12 Things To Do This Year

Since this is the start of the year, aside from my new year's resolutions, I also wanted to make a list of things that will make my 2018 special. I've been here in Germany for five months already and I feel like I haven't really explored much this very own city that I live in. So, the plan is to make or do something new every month.

Here's it is (in no particular order):

1. Join a city tour and learn a thing or two about Cologne
2. Visit a museum (or several museums) and immerse myself in art and/or history
3. Watch a musical (preferably in English)
4. Watch a German movie
5. Watch a live concert of my favorite artist/s
6. Eat in a restaurant serving German cuisine
7. Join a sports activity
8. Enroll in a German language course
9. Go to a vineyard
10. *still thinking of what to put here*
11. *still thinking of what to put here*
12. *still thinking of what to put here*

P.S. Will update this once I have some ideas for numbers 10 to 12.

-Day 1 done for my social media fasting. Been checking my phone from time to time but there's really no notifications to check. Let's see how far I will go.

-Also, another big goal for me this year is to pay off my credit card debt, the target time being the first quarter of this year. I'm hoping to welcome the spring season debt-free.

Moments in 2017: A Reflection

Again, I have to say this, "Time flies!" I guess when one gets older, time suddenly passes by fast compared to when one was still a child. And look where we are now! Hello December! It's only a month before the year ends and I just want to take this moment to reflect on what my 2017 was/is all about.

This year has brought me to the happiest and saddest moments of my life.

I'll start with the saddest first. Saddest, because my grandmother passed away. I still remember that faithful day of  the 18th of April. It was about 5:30 am and I was preparing for the day when my phone rang. At first, I thought it was my alarm but then it was a call from my mom. She told me what happened and right at that moment, tears started flooding my eyes. We know my Lola is in a bad condition, we know that she's dying but you still cannot be prepared when that moment, death, actually happens. Up to this day, I still have thoughts of What if I traveled a day before instead of planning to go home on Friday, then maybe I will be by my Lola's side during her last breath? There is still guilt in me that I haven't done the right thing. When my brother told me the details of Lola's last moments, it's as if it's happening in front of me. He's a nurse so he knows what's happening and what's coming next. And now that I think of it, if I was there, I wouldn't be able to handle the situation in a calm way. I'm a very emotional person (though I rarely let others see what I truly feel) so I can just imagine the panic and drastic feelings I'll be having if I was there. But then again, I still wish I was there. I was hoping that my Lola would still get through it, that she'll be healed and get back to normal because I don't want her to die with a frail body. I don't want her to die suffering. I want her to die happy and in peace. But God has better plans than mine. In the end, what's important is that she's now with the Lord. I just hope she's looking at me now from the heavens. On a lighter note, I also hope that she's whispering to God my heart's desires.

Taken last February at the wedding of one of her grandchildren.
I really love the way she looks here. She seems very happy.

Happiest, because my dream of pursuing a PhD has finally become a reality. And I just couldn't ask for a better place than where God has put me now. I will always, always be grateful for this opportunity. Getting here was never easy but it's all worth it. I applied to a lot, and I mean really a lot, of graduate programs back in 2016. Then, I saw a scholarship announcement in January this year. I sent my application and, fortunately, I was one of the candidates who get into the interview stage, then another interview, and finally I get the acceptance letter. It was fast getting my visa but acquiring the exit clearance was a different kind of level. It was a nightmare, with all the bureaucratic and very slow processing of papers. I've never been so stressed and angry in my life than that. Two days before my flight, that's the only time I got my exit clearance. Anyway, as they say, all's well that ends well.

So, that probably sums up my 2017. We still have a month so let's see if there are still some surprises.

P.S. Oh, speaking of surprises, the other day I got a [bad] surprise. I got into my first bike accident here in Germany. I was in a hurry that morning and was supposed to transfer from the road to the sidewalk/bike lane but I haven't noticed the level was a bit high and the road was wet, my tire didn't get through and then, everything was a mess. I fell face down on the cement. Got some wounds and bruises in my face, a bleeding mouth, a loosened front tooth, and a big wound in my right knee. And a day before that, I got bitten by a mouse while in training. Life is certainly full of surprises! Huhu!

500 Days of (Summer) Autumn

It's been a long time... I've always wanted to update my blog but it seems that I also always find ways/reasons to not write (e.g. tired already after a long day of work I'd rather sleep or just spend more time browsing in Instagram and Facebook). But now, I do hope to get back in track, even if it's just at least one post per month.

So let's get this going!

I spent the weekend in the quaint and lovely city of Oldenburg, situated in the northern part of Germany. This is probably one of my most memorable moments here in Germany so far because 

     1)it's my first solo travel out of Cologne (a.k.a. home base);

     2) I visited a dear friend (who's a former colleague and a fellow Master's student back in South 

         Korea).

I have to say I'm in love with Oldenburg. It's funny because when I told that to my friend, this was her reply, "That's what you also said about Cologne!" Haha! Yeah, she's right. Or maybe, it's safe to say that I'm in love with Germany.

Okay, but why do I love thee?

Let me count the ways.

First up, because Oldenburg is so clean and peaceful. Even while we were at the city center, it has still a small town vibe for me, which I really like. And the park where we went, where all these photos were taken...it is just so beautiful!

I will always prefer nature than the city. Will always stare in wonder in trees and lakes and beaches than skyscrapers. This huge tree for example, just look at that golden foliage! It's magical and tranquil at the same time. Nature really has a way to captivate one's heart.

For the second and third reasons, I'll just reserve them in my next post because it's already 12:41 AM in this side of the world.

Oh, also, autumn is here and I couldn't be any happier!♥

Good night! Guten abend!

New Kid On The Block

Three weeks and two days have passed already since I first set foot here in Germany last July 13, 2017. As I've said in my previous post, it was a dream of mine to pursue a PhD degree in biomedical science and, finally, it's now becoming a reality. Getting here was never easy. It was hard work, determination, perseverance, support of the people around me, faith, and most importantly, God's mercy that got me through all this. Whenever I remember all that I've been through, sometimes I can't help but get teary eyed.

Right now, I am still adjusting in my new environment.

First let's talk about the weather. It's summer but sometimes I do feel like it's autumn or spring. The weather here can get a bit crazy within the day. It's drastic, from 29°C where the sun is shining bright with cool breeze to 12°C where the rain is pouring with nearly freezing winds. There are days where it's nice to walk around but there are days where you just want to stay in the comfort of your bed. One thing that I've been doing is constantly checking the weather update just to be prepared. I also got an umbrella. In preparation for the colder months ahead, I am also planning to buy some jackets and coats.

--

Second, let's talk about the people. Stereotypes about Germans include being unfriendly, cold, direct, and are not into small talks. In my thee weeks here, I encountered some that look unfriendly and cold at first but actually they are good people. The thing with stereotypes is you compare a culturally different group of people with another group. So for me, coming from the Philippines, the norm is giving a warm welcome, showing that bright smile and greeting, to someone new. But here, on the day I arrived, I wasn't greeted by a smile and warm welcome from the reception personnel at the institute. It's just like, let's get down to business. "Why are you here? Who are you looking for?" etc. He's very direct. I wasn't offended or something because I've prepared myself about the German stereotypes. I think getting on to business is their norm here. Surely they'll look unfriendly if I compare them to the norm back home but that's what stereotyping is all about, it just compares. You can't judge someone whether he/she is a good person just by stereotyping.

When it comes to my supervisor and colleagues at work, I'd have to say they are warm and friendly and easy to work with. One of my hopes here is to have  a good and professional relationship with the people I'm working with. The night before my first day at work, I was very anxious. Good thing, that first day went smoothly. Also, it's nice that my supervisor is not intimidating and has a passion for what he's doing.

I have to add the random strangers I met outside of work. I'm very fortunate for all the act of kindness I experienced from them. I remember the day I arrived here. Jet lagged and all but I have to buy some adaptors. Using the map given by the HR, I was at the Lindenburg station looking at my map. A lady approached me and asked if I needed help. I must have looked like a lost child but I truly appreciate her gesture. Then one Saturday, I was again in Lindenburg station but the shop where I buy tickets is closed. While inside the tram, I asked a girl (whom I thought is Korean but is Chinese) how to get a ticket and she helped and taught me on getting the ticket from the machine in the tram. Also, she's a Master's student at a nearby institute who's also studying biomed so we had some conversation about our background and studies. Another Saturday, I went to the laundromat. I was looking at the directions but they are all in German. I was dead smack figuring how I'll wash my clothes. An old man asked me if I needed help. He explained one by one all the things that I have to do. He's so good in teaching every single detail I have to know, from getting the detergent in the machine to operating the washing machine to using the dryer. He's even giving me his detergent but I was shy, so I just bought one from the machine. I did some errands in the grocery and then came back to the laundromat and then, we had a good talk. He said he is the one doing the laundry of his clothes and his wife's because his wife is sick, multiple sclerosis. When he learned that I'm doing my PhD, he said that he had a neighbor who used to work at my institute. It's really a wonderful experience talking to him and realizing that he is such a good man. There's this time, while apartment hunting, I was so hungry I went to the nearest bakeshop. I only bought a slice of pie but the lady got three more breads and gave them to me as a gift. I will always be thankful to them for all the help and genuine act of kindness! I hope to also give back by helping other people.

--

Third, let's talk about how I'm handling some of the not-so-good stuff. Since I am a foreigner, I can't help but compare how I look with the people here. Clearly, I am different - from head to toe. The color of my hair, the color of my eyes, the color of my skin, the shape of my face, the built of my body...I am way, way different from them. They all look like models and dolls in my perspective. Yes, I have to say dolls because most of my dolls when I was a child were blonde, fair-skinned, with blue or green eyes. They are not discriminatory, but deep inside, I can't help but feel like I'm the only thorn among the roses. I'm starting to become self conscious and insecure in my own skin. Sometimes, I feel that I'm too old to be thinking that way. I'm an adult and an adult should know what is right. And that is to accept how different I am, to be content and happy with how I look, and to celebrate the diversity of people. For now, everything is still a learning process. It is my hope though that one day, I'll be able to embrace and celebrate my uniqueness and how diverse the humankind is all over the world.

What If

Sometimes life puts you in a position of whether you should take that next big step or just stay in your comfort zone, of whether you should jump off the water or just stay at the cliff and wonder what might happen if you did jump.

Will you hit a rock? 

Will you drown? 

Will you die? 

Will you live? 

Will you conquer your fear? 

It's a risky business - going out of your comfort zone, exploring the other side not knowing what it would really be like. 

But then again, what's the point of living a comfortable yet stagnant life if you can go out there and experience something new? It'll never be easy, it's going to be full of uncertainties, but, probably, it's going to be worth it.

Don't be hard on yourself. You've been spending a lot of time thinking about the future. Maybe all you need is this: Just enjoy the moment...the present...what's right in front of you.

Life

What does it mean to live life?

Each one of us has our own answers but no matter what our answer is , there is a force encompassing all of them - the pursuit of happiness.

At this point in my life, my pursuit of happiness revolves around three things, things that I wanted to do, things that I dreamed of.

See the WORLD

Have an IMPACT

Meet my one true LOVE

Image sources:
1st 2nd 3rd

I have always wondered 

what it feels to be on the shore 

in a winter season.

Haeundae, Beach Busan, South Korea

*Picture taken by me.

A Little Bit Braver

Have you ever felt like you're in a wrong place? Have you ever felt that you're supposed to be doing something else? Something that your heart truly desires?

Everything that I am into now just feels so wrong. I am stuck in a job that I thought I love and would make me happy. I am under a supervisor who doesn't fail to stress me out every single day. Working with him is just...uhm painful. Every morning, I wake up and ask myself, "Should I go to work or not?" But of course, I have no choice. Mondays to Fridays spell w-o-r-k. I want to resign but (what the heck!) I need a source of income. Life is not easy.

Living the life of a twenty something is harder than I expected. I used to think that at that age (let's say mid-twenties to late twenties), one is living the life he/she wanted. Having a stable job, a good income, a hobby which turns out to be a career, a supportive other half, or pursuing a dream one has always dreamt of. But hey, reality is much different. Reality also consists of challenges, problems, mistakes, and being lost in the middle of nowhere.

I am lost.

Or maybe just confused.

Or maybe just afraid.

There are three options: 1) to pursue my childhood/lifelong dream, 2) to get a PhD abroad, or 3) to have a career different from the first two. But wherever I am, whatever I do, there's that one dream that has a special place in my heart (option #1). Honestly, it scares me. I have put that dream on hold for a very long time, but I think now is the time to take a step...

And be a little bit braver.

P.S. Here's a good read for all the dreamers out there ---> The 10 Lines Of Bullshit You Will Hear Before Pursuing Your Dream
image source

Scrambling In Life

Lately I can't help but feel down. Self-pity has taken its hold on me. It seems like nothing "big" is happening in my life. I wake up in the morning, go to work, return to my dorm in the afternoon, sleep. Then, the cycle goes on again the next day. I feel like I'm stuck in this mundane way of living. But I have to admit, this is way better than not having a job at all.

A few months ago I was very enthusiastic about where my life is heading. I was confident of pursuing PhD somewhere in the United States. I was busy searching for schools and the requirements needed. And then one day, I just felt tired browsing all those university sites. The enthusiasm was gone. There were even times I was asking myself if I have what it takes to go to PhD.

Then, the thought of going to med comes to mind. But nah, I have to shrug it off. I'm already twenty six and it feels like too late. My batchmates have graduated already and are now preparing for their board exam while I, on the other hand, is still thinking of the possibility of becoming a doctor.

There are still  a lot of things that I want to do - travel the globe, explore different cultures, meet lots of people, take tons of pictures, fall in love, get married, have three children, and the list goes on.

I was even depressed comparing my life to those people I know who are living their lives to the fullest (based on what I see in their Facebook). At the end of the day, I am feeling weary and exhausted of thinking of all the possibilities in life but realizing that there's no concrete direction.

However, I got a meaningful answer this afternoon. I attended the mass and the homily talks about Martha who was so busy preparing things when Jesus arrived while her sister, Mary, was just on the Lord's feet, listening to him (Luke 10:38-42).

The priest reminded everyone that

"You get so caught up preparing in life, you forget to spend time with God."

I have to say, it certainly feels like God is directly talking to me, answering my questions, helping me get through my situation, making me realize that amidst all my problems, the most important thing is still my relationship with God.

Though I am still unsure of where my life is going, I am faithful that God will enable me to discern His plans for me; that at the right time, the path He has laid down on me will be uncovered.

Have a blessed week ahead everyone!

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Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Source)

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Interview In Progress

Interviews, no matter how many times I've taken them, always make me feel nervous. Here's the thing: An interview is a critical part in any job application because it can make or break everything you've written in your awesome resume. Yes, you finally sent that well-written resume. No doubt, you got the education and experience! And you think you're just perfect for the job. You're done with the cover letter. You got a call or an email message. And now, you're all set for the interview!

But, what should we really do with the interview so that everything turns out well? Yes, preparation is the key. One needs to do his research on three things:

• his/her self
• educational background
• skills and abilities
• previous work experiences (In my case, all my research experiences.)
• future plans

• job
• methods involved
• how you can apply your knowledge and skills in that job
• importance of that job in the path you want to take

• company 
• vision
• how you can connect yourself to that vision
• interpersonal skills with the other members of the company

Here are also some of the things that I did to keep my nerves at bay.

- If you have lots of time to spare before the interview, you can watch a movie (that brings good vibes) in your phone or in whatever gadget you have. In my case, I watched my favorite parts in one of my favorite feel-good movies, Pitch Perfect.

- Keep calm even though you're really feeling nervous deep inside. Make sure that you look calm and collected in front of the interview panel. Flash them your perfect smile. It will help a lot.

- Answer the questions as simple as possible. Don't complicate things. Choose your words properly.
Be direct if you must. But if you're facing a difficult question and directly answering it will not help, learn some ways to get out of that bush before you get lost.

- Don't give too much details especially when it comes to your future plans.

-Pray. 

Remember that you need to leave a good impression and prove that you're that amazing person you've written in your resume...and so much more!

Overall, I think my interview last week went pretty good. Finally got the call the other day! One happy girl here! =)


image source

On -Ber Months, Seasons, and Life's Journeys

It's already past midnight but here I am. Yes, I'm back to being a night owl. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be able to go back to my 12 o'clock sleeping time. So now I just want to share a big shout out, "Hello -BER months! Hello Christmas!" Because as we all know, when September comes, it'll only be a few months before Christmas. Yey! Oh and I must include, "Hello Autumn!" The other night, while walking back to my apartment, I realized something was different...the presence of a cold wind blowing through my face.

Summer has ended and autumn is now on it's way. I guess I'm really going to miss the four seasons. My whole life I've been living in a place with only wet and dry seasons and a hot and humid temperature all throughout the year. So being able to experience winter, spring, summer, and fall is such a wonderful thing.  It all started last year and now it's my second autumn experience and probably the last here in Korea since I'll be graduating in a few months time. Gosh, time passes by so fast. Everything happened like it was just yesterday.

When I first started this journey - this chapter of my life here in Korea - I was full of enthusiasm and hope and everything an explorer feels when he is starting to discover the unknown, then as the usual story goes, hardships and challenges came along the way, I was close to giving up, of wanting to go back to my comfort zone in my home country, but I needed to be strong and remind myself that going back unfinished is like giving up without even trying to fight, so I did what I should do. And now, I'm just a few steps away. I can see it already, but there are still some things that need to be overcome. So I whisper to myself, You've come a long way, so go on, run, run and finish this race with all your might.

What are the chances? What are the odds?..

...of  YOU and ME

A Deeper Appreciation for The Olympics and The Athletes

With the Olympics being in the news everywhere, I can't help but immerse myself in that newfound world these days. I am not an athlete but I'm gaining much interest in the Olympics. When I was a kid, I used to see it in TV but I didn't pay attention. However, now that I'm a grown up, I am seeing it in a different perspective. Watching all those athletes from all over the world compete with each other, it's just amazing! No doubt, they're the best of the best, creme de la creme of their respective countries. And reading all those articles in the internet about them: their stories, their dreams, their sacrifices, gives me all the more reason to understand how much discipline, effort, dedication, and hard work they've put into it and how their sports mean so much to them.

Being in the Olympics is already a big accomplishment but for most, if not all, winning the games and having  gold medals is the number one goal. Yes, I know. But then again, I think that a good athlete, even though he/she didn't get the gold medal, but knows in his heart that he has done his best, is still a victor.

To all the athletes of the 2012 London Olympics, I salute you! Thank you for bringing honor not only for yourself, but for your nation as well.

Uncertain Future

I should be doing some scientific writing stuff but here I am, once again, in this trance... All I can think of right now is this, What will happen to me? After this, what am I going to do? Where am I headed? What will my life be?

Honestly, I really don't know the answer.

There are a lot of opportunities out there but I really don't know which one(s) to pursue. This is me right now: "I want to do this but I also want to do that...and that, and that."  And weighing things out, each has its own pros and cons. So I'm kind of stuck.

And this is what I try to avoid the most: People asking me what I would do, my plans, etc. I try to give them some answers, like, "Uhm, probably I'll be working in ------. Blah, blah, blah, blah" just so I can end the conversation.  But here's what I really want to say, "I, myself, even don't know what I will do so could you please stop asking me all those things?" I'm kind of rude but that's really what I feel. It's kind of depressing that you yourself still can't quite figure out what you will be and then comes other people looking for some answers.

But, with all the confusion and uncertainty, I still believe that I have a purpose in life...


...and that God has destined me for something great.

Her Life These Days

After this summer, I only have one semester left before graduation. Whew, time flies so fast! I really feel happy and...well, panicky. Yes, your read it right. Panicky. Panic-mode. It's only a matter of time before my thesis defense and I have yet to organize all my work. I'm nearly at the end of the experiment and we're just waiting for the final results. Waiting for the transformed plants to grow and hoping that one of them will have the same phenotype as that of the mutants. But there's one big problem: if we don't get the expected results, we'll have to do something else, or in other words, start all over again (which I hope we won't).

So this July, I also have many deadlines: two abstracts and one paper. Well, I'd better do good because my future depends on those. And besides, I should really do good because the one I've been praying, that international conference - we're going there! Yay! Thank you God! 

But I also got another problem. I was so excited with the conference that I'm already thinking of the outfits and other things I would need and I'm already planning to buy this and that and this. Haha! I was thinking I will allot the money I'd get from the tutorials to my 'conference expenses'. But all of a sudden, my student said that she and his brother will not continue the tutoring anymore. I never expected that it would happen last Saturday but I kept calm and collected and said that it's okay. So there, all my to-buys have suddenly disappeared from view. However, I think that it's also a blessing in disguise because now, I would have more time in doing my paper and abstracts. And yes, I still have another student. But I'm not expecting anymore that I'd get my 'conference expenses' from my tutorial. I'll just be thrifty and save more from my allowance.

So yeah, I got lots of things to do and some problems to face but I'm also thankful for all that is happening right now. Life is indeed full of challenges, surprises, and of course, blessings. All we have to do is to trust Him and have faith that everything will be alright. 

Sixteen months and counting

One of the best things about having a blog is that you can go back to the memories you have written, be it yesterday, a week ago, a month ago, a year ago, or even several years ago. And yes, I suddenly thought of checking what I wrote a year ago.

This was my first entry for June 2011, Four months and counting. If I'm going to rewrite the title now, it's going to be "Sixteen months and counting" (which I just did). Time's so fast! It's been sixteen months already since I arrived here. Digging in to that blog entry, I listed the things that I must do in the remaining one year and eight months and now I already got through that one year. So, here's the list and let's see what I've done:

• explore other parts of South Korea by having some out-of-town trips once a month

Explore it is! I feel like Dora the Explorer! Haha! So far, so good! I've explored many places within and outside Daegu. Daegu: Herb Hillz, Palgongsan, Daegu Stadium, Apsan, Downtown shops, areas around the university, Chilgok. South Korea: Juwangsan, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Ulsan, Busan, Yeosu, Seoul. Yey! More places to explore!

• do some sports, swimming on top of the list for the month of July

I did swimming last year and now I'm also doing it. Level 3 for the month of July. But I'm still having difficulty in freestyle, especially the breathing part so good luck to me. (This reminds me that I should go to the pool tomorrow morning for some practice.)

• meet new friends, be it Korean or other foreigners

Well, I got to meet new friends although not that many I should say. Foreigners which aren't Koreans, I got to meet them in my Korean Language classes. But the one foreigner that I got really close to was Aurora. She's just so much fun to be with. And last year, we're like this. For the Korean friends, aside from the undergraduates in our lab (YongGu, SunUk, GyuTae, SoonHyuk, YeonJin, BuBae, EunShil, ISeul, WonCheol, KunTae, XiaoHan), I also got to know the other undergraduates from other labs, (EunHae, RaamI, Miri, EunByeol, NamU, HyunJin, HwaCheon, etc.)

• update my blog regularly by posting once a week

This is difficult! Really, really difficult, especially if the busy schedule doesn't permit me to write and there aren't any special things or things worthy to be written. But at least I'm able to post every month. Haha! I guess that would do.

• start managing my finances well and allot part of my allowance for savings

Another difficult thing. My finances keep on growing, but the savings? Oh savings, where art thou? Must really be serious in saving some money. 

• go to Forever21 in Seoul

Wasn't able to do this when I went to Seoul. Maybe next time. But fact is, I am not so excited with Forever21 anymore because I am already loving the shops in downtown. 

• discover more stores and best buys in downtown

Speaking of downtown. Yes I did! I can be a tour guide already, I mean a shopper's guide, to anyone who wants to shop in downtown!

• have a glimpse of Korean Fashion Week

This, I haven't and still don't know how to get to.

• be an English tutor to Korean kids

Yay! Finally, finally! Even as a kid, I know I'm not into teaching but last May I took the plunge. I am teaching two sets of students. The first is a sibling tandem, older sister and younger brother, and the second is a mother and a daughter. Well, they're not really kids but what's important is I enjoy teaching them.


So there, I got 5 out 9. Not bad! This weekend, if I find time to reflect, I might be able to make a new set of list again. Hmmm. =)

Reality Bites

The problem with me is I'm getting too emotional on this. And it's not doing me any good. What's worse, I can't even confide it to anyone here, even to my friends. So I'm just keeping it all to myself. But  I guess writing them here eases my emo state a little bit. It's my blog after all. Other people can probably read it but it's impact will not be the same with the impact it'll have on the people I know personally.

So going back, I just can't help but think of him. I already miss him even though he hasn't left yet. I don't know if I'll still see him tomorrow. I'm supposed to be writing a scientific article today but my mind is just clouded of thoughts of him. All I know and sure of right now is this: I like him. But just when I realized I like someone, something goes wrong - either he's gay (this was a handsome and talented guy I fell head over heels with several years ago) or he needs to go to the other side of the world (the present one). And also, I'm just not sure if he's feeling the same way as I do. It's hard to know because sometimes we have these interesting, hour-long conversations; but at other times, when we pass each other on the hallway, there's no Hi or Hello, not even an eye contact. It's weird. There's a big chance that I'm the only one who has feelings for him, maybe he just sees me as a mere acquaintance. And reality check, I suddenly remember one of our talks, I told him, "Oh, maybe you'll have a girlfriend in the US, an American." He said, "I don't want. I want a Korean." BOOM!

By the way, his future girlfriend is a lucky girl. He's a keeper. He has the looks, doesn't smoke, not a heavy drinker, and a hardworking student. As for me? I'd like to imagine he sees me as someone special, that our friendship would blossom into something deeper but that would be living in a dreamland. I'd better open my eyes and move on with my life. But one thing that will never change is this, I will always be thankful I've met him.

Some Ranting & Busan Summer Loving

It's past 10 already and I'm really, really sleepy but I must do this (motivation please?). Usually, it takes about two hours for me to finish and be satisfied with what I write here. Lately, it's just hard for me to find time because when evening comes I'm already tired and there's nothing better to do but sleep or give in to my once again facebook addiction. Yes fb addiction, man! You know the feeling when you uploaded some pics and you're just so excited to see new notifications (LIKEs, comments) and you're like checking your fb minute by minute? I hate it but I just couldn't help it. Oh well, that's life. Maybe one simply feels happy when others notice and give nice compliments to him/her in fb. But I really have to divert myself from checking my fb starting from now. You see, that's the problem when you have internet connection 24/7 for free - Facebook is just a click away. Phew.

So, enough of my fb rants. Let's discuss about the adventures in my life, travel adventures specifically. These past two weeks I was such a busy traveling bee. The other Sunday, me and my friend went to Busan, the summer capital of Korea (at least to my perspective). It's our first out-of-town/out-of-Daegu trip on our own because most of the time we just explore the areas in Daegu or we join the tour organized by the KNU International Office (it's free or sometimes you only need to pay a little amount, therefore who says traveling can be so expensive?). Busan, I must say, is such a beautiful place. The beach, oh the beach! Maybe that's the effect when one lives in a place surrounded by mountains (hello Daegu), seeing a beach is like a miracle. Haha!

Of course, this never fails...my cross-legged/feeling fashion blogger pose. I've always adored fashion bloggers. They are my inspiration when it comes to "everything fashion". So now, I let myself feel like one.

I'm not a fan of indoor establishments, I  prefer to be out in nature and breathe fresh air but sometimes if there are some galleries with something worthy to look at and with an added bonus of free entrance (okay so that's how thrifty I can be), I walk in. But in the case of the  Busan Aquarium, we decided not to go and  probably taking a picture would suffice. But if you're one big fan of marine life, I say go ahead, stash some cash, and please your eyes with the diversity of organisms the sea has to offer.

Spot the mermaid. Never thought I'd see a mermaid. Reminds me of the beach with a mermaid statue back in the Philippines. Oh, and look at the rocks. Aren't they amazing? And that wooden path and stairs? Just perfect while walking on the coast of Haeundae Beach. That's one of the many things I love about Korea, they have these wooden paths in the mountains and in the coast. They just make life easier!

And this hanging bridge is just awesome!

Loving the view of the beach with skyscrapers. I feel like I'm in California! Haha!

Spent the whole day with these two lovely girls. The one in the middle lives in Busan and oh boy, she's just so good speaking Korean with a Busan accent. Busan accent is kind of different from the accents in other parts of Korea. If you know Bisaya, you'd know what I mean.

Oh, Gwangali Bridge! *insert the song California Girls in the background* 'Coz this reminds me of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Such a serene view. Beautiful.

So all in all, I really had a great time in Busan even just for one day. Still got tons of pics in this trip but I'll just reserve them in my coming posts. By the way, these beautiful flowers I saw while walking in a bridge in a highway. Oh, did I just say there's just a lot of surprises in Busan? Even in highways!

New season, new plans, new life

I am writing from the lab today. This is risky business. But since I have a free time, might as well do a post here. So today is Friday and Friday really gives me that big smile on my face. Although it's a gloomy and rainy Friday, it's still Friday nonetheless. And it's also the last weekday of March, which means that next week is already April! Whoa, it's the fourth month of the year already! April, I hope you'll be awesome! Also, I must say that Spring has officially come and is here to stay. Buds are already everywhere and flowers are starting to bloom and the weather is just perfect.

Spring is definitely making me a hyper individual, with lots of things planned to do for this season. Probably because I was in a state of dormancy the whole winter. 

So, I just want to share my list of Random Things To Do This Spring:

• Exercise
• Unwind in the park
• Rent a bike
• Dress up
• Explore other places in Daegu
• Grow a plant (eg herbs or flowers in a pot)

I'm just so excited to be able to do all those things. Yay! New season, new plans, new life!