Okay, almost a month has gone by since last posting...well, what has happened since? Like I said, I got a job before the month was out. Stuffing envelopes. Truly not so bad. It isn't like a continual mindless task, I have to keep 60-70% of my full attention...no, really it does keep my attention and focus up. If I had ADD, it would be the perfect job since each letter is different form the last. So why have I not updated...well, since I make not a lot of money (nothing to small to ignore, but not something to write home about either), so I have been burnin' the midnight oil so to speak. I have been putting in 10-12 hour days, all the overtime I desire to have (if there is overtime to be had). So good money comin' in, bills being paid, one or 2 luxuries here and there. The biggest downer is still the car. My mother has now enforced the rule to call her every morning to find out if she wants to use the car after work, forcing me to cut into my overtime and ultimately forcing me to spend most evenings at home with very little to do. Although this situation is far from starving in Korea, it has its little problems; for example, maybe as many know, I enjoy the film going experience perhaps to much. Well, I am no longer able to achieve my normal stress reliever of going to the movies...this has vexed me greatly (btw, I recently was able to rent a few movies, feedin' my need, which has allowed me to calm a bit in order to write the present reading). Moving on.
I will be house sitting for a mister and misses Ox for the next week (starting tomorrow), I get to use one of the vehicles not in use currently for the time being, relieving before mentioned tension for a small time.
In other good news, since the mail room job is a temp position I will again be unemployed soon...NOT. I got the job at Red Cross, I start on the 8th, 1.60 upgrade in pay, 4 days a week, 10hr shifts, and I'll be in training for like the first 2 months. Although not the best job (from what I hear for numerous sources), it gets me in a lab position giving me lab hours.
I started to write something...I had a dream a few nights back that was very profound to me, so I decided to write in down and after doing so I desired to expand upon the idea/story...I thought it interesting. Of course, it is really just one more thing that I may never finish or merely become a "currently underdevelopment project" for the end of time...or my life, which ever comes first, much like my experiment, piano lessons, studying medical stuff.
And last, I will move...eventually. It keeps being pushed back due to the fact that I can't really work all overtime I want since someone won't let me barrow their car until I am moved in...
Oh, I kinda have lost weight (according to Becky)...mainly since I work a lot, all I eat is a cup-o-noodles on my lunch break...and a ton of free diet mountain dew...since it is the holiday season the company has free drink machines...
So there is the update, not much else, I don't have time to continue the gaming nights at the moment (though I believe that some have just given up on it all together). I seem to have broken out on stress acne all over my face...not a big deal really, but you know...just one of those things. My television has pretty much fell to just Daily Show, Colbert Report, and Adult Swim.
Anyway, things are going...how's everyone else?
| You Are 78% Evil |
 |
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
hey
So, like I said, I would have a job before the month is out, well I couldn't have really cut it any closer. Turns out really that I didn't get any calls from places because no one wanted to set up appointments (for next week) before Thanksgiving weekend.
Anyway, I get a call for Red Cross. I go to the interview...the interviewer is not there. I have to reschedule for a couple hours later...no big deal, my days wasting away with nothing to do so...I go the interview later. And it was good, I gave all the right anwsers (sort of thing), I got the tour. Afterwards, she sets me down and says I would give you the job if I already hadn't givin' it away. Turns out she saw my resume, like it, but after she had already given away the positions. She then proceeds to tell me that she is "almost certain that a position will open up before the year is out." She can't give me the job now because there isn't one to give, but "I'll be hearing from her," ya.
Let me give a run down of my situation. Now yes, I can go out and get a job like right now. Any fastfood. But I have sworn to myself, no more food service. It isn't that is beneath me, it is just fuckin' food service. Yes, I might be able to go back to SCOLA, a sweet job in it is own right, but the pay ain't that great, they won't give me the hours, and it is an hour drive out there. (I have no permentant car). Oh, Becky took the car back, it is her right. I can't have the car promised to me because I have not moved in with said person (how can I move in without a car). Rent, and credit bills were due. I had to take money off my credit cards, put them into my account and pay the same credit bills and rent with the money I withdrew. I am tapped. I can live through December.
So what do I do, well yesterday I signed on with a temp agency and I have a job interview today for temp work maybe through Janurary. I'll probably get since they need people and it is seasonal work, it will suck, and they'll want me to start tomorrow most likely, but if Red Cross calls again, I can dump it for that. No biggie, it is temp work. No days off though. I'll get paid every week too. Ehh
***edit***
I got the job. They want me to start tomorrow, but now that I have a job I got a lot crap to get organized. Anyway, I asked if I could start Friday or Monday. Friday if they need me but Monday prefered. Well, in order to do that I agreed to orientation tomorrow morning. I also have an appointment with a loan agent and cleaning the place up. Both roommates are going to Cali tomorrow, so the place all to myself. Time to clean house. Then bright and early 8am-5pm (btw, all the overtime I want...as long as there is stuff to do for overtime). 9/hr. Temp-ing, hmm. I am working for giftcertificates.com. Basically just filling the orders and mailing them out. Data entry. I hope Red Cross calls...soon. This job won't be for long and the hours will only get longer the closer to the Holidays it gets...but man do I just want lab.
***edit part 2***
maybe I will start sooner. Friday maybe, or cancel the appointment and just do all day tomorrow. I just don't want to screw it up before I even get in there, and there really is so much to start getting in the works but have difficultly doing with 8-5 M-F when just about every place I need to consult with happens have just those hours... They seem so lax and laid back...a big promotional seller they try to get across is "jeans everyday". That would probably mean more to me if I done office work a lot. It is money sooner...I don't know. 3 months of nothing...struggling to get a job for that long sux...but it felt like a job in itself...one I didn't get paid doing...but still... ... ...anyway, for once, the things that usaully keep me back are things I cringe at doing: watching TV, playing games, writing D&D campaigns that don't come to fruition...I'm done
Anyway, I get a call for Red Cross. I go to the interview...the interviewer is not there. I have to reschedule for a couple hours later...no big deal, my days wasting away with nothing to do so...I go the interview later. And it was good, I gave all the right anwsers (sort of thing), I got the tour. Afterwards, she sets me down and says I would give you the job if I already hadn't givin' it away. Turns out she saw my resume, like it, but after she had already given away the positions. She then proceeds to tell me that she is "almost certain that a position will open up before the year is out." She can't give me the job now because there isn't one to give, but "I'll be hearing from her," ya.
Let me give a run down of my situation. Now yes, I can go out and get a job like right now. Any fastfood. But I have sworn to myself, no more food service. It isn't that is beneath me, it is just fuckin' food service. Yes, I might be able to go back to SCOLA, a sweet job in it is own right, but the pay ain't that great, they won't give me the hours, and it is an hour drive out there. (I have no permentant car). Oh, Becky took the car back, it is her right. I can't have the car promised to me because I have not moved in with said person (how can I move in without a car). Rent, and credit bills were due. I had to take money off my credit cards, put them into my account and pay the same credit bills and rent with the money I withdrew. I am tapped. I can live through December.
So what do I do, well yesterday I signed on with a temp agency and I have a job interview today for temp work maybe through Janurary. I'll probably get since they need people and it is seasonal work, it will suck, and they'll want me to start tomorrow most likely, but if Red Cross calls again, I can dump it for that. No biggie, it is temp work. No days off though. I'll get paid every week too. Ehh
***edit***
I got the job. They want me to start tomorrow, but now that I have a job I got a lot crap to get organized. Anyway, I asked if I could start Friday or Monday. Friday if they need me but Monday prefered. Well, in order to do that I agreed to orientation tomorrow morning. I also have an appointment with a loan agent and cleaning the place up. Both roommates are going to Cali tomorrow, so the place all to myself. Time to clean house. Then bright and early 8am-5pm (btw, all the overtime I want...as long as there is stuff to do for overtime). 9/hr. Temp-ing, hmm. I am working for giftcertificates.com. Basically just filling the orders and mailing them out. Data entry. I hope Red Cross calls...soon. This job won't be for long and the hours will only get longer the closer to the Holidays it gets...but man do I just want lab.
***edit part 2***
maybe I will start sooner. Friday maybe, or cancel the appointment and just do all day tomorrow. I just don't want to screw it up before I even get in there, and there really is so much to start getting in the works but have difficultly doing with 8-5 M-F when just about every place I need to consult with happens have just those hours... They seem so lax and laid back...a big promotional seller they try to get across is "jeans everyday". That would probably mean more to me if I done office work a lot. It is money sooner...I don't know. 3 months of nothing...struggling to get a job for that long sux...but it felt like a job in itself...one I didn't get paid doing...but still... ... ...anyway, for once, the things that usaully keep me back are things I cringe at doing: watching TV, playing games, writing D&D campaigns that don't come to fruition...I'm done
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Horror Film Festival night 3 of 3
Day last. This starting to feel more like an endurance test.
One more day to go man, you gonna quit or go for the gold.
I'M GONNA GO FOR THE GOLD, SIR.
...yeah, anyway, on with the show
Film 7 day 3
WICKED LITTLE THINGS --- rating: 1 raptor
The story is about a family moving to the ol' homestead of the dead husband's family. It is in the hills of Pennsylvania and use to be a mining community way back in the day. The owner of the mine operation used children to help in the mines (little holes, little people). They weren't treated well 'cept for a few. Well, during some blasting, all the children were buried in the mine, along with some miners. Years later, there is talk of zombie children in the hills. Well, turns out, there ARE zombie children in the hills (big shocker huh?). Not your typical zombies though. More like restless spirits that come out at night with real bodies. Of course can't die, they don't move like zombies. The move like a herd of children tromping through the woods at night, with mining tools, oughta move like...with determination. And their angry. They act sort like knowledgeable animals. And when they get something living they go loss on it. about 4-5 of them smash the hell out it with the tools and then they all hunker down and eat. Oh, did I mention they are eyeless. Anyway, that is pretty much the film. There are plenty of other stuff but it really doesn't matter when compare to this stuff. You'll see what I mean when I get to the ratings explanation.
This film I really wanted to see. The synopsis sounded good, the cover art was cool. And the damn thing fell flat on it is kidney stone. This film sucked my non-existent pancreas fumes. The acting was terrible, the camera felt it was being held by a man with Parkinson's, made me sick, which didn't help with the bad acting. I feel like Pavlov has done a number on me that now when ever I see bad acting, I'll get dizzy and nauseous. Not to mention, awful lines.
The reason I didn't give it the worst score is that I should slam the good of this film. There was one actor who was very good...the old creepy hermit in the hills. Played it to a "T". Second, location, location, location. They film in an actual forest that was once used for mining, with the original buildings. Very cool. And location topped with actually good film quality made the background even better. And to use tiredly worn phrase, Last but not Least, the zombie mining children. These were perfect. These were personification of the mindless, vengeful spirits of children buried in a mine, that we have all come to imagine and love. Such beautiful reckless anger. Let it be known. If you ever desire to portray the indifference that children can possess, use Bulgarian children. If anyone has seen Hostel, you understand. These children can look upon you with such incredible lack of care of anything, it will put a chill to your bone...evil incarnate I tell ya. Made all the more horrifying by the visual effects team by removing the eyes. Ever see an eyeless socket blink...yeah, you don't wanna. This quality is what brought the rating of this film up 3 notches. Otherwise it would be under the lowest rating.
Film 8 day 3
THE HAMILTONS --- rating: 2 raptor
Now this is an indie film. Low budget. Most of the film is filmed with a camcorder quality. This is about a family of 6 and a half. The parents die leaving 5 children behind. Most are in their early 20's (I think they are suppose to be very late teens...just older actors) but they are now the heads of the family with the young ones to take care of. This family has moved around a lot due to their problem...people go missing when they show up. And one of the young members wants to blow the lid on his family but is frighten to do so.
Anyway, since it is an indie film you have to look at it from a artistic perspective. If not, then the film sucked. Low grade film, bad acting, stupid story, and not a very good script. But as an indie film. It was alright. Could win a few awards. I don't know if I should say it though. As with most indie films, it revolves around one concept/idea/secret that isn't revealed until the end of the film. I just feel bad about saying it so I won't. But I can say this. The older brother is one of those types who ignores the bad stuff that goes on and keeps a smile on his face and acts like everyone is joking. Meanwhile he is a closet homosexual that pics up transients that are never seen again. The next oldest are twins, boy and girl. They both have problem. The male has a really bad temper and is unable to control his urges for very long. The same goes for the female but has a more subtle way about it. Not to mention the incestuous relationship they have with each other. The younger one is what you would consider the normal one. He finds it all disgusting and is frighten of his family but they are only people he has in his life and is frighten to tell anyone. The youngest we never see until the end. He is locked up in a box in the cellar, acts very much like a caged animal, on a diet of meat only, would. Kinda of a touching horror flick about family. Which is want the film intended to be about.
A decent film to end on for a horror film festival. Kinda wraps up all those gut retching feelings into a nice, soft, blood soaked pillow case, you use to bandage up festering wounds...ahh...you know warm and fuzzy :P
Film 9 day 3
SNOOP DOGG'S HOOD OF HORRORS
Okay, the festival had a few extra films. Like bonus films. This one is just garden variety film you can find a blockbuster. So...I didn't see it. Basically Snoop Dogg wants to be the cryptkeeper. He tells 3 tales of horror in the hood. A decently star studded cast of African American actors. Good special effects.
...
...
...I decided to go see Casino Royal 007 instead...good flick :)
Film 10 day 5 (sneak preview)
THE TRIPPERS
This film I unfortunately won't get to see. It isn't playing in any of the theaters near here. Basically a group of hippies in a horror flick. And who doesn't want to see some dead hippies, huh, huh? Am I right or am I right?
Anyway, the review sounds pretty bad but it is star studded. Jamie King (Sin City), Thomas Jane (The Punisher), Lukas Haas (Alpha Dog), Jason Mewes (Clerks), Balthazar Getty (Feast), Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Brad Hunt (2005 Screamfest winner for best actor in Cookers) with cameos from David Arquette (Scream), Courtney Cox (Scream) and more.
That is it for the film festival. I had a really great time. Re-charged the batteries sort of thing.
Tah Tah
One more day to go man, you gonna quit or go for the gold.
I'M GONNA GO FOR THE GOLD, SIR.
...yeah, anyway, on with the show
Film 7 day 3
WICKED LITTLE THINGS --- rating: 1 raptor
The story is about a family moving to the ol' homestead of the dead husband's family. It is in the hills of Pennsylvania and use to be a mining community way back in the day. The owner of the mine operation used children to help in the mines (little holes, little people). They weren't treated well 'cept for a few. Well, during some blasting, all the children were buried in the mine, along with some miners. Years later, there is talk of zombie children in the hills. Well, turns out, there ARE zombie children in the hills (big shocker huh?). Not your typical zombies though. More like restless spirits that come out at night with real bodies. Of course can't die, they don't move like zombies. The move like a herd of children tromping through the woods at night, with mining tools, oughta move like...with determination. And their angry. They act sort like knowledgeable animals. And when they get something living they go loss on it. about 4-5 of them smash the hell out it with the tools and then they all hunker down and eat. Oh, did I mention they are eyeless. Anyway, that is pretty much the film. There are plenty of other stuff but it really doesn't matter when compare to this stuff. You'll see what I mean when I get to the ratings explanation.
This film I really wanted to see. The synopsis sounded good, the cover art was cool. And the damn thing fell flat on it is kidney stone. This film sucked my non-existent pancreas fumes. The acting was terrible, the camera felt it was being held by a man with Parkinson's, made me sick, which didn't help with the bad acting. I feel like Pavlov has done a number on me that now when ever I see bad acting, I'll get dizzy and nauseous. Not to mention, awful lines.
The reason I didn't give it the worst score is that I should slam the good of this film. There was one actor who was very good...the old creepy hermit in the hills. Played it to a "T". Second, location, location, location. They film in an actual forest that was once used for mining, with the original buildings. Very cool. And location topped with actually good film quality made the background even better. And to use tiredly worn phrase, Last but not Least, the zombie mining children. These were perfect. These were personification of the mindless, vengeful spirits of children buried in a mine, that we have all come to imagine and love. Such beautiful reckless anger. Let it be known. If you ever desire to portray the indifference that children can possess, use Bulgarian children. If anyone has seen Hostel, you understand. These children can look upon you with such incredible lack of care of anything, it will put a chill to your bone...evil incarnate I tell ya. Made all the more horrifying by the visual effects team by removing the eyes. Ever see an eyeless socket blink...yeah, you don't wanna. This quality is what brought the rating of this film up 3 notches. Otherwise it would be under the lowest rating.
Film 8 day 3
THE HAMILTONS --- rating: 2 raptor
Now this is an indie film. Low budget. Most of the film is filmed with a camcorder quality. This is about a family of 6 and a half. The parents die leaving 5 children behind. Most are in their early 20's (I think they are suppose to be very late teens...just older actors) but they are now the heads of the family with the young ones to take care of. This family has moved around a lot due to their problem...people go missing when they show up. And one of the young members wants to blow the lid on his family but is frighten to do so.
Anyway, since it is an indie film you have to look at it from a artistic perspective. If not, then the film sucked. Low grade film, bad acting, stupid story, and not a very good script. But as an indie film. It was alright. Could win a few awards. I don't know if I should say it though. As with most indie films, it revolves around one concept/idea/secret that isn't revealed until the end of the film. I just feel bad about saying it so I won't. But I can say this. The older brother is one of those types who ignores the bad stuff that goes on and keeps a smile on his face and acts like everyone is joking. Meanwhile he is a closet homosexual that pics up transients that are never seen again. The next oldest are twins, boy and girl. They both have problem. The male has a really bad temper and is unable to control his urges for very long. The same goes for the female but has a more subtle way about it. Not to mention the incestuous relationship they have with each other. The younger one is what you would consider the normal one. He finds it all disgusting and is frighten of his family but they are only people he has in his life and is frighten to tell anyone. The youngest we never see until the end. He is locked up in a box in the cellar, acts very much like a caged animal, on a diet of meat only, would. Kinda of a touching horror flick about family. Which is want the film intended to be about.
A decent film to end on for a horror film festival. Kinda wraps up all those gut retching feelings into a nice, soft, blood soaked pillow case, you use to bandage up festering wounds...ahh...you know warm and fuzzy :P
Film 9 day 3
SNOOP DOGG'S HOOD OF HORRORS
Okay, the festival had a few extra films. Like bonus films. This one is just garden variety film you can find a blockbuster. So...I didn't see it. Basically Snoop Dogg wants to be the cryptkeeper. He tells 3 tales of horror in the hood. A decently star studded cast of African American actors. Good special effects.
...
...
...I decided to go see Casino Royal 007 instead...good flick :)
Film 10 day 5 (sneak preview)
THE TRIPPERS
This film I unfortunately won't get to see. It isn't playing in any of the theaters near here. Basically a group of hippies in a horror flick. And who doesn't want to see some dead hippies, huh, huh? Am I right or am I right?
Anyway, the review sounds pretty bad but it is star studded. Jamie King (Sin City), Thomas Jane (The Punisher), Lukas Haas (Alpha Dog), Jason Mewes (Clerks), Balthazar Getty (Feast), Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Brad Hunt (2005 Screamfest winner for best actor in Cookers) with cameos from David Arquette (Scream), Courtney Cox (Scream) and more.
That is it for the film festival. I had a really great time. Re-charged the batteries sort of thing.
Tah Tah
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Horror Film Festival night 2 of 3
A good night of horror films. I am beginning to think that the reasons these films were not released is because they were good. Anyway, aside from a few content issues I can not understand why these films are banned. They really are good and should see the light of day but no, apparently for reasons that I can not surmise.
Film 4 day 2
THE GRAVEDANCERS --- ratings: 3 raptors
Possibly content is the ban for this one. Dancing on graves and all. It goes that friend dies in a car accident. His 3 friends see each other again after parting ways. They get it in their heads that they should go to the graveyard to give a proper send off. While there, they find a note on the grave. The note contains a nice poem about rejoicing in life because you never know when the minute is. It even promotes to dance upon the place of rest for the dead (turns out to be an actual pagan gravedancing ritual...incomplete). So after drinking they dance. Then they have 3 spirits haunting them. They find a paranormal investigator and find out that the rhyme was incomplete and comes with a warning that if you dance upon the graves you will be haunted for the next month by the spirit. Each night the spirit gets stronger and tries to reach its ultimate goal in making you join with them in rest. Well, after some investigating they find out that they dance in a part of the graveyard reserved for the unwanted. An area set aside for murders, mental unstable, homeless, etc. So now we have our typical evil spirits: the pyro child, the jilted lover, and Sadomasochistic torturer. Now, this has the making of a cheesy horror film, well, you be wrong. With a good cast, excellent lighting, good direction and pretty good script, and lots of really good poltergeist action sequences. I have to take away points for some really shitty FX. I'm talking about really bad split screen and CGI superimposed upon it.
Film 5 day 2
THE ABANDONED --- ratings: 1 raptor
A an American film made in Russia. The story is about a 42 year-old woman trying to find out more about her parents. She is Russian born but grew up in England and got a job in America. She was abandoned as a baby. Due to...well, Russia, they only just now were able to dig up something about her birth mother. She learns she has inherited a farm in Russia and she goes to investigate. The farm in basically an island, or more so a spot of land surrounded by a river. Upon arrival she runs into a man claiming to be her twin brother who also just received the news about the farm. During their inspection they run into their doppelgangers. According to the brother, these doppelgangers represent their future selves and how they will meet their end on this island.
An interesting story with a unrealized plot development (until the very end) which kinda makes you think and cringe at the thought. Also the film is very morbidly poetic, good lighting and acting. But it lacks something, it reminds me of reading a novel that you just picked up cause you were interested in the cover. Not overall incredible but good, the kinda book that would go unnoticed by the public and the world won't miss it. It was a good film and good story, but the feeling I got was that it could have been better. And maybe that is part of its charm, it could of been a lot better, but it wasn't. It is what it is, and that is what it always be. Coincides with Russian culture I guess.
Film 6 day 2
PENNY DREADFUL --- ratings: 3 raptors
And what a film to end the day on. Penny dreadful is about a 4-5ish year-old child (which maybe why the film was banned) that was in a car accident with her parents. The car is upside down and the father thrown from the car. Penny can see her father from where she is; her mother is still suspended upside down in her seat belt telling her "Its okay, everything is going to be okay". However, while the mother consoles her daughter everyone notices that her throat is slashed horribly and pouring blood out of her. This whole incident gives Penny a huge fear of cars. Which is what the film is about. The next scene is her in a car with her therapist. They are going to drive out to the place it happened so she can confront her fear; with periodic stops so Penny can calm herself. Anyway, the hit a hitchhiker and to make up for it the offer him a ride. They drop him off at some camp ground and upon leaving they discover that he punctured their tires. The tire blows and the therapist runs off to find a signal for her phone, leaving Penny (who has and is in complete hysterics) to stay in the car. Well, she gets out and tries to go find her therapist and runs into the hitchhiker, gets scared, trips and knocks herself out. She awakes in the car with a camcorder in her lap and her therapist in the drivers seat. She watches the film and it is a film of her therapist being killed. Then she notices where she is and where the car is. The car is wedged in between four trees, two on either side, preventing any escape from the car. Well, of course you can imagine she is freaking out on a richer scale of 5487. And this is where the film really begins.
I loved this film. By the way while the hitchhiker was in the car, it to hard to hide Penny's condition to for so ice-breakers her phobia is brought up in conversation, giving the hitchhiker the ammo to torture this poor babe's little fragile mind. Now, the film is very cliche-ic. But it is a cliche that ignores its cliche-iness and goes on with the film. This is like an awesome camp fire story. We are basically in the car with Penny the whole time, feeling her fear rising. feeling her give up to it every now and then. Penny is played by an young girl no more than 14-15. Unbelievable acting. Some of the lines are a little corny but fit the situation. A teenage girl, in said situation, tends to say certain things (slight drama queen), but at the same time we have to understand the fear inside her. This is the one spot in all of the world she doesn't want to be and it is the safest place for her. Anyway, the hitchhiker tortures the hell out of her, which (also maybe a reason for the ban) forces her psyche to take her relaxing meds...lots of them. So, by the end of the film is running on fear, adrenaline, and extreme over medication. The actress does an amazing job.
I didn't give it a awesome score due to the hitchhiker. Their is a moment at the end where we finally see the hitchhiker's face. Most of the hitchhiker's role was silent; the embodiment of the one causing this intense fear. And when we see him...well, disappointment is really the only word I have. He is suppose to be an escape mental patient, but in truth he is very real. The man was sort of nasty. He had oily and matted raven hair, pale skin with cracks in it, and gnarly teeth. Sort of a death-metal pretty. Which may be scary to a teenage girl with a fear of cars and doped up on relaxers. I think they could of done a little better...his voice was to high, needed more gruff.
Film 4 day 2
THE GRAVEDANCERS --- ratings: 3 raptors
Possibly content is the ban for this one. Dancing on graves and all. It goes that friend dies in a car accident. His 3 friends see each other again after parting ways. They get it in their heads that they should go to the graveyard to give a proper send off. While there, they find a note on the grave. The note contains a nice poem about rejoicing in life because you never know when the minute is. It even promotes to dance upon the place of rest for the dead (turns out to be an actual pagan gravedancing ritual...incomplete). So after drinking they dance. Then they have 3 spirits haunting them. They find a paranormal investigator and find out that the rhyme was incomplete and comes with a warning that if you dance upon the graves you will be haunted for the next month by the spirit. Each night the spirit gets stronger and tries to reach its ultimate goal in making you join with them in rest. Well, after some investigating they find out that they dance in a part of the graveyard reserved for the unwanted. An area set aside for murders, mental unstable, homeless, etc. So now we have our typical evil spirits: the pyro child, the jilted lover, and Sadomasochistic torturer. Now, this has the making of a cheesy horror film, well, you be wrong. With a good cast, excellent lighting, good direction and pretty good script, and lots of really good poltergeist action sequences. I have to take away points for some really shitty FX. I'm talking about really bad split screen and CGI superimposed upon it.
Film 5 day 2
THE ABANDONED --- ratings: 1 raptor
A an American film made in Russia. The story is about a 42 year-old woman trying to find out more about her parents. She is Russian born but grew up in England and got a job in America. She was abandoned as a baby. Due to...well, Russia, they only just now were able to dig up something about her birth mother. She learns she has inherited a farm in Russia and she goes to investigate. The farm in basically an island, or more so a spot of land surrounded by a river. Upon arrival she runs into a man claiming to be her twin brother who also just received the news about the farm. During their inspection they run into their doppelgangers. According to the brother, these doppelgangers represent their future selves and how they will meet their end on this island.
An interesting story with a unrealized plot development (until the very end) which kinda makes you think and cringe at the thought. Also the film is very morbidly poetic, good lighting and acting. But it lacks something, it reminds me of reading a novel that you just picked up cause you were interested in the cover. Not overall incredible but good, the kinda book that would go unnoticed by the public and the world won't miss it. It was a good film and good story, but the feeling I got was that it could have been better. And maybe that is part of its charm, it could of been a lot better, but it wasn't. It is what it is, and that is what it always be. Coincides with Russian culture I guess.
Film 6 day 2
PENNY DREADFUL --- ratings: 3 raptors
And what a film to end the day on. Penny dreadful is about a 4-5ish year-old child (which maybe why the film was banned) that was in a car accident with her parents. The car is upside down and the father thrown from the car. Penny can see her father from where she is; her mother is still suspended upside down in her seat belt telling her "Its okay, everything is going to be okay". However, while the mother consoles her daughter everyone notices that her throat is slashed horribly and pouring blood out of her. This whole incident gives Penny a huge fear of cars. Which is what the film is about. The next scene is her in a car with her therapist. They are going to drive out to the place it happened so she can confront her fear; with periodic stops so Penny can calm herself. Anyway, the hit a hitchhiker and to make up for it the offer him a ride. They drop him off at some camp ground and upon leaving they discover that he punctured their tires. The tire blows and the therapist runs off to find a signal for her phone, leaving Penny (who has and is in complete hysterics) to stay in the car. Well, she gets out and tries to go find her therapist and runs into the hitchhiker, gets scared, trips and knocks herself out. She awakes in the car with a camcorder in her lap and her therapist in the drivers seat. She watches the film and it is a film of her therapist being killed. Then she notices where she is and where the car is. The car is wedged in between four trees, two on either side, preventing any escape from the car. Well, of course you can imagine she is freaking out on a richer scale of 5487. And this is where the film really begins.
I loved this film. By the way while the hitchhiker was in the car, it to hard to hide Penny's condition to for so ice-breakers her phobia is brought up in conversation, giving the hitchhiker the ammo to torture this poor babe's little fragile mind. Now, the film is very cliche-ic. But it is a cliche that ignores its cliche-iness and goes on with the film. This is like an awesome camp fire story. We are basically in the car with Penny the whole time, feeling her fear rising. feeling her give up to it every now and then. Penny is played by an young girl no more than 14-15. Unbelievable acting. Some of the lines are a little corny but fit the situation. A teenage girl, in said situation, tends to say certain things (slight drama queen), but at the same time we have to understand the fear inside her. This is the one spot in all of the world she doesn't want to be and it is the safest place for her. Anyway, the hitchhiker tortures the hell out of her, which (also maybe a reason for the ban) forces her psyche to take her relaxing meds...lots of them. So, by the end of the film is running on fear, adrenaline, and extreme over medication. The actress does an amazing job.
I didn't give it a awesome score due to the hitchhiker. Their is a moment at the end where we finally see the hitchhiker's face. Most of the hitchhiker's role was silent; the embodiment of the one causing this intense fear. And when we see him...well, disappointment is really the only word I have. He is suppose to be an escape mental patient, but in truth he is very real. The man was sort of nasty. He had oily and matted raven hair, pale skin with cracks in it, and gnarly teeth. Sort of a death-metal pretty. Which may be scary to a teenage girl with a fear of cars and doped up on relaxers. I think they could of done a little better...his voice was to high, needed more gruff.
Horror Film Festival night 1 of 3
So for some little joy in my life I decided to spurge for the film festival. 3 nights of films the public wont see 'cept for the limited time of this festival. And also, it is possible that the turn out of this will inspire more such films to be released if the turn out is big so I felt it right to promote such an endeavor.
I'll be giving away a little of the plot of these films but since you can't see them anymore in theaters I don't feel to bad :)
Film 1 day 1
REINCARNATION (RINNE) --- ratings: 2 raptors
I think this film would not have made it to theaters here because it is slightly disturbing but mostly because it is foreign. Since most Japanese horror films get made into re-makes; i.e. The Ring (Ringu), and The Grudge (Ju-On). This film fits along the lines of these Japanese versions. Just as good as Ringu and Ju-On but different. It has a more accidental theme to it.
The film is about a man who kills 11 people in a hotel (only 11 people were in it at the time). About 5 staff, his family, and a few other couples that happen to be there in 1970. 35 years later, a well-known director wants to make a film about those murders and he has an obsessive passion to make it as close to exact as he can. Meanwhile the woman hired to play the daughter of the killer is getting memory flashes of this past scenario. In addition, the film jumps around in the beginning of few people who also get flashes of memories or glimpses of dead souls and they have nothing to do with the soon to be made film. So as the title suggests, these people are the Reincarnations of the ones murder 35 years ago. as the film to be made nears completion the visions intensify to the point of taking people out of the real word and back to that point in history to witness the occurrence. Now, by my reasoning there is a specific entity that is forcing these visions.
And here is one big spoiler to the plot but not the twist: The killer was not insane per say, he was conducting an experiment on Reincarnation. He wanted to see if they would all meet up again in the next life. Well, the kicker is he didn't count on a vengeful spirit to bring them all back to the situation (where otherwise they all wouldn't have been reunited).
A pretty good film. Pulls you in; however, the character (as is often in Japanese horror films) doesn't come to the conclusion nearly as quick as you can.
Film 2 day 1 :edit: moved to bottom (personally my favorite of the day, want to save for last)
Film 3 day 1
DARK RIDE --- ratings: Ex-raptor feeding grounds
The Reason this film didn't make it to theaters IMO, is due to the death of 2 14ish year-old girls in the beginning of the film. By recollection, most children who die in films usually get whisked away and hear screams of some sort of in the distance, away from camera; or there is a montage shot of screams, the knife, the face of victim throwing their head back and forth and for some reason a light is swinging about of there is a strobe light on. Away, this film doesn't do that (same possible reason for Reincarnation, you witness the killings because the killer filmed it while he did it)
There a small fair ride called Dark Ride. Common in small town fairs. Basically, a horror version of the tunnel of love. Not really scary except to kids. Well, in 1989 two twins died on one of these rides. After investigation, turn out a total of 14 people died on this particular ride. There owner of the ride a 2 children, the older of the 2 was demented. He would snatch people out of the ride and re-enact the scenes within the ride. Like if you were riding past the demented doctor scene he would eviscerate you. Well, the killer was also retarded. He had the mentality of a 5 year-old. He thought he was playing. Anyway, the shut the place down and put the killer into a metal asylum. About 16 years later they re-opened the ride. 3 days before re-opening, so college kids decide to save money and they want to spend the night in the ride. And of course, this is the same time the killer escapes,...like the exact same time, so word of the escape isn't out yet.
Anyway, aside from the ban of such a film due to content, this film sucked ass. It was a cheesy horror flick; college kids, weed, road trip, flier that a Dark Ride amusement ride is opening up. Bad shots, bad DP, bad direction. Which is really the suck part. The acting was good with what they had. As were the special effects; example, the killer sneaks up behind a rent-a-cop and slices his head "in a perfect line" in two. Well, they did some crappy film work after that which pulled away from the coolness of the scene, but is the factual detail that they did the effect which gave me awe struck to the horror effect guys. Now, hopefully you have seen, somewhere in the films in your life, a brain in a jar. Just floating there, in perfect preservation. If you have ever touched such a brain, you would know the texture of such. Well, there is one problem. In films you see such brains and there lying around or something, but they look just like that brain in a jar, you can basically tell they are brains. Well, brains don't look like that without the proper treating of chemicals. Brains are actually very liquid. If you were to actually grab someones brains right out of there head, it would ooze right through your fingers, much like jello that hasn't been in the fridge long enough. Anyway, when the head split open the brains leaked out...I was impressed. But that one special effect didn't save the film.
:edit: relocated Film 2 day 1
UNREST --- ratings: Raptor nest
By far by favorite.
The ban on this film is just. The reason this film is banned from public is this; the film is about med-students in Gross Anatomy class. This is the class where they dissect a cadaver. The cadavers in this film...are real. Yes, real dead bodies on film. Now, I'm not saying that the bodies look real; no, these are real dead bodies for med-students to dissect. This is why the film can not be shown. But man was it super cool.
Med-students work together in this lab but are divided up into groups of 4. The film focuses on one batch of 4. Well, it focuses on one cadaver really. Something about this cadaver is spooking one of the med-students. Something about the soul not put to rest. This film I don't want to ruin with all the detail just because it is so good. I could literally talk pages about this film. Here is a little bit though. The woman was possessed before she died by an Aztec God-ish. Anyway, people who touch this body are dieing. And one way they die is by drowning. In the cadaver lab there is a tank. A tank of formaldehyde of which there are cadavers floating inside to keep fresh of this lab. Now the through-out the course of the film the woman's body is placed back into the tank. And the students figure out that they need to put the body to rest...so...they actually get inside this tank with the real cadavers...OMG. This is all real. This is a real lab with real cadavers. It is freaking insane it was so good. not the highest rank due to the resolution after the ending...is was kinda weak.
In case your wondering about my rating system, I have revised it.
here it is from worst to fantabulous:
65 million years later - will never die by raptors
Ex-raptor feeding grounds - small chance of raptor death (much like being hit by lightning)
Raptor feeding grounds - decent chance of death but possible survival
1 raptor - will die but not after lots of torturous waiting as it stalks you
2 raptors - will die after they start eating you
3 raptors - will die before you even see the other 2
Raptor nest - will die with a vengeance
Raptor hunting party - signing you soul away could not protect you
I'll be giving away a little of the plot of these films but since you can't see them anymore in theaters I don't feel to bad :)
Film 1 day 1
REINCARNATION (RINNE) --- ratings: 2 raptors
I think this film would not have made it to theaters here because it is slightly disturbing but mostly because it is foreign. Since most Japanese horror films get made into re-makes; i.e. The Ring (Ringu), and The Grudge (Ju-On). This film fits along the lines of these Japanese versions. Just as good as Ringu and Ju-On but different. It has a more accidental theme to it.
The film is about a man who kills 11 people in a hotel (only 11 people were in it at the time). About 5 staff, his family, and a few other couples that happen to be there in 1970. 35 years later, a well-known director wants to make a film about those murders and he has an obsessive passion to make it as close to exact as he can. Meanwhile the woman hired to play the daughter of the killer is getting memory flashes of this past scenario. In addition, the film jumps around in the beginning of few people who also get flashes of memories or glimpses of dead souls and they have nothing to do with the soon to be made film. So as the title suggests, these people are the Reincarnations of the ones murder 35 years ago. as the film to be made nears completion the visions intensify to the point of taking people out of the real word and back to that point in history to witness the occurrence. Now, by my reasoning there is a specific entity that is forcing these visions.
And here is one big spoiler to the plot but not the twist: The killer was not insane per say, he was conducting an experiment on Reincarnation. He wanted to see if they would all meet up again in the next life. Well, the kicker is he didn't count on a vengeful spirit to bring them all back to the situation (where otherwise they all wouldn't have been reunited).
A pretty good film. Pulls you in; however, the character (as is often in Japanese horror films) doesn't come to the conclusion nearly as quick as you can.
Film 2 day 1 :edit: moved to bottom (personally my favorite of the day, want to save for last)
Film 3 day 1
DARK RIDE --- ratings: Ex-raptor feeding grounds
The Reason this film didn't make it to theaters IMO, is due to the death of 2 14ish year-old girls in the beginning of the film. By recollection, most children who die in films usually get whisked away and hear screams of some sort of in the distance, away from camera; or there is a montage shot of screams, the knife, the face of victim throwing their head back and forth and for some reason a light is swinging about of there is a strobe light on. Away, this film doesn't do that (same possible reason for Reincarnation, you witness the killings because the killer filmed it while he did it)
There a small fair ride called Dark Ride. Common in small town fairs. Basically, a horror version of the tunnel of love. Not really scary except to kids. Well, in 1989 two twins died on one of these rides. After investigation, turn out a total of 14 people died on this particular ride. There owner of the ride a 2 children, the older of the 2 was demented. He would snatch people out of the ride and re-enact the scenes within the ride. Like if you were riding past the demented doctor scene he would eviscerate you. Well, the killer was also retarded. He had the mentality of a 5 year-old. He thought he was playing. Anyway, the shut the place down and put the killer into a metal asylum. About 16 years later they re-opened the ride. 3 days before re-opening, so college kids decide to save money and they want to spend the night in the ride. And of course, this is the same time the killer escapes,...like the exact same time, so word of the escape isn't out yet.
Anyway, aside from the ban of such a film due to content, this film sucked ass. It was a cheesy horror flick; college kids, weed, road trip, flier that a Dark Ride amusement ride is opening up. Bad shots, bad DP, bad direction. Which is really the suck part. The acting was good with what they had. As were the special effects; example, the killer sneaks up behind a rent-a-cop and slices his head "in a perfect line" in two. Well, they did some crappy film work after that which pulled away from the coolness of the scene, but is the factual detail that they did the effect which gave me awe struck to the horror effect guys. Now, hopefully you have seen, somewhere in the films in your life, a brain in a jar. Just floating there, in perfect preservation. If you have ever touched such a brain, you would know the texture of such. Well, there is one problem. In films you see such brains and there lying around or something, but they look just like that brain in a jar, you can basically tell they are brains. Well, brains don't look like that without the proper treating of chemicals. Brains are actually very liquid. If you were to actually grab someones brains right out of there head, it would ooze right through your fingers, much like jello that hasn't been in the fridge long enough. Anyway, when the head split open the brains leaked out...I was impressed. But that one special effect didn't save the film.
:edit: relocated Film 2 day 1
UNREST --- ratings: Raptor nest
By far by favorite.
The ban on this film is just. The reason this film is banned from public is this; the film is about med-students in Gross Anatomy class. This is the class where they dissect a cadaver. The cadavers in this film...are real. Yes, real dead bodies on film. Now, I'm not saying that the bodies look real; no, these are real dead bodies for med-students to dissect. This is why the film can not be shown. But man was it super cool.
Med-students work together in this lab but are divided up into groups of 4. The film focuses on one batch of 4. Well, it focuses on one cadaver really. Something about this cadaver is spooking one of the med-students. Something about the soul not put to rest. This film I don't want to ruin with all the detail just because it is so good. I could literally talk pages about this film. Here is a little bit though. The woman was possessed before she died by an Aztec God-ish. Anyway, people who touch this body are dieing. And one way they die is by drowning. In the cadaver lab there is a tank. A tank of formaldehyde of which there are cadavers floating inside to keep fresh of this lab. Now the through-out the course of the film the woman's body is placed back into the tank. And the students figure out that they need to put the body to rest...so...they actually get inside this tank with the real cadavers...OMG. This is all real. This is a real lab with real cadavers. It is freaking insane it was so good. not the highest rank due to the resolution after the ending...is was kinda weak.
In case your wondering about my rating system, I have revised it.
here it is from worst to fantabulous:
65 million years later - will never die by raptors
Ex-raptor feeding grounds - small chance of raptor death (much like being hit by lightning)
Raptor feeding grounds - decent chance of death but possible survival
1 raptor - will die but not after lots of torturous waiting as it stalks you
2 raptors - will die after they start eating you
3 raptors - will die before you even see the other 2
Raptor nest - will die with a vengeance
Raptor hunting party - signing you soul away could not protect you
Friday, November 10, 2006
Things have gone from bad to mexican
Well, no job yet. Time to find anything instead of something in semi-particular. The car I was using has no been taken away from me due to a winter scare. The car that was promised to me is not being delivered upon due to leverage and back-stabbing. I can't make bills and rent for next month. And I have been forced to a diet of oatmeal in the mornin' and a one cup-o-noodle at night. And now, LOST won't show new episodes til February, I mean come on.
To be honest, it isn't all that bad. At least the car thing. I will have access to a car Mon-Fri from about 8am-5pm. And one job will turn this all around. I get the job, I can get a loan to buy back my car with a little pocket money for the next few months til the pay checks start coming in. And the diet is actually very reminiscent of my diet in Korea, which I kinda enjoyed really.
But LOST man, ...curse you JJ Abbrams, curse you and all your kind.
No worries really. I'll find a job before the month is out. The suck part is that all my weekend plans for the rest of the month are completely shot.
To be honest, it isn't all that bad. At least the car thing. I will have access to a car Mon-Fri from about 8am-5pm. And one job will turn this all around. I get the job, I can get a loan to buy back my car with a little pocket money for the next few months til the pay checks start coming in. And the diet is actually very reminiscent of my diet in Korea, which I kinda enjoyed really.
But LOST man, ...curse you JJ Abbrams, curse you and all your kind.
No worries really. I'll find a job before the month is out. The suck part is that all my weekend plans for the rest of the month are completely shot.
Friday, November 03, 2006
8 films 2 die 4
Horrorfest.
Each year, movies are made and released that are to intense for the general public to see. After Dark films has arranged to show the public 8 of these films over one weekend. November 17th-19th, 500 theaters in 35 cities, will show these films. And fortunatly for me Oak View 24 is one of those theaters.
for more info here is the web address http://www.horrorfestonline.com/
I will be planning to see all 8. People are welcome to join me.
Okay, now to info on the D L
This Weekend - Adam is home, and World Gaming something or another
Next Weekend - Starwars Marathon on Cinemax - all 6 films in order
Weekend After - Horrorfest
Thanksgiving Weekend - um...Thanksgiving
Well, my weekends are full at least. I'm on the mend (so to speak); can't seem to shake it but no where near as bad as it was. Couple job interviews...promising but not gonna hold my breath. And that's about it. I will be moving but not til the year is out. I didn't like the pressure of it all so I put it on the back burner. #1 priority is to get paid this month.
Speaking of pay, check this out. I can't get my money out of Korea. The Korean bank wants me to go in personally and do any transaction face to face. So, I need to give someone in Korea power of attorney over my bank account so they can't close it out and mail my money home. Ideally, I would ask my partner teacher, but I have emailed her a few times and no response. If she dosen't respond to my emails I might have a back up but if that falls through then my money is stuck in Korea. I have no idea how much it is but it is at least 500-700 bucks.
And my car situation. I feel the pressure from Miss Rebecca, which makes me put pressure on JoeJoe (since he promised me a car). Oh well. After all that though, I'm just really bored. I wanna work. Sure it gives me time to do, well, stuff here, but I wanna work dammit.
Each year, movies are made and released that are to intense for the general public to see. After Dark films has arranged to show the public 8 of these films over one weekend. November 17th-19th, 500 theaters in 35 cities, will show these films. And fortunatly for me Oak View 24 is one of those theaters.
for more info here is the web address http://www.horrorfestonline.com/
I will be planning to see all 8. People are welcome to join me.
Okay, now to info on the D L
This Weekend - Adam is home, and World Gaming something or another
Next Weekend - Starwars Marathon on Cinemax - all 6 films in order
Weekend After - Horrorfest
Thanksgiving Weekend - um...Thanksgiving
Well, my weekends are full at least. I'm on the mend (so to speak); can't seem to shake it but no where near as bad as it was. Couple job interviews...promising but not gonna hold my breath. And that's about it. I will be moving but not til the year is out. I didn't like the pressure of it all so I put it on the back burner. #1 priority is to get paid this month.
Speaking of pay, check this out. I can't get my money out of Korea. The Korean bank wants me to go in personally and do any transaction face to face. So, I need to give someone in Korea power of attorney over my bank account so they can't close it out and mail my money home. Ideally, I would ask my partner teacher, but I have emailed her a few times and no response. If she dosen't respond to my emails I might have a back up but if that falls through then my money is stuck in Korea. I have no idea how much it is but it is at least 500-700 bucks.
And my car situation. I feel the pressure from Miss Rebecca, which makes me put pressure on JoeJoe (since he promised me a car). Oh well. After all that though, I'm just really bored. I wanna work. Sure it gives me time to do, well, stuff here, but I wanna work dammit.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Woohoo... ... ... party... ... ... I feel like crap
So, partys are just about over. There is actually one this evening for D's birthday but I guess I pushed myself a little to hard and my illness has worsend. I think it is possible that I have a mild case of streep throat. I have been very good also. I didn't drink at my own party, not one drop, and I even stayed away from the smoking most of the night and I feel even worse today. But I think my sinus infection is starting to go away and the throat thing is picking up a little. Anyway, party central right?
The first party at Joe's was pretty cool. Not a big turn out, but those that did show up were pretty cool (cept for one or two). Why is it that at every party there is always one or two people that just sit there, don't mingle, don't smile, drink like one drink, then leave. Why even come. Anyway, regardless of the weird friends that others have, the party was pretty good. The few young'ns in school girl outfits weren't all that and I could have done without the drama in the mornin but whatever.
On to my party. Went off without a hitch...til D had to cancel for a place to party. Somewhat of a mad rush to clean up and get the place decorated but I think it turned out alright. And plenty of people showed (which I was a little worried about). Then after the inital party kinda started to die down, twenty people showed up who none of us really knew. Turned out to be Heather's friends. Not a bad batch either. Then some real old friends showed and it rekicked a third wave of adreniline into the party. The party didn't end til about 5:30am pre-day-light savings time (so really 4:30am). Anyway, I think the forced to stay up and awake and interact with all manners of guests made me a little worse in the health department.
To continue. I got a car in the works, a few promising prospects for a few decent jobs with little responsiblity and great pay, ... ... ...and I have decided to move out. A while back, my roommates exspressed that while I was in Korea they really enjoyed the just being a couple thing without a roommate. I get that. And now one of them got a promotion and can afford this place easier without me. So, I got a place lined up but now my roommates say that I don't need to move out. They like it okay now. Well, to late. I'm moving but it will take a few months. I really want to take my time with this one. All the moving and flying has got me worn out so I don't want to be pressured into this (which I kinda was, but not really).
Anyway, I'm on the mend; as is the life. Slowly, and thank god for that.
The first party at Joe's was pretty cool. Not a big turn out, but those that did show up were pretty cool (cept for one or two). Why is it that at every party there is always one or two people that just sit there, don't mingle, don't smile, drink like one drink, then leave. Why even come. Anyway, regardless of the weird friends that others have, the party was pretty good. The few young'ns in school girl outfits weren't all that and I could have done without the drama in the mornin but whatever.
On to my party. Went off without a hitch...til D had to cancel for a place to party. Somewhat of a mad rush to clean up and get the place decorated but I think it turned out alright. And plenty of people showed (which I was a little worried about). Then after the inital party kinda started to die down, twenty people showed up who none of us really knew. Turned out to be Heather's friends. Not a bad batch either. Then some real old friends showed and it rekicked a third wave of adreniline into the party. The party didn't end til about 5:30am pre-day-light savings time (so really 4:30am). Anyway, I think the forced to stay up and awake and interact with all manners of guests made me a little worse in the health department.
To continue. I got a car in the works, a few promising prospects for a few decent jobs with little responsiblity and great pay, ... ... ...and I have decided to move out. A while back, my roommates exspressed that while I was in Korea they really enjoyed the just being a couple thing without a roommate. I get that. And now one of them got a promotion and can afford this place easier without me. So, I got a place lined up but now my roommates say that I don't need to move out. They like it okay now. Well, to late. I'm moving but it will take a few months. I really want to take my time with this one. All the moving and flying has got me worn out so I don't want to be pressured into this (which I kinda was, but not really).
Anyway, I'm on the mend; as is the life. Slowly, and thank god for that.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
My feet hurt...
Oh My Frelling God!!!!!
way to much to say...edit later...
So I saw fisherman's wharf, alkatraz, china town, japan town, castro, and panda express. And yes, I saw the seals or sea lions. Big whoop. I did enjoy Fisherman's Wharf and Alkatraz. I love the water and fisherman's wharf wasn't to crowded. Alkatraz was way cool. I was on the early bird ship out and doing so got to see more of the island than most. Ya see, that early, everyone is egar to see the jail, but for me the jail was the last thing I saw. I wondered the island in complete peace. Even, accidently, wonder to places I wasn't suppose to be (because the island crew knows that people who come that early go to the jail first...but not me ;))
Well, yesterday I saw China town, Japan town, and Castro. Although it doesn't sound like much it is when you spend a least 3-4 hours in each trying to find one or 2 things specifically. China town sucked in my opinion. Felt like Korea, only I was more familiar with it this time around it seemed. Japan town totally rocked. This is because just coming from China town the crowd in Japan town felt like a post-apoclypic era with the small amount of people running around. We also decided to hit Castro to try to find the rest of stuff on our small list...nothing. Castro is cool but after china and japan town it is just another part of the city.
Today we are going to the beach, down Haight st., Buena Vista Park, up Van Ness, and back down Geary to Safeway then home. This time we are looking for only 2 shops and to see the menu prices of a few restaurants.
Then Monday, she goes back to work. I go back to Japan town, and try to see the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.
Sure there is lots of detail happenings and not just the places I went to but like my title implies, the biggest thing that I am doing here is walking. Oh well, as they say here, That's San Fransico...that's lame
way to much to say...edit later...
So I saw fisherman's wharf, alkatraz, china town, japan town, castro, and panda express. And yes, I saw the seals or sea lions. Big whoop. I did enjoy Fisherman's Wharf and Alkatraz. I love the water and fisherman's wharf wasn't to crowded. Alkatraz was way cool. I was on the early bird ship out and doing so got to see more of the island than most. Ya see, that early, everyone is egar to see the jail, but for me the jail was the last thing I saw. I wondered the island in complete peace. Even, accidently, wonder to places I wasn't suppose to be (because the island crew knows that people who come that early go to the jail first...but not me ;))
Well, yesterday I saw China town, Japan town, and Castro. Although it doesn't sound like much it is when you spend a least 3-4 hours in each trying to find one or 2 things specifically. China town sucked in my opinion. Felt like Korea, only I was more familiar with it this time around it seemed. Japan town totally rocked. This is because just coming from China town the crowd in Japan town felt like a post-apoclypic era with the small amount of people running around. We also decided to hit Castro to try to find the rest of stuff on our small list...nothing. Castro is cool but after china and japan town it is just another part of the city.
Today we are going to the beach, down Haight st., Buena Vista Park, up Van Ness, and back down Geary to Safeway then home. This time we are looking for only 2 shops and to see the menu prices of a few restaurants.
Then Monday, she goes back to work. I go back to Japan town, and try to see the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.
Sure there is lots of detail happenings and not just the places I went to but like my title implies, the biggest thing that I am doing here is walking. Oh well, as they say here, That's San Fransico...that's lame
Monday, October 09, 2006
And he's off...
Headed to Cali today.
Not much to say.
Thought I'd drop a line and let everybody know,
That I'm okay and the parties are still a go.
Didn't plan on rhymeing this out,
Guess that is what bloggin' is about.
I'll be back on the 17th and hope to see some of you on the 20th,
if not then show up on th 28th, or die...eth...
Yeah, okay that didn't work out to well. Well, at least till the end 2 lines. Anyway, I'll be back in time to host both parties (even though neither are truly mine anymore).
The only thing I'm worried about is making my flight in time. Sort of a time crunch with my ride. I'm not fully packed but no worries...only one bag this time. I have everything I need just need to put it in a bag. I also need to run to the bank. But after that I'll be on a plane to Cali. My first time, really. Hope everything goes according to plan.
Things to see in Cali:
Ocean
Alkatraz
China Town
Maybe Golden Gate
...
...
Walking around and enjoying the atmosphere.
Anything else? I'll be in the San Francsico area.
Actually I might not be able to get internet for a week or so, but go ahead and send a suggestions.
Not much to say.
Thought I'd drop a line and let everybody know,
That I'm okay and the parties are still a go.
Didn't plan on rhymeing this out,
Guess that is what bloggin' is about.
I'll be back on the 17th and hope to see some of you on the 20th,
if not then show up on th 28th, or die...eth...
Yeah, okay that didn't work out to well. Well, at least till the end 2 lines. Anyway, I'll be back in time to host both parties (even though neither are truly mine anymore).
The only thing I'm worried about is making my flight in time. Sort of a time crunch with my ride. I'm not fully packed but no worries...only one bag this time. I have everything I need just need to put it in a bag. I also need to run to the bank. But after that I'll be on a plane to Cali. My first time, really. Hope everything goes according to plan.
Things to see in Cali:
Ocean
Alkatraz
China Town
Maybe Golden Gate
...
...
Walking around and enjoying the atmosphere.
Anything else? I'll be in the San Francsico area.
Actually I might not be able to get internet for a week or so, but go ahead and send a suggestions.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Lata Dudes
So I've been home for almost an entire month, not really knowing what I'm going to do. So I'm going to California for a week to visit a friend who just moved out there. I leave the 9th and return on the 17th, just in time for a halloween party on the 20th and mine and Becky's halloween party on the 28th. Of course, all are invited to each one. The one on the 20th, as said before, has a religous theme. Anything having to do with any religon. The second is just a garden variety halloween party.
Things are pretty calm here at the moment. Probably cause I took a break from anything after the long week of getting things done. I'll start again today. A few things to finish up then packing for Cali.
I've never been to California; never been to anywhere on the west half of the US (except Grand Canyon...when I was like 5). I'm flying out, makes me think I should get so Frequent Flier Miles with all this travel lately. I like this though. I'm a traveler at heart. I like never being in one place for to long. I also like seeing new places (especially where English is spoken, lately :)). But it still comes down to what am I going to do. Options: finfish a few online courses to be certifited and work free lance; Graduate school and firther my idea; get any job and work off my debt. These appaer to be my main catagory of choices now.
What is really cool is that I'm not worried in the slightest. Hell, I may even find something in Cali, who knows right. It's kinda like waiting in line for the wind to whisk you to where you are suppose to be, and I can see that my turn is coming up soon...real soon. Anyway, there are lots of pictures for Korea I haven't sent mainly cause there are a lot. But I'll take some in Cali too.
Thatas what's up with me anyway.
Things are pretty calm here at the moment. Probably cause I took a break from anything after the long week of getting things done. I'll start again today. A few things to finish up then packing for Cali.
I've never been to California; never been to anywhere on the west half of the US (except Grand Canyon...when I was like 5). I'm flying out, makes me think I should get so Frequent Flier Miles with all this travel lately. I like this though. I'm a traveler at heart. I like never being in one place for to long. I also like seeing new places (especially where English is spoken, lately :)). But it still comes down to what am I going to do. Options: finfish a few online courses to be certifited and work free lance; Graduate school and firther my idea; get any job and work off my debt. These appaer to be my main catagory of choices now.
What is really cool is that I'm not worried in the slightest. Hell, I may even find something in Cali, who knows right. It's kinda like waiting in line for the wind to whisk you to where you are suppose to be, and I can see that my turn is coming up soon...real soon. Anyway, there are lots of pictures for Korea I haven't sent mainly cause there are a lot. But I'll take some in Cali too.
Thatas what's up with me anyway.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Big dent
Well, I made a huge dent today, in the rearragning of things and getting the place ready. The biggest hurdle was my room. I had to get rid of a few things but the laundry held me back. But now the furniture is moved around and now all I have left (in theory) is all the boxes to unpack. I'm about a third done and it is only 1:30pm. The rest of the place is really just straighting up and becky's junk. The past few days have been really slow and I would only get a few batches of laundry done. Hopefully today and tomorrow will be the same in productivity and I'll be done by Saturday morning. I'll get back to work after this but I'll probably catch a movie for all my hard work about mid-day. Also from about 7-9pm, I have shows. But much progress has been made already. And more will be done today. Who knows, I might even be able to sleep in room tonight.
One more note, the is offical being thrown in honor of Megan's, Emily's, and My return home; as well as, Becky's promotion. A lot of you may not know Emily (M) but I do, she is a cool cat and is comeing back home for a few days and she just so happens to come in town on the 30th so I figured why not.
And no changes to the rest of the parties. If you didn't get an invitation to the parties that is because you are not in town. I have no idea when some people will be in town but of course you are welcome to any of them. Two at my place and one and Joe's. Any further questions can be addressed through email.
One more note, the is offical being thrown in honor of Megan's, Emily's, and My return home; as well as, Becky's promotion. A lot of you may not know Emily (M) but I do, she is a cool cat and is comeing back home for a few days and she just so happens to come in town on the 30th so I figured why not.
And no changes to the rest of the parties. If you didn't get an invitation to the parties that is because you are not in town. I have no idea when some people will be in town but of course you are welcome to any of them. Two at my place and one and Joe's. Any further questions can be addressed through email.
Friday, September 22, 2006
ECHO...echo...
Well, I've been trying to clean house and get settled in. I bought a few peices of furniture and am having difficultly in getting rid of the others that they are to replace. Anyway, lots to still. I have been home for about 2 weeks and frankly, I'm bored. It is taking me forever to get stuff situated. I'm still not unpacked yet. I need like a whole day to get things well underway, but as usual with being home and having cable...I get distracted. Admittly, I did rent Lego Star Wars II and had fun playing it. But, I stink, I have no clean clothes, and I just feel crudy.
Now, I'm not in a bad way. I just am lazy. I need a fire under my butt, or just to make some progress somewhere. I have a problem with doing one job until it is finished, if I can't finish it I can't start something else. I have a need to finish one thing first before starting another. Which may be why I got addicted to WoW. It forced me to start missions then come back to them after others were finished. It bugged me but I couldn't stop the game until I finished this one quest. Anyway, I been shredding a lot but I had to stop about an hour in cause the shredder over-heated. And now I'm on the net for like hours, waiting for the shredder to cool down. If I had help this would go faster and be finished in a day but I'm alone here (in theory). Jason works early and comes home late-ish then plays or does chores til becky comes home then goes to bed. Becky sleeps in and then does her thing outside of the house then is really tired when she gets home. I'm not blaming them, that is just how it is. I'm here all day and still very little gets done. No worries though. Eventually I get really frustrated then I just do a massive spring cleaning thing. I like doing that really, cause then I feel great about sitting and being lazy afterwards. Like I deserved it. But afterwards I like to go out to like a movie or something. Anyway, I'm just reflecting a little on how lnoely I was in Korea to now and though I have better access to everyone I still feel cut off, which, of course, is my fault but again is attributed my lazyiness and frequent distraction.
Now, I'm not in a bad way. I just am lazy. I need a fire under my butt, or just to make some progress somewhere. I have a problem with doing one job until it is finished, if I can't finish it I can't start something else. I have a need to finish one thing first before starting another. Which may be why I got addicted to WoW. It forced me to start missions then come back to them after others were finished. It bugged me but I couldn't stop the game until I finished this one quest. Anyway, I been shredding a lot but I had to stop about an hour in cause the shredder over-heated. And now I'm on the net for like hours, waiting for the shredder to cool down. If I had help this would go faster and be finished in a day but I'm alone here (in theory). Jason works early and comes home late-ish then plays or does chores til becky comes home then goes to bed. Becky sleeps in and then does her thing outside of the house then is really tired when she gets home. I'm not blaming them, that is just how it is. I'm here all day and still very little gets done. No worries though. Eventually I get really frustrated then I just do a massive spring cleaning thing. I like doing that really, cause then I feel great about sitting and being lazy afterwards. Like I deserved it. But afterwards I like to go out to like a movie or something. Anyway, I'm just reflecting a little on how lnoely I was in Korea to now and though I have better access to everyone I still feel cut off, which, of course, is my fault but again is attributed my lazyiness and frequent distraction.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Lazy Days
Well, I've been home for nearly a week (shy by 10 hours). And the only progress I have made is a list of 'to do'. Course I did watch like fifdy movies and caught up on my Deadwood. I'm behind on Stargate and Atlantis. I'm not sure what else was on while I was gone but I am looking forward to Battlestar.
Anyway, of course parties are a topic of conversation. But as usual Becky forgets to invite people til last minute. Also, there is sure to be a party in order for Megan's arrival back. And one more added note, Joe is having a Halloween party about week before Halloween with a clergy theme; coma as your favorite religon sort of thing. Also, Becky has plans (more of an idea) for a Halloween party. Parties being thrown for me are somewhat confusing at the moment. Kat wants to thrown one, as does Becky.
As for an update, Its hard to accomplish much without vehical. I have a car during my mother's work hours, which is fine, but I tend to be active at night so that doesn't work perfectly (course what would work perfectly other than my own car). I was suppose to be able to borrow a car for a while but appaerently there was some mis-communitcation and now I am expected to pay for a car I intended to borrow til I got established. So I have to resort to the deal I am currently under. It isn't so bad.
Oh, ever since Korea, I didn't have a single back problem. When I got back and slept on the couch, I realized that it was a large attruibutor to my back problems so now I have to get the couch out of my room and get a bed. And while at it, a few other things to fix and clean up a few things here. So shopping is in order.
Anyway, of course parties are a topic of conversation. But as usual Becky forgets to invite people til last minute. Also, there is sure to be a party in order for Megan's arrival back. And one more added note, Joe is having a Halloween party about week before Halloween with a clergy theme; coma as your favorite religon sort of thing. Also, Becky has plans (more of an idea) for a Halloween party. Parties being thrown for me are somewhat confusing at the moment. Kat wants to thrown one, as does Becky.
As for an update, Its hard to accomplish much without vehical. I have a car during my mother's work hours, which is fine, but I tend to be active at night so that doesn't work perfectly (course what would work perfectly other than my own car). I was suppose to be able to borrow a car for a while but appaerently there was some mis-communitcation and now I am expected to pay for a car I intended to borrow til I got established. So I have to resort to the deal I am currently under. It isn't so bad.
Oh, ever since Korea, I didn't have a single back problem. When I got back and slept on the couch, I realized that it was a large attruibutor to my back problems so now I have to get the couch out of my room and get a bed. And while at it, a few other things to fix and clean up a few things here. So shopping is in order.
Monday, September 04, 2006
When in Rome, get the hell out of Dodge
Well, let's see. I was suppose to do something today...hmmm. Oh yeah, I'm coming home.
That's right, today's the last day of work and the last in Korea.
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin', it's early morn
The taxi's waitin', he's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go'
Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane
I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go
Not really, I can't wait to be home finally. Have a burger, and some tacos, a proper ice cream (one that doesn't melt in the freezer).
So letme give you an update as what has happened so far. Well, I did get off my ass and do the whole tourist thing both Sat. and Sun. Saturday, what did I do? Hmmm, oh yeah, just climbed ass to the top of a freakin' mountain. Yeah, you heard me. A Freakin' Mountain in Korea. Just call me 'T the Mighty, Conquerer of foreign earth'. Oh, and stick my own foot in my mouth right about now, at the top...was a vendor selling food and water...okay, so it isn't like some K-2 or something. It's a mountain that most people climb a for really good exerise, but that doesn't make it any less of a mountain. The climb was just a path at first, then a rock road, then those peices of wood inbedded into the earth to look like steps (lots of those, and a really steep angle). After that, there was a really good rest spot with a vendor, ...but beyond that was the real climb, all the way to the summit. Nothing, but smooth and very large boulders. Now some of you may say 'so what, just a couple of big rocks' ever trying climbing a smooth surfaced boulder that is larger than you? I said "Fuck It", it was the last time I would ever have this chance as far as I know, so I'm climbing that fucker. And I did, in sandels, shorts, sleeveless shirt, sunglasses, and travel bag, completely decked out in tourist fashion surrounded by elite rock climbers in mountianeering gear. And at the summit, was another vendor. When I got the top I found out there was like 8 different trails leading here, all of varying degree of difficultly. I didn't feel stupid though. I don't know this part of Korea, I have no map for this mountain, at times I didn't even know if I was on a trail cause I hadn't seen or heard anyone in a while. It was as close to a life threating adventure as I was probably going to get in the city. It also turns out, that I was really close to the DMZ when I was up top there. There is this line is electric towers that borders the DMZ, that can be seen from the top of this mountain. Oh, but to make myself feel a little to big for my briches. WhenIgot back down the path, at the beginning, there were like five people who passed me carrying their bikes up the mountain. I felt like a newbie, but a newbie that did it all by himself :).
Then I went to see My Super Ex-Girlfriend (Monster House was sold out), it was funnier than I expected. Then I saw Monster House the following day. I loved it. Anyway, see you all when I get home.
That's right, today's the last day of work and the last in Korea.
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin', it's early morn
The taxi's waitin', he's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome I could die
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go'
Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane
I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go
Not really, I can't wait to be home finally. Have a burger, and some tacos, a proper ice cream (one that doesn't melt in the freezer).
So letme give you an update as what has happened so far. Well, I did get off my ass and do the whole tourist thing both Sat. and Sun. Saturday, what did I do? Hmmm, oh yeah, just climbed ass to the top of a freakin' mountain. Yeah, you heard me. A Freakin' Mountain in Korea. Just call me 'T the Mighty, Conquerer of foreign earth'. Oh, and stick my own foot in my mouth right about now, at the top...was a vendor selling food and water...okay, so it isn't like some K-2 or something. It's a mountain that most people climb a for really good exerise, but that doesn't make it any less of a mountain. The climb was just a path at first, then a rock road, then those peices of wood inbedded into the earth to look like steps (lots of those, and a really steep angle). After that, there was a really good rest spot with a vendor, ...but beyond that was the real climb, all the way to the summit. Nothing, but smooth and very large boulders. Now some of you may say 'so what, just a couple of big rocks' ever trying climbing a smooth surfaced boulder that is larger than you? I said "Fuck It", it was the last time I would ever have this chance as far as I know, so I'm climbing that fucker. And I did, in sandels, shorts, sleeveless shirt, sunglasses, and travel bag, completely decked out in tourist fashion surrounded by elite rock climbers in mountianeering gear. And at the summit, was another vendor. When I got the top I found out there was like 8 different trails leading here, all of varying degree of difficultly. I didn't feel stupid though. I don't know this part of Korea, I have no map for this mountain, at times I didn't even know if I was on a trail cause I hadn't seen or heard anyone in a while. It was as close to a life threating adventure as I was probably going to get in the city. It also turns out, that I was really close to the DMZ when I was up top there. There is this line is electric towers that borders the DMZ, that can be seen from the top of this mountain. Oh, but to make myself feel a little to big for my briches. WhenIgot back down the path, at the beginning, there were like five people who passed me carrying their bikes up the mountain. I felt like a newbie, but a newbie that did it all by himself :).
Then I went to see My Super Ex-Girlfriend (Monster House was sold out), it was funnier than I expected. Then I saw Monster House the following day. I loved it. Anyway, see you all when I get home.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Aura bugs, don't fail me now...
Well, I think the rest of my stay here in Korea is going to suck balls; at least the days I work.
I decided to leave Korea some time ago. Everything is set in stone now, so there is no turning back. I am coming home by the middle of next week. I didn't tell many people (only the ones who would be involved in my return really) mainly because I didn't want to answer questions over and over again, and I didn't want words of encouragment to stay. This isn't the place for me, is all. It has nothing to do with the kids, my place, the company (though I have a feeling that I would left due to the company later), the school, the people, or the culture. It has to do with a lot of things but they are more feelings. Anyway, so when I told my boss that I was leaving he begged me not to tell anyone at the school or even my own partner. So I didn't. He even asked to wait til they found an replacment, I said no. I told him that I would finish out the term cause I don't want to leave the kids without a teacher being so far into their lessons. But after that I am gone, for I feel no more regret beyond that. Well, lots of emails and words were exchanged, nothing harsh. Long story short, they have a replacement, who will be here late by a few days. So I do feel better knowing that the kids will have a teacher for next term. Well, today, with only 6 days of teaching left, I find out that the school now knows aboutme leaving and they are very "frustrated" with me. I can understand why. Lots of effort was put into me being here and stuff. But again, I rarely feel guilt anymore, so I don't really care how much they hate me. I just know that until now, I had many hello's and hand shakes and smiles, and now it is going to be different. I feel bad for leaving, but not bad about leaving. I am coming home and that is enough said. I just know that these next few days will be hard, rep wise. Mainly cause these next days I will be eating lunch in the teacher's lounge again, with all of the faculty. Today will especially hard, since they just found out today. There will be many questions, and wonder why I am leaving. I won't be able to eat much due to all of it. Or acturately get my point across. Lots of uncomfortable silence, which normally doesn't bother me much, but now it is because of me. Anyway, I won't let it get in the way of teaching or me having a good time while I am still here. Just the school will be uncomforable.
Oh, and about 3 weeks ago, my partner asked me if I was leaving (I had suspected that Mr. Park had told her already, even though he still, everyday, asked me not to tell anyone), there was no way I could lie to her face. She had asked me straightout and I told her striaghtout. She has done so much for me here that felt wrong to to keep the lie up. Besides, I need some help getting home and she is my only friend here. Anyway, she has been helping still, and understands why I am leaving, completely. Since she sees me everyday, she notices that this isn't the place for me and that I should go home for the sake of me.
Well, I meant to go to the bus stop to find out what time I could take the bus to get to the airport . A Korean man stop me to ask about English and we walked and talk for awhile. We were both going to the bus stop and I kinda let it pour out about me leaving and all and he helped me find the right bus and the right time. So I was that was frelling cool, mainly cause of this: I had planned on doing that all day, but I was lazy and didn't leave until like 7 at night. Well, I decide to stop atthe PC room, cause it was on the way, to check my email. Well, I did, which is when I get to do my therapy session. So the email was long, I wrote a long one back; all the while thinking I really need to get to the bus stop to do this today. So I leave the PC room around 8:30. Well, the man who stopped me was right in front of me when we were walking. How lucky am I to have run into him at that very moment, when thoughts running through my head are 'how am I going to find this out, it is all in Korean?'
So that was pretty lucky. Well, yesterday, Movie Day. Were watching 3 movies and 2 I have never seen. Well, partner asks me which ones do you want to see, btw the 2 I haven't seen neither has she, so we both want to see the same ones. Well, we agreed that I would watch Hoodwinked (very funny btw) and one showing of A Nighmare before Christmas. She would watch the other showing of ANbC and Ice Age 2. Well, ANbC didn't work so I when it was my turn to watch it we just watched Ice Age2. I got to see both movies that I wanted to. She saw Ice Age 2 and the Incredibles. Cool, cool. Well, the finally straw that I am the luckiest SOB on the planet.
I have to leave at 3:10 in the morning to catch the bus at 4:20 to be at the airport by 7-8am to catch a flight at 10am. Well, all that is managable. The biggest difficulty I had was lugguge. I had to walk all this luggage to the bus (about half a mile). I wasn't looking forward to that, but it is also why I was leaving at 3:10. I figure I was going to need some time for resting. Well, after Movie Day, after cleaning the rooms, and after we finished all thedays work; my partner asks if she can drive me to the bus stop when I have to leave. She is aware how early it is and she has a work so I say no. But she won't give up. She know that that is the last time she will see me, and she wants to do this for me cause she knows I have a few heavy peices of luggage. In truth, I had to hold back a few tears. Never did I expect that. I had wanted to ask but it was to early and she doesso much already. I was in the mind set of doing this my way and then here she is. She really likes me and wants to send me off. So now, although it hasn't changed my mind, I have one reason to stay. A good friend in Korea.
Now many may be thinking, "dude, she likes you, hook up wit dat shizit", or something to that effect. Well, she has a boyfriend, although that hasn't stop me in the past, she is also getting married in December. She told me she is very sad to see me go, and she wanted to invite me to the wedding. Of, course I would be happy to go but that is nearly $1500 to get back here for that.
Anyway, I hope these last days go well. Unlike my when I came here I am nearly fully packed with just a few essentials for the next few days that get packed as the day for my flight gets closer and closer.
Also, the people I told that I was coming home can't seem to make my flight to pick me up. This is sort of why I am telling everyone now. I need a ride. Not desperatly or nuthin. I can take a cab. Just be nicer if a friend picks me up is all. I'll be home at about 4:30pm on Sept. 6th (thats a Wed.). I'll give more info through email if someone can do it. Also, I think this will be my last post for a while. If something happens I'll just add it to the bottom of this one. That way all you slackers that don't read blogs often will know I am home. I am certain parties will be had by all, so just keep an ear out.
Also, one added bonus, for the person or people that pick me up, ...
...lunch is on me :)
I decided to leave Korea some time ago. Everything is set in stone now, so there is no turning back. I am coming home by the middle of next week. I didn't tell many people (only the ones who would be involved in my return really) mainly because I didn't want to answer questions over and over again, and I didn't want words of encouragment to stay. This isn't the place for me, is all. It has nothing to do with the kids, my place, the company (though I have a feeling that I would left due to the company later), the school, the people, or the culture. It has to do with a lot of things but they are more feelings. Anyway, so when I told my boss that I was leaving he begged me not to tell anyone at the school or even my own partner. So I didn't. He even asked to wait til they found an replacment, I said no. I told him that I would finish out the term cause I don't want to leave the kids without a teacher being so far into their lessons. But after that I am gone, for I feel no more regret beyond that. Well, lots of emails and words were exchanged, nothing harsh. Long story short, they have a replacement, who will be here late by a few days. So I do feel better knowing that the kids will have a teacher for next term. Well, today, with only 6 days of teaching left, I find out that the school now knows aboutme leaving and they are very "frustrated" with me. I can understand why. Lots of effort was put into me being here and stuff. But again, I rarely feel guilt anymore, so I don't really care how much they hate me. I just know that until now, I had many hello's and hand shakes and smiles, and now it is going to be different. I feel bad for leaving, but not bad about leaving. I am coming home and that is enough said. I just know that these next few days will be hard, rep wise. Mainly cause these next days I will be eating lunch in the teacher's lounge again, with all of the faculty. Today will especially hard, since they just found out today. There will be many questions, and wonder why I am leaving. I won't be able to eat much due to all of it. Or acturately get my point across. Lots of uncomfortable silence, which normally doesn't bother me much, but now it is because of me. Anyway, I won't let it get in the way of teaching or me having a good time while I am still here. Just the school will be uncomforable.
Oh, and about 3 weeks ago, my partner asked me if I was leaving (I had suspected that Mr. Park had told her already, even though he still, everyday, asked me not to tell anyone), there was no way I could lie to her face. She had asked me straightout and I told her striaghtout. She has done so much for me here that felt wrong to to keep the lie up. Besides, I need some help getting home and she is my only friend here. Anyway, she has been helping still, and understands why I am leaving, completely. Since she sees me everyday, she notices that this isn't the place for me and that I should go home for the sake of me.
Well, I meant to go to the bus stop to find out what time I could take the bus to get to the airport . A Korean man stop me to ask about English and we walked and talk for awhile. We were both going to the bus stop and I kinda let it pour out about me leaving and all and he helped me find the right bus and the right time. So I was that was frelling cool, mainly cause of this: I had planned on doing that all day, but I was lazy and didn't leave until like 7 at night. Well, I decide to stop atthe PC room, cause it was on the way, to check my email. Well, I did, which is when I get to do my therapy session. So the email was long, I wrote a long one back; all the while thinking I really need to get to the bus stop to do this today. So I leave the PC room around 8:30. Well, the man who stopped me was right in front of me when we were walking. How lucky am I to have run into him at that very moment, when thoughts running through my head are 'how am I going to find this out, it is all in Korean?'
So that was pretty lucky. Well, yesterday, Movie Day. Were watching 3 movies and 2 I have never seen. Well, partner asks me which ones do you want to see, btw the 2 I haven't seen neither has she, so we both want to see the same ones. Well, we agreed that I would watch Hoodwinked (very funny btw) and one showing of A Nighmare before Christmas. She would watch the other showing of ANbC and Ice Age 2. Well, ANbC didn't work so I when it was my turn to watch it we just watched Ice Age2. I got to see both movies that I wanted to. She saw Ice Age 2 and the Incredibles. Cool, cool. Well, the finally straw that I am the luckiest SOB on the planet.
I have to leave at 3:10 in the morning to catch the bus at 4:20 to be at the airport by 7-8am to catch a flight at 10am. Well, all that is managable. The biggest difficulty I had was lugguge. I had to walk all this luggage to the bus (about half a mile). I wasn't looking forward to that, but it is also why I was leaving at 3:10. I figure I was going to need some time for resting. Well, after Movie Day, after cleaning the rooms, and after we finished all thedays work; my partner asks if she can drive me to the bus stop when I have to leave. She is aware how early it is and she has a work so I say no. But she won't give up. She know that that is the last time she will see me, and she wants to do this for me cause she knows I have a few heavy peices of luggage. In truth, I had to hold back a few tears. Never did I expect that. I had wanted to ask but it was to early and she doesso much already. I was in the mind set of doing this my way and then here she is. She really likes me and wants to send me off. So now, although it hasn't changed my mind, I have one reason to stay. A good friend in Korea.
Now many may be thinking, "dude, she likes you, hook up wit dat shizit", or something to that effect. Well, she has a boyfriend, although that hasn't stop me in the past, she is also getting married in December. She told me she is very sad to see me go, and she wanted to invite me to the wedding. Of, course I would be happy to go but that is nearly $1500 to get back here for that.
Anyway, I hope these last days go well. Unlike my when I came here I am nearly fully packed with just a few essentials for the next few days that get packed as the day for my flight gets closer and closer.
Also, the people I told that I was coming home can't seem to make my flight to pick me up. This is sort of why I am telling everyone now. I need a ride. Not desperatly or nuthin. I can take a cab. Just be nicer if a friend picks me up is all. I'll be home at about 4:30pm on Sept. 6th (thats a Wed.). I'll give more info through email if someone can do it. Also, I think this will be my last post for a while. If something happens I'll just add it to the bottom of this one. That way all you slackers that don't read blogs often will know I am home. I am certain parties will be had by all, so just keep an ear out.
Also, one added bonus, for the person or people that pick me up, ...
...lunch is on me :)
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
For an update, skip a few paragraphs. I talk a lot about the books I have been reading in the first part of the blog...
Well, I planned to go to Seoul this weekend, but plans change. After school Friday, I planned to clean house, laundry, dishes, etc. But like I have been doing since the overtime, I passed out. So I had to get that stuff done on Saturday. So I did. Except for the cleaning the bathroom and laundry. Instead, I accidently picked up the the last book of the series I have been reading and finished it. Didn't realize what time it was til I was done. So I tried to at least get there today. No dice. I forgot that I should wash my bed and I need to be home for that because it takes a while dry even with the heater on. So I decided to get out of the house and justt fart around on the net for a few hours. I took a walk, long walk. Got some money out; picked up a Snickers. Blah, Blah, Blah. Nothing special but at least I am out of the house. And finished with that series, til R. A. Salvatore decides to write more. I might continue to read, though probably not.
R. A. Salvatore. When I started this series, I simply enjoyed the story. The characters were okay, sort of typical of a D&D adventurung party, which usually consists of a very odd collection of adventures that normally wouldn't hang together due to racism. Not a bad form of racism (well, not all bad) just people in this fantasy world genreally hang with there own kind. Anyway, the next installment was interesting because I brought a world to me that I hadn't known. The Underdark. The third installment was more annoying than anything else; however, there was a shinning moment. A moment where I witnessed R. A. Salvatore's writing ability grow. When he killed off a main character. Now, he did it in a half-assed, kinda B-movie kinda way. The character was getting real annoying and just being an ass. So, in the movies what do you do? You kill them off. That way, althought they were being an ass, you now feel pity and sorrow for them and there friends and family that have to deal with the loss. Basically, it wasn't very original; but it showed growth in his writing style. He didn't grow again until halfway through the fourth installment of books, when the book centered around a different character and his difficulties in regaining his mental state after being tortured for 6 years. That was a good book. Inner turmoil and all; facing your demons so to speak. Well, this lastest installment...there is a quote from some magazine or publishing company on the inside cover saying how comparable this lastest triology is just as good as Lord of the Rings. And I would have to agree on a small level. The story is indeed epic in size and turmoil. Ups, downs, and plenty of tension breakers made from Dwarven quips (these really are hilarious). However, again, each of the main characters comes to the brink of death but is brought back again. Now, of course a lot of sub-characters die, or are physically deformed, but not a one of the main characters. The only trauma that any of the characters have ever really faced has been emotional. I believe, that by doing this, this writer is implying towards the struggle of living everyday with everyday crap. Well, that is all and good, but after 17 books, sometimes your friends die. I also think that this writer is afraid to truly kill off one the characters for fear that his fans will revolt, and he will have to change jobs cause no one will buy his boring books. As I stated before, the latest series is indeed his greatest work, but I believe he will never get better than this unless he grows as a writer and learns that even shit happens in fiction.
Well, now that I am done with this series, I can move on to finishing Return of the King. Then a book I have been dying to read for a long time. The Once and Future King.
Update on goings on...
Well, overtime is over. Techanically Monday is the last day but since we don't have class and are having a movie day instead I don't count it. We have two times to watch movies: at 1pm it is still a toss up between Hoodwinked and A Nightmare before Christmas, we have to tally the votes; the second is at 3:10pm, and though the kids had a choice between A Nightmare before Christmas and Ice Age 2, I am pretty certain that A Nightmare before Christmas wins out. The kids won't attend both of course, which is why we have the double feature. We actually had a bigger list and a sign-up sheet but someone scibbled over the whole thing so...we knew that a lot wanted to see ANbC, but the others 2 had a sizable vote as well. The reason the kids have been choosing ANbC a lot is cause they only see the poster and thing it is a scary movie, no matter how much we tell them it isn't. Oh, well. Movie day for me, and only like 2 classes. I am happy either way. Then Tuesday is the first day back from Summer vacation and class schedule goes back to normal. So all those that I use to talk to via gmail chat. I am available again, cause MY COMPUTER IS FIXED. YAY.
Well, that is all I got.
l8r
Well, I planned to go to Seoul this weekend, but plans change. After school Friday, I planned to clean house, laundry, dishes, etc. But like I have been doing since the overtime, I passed out. So I had to get that stuff done on Saturday. So I did. Except for the cleaning the bathroom and laundry. Instead, I accidently picked up the the last book of the series I have been reading and finished it. Didn't realize what time it was til I was done. So I tried to at least get there today. No dice. I forgot that I should wash my bed and I need to be home for that because it takes a while dry even with the heater on. So I decided to get out of the house and justt fart around on the net for a few hours. I took a walk, long walk. Got some money out; picked up a Snickers. Blah, Blah, Blah. Nothing special but at least I am out of the house. And finished with that series, til R. A. Salvatore decides to write more. I might continue to read, though probably not.
R. A. Salvatore. When I started this series, I simply enjoyed the story. The characters were okay, sort of typical of a D&D adventurung party, which usually consists of a very odd collection of adventures that normally wouldn't hang together due to racism. Not a bad form of racism (well, not all bad) just people in this fantasy world genreally hang with there own kind. Anyway, the next installment was interesting because I brought a world to me that I hadn't known. The Underdark. The third installment was more annoying than anything else; however, there was a shinning moment. A moment where I witnessed R. A. Salvatore's writing ability grow. When he killed off a main character. Now, he did it in a half-assed, kinda B-movie kinda way. The character was getting real annoying and just being an ass. So, in the movies what do you do? You kill them off. That way, althought they were being an ass, you now feel pity and sorrow for them and there friends and family that have to deal with the loss. Basically, it wasn't very original; but it showed growth in his writing style. He didn't grow again until halfway through the fourth installment of books, when the book centered around a different character and his difficulties in regaining his mental state after being tortured for 6 years. That was a good book. Inner turmoil and all; facing your demons so to speak. Well, this lastest installment...there is a quote from some magazine or publishing company on the inside cover saying how comparable this lastest triology is just as good as Lord of the Rings. And I would have to agree on a small level. The story is indeed epic in size and turmoil. Ups, downs, and plenty of tension breakers made from Dwarven quips (these really are hilarious). However, again, each of the main characters comes to the brink of death but is brought back again. Now, of course a lot of sub-characters die, or are physically deformed, but not a one of the main characters. The only trauma that any of the characters have ever really faced has been emotional. I believe, that by doing this, this writer is implying towards the struggle of living everyday with everyday crap. Well, that is all and good, but after 17 books, sometimes your friends die. I also think that this writer is afraid to truly kill off one the characters for fear that his fans will revolt, and he will have to change jobs cause no one will buy his boring books. As I stated before, the latest series is indeed his greatest work, but I believe he will never get better than this unless he grows as a writer and learns that even shit happens in fiction.
Well, now that I am done with this series, I can move on to finishing Return of the King. Then a book I have been dying to read for a long time. The Once and Future King.
Update on goings on...
Well, overtime is over. Techanically Monday is the last day but since we don't have class and are having a movie day instead I don't count it. We have two times to watch movies: at 1pm it is still a toss up between Hoodwinked and A Nightmare before Christmas, we have to tally the votes; the second is at 3:10pm, and though the kids had a choice between A Nightmare before Christmas and Ice Age 2, I am pretty certain that A Nightmare before Christmas wins out. The kids won't attend both of course, which is why we have the double feature. We actually had a bigger list and a sign-up sheet but someone scibbled over the whole thing so...we knew that a lot wanted to see ANbC, but the others 2 had a sizable vote as well. The reason the kids have been choosing ANbC a lot is cause they only see the poster and thing it is a scary movie, no matter how much we tell them it isn't. Oh, well. Movie day for me, and only like 2 classes. I am happy either way. Then Tuesday is the first day back from Summer vacation and class schedule goes back to normal. So all those that I use to talk to via gmail chat. I am available again, cause MY COMPUTER IS FIXED. YAY.
Well, that is all I got.
l8r
Monday, August 21, 2006
A more relaxed post...
So I have one more week of this intensive, overtime class. The last class is on next Monday. Then Tuesday is when summer break is over and I go back to the orignal schedule of mornings when I don't need to be at work til 11am. And get out of work around 5-6pm, which is kinda of the same as now cept sleep'n in part. I am much calmer now. I was able to do a little therapy for someone, which always puts me in a better mood. Basically dealing with others problems instead of my own. Granted it was via email, and I really love face to face interaction (that way I can read body language); but the email was filled with enough emotion to get the message across.
Sept. 5th is the last day for this class term. The kids are great (most of the time), though I could do without the yelling in a small, enclosed space thing for a while.
And one final note: warning, if you a perceived notion of me, being this sweet guy and has no desire of the opposite sex sort of thing. Then end you reading now.
I would like to talk about my weight loss. Now, I go on and on about it, but in truth it hasn't been that big of a change. I notice it of course cause I see myself...well, most days. However, there is one very good sign I have to determine such weight loss. My package. Yes, I mean my twig and berries. First, there is the sign of being able to look down and see my pecker without sucking in my gut, which I like. Second; since my weight loss my bulge has gotten noticably bigger as well, and let me tell you, it puts a smile on my face that the most prominate part of my anatomy fast become my package and less and less my keg of a gut. Yes, I admit; I have come out of the 5min shower, after toweling off and putting on some underware, and stood in the morning sun admiring the growth and shirnkage, of the both parts of my body, respectively, with great joy. I don't believe I have ever been more proud of being hung like a Tic Tac in my life. :)
Sept. 5th is the last day for this class term. The kids are great (most of the time), though I could do without the yelling in a small, enclosed space thing for a while.
And one final note: warning, if you a perceived notion of me, being this sweet guy and has no desire of the opposite sex sort of thing. Then end you reading now.
I would like to talk about my weight loss. Now, I go on and on about it, but in truth it hasn't been that big of a change. I notice it of course cause I see myself...well, most days. However, there is one very good sign I have to determine such weight loss. My package. Yes, I mean my twig and berries. First, there is the sign of being able to look down and see my pecker without sucking in my gut, which I like. Second; since my weight loss my bulge has gotten noticably bigger as well, and let me tell you, it puts a smile on my face that the most prominate part of my anatomy fast become my package and less and less my keg of a gut. Yes, I admit; I have come out of the 5min shower, after toweling off and putting on some underware, and stood in the morning sun admiring the growth and shirnkage, of the both parts of my body, respectively, with great joy. I don't believe I have ever been more proud of being hung like a Tic Tac in my life. :)
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Angry post
Okay, so I got really sick. So sick I had to cancel classes, well, I would have canceled classes but my partner insisted on "taking care of it" meaning she taught all 13 classes at the same time. I told her to cancel them but she would hear nothing of it. Well, after 2 days of rest (15th we had off) I feel loads better, well, I did. Now I have big headache, which will go away as soon as I get some food in me...at home. :EDIT: I would like to apologize in advance, this keyboard sucks ass, I am trying to catch each spell error but it is difficult; to give you a heads up, the "A" button doesn't work all the time. :EDIT END:
So I got up today feeling it was going to be a good day. And indeed it was. I checked my email before class (after running to the PC room); called my mom; and made it to class on time, though a little later than usual. It scared my partner, I usually show up around 8:30, well, it was 8:45. I get to class and she says how happy she is to see me. She went to my apartment to get me but there was no anwser, so she figured I was still sick and was going to teach all the class again. I can't believe this woman. She is pretty much my only friend cause she speaks English. She is the only one I have contact, everyone else either ridicules or ignores me, which I don't mind cause I don't know what they are saying or what to say to them...cause no one speaks English...well, it is deeper than that. It has to do with their culture to be honest. But I don't want to get into that. When I want it to sound like observation, it will come across as some American sounding full of themselves and can't believe how the world hasn't adopted our style or culture when all I hear is how they revear it. I don't want it to sound like that cause I don't feel that way. These people have more culture and history then most do around the world. Their culture had to shift and adapt, as did everyones culture, in order to survive the times.
But jeez, it is really starting to drive me nuts that I don't have a native english speaker to bullshit with, to go out and have a beer with, something to just vent for a few hours, to get everything off my chest and out there, then be calm enough just soak in the experience.
I have had to revert to the TJ we all knew way back in High School in order for my psyche to survive and I hate it. I put those years behind me, and now I am experiencing them all over again. Things would be better if i just could talk to someone for awhile. Sure, I could call one of you back in the states but it would cost me a decent amount, that and it is like 3am there right now as I write this but it is almost 6pm here. The only times I could call are erly morning here before class (when I am not upset, I am pretty calm in the morning) Or really late at night when I should be in bed so I can get up for class the next day. Then, of course, there is putting one (or some) of you out for a few hours where you will need to go for a few beers to unwind after I let loose.
So I got up today feeling it was going to be a good day. And indeed it was. I checked my email before class (after running to the PC room); called my mom; and made it to class on time, though a little later than usual. It scared my partner, I usually show up around 8:30, well, it was 8:45. I get to class and she says how happy she is to see me. She went to my apartment to get me but there was no anwser, so she figured I was still sick and was going to teach all the class again. I can't believe this woman. She is pretty much my only friend cause she speaks English. She is the only one I have contact, everyone else either ridicules or ignores me, which I don't mind cause I don't know what they are saying or what to say to them...cause no one speaks English...well, it is deeper than that. It has to do with their culture to be honest. But I don't want to get into that. When I want it to sound like observation, it will come across as some American sounding full of themselves and can't believe how the world hasn't adopted our style or culture when all I hear is how they revear it. I don't want it to sound like that cause I don't feel that way. These people have more culture and history then most do around the world. Their culture had to shift and adapt, as did everyones culture, in order to survive the times.
But jeez, it is really starting to drive me nuts that I don't have a native english speaker to bullshit with, to go out and have a beer with, something to just vent for a few hours, to get everything off my chest and out there, then be calm enough just soak in the experience.
I have had to revert to the TJ we all knew way back in High School in order for my psyche to survive and I hate it. I put those years behind me, and now I am experiencing them all over again. Things would be better if i just could talk to someone for awhile. Sure, I could call one of you back in the states but it would cost me a decent amount, that and it is like 3am there right now as I write this but it is almost 6pm here. The only times I could call are erly morning here before class (when I am not upset, I am pretty calm in the morning) Or really late at night when I should be in bed so I can get up for class the next day. Then, of course, there is putting one (or some) of you out for a few hours where you will need to go for a few beers to unwind after I let loose.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Huh?
I was going to put something kinda long talking about the second to last book in he series I am reading; my day; how I finally got kinda sick; how I lucked out in finding out that tomorrow is Korea's 'fourth of July' and no school so I can get better; how I still don't have a bed; how much I want to send pics but how the PC room pc's don't support USB porting; how I can't believe how much weight I have lost and how much I haven't gained back for binging over the weekend; how I can't seem to stop looping a sad song about being forgotten; how my only stimualtion (games) is really starting to irritate me; how hot it is; how better the kids are getting but also how they only have 2 or 3 weeks left in the term then a new batch; how much I hate cleaning my ears with toothpicks; the inconsiderate nature of this culture to fellow human beings; how my partner takes care of almost everything for me without teaching me how to do it on my own; how much I want to start exersicing to firm up my now flab but how exhausted I am everyday; how much of a glutton lush I feel everytime I go shopping and find something new to try; how I have become addicted to Pringles cause it is the only chip container with a lot of fuckin' chips (there chip bags are seriously a handful of chips and air); how I have no one to talk to cause this really is rural community regardless of how modren it is; how I have been focusing on the negative lately; my computer doesn't get internet, my white board is still not installed, but at least the 20+ bug bites have healed; my clothes and I feel so much cleaner; I still can't figure out the trash situation; ... ... ... there is, of course, a lot more but I just don't fell like dwealing on it. So you get a short post for now.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
partial update
To let everyone know. My internet at school has been cut off. We don't know why, and anyone who could help fix it, is on vacation. So I won't be online much. The blog is still going though. The price at the PC room isn't so bad. Classes are going better since I put my foot down and let the kids actually know how scary I can be. They didn't expect it. The Intensive courses aren't so bad either. There's 3 instead of 4, and 2 of them have kids with a pretty good understanding of english, well, 1 really good one, 1 okay, and 1 of young'ns.
It is my birthday, and something weird happened. It was actually kinda good. I had to do some uber disipline on 3 kids, which felt real good and after it was over, I just let the emotions drop. Yelling at kids is real easy; especailly when you are just acting the part. Yeah, they are being bad (I don't care), but they're parents put them here for an education and they will learn what I have to teach. That and they are really scared about what I might do. Parents are stopping by the classes and disiplining their kids in front of everyone...its awesome. Cause not only do they pratically beat their own kid in class they also yell at all the other kids. Regardless if I can't understand them I still deserve the same respect as their other teachers. And today, the biggest trouble child I have, I mean the biggest, this kid is everywhere, and yelling, and screaming, and throwing shit. Well today, he was literally the best behaved kid I had all day...and that is saying a lot (I got a lot of good kids). And many of kids knew it was my birthday, I even got a cake from one of them. Like the size of a personal pan pizza but a freakin' cake. Lots of cards (like 8), and lots of happy birthdays. My partner even ordered out and had a delivery from my favorite restuarant.
It is my birthday, and something weird happened. It was actually kinda good. I had to do some uber disipline on 3 kids, which felt real good and after it was over, I just let the emotions drop. Yelling at kids is real easy; especailly when you are just acting the part. Yeah, they are being bad (I don't care), but they're parents put them here for an education and they will learn what I have to teach. That and they are really scared about what I might do. Parents are stopping by the classes and disiplining their kids in front of everyone...its awesome. Cause not only do they pratically beat their own kid in class they also yell at all the other kids. Regardless if I can't understand them I still deserve the same respect as their other teachers. And today, the biggest trouble child I have, I mean the biggest, this kid is everywhere, and yelling, and screaming, and throwing shit. Well today, he was literally the best behaved kid I had all day...and that is saying a lot (I got a lot of good kids). And many of kids knew it was my birthday, I even got a cake from one of them. Like the size of a personal pan pizza but a freakin' cake. Lots of cards (like 8), and lots of happy birthdays. My partner even ordered out and had a delivery from my favorite restuarant.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Vaction :End:
Well, 3 games down and working on the fourth (and third games...Hard Time Attack mode in Shadow of the Colossus), and about 100 pages into the 2nd book. After this book, I have one more left in the series and I can finally end the saga of Drizzit. I will, probably, never pick up another book about. I can then start so many other books. To have a clue as what I have been through for this series, let me put some detail on it for you. The series starts with the Icewind Dale Triology, then continues on to the Dark Elf Triology, next is the Legacy of the Drow Quartet, following the Paths of Darkness Quartet, and finally the Hunter's Blade Triology. 17 books. Now, I'm for a good story, and this story time line takes about 50-60 years. But I mean, c'mon. A hero that lasts 17 books.
Around the time of first book in the Legacy of the Drow series, is when I heard (from an unnamed source) about this ideal of how this charater is unbeatable. Never had this occured to me until I heard that and then I began to think on it...he's right. Drizzt never dies, never fails, well, he fails but manages to get out of it...always. So, after hearing that I was reluctant to finish the series, in fact, it took me forever to go back to them, to will myself to finish. So, why not stop? I had already bought and tracked down the entire series by this point.
A good question is how did it start...well, that is a very long story involving and Ex of mine. Nothing bad or nothin' just long...some other time maybe. The short is she read it and got me hooked.
Well, anyway I finished the "1000 Orcs" and am on to the "Lone Drow". After that is "The Two Blades" and then finish...maybe. I might just start the War of the Spider Queen after that...6 books.
I finished Suikoden V...twice, Shadow of the Colossus hard mode (only 6 into the hard time attack mode currently), and finally got 100% completion on Shadow of Destiny. Shadow of Destiny is about going through time to prevent your own death. Shadow of the Colossus is about a boy, a horse, a sword, and a land full of moving mountains that need killin'. And well, I already explained Suikoden V in a previous post. I am working on 100% completion of FFX-2. it will take awhile since I have 99% when I started a new game. And now i have to go back through to find that elusive 1% (or less) to get the "perfect"ending. though in my opinion the 99% ending was pretty good already. After that is Res Evil Outbreak then Outbreak: File #2. This...will take a long while.
That was my vacation. I planned to make it to Seoul, but...it really is a lot of effort just walk around for an few hours. I was told to see Monster House but was unsure that it would be here. Well, I ran into one of the kids that I teach (the one who speaks the best English) and he asked what I was going to do in Seoul. I said maybe a movie, and he asked what movie. I didn't know, and he said Monster House was really good. Well, that confirmed it. Next weekend though. I wouldn't be able to see it til then...maybe. The absolute earliest I could get to Seoul would be 5:30pm and it would take another half hour to get to the movie theater. After that is getting a ticket that isn't sold out. Then getting back to the bus station before 10:30. In America this would be completely possible, but I sure hell ain't there. Who knows, maybe I really have a bad day or something.
Well, tomorrow I start teaching 7 classes instead of the 5. Overtime sure, but still. That is a lot of kids that don't speak English, yelling and screaming (though in truth I am making progress with that).
At least I have clean clothes now. :) :) :) :)
no idea how happy that makes me....
Around the time of first book in the Legacy of the Drow series, is when I heard (from an unnamed source) about this ideal of how this charater is unbeatable. Never had this occured to me until I heard that and then I began to think on it...he's right. Drizzt never dies, never fails, well, he fails but manages to get out of it...always. So, after hearing that I was reluctant to finish the series, in fact, it took me forever to go back to them, to will myself to finish. So, why not stop? I had already bought and tracked down the entire series by this point.
A good question is how did it start...well, that is a very long story involving and Ex of mine. Nothing bad or nothin' just long...some other time maybe. The short is she read it and got me hooked.
Well, anyway I finished the "1000 Orcs" and am on to the "Lone Drow". After that is "The Two Blades" and then finish...maybe. I might just start the War of the Spider Queen after that...6 books.
I finished Suikoden V...twice, Shadow of the Colossus hard mode (only 6 into the hard time attack mode currently), and finally got 100% completion on Shadow of Destiny. Shadow of Destiny is about going through time to prevent your own death. Shadow of the Colossus is about a boy, a horse, a sword, and a land full of moving mountains that need killin'. And well, I already explained Suikoden V in a previous post. I am working on 100% completion of FFX-2. it will take awhile since I have 99% when I started a new game. And now i have to go back through to find that elusive 1% (or less) to get the "perfect"ending. though in my opinion the 99% ending was pretty good already. After that is Res Evil Outbreak then Outbreak: File #2. This...will take a long while.
That was my vacation. I planned to make it to Seoul, but...it really is a lot of effort just walk around for an few hours. I was told to see Monster House but was unsure that it would be here. Well, I ran into one of the kids that I teach (the one who speaks the best English) and he asked what I was going to do in Seoul. I said maybe a movie, and he asked what movie. I didn't know, and he said Monster House was really good. Well, that confirmed it. Next weekend though. I wouldn't be able to see it til then...maybe. The absolute earliest I could get to Seoul would be 5:30pm and it would take another half hour to get to the movie theater. After that is getting a ticket that isn't sold out. Then getting back to the bus station before 10:30. In America this would be completely possible, but I sure hell ain't there. Who knows, maybe I really have a bad day or something.
Well, tomorrow I start teaching 7 classes instead of the 5. Overtime sure, but still. That is a lot of kids that don't speak English, yelling and screaming (though in truth I am making progress with that).
At least I have clean clothes now. :) :) :) :)
no idea how happy that makes me....
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Suikoden V
Game review---
Suikoden V, obviously, the fifth in the series. Little is known about this...well, unknown series. Suikoden is a politcal RPG. Where you must amass a rebel army to put down a tyrant of a nation, or foriegn power, or just simply to stand against a warring power. Each game takes place in a different region and time of a created world. For example; Suikoden 4, takes place in the southren region, amoung the Island Nations, around the year 100; where as Suikoden 1 takes place during the year 220ish and on the southren tip of the northren continent. Now as you may see the games are out of order due to timeline of the supposed story. Well, no. The story of Suikoden is a simple one.
During the years of the creation of the world, there was Sword and Shield. Sword boosted that it could cut through anything and Shield claimed that nothing could break it. So Sword and Shield fought over the land and there sparks made the stars in the heavens. After many years had gone by Sword broke Shield and Shield shattered Sword. They fell to the gound into 27 peices, which are today called the 27 true runes. These 27 runes wield incredible power beyond the scope of many. Each, of course, is also unique in power as well. After this war between Sword and Shield, an ancient race, that has no name, ruled the land, and most likely died out due to war and strife. After this ancient race, came the Sindar. Little is known about this race other than that there technology is vastly superior to the tech of today. The Sindar left many ruins and long forgotten tech about which brings question to how and why they left. Apparently they just disappered. It is known, however, that the Sindar understood the runes better than any alive today. So, many search and study these ruins left behind for clues and treasure, of course. That is the history of Suikoden. Today, many nations run themselves, many see war, many unite, and many fall. One nation; however, remains a constant throughout all the games and story. The Kingdom of Harmonia. This Kingdom is claimed to searching for all the 27 runes and obtaining them in order to be the most nation on the planet.
As said before, each game deals with one nation at a certain (maybe pennical) point in that nations history. And in each game the Kingdom of Harmonia is mentioned or sightly involed (by that I mean they have ONE liason advising to the current power of that nation). This is what I love about this series, the consistancy. And in each game, which probably the main focus of the overall picture, they contain 1 or more of the 27 true runes. I believe these games follow the story of the runes more so than the story of the world. This series is also a collection of books. I have yet to read any of these, but I believe that they will just as great as the games.
These games are also, usually, filled with great mini-games and gambling games taht I have never encounter before. There is also one add addiction the game to make it marketable. The Pokemon quality. Within each game, there is a side story of the 108 stars of destiny. During this uprisings you go around the country recuiting for your army. 108 to be exact. Each person represents a Star of Destiny that, of course, destiny decided will monumental to the outcome of the apporaching war. Now, in truth, not really. Collection all 108 stars fits the game into the timeline, as well as some reoccuring charaters from game to game. But, hardly is it nessesary to collect them all.
All that being said, I was disappointed in the fifth addition to the series (though not nearly as upset as the fourth one, god that one was horrible). The game had an incredible story, unbelieveable detail and background. Even the first few hours of game play are pretty much the intro.
A nation under the rule of a divine Queen who is imbued wuth the Sun rune (1 of 27). Unfortuantly the Sun rune has not been worn in centuries and that is due to the legend that the bearer of the rune went insane and destroy the entire nation in one go (the Sun rune, after all have all the abilities and power of the Sun itself). Well, due to 2 warring senators teh country is at war, the Queen dies, the heir to the throne is captured and the Prince flees. You play the part of the Prince and enventually raise an army against your sister, the new Queen. Great story.
My problem with the game was that, like the fourth, they introduced to many new elements and removed to many "oldie but goodie" ones. For instance, as you recruit people for your army, your castle gets bigger, due to all the people under that new recruits influence, working and fixing and making a bigger and better castle for a base of operations. Well, in this story that doesn't happen. The castle is built and will always remain the same regardless of what you do. Much like 4, where you had a massive ship of a HeadQuarters. The boat didn't get bigger, you just filled it. Now, I admit that is a lame reason to dislike it but the first 3 were like this and the series was beginning to fall. Games 1, 2, and 3 were incredible. I mean the the first was awesome, the second was better, and the third was frelling incredible. Then the fourth came out and I was excited cause it look place on the ocean and we were pirates and stuff, and I was like all "yeah" and stuff. And then I played it and it horrible, one of the worst games I have ever played. That is saying a lot coming from me.
Though 5 is much better than the last and the story is great, it doesn't live up to the first 3. But it is good and were I to rank it amoung its predeccors it would come in a tie with 3rd place, merely due to the incredible story.
I know this post sucks for like "What new" and "how're things man", but is what is on my mind, so in that respect it qualifies, so :P
Suikoden V, obviously, the fifth in the series. Little is known about this...well, unknown series. Suikoden is a politcal RPG. Where you must amass a rebel army to put down a tyrant of a nation, or foriegn power, or just simply to stand against a warring power. Each game takes place in a different region and time of a created world. For example; Suikoden 4, takes place in the southren region, amoung the Island Nations, around the year 100; where as Suikoden 1 takes place during the year 220ish and on the southren tip of the northren continent. Now as you may see the games are out of order due to timeline of the supposed story. Well, no. The story of Suikoden is a simple one.
During the years of the creation of the world, there was Sword and Shield. Sword boosted that it could cut through anything and Shield claimed that nothing could break it. So Sword and Shield fought over the land and there sparks made the stars in the heavens. After many years had gone by Sword broke Shield and Shield shattered Sword. They fell to the gound into 27 peices, which are today called the 27 true runes. These 27 runes wield incredible power beyond the scope of many. Each, of course, is also unique in power as well. After this war between Sword and Shield, an ancient race, that has no name, ruled the land, and most likely died out due to war and strife. After this ancient race, came the Sindar. Little is known about this race other than that there technology is vastly superior to the tech of today. The Sindar left many ruins and long forgotten tech about which brings question to how and why they left. Apparently they just disappered. It is known, however, that the Sindar understood the runes better than any alive today. So, many search and study these ruins left behind for clues and treasure, of course. That is the history of Suikoden. Today, many nations run themselves, many see war, many unite, and many fall. One nation; however, remains a constant throughout all the games and story. The Kingdom of Harmonia. This Kingdom is claimed to searching for all the 27 runes and obtaining them in order to be the most nation on the planet.
As said before, each game deals with one nation at a certain (maybe pennical) point in that nations history. And in each game the Kingdom of Harmonia is mentioned or sightly involed (by that I mean they have ONE liason advising to the current power of that nation). This is what I love about this series, the consistancy. And in each game, which probably the main focus of the overall picture, they contain 1 or more of the 27 true runes. I believe these games follow the story of the runes more so than the story of the world. This series is also a collection of books. I have yet to read any of these, but I believe that they will just as great as the games.
These games are also, usually, filled with great mini-games and gambling games taht I have never encounter before. There is also one add addiction the game to make it marketable. The Pokemon quality. Within each game, there is a side story of the 108 stars of destiny. During this uprisings you go around the country recuiting for your army. 108 to be exact. Each person represents a Star of Destiny that, of course, destiny decided will monumental to the outcome of the apporaching war. Now, in truth, not really. Collection all 108 stars fits the game into the timeline, as well as some reoccuring charaters from game to game. But, hardly is it nessesary to collect them all.
All that being said, I was disappointed in the fifth addition to the series (though not nearly as upset as the fourth one, god that one was horrible). The game had an incredible story, unbelieveable detail and background. Even the first few hours of game play are pretty much the intro.
A nation under the rule of a divine Queen who is imbued wuth the Sun rune (1 of 27). Unfortuantly the Sun rune has not been worn in centuries and that is due to the legend that the bearer of the rune went insane and destroy the entire nation in one go (the Sun rune, after all have all the abilities and power of the Sun itself). Well, due to 2 warring senators teh country is at war, the Queen dies, the heir to the throne is captured and the Prince flees. You play the part of the Prince and enventually raise an army against your sister, the new Queen. Great story.
My problem with the game was that, like the fourth, they introduced to many new elements and removed to many "oldie but goodie" ones. For instance, as you recruit people for your army, your castle gets bigger, due to all the people under that new recruits influence, working and fixing and making a bigger and better castle for a base of operations. Well, in this story that doesn't happen. The castle is built and will always remain the same regardless of what you do. Much like 4, where you had a massive ship of a HeadQuarters. The boat didn't get bigger, you just filled it. Now, I admit that is a lame reason to dislike it but the first 3 were like this and the series was beginning to fall. Games 1, 2, and 3 were incredible. I mean the the first was awesome, the second was better, and the third was frelling incredible. Then the fourth came out and I was excited cause it look place on the ocean and we were pirates and stuff, and I was like all "yeah" and stuff. And then I played it and it horrible, one of the worst games I have ever played. That is saying a lot coming from me.
Though 5 is much better than the last and the story is great, it doesn't live up to the first 3. But it is good and were I to rank it amoung its predeccors it would come in a tie with 3rd place, merely due to the incredible story.
I know this post sucks for like "What new" and "how're things man", but is what is on my mind, so in that respect it qualifies, so :P
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
...for the masses
So I climbed out of shell of an apartment to write about the goings on, but it was really to long so I had to delete it. Instead, I will give it to you in stages. About once everyday or two days, a new post will happen that I will already have written about what is happening and my internal dialoge.
This first one will be a 2 parter since they are small parts each:
Since being on vacation, I have very little contact with the public and no contact with english speakers, so that tends to lead to massive internal conversations. Let us start with laundry:
Yes, laundry. I have been here for over a month now have not had any soap to put in my laundry. All I have been doing is throwing them into the washer and then airdry. On the first day I did go shopping with my boss and tolfd him I need laundry soap...he got me a Korean fabreeze of some sort, which I didn't know until I tried to use with my laundry the first time. So I went looking for soap before the next load...I thought I found it. No, it is fabic softener. So finally, after a month of looking around my nearest Super Market (which about the size of two of classrooms, see pics) I found laundry soap, and can't wait to use it. Not only is it hot here but up until now it rained a lot. Well, not so bad but the hard part is drying off any one of the 3 towels i have, all of which have my man stink on them. Yeah, rub that in face for a month and see how excited you will feel at just a little soap. Now, you may be wondering why I didn't find it until now, so was I. I reasoned that I skipped in repeatedly because it is next to the dishwasher soap, and me having no dishwasher, simply walked on by. Now, you may be asking why I didn't use just some other soap. Well, if you must know. I get very timid when trying something that works on one thing (i.e. dish soap) on something it isn't designed for (i.e. for laundry). I don't want a degreaser on my clothes and have no idea what it would do to them. So I beared with the smell of my stink for awhile. I did come really close to using the dish soap, though. I was doing dishes one day, and I caught a whiff of the soap; it smelled of oranges. Well, I happen to like that smell and thought maybe... I would have done it too, but everytime I tried to do laundry, someone else's crap was in the machine. Though a very (very) small building. It holds a lot of people and only one machine.
So, let's move on to my building. My building is three floors and 8 apartments (according to the mail boxes). There are 2 rooms on the ground floor...maybe. There are 2 front doors almost right next to each other but only one back door...anyway. In front of both apartments is parking, which is being used for lawn chairs and sitting outside in the shade. Why shade? Well in the place of where 2 more apartment would go is where the parking is, so it is covered parking. It could fit (according to the way Koreas drive and park) maybe 4 cars. Well, only 2 are ever there cause they like to take up space apperently (we will get to my problems with there culture in other posts).
Second floor: 5 apartments. My floor, and I believe I have the smallest room, which is fine cause there is only me. It is a studio apartment. One small room, big window, actaully a nice sized bathroom/shower, 2 top stove, mini-fridge, some sort of wood box probably just a stand of a TV, and couple of movable cloests: one big, one small. I still don't have a bed. Anyway, two more rooms on my side of the hallway and 2 on the other. My side is above the 2 apartments on the ground floor. And I am right next to the stairs. At the end of the hall is the washer and a water purifer/water cooler. I fill large bottles of water here. The third floor.
Well, if you count that means there is only 1 room left (according to mail boxes). The super lives up there. And it takes up the entire 3 floor.
A couple cool things. My place is easy to clean, the AC has little work to do in order to cool it down, and the heater...let me explain this:
There are no vents in my place. No ventilation what so ever. The AC is a wall unit, with a tube to window link to a small fan system outside. The heater, many asian heating systems are like this. The heater IS the floor. when you turn on the heat, the floor heats up, in turn heating up the room, kinda like being in a large oven. I tried it out one day (a cool day). It is kinda like going to the beach. I walk around like I'm hot sand. What you are suppose to do is heat the place up when you are out and then turn it off when you get home and let it...or you...simmer. Kinda cool. Really dries my laundry when I lay it out :)
This is getting to much so I'll cut it short.
I'll mention one bad thing for now. The fridge. Apparently it doesn't like to keep things frozen. I bought some ice cream the other and it melted in the fridge and oozed everywhere. So, I cranked the temp down and did it again. It melted again. But only oozed in the freezer this time and froze to the freezer. the ice cream melted...oh, and seperated...yeah, no more Ice cream for me.
I'll leave with that.
This first one will be a 2 parter since they are small parts each:
Since being on vacation, I have very little contact with the public and no contact with english speakers, so that tends to lead to massive internal conversations. Let us start with laundry:
Yes, laundry. I have been here for over a month now have not had any soap to put in my laundry. All I have been doing is throwing them into the washer and then airdry. On the first day I did go shopping with my boss and tolfd him I need laundry soap...he got me a Korean fabreeze of some sort, which I didn't know until I tried to use with my laundry the first time. So I went looking for soap before the next load...I thought I found it. No, it is fabic softener. So finally, after a month of looking around my nearest Super Market (which about the size of two of classrooms, see pics) I found laundry soap, and can't wait to use it. Not only is it hot here but up until now it rained a lot. Well, not so bad but the hard part is drying off any one of the 3 towels i have, all of which have my man stink on them. Yeah, rub that in face for a month and see how excited you will feel at just a little soap. Now, you may be wondering why I didn't find it until now, so was I. I reasoned that I skipped in repeatedly because it is next to the dishwasher soap, and me having no dishwasher, simply walked on by. Now, you may be asking why I didn't use just some other soap. Well, if you must know. I get very timid when trying something that works on one thing (i.e. dish soap) on something it isn't designed for (i.e. for laundry). I don't want a degreaser on my clothes and have no idea what it would do to them. So I beared with the smell of my stink for awhile. I did come really close to using the dish soap, though. I was doing dishes one day, and I caught a whiff of the soap; it smelled of oranges. Well, I happen to like that smell and thought maybe... I would have done it too, but everytime I tried to do laundry, someone else's crap was in the machine. Though a very (very) small building. It holds a lot of people and only one machine.
So, let's move on to my building. My building is three floors and 8 apartments (according to the mail boxes). There are 2 rooms on the ground floor...maybe. There are 2 front doors almost right next to each other but only one back door...anyway. In front of both apartments is parking, which is being used for lawn chairs and sitting outside in the shade. Why shade? Well in the place of where 2 more apartment would go is where the parking is, so it is covered parking. It could fit (according to the way Koreas drive and park) maybe 4 cars. Well, only 2 are ever there cause they like to take up space apperently (we will get to my problems with there culture in other posts).
Second floor: 5 apartments. My floor, and I believe I have the smallest room, which is fine cause there is only me. It is a studio apartment. One small room, big window, actaully a nice sized bathroom/shower, 2 top stove, mini-fridge, some sort of wood box probably just a stand of a TV, and couple of movable cloests: one big, one small. I still don't have a bed. Anyway, two more rooms on my side of the hallway and 2 on the other. My side is above the 2 apartments on the ground floor. And I am right next to the stairs. At the end of the hall is the washer and a water purifer/water cooler. I fill large bottles of water here. The third floor.
Well, if you count that means there is only 1 room left (according to mail boxes). The super lives up there. And it takes up the entire 3 floor.
A couple cool things. My place is easy to clean, the AC has little work to do in order to cool it down, and the heater...let me explain this:
There are no vents in my place. No ventilation what so ever. The AC is a wall unit, with a tube to window link to a small fan system outside. The heater, many asian heating systems are like this. The heater IS the floor. when you turn on the heat, the floor heats up, in turn heating up the room, kinda like being in a large oven. I tried it out one day (a cool day). It is kinda like going to the beach. I walk around like I'm hot sand. What you are suppose to do is heat the place up when you are out and then turn it off when you get home and let it...or you...simmer. Kinda cool. Really dries my laundry when I lay it out :)
This is getting to much so I'll cut it short.
I'll mention one bad thing for now. The fridge. Apparently it doesn't like to keep things frozen. I bought some ice cream the other and it melted in the fridge and oozed everywhere. So, I cranked the temp down and did it again. It melted again. But only oozed in the freezer this time and froze to the freezer. the ice cream melted...oh, and seperated...yeah, no more Ice cream for me.
I'll leave with that.
...
Three games and half of a book almost finished....
...
...
and tomorrow, profit...
(I'll get more next time my time is almost up here in the PC room)
...
...
and tomorrow, profit...
(I'll get more next time my time is almost up here in the PC room)
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Paid Vacation
Today is the day of my one week, paid vacation. I've only been here a month and I haven't had time to make much money so this vacation will be spent in my apartment mostly. Which is fine. I have plans made, small, insignificant, but plans. A few games I would like to finish: Suikoden V, Resident Evil: Outbreak, FFX-2, Shadow of the Colossus, maybe a book, and my puzzle. If there is time, then Shadows of Destiny, a very cool and very missed game by the masses. Boring for some, and to me to tell the truth (9 days of video games...), but I don't have the money to do much else. Going to Seoul and back home is at least 10 bucks, eating out can range from 6-30bucks, a movie is 8, and so on. But something they don't tell you about going out. You will need to buy food and drink frequently. Why? Because, of the humidity, it takes a lot of strength to walk around in the heat and you get dehydrated so fast, it's like you body bleeds water, and you what, I think I actually saw someone covered in blue sweat and carrying around a Powerade bottle.
Anyway, nine days of kid free time, then it is back for summer classes, where I work overtime for 3 weeks straight due to addition of 2, 3 week intensive english course on top of my current ones. At least I can make food and have enough for more and bills til next payday.
Anyway, nine days of kid free time, then it is back for summer classes, where I work overtime for 3 weeks straight due to addition of 2, 3 week intensive english course on top of my current ones. At least I can make food and have enough for more and bills til next payday.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
A Proud FSM :revised:
This is going to be long....
Okay, nothing much happened but what did was awesome.
I did see Pirates and will get to it in a minute, first everything else.
Miyazaki (maker of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle) has a new film coming out. Tales of Earthsea and it looks spectacular.
I went to the Mall again to see Pirates and again it was sold out til about 7:50 but something happened in my brain. I couldn't believe this was happening again like this and then I thought of something. Koreans have a horrible sense of time and are aware of it, which is why movies are sold out so late. They want to make sure they can do everything before commiting 2 1/2 hours of sitting. But I still couldn't believe it was sold out again and it wasn't even 3pm. Then I saw something. The way to tell if a movie is sold out is by looking at the moniters and watching for times of the film. Well, green and oranage was all that was there. Then I saw another color...red. Now, I came to this theater before with my agent to see Superman Returns and it was opening weekend and we got the last 2 seats of one showing. But how I wondered. How was he able to tell how many seats were left....he has been in Korea for over 4years he can read Korean and speak it...sort of...thats how. But this is a foreigner friendly Mall and theater so how was I suppose to be able to find out. I could ask, yes, but in order to ask someone I would have to wait in line for 30mins. Then, throught all my disbelief that this was happening again, I saw it. Red means sold out, Oranage means "nearly sold out", and Green means still plently left. Then numbers showed. 1 seat left, 1 seat left, sold out, 4 seats left, ..... I gave up to easily last time. This time I was going to see it, and I did...at 5:20 with 1 seat left...front frelling row (2 things: first, front row is like 50 feet from the screen so front row is nowhere near as close as in America, and b. you have seat assignments which is why there was only 1 seat left...rarely do any Koreans travel alone). So in short I saw the movie. But we will get back to that.
What else I did, I went to UNO again for lunch and tried there cream of broccoli soup (eh) and a chicken faita pizza....really spicy and hot...but good. Then I stopped by a music store to pick up a CD, what, I had no idea, I but I needed something. Yeah, I bought like 4 of them; Evanescence, Disturbed, Puddle of Mudd, and Avenged 7 Fold. Then I noticed they had a DVD section and V for Vendetta was out so I bought that as well. BTW, when I got home, I wanted to watch V so I put it in....won't read due to different country source code...I forgot about that. I could return it or wait for PS3. Returning it would cost me 8 bucks just to get to the store and back; and DVD was only 14. I think I'll hold on to it. The PS3 is suppose to be able to ignore such restrictions...600 dollar one that is.
Also, this Mall has games in the floor, like soccer games where you have to step on the screen to hit the ball....just randomly about the floors of the mall are these screens.
And now on to my review of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
:Edit: Okay, I will give this review. Since I have a lot of paperwork to do I was adding to this throughout the day but it is now at the end of my work day and let's just say.....it was shitty. So, I am not currently in the mood. I'm fucking pissed and just want to go home. So, I will give a full review when I calm down, probably by tomorrow.
:Edit: Well, apparently people miss interpreted what I said just above. I never said the movie was shitty, I said work was shitty. I was impling that since I was in a foul mood I didn't want to comment on the film. Throughout the day I add to this blog during my class breaks and the only time I had left was at the end of the day and yesterday was particularly shitty day.
Anyway, so I have beenreading a lot of comments and posts about this film and how it wasn't better than the first; well, I would have to disagree. A sequal is suppose to up the scale of action, drama, and story and this film did all three. I do believe this film to be better than the first.
Some people say that it was hard to follow some of the plot; well, yes I could agree there for people that aren't well versed in pirate lore, which is not me. I know the story of Davy Jones. Now, does that make me special, you're damn right it does :). I got to enjoy this film on a slightly different level through their interpretation of the legend.
Also, to me, this film cleared a lot of plot holes in the first film. For instance, when Barbosa shot the crew mate to find out if the curse had been lifted the first time they tried, the crewman was okay after the curse was lifted. But when Jack shot Barbosa, the curse was still in effect then lifted after the killing shot so in theory it shouldn't have worked.
BTW, the end of the film, was frelling kick ass; especially with the apple, THAT FRELLING RULED.
Then we have the parts of the film between action scenes. People have commented that these drag on. Well, again, yes they could for one not versed in pirate lore. These were very important scenes in my opinion. Like the scene after when Lizzy sweet talked Jack a little. Well, it is important to to see that she is suppose to be much younger than she is; both her and Will are. She is probably, at most, about 16/17, for that is around the age (actually a little older than) that she would be promised to Norrington and in love with the rough and dirty blacksmith apperntice. So it is very important that we see her abilities in sweet talk but also important to see that she has not conquered control over such an ability, being why she kinda fancied Jack. Yeah, yeah, yeah, love trianlge bullshit but it happened and it happens in order to bring the story along. So now, of course, the predictable thing will occur of one of 2 things: either Will will be the down fall of Jack and the others or just a small jealous outburst in an in-opportune moment.
Admittly, there were many parts of the film that were "childish" in nature, but that is how pirates are when they seek out there out personal goals, and that is what Norrington has become in order to survive.
And Jack verses the Kraken, ...epic
And one last note, was anyone else completely and utterly in love with the Carribean voodoo witch priestess....frel that half-mast shit, ....damn 8).
Also, I bettin' that Keira's dress the first part of the film (not the wedding dress) had a few wardrobe malfunctions during filming cause she isn't that big and there had to be a nipple pop out more than once during those scenes.
So, there is my review of one of the rare few times a sequal out does the first film. Two thumbs up (three for the voodoo preistess *wink, wink... ... ...damn that is good).
Okay, nothing much happened but what did was awesome.
I did see Pirates and will get to it in a minute, first everything else.
Miyazaki (maker of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle) has a new film coming out. Tales of Earthsea and it looks spectacular.
I went to the Mall again to see Pirates and again it was sold out til about 7:50 but something happened in my brain. I couldn't believe this was happening again like this and then I thought of something. Koreans have a horrible sense of time and are aware of it, which is why movies are sold out so late. They want to make sure they can do everything before commiting 2 1/2 hours of sitting. But I still couldn't believe it was sold out again and it wasn't even 3pm. Then I saw something. The way to tell if a movie is sold out is by looking at the moniters and watching for times of the film. Well, green and oranage was all that was there. Then I saw another color...red. Now, I came to this theater before with my agent to see Superman Returns and it was opening weekend and we got the last 2 seats of one showing. But how I wondered. How was he able to tell how many seats were left....he has been in Korea for over 4years he can read Korean and speak it...sort of...thats how. But this is a foreigner friendly Mall and theater so how was I suppose to be able to find out. I could ask, yes, but in order to ask someone I would have to wait in line for 30mins. Then, throught all my disbelief that this was happening again, I saw it. Red means sold out, Oranage means "nearly sold out", and Green means still plently left. Then numbers showed. 1 seat left, 1 seat left, sold out, 4 seats left, ..... I gave up to easily last time. This time I was going to see it, and I did...at 5:20 with 1 seat left...front frelling row (2 things: first, front row is like 50 feet from the screen so front row is nowhere near as close as in America, and b. you have seat assignments which is why there was only 1 seat left...rarely do any Koreans travel alone). So in short I saw the movie. But we will get back to that.
What else I did, I went to UNO again for lunch and tried there cream of broccoli soup (eh) and a chicken faita pizza....really spicy and hot...but good. Then I stopped by a music store to pick up a CD, what, I had no idea, I but I needed something. Yeah, I bought like 4 of them; Evanescence, Disturbed, Puddle of Mudd, and Avenged 7 Fold. Then I noticed they had a DVD section and V for Vendetta was out so I bought that as well. BTW, when I got home, I wanted to watch V so I put it in....won't read due to different country source code...I forgot about that. I could return it or wait for PS3. Returning it would cost me 8 bucks just to get to the store and back; and DVD was only 14. I think I'll hold on to it. The PS3 is suppose to be able to ignore such restrictions...600 dollar one that is.
Also, this Mall has games in the floor, like soccer games where you have to step on the screen to hit the ball....just randomly about the floors of the mall are these screens.
And now on to my review of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
:Edit: Okay, I will give this review. Since I have a lot of paperwork to do I was adding to this throughout the day but it is now at the end of my work day and let's just say.....it was shitty. So, I am not currently in the mood. I'm fucking pissed and just want to go home. So, I will give a full review when I calm down, probably by tomorrow.
:Edit: Well, apparently people miss interpreted what I said just above. I never said the movie was shitty, I said work was shitty. I was impling that since I was in a foul mood I didn't want to comment on the film. Throughout the day I add to this blog during my class breaks and the only time I had left was at the end of the day and yesterday was particularly shitty day.
Anyway, so I have beenreading a lot of comments and posts about this film and how it wasn't better than the first; well, I would have to disagree. A sequal is suppose to up the scale of action, drama, and story and this film did all three. I do believe this film to be better than the first.
Some people say that it was hard to follow some of the plot; well, yes I could agree there for people that aren't well versed in pirate lore, which is not me. I know the story of Davy Jones. Now, does that make me special, you're damn right it does :). I got to enjoy this film on a slightly different level through their interpretation of the legend.
Also, to me, this film cleared a lot of plot holes in the first film. For instance, when Barbosa shot the crew mate to find out if the curse had been lifted the first time they tried, the crewman was okay after the curse was lifted. But when Jack shot Barbosa, the curse was still in effect then lifted after the killing shot so in theory it shouldn't have worked.
BTW, the end of the film, was frelling kick ass; especially with the apple, THAT FRELLING RULED.
Then we have the parts of the film between action scenes. People have commented that these drag on. Well, again, yes they could for one not versed in pirate lore. These were very important scenes in my opinion. Like the scene after when Lizzy sweet talked Jack a little. Well, it is important to to see that she is suppose to be much younger than she is; both her and Will are. She is probably, at most, about 16/17, for that is around the age (actually a little older than) that she would be promised to Norrington and in love with the rough and dirty blacksmith apperntice. So it is very important that we see her abilities in sweet talk but also important to see that she has not conquered control over such an ability, being why she kinda fancied Jack. Yeah, yeah, yeah, love trianlge bullshit but it happened and it happens in order to bring the story along. So now, of course, the predictable thing will occur of one of 2 things: either Will will be the down fall of Jack and the others or just a small jealous outburst in an in-opportune moment.
Admittly, there were many parts of the film that were "childish" in nature, but that is how pirates are when they seek out there out personal goals, and that is what Norrington has become in order to survive.
And Jack verses the Kraken, ...epic
And one last note, was anyone else completely and utterly in love with the Carribean voodoo witch priestess....frel that half-mast shit, ....damn 8).
Also, I bettin' that Keira's dress the first part of the film (not the wedding dress) had a few wardrobe malfunctions during filming cause she isn't that big and there had to be a nipple pop out more than once during those scenes.
So, there is my review of one of the rare few times a sequal out does the first film. Two thumbs up (three for the voodoo preistess *wink, wink... ... ...damn that is good).
Friday, July 14, 2006
Land of the Morning Calm
That is what they call Korea. It probably is true but not near me. My building (though a sweet apartment by Korean standards) is surrounded on 3 sides by construction, but the 4th side is calm in the morning....and only morning. The 4th side is a rice pattie field and is filled with frogs at night. Monsoon season must be mating season for frogs because they can not stop crooking. Anyway, I am getting use to the situation though. I like this go in at 11am and being only 5mins walking distance from my office. I'm working on the phone and pictures. Going through a Korean texted computer is rather hard. The phone through the computer idea would work were I able to figure out the mic jack/and system (I am of the impression that this computer doesn't support mics though). Which means, I'll have to use a PC room, they have to have headphone jacks with the constant gaming going on. Which is fine but more money. The camera works but no memory card port so I have to download them to the computer, like I said, not easy with a Korean computer when you can't even read the word download. If there is a way to change every font to english I would love the advice to do so....
I got my address, now I just need to translate it for everyone. Should be done very soon. I'm going to attempt another trip to Seoul for Pirates and a nice day at the mall....And some great news.
Okay, every week on Tuesday we don't teach the first class, why I don't know, but this week is a 3-day weekend for us which means I don't teach first class til Wendesday. These are worst of the bunch and I end up with headache for the whole day.
That's all I got. The classes sre going good, the kids are really smart and pick it up fast despite my not being able to speak Korean.
I got my address, now I just need to translate it for everyone. Should be done very soon. I'm going to attempt another trip to Seoul for Pirates and a nice day at the mall....And some great news.
Okay, every week on Tuesday we don't teach the first class, why I don't know, but this week is a 3-day weekend for us which means I don't teach first class til Wendesday. These are worst of the bunch and I end up with headache for the whole day.
That's all I got. The classes sre going good, the kids are really smart and pick it up fast despite my not being able to speak Korean.
Monday, July 10, 2006
I am from the Future
So, yesterday I was feeling kinda down...just the adjustment phase really, but it bothered me. I didn't let it interfer with my teaching but I couldn't hide it from my partner, actually I didn't even try. We have lunch together and yesterday I decided not to just cause I didn't feel like being a spectacle. Everytime I enter the teacher's lounge I can feel all of them looking at me. I don't mind it from the kids but I just didn't want to feel that so didn't eat lunch. Well, the whole staff was concerned and saved some food for me to eat after classes. That was nice but still drew much attention to me that I don't want. The novelty of me is wearing thin these days. I have a feeling that that is what all Mondays will feel like here. After a few days of not seeing anyone, and not feeling like a stranger in a strange land, going back just doesn't seem appealing sort of thing.
Oh, and this country appears to founded on guilt trips, of which I am immune to. Since I was feeling down, after class my partner sat down to chat. She realizes how hard being here is for me and then proceeded to give me a sob story about how hard she has it now. I am contracted not to come in til 11am. she has to be here a 9:30 but comes in at 8:30 to get a jump on the work. I'm done at 5:30 and sit here filling out papers or checking on stuff but stay til about 6pm. She says sometimes she stays til 9pm doing work. Well, I don't have work. Nothing has been giving to me or asked of me other than teaching and taking care of my classroom. She has to call parents and befriend them and do a whole mess of paper work that I can't help with. On top of that she has done so much to make me feel comfortable here and there pretty much nothing I can do in return accept realize here plight. Well, like I said, I am immune to guilt trips, so I feel for her situation but I am not going to carry her baggage. I just don't do that.
Well, July the 10th, it rained here. And from what I hear it is raining there now and it is the 10th for you. Creepy, it is like I am from the future.
I was walking last night, in thoughts that I would get a pizza but I decide against it and will get one tomorrow. Well, on my way back to my place, I ran into, low and behold, Americans. A man from Utha and one from Idaho. We had a good time talking and then they told me what they were doing here. I assumed students cause there is 2 colleges nearby. Well, no. They were missionaries....mormons....here....apparently they have been here for a few years and hold services and also teach a free english class almost, shall I dar to say, religously. Well, here is my slight delimna. I am so cut off that I love speaking to someone of a native English; well, do I ring them up just so I have someone to talk to....well, to be honest only time will tell...will my desperation become so great that my only friends here in Korea will be activists. They did give me one clue that they are in a similar boat as me. They told me that their day off from preaching is Thursday and that I should give them a call....well, I don't have thursday off but what do missionaries do on their days off....
Oh, and this country appears to founded on guilt trips, of which I am immune to. Since I was feeling down, after class my partner sat down to chat. She realizes how hard being here is for me and then proceeded to give me a sob story about how hard she has it now. I am contracted not to come in til 11am. she has to be here a 9:30 but comes in at 8:30 to get a jump on the work. I'm done at 5:30 and sit here filling out papers or checking on stuff but stay til about 6pm. She says sometimes she stays til 9pm doing work. Well, I don't have work. Nothing has been giving to me or asked of me other than teaching and taking care of my classroom. She has to call parents and befriend them and do a whole mess of paper work that I can't help with. On top of that she has done so much to make me feel comfortable here and there pretty much nothing I can do in return accept realize here plight. Well, like I said, I am immune to guilt trips, so I feel for her situation but I am not going to carry her baggage. I just don't do that.
Well, July the 10th, it rained here. And from what I hear it is raining there now and it is the 10th for you. Creepy, it is like I am from the future.
I was walking last night, in thoughts that I would get a pizza but I decide against it and will get one tomorrow. Well, on my way back to my place, I ran into, low and behold, Americans. A man from Utha and one from Idaho. We had a good time talking and then they told me what they were doing here. I assumed students cause there is 2 colleges nearby. Well, no. They were missionaries....mormons....here....apparently they have been here for a few years and hold services and also teach a free english class almost, shall I dar to say, religously. Well, here is my slight delimna. I am so cut off that I love speaking to someone of a native English; well, do I ring them up just so I have someone to talk to....well, to be honest only time will tell...will my desperation become so great that my only friends here in Korea will be activists. They did give me one clue that they are in a similar boat as me. They told me that their day off from preaching is Thursday and that I should give them a call....well, I don't have thursday off but what do missionaries do on their days off....
Sunday, July 09, 2006
week 3
I missed Pirates. i got the theater and the movie was sold out til the 8:30 showing and the last bus to Ansung leaves at 10:30. so no Pirates this weekend. I did eat at UNO chicago pizzara. It was much better than the airport one and it was a nice resturant. And, back story, during my meeting last saturday the foreign teachers were talking about last night meals, well one mentioned Guinness. And I bursted out saying I would die for a guinness right now. Well, kiddies they had Guinness at UNO and I had one. Only one cause it was 9 bucks a bottle.
Well, it is offically monsoon season now. rains everyday no matter where you are. and I am about to start my class to talk to ya later.
Well, it is offically monsoon season now. rains everyday no matter where you are. and I am about to start my class to talk to ya later.
Friday, July 07, 2006
I love bein' a Pirate
Well, my first week of actual teaching is over and I have successfully live 2 weeks in Korea. The teaching was bad at first because I was shooting from the hip and improv-ing a lot. But we finally got books to teach out of. Now, the first week I merely taught straight out of the book but the next week.....I'll probably teach straight out of the book. Oh, well. Pirates has come out this weekend and I plan on seeing it; which means I need to get to mall in Seoul. I'm also going to eat so more Chicago pizza and see if it can pair up with real Chicago food. What was really nice is how I got the 1st level kids to shut up and calm down.....give them homework and let them do it in class. I gave them like 30mins and they were mostly quite for that whole time. These are mostly not auditory learning kids, some are and I let them know how greatful I am for the help they give me. But I can't seem to make them sit still as well as my partner can with her class.
Oh well, arrgh matey. Love pirates with all my heart.....yeah, the whole thing. I'll be seeing ya foolish landlubbers. Arrgh.
Oh well, arrgh matey. Love pirates with all my heart.....yeah, the whole thing. I'll be seeing ya foolish landlubbers. Arrgh.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy 4th for You
Almost 2 weeks here in Korea and I already miss everyone, hell I missed everyone on the plane. Life here is adjusting slowly and teaching is pretty easy. Most of the kids are pretty smart. Right now the company that sponsors this teaching program is falling behind. We have no text books for the kids, or us for that matter. So everything I am teaching is kinda rubbish. I'm honestly still testing the waters of their language barriers, and more than once the kids have asked me to speak in Korean so they can understand. Pretty much the only word I have for them is "Chogum" which means little bit. So a lot of my teaching envolves hand signals and body language. Uh, but first grade, oh my god, yell and hit each other and won't sit half the time. At least they are first class and the behavior, as well as the understanding, gets better as my day progresses. We are suppose to have books by this week or latest by Tuesday next week. If not.....I don't know. Anyway, the kids are mostly nice and I already have a few teachers pets. Basically the are the smart ones of the class and help tell all the students what I mean to say to them.
Anyway, enough about school. Here is one thing to throw anybody with a bit of asian school girl fetish. In Korean culture once you are born you are 1 year old, for example A kid conceived in Janurary is born in September is now one year old. When Janurary 1st comes by for the first time in there lives they are now 2 years old. Thats right, even if they have only been a being on this planet for a fews even they are now considered 2 years old. Then the process goes to normal and every year on the date of there birth they get a year older. Why is it this way, who knows. But that means that when people fanatize about some 16yr old asian school girl they are really 14yr old by U.S. standards. Which also means that when you encounter a Asian kid on college campus they are younger and still smarter than you and at college. But it also lowers the persumed range of Asian life expectany by 2 yrs also. So they don't live that much longer than us anymore.
Just thought I'd let the world know. Which means by Korean standards I will be 29 in August. Which isn't that bad but in Korea, being 29 and without a girlfriend is not a good thing since they rate succuss by home stability and healthy kids. But then again, I get away with a lot here, culturewise, cause I'm a foreigner. I just hope they don't start setting me up on dates. Oh, and since I come from a nowhere town according to world popularity I had to describe where I am from and it led to telling them the closest popular town near my home, which is Chicago. So, no matter what I try to tell them, they think I am from Chicago. But one cool thing, while in Seoul I was walking through there mall and came upon UNO, a Chicago pizza place, not the best Chicago has to offer in my opinion but it is something, btw this was the pizza resturant at the airport that I couldn't remember. Well, five classes today and the little brats after today 2 more days to weekend and then I'll go see Pirates in Seoul and probably eat at that pizza restuarant to see how it compares since BK and McD's tasted a little different also. Basically, they are using the name and only assume to know what the food tastes like, their not right on.
Anyway, enough about school. Here is one thing to throw anybody with a bit of asian school girl fetish. In Korean culture once you are born you are 1 year old, for example A kid conceived in Janurary is born in September is now one year old. When Janurary 1st comes by for the first time in there lives they are now 2 years old. Thats right, even if they have only been a being on this planet for a fews even they are now considered 2 years old. Then the process goes to normal and every year on the date of there birth they get a year older. Why is it this way, who knows. But that means that when people fanatize about some 16yr old asian school girl they are really 14yr old by U.S. standards. Which also means that when you encounter a Asian kid on college campus they are younger and still smarter than you and at college. But it also lowers the persumed range of Asian life expectany by 2 yrs also. So they don't live that much longer than us anymore.
Just thought I'd let the world know. Which means by Korean standards I will be 29 in August. Which isn't that bad but in Korea, being 29 and without a girlfriend is not a good thing since they rate succuss by home stability and healthy kids. But then again, I get away with a lot here, culturewise, cause I'm a foreigner. I just hope they don't start setting me up on dates. Oh, and since I come from a nowhere town according to world popularity I had to describe where I am from and it led to telling them the closest popular town near my home, which is Chicago. So, no matter what I try to tell them, they think I am from Chicago. But one cool thing, while in Seoul I was walking through there mall and came upon UNO, a Chicago pizza place, not the best Chicago has to offer in my opinion but it is something, btw this was the pizza resturant at the airport that I couldn't remember. Well, five classes today and the little brats after today 2 more days to weekend and then I'll go see Pirates in Seoul and probably eat at that pizza restuarant to see how it compares since BK and McD's tasted a little different also. Basically, they are using the name and only assume to know what the food tastes like, their not right on.
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