Should I resurrect this blog??? Maybe.

Home again, home again, jiggety jig.

Happy New Year!

Well, 2006 is nearly gone so I've decided that I should do a special 'year in review' post. For the most part I'd have to say it was a pretty good year. However, this year (starting February 18, 2007) will be Year of the Pig...my year...so, my expectations for 2007 are pretty high.


Here is what happened in 2006...

• January: Rang in 2006 with friends out and about in Beaver Dam. It was a pretty good time despite being subjected to that stupid 'save a horse, ride a cowboy' song six times in less than two hours.


• February: Season Affective Disorder.


• March: Spring break saw me set some sort of record as I watched more than 35 movies in just under three weeks. I seriously doubt that I will come close to that number this year. Well, at least I hope not. I want to vow to be more active this year. Maybe I will go somewhere fun for spring break this year.


• April: April showers bring May flowers.


• May: End of my second year at Wayland. Sad end to the year for a few reasons, one in particular is the loss of our good friend and colleague Gardner (to grad school).


• June: The World Cup: P.J., John, Juan, and I spent many hours watching nearly all of the soccer games in Wayland Hall on the big screen. Thankfully the games were on in the afternoon this time.


• July: The highlight of my summer vacation, and pretty much the whole year, was my trip to South Korea and Japan (see earlier posts). I had a wonderful time visiting Asia for the first time. I am very grateful for my Korean students and their families for being such wonderful hosts. Thank you. I owe you all a lot.


• August: The return from Asia brings on travelers remorse and depression, and horrible case of jet lag. I now know how our Asian students suffer after every 14 hour flight. It is certainly an ordeal to wake up hungry for diner at 4 a.m., and have no food to eat. I spent quite a few mornings waiting until 6 a.m. and walking down to Walker's for breakfast, hanging out with the locals. An interesting experience to say the least.


• September: Start of my 3rd year at Wayland. Boy, how time flies. I got two new mentees this year, Mike and Ji Eun. I have seven wonderful mentees. I couldn't ask for a better group. Talked on email a lot with 'Steve,' one of my favorite former students.


• October: Turned 35 this year. Got a new phone and an iPod. The iPod is one of the best inventions ever!


• November: Went home to Michigan for Thanksgiving to spend time with the family. Set a new record for longest drive home: 10 and a 1/2 hours.


• December: End of another semester. Finals seemed to go well. Went home to Michigan for break. Set a new record for shortest drive home: 7 hours and 10 minutes. Got to spend more quality time with my family. Played with my niece and nephew. Got to see my friend Kymberly from high school whom I haven't seen for over two years. Also, got to see my friend Becky whom I haven't seen in a few years.

I will be ringing in the new year with my friend Ben in East Lansing. Here's to 2007. Happy new year everyone.

Cheers!

Korean Food

Ok, I'm not sure what it is, but I have become completely obsessed with Korean food. After eating Korean food everyday for three weeks on my trip I want nothing else...Kimchi jjigae, Jampong, tteokbokgi, gimbap, samgyeopsal, pork bulgogi, mandu, sundae, and more. I can't seem to get enough. It is really great cuisine. There is nothing deep fried or oily like here in the US. Korean food is mostly made with natural ingredients so, it has a lot of appeal. It's also spicy, which I love. Unfortunately, I do not live very near a Korean restaurant so I am not getting Korean food as often as I would like.

New Music

Asobi Seksu is one of my new favorite bands. Their self titled album has to be one of the best albums front to back that I've heard in a long time. I don't care that it's two years old, it gets my vote for album of the year. They remind me of My Bloody Valentine, the Lost in Translation Soundtrack, old Stereolab, and a darker version of saint etienne. "Walk on the moon", which I haven't been able to get out of my head for days, and "Stay" are my favorite tracks.
Their newest album, Citrus, is also pretty good. My favorite track is "Thursday".