Driving Diaries: Practice Buddy (May 2016)

Driving Practice Log 1

Wed: May 18

Goal for the month accomplished! 

Got my DL card today!

I now have another year to practice a bit while saving to buy my own car (unless my husband would totally lend me his car). 

5/20 - 1 hour, turning around, after lunch class

H. Almost freaked out when he let me pull out from a busy parking lot. He had no idea I was totally clueless on reversing. I managed to do so anyway. I did a round and reverse at the end. 

5/26 - 2 hrs. reversing, parking, after lunch class 

Went with Pilip to practice and got a bit more on reversing this time. H was even was pushing me to go out of the parking lot. 

*more theoretical videos, pen outline, notes about bay parking and parallel

5/27 - H also had me drive on my way to work today when I mentioned it on the spur of the moment. It was the shorter route but I chickened out on the last minute. I gotta feel more confident on my reverse (I'm getting anal on that, idkwhy) as well as getting out of the bigger and busier streets. 

5/29 Sun, 2 hours (5:45 - 7:15)

Drove from our apt. complex parking lot to the Children's lib, then to the Green Tower. My hubs definitely helped a lot as extra eyes, prodding on and to speed up. I had three cars behind me at the overpass, and even the taxi honked loudly at me. No dirty looks that I've noticed.

I've been practicing more turning at a good speed without braking as much as possible but I still have a long way to go. My hubs still tells me that I seem to almost stop at turns. I must admit that I'm not confident at turning without breaks yet and that's even without hitting the accelerator. I just have to take it slowly to build my confidence. Luckily, we found a good place nearby with a decent road turns and less traffic on certain hours. There's a dirt patch for parking, a half-empty parking lot with crazy bay parking angles, and a brand new parking lot that looks a bit similar to the driving school course minus the steep part. That last parking lot was really the perfect place to practice my turning and parking. 

Speaking of parking, I managed to do two successful bay parking at 45 degrees angle today after watching that trick on youtube today. I've been hoping to do that the last time but it just didn't work in the other parking lot. The trick I did today was to stop at the third line from the space I am aiming for when it reaches my shoulder view. Then, do a full turn to whichever side I was going to park in. It ended up right into the slot. It worked! I would play around with it for now, but gotta keep in mind that if I want to try my Dad's pick up truck later, I would have to check out other ways to butt park. 

More videos to watch to take notes of and fuel to burn...this is starting to get more fun every day. :) Just have to pray more every time we head out coz the risk gets higher with each level.

Driving Diaries: Intro

My driving log will now migrate here from the inotes. 
I've kept it on inotes since it was easier to access but it has grown quite a bit so it's about time.

There are previous entries on the "Driving Lessons" which I have posted before I got the license.

I'll break it down into series and according to months.

First one is a Driving Practice Log when I started practicing after I got my license. This will continue for a couple of months as I try it out driving with my husband.

Next will be the Driving Log as I try out driving by myself completing each milestone I've set for the given period. These are the challenges that I found difficult to do that I wouldn't want to try at all in the first place. There will always be a goal in this first-year driving experience for me as I gain more self-confidence, learn more about driving in different situations and overcome difficulties.

Buying Cars in Korea

Taxes

If you buy a car in Korea, you’ll need to pay at least 9% in taxes. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 7%: Registration tax (must be paid within 15 days of purchase)
• 2%: Acquisition tax
• You may also need to pay some government bonds, however, this all depends on the size and model of your vehicle. They will be between 4%-20% of your car’s purchase price.

Your auto taxes will need to be paid every three months. You can do this at any bank.

Registering your used vehicle:

You must register your vehicle within 15 days of purchasing it. If you request it, the car dealership will take care of this for you. Some charge a fee while others don’t. The registration fee will be 5% of the vehicle’s price.

Other things you’ll need:

• Registration application form
• ARC + passport
• Inspection sticker
• Proof of valid vehicle liability insurance
• Temporary tag number/license plate (lets you drive for 10 days)
• Vehicle certificate (if you cannot prove ownership with this, then you’ll also need an ownership certificate).

Odds and Ends

Here are some other important things to keep in mind when you buy a car in Korea:

1. You will need a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in Korea. Read WorknPlay’s article on Applying for a Korean Driver’s License to learn more.
2. You will need a vehicle inspection every two years (unless your vehicle is brand new and received an initial inspection at the time of purchase). The fee is 15,000KRW, and you can read more about the procedure itself on the Korea Transportation Safety Authority website.
3. Like many countries, you cannot modify your vehicle to have things like monster truck wheels or glowing license plates. Safety first, people!
4. As always, with the exception of Itaewon, most garage or auto repair centers won’t have an English speaker on-hand. However, most can read English, and if your car is a domestic model, even better. If it’s a major issue though, it’s best to take a Korean friend along with you to avoid any possible miscommunications.
5. With the purchase of your vehicle, you will need to obtain auto insurance. Visit WorknPlay’s article about Auto Insurance for Foreigners in Korea to find out more.

If you own a vehicle that you wish to sell to someone else be it a foreign national or Korean national, you will require the following documents to transfer ownership:

a. Transfer certificate (issued by the Dong office or Transportation Administration Section of the gu office)
b. Automobile tax payment certificate (issued by the Dong office) or the current car tax payment receipt c. Seal impression certificate (issued by latest Dong office) . If you've gone to the Vehicle Registry you may not require this one.
d. Proof of residence (in Korea)
e. Car registration certificate 

You want to make sure that the new owner (to be) has the following:
a. Liability insurance certificate (proof that coverage has been purchased)
b. Proof of residence.

Repost from worknplay korea.

EMS, COL, etc..

A couple of things got accomplished today. The packaged has been shipped and the payment has also been credited to my COL account right away so I was able to buy the URC stocks at a lower price than what I was eyeing last week. Although I got this still at a higher that what it is trading today. But I figured it's okay. I don't want to be greedy. I just tried to get it at a number I can easily remember..haha! What kind of reasoning is that!

With those two done, I can work on the other ones. On my list today are doing that KIIP 5 book, and something outdoors. I am now sitting on a mat under the trees listening to "whattaman" via the PA, and blogging using the public wifi at the park. How cool is that!

Staying indoors  with those two boys each with their own electric fan can be draining to see. I'd prefer my fresh air under the trees specially on a summer like this. My summer days are numbered.  

Korean Post Office Multicultural Family Discount

There's a more publicized discount for multicultural family at the post office recently. I found the flier last time I went there and when finally sent some things today, the helpful staff at the counter mentioned it.

He first asked if I had a Multicultural ID which I know that I have somewhere. Thing is, I couldn't find it when I check at home after I saw that flier last time. I chanced on suggesting "how about the Alien card that still shows an F6-Visa?" He double-checked some list and told me that will do.

I hurriedly finalized the package and filled up the form before he changes his mind or before he goes away and I'll end up with a different staff who can be clueless about such. The teller I ended up with, indeed, almost wasn't gonna give me that 10% discount on the EMS. I had to refer her to the other guy I talked to earlier. It wasn't so bad. Mission accomplished with a 2k something discount at that! I was a happy trouper.

A Korean Bank Rant

Dear Korean Banks,

Why do I have this feeling that you don't want me to leave or use MY money outside this land? Sure, I may be able to send but online purchases can be very frustrating. Specially tickets. Why?

I've tried to score some good deal on tickets last Aug. 5 only to spend an hour on my phone dealing with CSR to set up my card to purchase it no avail. Last night, I've decided to use my KH card, thinking a Korean one would be easier, only to face the same brick wall. Hubs tells me to do it the next day. I totally doubt it. The prices do drop quite not so often. That was another good deal missed!

So, what is it that is hindering me from purchasing those tickets? Meant to be or not meant to be? I need to be patient and keep trying. Keep the positive thoughts that there is something behind all of these.

I just hope I can still get my cash back from my hubs acct. lol

Korean Money: Bills

Korean paper money has very limited denominations: 1000, 5000, 10000, and 50000. 

As the amount increases, the paper size also increases. 

The 50k is the very recent addition to this. It has has been a long over due one, and it is the only bill with a woman featured on it. There has been proposals to have a 100k bill since it might be really handful to just carry 10k's and 50k's but it hasn't pushed thru because of the possibility of easier source of corruption. 

I have yet to see if they would decide to do so in the future. 

Burned Car in a Parking Lot

Last weekend, I went for an afternoon drive to the lake nearby and saw this. 

I thought that it was an old one but I can still smell the stench and feel the remaining heat. It must have happened just a few hours earlier. I totally have no idea what caused it for sure but reminded me of possible things that one can leave inside a car that might cause it to burn or even explode. Another possible one would be an LNG car perhaps? 

I really have to be mindful of the car whenever I leave it. I should always get this list check before I walk away from it.

1. Side view mirrors tucked in (to prevent getting scratched or something)

2. Windows

3. Trunk

4. Door lock from the key

From inside:IPA 

Ignition key locked,

Parking brake ON

Any gadget or plastic water bottle that might dangerous if left inside a hot metal thing.

Other things that I might find handy to have in the car as a new driver: 

Umbrella, gloves, wet tissue, the driving book (reading material when waiting), hook behind the passenger's seat for the bags, long umbrella and maybe even the box of tissue. I'll have to google for some ideas how to keep the interior clean and tidy. 

Immigration and Integration

Sarang Plus activity last Tuesday left me thinking again of what exactly is the purpose of that program. I do remember that it's basically geared toward the newcomers who has been here for not long enough to experience and learn some culture. This I appreciate since I never had much chance to join a lot when I first got here.

But then again, I felt some activities, if not most, left me thinking that if this is a way of integration, it sure failed me a bit. Why? I really don't feel comfortable on the way they handle lunch. More than twice that I felt that I am always will be a guest, an outsider. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that.

This made me search for programs other countries has for integrating immigrants. The best one that came to mind is Germany. It's a little hard to find English literature on the subject but this one got me reading a bit, Global Migration Research Paper by Zuzanna Hubschmann.

It was in the middle of the night that I woke up to run to the bathroom and couldn't go back to sleep that this thought really came to me. Something can be improved in this program. I wonder how other countries go about their integration programs? As usual, I wonder about things a lot.

Some notes that struck me.

"Moreover, migrants enter these programs with already existing networks and do not wait for the program to start integrating, finding jobs, apartments, meeting people. Surprisingly, the program does not provide any opportunity to connect with German nationals, except for the teacher. It gives no assistance in creating networks with locals, which is a key factor of integration. Thus, after completing half a year of integration courses, a migrant may be still be isolated from the German community, despite an increased feeling of attachment to the country."

"providing the migrants with greater opportunities to connect with Germans could improve the long-term outcomes of participating in such a program" p. 33

Good points for the Damuwha programs though is they got that part on the job thing and stuff.

"Apart from teaching basic German and creating an opportunity to meet other migrants, the program provides little assistance in a “real-life integration”: finding a job or learning how to do so, connecting with locals and migrant associations, learning how to participate in political and social life. Despite the program’s claim that the integration certificate will help in finding a job, the level of German acquired at the end of it is too low for most employers. Writing resumes, practicing interviews, assistance in translating migrant qualifications into the German market, educational opportunities available to migrants, could all be incorporated into the structure of the program. Currently, no such efforts are made and migrants are left to their own devices to find out where to go and what assistance is available."

Indicators:
Indicators of integration that measure its process and progress vary depending on a nation-state’s vision of what successful integration means. Among the most common indicators are labor market participation, language proficiency, socio-economic status, level of participation in public discourse and civil society, as well as cultural and religious practices.

This has been an interesting read. I would have to find another time to rearrange my thoughts on this matter and how Korea fares in immigration and integration. For now, I've got to prepare for the Korean 1-on-1 session later.

My conundrum is finding someone who is willing to talk and hang out with in Korean only. Who would not let me feel being talked down, who would not just lecture me about stuff but give me a chance to speak out. A well-trained language teacher is what I have in mind.

What's Taboo Topic Nowadays?

This will be another quick one as I was watching some youtube videos about processed food that includes ice cream, ketchup, or even waxed fruits and even water. Yes, apples may be natural but if it has gone through mass process...

This drove me to the ever-changing diet fads through the years: Atkins, Paleo, etc. It can be an interesting topic for small talk but because it can also be a dangerous one. So this brings me to common taboo topics like religion, politics, and now, maybe even diet?

Back to my stuff now...

EoM May

I've just finished my group lunch class when someone asked me if I find my classes interesting. But of course! I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't that fun except for the income. lol. Seriously, I do find it fun and satisfying. The teaching part is fun and the income, satisfying. :)

This set up is right up my alley. Small group, with more interesting students and decent pay. If I would be teaching in a classroom setting in my homeland, I don't think it would be that fun for me. The issue of doing something that you like and getting paid for it will probably be not that satisfying. The noble purpose of teaching is defeated since I have to teach a lot of students, thus, might not be that fulfilling. To top it all, it won't pay that well either. With what I do now, I get my almost ideal teaching setting and get paid well at that. I don't have the job security as someone employed in a brick and mortar company but freedom to have a flexible schedule and even location serves me to a T. I can meet new students every now and then, change teaching locations, revise my curriculum anytime, experiment with different set-ups and have flexible hours to a certain limit.

This is what I came here for aside from my son's language, that is. There might be some problem that may arise every end of the month, specially recently, I'll try to overcome them. I just need to vent this out now. Should I write it down now or what? I'm not sure. It might open the flood gates of my tear ducts.

Suck it up and do more constructive things for now.

Novice Home Baker Series: Late Nite Loaf

Just had to write down the recipe before I forget.
It started raining late this afternoon and the temperature has dropped a bit for me so I just had to bake some bread. I haven't exactly baked for more than two weeks I think. This is all rough from my head.

2 C bread flour

1/2 C whole wheat

1/2 C ground and boiled oat groats

3-4 t sugar

2.25 t yeast

1 t salt

1/2 C water

1/4 C milk (was running out of milk)

3 T canola oil

Used the bread machine to make the dough. Putting the flour first before adding the rest. Did the whole dough process on the machine.

Then I transferred it to the 9x5 loaf pan for the final rise until it was half an inch above the pan. 

Baked it for about 30-35 minutes. 

I am now waiting for it to cool so I can find out if it is not very grainy that it will fall apart when sliced for a sandwich. 

The Story of Us

I don't know why I kept at this series ever since I checked out the pilot set in El Nido. The story has almost an uncanny similarity to otwol series that has just wrapped up. Sure there are differences but the setting being in US is just all too familiar.

The leads for this series are also newbies when it comes to a little non-comic setting. Even with the strong  support of other veteran casts, the leads really have a lot to work on for. They fared well with previous rom-com a bit but not on this more serious one. It's a struggle to watch the leading man act. I found him cute before with his piano and guitar playing skills in light acting projects but not on this one that demands more serious acting.

Oh, well. I don't think this will end soon though. But come to think of it, maybe it will this month.

Getting a Driver's License in Korea for Foreigners (shortened version, Part 1)

This is my attempt to write a shorter version on how get a Korean driver's license. (I had previously written a few more-detailed entries of my own experience but this one is a waaay shorter entry.)

This is for a total newbie.

I. The most straight-forward way is find a driving school that will accommodate your limited Korean-language skills. Some are not that willing to take on the risk of miscommunication that might result to an accident. 

Driving school academy (437, 800W) which includes the following:

• 1 hour video plus 4 hours lecture with lunch break (but lunch expense is not included) 
• theoretical test that includes a drive going to and fro the testing center
• 1 hour hands-on training for the technical skills test

Then if you passed both test,

• 6 hours road practice for all the 4 courses for the test

Separate testing fees will be needed as follows: 

computerized written test - 7, 500 W 

technical skills test -  37, 500 W (?)

road test - 55, 000 W

Any additional hour of practice you need before you take the road driving test will cost another 55,000/hr. So you either use that 55K to practice two courses or risk it to take the test which you may complete the whole course or barely get out to the road and still fail. It's all up to one's level of confidence. 

II. Semi-DIY. This is an alternative to save on that almost half a million dough. 

You will need: 

• driving test reviewer book
• which may or not come with a DVD - the DVD will be helpful to view videos that may show up in the test (usually 2 questions)
• youtube videos 
• car

So for the computerized written test, one can actually do a self-review using the review materials. But attending or watching a lecture may be more helpful for some people depending on one's learning style. 

As for the technical test, youtube videos will help but an actual hands-on is definitely the way to go. How do you go about that? Hi-jack a car, maybe one that comes with someone willing to give you the basics in operating a car or simply risk it and figure out how to work it. (More info on the test details here.)

Basically, one should be able to figure out and perform the following on cue:

• start the car while holding down the foot brake
• release parking brake
• change from P to D
• use the windshield wiper (turn on and off)
• use the turn signals (turn on, turn left and right)
• use the headlights (high and low beams)
• what to do on emergency (hit the foot brake and the emergency signal)
• drive the car (without the use of accelerator) for 50 m
• turn off the ignition
• change from D to P and 
• set the parking brake

All of the above done with the seat belt on or else!

Notes: 

The computerized written test might will definitely have an English version or other language for that matter. Just make sure you choose the language you are most comfortable with so it will be easier to negate some vague translations. 

The technical test, on the other hand, will have lesser chances of an English version available. It will most likely be in Korean. The instructions are pretty simple though but you have to train your ears on the cues of what and when to execute it. The driving instructor told me to listen for "yo." And remember the to keep the seat belt on from the start until you hear, "hapgyuk imnida" or until the instructor shouts at you to get out of there.   

To be continued...

Driving Lessons: Part 5

Take 2! That's how far I had to go to get the passing score of 76. I wish I could have done better but I didn't realize that it would be easy to get 10 points deductions from the starting point of 100. It's a blessing that I had to take the same course D which I also did last time.

This I saw when I sat behind during another test-taker's turn. We started off all right and she managed to complete the test. She still failed with only 60 points left on her side. She lost ten big points at the corner when she was about to turn left heading into the thoroughfare but was in the 3rd lane instead of the first. She also forgot to go neutral while waiting at the signal light. Another deduction made was when she was turning left from the first lane and ended up in the second lane after the turn. That is textbook mistake. The same thing as hitting the brakes very sharply at the start. The testing instructor pointed these out after the test. Fortunately, I learned something from her mistakes.

When it was my turn, the traffic light was red and it was just a fraction second to decide to go for it and follow the two cars ahead of me. First hurdle done. Now, on to the going-straight at a bit of speed. My next big hurdle is going back later to the big road where I made the mistake last week. I made it coz but I think there was a bit of glitch when I changed lane after turning. I might not have hit the turn signal long enough before I actually made a turn because I was keen on just taking the opportunity to do so while there was no car coming up from behind me.

Another tricky part in course D is the corner between two banks. That is basically the second corner after turning right but there's usually a car park at that corner and another one coming out to join my lane. Which is really not so cool coz I had to change lanes and do the signals in such a short time with other vehicles waiting behind me. Sharp senses, and quick decision-making without breaking any law or hurting anyone or anything for that matter are really the underlining points in driving. That is a challenge that makes driving fun as a beginner!

The driver's license will be available for pick-up next Tuesday after 5 according to the lady after I pay for it. Time and that 7,500 W are what's left standing between me and that driver's license. My birth month goal is almost close to completion.

I can get back to my Korean language learning now with that driving thing behind me.

Driving Lessons: Part 4

The D-day came around and I was very excited to just do it.

I headed there after my lunch class and even had to take a cab coz I was afraid that I'll be late. Turns out, as I've expected, that I still have to wait anyway since they put me second to the last.

My turn to wait more near the "testing tower" came at around 3:15. I watch the testing car leave with another test-taker sitting at the backseat. They were gone twenty minutes later and it came back with the testing instructor behind the wheel. By the looks of the lady who got off the passenger's seat, she didn't look that happy. I was then called on to take the backseat and sign on the tablet. We then headed out, with the older woman test-taker behind the wheel. I'd be watching her take the test. Exciting!

But all my excitement was dashed when the lady barely made it out to the road after almost hitting the wall of the construction site heading out from the academy. The lady has no sense of what she's doing it seems. She hardly used the brakes when she needed to and she was slower than me to turn the steering wheel. She was holding it so hard and has trouble turning it properly. When asked how many hours she has clocked in, she said only eight hours. I would have had the same level of confidence if I hadn't clocked in more hours. We still managed to get on the road but we turned around when the testing instructor had a chance. We pulled over and he took the wheel as he drove us back to the center. It was almost too quick for a 55,000 W ride. He continuously gave extra tips to the lady on our ride back while I try my best to listen in and understand. I was lapping to every tip he gave. haha...I know I can do better than the lady.

My turn came but we had to wait a bit more. Bathroom break. The other girl after me showed up, and took the backseat. I got in the driver's seat, and was asked to click on the tablet again for the random course that I will be tested in. The instructor had asked me a few questions earlier about my nationality, Korean language level and offered me a choice to take it in English. What? There is a choice now?! My online researches were a bit outdated it seems. So going back to my road test, it went fine for the first half of the course. I was able to find my way even after I fumbled with the starting off. I missed the B, I, D and P for a sec (brake, ignition, drive, and parking brake.)

To cut it short, I failed this first attempt. Why? I missed the cue to change lane after crossing to the bigger road. With that one mistake, I didn't have any chance to change lane anymore later on to get to the left side when I was about to exit the road. It was not a good one but it was still exciting. I almost made it back to the academy. My other possible big hurdle was the parallel parking at the end of the test but I didn't made it to that part. Hopefully, I will be able to wing it better next time around.

I had another chance to sit through the other test-taker after my turn since we were the last ones for the day. She clearly was a better one than the older lady. It was almost perfect and she did pass the test. Turned out, it was her 4th time to take the test. *big grin. I don't think I'll hit that mark though. Just one more on that "talking car" and I'll be waiting for my license soon. (I gathered that it only takes a week to get it after passing the road test.)  I immediately had to sign up for the next test schedule.

Oh, well. I know I can do better. I'll just have to be ready again for the next one. I think I should be better with the audio instructions factored in. I will have to go over the individual routes again mentally and note down the change lanes, and other possible bumps. Until the next and final test!

Colorful Flowering Trees in my Hometown

Photo credits to thoughtstalesandwhatnot.com

It's spring season and it's time for cherry blossoms here in the peninsula. This reminded me of a tree of the same moniker, cherry, from my hometown. Palawan cherry tree as it has been dubbed, or balayong in a more local term, has been a common sight in my high school and other spots in my hometown. I found the photo above from a blog with as equally beautiful shots of the Palawan tree. These, along with the fire trees, are often seen together in the same area. But the dearest to me is the golden shower tree.

I remember one in our front yard when I was a child. It almost always blooms specially around my birth month May. Those were the picture of my childhood: yellow blossoms, regularly-trimmed tree that sometimes hosts caterpillars that turn into beautiful butterflies. The seeds itself can be quite stinky coz I remember playing with it as a stick only to find the stinky seeds when I happen to break it. But those seed pods will give rise to new set of beautiful yellow blossomed trees. When they bloom, it looks like a yellow bouquet.

Photo credits to treesplanet.blogspot.kr

Now, I wish my father didn't cut that tree down. I would have loved to grow old on a small house with a tree like that on the yard. That should be on my bucket list: a relatively spacious front yard with at least a golden shower tree, a Palawan cherry tree and maybe a fire tree as well. But of course, there should also be a small herb and vegetable garden. I do like flowers but with my practical-thinking mind, I can handle the flowers up on a tree than use up the land area beneath it which can be better planted with something edible.

I'm not that big on fruits but I'll be happy with a mango, chico, kalamansi, banana, and maybe some papaya. With these in mind, I initially thought that 500 sqm is enough but maybe 1000 sqm is needed to accommodate the fruit trees. And off I go to my dreamland again!

Driving Lessons Update: Part 2

So I signed up for the whole kit and caboodle of the driving lessons because there was really no other way to get my hands on a steering wheel since my hubs will not let me. My previous post here on the first time I got behind the wheel.

My next session was to learn the other courses, B and D which are located in a less-familiar area of the town. I have to figure out the the streets, turns, signal light changing, and speed at this one since it's goes through some school zone of sorts. Well, I'm not exactly sure if there is a school immediately nearby but the speed limit is pretty clear at 30 km/h.

I had a lady instructor this time so it was a bit different. I noticed that her English language is not as good as the previous one so we had to struggle a bit specially because she kept referring to N in Korean, 중립. It wasn't that easy at first but it made remember the Neutral on stop lights better. Another difference is she is plays too safely. Totally different with the ajussi who made me speed up not just once but a lot of times. She wasn't sure of my abilities so I guess she totally played it safe.

First day with her was the initial learning the routes for Courses B and D during the two hours. This wasn't not as exciting speeding but I did get to traverse the bigger road with 80 km/h speed limit. Next day, we did the four courses in the two hours that I had. During this session, she tried to use the tablet but I don't think it was maximized. I felt that I will fail because of not being able to understand the test instructions from the tablet. I had to sign up for another set of sessions.

Four more hours cost me an extra 220 k but I need to more confident with that table thingy which what got me in the 50 m operational test before in the first place. Luckily, it was rectified early on and I managed to pass the test in the end. During the last session before I had to take the test, the male instructor quizzed me on that turn signal audio in Korean. I had for the life of me, failed to recognize what "turn left" sounds like in Korean since my hubs just insisted on letting me listen to the video that had "right turn" or ohye-jeon in Korean. When I asked about other possible deviation on the test, he insisted that there won't be any. Hah!

Going back to the driving sessions, on to my next post.

Driving Lessons Update: Part 3

For a recap on my hands-on driving lessons: (hands-on because my hubs tried to teach me a bit but its mostly talk, and insisted on "try to memorize the theory and use your imagination" ---what?!!)

Course A (Asan Area) the most straightforward course

Course C (Asan Area) mostly lane changing and right turns

Day 1 (3 hrs)
H1 - driving around almost without accelerator in the driving course
H2 - Course A, with instructor driving and showing the route
         Course A, me driving
H3 - Course C

These three hours were pretty too much to handle for my brain so I opted for a two hour schedule for the following sessions.

*Day 2 (2 hours)
H4 - Course B
H5 - Course D

*Day 3 (2 hours)
H6 - Course A and C
H7 - Course B and D

Day 4
H8 - Course A and C
H9 - Course B and D

Course B (Bebang Area) with U-Turn

Course D (Bebang Area) with more complicated turns

This is pretty much where I am right now. I have managed to get into the 80km/h road, change lane, speed up and reach the second traffic light without seeing the red light to stop. The downside was I almost forgot to hit N as I wait to get out of the road because my hands were up in the air celebrating that 70 km/h!

I have to decide tomorrow to sign up for the road test this Thursday. I am a bit confident now in terms of turn signals, neutrals, accelerator and brakes. I have yet to work more on 

1. changing lanes at a speed
2. turning the steering wheel at different angles except for a U-turn and a sharp right-angle turn
3. getting in and out of traffic (Note here: Getting in, I can safely do that with a red light of oncoming traffic but have to watch out with other cars coming from the other directions.) 

I have unconsciously found myself figuring out how to use the side mirrors but not the rear-view mirror ever. Never had the chance yet. Come to think of it, I noticed my husband was able to drive with the rear window blocked with ice last winter. It may be helpful to learn that later on after I passed the road test. My extra learning sessions will only cost 50 k by then, after the Hapgyuk (합격)

My ajussi instructor promised me that he will use the table tomorrow so I can be familiar with the audio instructions for the test. Good thing I changed back to the male instructor, at least he knows my history with recorded audios in Korean. Sticking with the same instructor was something my hubs pointed out when I tole him how my driving lessons are going. Makes sense as I've realized. At least, hubs did give me a some of tips. 

Now as I prepare more for the road test, I try to find other websites as resources.

Here are some blogs/links that I found helpful and encouraging so far:

• no korean - Irish with no or limited Korean language skills going thru it
• Another Pinay blog - the initial parts of acquiring the license (written test etc.) She had to do her written test twice coz the husband gave her the wrong test reviewer. Funny but hey, at least she learned something about motorbikes. 
• And this is the hands-on part in a driving school she enrolled in. She only did the six-hours-behind-the-wheel and managed to pass the road test. This really gave me hope that I can finally wing it this week. I've already clocked in about 9 hours and two more tomorrow so I should be able to do it soon. 
• ESL forum about getting a Korean driver's license

That should wrap it up for this entry. My next entry should most likely start with PASSED! (I will probably wait for at the most another year before I get a chance to drive my husband's car or my own car. Why? He has just renewed his car insurance last Feb or March so I don't think he will be willing to alter that to accommodate me. So either that or I'll have to be able to afford having my own by next year.)

My next month's target is to concentrate on the Korean language again, and finish the KIIP language series. If God willing, I might even have enough courage to start the immigration papers this year. If not, the Driving License goal should have been accomplished. That calls for another entry all together.

Train Ride (Yongsan Stn.)

Driving Lessons' First Time

Driving on the road for the first time!

What I learned today:

signal light on changing lanes,
then check thru side mirror if its clear to move
drive gear first before accelerator
and Neutral every stop at an intersection or I'll have 3 points deduction

As for the parking techniques:
right full turn, straighten up until the gray box on my shoulder,
R, right two turns until I see the round plant...(a bit tricky), point 2, side lines are parallel to the car
Another full turn to the left until I see the two white lines
D, two turns, b4 hit accelerator and back to straighten again.

Note: Where to start and hit accelerator on the hill.

Whew! Another first today. Three consecutive hour sessions in one day. First was turning and parking in the center's area. Then, a 20-minute-break before heading out to check out the first route, Course A. On the second wind, I was the one on the wheel. It turned out pretty okay except for some missed double checking, an unsure run for the signal light change and slight change lane after that because of an incoming vehicle from the other side. I need to work on my intersection turnings.

Last week, as I did my first hands-on and operational test almost right after, I didn't have to step on the accelerator. I had a only a very little idea on how much force should I use as I step on it. It was mostly turn right, turn left, headlight on and off, wiper on and off, seat belt, and starts and stops. I did enjoy and savored the feeling of holding the steering wheel that day.

It was the accelerator this time. I'm a little bit more familiar with the turn signals but I have to maintain 60 km/h a little longer and not idle at 40 km/h most of the time. After doing Course C the second time, I was almost a bit comfortable. I wasn't really nervous but I was totally apprehensive and almost hold my breath until I've come to a complete stop. I sure need some good air as I strongly breathe a deep sigh of relief every time I had to stop at a red light.

But now I need to catch some sleep so I can do my buritto wraps early morning before I head out to Korean classes tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I don't have to resort to gimbap again just to survive.

I can only thank God for every little thing that I am slowly accomplishing each day and keeping us safe. Nights!

Missing Wallet (nth Time)

So I lost my wallet last Friday. I just found out over the weekend when I was preparing to head out for my weekend class. I do think that I just had it misplaced. I had been hoping that I'll find it in the cafe where I last remembered using it last Friday. But I couldn't go back there until Tuesday so I had to double check my account online and clear out the cash for the time for my peace of mind.

Tuesday came and I went back to the cafe. It wasn't there. Great. I got one more possible card, my friend's car. I called her lunch time but she was in Seoul and couldn't check her car until she gets back around night time. Oh well, I can only hope and keep my fingers crossed. Then I got busy that night and wasn't able to check my phone until this morning. What a great morning when I saw her message from last night! It was indeed lying on her car's passenger seat. I arranged to drop by and pick it up later at the center.

Thank God for positive vibes. I do know that there's a big chance I've just misplaced it and that I'll still find it. This Wednesday has been a good one for me. More tomorrow, I pray.

Note: Whenever I do a narrative account, I seem to have just kept on it. Going back to the title, it's funny how my friend has mentioned that we are pretty similarly scatter-brained in that sense. Hah! It takes one to know one. I think I'm really that kind of person who loses, misplaces things. I've tried to "combat"/ prevent these things from happening in the worst scenarios as I should learn with age or else. But yeah, people who know me (specially my husband, heh) won't be surprised about things like these happening to me.

Note to self:
NEVER put stuff on my lap, specially smallish ones. I need a pocket all the time. And on that note, watch out for my clothes that have shallow pockets.

Why do you work?

Aside from everyday living and the deeper need for getting busy and accomplishing something, I have just come to add the need for investment seriously. It's not exactly a new thing for me because I was able to set aside some amount almost ten years ago. It wasn't just that active and it has stayed there for a while.

Right now, with my second wind of work opportunities, I am more aware in the need to seriously work to invest for the later years. I have to be able to set aside the amount every month and put in a growing investment vehicle that will give me an extra income in the future. It's not just put aside this amount, let it sleep and hope that I don't have to withdraw it that soon. It's more different now, I can try to visualize how I want live in the next few years. It doesn't hang on someone else's plans coz I really don't think he has any. I'll be steering my own boat, let them ride if they want to coz so far, I have been the push for the life decisions that we had done. :)

I've just opened my online investment account recently and finally funded it today. Come April and I would be able to buy some stocks if I want to. Now, I've not been really idle in investing all these years coz whenever my bank account surpasses 7 digits (it's pretty small in Korean won actually, but still) I feel like I am "rich enough to invest." Now, that is an exaggeration. :) I just have this uneasy feeling like, what will I do with this amount? It isn't that big really but I am just thinking if it stays in my current account, it would all most likely be used in shopping. That can be an addictive vice, I know.

So where have those extra won had gone? What investment vehicle I've tried?
a. mutual fund - sleeping coz it's hard to withdraw
b. one-time time deposit - easiest to vanish, now gone
c. lot - luckily, it's still a "lot" and my parents are kept busy with it
d. house improvement - cost us a lot, we used it anyway, but I couldn't say it was a good one
e. education - not exactly solid on paper yet except for a license, but it did help me
f. installment time-deposit - Completed one cycle so far to try it out, but I don't really know what to do with it after coz it wasn't enough for a decent one-time deposit plus the rates are not that good anyway. I had to find other place to move it.

Anyway, I've used some of it on education (again) and some on the online investment I've just started. (450 and 700 respectively) I've also signed up for a couple of new installment TD account.

I'm also looking into updating my home-country government savings, insurance system, etc. My parents have been the one doing the payments but I found that I can possibly do once or twice a year from here. So I'll be looking into ways to do that next. I'm pretty positive that slowly but surely, I will be able to increase my monthly income soon. I should be more ready for that though. I don't want to be caught up working my butt out and not knowing where to let my earning grow without me having to work that much later on. I know that I can find a more stable source if I want to and when I am ready. I can also visualize myself being able to afford to go back home more frequently without causing much dent on our finances. There will be a way and I might be able to profit on the sides even.

It's all in the horizon. I just hope that my family will be in good health for more years to come to be able to realize these.  

So for the immediate check list of investments:
a. study the online investment
b. check out the PAG-IBIG payment system, modified and increased one
c. restart the Ph banking things again with an authorization letter for my Mom maybe

That's it for now. I am not feeling suddenly. I do need a health check up one of these days.

Creative

"Mom, you're creative." 

My son said to me recently. And I was liked, surprised. It kinda never really occurred to me that way. I've never associated myself to that word...ever. Back in high school, I happen to hang out with a group who's pretty good at that. Some of them can draw, do good choreography, dance, act, crafts, and all other creative stuff but I never felt like I am one of them. I wasn't a creative one.

Fast forward to more than a decade and my son surprises me with that remark. This made me rethink about the word.

Yoga Day 2, 3

Thu

My body is telling me eat some meat to repair yoga-beaten limbs. Should I eat or should I not? It's almost 10 pm. I've eaten rice around 6 but felt like eating again after the yoga class. 

Ended up eating my go-to midnight snack oats. I can still hold back from eating any meat for the day. 

Sat

I have managed to survive the three days this week. Body still sore, yoga session AM and PM all checked out. 

I gave out on the meat craving yesterday with bulgogi for lunch after I got home from my lunch class. 

Project 2. Start.

If I were to describe my hobbies lately, the list will go like this:
reading, listening to audio book, watching TV series, surfing the net for my other hobbies like baking, gardening and knitting and blogging about it.

Since I am now ready to move on to my new project, which is going to be finished by my birthday, I will have to plan what I will make with it.
I have 2 balls of dark gray yarn I got for 10K (50% discount) waiting for me.
I've been thinking about making another neck warmer but I already have a semi-gray one which I got from uniqlo so I'm reconsidering to try to venture to a a scowl or wider infinity scarf this time. But that would mean it will need more balls. Hmm..planning, planning, planning. Well let it rest at that for the time being.

Update (March 19)

So here is how far I've done as of today. 20 rows. I've only done a bit today.  I've actually done this much since last week coz I pulled it out and restarted from  zero since I found an extra row on one side but not on the other side. And when I tried to fix it, I ended up adding another one. I certainly hope it won't happen again. 

My target is to do ten rows every week. It took me almost an hour to do that last time while watching Doc Martin. With about 60 stitches per row, it's taking a little while to get through a row. I've decided to go for a wider infinity scarf for now. Or it might end up as a wider neck warmer. It depends if I get sick of working on this later that I might look for another color. I'm looking at going for 120 rows. After doing a bit of math, it should be finished ony birthday. Haha!

As for the yarn, the two balls I bought initially for a neck scarf will definitely not be enough. I may need an extra one or two which would prolly set me back another 10 k if I get it at 50% discount again. We'll see. I might change my mind half-way. 

Knitting Reboot: Picking up Where I Left Off

My first knitting project is finished! 

I was able to finally find a new ball to continue my unfinished project when my SIL dragged me at the shop (where I originally bought it) last Friday. I only needed less than a ball and luckily I found one in the discounted box. The lady gave it to me for free. I also took the chance to take a photo of the label coz I lost mine before.  

    

This is how much I've finished with the first ball that I got last year. This was my second run on the yarn before I ran out of it. It wasn't that good so I totally restarted again for the 3rd time just to make it better. It hurts to pull the strings off but it was really awful that I had to do it. If I were a teacher going to put a grade on it, it will be just around 60-70%.

I started it over the weekend, logging in long hours and really pushed it until Monday. The next day, I had to find the needle in order for me to sew it up together in a loop. And Wednesday, I was able to wash it and I'm now waiting for it to dry. I can't wait to use it tomorrow with the remaining winter-spring cold that is blowing through the peninsula this week. 

the width: showing where the ends were sewn together 

The final sewing together wasn't not good, I think. I am almost sure that I started with 40 but ended up with 43. Plus I had a really long tail to cut off! 

the length: good enough to cover my neck and nose
during the cold winter walk

That's it! My first project. I can now move on to a new one with better skills and experience. To sum up that one, here are my notes:

Project: neck warmer, that can double as a beanie

What I used: #5 wooden round needles

                    100% acrylic, 80g/3 

                    Pink Color 39, Lot 3               

How: Longcast 40 that turned out to be 43 (I think)
130 rows of garter stitch all throughout

and regular bind off

Duration: 3 Days, 4 sleepless nights :)

Now for the next one...

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

This story really stayed on my mind after reading it somewhere a couple of years ago while choosing some books for my son. I clearly remember the book cover illustration that look just like any light children's story only to find out that it is quite a totally different one. Far from it actually as it deals with Holocaust with a little boy as the main characters. It isn't exactly a non-fiction like Anne Frank's diary but how it ends is pretty interesting.

I had the chance to finally watch the movie yesterday on Netflix after saving it on my list for some time. It was captivating and it made me think how the characters, kids and adults alike, developed their roles. The storytelling used very subtle scenes except for the denouement when the parents found their son missing. 

I had to check and reread the end part of ebook again to figure out how much was actually changed from the book to the movie. It was interesting to see how they managed to bring movie ending into a climatic and dramatic one fit for a movie. 

I like how the final shot was a room full of striped pajamas. Poetic and eerie. 

After watching that, I started reading other book reviews and found some negative ones on how there should be no kids in those labor camps and all other criticisms about fact checking and it's effects of wrong information for the younger readers. I have no idea if the writer really meant any of it as educational but it's not listed as non-fiction anyway. 

Just like every book you read, take it with a grain of salt. 

Eating in Public

"Eating alone, going solo or eating on a bench alone is not the usual norm in Korea."
I've heard this one before and it was surprise that the fact that it matters matter. I'm like, really? I've never felt any stigma on it except that the restos wouldn't really be happy with me hugging a big space that can accommodate other patrons if that was the case. I do try to make myself occupy minimal space, or go in during non-rush hour time. If it was during that time, I try to eat and leave quickly. But other than that, I have no problem dining alone at all.

Another one is eating on benches or even on buses. Haha! I try to be discreet when I eat in the bus or trains of course. And try to clean up any crumbs if there is. One that I find myself doing more often is eating on the bus stops. One might ask why? My answer would be, why not? I am hungry!  (and more for these following reasons)

1. I am hungry and would rather have something on my tummy before I get in the bus than be hungry and feel carsick (just because those don't go together nicely, to say the least.)

2. Specially on a cold day, a warm burrito or sandwich on my hand is a better hand warmer for my hand and my tummy. And we go back to number one equation of Hungry + Bus ride = motion sickness, nausea

3. I am hungry, no time to eat elsewhere so I will eat anywhere, as long as I have something to eat.

One good thing of being a foreigner in Korea is that I don't have to fit in this kind of "silly" ideas. So far, no one has ever bothered me dining alone outside because I am obviously not a Korean. I wonder if there other country or culture that dining out alone is a problem except in their closely-related neighbor, Japan.

Bottom line, I will eat because I am hungry even if I am alone.

Breadmaker...Yahoo!

A bread machine! Yay!

My dear K SIL has decided to give me her old-but-seldom used bread machine yesterday! 

I just had to try it last night after we got home and set the timer in advance to be finished baking by the next day. It went off splendidly, albeit a bit dark coz I didn't take it out right away for about 10 minutes. 

Since it's an older model,  the loaf shape is almost a cube and not a horizontal one.
I had to slice it upwards (from the bottom) at first before running it crosswise. This first one was a pre-mix from a box so it's almost like the one from the store. Nothing fancy and almost airy. I actually prefer more bulk than air.

I have to try my pandesal dough with oats soon. But first, I had to check some more next time how much flour can it handle. I couldn't resist it today so I tried a plain bread flour one which used 3 C but perhaps I put lesser water than it should be so it ended up a little dry. I should have just put 2.5 C of flour and 1 C water. But I did 3 and less water. I even just shaped them into 10 pcs when I should have done 20.

I've just tried the dough setting but it was pretty noisy after it has been mixed initially that my husband had to stop it. Which was alright, as long as it was well mixed and all it needs is to rise. I let it rise for more than an hour. Then, I removed it from the machine and shaped it to bake in the oven.

Managed to shape it out after that and baked it for almost 30 minutes with the first 20 minutes covered with foil. I figured it's pretty big so it would need longer time and it might burn. But alas, it still turned out with a crunchy bottom and top. Still soft inside, to my relief. Our breakfast is ready for tomorrow!

But that is not all! I still have another baking post for today...

Novice Home Baker Series: Persimmon Bread

So I was woken up with the bread maker machine finishing the bread this morning. Exactly on time as it should be. My menu manipulations worked!

Midday, I started to try out the dough feature and produced this. 

But wait! My baking day isn't over yet. I still have some over ripe frozen persimmons rescued from the bin waiting for me to be used in..what else but..Hachiya Persimmon Bread.



My SIL asked me to throw out a box of frozen Hachiya persimmon but when I saw it, I found some decent looking ones that I thought can be saved and made into a quick bread. Even though I haven't got any recipe on hand, I have found a few after searching online.

a. 1:1:1 (flour, sugar and puree) and orange juice
b. backtoherroots uses 2 C whole wheat and 1.5 C AP + bourbon
c. bonappetit.com uses 3/4 each of whole wheat and AP flour, and orange zest

Narrowing it down to two or three recipes, it came down to this ubiquitous recipe that kept showing up in more than two blogs. I just had to try it for myself. This one is from an old book "Beard on Bread" by James Beard. The recipe was shared on a blog here by David le Bovitz.

Here are the basic ingredients but not everything. Better head out to the link above for the rest.

2 C persimmon puree
3.5 C flour AP
2 C sugar
2 t b. soda
1 t nutmeg

1 C butter
4 L eggs
2/3 C Cognac 

I followed most of the recipe except for sugar which I cut down to 1 C brown and 1/2 white, canola oil instead of butter, and only half and half of sunflower seeds and raisins. It was able to fill up 4 mini-pans each with 1.5 C (Korean cup, this time) and some more enough to fill the small glass container that I got from the dollar store. 

I gave a loaf to my SIL and I still have to find out how it taste from her tomorrow. There are two surprise ingredients for here: the persimmons that she asked me to throw this morning and Cognac (which I took out from my crowded door fridge.) 

Well see tomorrow how it goes! 

Yoga Blues...

This is basically how I fared with my yoga class attendance last year.

I have yet to really get back to it seriously this year. I tried once in Feb but just didn't work out. March it will be. Fingers crossed.