Thursday, January 29, 2009

Covered with ice...

With two days of no school due to snow and then ice in our region, we were ready for normal day. However, it was two hour delay school day for the girls and slippery ride to the Metro station for me! Argh, I was holding on to the steering wheel like a mad woman. If I had a magic wand, I would have been wielding it to move the parked cars on to the yards. I was in fear of slipping into them. The main roads were pretty much cleared up but I had to maneuver through a few small roads littered with parked cars and icy surface... Now that I am in the office, I should be thankful for not losing the electricity, having to work from home for two days, seeing pretty snow scenes...
To alleviate her immense boredom, Mad took her camera outdoors and took some pictures for me, capturing the prettier views of snow and ice storm...

Monday, January 26, 2009

Happy Lunar New Year!

I almost forgot about Lunar New Year until last night. I was watching Korean news via internet as the news stations showed congested traffic all over the country as people visit families and relatives in the snow. And it brought back memories of visiting grandmas when I was a little girl. Luckily for us, it wasn't a long journey and both grandmas lived pretty close by. However, it meant a train ride for us. I can't remember why but the Seoul station would only open the gates to the platform after the train arrives. Perhaps, it was for safety reasons... In any event, the gathered crowd would merge to the gates in a mob fashion. As I remember it, nobody got hurt but I think it was stressful for everyone; no one wanted to miss the train! Men, who are traveling alone, would help other families by lifting the toddlers over head, myself often included, and break the wave of people. In some ways, it must have been nerve wrecking seeing your child lifted by a stranger and carried along. I remember looking down at my mom and making sure not letting her out of my sight as they did the same. Times were different... considering how overtly cautious my mom was and still is. Other moms back then wouldn't have given a second thought, fully knowing that it was safe.

The day means feast on dduk-gook [rice cake soup] and bulgogi!

Happy New Year!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Goodies from across the Pacific pond...

I received a batch of goodies yesterday. Unfortunately, since I was working from home, I had to wait until evening to go through them! Needless to say, it was a very long day of work...

I love these craft magazines from Japan, cooking and home design magazines from Korea. I discovered the Cotton Time and Cotton Friend from sewing and crafting blogs I was checking out, in my renewed sewing fever. My brother and his wife, who live in Korea, are indulging me with these magazines, which are not easy to find in the States. Can't wait till I try to make some of the projects. Of course, I don't read Japanese... So, this would take some time to decipher the steps, but it would be lots of fun!


Um, of course, the cooking trials has to wait. I am not much of a cook. ^.^
However, the photos look very delicious and mouth watering though...

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Celebrations!

Unlike thousands of people, we celebrated Presidential Inauguration in comfort and warmth at home. My daughter and her friends gathered at a friend's house and celebrated with chili. She took some Korean Chocopie and Meiji chocolates, which apparently were quite popular.


Speaking of celebrations, I wanted to show a birthday cake I received on, yes, my birthday a few months back. It contains no calories, no fat and I still have it! ^.^

It was sent by my brother and sister-in-law who lives in Korea. After taking a peak inside to see how it's made, I repackaged it to keep its shape. The cake is made up of two towels, one almond colored and the other chocolate, rolled like a roll cake. Matte plastic strawberries top the towel cake... At first I thought they were just decorations but they are magnets. So dorable and practical too!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Washington D.C. is getting ready for Inauguration...

Excitement is in the air, along with chilly weather forecast, as our Metropolitan area is getting ready to welcome our new President. Getting ready the Capitol steps began early in the fall. My friend and I walked around it during our lunch time walks; marveling at the workers builiding the podium even before the election. Today, however, as I noticed the porta potties lined up at my Metro station, all the way out in Maryland, I wondered 'How is the move managed?' You know, I am very practical-minded person.

Remembering all the hours spent packing and unpacking for our move to the current home thirteen years ago and swearing never to move again, I wondered how they do it. I mean the Bushes are there until the last day, participating in the Inauguration ceremony, aren't they? After a brief search, I found an article from America.gov titled "January 20 Is Moving Day at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" It says that "from the time President Bush, President-elect Obama and their families leave for Capitol Hill until the time the Obamas come in from the inaugural parade reviewing stand," in those six hours, they pack and ship Bushes' things and unload and unpack Obamas' things! If only moves for us commoners are done like that...sigh. ^.^

For those of you who are coming over for the festivities, welcome!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Getting ready for Valentine's day...

Having cleared away the Christmas decorations just last Sunday, I wrote a few new year's resolutions. Among items which I see as chores and burdens, I added one item that would be fun! I would love to give out more presents and try to make them. I hope to create, unique, pretty, and functional things...
The stores are already setting out their Valentine's wares. I see the usual chocolate boxes, stuffed animals, faux flowers [personally never liked them], and heart plates. I have spent a few nights making some pincushions with Valentine's day twist... to give out as gifts and to add to my etsy shop.


I was up until 2am last night, reading the New Moon. I am not usually young adult novel or vampire novel fan but I ended up reading the first book of the saga, after my daughter saw the movie. She complained that the lead actor didn't fit with Edward she had envisioned in the Twilight. She thought Hayden Christenson would have been better Edward. So out of curiosity, I read the first book and I must agree with her. The second one is rather tediously slow in the beginning but eventually becomes interesting. I can't say that the quality of writing is awesome but it's very imaginative...

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!
We celebrate with bubblies... ^.^



Happy New Year!