Two old couples were cashing up ahead of us at the Wal-Mart. They were so old that they looked uncomfortable with both breathing and walking. It took them a lot of time to put their shopping items on cash desk. We could not remain indifferent to them who were struggling with their shopping items, and my husband helped them to put all of them on the counter. They kept talking to us they appreciated our favor.
All of a sudden, I realized that many elderly people in the United States are shopping on their owns. They live alone? Nobody does not care for them everyday? Searching my memory, I saw many old people living with just his/her spouse. Don't they care for their parents either living together or living nearby to them?
Most of Korean old people are so far looked after by their sons and daughters. We take it for granted that children should wait on their parents when their parents are ill, sick, or unwell. Otherwise, they were cracked down on undutifulness. Koreans have been taught to attend on parents from old times. Time changes quickly, but our general thinking is not easily changed.
Since giving attention to parents is really tough and painful, it is like fulfillment of duty, rather than filial devotion from the bottom of hearts. Some family breaks down because husband and wife disagree with their responsibility of supporting their parents. They tried to pass the buck to other siblings to be released from the duty. It is tragic, yet it takes place a lot in our society.
Then, how do they do with old parents? I am wondering.
5/20/2007
5/17/2007
Calling from the Principal
When I was in bible studying, I got a call from my husband, saying that he needed me to see my son's school principal because the principal wanted to talk with us. Calling from a principal! Oh my! what's happening? My son did something bad?
The reason was that my son draw a picture during the Math class, which one guy was stabbing the other guy with a sword. The principal wanted to talk together with me, my son, and his ELS teacher about what's he done. The ELS teacher tried to defend my son and make my son understood how bad drawing a picture in class. Actually, being with the principal was not fun.
I've heard a lot that any actions related to the violence are forbidden in school. Nevertheless, I was a little bit embarrassed with their sensitive reaction to something relevant to the violence. They seemed to be sick and tired of school violence. They make an effort to prevent any violence in advance. Therefore, they do not allow all students to do something which might give rise to another violence. Even drawing.
In Korea, many boy students probably draw gun / sword pictures once at school. Even so, we do not think all of them are so violent that they should be punished. We think children are full of curiosity. Consecutive behavior should be under the supervison, though. Still, my son draw once something bad and was called to the office. It is strict, I think. Different! I got to know the American culture little by little.
The reason was that my son draw a picture during the Math class, which one guy was stabbing the other guy with a sword. The principal wanted to talk together with me, my son, and his ELS teacher about what's he done. The ELS teacher tried to defend my son and make my son understood how bad drawing a picture in class. Actually, being with the principal was not fun.
I've heard a lot that any actions related to the violence are forbidden in school. Nevertheless, I was a little bit embarrassed with their sensitive reaction to something relevant to the violence. They seemed to be sick and tired of school violence. They make an effort to prevent any violence in advance. Therefore, they do not allow all students to do something which might give rise to another violence. Even drawing.
In Korea, many boy students probably draw gun / sword pictures once at school. Even so, we do not think all of them are so violent that they should be punished. We think children are full of curiosity. Consecutive behavior should be under the supervison, though. Still, my son draw once something bad and was called to the office. It is strict, I think. Different! I got to know the American culture little by little.
5/11/2007
The Weather
What's the weather like in Korea now? The weather is fantastic in Spring. Clear, sunny, and warm enough for everyone. It is not that different from that of Denver.
The one different thing is that an unpleasant and uninvited guest comes to Korea without any exception every spring; the dust wind from China, carrying such a harmful materials. It is so seriously bad to our breathing.
I got to know it is now that the dust wind gets Koreans into the uncomfortable mood. I just forgot about it. On dust wind weather, everyone should put on masks, drink waters more than usual, keep the windows closes all day long. We can even smell the dust out there. Buy the air purifier and keep it on for 24 hours at home. Discourged to go outside as much as possible. Just hope that the dust wind dies out soon.
The one different thing is that an unpleasant and uninvited guest comes to Korea without any exception every spring; the dust wind from China, carrying such a harmful materials. It is so seriously bad to our breathing.
I got to know it is now that the dust wind gets Koreans into the uncomfortable mood. I just forgot about it. On dust wind weather, everyone should put on masks, drink waters more than usual, keep the windows closes all day long. We can even smell the dust out there. Buy the air purifier and keep it on for 24 hours at home. Discourged to go outside as much as possible. Just hope that the dust wind dies out soon.
It is May now. On our way to the church, we saw such a lovely clouds in the sky. It was the prettiest one that I've had so far this year. I could't help taking pictures of them. So lovely!
5/10/2007
Grocery Stores
I used to live in huge apartment complex, where there are approximately 1,000 households. In the plaza, there is a single building having a bunch of stores. This time, I'd like to touch on what the grocery stores in Korea look like.
We have lots of grocery stores like the penny candy stores, which is run by the individual owner. To put it another way, they run the stores in such a small way that they do not hire either an extra casher or more.
As a rule, I barely go to the small grocery stores because of their high price and limited kinds of goods. Instead, I usually go shopping to E-mart, one of big wholesale businesses in Korea. Once in a while, however, I go to the small store in our appartment complex just in that case either I am in urgent need of something or it is too late to get to the large stores. They are convenient for our neighbor so it is so useful in emergency. For these reasons, their stores are quite well run.
In the United States, every single grocery store is run in different way. They are chain- stores which have the name values such as Vons, Wholefood, Safeway, and so on. Apparently, customers could benefit from a competitive price among large (wholesale) stores.
Strickly speaking, I've never seen any a mom-and pop store throughout whole my staying in the United States. In theory, less competitiveness in the grocery market might cause them to close their stores. Small stores can undoubtedly no longer keep their business. Nevertheless, I am a little bit surprized to see almost every grocery business get industrialized.
We have lots of grocery stores like the penny candy stores, which is run by the individual owner. To put it another way, they run the stores in such a small way that they do not hire either an extra casher or more.
As a rule, I barely go to the small grocery stores because of their high price and limited kinds of goods. Instead, I usually go shopping to E-mart, one of big wholesale businesses in Korea. Once in a while, however, I go to the small store in our appartment complex just in that case either I am in urgent need of something or it is too late to get to the large stores. They are convenient for our neighbor so it is so useful in emergency. For these reasons, their stores are quite well run.
In the United States, every single grocery store is run in different way. They are chain- stores which have the name values such as Vons, Wholefood, Safeway, and so on. Apparently, customers could benefit from a competitive price among large (wholesale) stores.
Strickly speaking, I've never seen any a mom-and pop store throughout whole my staying in the United States. In theory, less competitiveness in the grocery market might cause them to close their stores. Small stores can undoubtedly no longer keep their business. Nevertheless, I am a little bit surprized to see almost every grocery business get industrialized.
5/08/2007
An ESL Speaker
It's been four months and one year to try to narrow gaps of English, living in in the United States, where English is mainly used to talk with. The quickest way to be familiar with English is to have a jobs or friends which get me more chances to open my mouth. In the begining, I was desperately looking for a job not only to make some money, but also to perfect my English. For the latter, an office assistant, who is supposed to answer the phones, file the paper, draw up the document, and so on, was the very one I've seeked for. But, I felt like I could not afford it. It is not that I am incompetent at work. It is that I do not feel like getting in their way. I do not want to look like a good-for-nothing who can not make any statements at all. I do not want to lose kind of "Self-respect". Look at me! So stupid.... to stick to "self-something" when living in foreign country to learn English.
I should chuck all self-esteem to get English. I have to forget who I am in Korea because I am nobody here. Even if I get feeling of irritation and a little bit indignity, I should just try to take it lightly.
I've never ever thought of how much the communications with one another are significant in our lives because I have been OK with everyone. Here, I got to realize that I am not doing quite well because of my clumsy English. Mutual understanding is not option to get along well with people.
Once in a while, I want to show them how much I like to talk with people. No one addresses me. I fall my head, just listen to them, and feel sorrowful. Someone could ask in return "why don't you try to speak to them first?" I did. In the exaggeration, I did hundred times. When I saw them frown and pull perplexed face, I got to lose heart. I got to be distracted. Their faces say that they want to leave off. It hurts my pride. I also feel inclined to give up learning English. There is nothing that I get for free, but it looks like costing me my pride.
I should chuck all self-esteem to get English. I have to forget who I am in Korea because I am nobody here. Even if I get feeling of irritation and a little bit indignity, I should just try to take it lightly.
I've never ever thought of how much the communications with one another are significant in our lives because I have been OK with everyone. Here, I got to realize that I am not doing quite well because of my clumsy English. Mutual understanding is not option to get along well with people.
Once in a while, I want to show them how much I like to talk with people. No one addresses me. I fall my head, just listen to them, and feel sorrowful. Someone could ask in return "why don't you try to speak to them first?" I did. In the exaggeration, I did hundred times. When I saw them frown and pull perplexed face, I got to lose heart. I got to be distracted. Their faces say that they want to leave off. It hurts my pride. I also feel inclined to give up learning English. There is nothing that I get for free, but it looks like costing me my pride.
5/06/2007
Children's Day
Above all, May is for the whole family. In Korea, the 5th of May is the Children's Day which is authorized as a holiday. Parents buy their children some gifts that kids look forward to being presented. The amusement parks hold special shows or events for children and sometimes allow free entrance for children. All children are excited with a bunch of programs and events on TV that day. Children are kings and queens on Children Day. They enjoy their privileges to their hearts'content.
The Parents Day comes three days after the children's Day;May 8 is the Parents Day. We put mother's and father's day together and are grateful to both of them at once. Parents usually wear a carnation, which sons and daughters presented, on their breast.
In the United States, there is no prescript Children Day. Nevertheless, American chidren seem happier than others in the world. Throughout the year, American children are entertained with events, performances, and so on. Every second sunday of May is Mother's Day, and Father's Day is on the third Sunday of June. They lay down Mothers Day apart from Fathers Day.
In our emotion, a mother and a father are not another one to us. They are like one body. We do not make any distinction between moms and dads when it comes a memorial day. That's why we have the combined parents day. Then, why does the United States have each day for moms and dads? It appears that mother is one thing, and father is another.
The Parents Day comes three days after the children's Day;May 8 is the Parents Day. We put mother's and father's day together and are grateful to both of them at once. Parents usually wear a carnation, which sons and daughters presented, on their breast.
In the United States, there is no prescript Children Day. Nevertheless, American chidren seem happier than others in the world. Throughout the year, American children are entertained with events, performances, and so on. Every second sunday of May is Mother's Day, and Father's Day is on the third Sunday of June. They lay down Mothers Day apart from Fathers Day.
In our emotion, a mother and a father are not another one to us. They are like one body. We do not make any distinction between moms and dads when it comes a memorial day. That's why we have the combined parents day. Then, why does the United States have each day for moms and dads? It appears that mother is one thing, and father is another.
5/05/2007
Certificate of Appreciation
I was on-line for a while, looking for volunteering jobs which help me to get more involved in their lives. Meanwhile, I found a volunteering job to go visit a senior citizen who can not stir because of her ages. She loves to see people from different countries and has a great sense of humor. I heard a lot about her memory, which were mostly in her childhood. Though trying to see her once a week, I could not occasionally make it because I was swarmed with many chores. Despite my showing up from time to time, whenever I visited her, she really thanked me for paying a visit to her. Oh! I feel guilty. She must be all alone. More frequentation!
An email inviting volunteers and staff over a brunch had reached me the other day. I left a message of attendance, reluctantly. To be honest, I do not think I deserve the appreciation brunch. I did just a little.
I went on a bruch after all. After a short eating, all participants shared how they got to begin the volunteer work and what they feel, goint into the volunteering. Their stories were all significant. Most of all, I was impressed with a couple of seniors who have been doing some volunteer work for their society. In theroy, they could not afford the volunteer because they looked too old. However, they apparently seemed so satisfied with their jobs. As far as they are in good health, they could engage in new jobs, volunteering works, and so on.
For a moment, I felt shame at slowing down my work. All participant volunteers were presented with Certificate of Appreciation as a token of gratitude about careing and giving. It was above my deserts, though.
An email inviting volunteers and staff over a brunch had reached me the other day. I left a message of attendance, reluctantly. To be honest, I do not think I deserve the appreciation brunch. I did just a little.
I went on a bruch after all. After a short eating, all participants shared how they got to begin the volunteer work and what they feel, goint into the volunteering. Their stories were all significant. Most of all, I was impressed with a couple of seniors who have been doing some volunteer work for their society. In theroy, they could not afford the volunteer because they looked too old. However, they apparently seemed so satisfied with their jobs. As far as they are in good health, they could engage in new jobs, volunteering works, and so on.
For a moment, I felt shame at slowing down my work. All participant volunteers were presented with Certificate of Appreciation as a token of gratitude about careing and giving. It was above my deserts, though.
5/03/2007
Emission Test
When someone wants to register his vehicle to DMV, the emission test is a thing that has to be done. For two years in the United States, I did this test two times.
First, when I bought the used car from a senior member in San Diego, I went through the emission test before going to DMV because the emission test was a must for the registration.
The second test was done right here in Denver two days ago. Since I am a recent resident here, my automobile should be registered again in Colorado. Say, my car needs testing once more. Two times tests in a row for two years. Too many, isn't it? What could I do? It can't be helped because the law is the law.
As the test is to protect the environment, a holding period could be another standard to assign the emission test duty to all drivers. Every several year, all the owners might be charged with this environmental inspection, the smoke test. In Korea, our vehicles are tested according to the time. Though the owner is changed by trading, there are no necessity for the exhaust gas test if the term doesn't become due.
First, when I bought the used car from a senior member in San Diego, I went through the emission test before going to DMV because the emission test was a must for the registration.
The second test was done right here in Denver two days ago. Since I am a recent resident here, my automobile should be registered again in Colorado. Say, my car needs testing once more. Two times tests in a row for two years. Too many, isn't it? What could I do? It can't be helped because the law is the law.
As the test is to protect the environment, a holding period could be another standard to assign the emission test duty to all drivers. Every several year, all the owners might be charged with this environmental inspection, the smoke test. In Korea, our vehicles are tested according to the time. Though the owner is changed by trading, there are no necessity for the exhaust gas test if the term doesn't become due.
Hair Cut
My husband had my daughter's hair cut at the porch a week ago. My fingers are all thumbs so my husband always cut our kids' hair. She wanted to see herself in the mirror during getting a haircut. Where is the mirror? Oh my! We do not have any hand glass. We did not realized up to now there are no hand mirrors at home. Two glasses in the bathes are all we have. Maybe, I am going to purchase one at the next shopping.
My husband cut her hair in a dipper style which was in fashion in Korea many year ago. "She is boorish! You ruined her hair!" I muttered against my husband. She whined in hearing me talk about her hair to her father. A slip of a tongue! In a moment, I gave her unstinted praise. "How pretty your hair is!" "I've never seen such a lovely hair like yours in my life ever" .........^ ^
A child is a child. She accepted my remarks as the true. She believes in our admire that she is the sweetest girl of all.
My husband cut her hair in a dipper style which was in fashion in Korea many year ago. "She is boorish! You ruined her hair!" I muttered against my husband. She whined in hearing me talk about her hair to her father. A slip of a tongue! In a moment, I gave her unstinted praise. "How pretty your hair is!" "I've never seen such a lovely hair like yours in my life ever" .........^ ^
A child is a child. She accepted my remarks as the true. She believes in our admire that she is the sweetest girl of all.
5/01/2007
The License plate
I got the Colorado license plate at last. It just took no more than 5 minutes. DMV has divided its branches according to the bussiness. This DMV takes only charge of the title and registeration for the motor vehicles.
It cost me about $69, and they are for own tax, license tax, and title fee. Since I picked up the regular license( because it is the cheapest of all), the officer gave me one among a bunch of plates she has in no time at all. It is weird feeling because I've never done this before in Korea. Take away the previous plate from California and Stick the new Colorado plate to my car. It must be something out of the ordinary.
I was also given the two TABs(the expiring year and the month, respectively) as an evidence of paying the tax. This tab is attached to rear plate only. In California, there is only one tab showing the expiration;the year and the month are placed on a tab. And, the the color of tab changes every year. I got green tab that will be expiring in May 2008. My husband's year tab is red, which means his expiration would come soon this year.
A month or more before the expiration for the vehicle tax, DMV sends the notice to all individuals by mail. If tax is paid, the owner would get the Tab from DMV. Why the tab color get different? It might be The police could probabely tell who pay the tax with the color of tab? If so, a good idea for lessening the tax evasion!
Anyway, so long my California number plate!
It cost me about $69, and they are for own tax, license tax, and title fee. Since I picked up the regular license( because it is the cheapest of all), the officer gave me one among a bunch of plates she has in no time at all. It is weird feeling because I've never done this before in Korea. Take away the previous plate from California and Stick the new Colorado plate to my car. It must be something out of the ordinary.
I was also given the two TABs(the expiring year and the month, respectively) as an evidence of paying the tax. This tab is attached to rear plate only. In California, there is only one tab showing the expiration;the year and the month are placed on a tab. And, the the color of tab changes every year. I got green tab that will be expiring in May 2008. My husband's year tab is red, which means his expiration would come soon this year.
A month or more before the expiration for the vehicle tax, DMV sends the notice to all individuals by mail. If tax is paid, the owner would get the Tab from DMV. Why the tab color get different? It might be The police could probabely tell who pay the tax with the color of tab? If so, a good idea for lessening the tax evasion!
Anyway, so long my California number plate!
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