Simon's Time in Korea

Although Simon should probably be the one posting up these pictures, these memories are mine just as much as they are his.

These are Simon's first friends that he saw in Korea.

Finally, being able to try Mr. Wow. Best hotdog in the world.

WC reunion.

Favorite sleeping position.

Cambodia Team at 돌돌이.

Best 갈매기 in the world with 계란찜 to go around.

My beloved Snugs.

현백 빙수.

Lots and lots of ball.

Gabriel aka Rocky. My favorite cousin.

First time subwaying with entire family.

감자탕 볶음밥.

My favorite 냉면. Check out my stack of bowls. =D

Everyone's favorite 삼겹.

Funny Koreans.

Doing what I do best.

Simon's two favorite 형s. Our unstoppable basketball team.

Best 오겹 in the world.

Amazing water show at 호수공원.

Does that look similar or does that look similar?

Simon's first time eating 회.

Freaking hiking.

Look how wet he is.

Interestingly enough, our only family picture.

Nasty 아구찜.

Times Square. Best mall in the world.

Valence Burger with family.

Dracula Burger. First time eating a garlic burger. Very satisfying.

BoA paid us a visit, but she couldn't get through to us.

Summer Retreat fun. Nate, our awesome gamemaster and hamburger man.

Small and intimate.

Charis and her mother.

Special guest appearance: Jae Kim.

The only reason why I came to retreat.

Here are some of Nate's awesome pictures

.

The EMPCL pastors.

Of course, my dad wanted us to go hiking for his birthday.

I think this was the first time I ever saw my parents holding hands.

Dad's birthday.

The right way.

One more time just father and son.

The last supper.

Although it was difficult to make time for friends, I had a grand time with my family. After not being together for so long, we had our occasional hiccups too. I remember during our third week, I literally got so upset and annoyed by each family member one day after another but only one person at a time. The summer heat didn't help. Mosquitoes were awesome. Nevertheless, 97% of our time was wonderful. It was kinda ironic how it got so cold today on the day Simon left.

I felt so sad and empty when I came home after work and the house was empty. What a summer.

Thought of the Day: Penicillin

Song of the Day: 브로콜리 너마저-보편적인 노래

We'll be right back

I have one more day with my brother. His presence here has led to my absence in many relationships here in Korea and abroad. No time to email or blog. Little time to grab that occasional bite or even lovefest. But rest assured, I will return all phone calls, emails, and messages...even from "sexy girls." In the meantime, chew on this food for thought.

Straight up DONUT CHEESEBURGERS.

Thought of the Day: Dollars

Song of the Day: Los Lonely Boys-Heaven

Sudoku

My brother always does Sudoku in the bathroom, and his goal is to finish the puzzle before he finishes his business. I finally learned how to play this amazing game yesterday. I even learned that my brother is finally better than me at something. And I especially learned that my dad is and will always be better than both of us...by a lot.
Check out this new pizza burger. Only 2,520 calories. Only $13!

The other day, Simon reminded me that Richard had a younger sister named Jade. Then we started talking about the characters from Mortal Kombat. Then I found out that they're coming out with a new movie!

Reptile looks so cute.


It's really nice to be on vacation.

Thought of the Day: Times Square
Song of the Day: Deli Spice-Bette Davis Eyes

Dago,

Happy Birthday. Come back to Korea.

Love,

Fergman

Thought of the Day: Everest
Song of the Day: Beyonce-Single Ladies

Can I pay you back?

I feel like my family and I have been in debt our whole lives. Whether it be loans, car payments, or some cash that we've borrowed from a friend, we always owe someone/thing dough. The worst times are when we incur more debt right after we've come close to paying one off. No matter how much I make every month as a superstar English tutor (ha!), I have yet to see any savings in my 통장 even after being here for four years. It usually doesn't bother me too much, but I have my moments of despair and frustration. It's the debt that drives me to work like a dog in hopes that one day it will all be paid off.

What fascinates me is that my financial debt is often a greater reality than my spiritual debt. I am more consumed with "blessed are the rich in bank account" than "blessed are the poor in spirit." As a result, there are times where I envy those who don't have any or much debt. Many did not earn the luxury of a financially worry-less life. Remember that scene from "Shopgirl" when Steve Martin pays for all of Claire Dane's school loans and she is ecstatic? Why can't I be more ecstatic that Christ not only took upon himself all of my debt but also gave to me his infinite inheritance?

But I am reminded that our earthly debts are shadows of the REAL debt that we have before God. And that is why it is comforting to know that mine have been atoned for and that my God is ecstatic over me even when I am not ecstatic over Him. He's gotten my back. He's spotted me. He's paid for me. I may have to labor many hours like the rest of Korea trying to pay things off, but I know that I don't have to pay Him back cause He's made me into a baller!

Please don't raise subway prices!

Thought of the Day: Yepp
Song of the Day: Donawhale-Echo

Oh Glee

I finished Modern Family pretty quickly. I am now on to Glee. Watching American stuff makes me miss home. The homesickness grows by the episode.

Thought of the Day: 대치
Song of the Day: Star Spangled Banner

WTF

I finally finished that last unbearable season of Lost and started the first fun season of Modern Family.

WHY THE FACE. Haha. It's enjoyable.

What is not enjoyable is this blasted weather. I've never longed for rain this much in my life. Not 장마 rain. Not 소나기 rain. Just regular refreshing rain that'll take that humidity away. WHY THE FACE!

Thought of the Day: 낙규
Song of the Day: Bruno Mars-Just The Way You Are

I got my baby back

I think my ribs are fine now. I was able to finish pushups and crunches last night no problem. Not (as) afraid to sneeze anymore. No worries, Mrs. Dopest. =D
This boy called me this morning as the Cambodia team was on their way to Busan. I think I'm supposed to play with them a lot starting this weekend. It amazes me how I consistently have visitors every summer and winter. Too bad they came during Korea's second heat wave of the summer. Is that sunlight intense or what? But good thing is this is the chillest summer I've ever had during my time here. Our family's going out for some 삼계탕 tonight cause my mom can't handle 삼겹 like the Chung men.
Have you guys seen pictures of Angelina Jolie's bulging veins? "Experts blame her too much exercise without a proper diet..." My brother always commented on how my veins tend to bulge too, but I'm nowhere near Jolie status. Besides, I never fail to have a proper diet. I think she and I need to hang out. Brad, you can stay home with the kids.

Thought of the Day: Mochi
Song of the Day: Big Bang-Always

Is your place better than mine?

You know who you are.

Thought of the Day: Adam vs. Noah
Song of the Day: BoA-Game

GALAXY S!!!

I really didn't think I'd end up getting it, but Apple convinced me to make the right choice. It's seriously better than I had even expected!





Thought of the Day: New Phone
Song of the Day: Green Day-Jesus Of Suburbia

"Phil, you need to update your blog..."-Simon

My ribs still hurt. There.

Thought of the Day: RAM
Song of the Day: Taeyang-I Need A Girl

This past weekend...

A dude elbowed me so hard in the ribs that I made the ugliest sound and face. It hurts whenever I (try to) do pushups/situps. I think I cracked a rib.
This face and his mother came to Korea.
We checked out 교대역 Exits 3, 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, and 14 to find the right restaurant! Not even the first choice.
Taco Bell opened up in Korea
and we waited an hour to get our overpriced food that ran out of hot sauce.

My student and I made a bet about Spain winning the World Cup. I don't want to buy 아저씨 dinner. ㅠㅠ

Thought of the Day: Spain
Song of the Day: B2ST-Shock

Foul!

So I ball 4-5 times a week, 2-3 hours every time and meet all kinds of ballers. You've got middle school kids who are bold enough to challenge their elders. You've got high school kids who are wasting precious 수능 study time but give you a pretty decent game. You've got university students who are strong and never run out of energy even after three or four full court games of 30 points. Then you've got 아저씨s who either play like their age or deceive you with their young faces and skills.

For the most part, everyone's pretty nice and shows good sportsmanship during and after the game. But every once in a while, you meet some disdainful shekis who think they're hot stuff. There's one particular guy who comes out about every week, and I HATE playing with him. If you get pretty physical with him, he'll call the foul if he misses or ignore your apology if he makes it. He always walks back for defense and tells his teammates what to do during every play. Today, he confronted me about how dangerous it was for me to come running at him while he was driving in the air. I'll admit it was kind of dangerous, but he totally chewed my apology. I freaking hate this guy. I wish I could block him so hard and send him home after he calls it a foul. Cocky crap.

"You know who hates bragging people the most? You have to be very proud to hate proud people. You have to be very proud because people who hog the center stage, the reason why you hate them so much is because you feel like 'I deserve that center stage more than he or she.'"
-Tim Keller

I'm such a cocky crap.

Days Remaining: 2

Thought of the Day: Galaxy S
Song of the Day: DJ DOC-Boat Song

KTOWN COWBOYS

For all you who are curious about Ktown life, people, and stereotypes, I thought this was a pretty entertaining piece of work (viewers' discretion advised).








I love that meathead! I'm sad the show's over though. As much as I miss Cali, Ktown is something I can definitely live without.

Days Remaining: 4

Thought of the Day: Michelle
Song of the Day: Biggie-Party and Bullshit

How sweet of you

Today, one of my students' moms gave me an ice cream to eat during the class. I can't remember the last time I had ice cream, but not eating it for so long made it difficult for me to enjoy its exaggerated sweetness. I actually had to drink water cause it was too sweet for me! I'm not that picky with food, but I've definitely developed a tongue of a grandpa. I eat things very bland and avoid sweets if I can help it. That means no salt in any of my soup. That means no ice cream or dessert-like things that girls love. My dad says I'm probably going to live for a long long time.

But one sweet thing that I do like is sports drinks. There is seriously nothing better than having a very cold Powerade after a sweaty game of basketball in the hot and humid weather. It truly is one of God's great gifts. As my friend said today, "Water just doesn't do it." Lee Myung Bak should make Gatorade fountains in the park.

Freakin' Uruguay!

Days Remaining: 6

Thought of the Day: 느니
Song of the Day: Deli Spice-차우차우

티쳐!

Yesterday, I bumped into one of my hakwon students in the streets, and my first thought was, "Dang, she's big!" She was so happy to see me and even called out my name again just to say bye one more time. It was really ironic because she was actually one of the students I strongly disliked and really contemplated being mean to her in Korean on my last day of teaching. I still can't get over how big her smile was yesterday. Is that what happens when you don't see people for a long time? Even people you didn't like?

I wonder would it would be like to meet my old school teachers again.

K-Mrs. Boyer (Good)
1-Mrs. George (So-so)
2-Mrs. Bingamin (Good)
3-Mrs. Carol (So-so)
4-Mrs. ? (So-so)
5-Mrs. Raffo (Good)

Funny. I don't remember the names of my middle school homeroom teachers.

I'd say the best teacher I ever had was my 7th grade science teacher, Ms. Sherman. She was young, pretty, and very patient. Not only that but she was my sex-ed teacher, and I remember being the student who asked the most questions during our QA time. I remember feeling especially proud when I stumped her with, "Why does it hurt so much when you get hit in your privates?" What an inquisitive (and shameless) boy.

Frankly, I don't care to see any of my high school teachers ever again. That means you, Fortgang!

Days Remaining: 7

Thought of the Day: West 32nd
Song of the Day: Son Dambi-Can't U See

No 8강

I never knew sports could make me so sad. My dad is still in mourning.

Days Remaining: 12

Thought of the Day: Haircut
Song of the Day: As The Deer

8강???

Days Remaining: 13

Thought of the Day: Rain?
Song of the Day: ORA-Gogo Korea

Holy Cow!

Holy cow! Round of 16!
Holy cow! After I found out that Terrance was coming to Korea, I told my dad that I hadn't seen him in a year. Then I said, it was actually two years. Just now, I realized it was three years. What an appropriate picture for this Saturday.Holy cow! Til the break of dawn...literally. I love this picture. I am so tired.

Thought of the Day: Shrunk.
Song of the Day: After School-Dream Again!

This week's persecuted church: Iran

A 29-year-old Christian man was arrested on April 29 after having his home searched and many of his personal belongings seized. The security agents threatened his wife and parents that they must keep quiet and avoid any contact with news media, otherwise the condition of the man would become worse. Despite more than 40 days of detention, the only contact has been a few phone calls that seem to indicate that he has been kept in solitary confinement all this time.

Thought of the Day: 한가하다
Song of the Day: Moby-Porcelain

And we'll all float on ok

Remember how happy I was when I first moved into my place? Well, guess how much happier I am that I'm moving out!

Reason #1: Our kitchen ceiling was leaking for many days, and our landlord wasn't being very practical or responsible about fixing it.

Reason #2: My ceiling wallpaper started to tear and just kept growing. It actually looks a lot worse, but we had to tape it up for the visitors who came to check out our place. Our landlord refused to fix this too.

Reason #3a: My ghetto window screen doesn't exactly fit my window as you can see the perfect entrance for mosquitoes during the summer. Luckily, they haven't been making their way in yet, so my body has made it through. Reason #3b: You'll also notice in the picture the window that is across from mine. That's where my sheki neighbors live. I can't tell you how many times I've fantasized throwing rocks or shooting beebee guns at that window whenever they drink til the break of dawn.

Reason #4: At the bottom of that same building, there is a loud drycleaner that starts very early in the morning. It's pretty much the alarm clock that I never wanted turned on.

Reason #5: At the bottom of my building, the landlord and his awful wife and friends are louder and even start earlier than the drycleaner. They make me so upset that they're not worthy of even having a picture to represent them.

My dad and I went through a lot of trouble to find our new place, but we are confident that we will be significantly happier there. The Lord provides amazing things in amazing ways at amazing times.

I only have 10 more episodes of

then start Season 4 of

and finally be able to watch Season 6 of




It isn't easy being a Laker Hater. It isn't easy being a Korean. Double whammy.

"Well we'll float on good news is on the way."
-Modest Mouse

Days Remaining: 21

Thought of the Day: 전자 상거래
Song of the Day: ORA-Gogo Korea

Mistakes

On Saturday, I was walking up some stairs in a subway station, and my eyes fell upon a decent looking butt in front of me. I usually try not to check people out, but I couldn't help admiring this well-formed butt. However, when I got to the top of the stairs, I learned that this nice butt belonged to a dude. Dangit.

Last night, as I was brushing my teeth, I couldn't help but notice how new the toothbrush felt. I just assumed that I had done a thorough job of flossing, so maybe my gums were feeling a bit more sensitive to the bristles. After finishing my brushing job, my mirror showed me that I had once again used my dad's toothbrush instead of mine. I don't even know how I made this mistake...his is blue. Mine is pink! What's wrong with me?!

It amazes me to think that all these small (or huge) mistakes are never accidents. Every shot that Kobe misses or every goal that Ji Sung scores has been ordained by the author of this world. But I don't think I'll ever know why I checked out a guy's butt and used my dad's toothbrush (twice) instead of mine. Does God crack up when I do these things?

Thought of the Day: Argentina
Song of the Day: Donawhale-Echo

Happy Birthday, Snugs!

Thought of the Day: Chika
Song of the Day: 2NE1-날 따라 해봐요

I love this game

This guy is seriously the nastiest player in the NBA.


And I truly love this guy. Little man ALWAYS has something to say whenever he makes some crazy shot. He's got a lot of spunk.


This guy's pretty awesome too.

Thought of the Day: Moving
Song of the Day: Still

16강!!!!

I seriously have so many funnier pictures than this, but this one was the most appropriate. Argentina, here we come come!!!!

Thought of the Day: Korea Korea!!!
Song of the Day: Supreme Team-Supermagic

Joshua Part 2

If you didn't care much for my Joshua Jordan videos, you probably won't care much for these Joshua Secret videos either. They're more for my own memories and pleasure anyway.

Starting...

from bad...

to worse...

to a kind of fever...

that is only one day away!!!

Days Remaining: 1

Thought of the Day: Joey 형
Song of the Day: Big Bang-Tell Me Goodbye

Some Like It Hot

Summer time is the time when I ball the most. I made a new basketball buddy a couple of weeks ago. We saw each other on the courts many times, and I found out that we were the same age. Ever since we exchanged numbers, we've never failed to ball together whenever either of us calls the other. Even when I asked him to play at 11PM, he was totally down to play. Tonight was our fifth night in a row. We kept telling each other that we'd see each other the NEXT weekend, but one of us always manages to call the other...and both of us manage to come out. It's a beautiful dynamic that we have. I wish the church would be the same way.

Last night as I was lying in bed, I realized that I was back to my "STARMAN" position where my arms and legs are all spread out because it's so hot. My brother always laughed at that and said it reminded him of Homer Simpson. It is 1:38AM right now and it's freakin' 29.6 degrees in my room. Each day literally keeps getting warmer and warmer too. My arms and legs can't spread out that far!

As July is approaching, so is the end of my two year cell phone contract, which means it's time to get a new phone! It's always exciting buying a new gadget or machine like a computer or a car. There's been a lot of buzz about smartphones and Androids and 4G phones (whatever those mean). At this very moment, the two craziest phones happen to be the new iPhone and the new Samsung Galaxy S. Since I am a firm believer in Anycall phones, I must confess that Samsung has caught my attention. Check it out...

At the same time, if I'm making another phone contract for the next two years, you know what that means for all you curious people who wonder when I'll go back to the states. You're probably better off just visiting me than waiting for me to come. That makes me kinda sad.


Days Remaining: 3

Thought of the Day: Tablo
Song of the Day: SS501-Love Ya

These are a few of my favorite things

Sometimes, being single ain't so bad.

Days Remaining: 5

Thought of the Day: Transformers
Song of the Day: Supreme Team-Do

This week's persecuted church: Eritrea

A 41-year-old woman was beaten to death after refusing to make the prison chief a cup of coffee. She was beaten with an iron rod for resisting. She was held at a military camp for three years where she was forced to renounce her faith or choose solitary confinement. 10 other Christians from the same church were also put in detention. Two days later, seven other members were taken as well. Persecution is said to be growing from bad to worse.

Days Remaining: 6

Thought of the Day: Indian food
Song of the Day: Supreme Team-Supermagic

열공

Thanks to Brian. Viewers discretion is advised.


Thought of the Day: Freakin' Spain
Song of the Day: Foo Fighters-No Way Back

와우! 여름이다!

Today, I read about biological clocks in my student's English book. I didn't know that animals can experience jet lag like us too, but there was also a part of me that wasn't very surprised. As today's weather was noticeably warmer, I even got seven mosquito bites. They're getting a head start this year, so I know that summer is definitely here. And even though today was a holiday and none of my students had to go to school, the majority of them was very tired and sluggish during our classes...including their teacher. Freakin' biological clocks.

As I was thinking about this phenomenon, I remembered two summers ago when I was teaching at Elite during the summer and had many a day when I'd fall asleep during a really boring book on a really hot day. On one particular occasion, while I was losing in one of my battles to stay awake...

Student: Teacher, are you sleeping?
Me: Of course not! Who's turn is it to read now?

Two summers later, things have not changed so much. One of my students has a grandma who sits in front of us in the living room and always falls asleep on the couch. Oh how I envy her! Seeing her sleep in front of us all the time has given me something to look forward to when I become old and senile. I'll be able to nap whenever and wherever I want, especially on them hot summer days. I always fantasize about sprawling out on the floor while my student does her work for the next few hours. Evie, where did you get your time-freezing powers?


Days Remaining: 10

Thought of the Day: Draw
Song of the Day: Donawhale-Running