Call me strange, weird, or whatever you want, but it fascinates me that the people of Korea still love their pop groups. I wonder why it is still successful here, and not in America? The days of boy bands and girl groups have long died out with the exception of a few like the Pussycat Dolls, and the attempted failed comeback of the Backstreet Boys. Who can forget that...well, I have so let's move on.
World and Its Peoples: Eastern and Southern Asia claims the phenomenon came about in the 1930's with heavy influence from the Japanese, with later modern influences coming from the Americans stationed in South Korea. Today some artists have come to America with their music releasing english versions of their albums. One artists that has been successful in doing so is BOA. This genre of music to me seems to be leaning on the side up very upbeat dance music, or as some would say"bubblegum pop".
It doesn't matter where I go to in South Korea I can always hear one of these songs. The most popular groups that have stood out to me while being here would be T-ara, and Brown Eyed Girls or 2ne1 that's (21) not 2 any 1. Tonight at the chow hall, a woman working the register was listening to a song by T-ara. This goes to show you that this genre isn't just for the younger generation, not that she was old, maybe late 20's, just not your target audience for this type of genre I would think. At least back in the states, by that age you would have grown to a more mature taste in music.
So wether it is the catchy lyrics and beats that draw you in, or the hot girls singing who knows, but this music doesn't appear to be dying out anytime soon. But will it have the same fate as it did in America, or is this just a fad? Only time will tell, but for now just go with it and have fun. I included a poll because I was curious as to what you thought. haha. This was very random, but I felt like writing about it, because it really does baffle me!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"Actually, I'm Japanese." said the mysterious woman in the elevator.
The new year started out right. Me and my good friends packed up our bags and headed to Seoul to make what was sure to be a night never to be forgotten; and it was! It would probably be one of the best New Years to date, but I have loved all the previous ones too of course. But one thing was different about this year, it was that I was in SEOUL! A once in a lifetime chance, and what better way to celebrate then getting a suite at probably the nicest hotel ever. The Hyatt at Seoul Park was a hotel not meant for young men who want to get drunk and loud. I definately felt out of my element when staying here, and way underdressed. First off, a hotel who puts their lobby on the 24th floor is already a fancy place, then to have staff member escort you to your room is another key to letting you know it's got class. Oh, did I mention you used your room key in the elevator to get to your floor;amazing right. You would hold it next to the wall and then your floor number would light up. Here's another tip that we weren't meant to be there, when there was no ice machine, and you were told to call room service so they can bring you ice, what?!? I was impressed, that was until the Japanese woman in the elevator let me politely know that she wasn't Korean when I tried to thank her. That was the last time I try to speak the native language. I couldn't believe I just said that, and meanwhile my friend just looked at me like "WTF, did you really just say that?"
Our suite would have made Miley Cyrus jealous, ok maybe not her but Billy Ray for sure. This was the nicest room ever! It had a living room a bedroom, then a hallway with a bathroom and shower at the end of it. If it seems as if I keep going on about this hotel, it is because it truely is an experience not to be passed up, if it's in your budget. Split between four guys it was certainly in mine, which I'm still waiting on payments from them, but I won't get into that. Once things got settled we were out on the town for one crazy night that included Soju, local Koreans at a bar, and the New Year.
The night went great, but me feeling like the father type and the "That's not a good idea" started kicking in so I called it a night and went back to relax in the room, afterall I didn't pay this much for a room and not use it! Before I left, I made sure the guys were ok, and would be able to make it back, and I told them how I felt about the situation, and apologized, and they were understanding and I went back. I am truely greatful for the friends God has blessed me with, I wouldn't ask for any thing else. I throughly enjoyed the spa like treatment that was provided in the room. After my long hot shower I relaxed on the couch with some good Korean tv, luckily I found a movie in English, so I watched that until I passed out. I awoke only to find somebody was missing...
Long story short, we found him the next afternoon!! After a big sigh of relief and some shopping at the COEX and running into some other friends, we headed back home. This was an experience that I could not have gotten anywhere else.
It is now February and time truely does fly. I was thinking how does time "Fly". Each day has the same amount of hours, and the same amount of weeks in a year, but yet somehow it seems to pass you by, and before you know it; it's gone. I hit my one year mark of being in the military on 28DEC09. My life is a lot different than it was the previous year. I wouldn't change the way things have gone. God had a plan, and this is all part of it. I love it and I love him. But as the saying goes, "time flies, when you're having fun" I guess 2009 I was having the time of my life because it seems like a blurr looking back upon it, for all the things I've done and accomplished, and all the people I have met. 2009 was an amazing year! So I say bring it on 2010, I am ready for you and what you may put in fron of me. I know I will meet more amazing people, and travel to even more amazing places, but hey, only time will tell right?
Our suite would have made Miley Cyrus jealous, ok maybe not her but Billy Ray for sure. This was the nicest room ever! It had a living room a bedroom, then a hallway with a bathroom and shower at the end of it. If it seems as if I keep going on about this hotel, it is because it truely is an experience not to be passed up, if it's in your budget. Split between four guys it was certainly in mine, which I'm still waiting on payments from them, but I won't get into that. Once things got settled we were out on the town for one crazy night that included Soju, local Koreans at a bar, and the New Year.
The night went great, but me feeling like the father type and the "That's not a good idea" started kicking in so I called it a night and went back to relax in the room, afterall I didn't pay this much for a room and not use it! Before I left, I made sure the guys were ok, and would be able to make it back, and I told them how I felt about the situation, and apologized, and they were understanding and I went back. I am truely greatful for the friends God has blessed me with, I wouldn't ask for any thing else. I throughly enjoyed the spa like treatment that was provided in the room. After my long hot shower I relaxed on the couch with some good Korean tv, luckily I found a movie in English, so I watched that until I passed out. I awoke only to find somebody was missing...
Long story short, we found him the next afternoon!! After a big sigh of relief and some shopping at the COEX and running into some other friends, we headed back home. This was an experience that I could not have gotten anywhere else.
It is now February and time truely does fly. I was thinking how does time "Fly". Each day has the same amount of hours, and the same amount of weeks in a year, but yet somehow it seems to pass you by, and before you know it; it's gone. I hit my one year mark of being in the military on 28DEC09. My life is a lot different than it was the previous year. I wouldn't change the way things have gone. God had a plan, and this is all part of it. I love it and I love him. But as the saying goes, "time flies, when you're having fun" I guess 2009 I was having the time of my life because it seems like a blurr looking back upon it, for all the things I've done and accomplished, and all the people I have met. 2009 was an amazing year! So I say bring it on 2010, I am ready for you and what you may put in fron of me. I know I will meet more amazing people, and travel to even more amazing places, but hey, only time will tell right?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
2009; A Year in Review.
This is the first year in my life that I have spent time away from my family for Christmas or spent any significant time away from them really . It was a different experience for sure. Yes, I was away from my immediate family, but I was blessed to be able to spend it with great friends. 2oo9 was a year full of new experiences for me; some good, some bad. I have learned a lot this year, and am thankful for that. Being out of school was a major change I had to get use too. I have been in school for nearly all my life, but at the same time not to be in that kind of environment was nice.
It has been a year since I first enlisted in the Air Force, wow a whole year has past. It is crazy to think back to where I was this time last year; my life was really different. I was thinking about accomplishing different things, and trying to finish school. Now, I live in another country, work on jets, and have a new group of friends to hang out with. Graduating from BMT and tech. school, were two of my biggest accomplishments this year. Getting through BMT and seeing my family on graduation weekend made it all worth it. I can honestly say that was one of the best days of my life is when I saw them for the first time. I knew I was done with BMT and onto a new chapter in my life. I had accomplished something that only 1% of Americans can or are willing to do, and that made me feel great.
Living in Korea has been different. So many new things to get used to. Working in a strange environment, making new friends, and adapting to the weather, and the culture all had some affect on me. I love living over here, but it is hard when we are 15 hours ahead of home. I feel like I'm in the future, and it's crazy. That is one thing that I do not think I'll ever get used too while living over here. I have been here for four months now, and only eight to go!
I am not sure what 2010 will hold for me but I am looking forward to ringing in the new year with my new found friends in Seoul, something I would not be able to experience had I not joined the Air Force. Joining the Air Force has opened a lot of doors for me, and more importantly lots and lots of travel opportunities! I can't wait to get back to Italy! Ciao!
It has been a year since I first enlisted in the Air Force, wow a whole year has past. It is crazy to think back to where I was this time last year; my life was really different. I was thinking about accomplishing different things, and trying to finish school. Now, I live in another country, work on jets, and have a new group of friends to hang out with. Graduating from BMT and tech. school, were two of my biggest accomplishments this year. Getting through BMT and seeing my family on graduation weekend made it all worth it. I can honestly say that was one of the best days of my life is when I saw them for the first time. I knew I was done with BMT and onto a new chapter in my life. I had accomplished something that only 1% of Americans can or are willing to do, and that made me feel great.
Living in Korea has been different. So many new things to get used to. Working in a strange environment, making new friends, and adapting to the weather, and the culture all had some affect on me. I love living over here, but it is hard when we are 15 hours ahead of home. I feel like I'm in the future, and it's crazy. That is one thing that I do not think I'll ever get used too while living over here. I have been here for four months now, and only eight to go!
I am not sure what 2010 will hold for me but I am looking forward to ringing in the new year with my new found friends in Seoul, something I would not be able to experience had I not joined the Air Force. Joining the Air Force has opened a lot of doors for me, and more importantly lots and lots of travel opportunities! I can't wait to get back to Italy! Ciao!
Friday, December 11, 2009
The holiday spirit; a time for thanks!
The Holidays are among us. Fall is starting to feel more like winter with the snow fall and cold nights. Christmas is just around the corner, and somehow it feels almost like it isn't coming. This is the first year in my entire life that I will be away from my family and friends for Christmas. This is hard for me, especially when all I had to do is drive thirty-five minutes and I would be home. I am lucky now to get a phone call in once a week. It makes me sad that I will not be able to spend the holidays with them. I feel left out in a way. I will say that I have been blessed by the grace of God, and love him so much for that.
As of lately I have been really stressed out and feeling depressed due to work, and not seeing my family and friends. This is the time of year to spend with loved ones, and enjoy each others company! I have seeked out help for my issues, and have to say it has helped and all I ask is that the Lord give me the strength to get through it, I know he is with me each and everyday watching over me and making sure I am taken care of; Lord I love you for that! He has also given me the gift of amazing friends, without them I would be all alone. I thank him so much for that. Feeling alone while being half way around the globe is not a good feeling to have.
One more way that I know I am not forgotten back home and have been blessed, the ladies from church and my mom's friends have sent me care packages. I thank them for the kindness they share, and the for the gift of wanting to help others in times of need. I was honored to hear they wanted to help me out this year! I feel that God has a purpose for me and has called me to South Korea for a reason, and I know that I will get to see all of my family and friends back home soon enough. It is just hard adjusting to my new life style that I haven't always been accustomed too.
This is the third time I have listend to Cut Copy's Saturdays. I don't know why but it is putting me in a really great mood. It is bringing back fond memories of working at AE, and it is all together a uplifting great song! In fact I will listen to it one more time!!
As of lately I have been really stressed out and feeling depressed due to work, and not seeing my family and friends. This is the time of year to spend with loved ones, and enjoy each others company! I have seeked out help for my issues, and have to say it has helped and all I ask is that the Lord give me the strength to get through it, I know he is with me each and everyday watching over me and making sure I am taken care of; Lord I love you for that! He has also given me the gift of amazing friends, without them I would be all alone. I thank him so much for that. Feeling alone while being half way around the globe is not a good feeling to have.
One more way that I know I am not forgotten back home and have been blessed, the ladies from church and my mom's friends have sent me care packages. I thank them for the kindness they share, and the for the gift of wanting to help others in times of need. I was honored to hear they wanted to help me out this year! I feel that God has a purpose for me and has called me to South Korea for a reason, and I know that I will get to see all of my family and friends back home soon enough. It is just hard adjusting to my new life style that I haven't always been accustomed too.
This is the third time I have listend to Cut Copy's Saturdays. I don't know why but it is putting me in a really great mood. It is bringing back fond memories of working at AE, and it is all together a uplifting great song! In fact I will listen to it one more time!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Experiences
It has been about two months since first landing on the pennisula. I have seen and experienced a lot. This place is always changing. It reminds me of a scene from Pochantas where she is paddling down the river singing about how you never see the same river twice, meaning it's always changing and never the same. Being here I see the same places but I feel that it's never the same. To me, this can be a very exciting and challenging experience.
Recently I had experienced a lot of stress and frustration build up. It got to the point to where it was almost consuming my thoughts. I would walk to work thinking this would be an awful day, and I just know that I am going to do something wrong and get in trouble. I finally told someone, and talked to a Chaplin. Talking to the chaplin was the best thing I could do. I put my faith in God, and listened to what the chaplin was telling me. He put things in perspective, and really shined a new light on my situation which helped me understand my role. I was having a hard time grasping why I couldn't do things others around me could do. He responded to me by saying " If I knew and could do what they did, I would not have two stripes." He's right, I wouldn't. I think I was putting unreal expections on myself and found it devistating when I didn't meet or exceed those expections. My job now is to ask questions and lots of them! I get paid to do that. Going back to work after talking with him, had a positive effect. I found myself not taking it so harsh when I did make a mistake; it's ok I'm not perfect, nor do I want to be. I just want to be proficient at what I do and do it well! I am still learning a lot and I want to learn more.
At times, work can seem overwhelming and tends to have long hours. I can only hope in the future that I can learn to manage stress levels, and remember God is in control, and doesn't give me anything I couldn't handle. I thank him for allowing me to have caring people in my life who are willing to help me and be there for me when I need them. My friends, and family and people of the church have helped me, and one day when I am needed for one of them I hope that I am able to help them in the way they took the time to help me. I couldn't be without them in my life, so thank you Lord for letting me know such amazing people!
Recently I had experienced a lot of stress and frustration build up. It got to the point to where it was almost consuming my thoughts. I would walk to work thinking this would be an awful day, and I just know that I am going to do something wrong and get in trouble. I finally told someone, and talked to a Chaplin. Talking to the chaplin was the best thing I could do. I put my faith in God, and listened to what the chaplin was telling me. He put things in perspective, and really shined a new light on my situation which helped me understand my role. I was having a hard time grasping why I couldn't do things others around me could do. He responded to me by saying " If I knew and could do what they did, I would not have two stripes." He's right, I wouldn't. I think I was putting unreal expections on myself and found it devistating when I didn't meet or exceed those expections. My job now is to ask questions and lots of them! I get paid to do that. Going back to work after talking with him, had a positive effect. I found myself not taking it so harsh when I did make a mistake; it's ok I'm not perfect, nor do I want to be. I just want to be proficient at what I do and do it well! I am still learning a lot and I want to learn more.
At times, work can seem overwhelming and tends to have long hours. I can only hope in the future that I can learn to manage stress levels, and remember God is in control, and doesn't give me anything I couldn't handle. I thank him for allowing me to have caring people in my life who are willing to help me and be there for me when I need them. My friends, and family and people of the church have helped me, and one day when I am needed for one of them I hope that I am able to help them in the way they took the time to help me. I couldn't be without them in my life, so thank you Lord for letting me know such amazing people!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Two weeks into and still going.
I have been in Korea for two weeks now, and it is unbelievable! Sometimes it feels as if I am still in a dream, wondering if I am ever going to wake up to find myself back in Arkansas. I love it here. I have met some really cool people from the shop.
The weather here is great too. It is fall now, so it is getting a little colder, but I hear winter here is cold, so not sure if I am ready for that or not. It is cloudy today and I've only seen rain here once.
I went out to downtown Songtan last night to a few bars and had a really great time. My first experience in Korean bars, and they were playing American music, ha. I still had a good time with everyone.
Three day weekend this week! Thank you Family Day! I can't wait. I hope to make it to Seuol. I am starting to learn basic and I mean basic Korean. I want to learn more and as much as I can. We'll see how far I get in a year.
I want to start volunteering. Not only to get good EPR bullets, but to make a difference, and to see what lies beyond the gates of Osan. I am anxious to see what the rest of this tour has to offer.
The weather here is great too. It is fall now, so it is getting a little colder, but I hear winter here is cold, so not sure if I am ready for that or not. It is cloudy today and I've only seen rain here once.
I went out to downtown Songtan last night to a few bars and had a really great time. My first experience in Korean bars, and they were playing American music, ha. I still had a good time with everyone.
Three day weekend this week! Thank you Family Day! I can't wait. I hope to make it to Seuol. I am starting to learn basic and I mean basic Korean. I want to learn more and as much as I can. We'll see how far I get in a year.
I want to start volunteering. Not only to get good EPR bullets, but to make a difference, and to see what lies beyond the gates of Osan. I am anxious to see what the rest of this tour has to offer.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
South Korea!
I have arrived to the land of the morning calm after a 12 hour nonstop flight! I have to say this country took me by surprise! I must admit, at first coming over here I wasn't sure how I felt about being stationed here. I thought things were going to be different from what I have experienced. All I can say is this country is one the most interesting and diverse places I've visited. The landscape here is amazing.
The drive from Seoul to Osan was pretty exciting. Everywhere you look there are high rise apartment buildings, and lots of traffic. The land reminds me of home as pine trees dot the land all over. The weather is absolutely perfect. Not to hot, and light jacket weather at night. What more could you ask for? This is much better than being in Wichita Falls, TX where the high was 90* plus in the afternoon.
The base is pretty nice too. I think I will invest in a bike, because there is too much walking involved, and that just takes up time. The BX is probably the nicest and biggest ones I've been too. Lots of vendors and restaurants to choose from! AND they have two of my favorites places; Starbucks and Chili's. I am happy about that, and will be celebrating there for my birthday tomorrow night! Seeing F-16's fly over all day is very exciting, although it's not like I won't be working on them all day!
The city outside base is great! Lots of shops, and fun people; like Song Tan Sally....don't ask.....The shop owners like to bargin with you I found out, so it's pretty neat you don't have to pay the first price you hear. I look forward to going back out, and finally making it to Seoul one day! But take my advice; don't buy the squishy animals you throw on the ground because as I found out first hand, they will explode all over you! It was funny nonetheless!
Overall, I am extremely happy I got stationed here. This base is fast paced and I think that it could have its advantages. I'll learn fast and pass my CDCs and get promoted and get to take more college classes sooner! I am looking forward to what the future holds for me here at Osan!
The drive from Seoul to Osan was pretty exciting. Everywhere you look there are high rise apartment buildings, and lots of traffic. The land reminds me of home as pine trees dot the land all over. The weather is absolutely perfect. Not to hot, and light jacket weather at night. What more could you ask for? This is much better than being in Wichita Falls, TX where the high was 90* plus in the afternoon.
The base is pretty nice too. I think I will invest in a bike, because there is too much walking involved, and that just takes up time. The BX is probably the nicest and biggest ones I've been too. Lots of vendors and restaurants to choose from! AND they have two of my favorites places; Starbucks and Chili's. I am happy about that, and will be celebrating there for my birthday tomorrow night! Seeing F-16's fly over all day is very exciting, although it's not like I won't be working on them all day!
The city outside base is great! Lots of shops, and fun people; like Song Tan Sally....don't ask.....The shop owners like to bargin with you I found out, so it's pretty neat you don't have to pay the first price you hear. I look forward to going back out, and finally making it to Seoul one day! But take my advice; don't buy the squishy animals you throw on the ground because as I found out first hand, they will explode all over you! It was funny nonetheless!
Overall, I am extremely happy I got stationed here. This base is fast paced and I think that it could have its advantages. I'll learn fast and pass my CDCs and get promoted and get to take more college classes sooner! I am looking forward to what the future holds for me here at Osan!
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