato was more tomatoey that cherryish, so it didn't quite make the list of top fruits (or is it a veggie?) of the day. After dinner we were treated to a lovely bit of singing and a dramatization of the book of Ruth and then all the new people introduced themselves and received a coffee mug and a pair of socks. All in all, it wasn't a bad way to spend an evening, although it was much longer than I expected.

The final thing I should mention was the epiphany I had this afternoon. A few weeks ago I met someone with who I immediately discovered an unusual, perhaps even metaphysical, connection. We have become better and better friends over the last two weeks, and I'm so glad for that. However, I was curious as to what made this instant and comfortable friendship so easy and effortless, in hopes that it could be duplicated or understood better with others. In trying to analyze why our connection exists, I considered our various interests, beliefs, experiences, etc., but nothing seemed quite out of the ordinary compared to the hundreds of other people I've met in the now three months I've been here. But today I stumbled upon it by accident. Each of my closest friends, the ones I've made instant, easy, and long-lasting connections with over the years, were all people of mixed identities. JJ and Kris came to mind first: JJ, an American raised in Africa, has imbibed both cultures and masters them equally well. Kris, who was transplanted in America in his later teen years, clings to his Korean culture while melding with American culture, and now he is ministering as a youth pastor to other 1.5 or second-generation Koreans. Even the girls I seriously dated in the States had mixed nationalities, as does the friend I recently made here. So through some means unknown to me, I am attracted to, or rather share some improbable connections with, those people who don't quite fit in to any one place or who instead have a dual identity that allows them to thrive in a number of places. Perhaps that is one reason I feel so completely comfortable and happy here, and why I didn't feel all that comfortable or content in Florida. In any case, I feel like I've learned something vital about myself today and thought it would be interesting to share it with whoever had the stamina to make it this far in an otherwise bland post. I guess the next question must be: what is my dual identity? I think I know the answer, but that's not exactly something you should publish on a blog....lol. =)

I'm having Lasik surgery Saturday morning. Please pray that it goes well. Have a happy Halloween.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Business in Busan

I'm back today from a weekend business trip in Busan. I say "business trip" because that's the reason me and five coworkers had to go there, but in reality it was just a couple hours of "training" and discussion, then a fireworks show and a party. The training was fine, but nothing was really groundbreaking or new for us--it was mostly just company policy rehashed in a group setting so there's not any confusion about how to run classes. I was more excited about the Papa John's pizza that was promised for dinner. So after the training we went to one of the beaches in Busan (it's a city on the coast, similar to Miami or Tampa) and to this nice 17th floor apartment owned by one of the managers there. There was probably thirty people in the place crowded around the windows, but I managed to find some space to watch the nearly hour-long fireworks bonanza. I also scarfed down five pizzas of Papa John's while people were distracted with the show--but it was dark and I grabbed a slice of potato pizza for my fifth, which I thought was pineapple. Needless to say, that was enough for me.

The fireworks were pretty incredible. There were probably close to a hundred thousand people on every part of the beach watching this massive show--it put Jacksonville's 4th of July to shame. They had four boats shooting off non-stop missiles and a bridge in the bay added lasers to the mix. Somewhere, massive speakers added music, and the fireworks and lasers were choreographed to match the soundtracks. It was probably the best fireworks show I've ever seen. Afterwards I chatted with lots of Wall Street staff from Seoul and Busan and got to meet the guy that interviewed me, and now I know a lot more about the company. At this point I'm trying to decide whether or not this is a company that I'd want to join permanently. I'd like to think so, but I'm just not sure if moving up to a management position (which is what I'd have to do in that length of time) is for me. But on the other hand, I really love living here and think my job is great, so I guess I'll just wait and see what happens over the next few months.

Anyhow, on Sunday we slept in at the hotel, then ate near the train station and came back to Daegu. We were hoping to eat at this navy diner, but we didn't have military IDs and we denied entrance...so sad. Instead we ate cheeseburgers (and adobo chicken) at a "Hawaiian" restaurant run by Filipinos. It was good food, but expensive. Oh--somewhat funny story. So we are on the subway heading back to the train station, and I see this beautiful Korean girl, stylishly dressed and looking bored. There was an empty seat next to her, but my coworker took it and so I lost my opportunity, or so I thought. A few minutes later we had to change subway lines, and sure enough, the girl also gets up to change lines and ends up going the same way we are headed. By no accident, I end up next to her on the subway, and begin a conversation in typical American fashion with, "Do you speak English?" This gives the girl an easy escape--if she doesn't want to talk or can't, she can just say "no." Instead, this girl makes the mistake of telling me she doesn't speak that much, and that furthermore, she is from Daegu. I was quite surprised by this, since I am also from Daegu, and then I realized she was heading to the train station just like we were. Anyhow, I found out she is an intern at a company in Daegu. I gave her my number, but she was a bit shy. We'll see what happens with that...

There were a few other notable events in the previous week I should mention. Our Scottish friend Gillian, who teaches at another school here, is leaving soon, so we celebrated her going away, and will do so again this week. I also scheduled my laser surgery for November 1. I'm looking forward to having it done and no longer worrying about "cataractitis" from contact lenses and having to go every year for new lenses or a vision check up. As far as my free time, I finished reading Crime and Punishment--a major accomplishment. The book was incredibly long and at times dull because he wrote the novel serially for a magazine, ergo he wrote it extra long and added unnecessary scenes and characters simply to earn more money. In any case, the novel was mostly interesting and thought-provoking, although modern philosophy has extended beyond what was in vogue in Dostoevsky's time. The book did make me reconsider one of my UNF professor's wishes, that I study modernist literature for my PhD. I think I'd have to learn French and maybe German to pursue that course, but I am quite interested in the literature of the period, both European and American. I started Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Road this weekend, but I think I'll finish that by mid-week. I should be studying Korean more, but I haven't had much motivation lately. All the universities are having midterms this week, so my usual study partner has been busy preparing for those.

Truth be told, I'm a little bit bored these days. At first it was nice having lots of free time, rather than the much more busy life (but not really, I guess) teaching in Jacksonville, but now I find myself wishing I was doing more. I guess studying Korean could fill in those blank hours in the afternoon, but it's not sufficiently interesting right now. I did think about volunteering at the newly-opened Gap, since they are hiring, but my Korean isn't good enough even to work for free...lol. I was also hoping they could pay me in clothes...but, again, I can't even ask for a volunteer job with my limited language ability.

Well, I'm hoping this week has some unexpected fun event. I could use a good surprise. Maybe the subway girl will give me a call.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

In Honor of William Duncan


This week was nearly closed and done when I heard that my maternal grandfather, William Duncan, passed away early Sunday morning. In light of his passing home to heaven, I'd like to say a few words here about Grandpa Duncan and the role he played in my life. First, playing chess with Grandpa Duncan is one of my earliest childhood memories. I distinctly recall sitting in a warm garage as a little boy trying to grasp the rules of the game. Subsequently, I played chess whenever I visited my grandfather in his home in Knoxville, and every time I see a chess board it is a reminder to me of him. I also recall chatting with him many times about current events. He always stayed up-to-date on the latest news from around the world, and any time I called he was quick to ask me my opinion of this situation or that foreign action. He had a keen interest in politics, and he was gifted at sharing his opinion with a thoughtfulness that provoked discussion, not defensiveness. Grandpa Duncan was also always laughing. There wasn't a time I visited when he didn't flash a grin as big as the Grand Canyon at me and any other guests that were there, and he was always cracking jokes. But most importantly, Grandpa Duncan was a committed, faithful Christian who sought to please God with his life. Grandpa Duncan took care to talk about the Bible, his faith, and my own spiritual decisions when we talked, aside from letting me know I was in his prayers each day. There were many days when I was upset or discouraged or angry about something, and I'd think, "At least Grandpa and Grandma Duncan are praying for me today." His love was always a comfort to me, and his life was an example to follow.

Coincidentally, I'd thought about my grandfather three times in the last three days. Twice I met Koreans that were talking about the Korean War and relatives who had fought there, and I put in the Grandpa Duncan had also been engaged in that conflict (by the way, his memory of it was sharp--he could tell me every place he'd been to with all the correct Korean pronunciation). Then this morning at church I met a girl from, of all places in the world, Grandpa Duncan's home in Knoxville, who was doing a study abroad at the University of Tennessee. I told her that I had relatives there and was thinking about my grandparents then.

My last visit with my Grandpa was this past spring break. It was kind of a last minute thing, but I'm so glad I did it. I was visiting Kris in Atlanta, and we drove to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga. On a whim, I suggested to Kris that we drive to Knoxville and visit my grandparents. I knew then that I was going to Korea for at least a year and I wouldn't be able to see them for a while, so Kris graciously agreed to take the out-of-the-way drive to meet them. We sat in my grandparents' den while chatting and eating apple pie. I got some pictures with them, which seem like the only pictures I have with them since I was a kid. Anyhow, I'm thankful I took the trip and spent the time with them that I did.

In other news, I got a black eye playing soccer on Friday. A guy swung his arm backwards a little wildly and clocked me in the right eye, knocking my contact lens out and giving me the appearance of purple eye-liner. It's more humiliating than painful at this point, but thought I'd mention it. Also, had a date on Saturday that went pretty well (despite the black eye), so I expect things to continue to move in the right direction. I'll need some more time before I can decide, though. Teaching this past week was fine, but this upcoming week appears to be more challenging. There was a voluntary shift offered Saturday morning for $75 for three hours, so I am taking that and then going with my coworkers to Busan on Saturday and Sunday for training.

There's more, but I don't feel like writing anymore now.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Good Start to October

Traditionally I've held that September is my favorite month, owing to a number of factors like Labor Day, lovely weather, and my birthday. However, in Korea I'm inclined to favor October instead. October here is far more pleasant and temperate than September (this year, anyhow) and every day so far has been gorgeous out. I spent the week teaching some enjoyable classes and finishing up Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, as well as watching our school's talent show.

This past weekend was especially memorable. Because Friday was a Korean holiday and Saturday was the anniversary of Wall Street's opening in Korea, I had a three-day weekend. Friday a group of eleven Koreans and myself went to Gyeongju, the old capital of Korea. We took an hour bus ride to the city, rented bikes all day for the unbelievable price of $2 per person, and set off around 10:30a to ride around the city. Eight of us had individual bikes and four people shared two tandem bikes, since two of the girls couldn't ride bicycles themselves. We formed an uneven line and rode to a few cool historic places. The first was a massive graveyard with a dozen artificial hills that looked like large-scale versions of a children's sandcastles at the beach. We went inside one and saw how these hills, which were really graves, were made. A king would be laid to rest in a coffin which was covered by a mound of stones. Then dirt was piled over top of the stones, and finally grass was planted around it. In this way, the king was preserved inside with little chance of his remains or treasures being disturbed.

From there we headed off to see an ancient observatory. It was set in the middle of a plain and was constructed in such a way that people could not easily enter it. Apparently this is one of the oldest observatories still in existence, so it was interesting to see how it was made. It was built with 361 stones, each for the number of days in a lunar year. After a bibimbap lunch with fish, eggs, and veggies, we biked a few miles to another side of town, but some people were too tired to bike further, so we took taxis to the big temple in town. It is nearly 1,300-years-old and looks today very much like it did in centuries past. There were large Buddhist statues inside and I also saw a service underway in one building. The whole complex was beautifully constructed with ponds, pagodas, and landscaped courtyards, although because it was a holiday it was not the peaceful place it usually is. We saw a few more things before heading back, but a serious of events hampered our return. First, some of the girls couldn't bike further with any speed, and second, I got a flat tire while biking a little too fast while jumping a curb. Thankfully we met two of our students on the road who had motorcycles, and they took the tired girls back while two people carted their bikes back behind their own. I rode the tandem bike back. All in all, it was an excellent outing.

Saturday I got up and talked with my mom and aunt on Skype for a while, then went to lunch with Yoo Sun and a friend of hers. We had delicious bulgogi (beef) soup, then I went to a Starbuck's downtown and read more of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. It was a serious bore of a chore at first, but it got markedly better by the end of Part 1, and I'm anxious to see what happens. It's also 550 pages of translated Russian prose, so it's a bit slow-going. At 3:30 I met up my friends Roy and JY. We took a taxi to the baseball stadium in order to fill our long-lost goal of watching a Samsung Lions (the team in Daegu) baseball game, and since Saturday was the last regular season game, it was a good opportunity to do so. We got some good seats in right field and some fried chicken, waited for Yoo Sun to join, and had a good old time. Samsung had back-to-back home runs in the first inning and ended up keeping the lead the whole game against the best team in Korean baseball, SK. I was hoping to snag a foul ball, but the two that came near us didn't come near enough. After the game, Yoo Sun and I got some kimbab downtown and watched one of the worst films currently available in theaters, Babylon A.D. Maybe it was because we arrived five minutes late (the viewing time was printed wrong on an ad!) or perhaps because there was no explanation of what exactly was happening or how these things worked like they did, but it was confusing, detached from the audience, and utterly unimpressive. I even saw a woman sleeping a few seats away, which is never a good sign for a film.

Sunday I had a few guests over for spaghetti. Koon, Ethan, and Kelly joined me for lunch as I attempted to host my first-ever lunch guests. They graciously helped with some of the preparations and didn't complain about any bad taste or anything like that. I also made some mandu (dumplings) and we had a good little meal. I taught them how to play hearts (the card game) and they taught me a few Korean games. That evening I went to Dongbu Church, thinking the service was at 6p, but it was actually at 5p and was mostly over when I arrived. I walked back home, ate some noodles, played some World Conquest on Facebook, and called it a night.

This week there is a new teacher coming to our school. His name is Matthew and he is from Michigan. He's about 15 years older than me and works the morning shift, so I don't know how much time I'll get to hang out with him, but I'm hoping he adjusts well. I know how confusing it can be at first. I'm also curious as to how his arrival will impact our teaching schedules--but I won't find out for two more weeks, since he will be in training until then. Also, Friday is my monthly personal day, so I've got another three-day weekend coming and I'm trying to determine what I should do with it. I could see Japan, but I'm not sure about it yet. I just don't want to go by myself, really, so I might just enjoy some of the local sights and sounds, but we'll see. Anyway, pictures are up on Facebook from the weekend if you want to check them out. Til next week....