Blessings From God

God had blessed me in unexpected ways last Thursday.
Last Thursday I went to take my driving test for the G license. In Canada, in order to obtain a driving license, one needs to complete three tests within a span of 5 years. The first is the G1. G1 is a written test, and you are tested based on the rules of the roads in Canada. The test consists of questions regarding signage on the road, or specific rules that apply to different roads. After writing the initial test, one would need to wait 8 months before proceeding with the second test, G2, which is a road test. Throughout the 8 months wait, driving classes are taking with an instructor, and also insurance class is taken. The instructor would teach you the basics of driving on the road, and correct any bad habits. Insurance class is a three day course where, again, basics of the roads are taught but in a classroom setting. The purpose of taking that class is to lower the cost of insurance (hence the name insurance class). The insurance company would lower the cost of insurance because they would think that through the class, dangers of the roads are shown to you and you would be more responsible drivers and have less accidents. Which means that you are not as dangerous, hence the lowering of the cost. During the G2 test, one is tested on your skills on the road, driving normally, turning, parking etc. The test takes place in the city, and only in the small streets. And the last test to take is the G, which is also a road test, but it includes the highway (which is a road that drives at a limit of above 80km/hr.)

ANYWAY, time to start with the story. I went to take the test by myself (because my mom has to work, and it is alot of pressure having people wait for you). So I took the highway up to Bloomington Road (G2 drivers are allowed to take the highway, but there are restrictions on when you can drive etc.) and went to explore the roads. I wanted to practise a few more things before taking my test (like parallel parking, controlling my speed limit, and parking.) I started to drive around looking for streets where I can practise the mentioned skills at, but all streets did not have any cars that I could practise on. I started driving and driving, then I realised that I was east of where I was supposed to be. I then slowly made my way back to approximately where the test centre was around, and started searching again. This time, I drove myself to somewhere I did not recognize. And I thought to myself Oh goodness, I am lost. None of the maps in my car had Aurora on the map, so I had to keep driving to find roads I was familiar with. For a good 5-10 minutes I was almost scared out of my mind because I was afraid that I would miss my driving test. finally making my way back to the center, I went inside to tell them I am here, then I went to wait at the car. You had no idea how freaked out I was (more like nervous). Every driving examiner that came out I wished that they would not be my driving examiner (because they were very mean looking). I was so nervous that I prayed to God. God, I am really nervous right now. Please calm my heart down. I stood by my car reviewing everything that I needed to remember, then sirens rang, and emergency response vehicles zoomed by outside and I panicked What am I supposed to do if I meet them on the road? I freaked out for another 5 minutes. Then the examiner approached me. He is a friendli(er) looking examiner, and I did not feel that nervous with him as my examiner (My first G2 test examiner looked like those people who scowled at everything). As we headed out we started on a path that was like any other exam, then we turned right, and saw the scene of a car accident. The examiner told me to take a left, and we ended up on a road that was familiar to me. Why? Because I was heading on the exact route that I got lost on. God really had blessed me. I normally do not do well when it comes to big/steep hills. But because I had practised before hand, I knew what to expect, and I was able to proceed down the hill at a good speed.

God had really had a hand in my exam. I got lost practising for my exam, and my route was almost exact for the test. I believe that if the car accident did not happen outside of the test center, that we would have taken another route entirely. I believe most importantly, He reassured me, and calmed my heart down, enough that I was able to remember everything. The Lord has worked many ways that day, and this post does not even begin to describe all the emotions I experienced that day.

Praise the Lord. And thank you Lord for watching over me.

Run Don't Walk!

Yes, here's another list post. This will be a good list. I promise. I have been watching the Korean outdoor variety show Running Man (런닝만) for as long as it has been running (did not mean as a pun). And just on the 11th, it celebrated its two year anniversary. I can't believe the show has been running for two years now. Unbelievable! An overview of the show, 7 permanent cast members + sometimes one or two guests, would be sent to a location, and they would have to finish missions assigned by the production crew. Usually there is some sort of theme to the missions, and most of the missions require running, or some sort of fast paced thinking. Currently, it has aired 102 episodes to date, and I've only watched 92 episodes. In celebration of the two year anniversary of this hilarious and exciting show, I will list my top 7 favourite episodes out of them all. This was inspired by the article seen on Allkpop. (Warning: May contain spoilers)

7. Team Bonding (COEX) (29)
This was a good bonding episode, and getting to know the members. As a frequent variety show watcher, knowing the personalities of the members will allow for further enjoyment of the show. And the team work that was required for the mission, although Kookie did become the clutch, the dependence on each other was amazing.

6. Dynamic Duo, Simon D, Tiger JK, Yoon Mi Rae (59) 
Although my fingers curled multiple times during this show, it was an awesome spy episode. Although all the hip hop artists had such stage presence performing on stage, on this episode, it was no big star feel to them at all. they were like the people who would live next to you, personable, and easy to get along with. The ending was to die for, just the pure love. 

5. Kim Min Jung, Jung Yong Hwa (72+73)
The third overseas episode, this time in Hong Kong, my home town. I picked this episode purely out of selfishnes (since it is my home town. But they did a good job of introducing all the tourist attractions of HK while completing missions. Heck, they even got Jackie Chan to appear on the show. Seriously, Running Man 대박! (Some MAJOR spoilers ahead) Haha almost touched to tears when someone knew the lyrics to Rosa, then Gwangsoo's misfortune on the roller coaster, and Jaesuk & Haha's fear of heights in the crystal cable car. Makes me want to go home and visit all those places again. Other than that, Yonghwa on Running Man is always awesome as there are usually unexpected results.

 

4. Shin Bong Sun, Kim Sooro Lee Hong Ki (09)
 This episode took place in Lotte World. I loved this episode purely for the loveline SBS and Jong Kook had. And the first challenge was just unbelievable. I visited Lotte World last summer, and seeing that roller coaster in real life I got the crap scared out of me. I was surprised that they actually managed to sing on that roller coaster. It was so freaking fast. And also the Leisure Cup of Tea (they need to bring this segment back). Because of SBS and Kim Sooro this episode was hilarious. Lee Hong Ki could have done more if he didn't just return from Japan, he needed to switch back culturally.

3. IU, Ji Jin Hee, Joo Sang wook, Lee Chun Hee, Kim Sung Soo (76+77)
These two episodes had killers and spies all in one. The four killers are quite handsome, making it more enjoyable to watch, especially Chunderella. When they went to pick their spies, it made me wonder WHY DID YOU HAVE TO PICK HIM!? But as the spies did their jobs, it was more obvious they they did pick correctly. The turn of events happened when there were only a few left, and it was a big shock. Then IU came in the second episode, and happiness all around. 

2. Betrayal (38+91)
Not one but two episodes of ultimate betrayal from Yoo Jae Suk. My brother would argue that this would be the best episode EVAR, but this only places second on my list. But I must agree on one thing, the first time was cool, but the second time was even more awesome. I think he had a harder job in the second betrayal. One was because of the other mission that existed, and second because betrayals were so common on this show, that the smallest action could raise suspicion. 

1. Hyungnims (Lee duk Hwa, Park Jung Gyu, Park Sang Myun (90)
This episode was awesome beyond words. Firstly from their anticipation for girl groups to come. Then being scared out of their wits with the hyungnims. The amount of time they spent on the first portion was quite hilarious. It was unexpectedly hard. But I think I liked this episode the most was because it was the return of the Monday Couple. The Monday Couple finally were paired again ever since Ji Hyo came out with her relationship. The first few minuets they were awkward, but throughout the show you would see why they were dubbed Monday Couple in the first place. Although this will never turn out to be a romantic couple, the chemistry they have together is undeniable.

Black

This post is to share with you one of my new favourite artists that I have recently come to a liking for. 周柏豪, Pak Ho Chau. At the beginning of the month I was lucky enough to work at a talent show and he was the special guest. Prior to the show I didn't really know any of his songs, and didn't really know of him as an artist.

But his live is just so good, and the expressions he has on his face, it's just so inspiring. I can see that he really enjoys/loves music. That night I got home, and I started to Youtube his songs, and all the songs were love. His voice is deep but not too deep, and the lyrics are just so meaningful. Then recently I came upon this video where he had mentioned his best friend whom has stage 4 cancer. And the things he did and is doing to give him hope, and inspire his best friend to get through all this was incredible. I can see that everything he did was truly from the heart, whether it would be talking on stage, or how he treats others, it's from the bottom of his heart. I have a new found appreciation for those who write and produce their own music, and please check out his music.

天光

 

黑

(Photo credit: 新秀歌唱大賽多倫多選拔賽 New Talent Singing Awards Toronto Audition @Facebook) 

Lovin You

我等你轉個圈　倒數接觸那點　
時針秒針也許同享過剎那愛戀
秒針快速轉圈　未同步兜轉　
時針至少　亦有一秒曾送暖

Im loving you　(我為你追趕　也不苦) 　
Im loving you　(空等　也不顧)
Im loving you　(I love you I love you I love you)
Im loving you　(得到夠多)
幸運　飾演我　

我不會編笑話　也不會講廢話 
我只會知　我不可以待你差 
寒冬變身炎夏　石頭化風沙 
我都會等　令你心有日軟化

Im loving you　(我就算辛苦　也不苦) 
Im loving you　(空等　也不顧)
Im loving you　(I love you I love you I love you)
Im loving you　(不想太多)
Im loving you　(我尚有幾多秒觀摩)
Im loving you　(甘心　獻出我)
Im loving you　(我沒你時光亦是白過)
Im loving you　(存在為等你經過)
Im loving you　(聽聽這首歌) 
Im loving you　(撩動你耳朵)
Im loving you　(唱著你　要為你首播) 
我付出過　已是不錯陪著你怎會是坎坷　
待你好　可以麼

Definition

I spent a good four months in Hong Kong, and during my time there, I realised that there will be a while until I would ever adjust to the city that used to be my home. Hong Kong is technically a city, but since its return to China, it's a Special Administrative Region. It's like half a country, except it's almost like the size of Prince Edward Island, with a population density of 6782.92 people per square kilometre. Just seeing the population density makes me feel claustrophobic. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Hong Kong in anyway, I love Hong Kong actually. But there are just some things that... I am less enthusiastic about.

There is the normal language I have grown up with and learned, Cantonese, which I believe has drastically changed in the last 6 years. There are terms that frequently appear in the vocabulary of those on the online forums and everyday conversations that are basically ruthless in describing people. These terms were developed by those who frequent the discussion forums, and those who are considered trend setters. I will name a few here, as they are what I know from watching online news reports and reading posts on the discussion forums. I will try my best to explain the meaning of those terms, to the best of my abilities/understanding. I am taking the definitions from this website, The Encyclopaedia of Virtual Communities in Hong Kong, and translating them for you.

港女 (gong lui): Originally used by the media as a shortened form of "Hong Kong Girl". But on the discussion forums, there was another meaning, and soon that meaning made its way into everyday life. The online meaning for this word was for girls who live in Hong Kong, whom love themselves, love money, and look down on other people. I would simply sum it up as those with Princess Complex. A majority of girls in Hong Kong show this type of behaviour, so they it was easily generalized. 港男 (gong nam) is the male equivalent.

剩女 (sing lui): Basically girls who are over the age of 30 and are not dating or not married. Usually those categorized under this term are also very well educated, holds a high position job, and earning alot of money. Term also used interchangeably with 中女. In the culture, there is always a pressure to date/get married before the age of 30 because in the past our ancestors (as per around the world) all married in the early 20s, and LATEST by 30. But due to the need of the economy of Hong Kong, what is needed to sustain a normal life, would create what they call 剩女. One can be a 剩女AND 港女 at the same time. 港女 who look down on people, thinking all guys are not suitable for them, can turn into a 剩女.


小學雞 (siu hok gai): This is a more recent 'invention'. First it was meant to describe children in elementary school, as when you look at them from a tall building, look like little chicks running around in the playground. But more recently it received another meaning, which is those who think childishly, immature and constantly goes around to start fights. Alot of people online apply the term to people who are younger than them, and  has done something wrong.


豬扒 (ju pa): The original term means pork cutlet, and it is still used in terms of food. But it is also used to describe girls whom are seen as chubbier and who are not considered beautiful. And this term is quite frequently used by everyday people. As soon as the person is not as beautiful as a certain star, there is a very high chance that 豬扒 will be used to describe them.


蝗蟲 (wang chung): The original meaning of the word is locust, as seen in the Bible, and known through general knowledge that they eat everything in sight. A term used by Hong Kong people to describe a part of the Chinese population, those who come from China. It applies to people who are lazy, picky about something that they had no control over, and taking the prize for someone else`s work. Some examples of why this term was used was due to some who immigrate to Hong Kong or give birth to their children in Hong Kong solely for the benefits that the SAR provides. Or when there was the formula problem in China, many people went to Hong Kong to clear the shelves of formula, that are not made in China.

宅男 (jaak nam): Originated from a Japanese drama, and it was used to describe the boys/men who rarely step outside of their house, and have an interesting hobby. Hong Kong took it another step further and it is used to describe men who rarely step outside of their house and also like pornography like things.


𡃁模 (laang mo): A list of criteria establish by the online population, those who are 25 and under, has a sweet image with large eyes, shorter than the average model, and a full bust and promotes mostly as cute or sexy. Basically young girls, who are using their youth as a gimmick, and also using their body as a selling point. Most girls don't fit the super-model criteria, so they are categorized under this term.

The above are just a few terms I know, and it's just the tip of the iceberg. What is my view on these terms? I feel they are degrading, and just segregating the population of Hong Kong. All around the world I am pretty sure all these people exist in one form or another, but only in Hong Kong would there be terms attached to the special characteristics. Not everybody in the world is as beautiful as Hollywood stars, but is there a need to attach a name to 'make fun' of them? I don't think so. Mostly the terms above are used in a negative connotation, in means to put people down. I believe Hong Kong people just have nothing better to do, and they are judging other people when they should really focus on their own lives. Hong Kong is a small city, where I can see how these mindsets can easily be spread to the entire population. There are many people who use these terms almost on a daily basis, but when it is used to describe themselves, they feel offended. There is no need to categorize people, and label people. 

사랑하라 한번도 상처받지 않은 것처럼

춤추라, 아무도 바라보고 있지 않은 것처럼.
사랑하라, 한번도 상처받지 않은 것처럼.
노래하라, 아무도 듣고 있지 않은 것처럼.
일하라, 돈이 필요하지 않은 것처럼.
살라, 오늘이 마지막 날인 것처럼.

---------------------

Dance, like nobody is watching you.

Love, like you've never been hurt.

Sing, like nobody is listening to you.

Work like you don't need the money.

Like today like it's the last day to live.

- 알ㅍ켸드 D, 수자

Summer Tunes

Summer is half over, and I wanted to share some of my favourite tunes that I relate with the season. Of course these tunes would be KPOP, as that is my main stream of music. You will see that I go old school and fluctuate back and forth from more recent songs. Also I have included some Japanese songs, as they are sung by Korean artists. So here we go!

The first portion will be definite summer tunes, there is no denying that they belong in this playlist.

1. 신화(Shinhwa) - 으싸 으싸(Eusha Eusha) (1998)

This is a song that talks about being tired of working so much that they would all like to drop what they are doing and go visit the beach. Which is basically what we all do when it is summer time. Eat watermelons, go swimming at the beach, sit around a camp fire, and just enjoy the scenery at the beach. The beats of the song makes you want to get up out of your seat and just dance, or for those who are lazy, just sway around from side to side in your seats. This is definitely one of my first picks of the list.

2. 이효리(Lee Hyori) - U Go Girl (2008)

Sung by the sexy Lee Hyori, this song is incredibly upbeat. She sings about meeting a guy and worrying about dressing up to meet him. The chorus is super catchy, girl hey you go girl, de le de le that that that girl! Don't worry about not being able to sing the rest of the song, but it will get you up to go chill with your friends!

3. Mighty Mouth - Lalala (ft. Soya) (2010)

Similarly to Shinhwa's Eusha Eusha, Mighty Mouth and Soya sing about leaving all worries behind and having a good time partying (fiesta!). Mighty Mouth and Soya have proven to be quite a pairing as all songs they have done together have become hits. With Mighty Mouth's quick and witty rap and Soya's beautiful voice in the chorus, the song is sure to have you singing along.  

4. f(x) - Hot Summer (2011)

The title speaks all for itself. The summer is nothing but hot. The girls sing about everything to do on a hot summer day.Wear sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, which is in a clear blue sky. Going to the ice cream shop to get some ice cream or sip away at a drink with ice cubes floating in it. And if you're in Korea, cool down by the Han River or by the East Sea. So on a hot day, you might be 'sweating in this weather', and somehow run out of ideas on how to cool yourself down, listen to this song and you just might get an answer ;)

5. Hyuna- Bubble Pop (2011)

Hyuna's solo Bubble Pop came out last summer, and I got to visit Korea during the promotion times. Needless to say, I definitely related this song with the summer time. Although this song talks about not being sure of the boy's heart, the beat itself is enough to make you want to visit the beach. And as Allkpop described it, the song is a "up-tempo and bouncy song", basically all bubbly and fun, and somewhat sexy (if you watch the MV)

6. 2PM & SNSD - CABI (2010)

Two of the top idol groups in Korea came together in a commercial for the water park called Caribbean Bay. Along with the 30' commercials, they released a 'duet'. Again the song talks about what to do during the summer, describing summers to a t. And since this is a endorsement song, there are names of some rides in the water park entwined in the lyrics. If you get to watch the MV, you will see what everybody wants to have for the summer: fit bodies. Summer time is for the girls and guys to get fit, and the girls and guys of 2PM and SNSD are definitely ideal bodies for the summer.

7. TVXQ - Summer Dream (2008)

How can I do a list without naming my bias? They have had many good songs in the 5-6 years they were together, with many that definitely have a summer feel to them. This title basically explains itself. This is a Japanese single they released, and the whole song describes a summer love, along with visiting the beach during the summer time.The light music in the background, and the soothing voices of Jaejoong and Junsu will have you singing along in no time. (Yes, there is the Yoochun/Yunho rap in there that may be inaudible... but ignore all that XD)

8.Andy - Love Song (2008)

(Sadly I couldn't fiOff nd the MV for it, so a live will have to do for now) The maknae of Shinhwa released this summer-esque love song. The bubbly song talks about only being able to love one person, and it fits in with those summer loves. This is definitely a cute song, perfect for summer, as the beat is light.

9. TVXQ - Sky (2006)
Another definite summer must listen. I listen to this every summer, and my brother loves it too. The crashing waves and the cool cool breeze I send these things s as a gift to you, I hope you will like what's in here, under the sun, August sky.The rap in the beginning is sort of inaudible, but the rest of the song has soft beats that makes you naturally want to stand under the sun and soak in the rays.

10. M - Minnovation (2009)
Another Shinhwa (related) track to brighten up the summer. It's more of a party anthem, but it definitely reminds me of summer.Lee Min Woo of Shinhwa came out as as solo artist under the name M. With this song I can see my self in my car, windows rolled down, and just blasting the heck out of this song. M is a great producer, and the beats to this song definitely show it.

11. TVXQ - We Are! (2009)
Another Tohoshinki song. TVXQ. Whatever you want to call them. They recoded this song as the opening song for the Japanese manga/cartoon One Piece. I haven't watched One Piece before, but this song makes me want to watch it. The song is very light, and it makes you sing along. We are, we are on a cruise! When do you go on cruises? What kind of weather do you encounter on cruises? Answers to those questions make me think of summer. So definitely this is a summer song.

12. Park Myung Soo & Jessica - Naeng Myun (Cold Noodles) (2009)
For those who are not familiar with the Korean culture might be wondering two things: a) what the heck is cold noodles? and b) does this have to do with summer? In Korean culture, there is a tradition of eating naengmyun (cold noodles) during the summer to cool down from the heat. The soup of the noodles are made with pear and chicken stock (if I'm not mistaken) and served with buckwheat noodles, a boiled egg with some ginger and meat. Some prefer to also add some vinegar and gochujang (red pepper paste). Oh yes, and I forgot to mention the most important part, the broth is cold, and usually has ice cubes in it. So when this song came out, just the title alone gave the feeling that it is summer. Jessica's sweet voice mixed in with the light music will get you singing along. 

13. TVXQ - Share the World (2009)
Off of the same single as We Are, this song is another summer track recorded for the anime One Piece, that does not necessarily get you jumping to your feet, but will get you to blast it on your mp3 player. This song was released during around White Day, which is in March. But because of the context this song was basically for the anime, there is that beat to it. Just take a listen and you'll know what I mean. 

14. SHINee - Juliette (2009)
SHINee's 2009 summer track is a light beat which talks about love. The song is a serenade to the girl, trying to get the girl of their dreams. Like the name of the group, the song is very bright and definitely a summer song because of that.

15. TVXQ - Box in the Ship (2008)
Another Tohoshinki song, released 2008. This track has steel drums in the background, and steel drums remind me of tropical destinations, like Cuba or Jamaica. And in those tropical destinations, it's basically almost summer year round. Although the English doesn't make much sense (commonality in Korean/Japanese music), but the beats will get you feel like it's summer, year round.

16. Mighty Mouth - Family (ft. Son Dam Bi) (2008)
Light beat song from the rappers Mighty Mouth featuring Son Dam Bi. Family is an important part of life, and this song talks about it in a faster paced rap songs with the sweet chorus. Light beat songs definitely make it to my list of summer list as it will bring your mood up.

17. TVXQ - Hi-Ya-Ya (2005)
The beginning of the song will set the mood already. Yoochun does a light rap in the beginning, with Junsu's voice singing in the background. Then the chorus comes Dancing in summer paradise saranghae hi-ya-ya-ya. This video was shot in a tropical place too, to set the mood.

Please don't mind my bad explaining, but these songs are definitely my recommendations for the summer. Not everybody will be close to a beach/shore/somewhere hot. But all these songs will bring you to that vacation place that you couldn't visit this year.

Enjoy!

Change

Today is the start of the second half of my semester. And two of my four professors changed. NAT160 and SIB650.
The professor for NAT160 is not a bad professor, she is an amazingly nice professor. Both of them are very tolerant. Debra has a very different teaching style than Natalie. Debra is more information but Natalie is so much more of how to apply to life without mentioning any brands. But I do enjoy taking notes in Debra's class.

Then there is the new professor for SIB650. I apologize for not knowing her name, but she is completely different from Bhupesh. The first class was just chilling and getting to know us. Then there is the quiz. With Bhupesh we had in-class quizzes that are worth 2% each. And each week we stressed out on it, it's more pressure to do it in class. But with the new professor she allows us to do it at home open book. The entire class almost shouted hallelujah. One less thing to worry about. It's really about how you will study. Because all these quizzes will affect the final mark as we will have a final exam on the same information.

I'll see how everything goes.