Life in Korea:

These are a few of my favorite things.....

I got a couple of things that I cannot live without simply because I need them in order to go through the normal course of my day to day life. In the information age, these are the must-haves for a professional woman on the go.

As I am always in the middle of several projects and constantly on the move, I need all my work files to be at my fingertips any time of the day. So I got myself a Samsung Notebook...I bought the same model as hubby's so we sort of have a 'couple PC' instead of a 'couple tee'...hehehe. Hubby has a black one.

We decided to get one at the time when Hubby was busy compiling his manuscript for his first book. I was helping him.I wrote a couple of sections in English. We were cramming to meet the publisher's deadline. At home it was just impossible to use the PC with my son guarding it like a hawk. So hubby ended up going to the internet cafe, commonly known here as "PC Bang". For my part, I could only work on my writing when I have spare time at the office. Hubby is a patient man, but when it comes to completing a project at the time when his passion for it is at its peak, he simply cannot wait. So, one day he announced, 'honey, why don't we get a notebook?' My response was a reassuring smile. We got the notebook and we finished the book.

This is my Sony MP3 player which hubby bought for me during our holiday in Japan. What's the story of the i-pod? Well, we often travel to Busan to visit our branch office there. Since long trips can be dreadfully boring and tiring I thought I should get one. So I bought a cheap one. I brought this with me on our trip to Kyushu. Hubby saw it and was a bit disatisfied with it so he bought me a better one--a Sony MP3.

Ah, my original DAKS purse -- one of my personal favorites (but I must say, it cost me an arm and a leg). I bought it last year in London at Gatwick's Duty Free Shop. At the time, hubby and I were waiting for our flight to Dublin, Ireland. This is of course not as important as the other stuff but it is an image maker. Superficial it may seem but in the world of business, it is necessary to project the right image. At the time, we were marketing our agency's consulting services to schools in Europe. We needed to project the 'right image'.

Do away with trifles, sensible people say...but I have learned that even the superficial things serve a significant purpose...

My beloved Mi-Kha turns 7.

My son turned 7 last June 9th. The child that once nestled in my bossom is now entering his early boyhood. (sigh) ... We celebrated this special day with the usual Korean family tradition. Grandma prepared a wonderful feast for the family and Grandpa gave a generous cash gift for Mi-Kha's account.

Daddy's gifts include a fluffy knapsack from Australia and a video cellphone that he can use in case of emergency. I got him a motley assortment of things that a boy his age might need (i.e. Landrover soccer shoes, Ralph Lauren- Polo sunvisor and cap, leather belt, cotton polo shirt and of course his request-- a science factbook based on the hit program called NUMBER 1). Mi-kha jumped for joy when he saw the book, thanked me with a hug and a kiss, then he retreated to his room to read. The same wonderful gesture he had accorded his Dad when hubby first presented his gift. To show appreciation to his grandparents, he feasted on his grandma's 'kalbi' with gusto.

That night, Mi-Kha thanked everyone for making him happy on his birthday. Little did he know, that it was he who opened a fountain of joy for us. We will be forever grateful to the Lord for entrusting a precious child like Mi-Kha onto our care.

When it rains, it pours! ^^

Whaaa...it's 2008 and I still got old news here...hehehe. It's not that I don't have new materials to write about. In fact I've been busy doing stuff --both fun and serious... I've been meaning to document each of my activities, but I haven't gotten around to doing so cause I'm swamped. I'm still in the middle of an important project... and I've got another one coming.  I don't know how I manage to have my activities overlap.

Here is a preview of my upcoming blog entries:

1. My family's  yuletide holiday in Hainan, China --I've posted some photos already. The article --to follow (hopefully, soon)

2. My promotion at Ewha Girls' High School -- I've been promoted to the rank of a full-time senior foreign teacher. I have outranked my NS colleague. My duties: supervise my NS colleague and design ESL modules for 2nd Graders.

3. Our company ski trip -- slated this weekend (1/19-20). I pulled an all-nighter last night preparing our stuff for the trip. I had to pack two separate traveling bags cause I will also be away on an out-of-town English Camp the day following the ski trip.

4. Winter English Camp -- I've been outsourced by Baemoon High   School to do a lecture series. Joining me are two American teachers. (1/21-23) .

5. My business trip --tentative (still have to plan). I should leave after the Lunar New Year (cause I have household duties to fulfill).

6. March 2008 marks the new height of my professional achievement at Ewha Girls' HS. It also marks the beginning of my son's introduction to formal academic schooling (he enters Elementary School this year...He got accepted to a school that is exclusive to Samsung Remian residents...hihihi^^)

7. This year also marks a bold venture for me ---2 words: passive income.

MY YEAR ALWAYS BEGINS WITH A SPIN...

And I love it! Wouldn't have it any other way.

Modern Woman

It seems that the plight of the modern woman hasn’t improved much

since the days of antiquity. In Korea particularly, everyone is an enemy of a modern woman -- the patriarchal society, the filial hierarchy, even elder women are antagonists too. For generations, they have been preconditioned by tradition to devote a life of servitude to men.

But God did not create woman to be man's slave. He created woman to be man's counterpart. Counterpart means similitude, a species of equal character and strength, and therefore entitled to the same dignified life as man.

If there's no exit to our present situation then we, the women of the world, must take it upon ourselves to change it. THE WORLD WILL NOT IMPROVE IF WE JUST QUIETLY ENDURE. Our part as mothers to a son -- is NOT to RAISE A MAN,  but to RAISE A GENTLEMAN.

"TTAK SSAL" (Chicken Skin)

"Ttak ssal', roughly translated in English 'you give me goosebumps' is how Koreans usually respond to a corny joke.

Hubby and I have not been blessed with the wit that makes stand-up comedians rich and famous, so I never dare tell a joke. But hubby, a brave soul he is, would occasionally take a crack at it simply for our private amusement or to fill a sudden silence. Although, I know that his humor would make my jaw drop, I always patiently listen.

Last night he took me to an indian restaurant for dinner. While waiting to be served, I posed this question to him 'what's the difference between chapati and naan?' to which he answered flippantly, 'what's the difference between a dove and a pigeon?' 'I see. So basically the same kind of flat bread', I said. For a moment, I thought it was settled. Then he said, 'Seriously honey, what's the difference between a dove and a pigeon?' 'Well, ' I said, 'a dove is all white and a pigeon has specks of black & gray.' Hubby shot me a look that made me think I gave him an idiotic answer. Then he explained matter-of-factly, 'you use dove to wash your hands; you use pigeon to wash your laundry.' 

(palle pigeon-- is a korean laundry detergent)

He then gave me a triumphant chuckle. All I could manage to say was 'ttak ssal'.

Creative Chaos?

2007 has barely started and yet I feel as if I'm way well into the mid-year. January usually comes most quietly and people do not even notice that it's coming to a close, yeilding to the more flamboyant month of February when folks then start to get frantic again about life.

In my case, January is nothing but that. It's a frenzied month for me. It came with a jolt and I found myself staring down with amazement on a calendar that is littered with schedules.

Before the end of December our school was hiring an additional faculty for the English department. I was tasked to sit in as a member of the screening panel. I had to be present at the interview and the micro-teaching demo of the applicants. A few weeks earlier, by request of our department head, I also accepted to conduct a faculty development seminar for my collegues which was also slated in January. Then a call from the Gyo-Yook-Bu came (Korean Ministry of Educ- Seoul District). I was again requested to do a presentation on Co-Teaching Class Model. To my mind, since school was going to be out by then, I wouldn't be busy and that I could take on these projects with no trouble at all.

Then a funny twist of events. My mother-in-law while busy refurbishing the property we recently acquired had a minor traffic accident. Minor and yet it necessitated her to be confined to a hospital bed for 3 weeks. Then things started getting crazy. Hubby had to supervise the refurbishment in between meetings at the office and I had to take care of the domestic duties that suck the life out of me. (sigh).

I found myself in an uncompromising situation. My demo-lectures were fast approaching and I hadn't organized a single lecture. On top of that I was suffering from severe influenza. I was in a horrible state, physically & psychologically.

I told hubby I needed total seclusion if I were to accomplish anything. He was very supportive and my in-laws as well. Even my son, who's only 5 1/2 seemed to understand why mommy had to take off in a state of frenzy. So I left the family home in Anyang City where I temporary stay during my vacation, and headed off to our house in Seoul.

Two days before my first presentation, I buried myself in work. I pulled an all-nighter to finish everything-- from collecting graphics to organizing lesson modules, worksheets, and PPT materials. Amidst sneezing and intermittent headaches I managed to finish everything at 5 in the morning. 

Despite the flu and lack of sleep, I reported to school at 9 am for the evaluation of the micro-teaching demo of applicants. Then at 11: 30 a.m. I scurried to the Seoul Teacher Education Training Insitute for my own workshop-demo at 1 pm. Normally, I would have a vivid image of how it all went, but my mind was hazy at that particular time and all I could think of was getting through the next session. When I was done with my demo, the district supervisors pulled me to one corner and sang me praises. I told myself, 'The feedback is good. I did okay.' By the time I was doing a seminar at Ewha I was at the brink of mental exhaustion. Surprisingly, all my lectures went well. My adrenalin must have been at full gear. I couldn't have possibly pulled it off as I did without Divine help. God has once more worked a miracle in my life which helped me advance in my career.

Frankly, I'm the type who likes to work methodically. I finish every project, every task ahead of time. I am greatly perplexed when things don't go according to the time frame I have planned out. You can just imagine how emotionally disturbing it is for me to find myself totally unprepared.

Creative chaos maybe highly stimulating to some people and to me too, to some extent, but it just isn't my cup of tea. Nevertheless, this one episode has shown me that I could also work as efficiently in such a circumstance. But I still won't adapt it as a personal workstyle. I prefer to swim in familiar waters.

Now that the chaotic episode in my life is behind me, I am ready for a month-long rest. Hubby is giving me the break I deserve --- a holiday in Europe. 

REFLECTIONS

REVISITING 2006:

2006 was a very productive year. The blessings we received were overwhelming. Our investments fared well. My child is healthy and happy; and is performing remarkably in school. My own career is showing the promise of growth.

Such a blessing is not by man's mere efforts but by the grace of God. I thank the Lord for He has bestowed upon my family His Divine Favor.

2007: EXPECTATIONS

I wonder what's in store for us this year. 2007 is the year of the golden pig, the luckiest pig year according to Korean folklore. I earnestly hope for a huge growth in investment returns. Of course that can only turn into reality with God's favor.

I do believe in my heart that God smiles upon me and my family and that His divine grace will fill our lives with love, joy, longevity and good fortune.

Epiphany

In 2006, I gained an epiphany...

To be free and successful, avoid people who pose as your ally but secretly harbor your demise.

Unmasking people is a painful process, nonetheless, cathartic. To have a healthy existence, we have to purge the toxins from our lives.

Holiday Hodgepodge

At this time of the year the rest of the world maybe busy with the holiday festivities but here in Seoul the atmosphere is tranquil. No holiday hustle and bustle of any sort. Just a quiet, relaxing time with one's family.

We have had a snowfall a few days before Christmas making the mood even more somber. The kids, however, always feel ecstatic about snow.  I love to hear the children's laughter. Their laughter breaks the melancholy stillness of the surrounding.

My husband and my son joined other kids and parents frolicking in the snow. After a moment I joined them too. My heart felt cheerful as I watch my son play with his Daddy. My son ran around with glee and my husband momentarily, became a child again, forgetting the many troubles of everyday life. It was a beautiful sight.

Because my husband had to leave on a business trip before Christmas and wouldn't be back till after New Year's Day, he arranged for an early Christmas dinner for two at Outback Steak House. Though he was not with me on Christmas Day, I felt appreciated just the same for he took the trouble to do something special with me. I also gave him an early Christmas present and an early birthday gift as well. (His birthday happens to be on New Year's Day).

Christmas is not about feasts. Christmas is just about simple heartfelt joys.

My Life's Laurel

    Mi-Kha is 5 and a half years old but he amazes just about everyone. He has a good grasp of concepts even abstract ones. He asked me once if I still have egg cells and whether his daddy still have sperms. and I said, 'why do you ask?' and he explained the fertilization cycle to me.

He knows how 'earthquakes' and 'typhoons' come about. He can read and write Chinese characters. He learned by heart the capital cities of all the countries in Asia including the Middle East. He learned these on his own on the internet.

Recently he learned to perform single-digit addition. I picked up his cue, so I've started teaching him double-digit additions and single-digit subtraction. Teaching Mi-Kha is easy. He catches on quite fast.

I have no idea how he does it. I think Mi-Kha is an independent learner. We just provide the proper stimuli. We registered him on an online Korean educational site. He logs on anytime he wants but we give him a time limit for computer use. Mi-Kha minds his schedule. When he logs off he buries his nose in one of his books. He has more books, less toys. He has 3 sets of encyclopedia of different levels. I’m kind of saving these for when he’s older but he's using them now. I often have to re-attach some loose leaf.

Mi-Kha loves the science encyclopedia comic book series. It’s actually for elementary school kids but Mi-Kha just loves it. I didn't buy the whole set. I buy a new one every time he finishes one. It’s a subtle way of training a child’s subconscious to consciously mind time management.

Normally, Mi-Kha finishes a book within a month. But if he wants to get his hands on a new book, he adjusts his time schedule. He puts in more time for reading, less time for computer work. Mi-Kha hardly ever watches tv. If he’s not reading or studying online, he’s doing math drills, practicing Chinese writing or drawing pictures on his whiteboard. He does all these with no promptings from anyone.

We allow him to determine his own schedule. It has empowered him and liberated us. We don’t have to constantly monitor him. He knows how he ‘fit’ in the family and he does his part. He does everything on his own. He prepares for school on his own. He started taking baths alone at the age of 4. He’s very independent. He’s very much aware of the rules in school and the rules at home. He is also very mindful of my own house rules. I don’t need to remind him. I only discuss it with him when I have a new rule that I want to add to the existing ones. (hihihi)

What I find most amazing about Mi-Kha is his EQ, the emotional sensibility that he displays at such a young age. He’s obedient and rational. If he disagrees with someone he expresses his point in the most cordial way. He says the sweetest things to everyone.

I'm truly blessed and I sincerely thank God for allowing me to care for and love one of His beautiful creations.

2007: Expectations

The year 2006 was fruitful. Our labor was not in vain. But it isn't time to rest yet as there are more to accomplish.

I wonder what's in store for us next year. 2007 is the year of the golden pig, the luckiest pig year according to Korean folklore. I earnestly hope for a huge growth in investment returns. Of course that can turn into reality only with God's favor.

I do believe in my heart that God smiles upon me and my family and that His divine grace will fill our lives with love, joy, longevity and good fortune.

Philippine ESL & YUHAK TIMES

The measure of great love transcends a person. I honor my husband for his great love for me, my people and my country.

'Yeonge-Yeonsu' is a program that has caught on popularity over the last decade in the field of overseas education in Korea. Yeonge-Yeonsu or otherwise known as  'Bridge Program' is a combination course linking Philippine ESL to the ESL courses in advanced countries. This is the brainchild of my husband, Teddy Nam, the pioneer and the leading Korean expert in Yeonge-Yeonsu.

This idea came into existence as a result of the need to survive amidst the Asian crisis that afflicted the economies in East Asia in 1997. Back then, it was a challenge indeed to market Philippine ESL to Korean clients. People in the business mocked this idea, convinced that it would never sell. People laughed at us when we introduced the idea of receiving language training in the Philippines. I was the living epitome of Philippine ESL, the role I assumed then which I still hold up to this day.

Success came disguised as misfortune for it was the Korean IMF crisis that enabled this novel idea to germinate and take roots; the same force that propelled us to move forward. My husband rose from humble beginnings of an unknown company to a reputable firm known today as YUHAK TIMES.

No one is laughing at us now. The ripples of success that yeonge-yeonsu has created over the years has everyone jumping in on the bandwagon that my husband has created.  Even the big overseas education consulting firms (yuhak company) which used to ignore Philippine ESL are now cashing in on the current trend. Every 'yuhak company' in existence in Korea have yeonge-yeonsu incorporated in their programs. Our successful business ventures in the Philippines then has led to a grand scale triumph. A great number of Korean businessmen are coming into the Philippines to invest in language schools and other study-tour related ventures. This phenomenon has created job opportunities in many parts of the Philippines and has revitalized the tour industry as the influx of student-travelers and Korean settlers continue to increase.

In 1997, Philippines carried no prestige but now I see advertisements about Philippine ESL and Philippine travel all over the peninsula. I hear folks talk about Philippines earnestly.  People look at me, a Filipina, with more respect and understanding. Life is easier now for me than it was 10 years ago because Koreans now hold a different image of the Philippines.

Koreans have small yet significant contribution to Philippine economy. They have created another source of livelihood for our people. For that we, Filipinos, should be grateful. Of course, not many are aware of this so I am alone in this quest.

Every waking moment of my life, I try in every possible way to show my husband how grateful I am for his instrumental effort in creating Philippine Yeonge-Yeonsu. It is a mission statement in itself, one that my husband and I intend to keep for as long as we can.

Indeed, the measure of great love transcends a person. I honor my husband for his great love for me, my people and my country.

The Patient

Date: 3 Aug. 2006, Thursday

At 4 pm today, a hospital staff took my husband away for a kidney biopsy. I felt very uncomfortable waiting. After an hour and a half, he was wheeled back into the ward. He looked like a vegetable to me. My strong and powerful hubby seemed helpless and weak. Even his voice sounded feeble.

The staff, myself and my mom-in-law carefully placed him onto the bed. I was instructed that following the biopsy my husband would be immobile for 12-24 hours. When my son Mi-Kha and mom-in-law had gone home, I got very bored and lonely. I just watched hubby as he slept.

I woke him up when it was time for him to have a meal. I had to spoonfeed him as he couldn't move. He could only lift his head at an angle as I bring the spoon to his mouth so the food wouldn't spill. I asked him whether the food was good,--he grimaced. (hihihi).

Late at night, he needed to empty his bladder. I had to collect his urine for lab test. Since he couldn't sit upright I had to help him pass urine. He had to do it lying down. That was challenging, but I got it done...(yes, I'm very creative...hehehe).

The container was already half-full but he kept going. For a minute, I was afraid that it would overflow. I thought to myself, 'if it were tap I could just turn it off'... (hihihi). Finally, it did stop just before the container got filled to the brim...whewww!

"Now, the lab geeks have more than enough specimen to work with!"

Life's Irony

Those who are far apart, separated by time and space, wish to be close.

Yet those who are close, with no boundaries between them, remain distant.

Shopping Dilemma

Honey gave me a gift certificate a few days ago so I went to New Core Department store to browse for something that I might need. I'm actually in the market for either a red or a black purse which I can use to alternate with my big white Metro bag.

A lot of new models are out these days. The yellow purses actually caught my attention. Since I have several outfits in greens and yellows, I ought to get a yellow purse. Come to think of it, I don't really need a red purse since I don't have red shoes to match it with.

On the other hand, I also want to get a medium-sized black purse that I can use in school. But then again, I already have a black Ferragamo which Honey bought in Germany.

Ahh! This is ridiculuous -- having to be stressed out over trivial choices. It's puzzling. Why can't I be as efficient with my fashion decisions as I am with my professional choices???

Follow the trail up...

This is Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in all of Southeast Asia. It's a two-day, two-night climb to the peak. This is our trekking site. This is a World Heritage Rainforest and everything here is protected.

I thought trekking would be easy but I was mistaken. We had to cross 3 hanging bridges. Each bridge is longer than the preceeding one. It's a 100-meter drop with no safety net in the ground. It's a sure dive to one's death should one falls.

The bridge can only carry a load of 6 people at one time. The width of the foot path is just big enough for one person to cross. Mi-Kha had to do it on his own. (There was no way for us to assist him. I feared for his safety, after all he's just 5 years old.)

Despite the difficult climb, Mi-Kha kept up with the adults. He occasionally complained about his legs hurting and requested to be carried. But Appa (Daddy) refused him gently. Mi-Kha completed the climb up the trail and back again on his own.

This experience taught Mi-Kha a valuable lesson. He gained control of his faculties.

Life is a long and tedious climb up a steep and dangerous mountain trail. If we give up because of pain, fear or discomfort we'll never reach the top.

Some folks are a sorry lot simply because they gave up the challenge of life. They didn't go further up. They were the ones who stopped at the foot of the mountain.

Kota Kinabalu Getaway

I'm so excited. We leave for Malaysia this evening for a family holiday. ^^ Our destination is the exotic Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We'll stay at the 5-star Shangrila Tanjung Aru Resort.

I have been working tediously for months and months on end with little or no rest. I deserve to be pampered.

Honey, thank you for doing this for me...^^

Co-Teaching Demo

I'm on cloud nine for I've just had another successful demo-teaching. Another achievement to boot for 2006. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the English Department and the school admin for giving me their utmost support.

My school hosted a Team Teaching Demo as requested by the 교육부 (Korean Ministry of Education)  district supervisor.

The Passing

Late last night I received an email from my aunt in Laguna that said my uncle had died.

Although, I knew of his terminal condition, the news of his passing still came as a shock.

Most people would cling to dear life.  My uncle surrendered himself to his Creator with quiet resignation.

That's how I shall deal with our family's loss. I shall always remember his big welcome grin that used to greet me.

A Moment's Pause

Life does not notice the comings and goings at its gate. I wish to pause yet Life urges me on. Grief-stricken I continue to toil...

9th Wedding Anniversary

Hubby and I had a romantic dinner tonight to commemorate our 9th wedding anniversary.

It wasn't lavish or fancy, just a moment of sweet interlude over a feast of good food.

2006 Plan

Plan 1: Build up asset column

Plan 2: Pursue academic goal

Mi-Kha at Shinchon Office

Every Saturday, Mi-Kha tags along with me and hubby to our office in Shinchon. With the hectic lifestyle in Seoul, keeping a family time is not easy. So we have decided to bring Mi-kha to the office. In that way we can have family time while we're at work.

I believe that it is healthy to expose a child to good habits of work and business early on. He'd be able to learn through discovery and observation. Mi-Kha pretty much likes our staff. We even introduce Mi-Kha to our clients and in my case, my adult-students who come to the office for a lesson.

Mi-Kha behaves well especially when there is a client. He just retreats to his Daddy's private office and keeps himself busy.

The Shinchon office is like an extended playground exclusive for Mi-kha. It's possible cause Daddy's the boss.