By Country 모임 at the MC Center (Multicultural Center)

Naver translates 모임 as a meeting. That's what I thought it would be when I decided to attend. Unfortunately, Naver's definition and my own understanding turns out to be on a different page compared to the Koreans and the other people who showed up.

It turned out to be a very casual one, without much purpose but getting people sign up for the other upcoming activities. I'm not sure if the same thing happens with the other groups but it wasn't that really organized in this one.

First, in my book, a meeting should have an agenda. People should show up not just because of free food. The time, effort and funding to gather people should be maximized that it should be more beneficial not just for the people who attended but for others as well. After attending this one, I may not be that interested to do so next time. What's the point?

When I got there, they were doing some coloring. WT...okay, I think it's a good thing to do while waiting for me. hahaha...Kidding aside, I have no problem with that except that it went on until we finished the paper. In between that, there were a couple of people who dropped in to have us sign up for other upcoming activities. The staff also asked about what other programs we can suggest that we would be interested in. Someone suggested belly-dancing, a possible music class for their kids, and I even heard something about noraebang. The last one, seriously? I couldn't understand everything coz even if most of us were from the same country, I heard three different languages spoken during that meeting, not including myself who is more comfortable in English specially when I need to explain my self quickly.

Along with those topics were small individual chats between ourselves. I never got to know much coz I assume everyone knows each other and no introductions were made. I'm not sure if this the first time the the center arranged a so-called "meeting" but if it wasn't so, I won't be surprised why our group is not very much updated with the center's program. It's not just because there is a Vietnamese in the office, it's because we are not organized. If we become organized, we might have a chance for our voices be heard.

I am basically an idea person, and I don't think I can actually get some stuff going specially when it comes to people. If there's someone who is willing to come forward, I'd be willing to pitch in. The problem with my fellowmen is most of them would either just try to find job, usually as a factory worker in my current area. I only know of a few people who are actually invested on their future here. Factory work will not last long in this fast changing Korea.

I'll have to stop right here coz this topic will only lead me more to declining population, ageing population, national pension and all the other macroeconomic issues beyond my grey cells for now. I'll save these little grey cells from dissipating for the time being. Perhaps on another sunny day.



   

Getting Started Driving in Korea thru the Multicultural Center

This last week of the month had been a busy one with the driving test scheduled right after the long weekend. I had to study for the written test with all the last minute resources that I was able to get my hand on less than a week from the test date.

Let me do a backtrack on how the Driving Program in the Multicultural Center go. The program is a joint effort of the Multicultural Center, the Police Office and (maybe) some Driving School. I wasn't sure about the last one. They basically prepared us for the written test (I'm sure some people can do that alone) but for me who just keeps procrastinating, it gave me the idea how to work the licensing system and actually sit for the test.

1. Sign up for it. From what I've heard, they offer the program twice a year, during spring and fall. I'm not so sure with the latter though coz I've signed up for the spring one which I missed last year. This is pretty popular one so try to start asking about it sometime around end of February. In my case, I was curious how the program will work even though my Korean language skills still suck.
There were almost 20 people when we started on the first session but it dwindled to about a dozen on the test day.

2. Attend the lectures. It was totally in Korean and I felt like a sinking ship most of the time. Nonetheless, I was able to get some resources like books, website links, and some key points through illustrations. The policewoman who was in-charge was cool and really quite helpful. She would have inputs every now and then and they were all very practical and useful. I didn't miss any session specially the last one which was very beneficial for me. Seeing that I could hardly understand the mock test they had in Korean, the policewoman lent me the latest test book reviewer, and taught me how to find other English resources from the Korean website.

They also had has do the paperwork ahead during those lecture sessions: filling up the all-K forms, submitting copies of other documents like passport and ACR, as well as the 3 pcs. 3x4 cm photos.

3. Show up for the test. Everyone loaded into the medium sized bus around 8:45 AM, and we headed for a 45-minute ride to the nearest licensing office.

I've done a bit of my homework and knew that the place is a bit far-off from places to eat so I had to pick up some food for my tummy, just in case. I wouldn't want to travel on an empty stomach, much less take a test. I spotted a bag of bread and tetra- packed juice which I guessed was gonna be our lunch. Both were too sweet for my throat so it was good that I was able to pick up some deokk earlier. That was enough to keep hunger at bay.

During the ride, the policewoman collected the 12,500 W from everyone which I think should cover the application fee but I found out later that it is only about 7,500. I guess the remaining one was to cover the tour bus ride and snacks which was not so bad coz I wouldn't be able to figure out how to get there in the first place on my own without a lot of stress. At least, with this one, I got the ride, and someone to guide us inside.

So what was the process like? A chart is available on their website. That should give one an overview of the process. But it is slightly different on-site.

1. We filled up a half-A4 sheet form, along with the ACR card. We also needed to some digital fingerprinting to get a temporary card for the process which sucks because of my sweaty hands.

2. Next is the health check area, which also doubles as photo corner if you need one. Give the lady the temp card and the official application form while lining up. The health check is basically a simple eye check. We were made to read numbers only to my relief upon seeing the Snellen chart without any English letters. ;)

3. We were told to head up to the third floor to watch the hour-long video. Each had to swipe the temp card and do the digital fingerprint before and after the video. Before the video started, the staff asked if we would want foreign subtitle. I asked for an English one but she fumbled with the disc and ended up not being able to get it running and had the all-K one instead. The use of temporary card ends here.

4. After the video, it's time to get to the computer testing room. We waited for our names to be called and that is when I started to feel slightly a bit nervous. My name was called, I handed my application form and ACR card for double checking before I was assigned a seat number. I got 42 which was on the last row. The seats were all well spaced and the seat was not really very comfortable but on with test.

There was a preliminary explanation on how to work the screen using the mouse. But first was to input the test taker number, which is your seat number.  All one had to do was read, choose and click. The testing time is 50 minutes but 20 to 30 minutes should be enough to breeze through it. I finish the last question with plenty of time still on my clock so I chose to go back to some questions I wasn't sure of. One of the proctors came up to me and told me that I'm already done. But I said that I still have time and want to go over some part still (all in my faulty Korean.) She didn't look quite happy but she backed off. I hit END around after 35 minutes I started. I could have stayed on until 50 minutes but I figured I might just actually be tempted to change a lot of answers and end up getting more mistakes. Plus, there were still a few more people in line and I'm getting hungry.

I hit the END and my test score popped up. Not so bad. I passed anyway. Not everyone did.  They stamped "passed" on my application as the lady handed it back to me and off I go. I can now return the reviewer book to the nice policewoman. Everyone wanted to know the result when I got out. Now that I look back to it, I should have pulled a prank at first and pretended to have failed.

Before we got too noisy waiting outside for the rest to finish, we were herded downstairs and given our snacks-cum-lunch. I took my chance to roam the area a bit, checked out the bus stop for my future on-my-own trip.

The next part was the Basic Driving Skills Test. About ten was left behind to take that since most of us are not ready for that. I just tagged along as they line up and pay. I have to know as much as I can as to which window to pay, how much, etc. so I can do it on my own next time if ever.

So what did I learn about this program? This would basically just assist the foreign married immigrant access to learning to get the driver's license. If you are a total newbie like me, with limited Korean language, the lectures itself didn't help much. One has to do his own studying in order to pass the written test. This won't also cover the actual hands-on experience. Either you do it on your own with someone who has been driving legally for at least 2 years or sign up at a private driving schools before you take the test.

It did give me a way to find out what options I have and how I can possibly navigate the Korean system of acquiring a driver's license in case my husband will not be very willing to help me. I have now a better understanding of the next steps I should take when I'm ready. I'll have to find the right academy, learn the hands-on basics and rack up enough hours on the road. In order to prepare for that, I can learn the basic facts and tips online and youtube so I'll be more ready when I actually sit behind the wheel. This time, it's not just studying for the written test anymore. It will need practical know-how and skills.

Driving school seem to be the most obvious way to get the license but I won't guarantee that since I've met some who had already done that but still couldn't get past the written test. I'm taking it one step at time. I will now have to prep for the hands-on part.

Hopefully, I will be able to complete these before my written test result expire by next year. My target is to do this around this fall. Crossing my fingers!

May Reflections: Subway Sandwich, Yoga Recovery Time: Shorter

There's finally a Subway Sandwich branch in this far off town! I don't have to go far to Cheonan to get my sandwiches. It seems they have just opened last week. I grabbed our dinner from there last night and the place is pretty cool to hang out in one of these days. They open from 8am to 11pm and it's very near my favorite bus stop. I have other alternatives now aside from Kimbap Nara, and Bongouse for my quick bites whenever I need some food downtown.

I might just be able to try out all the different sauces soon. I tried the red vinegar along with the sweet onion last and it wasn't bad. I've tried the honey mustard before and it was pretty hot for my taste. It didn't work well with my usual choice of tuna or vegies. Perhaps, I should try that with some chicken next time. I may have to try to find recommendations somewhere. I'm like doing this blindly tasting whatever name that fancies me. I would like to try the barbeque maybe.

Now to make things equal after the food subject, I move on to exercise. Ever since I started going to yoga classes, I've been doing my stretches more often than before. My recovery time after a class is now down to one day compared to the almost three days when I first started early this year.

This month had been a bit irregular for me then coz of other stuff I had to go to. I had no choice but to skip the Wednesday class. Let's see how I fare next week when I'm back to my regular twice-a-week schedule.

That's it for now. I still have some unfinished business to do for tomorrow.

The Clipboard

Clipboard: a board with a clip at the top. (written on the clipboard plastic packaging that I bought recently) 

It used to hold together pieces of paper that you need to carry around, and provides firm base for writing.

It is just now that I have come to appreciate clipboards after my thirty something years of existence. The need came up whenever I had to write my meal, outfit, and lesson plans. It's also seem to be be useful for my Korean language studies.

I had to think, and write the meals and outfits plans while moving around. I can't just seem to finish them off in one sitting. I had to brainstorm all throughout the day and I need to carry the paper around and I need to have a base for writing. It just makes sense to actually use this one now.

I thought it's just for teachers, store clerks or secretaries to use before. I just can't imagine why and how it could be useful for me. Fast forward to thirty years and I am just beginning to understand how I can actually use this.

As for now, I got two which I use for my menu and outfit planner and my teaching LPs. I am quite considering to get another one for my studying plan. That will cost me another 1500 W tomorrow but I'll sleep on it tonight. I've already spent 17K+7K for P's and my school/office supplies this month so far. Sleep on it....:D

Yoga and Kor Class (Spring 2015)

This week has been the start of my busy week schedule. The Korean language class at the center opened this week and I also started going to the yoga class at the same time.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not but both classes fell on Mondays and Wednesdays. I do the language class in the mornings and the yoga class in the afternoon.

My first day in the yoga class was a totally whacked one. I got there almost ten minutes late coz I wasn't familiar with the bus schedule heading that way so I had to wait for a while. I caught the 1:50ish bus and even though my destination isn't that far, I still arrived late for my first class. It seemed that there is a bus that comes around one-thirty which will be perfect for me.

The class is pretty popular with middle-aged ladies and even grandmas. There were roughly more than a dozen in the class. I've only seen one who is about my age and I found out on my second day that she comes with her mother-in-law. I am not sure now who got first into the class. Interesting thing to find out later on.

Another surprise was the lone thorn among the roses. I had the courage to ask his age on the second day before class when I got there early only to find another surprise that he is almost 70! Well, come to think of it, that might be a K age so that will put his age at around 67. But still, it was a surprise. He isn't exactly a seasoned one in yoga who has started when he was younger but probably just within the last 5 to 10 years ago. Or maybe even two! It was just funny how the teacher talked about how strange it is to have him take the mat right across from her, with all the poses and everything. And I thought she was just cool with it. But yeah, she wasn't really and it was quite funny.

SO I came in late and there was this obviously older-than-me lady who gave her place and had to get out and come back with a couple more new mats. It turned out that I may not be the only new one in the class. She was kind enough to help me out as I struggle to understand all the instructions Korean and do a copycat for the poses. And even though I am obviously younger than her, I sure feel like the oldest grandma in the room with all the muscle pain I felt during and, definitely more, after the class.

That's what I get for not doing much exercise for the past year, especially this last winter season. I've only taken walks sporadically during the months before winter set in. It wasn't much to count as exercise. I've got my yoga mat sitting and gathering dust in the house ever since we have moved to this first floor unit. It wasn't much interesting to do any stretches here. Hopefully, I will be more inclined to do often once we moved to a higher apartment unit this month. It's just sad to think that I should have signed up for the class last year when I got here. I saw the the flier at the office when we registered our transfer but hubby wasn't not just keen on helping me get in the class.

Now, I have to figure out when my body will get use to the torturous poses that we do in the class. For the first session, my stomach muscles were so sore that I felt I had stomachache the next next day. My back also hurt which really made me feel like an old woman. Good thing that there was a Tuesday break but on my second session, my arms were the sore ones for the next few days. Oh boy! The instructor sure got to my weakest part, the upper body.

We also did flat back poses with a rolled mat in between the leg and the first times on my back was sure hell. Something is really terribly wrong with my lower back. The hospital x-ray I had a few months ago did not reveal anything so I have to try an MRI or a physiotherapist next time. I need to get that flat back as cool as before I gave birth. I had no pain there at all before.

I am just thankful that I survived the whole first week and can get my body recover a bit before the next week's sessions. The main question is...when will I ever finish a class without a lot of after-class body pains?

Apple Waffle Recipe for Pancake

I felt really bad for not being able to print and bring the photos for my son today so I made an extra special pancake as snacks. Found it through the cooking group in fb with someone posting an interesting website with censored wordings but doable recipes.

Used the apple waffle recipe from thug kitchen and my starving son enjoyed it!

Chilling Out in a Ski Resort Parking Lot

Cicada from Deuter Chaitanya Hari is playing while I try to rest my eyes and brain. Chill out time. I try to sleep but I just can't. Listening this music brought back the memories when I was working in the Croc Farm and DPAIR. Nature sound brought me back to those days when I would find myself chilling out in the middle of nowhere by myself. 

I used to have lunch with the crocs or spend the in-between tour sessions hanging out or exploring the crocodile pens in the far back of the farm. It was totally of-limits for the most people and the staff who feed and cleans the area are the only ones venturing out there usually. It was such a safe haven for me to explore the area and just spend time alone. 

Dos Palmas on the other hand have more people stuck on the small island and there were only liited place for the employees to roam around. I'd usually ride bike around the back going to the spa area. The spa area is located at the end of the garden suites by the beach and it's a little off the usually traversed area. A bike ride or even a short walk in between that and the staff dorm is usually refreshing after duty. There's also a small nook behind the marine sports center where I would run to whenever I'd get a call from my then-boyfriend-now-hubby or simply just read a book. 

My job at the front desk was also just a breeze most of the time. It wasn't a very busy time when I was there so the peak time for me was only during check-in time and check out time usually in the morning or afternoon for the day trippers, or closing time if I am on duty that night. Foot traffic in the lobby is not too high except the in-between activities, which are usually far out in the sea or spa, or around after dinner. 

I miss those working days with my lone times at work. Those are the kind of job that I treasure. Just being alone. It doesn't make me lonely. It makes me happy usually. Sure, I also enjoy interacting with different people, but it also gives me moments of just being alone. "Being alone doesn't mean being lonely." One must like his own company quite well to be able to enjoy being alone. 

Dang it! One resort employee just intruded and ruined my writing mood. Haha! He kind of approached the car and started asking me where the driver is, explaining that this parking slot is reserved for "disabled" people and when he mentioned that, I can't help but smile with understanding and simply pointed to the sticker in front of the car. I noticed that he used the term "disable" and not "specially-able." It made me curious what's the politically and most commonly used term round here. 

Oh well! Almost past two! Gotta go!

Winter's End

Winter is almost over. Technically. It is after the first full moon of the lunar new year last Thursday and the last (hopefully) cold snap is gone by yesterday morning. But it's still cold in our ground floor apartment. Cold that it was better and warmer to eat ice cream inside our car in the parking lot without us freezing.

P came back home from school wanting to eat ice cream so we picked up some when we did our grocery yesterday. It was a little windy but one can surely feel the sun's little heat. We ended up enjoying the ice cream inside our car under the sun before heading in. That was one fun and memorable part I think. Or maybe I'm just a bit emotional with the onset of my period. ^^,

We've been busy (or should I say I) for our weekend out-of-town so I may have been a little stress. Not only that, there seem to be a couple of activities that I've signed up before that is all happening this coming week. After I took the level test last Monday, we got a message about the program opening this Monday morning. I thought I can have a little home-rest after our Sunday trip. I just have to get a little more stuff prepared so I can just crash on Sunday and worry a little less for the coming Monday. 

Free Medical Check-up for Foreigners

My mind is a bit disturbed now after receiving a phone call. A classmate and I were walking to the train station after our class a few weeks ago when there was a gentleman who was giving out fliers and and some sort of ticket. I am not a big fan of such specially if I don't see what kind of group it is coming from. It's usually a church, an NGO or some company. This one sounds like a church but I didn't notice any logo or something or sorts.

We were made to write down some stuff, phone number and all. I was really hesitant to stop and chat that long specially in the cold. And as much as I am tempted to lie about even just a digit, I can't. I was told that it's a free medical thing, where we will be picked up at some location and be given a ride to somewhere. When I asked what is the final destination, perhaps a hospital, they mentioned some place which, of course, I don't know. Anyway, he said someone who can speak better English will call me.

I got the phone today and it turned out not any better than the first guy. I was told that the pick up place was to be at a store near the station, (different from what the guy mentioned before) which was better this time. The thing is, I didn't get where they will be taking us after that.

I am not sure of that kind of set up. I need to know where the final location be so I can plot it on the map and figure out the place. I don't want to be whisked away again without knowing where I'll be heading and get sick on the ride. I don't know them, I don't know where they'll be taking us and I am inclined to join even if it's for a free something. I need to know where and how long.

I had signed up once last summer for an activity without knowing where it's going to be and I ended up in panic on the way to the final location. And worst, slightly feeling sick after catching a ride home with another car other than the one that took us there in the first place. As much as I was grateful for the ride, I had to say that she was a terrible driver. I don't know how long has she been driving that funky SUV of hers but no thank you. Id' rather have the option of knowing where I'll be going and be able to figure out how to get home on my own if I needed to do so.

As for that free medical check up or a chance to practice Korean, I think I'll pass on that. They might have a novel intention of helping out foreigners in town but language poses as a big problem in communication. Who knows? They might just actually herd us into some place and butcher us for our innards. Hah! There goes my overactive imagination.

Lesson learned: know where exactly I'm going so I can prepare my ginger!

Moving in Korea (for the nth time for me) (Part 1)

We are moving again. Like, not really nth time but just the third time during my four years living here so far. I've lived here for three years back when I first got here and we only moved once at that time.

On our second one this time, we are moving for the second time. The good thing is that our moves here ROK had only been within the same city. I previous place is just within walking distance and I can still go back to pick up something I've forgotten to pack. Haha! Or maybe finish up the clean up in the old place.

How am I getting on with the move? Well, I've stocked on the boxes from the grocery whenever we do our shopping. I always choose the fruit boxes for mandarin, apples, and alike for packing our grocery. They're pretty sturdy. Soju bottle boxes, fabric conditioner or any boxes for liquid products that would be heavy will do. I also save boxes of any stuff we ordered for delivery like oats, laptops, etc. (Hubby has ordered three chromebooks during these past six months.)

Now, I'm starting to pack stuff bit by bit. I'll just have to remember to separately pack the beddings, kitchen, and clothings that we will be needing immediately. Off to my list for now.

Clothing and Sizes

My son is growing fast...or should I say his feet are! The last shoes I bought for him back in Ph was a 36 and about 230 when we got here last year. Then came around springtime and he was a 235. I was quite ecstatic for a while that we can actually share sneakers for a couple of months. Came winter time and we had to get some winter footwear, he ended up with a 245 when we ordered 235. It was a bit big but it turned out perfect by the end of January and good for this year's winter it seems.

The same thing goes with the clothes. I got him 130 winter jacket before we moved around early 2014 and bought _ _ _ for his spring/summer clothes. I supposed that he can still wear these until this year. The underclothes I got for him for the winter were 150, the biggest available that I found in Uniqlo. Hopefully, this will last for at least two winters since it's stretchable and worn under anyway.

Now, I'm thinking of getting him some winter clothes and shoes for next year with the off-season sale just around the corner. The problem is the sizing thing.The most size that I can get under kids' is 160 and 260. Most sizes available are up to 150 and 240. I have yet to figure out what size should I get for him to fit for next year's winter. That is a very tricky thing to do with his growth rate that I cannot pretty much still predict.

So let me just run by it. Would it be safe to get a 260 for his shoes? How about the clothes, would a 160 fit him for next winter? Now, come to think of, it might just as I remember a 140 Prospecs which turned out to be bigger. So I think, 160 won't be bad for the clothes. Alright, now I got to keep an eye for these sizes when they go on sale somewhere or when I hit the thrift shop after classes one of these days. Now, if I can just figure out when to do any of these shopping coz I have yet to pack for another move soon. I just hope that move can get going soon.

So back to packing now!

Language and Skills

Language and skills: these are very important things that an immigrant to Germany, or any other country, has to have in order to successfully integrate. This is what the successful immigrants had similarly remarked in the documentaries I've seen from dw.de.

From a young asylum seeker from Togo to an Arab medical student who both managed to survive living in a foreign land. The asylum seeker learned and earned his baking certificate while the Arab medical student managed to cross the language boundaries and became a medical doctor. These are just a couple of successful immigrant stories. I just had to make a note of this here. 

Arab Students in Germany

Young Immigrants  Part 1, Part 2

Getting Too Familar with Arirang TV Channel

I've been watching dw.de documentaries lately and there are really a lot of interesting features that I find missing in the Arirang TV programming. Is it just I didn't search the site very well or just I have this impression that Korean still has this self-centered view of the world, that it's not really open to the global audience? They only show everything about Korean in the channel, and the website would usually be filled with Hallyu content or political issues about their backyard and next door neighbors, the seas around it, and lots of Korean culture. One can just get sick of all these at one point.

A few years back when I use to watch these two channels on cable, I have never really found much difference. I only remember watching a certain sitcom on Arirang at that time. Nothing much captivated me maybe because most will have to be subtitled? Things have change a bit since then. I just learned that the channel was in its early years at that time. It has grown in terms of technological part, the contents have been more on K-Pop which they have really capitalized on, and more programs are accessible without subtitles.

Nonetheless, I still find myself switching to dw.de more often to watch their documentaries. I know that the Korean local broadcasting companies have more varied programming for locals compared to what I see on Arirang which basically comes across as a propaganda channel of sorts. I just wonder why they can't put some more variety in their programming. Arirang Channel's subheading is the window of the world to Korea which translates as "this is how Korea want the world to see it" kind of thinking. Almost very reflective of the Korean culture of got to look good all the time.

That doesn't make it real. How would people believe if everything they see is good? There's got to be some sense of reality somewhere to build a good media reputation. Just my oho. (own humble opinion)

Mandu-Making (Korean Dumplings) and Banking (take nth)

Today is the mandu-making with the multicultural center. We set out for the place around 9:45 then headed back around 1:30. We filled up lots of mandu wrappers among the 16 migrant women who showed up to help the other Korean women who did most of the work. The ingredients were all chopped up when we got there and they were still boiling the newly-made mandus when we left.

I would have stayed and helped til everything was finished if I had only known it would be that much. I've seen two big basins of mandu mixed and made today. Amazing. I hope to see the kimchi-making this coming fall.

We got back to downtown at almost two o'clock and I headed to the Dong office to get the document for me to open a Multicultural Acct. I had to pay two grand for 2 copies of that. I was surprised coz last time, it only cost about half of that for another kind of document. It was pretty funny how these things work. Another thing that I find surprising was I was able to pay with a debit card. A bit embarrassing not to have any paper bills in my wallet but the card works.

After I got the document, I stopped by the ATM to withdraw some cash before heading to the bank. When I got there, I had to withdraw again to put in the initial deposit for the special savings account. I managed to accomplish what I came for: opening the special savings account and a dollar account. It turns out that my previous dollar account can still be resurrected and I just have to get a replacement for the lost bank book. This were all done through Korean and typed in translation in the teller's mobile phone. I finally accomplished the banking thing so it's time to head back home.

I managed to pack two boxes of P' English books today. I am really trying to get ahead in this packing things to lessen the stress around the moving day. Hopefully, I'll manage to get some more packing and cleaning tomorrow. 

Humidity and Korean Winter

Weather: Sunny, supposedly warmer at -1 degrees C high temps but with the wind chill factor in, it still feels colder than usual. There's even steam whenever I breathe outside. 

The air is drier today with 47% percent of humidity. I was finally able to run one of our thick winter blankets in the machine with hopes that it will dry out by tonight. It's been a while since I have planned on doing so but I cannot afford to go blanket-less for a night with the colder temps these past few weeks. When it got warmer, the humidity is pretty high also so there is less tendency for the clothes to dry. We do have an extra blanket but these are thinner that the super winter ones we have.

I'm so looking forward to spring soon when I can move about the house more freely. 
There is the spring cleaning to plan out and getting back to school for my son and my offline Korean language classes too. Those I need to prepare for the following months. 

Then, there is also the Korean New Year and our possible move again. Oh, boy! I'm starting to like spring!

Banana Bread in a Mug and Rice Cooker

There were 5 bananas turning brown on the counter so I thought about baking some banana bread. I had to google again for some recipes for that and here's what I managed to find.

For the mug recipe:
Mug Banana Cakes (originally from this blog) but I tweaked it a bit since I know that bananas do tend be sweet. 
(The original post)
Ingredients
1 T butter, melted (or flavourless oil)
1 tbsp milk
1 ripe banana (mashed)
3 tbsp plain flour
3 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp baking powder
1 egg (lightly beaten)

My Version:
3 T flour
2 T brown sugar
1/2  t b.powder
3 T mashed banana
1 T oil
2 T milk
cinnamon

I omitted the egg for an eggless version trial as reference for the future. 
I nuked it in 2+2 minutes. I am not sure what level though since our latest MW is in Korean. 
It turned out a bit paler than what I had done before. Maybe because I usually mixed in whole wheat flour mixed before. 

As for the banana bread in the rice cooker, I referred to evanandrachel blog which I also tweaked a bit again because of the sweetness level. 

RECIPE:
3 C                  ---> 1 cup of wheat flour (or 1 1/2 cups of white flour)
1/2 C or 6 - 7 T ---> 3/4 cups brown sugar (or the same amount of white sugar)
3 t                --->   1 1/2 tsp baking soda
dashes  ---> 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 med./lg bananas)
1/2 C ---> 1/3 cups softened butter
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
cinnamon to taste

January 2015 in the Kitchen!

Christmas and New Year has come and gone but I wasn't able to really cook what I wanted for the season. Why? It was just so cold in the kitchen that I would only venture out there for quick survival cooking. Meaning, I just cook anything so we can eat something. Sometimes, my husband is the one who takes over and manages better than me. 

Pasta has been what I had been thinking of making. I was only thinking of Carbonara but I cooked more pasta than what I needed. I found some more other ingredients to be able to make chicken macaroni since we also had some leftover chicken meat. I found almost everything that I needed like apple, raisin, mayo, carrots, garlic, etc. Most of these were like the last ones so I basically finished up my supply. I just had to buy a can of pineapple but what I ended up buying a fruit cocktail can coz it was selling at the same prize as the other one. I figured that I can also get the pineapples from the fruit cocktail plus I can still have the other fruits. 

So I still have the macaroni salad and leftover fruit cocktail sitting in the fridge waiting for me. I already finished up the raisins originally for my oats, I will be using those fruit cocktail instead. I just hope I get to finish them before they spoil. 

Another one that I have waiting for me to make is the banana that we bought last week and has been sitting on the counter with its skin turning brown soon. I just had to make it into a bread because nobody seems to be interested in eating them anymore. It's a different brand from what we are used to (Del Monte, or Dole). The label has a sticker that says, "Manna." It doesn't taste that good I think, although it's a bit smaller which is just about the right serving for me. 

Well, I just had to chop them well, mix 'em up with other stuff and hopefully make a decent banana "BRAKE" again. (BRAKE= bread/cake) I'll use the rice cooker this time but once I get a decent microwavable dish to cook in the microwave which we got this week, I will definitely try a bread in there by adding a glass of water while nuking just like what I saw in another website making a whole wheat flour loaf. But then again, the 5-minute choc cup cake was a favorite when we had our old microwave and my favorite Luminarc mug which was broken just last month. ㅠㅠ 

Good days are still up ahead anyway. It's time to get started on that banana brake. 

 

Microwave at last!

We got a second-hand Samsung microwave today from another expat in the nearby city. It was roughly 40 minutes drive to get there but it wasn't so bad I guess. We took a different route from the usual which the "Navi"/GPS Navigation in the car gives out. We mapped out our possible route going through Samsung area in Tanjeung to get to Cheonan. It turned out well, with less traffic light involve on the way. The car GPS usually takes us through the downtown of cities so it's getting totally annoying for me to see all those stop lights.

The nuke was a bit dirty, but works well. I just had to clean it up a bit before trying it out to reheat some food. I can now try the five-minute-cup cake again, and other things. I just have to figure out how to work it as it has all the buttons in Korean. The manual online is also available only in Korean.

And another thing is to get myself a microwavable dish soon so I can cook other things there. I am also eyeing a two-sided pan for the frozen fish in the fridge. It's very tricky (read: stinky) to do a lot of frying with all the doors and windows closed during winter.

Problem is we have no decent spot for the nuke in the kitchen now. Oh well, I just hope that things will continue to look up and we'll be able to move to a more spacious place this year.

Hello 2015 Health

First weekend of 2015 didn't come well for me as I feel pain in my lower back. I wanted to soak it in a hot tub since yesterday but it was just too inconvenient. I may use a hot water bottle today and other hot packs around. The water bottle worked a bit to ease the pain last week when I used it on the way to the Ski Resort.

Is it just the cold, or is there something wrong with my innards? ^^, I sure don't want a worse bout of UTI now. Drink more water, keep clean and get enough rest. I should not really ever take for granted health.

I also had to endure my right hand hurt while we were parking upon arrival there. It got caught when P accidentally tried to close the car door while I still holding on to the door latch to keep the car from moving. It's like a nail was driven into my palm and it's been sore up until today, 5th day. Hopefully it will all be gone before a week. It's just harder to move around and do even simple things when a part of your body is "out of order".

My body screams for something warm or hot. It needs something to alleviate the lower back pain. I just hope it isn't because of anything worse. I do have some muscle pain pills I got from the hospital last time. Next time that I get a chance for a check up, my order list will be urinalysis, and possibly MRI. I'm pretty curious now how much would these cost of I actually just show up and pay for these since there is medical insurance anyway.

Well, that's something I will have to check on next time. It's time to google for lower back pain remedy for now.

Forevermore, Philippine Teleserye

This is top billed by Enrique Gil and Liza Soberana, the girl who played Daniel Padilla's girlfriend from Singapore in "Got to Believe in Magic." Such a pretty face this girl but she still has a lot to prove in her acting skills. This is one such good break though. She had us at her stint in G2B so it would be interesting to see her in a new series, her own at that. There's just something how she speaks though. Her Tagalog sounds odd at times. They also got the twins from "the Voice Philippines" in these series as they provide, or try to that is, the comic relief. 

After I watched the pilot episode, it does seem interesting. The thing is when I moved on to the second episode, I finally realized that it is exactly on the same vein as the G2B since they were made by the same people behind that. The main line is rich boy, poor girl from a close knit community. The community is a small group in the uplands in Benguet this time, compared to the circus family in G2B. The rich boy's backdrop is changed into a the father and the heir-seeking grandma from the mom and granddad in G2B. They just added a little twist to the mom role here. It's just funny that the demanding mom in G2B was played by Carmina Villaroel and the dad here is played by Zoren Legaspi, both real couples off-screen. 

Well, I'm into 3rd episode now so let's see how long I can hang on to this by-the-book predictable storyline. The only fun part here is Liza's lovable face and the unique Baguio setting. I am currently watching in the middle of winter and I can only guess if it is as cold as it looks there. Though I am sure it is colder here at less than 0 degrees Celsius. 

Brr..lunchtime.