An interview I recently did with Shay Meinecke about Athletic Supporters

Athletic Supporters in Gwangju

Written By: Jannies Le & Photo By: Rachel Arbing 

One thing most people might find that they took for granted back in their home country is the ability to volunteer easily. There are endless opportunities available for varies different causes that reach out to many groups of people. As long as you had the time, good can be done! In Korea, especially Gwangju, it could be extremely difficult because of the language barrier and lack of information. Luckily there are a few awesome people in Gwangju who have helped establish a steady flow of charity events. These include long-term residents, new comers and people born in Korea, all working together. There aren’t as many chances supplied here, but keen good doers are definitely able to provide their own.

Maybe some of you have heard the buzz about an organization called Athletics Supporters in Gwangju, during the past few months. Either from the founder himself, Shay Meinecke, or by attending their first event, a 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser benefiting Mdream Children’s Home. I recently did an interview with Shay and we talked about what his aspirations for AS are. He tells us a little about his brain child and what to look forward to.

Athletics Supporters hold sporting events to gather donations for local environmental and humanitarian organizations. Also, these events give people the chance to be involved in their communities and environment, while staying active. It is all about becoming healthier on the inside and out!

Shay says what separates most organizations from most non-for profit is that their events are constantly changing and offering different activities. AS’ events benefits their participants and you don’t only give but you also get. You get to challenge yourself through the athletics and help the community at the same time.

Shay grew up around competitive sports which fed his passion for athleticism. He also had parents who were extremely active in their community. His family and environment has shaped him to become quite a people person with a drive to be involved, as many of you may be able to attest from chance meetings downtown.

His idea has been growing over the last couple years. It started out as a way to just get people together to help others. It then expanded into helping people through fun events. From there, it developed to what it is today… sporting events for a cause. He is excited with the direction that AS is heading in.

At the fundraiser there was an overwhelming amount of donations, and people also had a great time with a sweet bake sale. It is worth mentioning that they had an amazing response of volunteers, donators, and players from in and around town. One of the best things about Gwangju is the tightknit expat community. There have been countless stories of people needing help and receiving it from others they hardly know. This city is perfect for Athletic Supporters to thrive in. As a community, we were able to donate 500, 000 Won to Mdream.

Shay wasn’t expecting Athletics Supporters to take off as quickly as it did. His original plan was to get started in California upon his return after a few years in Korea. But, the people of Gwangju have with open arms gone above and beyond to help make the first event a big success. Local establishments, such as Tequilas, German Bar 2, Kinos and Mdream Confectionary has all graciously provided their assistance through venue, cupcakes, gift certificates and even pulled pork sandwiches. Shay wants to thank everyone for their involvement, and he looks forward to working together again in the near future!

In the last event, there was a variety of positions in the last event: ticket vendors, bake sale coordinator, bakers, referees, scorekeepers, donations collector, food preparation and many others. We have some pretty skilled, giving people in Gwangju. If baking tickles your fancy you can take part in the bake sale at the events. Pre-arranged pick up is available if you can’t attend the event.

AS is busy planning a few events at the moment and want to continue getting the Gwangju community involved. They are organizing a 10k run in Suwan on January 13^th, 2013. You can check out the event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/302266553217890! There is also a volleyball tournament in February 2013 and a soccer (football) tourney in the near future in the works. If anyone is interested in volunteering for the next event they are invited to become an Athletics Supporter. For more information about volunteering or participating in the events, go to www.athleticssupporters.com or email athleticsupporters@live.com. They also have a Twitter account: @AthlticSupprtrs for up to date information on current events. 

The organizers, volunteers, players and spectators shouting “Athletic Supporters for Mdream”, at the    basketball event!

Amazing Comeback

These past few months have just been amazing! When I first arrived back in SK I was a little shaken. After my mom dropped me off at the airport in Toronto, I was good, updating facebook and getting excited to see my friends in Gwangju again. I was even comfortable getting on the plane for the 18 hour trip home, which eventually became 32 hours because of a typhoon! (Long but definitely boring experience, so moving on)

Once I got on the plane I watched a few movies, ate my meal (nothing beats Korean Air <3) and then quickly fell asleep. I woke up a few hours later, just past the halfway point. I started thinking about my sisters and how they just got married and were on their honeymoon. (their wedding was the weekend before my Monday flight and they flew out 10 hours before I did) I was thinking about them coming home and officially beginning their married lives and I wouldn't be there to see them. Next thing you know, silent but plentiful tears were rolling down. Lol I recovered, but I did let myself get some release first. The rest of the trip is history.

There was no nervous and exciting entry this time. I arrived 10 hours later than expected, grabbed the first bus to Gwangju and arrived at about 3pm. I taxied home and was at work by 3:45pm haha I was exhausted after being stuck at Beijing airport for 12 hours. After all the flurry of classes that I don't remember I had plans to grab dinner with a friend, from Vancouver   who was leaving town the next day. Complete exhaustion can't even begin to explain how I felt. But, I'm all caught up on sleep now!

Back to the last 2 months since I've been back. I've done more in this time than in all of last year. I like that I just jumped into it, because I know this is my absolute last year. I don't want to waste a single second that I can be doing things and spending time with wonderful friends. Last year included too much blind friendships that turned out to hurt me more than anything else, this year I have my peeps and although I enjoy meeting new people, I stick with my oldies but goodies =)

So far, I have been paragliding for a second time, and wrote about the experience in an article that was published in Gwangju News (a foreigner's magazine in Gwangju) check it out here page 16: http://issuu.com/gwangju_news/docs/gwangju_news_nov_2012?mode=window (my photos are also on pages 26 and 28 )

I have took part in a scavenger hunt at the Kimchi Festival and our team (Make Kimchi not War) won 3rd place ($100) ^_^

Shay and I planned a successful event with Athletic Supporters for Mdream Children's Home. Check out the video my friend Rachel Arbing made from the event!

(http://athleticssupporters.com/2012/11/01/first-athletic-basketball-event-a-success/) Looking forward to more events in the near future!

I'm starting my 6th level Intermediate Korean classes this weekend, I am aiming to finish my 8th level by the time I leave Korea! I went river kayaking and didn't fall into the water, although, I did get stuck on a few rocks! I went actual rock climbing on Seunyudo and got my first hiking lessons from Shay Meinecke ( the biggest BSer of all time :p) !

I started learning how to play the guitar(very slowly lol) and took up knitting again!

Christen came and visited last week for four fun filled days! I missed her so much and 24 hours in July wan't enough!

It has been a busy 2 months, which honestly has felt more like 6 months time. But, there's still more to do in the remaining 10 months!

My family is coming to visit for a week in December,(can't wait for the care package) then it is off to Beijing for me!

I'm excited and grateful at the same time! Love my friends, family and weirdos for supporting me through this amazing journey!

First published article =) enjoy

Taking in the Sights

(My first published article in Gwangju News)

September marked the beginning of my second year teaching at a hagwon in Gwangju. In this time, one of my purposes was to travel and see as much of South Korea, as I could.

But, recently, my method of sightseeing has been different.

Since July, some friends and I have been introduced to paragliding in Korea. It all started when a friend turned 25, he said, “I’m turning 25, and moving to Missouri. I need to jump out of something.” That kicked started the plan; his Korean coworker helped him find Freeman Paragliding School (011-623-1183), which conveniently happened to be located in Unam Dong, Gwangju.

On the day of, it was boiling hot. We all arrived to this simple, dusty office for our safety presentation. They informed us, in Korean, that we were going to Gochang, a city 40 minutes north of Gwangju, and that is would be a 640 meters descent. We had a group of 13 people and 3 trained paragliders. After about 10 minutes of waiting for a translator, and a 30 minute demonstration, we were on our way.

When we arrived, the instructors asked for volunteers to make the first jump, naturally three of us girls raised our hands. We were driven up a mountainous, dirt road to our take-off spot. The ride requires a bit of breath holding because of the twisting, narrow turns and crazy speed we have all experienced in Korea, not to mention the anticipation of jumping off a mountain.
 

The beautiful scenery in Yeonggwang

        When we arrived to the top, we took in the amazing scenery that stretched out beyond us. Then our instructors went into working mode, strapping my two friends into their parachutes and helmets. It was everyone’s first time, so we were all going tandem. Other assistants were there to help fan the chute out behind the instructor and my friend, Ally, as she got ready to run. By the way, that is a key to your success, you need to run when they yell and then run some more, even if the chute pulls you back. You are basically running until your feet are no longer touching the ground, and even then, most of us kept our legs swinging in the air.

So began our extra long day waiting for 13 people to get their turn. One side tip, don’t go with more than a few people, unless everyone has their own rides home and wear a body suit to avoid scratches!

After my liftoff, there was a moment of breathlessness as I scanned the land before me. There were rivers, forests, buildings, roads and even cemetery plots, hidden in the nooks of the mountain. The chute is attached to a padding that transforms into a chair when you jump; you go from running to sitting in the air. I was so in awe, my instructor had to remind me to scoot myself as far back in the chair as possible, to keep the balance.

 Up in the air

Surprisingly I didn’t feel afraid or nervous once we got in the air. In the moments up there, several things happened.

First, my instructor took many pictures and videos of me with the company's extended camera. Basically a camera tied onto a pole with a shutter button, which he held out in all different directions. During the video, I decided to tell my twin sister how much I love her, all the way from Korea. Ha-ha. Fear definitely has weird ways of getting to you.  

Second, I managed to have a decent conversation with my instructor in Korean about his personal story. I found out he has been paragliding for more than 10 years, he runs this company with a few of his good friends, and they try to take the jump every weekend.

Lastly, halfway through my descent, while still a safe distant from the ground, my instructor placed the two handles (which controlled the chute) in my hands and told me to pull. Excitedly, I pulled down hard with my right hand and we swung hard towards the right, oops! He immediately eased my hand up a little and said “only a little.”

My Tom Cruise moment ^_^

Our landing was soft and thankfully uneventful. The only thing the rider had to do was stretch their legs out in front of them at a 50 degree angle. They land everyone on their backside, and this is to prevent broken or sprained legs.

When I got down I realized my stomach was doing flips. I wondered how long I held my breath for during the landing. As the day went by, we waited around 6 hours for everyone else to finish, it got even more humid and hot. But, it was nice to sit in the shade of the stadium and watch as our friends drop out of the sky.

All in all, it was an amazing experience made possible in Korea, for only 100 000. If you take your own car, it is 80 000. Their location changes based on weather, last week we went to Yeonggwang because the recent typhoon caused some damages in Gochang. This company takes gliders out all year round, and apparently winter is the best season to go.

One last tip, when you get up there, don’t forget to scream! It is to prevent you from throwing up and getting altitude sickness.

Happy gliding!

Canada bound

12 hours into my 14 hour flight home, I don't think I missed Canada this year as much as I do now. I can't wait to see Bailey lol I hope he remembers me!

Quite a few surprises to follow through with, walk into my house to surprise my mommy, crash Jo's dress fitting, the bridal shower, and the secret trip to pouting land lol I hope all goes well and jet lag doesn't get to me... to much

I'm going to squeeze Bailey so hard when i see him, haha he's probably going to pee on me lol

I think this 3 weeks visit is definitely going to make it harder to leave, but when I think of home now, an image of my one-room apartment in Yang San Dong, Gwangju comes to mind. It will definitely be harder to leave next year. I will always have a home in Canada but Korea is a short period of time that I want to take advantage of. I wish I have always lived my life like this, not wasting a moment or opportunity!

Not too late to start...

The flight has been good, think I'm becoming a pro at travel? Every time I leave Gwangju it normally includes at least a few hours on a bus or in a van. After 20 hours of traveling in Philippines, a two-day crazy work schedule, I really wasn't looking forward to another 22 hours of traveling, but my excitement is definitely giving me adrenaline right now.

There will be too much eating over the next few weeks, combined with a very packed calendar, it sounds exactly like me lol

Hoping for some private moments with my mama and Jo... Looking forward to Montreal, just not getting back on a plane for it!

See everyone in 3 weeks for year 2!

Year TWO

En route to Palawan, Philippines this time. Something about visiting another country in Asia, that makes me start reflecting about where I am. Maybe, something about sitting on a dark bus; gets my brain rolling lol

I'm exactly a week away from my one year anniversary in Korea! I think my re-signing has finally hit me. Deep breath, another year... Of what?

Another year of Korean lessons, which hopefully will lead to some level of fluency... Conversational!

Another year of limited international foods, exclusively tasteless or cheesy pasta, pizzas, friend chicken and burgers... Not exactly exciting for a foody, especially since most of these are mediocre in comparison to the international foods Toronto has to offer!

But, I have to mention the other side of this story... Don't feel bad for me. I'm looking forward to the wide range of soups, BBQ meat, noodles, porridge, raw seafood, and all the Kim bap naras   (Kim bap world) with over 25 items on the menu at all times... Not touching on  the street and festival foods. Side dishes ranging from at least three (basic kimchi) to over twenty (including things that are a meal on itself, pork cutlets, chap chae, fish, eggs and much more). Yes, I will say, don't feel bad for this cookie monster in Gwangju! Haha haven't even mentioned the bakeries yet!

Ok, another year or horrible humidity in the summer of rain, and a bone chilling winter. But, also another year of amazing traveling in the fall! Waterfalls and islands make my fore finger twitch to hear the shutter release on my camera. Another spring with warm and rainless weather!

Another year with my kids at the hagwon, relationships built, time to grow :)

Another year with some pretty amazing people, here's to meeting more this year!

Love everyone in Canada, the true friends I have who understand this was something I had to do for me. The ones who stood by me, even though at times I was horrible at keeping updated and in touch! Those are life long friends because they know you have many years to out weigh a few months!

The others, I guess wasn't here to start with...

Here's to an amazing second year and Jo and Stef's wedding, it's going to be legen... wait for it... dary!

Settling In

So, everything is set in stone. I have my flight ticket booked from Toronto back to South Korea for August 27th. It will be a fast 1 and something back home for the wedding. Then, year two of this adventure. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. But, there is a lot of promises for the next year to come...

Most of my kids are really excited about this news. Even though some of them try to mask their emotions... I know they love me! Some of them warmed my heart with the biggest of big smiles when I told them. Put everything into perspective, I get another full year with these lovelies!

I have officially started to settle in, although anyone who has been to my apartment, always says I've made it homey. I honestly haven't bought a lot of things i normally use (blender/oven) because I was under the impression it would be a year. And by the time I had extra money, it was 3-4 months in. Now that I know I will be around for another 13 months, I've started to "settle in". =)

I've booked my trip to the Philippines for my summer vacation, wish I didn't have to work after, before going home. It was kind of expensive, $1100 for the flight and vacation package. But, I think our private coaches will treat us well =) We will be seeing Palawan and Manila, and doing an island hopping tour (my highlight)!

I know this next year will hold challenges, resolutions and changes, I am truly looking forward to finishing my Korean studies with great people. Traveling to my country, China, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and trekking across Europe. Lets see what's in store for this crazy little Chinese person from a town outside Toronto!

Final update =)

Booked to come back to Gwangju for August 29th! Yay!!! Year two bring it on!

Update

So, haven't posted since my birthday and after making my decision to come back. I've gotten a bit further with that plan, except now instead of February, it would be consecutive with my current year. I'd go home for 3 weeks then come back right away to the same apartment and Hagwon.

I really like the kids and school, so this is the most ideal situation. But, recently I've been look at pictures from Canada and really missing the people. 3 of my good friends have left within the last month. It's hard to not want to take the easy road and go home, but I know I need another year here.

I haven't had enough of the people, the language and my own journey isn't finished. Since my work hasn't confirmed everything I'm looking for back ups to start in public schools in October. I'm coming back, whether it be right away or 2 months later. I'm currently coming to terms with this decision. Plus, I have met some nice people lately, that will make the next year a good one... one can hope!

On another note, I'm planning a trip to Malaysia in less than 2 months time. I'm looking forward to the Chinese, Indian and Malaysian cuisine I'll find there. This trip paired up with 3 weeks at home is going to be very bad for my health. LOL I've plotted on a calender all the restaurants in Toronto I want to eat at! I just have to schedule people to come with me =)

Update later when everything is confirmed!

26 years young

Been 26 for three days now and I really don't know if I ever felt 25. I've always felt like I had to act older than I was and now that I'm actually 26 I want to act younger. The other side of the twenties... where people are flourishing in their careers or post grads, marriages and families.

I'm in the middle of deciding whether I should come back to Gwangju for another year in February. A few of my friends have decided to do a second year, but fortunately for them they are 22 years old. LOL I guess I started this journey a bit later than everyone else. It was getting a little tiring of constantly meeting people who just graduated at 21 years old and are just doing South Korea as a buffer between Uni and something better.

They don't warn you about this part when you sign up for the job. They tell you the great pay, pension (that I don't get lol), experiences, culture and learning opportunities. They neglect to mention that you will meet great friends and probably never see most of them again. I'm all for technology but I'm a in person friendship type of person. I have had to say goodbye to a few people so far, and I have always attached to people to easily. I still miss my co-workers from York University who I only worked with for less than 9 months.

This is the first time this year that people that were actually close have left. There aren't that many who leave before me. A few in the next two months... it really makes me sad. It makes me question whether I want to do this a second year, the same cycle. I've caught a bit of a travel bug here and I want to continue to roam and discover.

A friend recently told me about volunteering experiences in developing countries that sounds really amazing. The idea of doing this for the rest of my life is strangely alluring. Doing years of teaching English in Asia interchanged with volunteering missions.

I do miss my family and friends back home and it has been hard to keep involved in the past 9 months. Blame it on schedule or time differences or even on my need to disconnect, I'm not sure I would want to stay abroad for years. There is so much I want to do for myself, I want to become certified in Korean, I want to expand my event planning experiences, support my parents, and travel Europe. I feel like my goals and dreams have changed so much since a few years ago. If I had come to Korea fresh face it would have been a one year deal, if I had finished my Bachelors in one shot, I probably won't even be here. I would be a social worker...still on my buckets list!

After looking at my choices and dreams I do feel 26 years young, and limitless (horrible movie). Lets hope I stick to my guns and don't settle for comfort! I'm going to get so much crap for this after a few people finish reading this lol

Lyrics

"The One That Got Away"

Summer after high school when we first met

We made out in your Mustang to Radiohead

And on my 18th Birthday

We got matching tattoos

Used to steal your parents' liquor

And climb to the roof

Talk about our future

Like we had a clue

Never planned that one day

I'd be losing you

In another life

I would be your girl

We'd keep all our promises

Be us against the world

In another life

I would make you stay

So I don't have to say

You were the one that got away

The one that got away

I was June and you were my Johnny Cash

Never one without the other we made a pact

Sometimes when I miss you

I put those records on (Whoa)

Someone said you had your tattoo removed

Saw you downtown singing the Blues

It's time to face the music

I'm no longer your muse

But in another life

I would be your girl

We'd keep all our promises

Be us against the world

In another life

I would make you stay

So I don't have to say

You were the one that got away

The one that got away

The o-o-o-o-o-one [x3]

The one that got away

[Bridge:]

All this money can't buy me a time machine (Nooooo)

Can't replace you with a million rings (Nooooo)

I should've told you what you meant to me (Whoa)

'Cause now I pay the price

In another life

I would be your girl

We'd keep all our promises

Be us against the world

In another life

I would make you stay

So I don't have to say

You were the one that got away

The one that got away

The o-o-o-o-o-one [x3]

In another life

I would make you stay

So I don't have to say

You were the one that got away

The one that got away

"Mirror"

(feat. Bruno Mars)

[Lil Wayne:]

With everything happening today

You don't know whether you're coming or going

But you think that you're on your way

Life lined up on the mirror don't blow it

Look at me when I'm talking to you

You looking at me but I'm looking through you

I see the blood in your eyes

I see the love in disguise

I see the pain hidden in your pride

I see you're not satisfied

And I don't see nobody else

I see myself I'm looking at the

[Bruno Mars:]

Mirror on the wall, here we are again

Through my rise and fall

You've been my only friend

You told me that they can understand the man I am

So why are we here talkin' to each other again?

[Lil Wayne:]

Uh, I see the truth in your lies

I see nobody by your side

But I'm with you when you are all alone

And you correct me when I'm looking wrong

I see the guilt beneath the shame

I see your soul through your window pane

I see the scars that remain

I see you Wayne, I'm looking at the...

[Bruno Mars:]

Mirror on the wall, here we are again ([Wayne:] Yeah)

Through my rise and fall ([Wayne:] Uh-Huh)

You've been my only friend ([Wayne:] my only friend)

You told me that they can understand the man I am ([Wayne:] they can understand)

So why are we here ([Wayne:] misunderstood) talkin' to each other again?

[Lil Wayne:]

Looking at me now I can see my past

Damn I look just like my fucking dad

Light it up, that's smoke in mirrors

I ain't even look good in the broken mirror

I see my momma smile that's a blessing

I see the change, I see the message

And no message could've been any clearer

So I'm startin' with the man in the...

[Bruno Mars:]

Mirror on the wall,

[Lil Wayne:]

MJ taught me that.

[Bruno Mars:]

Here we are again

Through my rise and fall

You've been my only friend

[Lil Wayne:]

Take 'em to Mars man

[Bruno Mars:]

You told me that they can understand the man I am

So why are we talkin' to each other again?

[Lil Wayne:]

Uh...

Mirror on the wall, here we are again ([Wayne:] yeah)

Through my rise and fall

You've been my only friend ([Wayne:] Any questions?)

You told me that they can ([Wayne:] I come to you) understand the man I am ([Wayne:] You always have the answer)

So why are we here talkin' to each other again?

[Bruno Mars:]

Mirror on the wall.

[Wayne:]

Ay, B.P.

Looks like I did take 'em to Mars this time

[Bruno Mars:]

(So why are we talking to each other again?)

Weirdest Dream...

Had a dream last night where my father and mother were separated...by divorce.

My mom, brother (Raymond), and I are living in San Francisco with my grandmother. Guess my father got my sister and other brother (Jason).

Ray has become mentally unstable because of the lost of his good friend (Cathy- knock on wood) and lives offon his own somewhere. My mother is living with my grandma at what should be her old age home but resembles a homeless shelter. Bunk beds on the street??? Literally only bunk beds of the street, 3 stacked on top of each other.

I don't see this, but I know my father is well off, wherever he is.

There's a lot of hardship for my mom, who is trying to get past the divorce and poverty. Through out the dream you can see her rebuilding herself, slowly. My grandmother, in reality who is the dependent one because of health issues, is suddenly so strong, both emotionally and physically.

Eventually, my brother makes his way back around again. He is happy, healthy and suddenly really mature. He picks up helping my mom and grandma move out of the shelter.

There's this one scene that stands out for me, there's this dangerous strip of neighborhood that I keep having to walk through. I would walk through it again and again through out the dream, waiting for something to happen. But, nothing does. Literally you past this one store and it's safe again.

Suggestions on what this dream may be about?

Quote of the decade...

I want to be a leaning edge for you, an encouraging word for you... not the high expectation you're afraid to fail

Another Chapter Closed in my Life...

As a lot of you know, I've been struggling with a law case over the last 4 years. It has been haunting me and constantly bringing me down, but as of this week it will be over. It feels weird now that it is finally over. I only want to continue my goal to remove myself off the medication, then I can try and fully forget about it.

Hope for the best...

Tomorrow...

There's nothing profound about the realization that you should cherish every day like its your last, scratch that, make it every second. But, the reality is, most of us don't. We let ourselves get worked up over petty things that won't matter a year or even a month from now.

"My coworker didn't tell me this, or gave me this late. I missed the bus. My mom complaining about my uncle. People who won't be in your life in a year from now, are annoying you. People who will be in your life a year from now, are annoying you!"

None of this will matter anymore... but yet I waste my time, frustration and energy on it. When will we learn? When will I learn?

Just finished watching Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, (good movie, recommended) and right after I finished it, I called my Dad for the maybe 6th time, since I came to Korea 7 months ago. He's with a client and didn't ick up, so I did the next best thing. I called my brother and told him to say hi to my dad. I actually LOLed when I hung up.

It was in 2005 that I finally watched something related to 911 post "the worst day". It was during a mandatory training to start my job as a security officer at Toronto's Pearson Airport. I don't think I wanted to believe that people were capable of doing such senseless yet destructive things to each other. I wanted to continue living the material, self involved, and complicated for no reason life, any freshman University student was living. As I watched what I thought were part of the building breaking apart, I tried not to think about what I was actually watching. It was when I realized that it wasn't cement pieces, rather people I was watching jump from the windows, that it hit me how close to home this was. As I think about it now, it still sends a shiver down my back.

I am now in Korea 7 years later, better educated on the capabilities of our so called society, and yet still living in this self involved, half aware state. I have beliefs I strongly hold when it comes to being a bad person and who I am. As many times, that there might have been hesitation to what that actually means, I can still live with myself. I hope everyone in my life knows how much I love them and cherish them. I'd hate for them to realize it only through a blog from thousand of miles away. Well if you don't, you do now! Same mantra from grade 9 with a  slight change: (try to) Live life, no regrets!

Now if only I can start to call my parents more often...

Acceptance

Sunset at Ggotji Beach, Anmyeon Do, South Korea

Had a fantastic weekend getaway to Anmyeon Island, filled with unlimited natural beauty to indulge in.

Last week was a hard week, a lot of different emotions were experienced and none were good ones. 

It is hard to accept that people whom have made a great impact in your life, won't remain with you forever. 

It is not death by which separation occurs but by irreconcilable differences...

It hurts me deeply to lose someone who has really helped me in greater ways than they can ever believe.

I was angry and felt betrayed at first, I had let my guards down and trusted promised words.

But now, I realized that some people aren't meant to walk the entire journey with you, but they will change it.

I am forever grateful to have met you, known you and for you.   

It ends here.

*For more pictures from this weekend, go here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150606042379081.395809.502604080&type=1

Definition

gen·u·ine

   [jen-yoo-in] 

adjective

1.

possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, ororigin; not counterfeit; authentic; real: genuine sympathy; agenuine antique.

2.

properly so called: a genuine case of smallpox.

3.

free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy; sincere: agenuine person.

WANT...CRAVE...NEED

Lol specifically requested

KUNG FU PANDA REMAKE

<3 the progress made

MORE TO COME =D

MDream Kung Fu Panda Remake Script- February 18th

Scene 1

Peacock:

You were wrong, Soothsayer. .  We sail to victory tonight.  Your magic panda is clearly a fool. 

Goat: I'm certain it's the panda who is a fool!  You just destroyed your ancestor home Shen. 

Peacock: A trivial sacrifice, when all of the China is my reward! 

Goat:

Then will you finally be satisfied..  Will the subjugation of the whole world, finally make you feel better. 

Peacock: Hmm... This is start.  I might as well convert the basement into a dungeon. 

Goat: The cup you choose to fill has no bottom.  It's time to stop this madness! 

Peacock: Why on earth would I do that? 

Goat: So your parents can rest in peace. 

Peacock: My parents...  Hated me!  Do you understand?  They wronged me.  And... I... will make it right. 

Goat: They loved you.  They loved you so much, that having to send you away kill them. 

Peacock: The dead exist in the past.  And I must attend to the future.  Set the Soothsayer free.  She is of no use to me. 

Goat: Good bye, Shen.  I wish you happiness. 

Peacock: Happiness, must be taken.  And I will take mine.

Scene Two

Peacock:

Greetings, panda! 

Po: Tell me what happened that night? 

Peacock: What night? 

Po: That night! 

Peacock: Ahh.. That night. 

Po: Yes. We are talking about the same night, right? 

Peacock: Yes, I was there.  Yes, I watched your parents abandoned you.  It's a terrible thing.  I believe, it was something like... This! 

Monkey:

Here's your New Years gift! 

Mantis: Hope you like it. 'Cause you can't return it! 

Po: Ahhhh

Tigress: Po? What's he doing there? 

Monkey: Return it! Return it! 

Peacock: Are you willing to die, to find the truth. 

Po: You bet I am.  Although I... prefer not to. 

Mantis: We got them, Go! 

Po: Ahhhhh

Looking for me?  Um… I said that too soon, didn't I? 

Tigress: Po!  Po, get away from him! 

Po: No more running, Shen. 

Peacock: So it seems. 

Po: Now...  Answers! 

Peacock: Oh, you want to know so badly.  You think knowing it will heal you?  Fill some crater in your soul.  Well, here's you answer.  Your parents, didn't love you.  But here. Let me heal you. 

Tigress: No! 

  

Scene Three

Po:

Yeah, like you can make me drink that... 

Goat: If I wanted you dead, I would have left you in that river. 

Po: Why did you save me? 

Goat: So you can full-fill your destiny. 

Po: What're you talking about?  Where am I?  What's this place? 

Goat: I'm surprised you remember so little.  But you were so little, when it happened. 

(Memories) Perhaps you do remember. 

Po: Now what? It' s just a stupid nightmare. 

Goat: Nightmare...  or memory?  Stop hiding!  This was a striving village.  Young Shen was in line to rule Gongmen city.  But he wanted more.  I foretold that someone will stand in his way.  A panda!  But I never could've foretold, what came next. 

(IN MEMORIES) Kill them all!  Pick our son. And run away!  Go! 

Goat: Stop fighting!  Let it flow. 

Goat: Your story may not have such a happy beginning.  But, that doesn't make you who you are.  It's the rest of your story.  Who you choose to be.  So..  Who are you, panda? 

Po: I am Po. 

Scene 4

Pig Mother:

What do you mean, he's not here?  It's my son's birthday!  All he wanted, was to meet the Dragon Warrior! 

Father Duck: How about some tofu birthday cake, instead. Huh? 

Pig Mother: You know? I think we'll just try again, another time.  When do you think he will be back? 

Father Duck: I don't know! Okay? I don't know!  Maybe, never!  I'm worried. Okay?  But, that's my job.  I'm his dad! I mean... I was his dad.  Why did he had to go and save China?  I know why... But why?  This is one little panda! 

Father Duck: So, how did it go?  Did you saved China? 

Po: Yep. 

Father Duck: Well.. I knew you could.  That's why I have new signs made. My son saved China.  You two can save, buy one dumpling with one free! 

Po: Hey... That's a pretty good deal! 

Father Duck: Would you like to try one? 

Po: Maybe later.  There's something, I should tell you.  While I was gone...  I found the village where I was born.  I found out, how I ended up, in that radish basket. 

Father Duck: You did? 

Po: I know who I am. 

Father Duck: You do? 

Po: I'm your son!  I love you, dad. 

Father Duck: I love you too, son!  Delicious fat radishes.  You probably hungry. Let me cook something for you. 

Po: What're you talking about? I'll cook. 

Father Duck: No, no. I'll cook. 

Po: Dad?! 

Father Duck: It's the least I can do. You saved China! 

Po: No.. It's the least I can do. You raised me! 

Father Duck: - Po?

Po:

- Dad? 

Father Duck: Po! 

Po: Okay!  Let's both cook.  - Together.

Father Duck:

- Together.  No. I'll cook!  My son is alive!