Day 18

Today I was on a self-imposed/forced diet. I tried but I failed miserably. There was no English menu nor were there pictures. Next time I'll take a picture so I can ask my colleagues what they mean so I know what to choose. in any case, it brought my morale, self-esteem, self-confidence down. There are really a lot of things to learn, improve on, change and grow. For starters I need to be more assertive and less timid/shy. *sigh I don't want to be a burden to anyone but I am having trouble adjusting to everything so far.

I guess it also didn't help that I was mistaken about the vacation of my friend here. I guess I was looking forward to being with my race and familiar people this weekend and have some sort of breather on my loner life here (I can be more relaxed)... Oh well...

Girl, you have a lot of growing up to do. A whole lot!

Cooking 101

So I decided to cook dinner today and for the next couple of days (yes, I intended to stock them up).

Menu 1: "gambas"
I was almost resigned to not getting to cook this dish and settling for buttered shrimp in garlic but then on my last round at the mini-market down at the apartment's lobby I found it that it actually had worchestire sauce. I've been making the rounds at this supermarket and at Home Plus at Yatap looking for this and it was only late this afternoon that I found they actually have this stuff. Case in point, the mini-market have most of the stuff I need to survive.

Note about this dish: it needs chili and the green bell pepper doesn't really blend well with everything. If I can afford it, I would probably have to go for fresh shrimp next time instead of the frozen one.

Menu 2: pork adobo
For us Filipinos this is probably one of the easiest and well-loved dishes. It's definitely a work in progress though in terms of improving the taste and the tenderness of the pork.

Hopefully, they won't spoil to last me the week.

Day 15

So I set my alarm but it didn't go off so I woke up late to get to Myeong-dong Cathedral. I tried to find my way to Catholic International Parish of Seoul for their 11am English Mass but apparently taking the subway to Hannam was a bad idea. It took me about 1:30 just to get there. I got there just as the Mass ended. Sorry Lord.

Anyway, I decided to take the bus home since I knew the vicinity on where I should stop. And boy, did I realize that at least for the churches, it looks like Google maps was pretty accurate in terms of the travel time. It took me roughly just 30 minutes to get to the stop near my apartment. If I just mustered enough guts to take the bus to Hannam, I probably would have made it. Lesson learned.It's really a learning process. I guess I'll just charge it to the fact that I am still trying to orient myself with the surroundings. I was too tired to go around Hannam (and maybe Itaewon which was supposedly nearby). Unlike Myeong-dong, there was not much in the immediate surroundings of the Catholic International Parish of Seoul especially for a foreign newbie like me.

Day 14

I finally have the whole weekend for myself. It's almost Sunday and yet I feel pressed for time already. I still have a long way of adjusting to life here which I guess in a way is good as it keeps me busy and preoccupied thereby taking my mind off being sad, bored and homesick.

Today's agenda was mainly grocery and then to scout the area where there is an English Catholic service. The two potential locations I identified were unfortunately in the Seoul area which meant more than 30 minutes of travel/commute for me. Supposedly, there's an English Mass at Catholic International Parish of Seoul at 9am and 11am. However, I found it easier to look for subway directions for  Myeong-dong Cathedral. Given that the language barrier is a huge obstacle for me, I thought it's best if I travel by MRT first before exploring the bus routes. Google maps did point me out the bus numbers but I don't have the confidence right now to try them yet. I think it's better I become familiar with the destination first before I try that form of public transportation.

To get around, aside from the directions I got from the internet, a picture of the seoul MRT subway lines (especially the ones I need to transfer on), I knew I had to get myself that T-money. I've become a mute person here and avoid talking outside. Apparently, some people can understand me so maybe I should talk more. Anyway, I managed to get my T-money at a mini-stop outside of AK plaza at 2,500 Won. I just looked for a sign that said T-money. I then loaded it with cash value at one of the loading machines at the Seohyeon station. Thank God they have English instructions and they also print receipts! Apparently, T-money has this transfer system so you don't really have to pay the fare each time you get on and off a subway or an MRT. The amount supposedly is more or less based on the distance traveled. That being the case, I just might try taking the subway to Moran station and then the 55-1 bus on Monday to see how much that would cost me. Currently, it costs me 1000+ to get to work for around 40 minutes or more. Hopefully, it won't cost that much but shorten the travel time considerably. But I'll have to consider the fact that I'll most probably be standing during the whole commute.



T-money

I managed to get to Myeong-dong after two transfers and about 1 hr and 30 minutes. Yes, it was that long given that I was very cautious on the directions. Re-reading the signs and the maps several times to make sure I was going the right way. I knew that I was getting closer to Seoul as more foreigners came into view on the subway station. At Myeong-dong, I guess you could say that I finally got a glimpse of Seoul, a commercial one that is. Myeong-dong has a good mix of local, foreign and tiangge stands. Uniqlo(~4 floors), Zara, Forever21(~4 floors), H&M(~4 floors), Face Shop, Etude House, Tony Molly, Skin Food, Body shop, Watsons, Crocs, Guess, Giordano, Gap, Nature Republic, Foot Locker, Polo Ralph Lauren, are probably just a few of the many shops there. I also saw Starbucks, CBTL, and Pizza Hut during my quick walk in the area. It can be compared to Hong Kong somewhat but there's still somewhat a different feel and vibe between the two. I decided to check out H&M and Forever 21 as those were the ones that I am not sure were within the Bundang area. Face Shop, Etude House, Tony Molly and Skin Food you can see just about anywhere (and maybe Olive Young).



a glimpse of Seoul



It was hard to miss the Cathedral as long as you are paying attention to the directions and your immediate surroundings. The Church is beautiful and different both inside and outside than the ones that I am used to in the Philippines (mostly Spanish-inspired). I have to sleep now so hopefully I get to hear Mass tomorrow morning at 9am. Next time I will try taking the bus for more sight-seeing opportunities.

I loved the weather today by the way. It was relatively warmer but still cold enough even after all the walking in the crowded subway and streets.

Time to rest. today was tiring after all that walking, commuting, carrying groceries, eating late and "ironing". Dang, it's hard and it didn't look my clothes got ironed at all... such a pain. It's one of those things I know I have to learn and improve on but I honestly would rather not. I'd prefer "cleaning" than pressing I think especially since I have to do it on the floor. (the board is merely a foot above ground) This makes the need to keep the place especially the floor clean all the more pronounced.

Day 11

for the 4th time since Friday, I am heading back to Songdo TechnoPark to the same site I've been to (the only one) since getting here last March 4. I was supposed to finish the report in the office for the 3rd time since Monday today. But somehow I am getting shuttled by someone back to site. I am going alone though this time (someone will just drop me off) so we'll see how that goes.

I was contemplating on getting an international driver's license because I miss driving and if I had one they might just let me drive here. The roads so far especially going to site, remind me of US (austin/florida days). Just thought it would be cool to get to drive here also. But then again, I might not... :D

Lord give me the strength and wisdom to get through today. I need to keep it together and stop with the ranting to select people. Hopefully, I get the hang of this soon.



Seohyeon-ro



Day 8

fairly productive day today:
-finally got to "clean" the apartment by that i meant using the broom and mop and cleaning the bathroom.
-walked in the freezing cold with three layers of clothes but still ended up almost frozen, to a train station away from AK Plaza (Seohyeon Station) looking for LOTTE department store in Sunae Station. Apparently, I walked in the wrong direction (almost made it to Yatap station).
-the stations (sunae and Seohyeon at least) in Bundang line had english instructions! hooray!
-got some pretty good deals on the items I needed for this cold weather from Uniqlo (6th Floor Lotte department store). They are on sale as the season's about to change. But what the heck, if I'm still going to be here for a year I'd eventually need it.
-walking around I found some items in Zara that were on sale. They didn't have my size so I decided to check out the one right by AK Plaza.
-bought some fresh produce and decided to make ginisang kahit ano for dinner. hahaha
-If only I had braved getting into Zara to look for winter coats, I wouldn't have had to wait until this weekend. I know Zara's prices which is why I avoided it but I ended up getting the size I needed at the branch in AK Plaza at a very cheap price: 39,900. I was out of cash but I couldn't pass it up. Yes, it is really off-season. I am contemplating on returning the one I got from uniqlo at 79,900 (from 99.900). (I am that cash-strapped). But I think I'd rather not (unless I see a better deal elsewhere) wait for the next winter season come up and the need to get another one rises.
-it's going to be another loooong week so might as well make the most out of today than start working on the report.

So far I'm over my budget but still within range considering I am working on some key pieces in my wardrobe and the apartment. Hopefully, it will normalize soon so I have some for the trip home this May.



yep that's it.



to the hallway. haven't started "Cleaning" yet.

Day 6/7

March 9-10, 2012
I'd probably forget the day but in my whole career this was probably the longest time I have clocked in. It's different when there's some pressure and your brain cells are squeezed dry from all the thinking and the fatigue. I mean I can last a whole day and I even had a 18 hour workday but it was for a scheduled shutdown and some of it was because we were on standby. This was different and the challenge was too much for me to handle that it actually broke me...

When I said I was having a hard time facing, coping and adjusting to the "real life" I was not exaggerating. Like I realized in my previous post, I had a pretty sheltered, pampered life. It was hard for me to adjust to the environment, the weather, the language, the lack of amenities, the self-reliance I have to muster, being alone, the desolate state of my apartment (and dirty), the budgeting of my measly allowance considering the high cost of living among others. I tried to hold it in and I thought I was able to keep it together. But 24 hours of no sleep and the possibility of God knows how many more extension was the straw for me.

I thought I would win the bet with a colleague. Little did I know that I'd end up crying not because of the sadness or homesickness but because of the hardship I was facing. Do I regret crying? I will probably but I guess I reached a point I didn't know if I could handle anymore. It was too much too soon for me. I was actually praying to God, please no more. Do I regret taking this assignment? No, not yet at least. I know this is for my own good and it is already showing me the lessons, growth and learning not just for work but life in general that I can gain from this. Sometimes you really have to step out of your comfort zone so you can evolve and mature. I stepped in a war zone by my standards. Hopefully, I last. God help me.

Day 5

So it's been 5 days since I last left the comforts of home. It's been an overwhelming learning experience so far. Compared to the 4 months of stay in the US, it was one heck of a walk in the park. This is the real thing. It's more than just a challenge at work but living alone outside my comfort zone. We were not particularly well-off but now I realize my life has been pretty darn easy. I was pretty pampered and sheltered. Compared to what I have and experiencing so far, I was quite spoiled. I don't know if it's a good comparison, but I guess ganito pala ang typical OFW. My other colleagues don't probably qualify as they earn a lot but my measly allowance has to be squeezed to the very last drop to cover the higher cost of living, expenses for the bare apartment, the lack of appropriate clothing for this darn cold weather and the personal costs of meeting with friends whether here or at home. Yes, I need to plan those as early as now if I want to stretch my allowance otherwise I'd end up not saving anything. I can't say it's a good thing because I am having a hard time with the budget and all but that condo purchase adds to this whole experience. And now I learn that the ipad is out... But I might have to save up for a wireless router or a mobile internet...

How can I forget that the language barrier is also a struggle. Step by step I am finding my way around... Hopefully, I discover more and learn the language. I have a whole year of learning experience ahead of me... The people here appear to have really nice, almost flawless skin and somewhat fashionable. I see a lot pretty girls too, I do feel insecure.

Tomorrow, we head to site. Another new thing. So we'll see how that goes.

Hopefully, I get to shop this weekend for winter clothes because I am literally shaking and freezing during my commute or even just going out for lunch. Besides that I have a lot of chores ahead of me both work and non-work. Yes, this is LIFE!

Sidenote: I am happy to have found stores/fastfoods I know in the area though: KFC, Burger King, Subway... whew... If only I can stand the weather I can walk around some more. My heels and the backup together with the weather are too much to handle at times.

burger king and kfc on the opposite side of AK Plaza (at least the one nearest me).

The snowglobe story

I used to collect ref magnets. I think I have a lot of it in the office thanks to colleagues who get sent someplace a lot of times. As such it was what I naturally got as a souvenir from all the places I went to in the US back in 2009. It's quite a pity though because if I had started collecting globes back then I would have more of it. But it's a good thing I bought two back in Florida.

I am not really sure what got me into buying those two snowglobes: epcot and holmes beach. I guess they were the ones that looked nice and cheap enough. In any case, it was because of the epcot one which I thought to be quite a catch that made me decide to follow suit. I mean I saw how friends were collecting them and realized it was a better thing to collect than those ref magnets. (they often end up getting broken after falling off etc.) They are cute memorabilia that I can certainly use as a display if and when I get my own place. That said, my collection has started to grow and with the help of friends I'm sure I would still have a couple more to add to it. Thanks!!! ^_^

Way back into love

... Of reading.
Well, I wouldn't really claim to be a wide or avid reader as opposed to some who probably get to digest books at the average of 3+ per week but I guess I try to read from time to time...
It hasn't been the case lately. I took a break from both reading and watching koreanovelas/jdramas in favor of apps galore. It has not stopped me from buying books though. So now, I have 6 books bought as early as july last year which I have yet to read.
I think I am finally making some progress though as I finished two already as of this writing and getting ready to start the hunger games trilogy. (yes, finally!) It took me quite a while to get to finish Love in the time of Cholera but I finally managed to do so after prolly a month or so. Don't get me wrong it's not that the book isn't that good, it actually was. I guess my attention span has just deteriorated so much that genre is not really working for me anymore. So it will be a challenge to finish Zahir (which I actually postponed) lest it be cast together with foucault's pendulum, the curious incident of the dog in the night-time, the god of small things among other unfinished-save for whenever ones.
Meanwhile, I find The Emperor's Tomb quite enjoyable in a Dan Brown kind of way. I'm actually lining up his other books on my reading list. Will buy The Jefferson Key as soon as I finish up the books of 2011.
For the most part though, 2011 was a year of YA books. It started with the twilight series some years back, followed by artemis fowl, then percy jackson now there's of course hunger games, incarceron (+sapphique), divergent, mortal instruments... Harry potter is still in the list though and maybe a series of unfortunate events. Given the state of my attention span , looks like YA books are going to be a mainstay in my list.
I guess you can also say this rediscovered love of reading is partly due to the growing fondness for hardbound books with dreams of having a library to store them in, in the future. Given the money, i'd probably buy more but I still have to work on actually reading them. That said I managed to restrain myself from buying those half-priced hardbound YA books on sale at powerbooks. Whew! BUT Donations are welcome especially jimmy liao's which I recently grew to like/appreciate as well. :)

Here I go again..,

A friend is getting married soon and I have been involved lately in the preparations... Prolly it's the most I've been involved in that I have to keep in mind and check myself that it's not my wedding but hers... I'm really happy for her but I guess the downside of all this involvement is that I am again starting to feel restless, anxious, fickle, etc...
Unfortunately, I actually get easily swayed at first despite of what you'd see or what I believe I want the world to see on the outside... The trouble is as things drag on, that's when usually it turns bad... Of course, there have been good ones but not to the point that will get me out of my current state...
I wish. I hope. I pray. Please come over soon. *sigh*
multiple objects. No clear direction. Free spirit. Fickle. Restless.
Again.
Where is he? Who is he?
When will it be me?
*sigh*

Congratulations!

The wait is over for my sister and as it turns out, she passed all three entrance exams she took. The transfer to another more expensive school and the review center paid off. I should say it was probably more than worth it considering... She effectively has erased our doubts and hesitations on her mental capacity to get into what we think to be prestigious schools.
Back in my days, the agony of waiting as the results came out was prolonged. The start of a new year meant one result per month. To me the one that mattered was the middle one (making the last anti-climactic). Nowadays, it's as if the competition for students is that fierce as one result came out after the other in what seemed like a span of just two weeks.
For me though, I knew which school I wanted not to mention we could afford. So it was a proud decision for me to be the first in the immediate clan to get and study in that school. Of course, this was met by a strong opposition coming from my mother. She was still under the 1970's/1980's spell of student activism during the martial law days. None of that is gone but to a certain degree apathy exists especially in the college I ended up in. In the end, I prevailed and from then on our family's eyes was opened to the joy of getting in the university. Of course, it can either make or break you given the whole range of options, freedom, etc available to you. It is a microscopic Philippine society I think. Nonetheless, so far so good. My and probably my brother's best years and most memorable ones were in college. The years that followed shared with college friends were also noteworthy.
So to my sister, whether or not you stick it out in the same college as ours,congratulations on getting in. I hope it defines you and NOT break you. Enjoy UP!

custom ringtones on iOS 5

Since, upgrading to iOS 5, I lost my custom ringtones. It was ok and I didn't really bother trying to figure out how to get them back until more and more people in my work was using the same ringtone which confused me. So after reading several forum entries and losing my music which I don't really back up, I finally found a way to access my custom ringtones again on my phone. This is what worked for me given that:
1. I manually manage music and videos
2. My tones are of course not synced. (unchecked)

In both my Itunes library and devices, I deleted all my tones (bell icon) - they are not purchased anyway. I just use those free apps to make my own (mostly mp3 extracts). From my windows folder where i kept my *.m4r files, I dragged them into the Tones section of my Itunes library. I manually unchecked each and everyone of them. Afterwards, I dragged them to the Iphone under devices (the whole thing and not the tones section with the bell icon). Doing so, will prevent the tones from showing up with a sync icon beside them. Leaving them checked in the library will prevent them from showing up in the Settings>Sounds>ringtones of the phone unless you "sync tones". This will of course wipe out your music and videos. Now, I can select and use the custom ringtones from Settings>Sounds>Ringtones! And I won't have to mistakenly pick up my phone due to similar ringtones. ^_^

Spruce!

This was one helluva weekend... If I were living alone it's probably not even done yet... In any case, i'm feeling too lazy to blog about it yet besides I don't have any pictures yet..
Let me just say though, that, thanks to another promo (double the sticker) and friends who willingly donated, I got another planner which I intend to use! So here it is, my first ever planner. Let the doodling start!