Three entries for this week and I've just realized that it's almost every day.
Do I really need to write something as often before I get my shit done for the day? Is it really that hard to focus on studying?
Anyway, my catalyst for today is the stir fry noodles that I made last night. I used a frozen leftover boiled chicken but it's my first time to actually taste this meat as stringy. Now I understand what other people are saying about chicken meat texture. Note to self: use this kind of chicken in fried rice next time where it will have to be minced just for taste.
I hardly cook meat, much less buy, but it sometimes makes it to my freezer. Currently, I still have a couple of beef cuts that are waiting to be used. There are a few shredded chicken leftover that is bound for fried rice in the future, uncooked frozen chicken breast that is marinaded with I-can't-remember-what and maybe some more chicken bones for stock.
My clay slow cooker has been pretty busy lately as I try different things to cook in it. I baked bread, cooked rice, made some anchovy stock, softened chickpeas, and broiled (2) sweet potato on it since last Monday. It has been used more often than my other bigger Crock Pot. I also learned that coating the insides of the pot insert should be the standard. I didn't do that previously with the crockpot because that one has a smooth finish. I've read that clay pot inserts are hotter than the regular Crock Pot so I thought that I had to do it on my clay pot insert this time. My bread came out well, along with the rice. The rice had a nicely browned bottom and it was delish! The bread, on the other hand, was left a bit too long on high setting that the bottom was tough to bite into. Regardless of that, it still disappeared. What I thought would be a candidate for bread pudding simply didn't happen.
For future references:
bread (3 C flour) : 3-4 hrs on low (too long) better do at around 2 hours on high or not more than 3 on low.
3 C+3 C h2o : 2 hours on high
5 medium-sized sweet potatoes: (washed, rinsed, no additional water) 4H on low.
2 C chickpeas + 6 C h2o: at least 4 hours, or more depending on softness level, There was a bit of leftover water just enough not to burn the bottom.
What's my next experiment? Not sure yet but I still have the leftover chicken stock which I can use for a soup soon. ^^
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Daily Dose of Motivation
What are the advantages of acquiring a Korean nationality?
If you already have a non-Asian (Western) citizenship, there's really not much to benefit from acquiring a Korean one at first glance. This is especially if you are a young male and physically able to serve in the army. I am neither of those.
More than ten years ago, acquiring citizenship was a bit more lax but I wasn't really that keen on changing mine. Korea doesn't allow dual citizenship at that time and I didn't think I was ready to give up mine to have a new one. First, my Korean language was dismal, to say the least. How can even think of acquiring the citizenship of this country when I can hardly speak their language, understand the culture and how their government system works? Just because I married a Korean? That is not logical at all.
I was working even when I was pregnant up until I gave birth with just a month or so break and learning the language or acquiring citizenship was not really my priority. My husband had no regular job so I had to work and raise a kid.
Fast forward to 14 years now, my son is almost grown up (I'm pretty sure he'll like this part^^) and my husband has a regular job at least for the next couple of years, I am now in a better place to learn and really understand what and how it is to be a Korean citizen.
The naturalization process has gotten a bit more complicated but I believe it's all for the good of the nation in the long run. There are more institutionalized programs for people who want to get Korean citizenship specifically for married immigrants like me or even just permanent residency for some. Besides, the government now allows dual citizenship so that is a plus for me. I get to have another nationality and I have a better understanding of the country now and what role I can play besides being a wife to a Korean and a mom to one.
Different folks, different strokes. I did not sign up for this just because of that. I want to understand how this country works. Acquiring Korean citizenship is not just an additional passport. It legitimizes one's existence in a country where one can figure out what role he can play for the common good.
Let's move on from the ideals get down to the practicality of it. Why am I going to acquire that citizenship? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a non-Korean living here?
Let me just count the ways that I have come across the idea that having citizenship would have made things easier.
1. Getting those documents from the automated machine. Only citizens, 19-year-old and above, can use those machines. I'm pretty sure there can be a technical way to allow registered expats for such but it's exclusively for the legit Koreans this time.
2. Additional medical and other documents especially when applying for a teaching job. There is a drug test required with the assumption that foreigners would have more likely been exposed to such. I believe it stemmed from some previous misdemeanors that came to light a few years ago. Aside from that, other documents will need to be sourced from one's home country: criminal and educational records, etc.
3. Signing up to certain websites, financial products (i.e. loans, mutual funds, digital currencies, anyone?), and other services that are non-foreigner friendly. This thing just comes up every now and then in my five years of living here. Not only that there is a language wall to scale, but there are also times when there is another wall to break --- citizenship.
4. Government social programs (education, health care, pensions) - I am not very big on this since I am married to a Korean national and has access to the national health insurance but I am very sure about the pension system. It's common knowledge that Korea has an aging population and this doesn't spell rosy future for everyone concerned with pensions. That's something that I have to research some more.
5. Unrestricted residency. No need to report to the immigration office that you moved but you can do so at the nearest jumincenter if you are a citizen. Although that is not really such a big deal for me. I generally like the rules but it's just pretty inconvenient for non-citizens like me.
6. Political rights. No one can question if you want to join the candlelight protest or any street protest that fancies you. :D Well, what I'm actually saying is that I can vote for the president. Not that I don't like the current government. On the contrary, I would have liked to have been to able to cast my vote during the last presidential election.
That's about it,for now, to motivate me to hit the books and do well on this upcoming interview.
If you already have a non-Asian (Western) citizenship, there's really not much to benefit from acquiring a Korean one at first glance. This is especially if you are a young male and physically able to serve in the army. I am neither of those.
More than ten years ago, acquiring citizenship was a bit more lax but I wasn't really that keen on changing mine. Korea doesn't allow dual citizenship at that time and I didn't think I was ready to give up mine to have a new one. First, my Korean language was dismal, to say the least. How can even think of acquiring the citizenship of this country when I can hardly speak their language, understand the culture and how their government system works? Just because I married a Korean? That is not logical at all.
I was working even when I was pregnant up until I gave birth with just a month or so break and learning the language or acquiring citizenship was not really my priority. My husband had no regular job so I had to work and raise a kid.
Fast forward to 14 years now, my son is almost grown up (I'm pretty sure he'll like this part^^) and my husband has a regular job at least for the next couple of years, I am now in a better place to learn and really understand what and how it is to be a Korean citizen.
The naturalization process has gotten a bit more complicated but I believe it's all for the good of the nation in the long run. There are more institutionalized programs for people who want to get Korean citizenship specifically for married immigrants like me or even just permanent residency for some. Besides, the government now allows dual citizenship so that is a plus for me. I get to have another nationality and I have a better understanding of the country now and what role I can play besides being a wife to a Korean and a mom to one.
Different folks, different strokes. I did not sign up for this just because of that. I want to understand how this country works. Acquiring Korean citizenship is not just an additional passport. It legitimizes one's existence in a country where one can figure out what role he can play for the common good.
Let's move on from the ideals get down to the practicality of it. Why am I going to acquire that citizenship? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a non-Korean living here?
Let me just count the ways that I have come across the idea that having citizenship would have made things easier.
1. Getting those documents from the automated machine. Only citizens, 19-year-old and above, can use those machines. I'm pretty sure there can be a technical way to allow registered expats for such but it's exclusively for the legit Koreans this time.
2. Additional medical and other documents especially when applying for a teaching job. There is a drug test required with the assumption that foreigners would have more likely been exposed to such. I believe it stemmed from some previous misdemeanors that came to light a few years ago. Aside from that, other documents will need to be sourced from one's home country: criminal and educational records, etc.
3. Signing up to certain websites, financial products (i.e. loans, mutual funds, digital currencies, anyone?), and other services that are non-foreigner friendly. This thing just comes up every now and then in my five years of living here. Not only that there is a language wall to scale, but there are also times when there is another wall to break --- citizenship.
4. Government social programs (education, health care, pensions) - I am not very big on this since I am married to a Korean national and has access to the national health insurance but I am very sure about the pension system. It's common knowledge that Korea has an aging population and this doesn't spell rosy future for everyone concerned with pensions. That's something that I have to research some more.
5. Unrestricted residency. No need to report to the immigration office that you moved but you can do so at the nearest jumincenter if you are a citizen. Although that is not really such a big deal for me. I generally like the rules but it's just pretty inconvenient for non-citizens like me.
6. Political rights. No one can question if you want to join the candlelight protest or any street protest that fancies you. :D Well, what I'm actually saying is that I can vote for the president. Not that I don't like the current government. On the contrary, I would have liked to have been to able to cast my vote during the last presidential election.
That's about it,for now, to motivate me to hit the books and do well on this upcoming interview.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Three Hours!
More than 3 hours had passed but I still can't focus on studying. I got a lot of distractions. How can I get on like this?
I got my topic list waiting for me but I also got my baking list among other things in my mind. Interests and ideas of things that I should like to write about or do in my other life: 😄 in a life where I don't have to study for that freaking citizenship interview and just show up there to chat and let them just hand me that jumin card.
Let me get to the list of my "other life" for now.
I got my topic list waiting for me but I also got my baking list among other things in my mind. Interests and ideas of things that I should like to write about or do in my other life: 😄 in a life where I don't have to study for that freaking citizenship interview and just show up there to chat and let them just hand me that jumin card.
Let me get to the list of my "other life" for now.
- write my blog about figuring out Korean gov't sites for document retrievals etc.
- find out how to really make my indoor gardening better and not just throw it out and give up
- connect my fb group to some pips
- get some baking done with stuff from my freezer
- research financial investments here and in my home country
- create an info site for expat parents about raising kids here
- volunteer at the nursing home regularly
- get my hands on some real estate
Unfortunately, everything should be on hold now until 16 days later. Not anything more, I pray.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
The Dream
We just moved into a four-bedroom house by the stream and every room has a bed. It has a kitchen and dining room even both are a bit cramped. The windows and curtains are all remote controlled.
There were three doors to get in the house. One is the main door that opens up to a narrow hallway leading to all the parts of the house: two regular rooms on the left, kitchen and dining on the right, and two other bedrooms at the end. The two other bedrooms each had extra doors that open outside. One is a bit smaller and cramped with a queen-sized bed while the other one was more spacious and has more windows. You will find a small garden as you step out from the door of the smaller room. The other door of the bigger room opens right outside on a not-so-busy street along a stream.
The stream is clean. A father and his son are trying to catch fish on the other side of the steam. One thing that seems to ruin this idyllic atmosphere/picture is the train station located a little above the stream on the other side. There people roaming about as the train has just made a short stop at that time. It isn't as busy most of the time.
We were just getting settled and discovering our new home when we got people knocking at the doors. The first two were asking if we have room for rent which we simply replied with a negative. But when the third caller appeared, we were put on the spot and finally considered to take in a renter. My husband was quite surprised as he gave out a price for the bigger room that I felt was better fit for the smaller one.
The possible tenant was a widowed old lady who still has a family but would like to live alone. Her family were the ones who came looking for a place for her. Their idea is that she can live by herself but would still have people nearby for company. She has her own room and her own front door but the food will be shared so as not to bother her much with running a full kitchen. The whole set up seems perfect for her and for us so the family insisted on putting down the advance payments right then and there. This was an opportunity us all.
After they left, I asked my husband, "wait, are we even allowed to sublet this place?"
Fortunately, he answered on the affirmative but this was after I woke up from my afternoon nap.
There were three doors to get in the house. One is the main door that opens up to a narrow hallway leading to all the parts of the house: two regular rooms on the left, kitchen and dining on the right, and two other bedrooms at the end. The two other bedrooms each had extra doors that open outside. One is a bit smaller and cramped with a queen-sized bed while the other one was more spacious and has more windows. You will find a small garden as you step out from the door of the smaller room. The other door of the bigger room opens right outside on a not-so-busy street along a stream.
The stream is clean. A father and his son are trying to catch fish on the other side of the steam. One thing that seems to ruin this idyllic atmosphere/picture is the train station located a little above the stream on the other side. There people roaming about as the train has just made a short stop at that time. It isn't as busy most of the time.
We were just getting settled and discovering our new home when we got people knocking at the doors. The first two were asking if we have room for rent which we simply replied with a negative. But when the third caller appeared, we were put on the spot and finally considered to take in a renter. My husband was quite surprised as he gave out a price for the bigger room that I felt was better fit for the smaller one.
The possible tenant was a widowed old lady who still has a family but would like to live alone. Her family were the ones who came looking for a place for her. Their idea is that she can live by herself but would still have people nearby for company. She has her own room and her own front door but the food will be shared so as not to bother her much with running a full kitchen. The whole set up seems perfect for her and for us so the family insisted on putting down the advance payments right then and there. This was an opportunity us all.
After they left, I asked my husband, "wait, are we even allowed to sublet this place?"
Fortunately, he answered on the affirmative but this was after I woke up from my afternoon nap.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Financial Literacy Level
Let's be honest here. I am just like any other girl who is not susceptible to the instant gratification after shopping. It may be a small thing or a big ticket item. I do like being able to buy what I want or need. That is the reality of being human.
At my age, I should already have mastered the financial skills needed to survive in this "buy me" world. My pitfalls: I don't have a regular job. I can't keep an expenses list regularly. I am a bit easy to bend to some temptations. But what I can say is that I got some principles and ideas on finances, even though it's a bit scattered.
Here are things that I learned from my father, a retired skilled government employee, who kept his job for more than 30 years. He hardly took vacations at all, sent 3 people to university for that diploma that evaded him decades ago partly because his parents cannot afford to send him to school, took on parttime jobs and unending loans. People of their generation are made of sterner stuff than millennials of today. He might not have to school, read tons of financial books, and earned a big salary but he has some wisdom when it comes to basic finances.
First, live within your means. If you cannot afford something, try to do without it or make it yourselves like simple toys for kids and stuff like that. People existed without a lot of things before and so can you.
Second, if you're are going to borrow money, make sure that you pay it back on time and it will be used for something that will also create money in the long run and not just to satisfy a fleeting want.
And beware of banks. Getting your money is their business. Unless you are confident that you can outwit them or at least get even, never take out a loan that you might have trouble paying back. Better go with the loan sharks! Kidding!
Third, take advantage of government insurances and other programs backed by the government. These would usually provide a safety net for the employed and even tax breaks.
Fourth, if you're employed, find other legal ways to earn that will not necessarily interfere or cause a conflict of interest to your current job.
Fifth, work, work, work. BUT never forget the sixth ----
Have faith!
At my age, I should already have mastered the financial skills needed to survive in this "buy me" world. My pitfalls: I don't have a regular job. I can't keep an expenses list regularly. I am a bit easy to bend to some temptations. But what I can say is that I got some principles and ideas on finances, even though it's a bit scattered.
Here are things that I learned from my father, a retired skilled government employee, who kept his job for more than 30 years. He hardly took vacations at all, sent 3 people to university for that diploma that evaded him decades ago partly because his parents cannot afford to send him to school, took on parttime jobs and unending loans. People of their generation are made of sterner stuff than millennials of today. He might not have to school, read tons of financial books, and earned a big salary but he has some wisdom when it comes to basic finances.
First, live within your means. If you cannot afford something, try to do without it or make it yourselves like simple toys for kids and stuff like that. People existed without a lot of things before and so can you.
Second, if you're are going to borrow money, make sure that you pay it back on time and it will be used for something that will also create money in the long run and not just to satisfy a fleeting want.
And beware of banks. Getting your money is their business. Unless you are confident that you can outwit them or at least get even, never take out a loan that you might have trouble paying back. Better go with the loan sharks! Kidding!
Third, take advantage of government insurances and other programs backed by the government. These would usually provide a safety net for the employed and even tax breaks.
Fourth, if you're employed, find other legal ways to earn that will not necessarily interfere or cause a conflict of interest to your current job.
Fifth, work, work, work. BUT never forget the sixth ----
Have faith!
State of Mind
What do little kids and elderlies have in common?
I am not sad. It just feels like I have my heart bare-open with issues and possibilities that can make my life's existence more meaningful. Don't get me wrong as I have my immediate family that includes my parents who are generally good health, brother, husband, and our son.
There are still a lot of things that I want to try and do. Some fleeting, some deeply rooted. I am most happy with working with people in need especially those starting and living almost at the end of their lives. I am usually drawn to these age groups.
On the other hand, I also enjoy writing. I would like to write about children and old people. I am daydreaming of writing books about growing up in a multicultural society, about caring for the elderlies, about bringing different views on the table that people can find the courage to talk about it and at the same time improve the lives of those in vulnerable situations. Some works might be heavy but I would like it to be light but thought-provoking.
I may try to browse big books for the elderlies. How are they different from regular adult books? What topics do these books cover? If I were to put myself in a senior person's shoes, what would I find interesting? What would help me ease the inconveniences of living with old age?
I am not sad. It just feels like I have my heart bare-open with issues and possibilities that can make my life's existence more meaningful. Don't get me wrong as I have my immediate family that includes my parents who are generally good health, brother, husband, and our son.
There are still a lot of things that I want to try and do. Some fleeting, some deeply rooted. I am most happy with working with people in need especially those starting and living almost at the end of their lives. I am usually drawn to these age groups.
On the other hand, I also enjoy writing. I would like to write about children and old people. I am daydreaming of writing books about growing up in a multicultural society, about caring for the elderlies, about bringing different views on the table that people can find the courage to talk about it and at the same time improve the lives of those in vulnerable situations. Some works might be heavy but I would like it to be light but thought-provoking.
I may try to browse big books for the elderlies. How are they different from regular adult books? What topics do these books cover? If I were to put myself in a senior person's shoes, what would I find interesting? What would help me ease the inconveniences of living with old age?
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