Shazzbazz Draws The Line!

A Day of Feelings

2011-12-16T23:56:00.004-07:00

Today has been a day of mixed feelings, from sadness to relief then to stress of a new possible job and the joys of lesson planning all over again. My school, LSC Calgary, has closed it doors for the last time today. It was a place where I really grew and my grammar skills blossomed, but it was also where I had met so many people that touched my life in so many ways. Sure there were days I wondered why I was there, and days I wanted to blend into the walls and hope nobody would see me, but that's pretty much impossible when one is a teacher! However, overall I am really grateful for the opportunities that the school had allowed me and the experiences that I had experienced, but the best thing of all are the friends that I have made and the places I can go.
My second feeling: relief, came when I visited the bank, some part of me was sad as I was on the road to financial freedom as I was at this moment supposed to be teaching in Saudi Arabia. However, due to that job not working out, I had to cancel my financial freedom plan, (actually I hope it's just on hold) until I get myself in a better place, as I've been unemployed for two and a half months.
My last feeling: stress, comes from having to sub for IELTS for the next couple of weeks, and it's always nerve racking when you're walking into another teacher's classroom, but also a new school with a different system. Or maybe it's the stress of having to get up early, as I've been on artist hours for the last little while.
So, as one thing ends, another new beginning starts. I hope the new year brings avenues I've yet to explore.

P.S. In regards to the pictures above, the teachers had so much grief during our time in LSC from the series, "Just Right" as it was at times annoying with certain grammar being taught at the wrong time and setting up the next grammar focus for failure and annoyance. We called the series, "Just Wrong", sorry Jeremy Harmer. In unison we ripped up the pages that had irritated us the most while we had taught, it gave us great pleasure to say goodbye to a book we all didn't enjoy. Ah the small pleasures in life that make us :)

Chevron Fever

2011-11-29T01:04:00.009-07:00

These days I have some time on my hands, for how long who knows... So, I need to move upstairs into the large bedroom. I feel this room is rather plain, as I had rented it out and didn't really decorate it, but now it's my room and it needs some colour! Most of my home is white with hints of turquoise or some form of blue.

Argh!!! The main word being COLOUR! Here are the choices below; oh, did I mention that I'm doing stripes? Chevron stripes to be more exact. It took me two hours to measure up and do one stripe, hopefully it will be done by the weekend!

Sorry for the poor photo in which I took at midnight. I want to keep the white and use one of the colours below, which would you choose?

So here are the colour choices: Pratt & Lambert "Beau Geste"

Next choice is: Pratt & Lambert "Gig's Grey"

And lastly: Sherwin Williams "Buoyant Blue"

Another thing to consider is the bed. I have an Ikea bed, pictured below - I wish it was white. However, the bedding is. What are your opinions? I'm partial to Sherwin Williams "Buoyant Blue".

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner

2011-04-28T22:59:00.003-06:00

So with all of the lead up to Will and Kate's wedding, the TV is array with back-to-back shows on the Royal family and Di's wedding. It's got me nostalgic for my childhood in London. I was a Brownie and faithfully every Tuesday night there I was ready to pledge my Brownie promise:

I promise that I will do my best,

To love my God,

To serve the Queen and my country,

To help other people,

And to keep the Brownie Guide Law.

I think I was there to play the games and earn my badges as well as meet my friends. I have some precious memories; one of them was the celebration of Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding. We had a mock wedding celebration in which each of us had to draw names from a hat. I was Earl Spencer, Diana's father and sported a moustache, even thought he didn't have one my mum felt it was the only way for people to know that I was a man! I loved that day and even the prep - my friend Alicia was Prince Charles, her mum came up with the idea to use lollipops for medals ~ ingenious!!! We even had a cake for the party!!!

Anyway I'm proud to be British even though I no longer live there and I'll always be a Londoner because I think of her wherever I go!

Happy Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-02T19:43:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful lunar new year!!!

새 해 복 많이 받으세요
Kung Hei Fat Choi
Xin Nian Kuai Le

Oh Monday!

2011-01-24T22:21:00.002-07:00

I'm not normally a Monday hater, but today was certainly a blue day. So I did this little sketch to try and cheer myself up. Hope your Monday was a lot better than mine.

OMG I miss Seoul!!!

2011-01-18T17:02:00.002-07:00

Amongst the alleys

Originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!

I'm so excited and delighted to see on Desgin Sponge today a City Guide based on one of my favourite places ~ Seoul! Asah!

Check it out!!!

Cute and Fun

2010-11-12T21:46:00.003-07:00

I'm totally in love with Isak. You have to check the website out. I have to restrain myself from making a purchase as I'm over my budget for the moment ~ but ooh oh ooh I love supporting other artists ;P And oh did I mention that she lives in England and her name is Sandra Isaksson originally from Sweden a country that I'm really eager to visit as I have a love for the design sense that is so fresh, young, quirky and full of storytelling. OOoh nothing but love for the Swedish!!!

Check out the print I'm soooooooo in love with here: ❤

Vote for Stella

2010-06-29T21:02:00.007-06:00

Stella has finally been entered in the Munny competition please vote for her here.
Thank You :)

Which expression?

2010-06-28T17:45:00.001-06:00

which-expression
Originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!

I'm having a hard time figuring out Stella's expression. What do you guys think?

Stella Munny in Progress

2010-06-21T23:40:00.003-06:00

I've been pretty busy and can't believe that I practically used a whole box of Super Sculpey. I can't wait to cure her and then painting. I have quite the deadline June 30th so fingers crossed!

Munny Time

2010-06-20T00:35:00.006-06:00

It's been a while since I've been in the land of the living, I'm slowly coming back to my normal creative self again. I've been thinking to enter the Munny competition and I really don't have much time to think as I have little time to act. So I did some supply shopping and cleaned the studio up to make space, so now it's time to buckle down and start working.

I've been admiring just the shape of Munny and it seems to be really quiet right now, I have what it wants to be when it grows up and slowly it's finding it's voice.

Here's a sketch I quickly put together. I'm not liking the mouth, she seems a little angry.

So there's more to come soon...

Zilu Goodness

2010-02-15T09:05:00.003-07:00

I love finding unique handmade items, and here's another website to fall in love with, Zilu. Just awesome goodness and everything is my style, maybe this isn't a good thing for my bank account ;P

The first month is almost over in 2010!

2010-01-31T19:26:00.005-07:00

Well happy new year folks, I don't know about you but I was certainly happy to say good bye to 2009 and eagerly welcome 2010. Already January has flown by, which wasn't a bad month at all. I got to see my old and dear friend from Yarnageddon who I hadn't seen in about a year. I love catching up with such dear friends, but would love to live within the same area so that we could meet up more often. Well I guess I need to do a Vancouver trip soon, as there's a few people I need to see.

Oh and talking of Mandy, check out her new book and her interview on You Tube also the Yarn Bombing website!

Yay Mandy!!!

Procrastination is taking over!!!

2009-12-01T21:42:00.003-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
cheekynado

Gosh some evenings I just get glued to all the wonderful things people make, I envy their skills, imagination and motivation. I'm such a lazy artist these days, I used to create everyday; what happened???

I am thinking that this book maybe useful for Cheeky Nado table display.Folding Patterns for Display and Publicity, Agile Rabbit Editions So many ideas rolling around in the old noodle but body is not in agreement and seems to be on strike ~ argh! I guess they call it procrastination!!!

Made ~ setup

2009-11-22T00:48:00.002-07:00

Made ~ setup
Originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!

I was in Lethbridge over the weekend to attend: Made.
It was great to meet new people and talk to the local Lethbians as well get exposure. I didn't sell as much as I had anticipated, however I most certainly don't regret the trip. I still managed to make enough to pay for the table. :)
I have so many ideas as these shows give me a lot of inspiration, even just eaves dropping on what potential clients say, opens up a lot of possibilities of where to push my creativity.

Also how can I forget that I got to visit with Jeff, Amber, Olivia and Ella! I had a great time, thanks for putting me up and feeding me :) And Thank you Amber for inviting me to join Made, I enjoyed it!!!

Thanks Lethbridge :)

Hhhhmmmm Upholstery Inspirations

2009-09-24T21:26:00.005-06:00

Calgary Craigslist find: Tulip Chairs and table
Originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!

Loving the work of ljindustries. I've been meaning to work on my first Craigslist purchase above. But once I move in and figure the colors then I will consider what fabric to use I love the designs at Ikea as well what Julia of ljindustries used below.

Gunvor at Ikea

Amy Butler has some great work

Valori Wells

Cicada Studio

Any favourites?

What I wore today... Sept 23

2009-09-23T23:57:00.004-06:00

One of the teachers at work was talking about an artist friend that she admired and how he without fail would produce a drawing or a painting everyday. This is something that I have tried and failed on many occasions and I too admire the diligence and passion an artist has to upkeep the practice.

So surfing around as I usually do I came across Aesthetic Outburst's blog and was inspired by other artists who drew what they wore today. Simple and an effective way to keep the daily drawing challenge going. So below is my attempt as I felt like a queen today with what I wore :)

One Giant Step Closer!

2009-09-22T21:28:00.005-06:00

Slowly but surely I will be moving into my new home. I already started packing and hopefully the closing of the above home will go smoothly to start feeling excited. So far I'm still being reserved as it's been a roller coaster of emotions recently. I advise when looking for a house to go with someone, it's no fun alone especially for someone who can't make snappy decisions.

I'm also busily looking for furniture as I need to furnish a three bedroom home and get some students in as soon as I can. So if you have stuff, give me a shout :)

Home where art thou home?

2009-07-30T22:08:00.006-06:00

Well, I did find a house that I liked, put in an offer but didn't go through. I was a bit upset with how the realtor for the seller behaved. My realtor spent the day trying to contact the realtor after faxing the offer the night before and only after she talked to his manager did she hear from him.

The realtor was pretty blunt saying that they recieved the same offer earlier. Well it wasn't from me, as this is my first time to buy a home. He hadn't even told his client about it and said that he wasn't going to even bother with this offer. How rude!!! I did give a low offer, only because I need to redo the roof as it shows it's age as well as the flooring.

Oh well, there's a better house out there :)

In the mean time until I find a home, what inspires me is a pop of pink amongst the clean white and turquoise with black lines.

Or a nice clean white and well organized kitchen, I would love to have a wall painted with blackboard paint. As I'm a little forgetful at times ;P I can't wait to have space to start cooking again!

Something for my students

2009-07-23T17:00:00.004-06:00

Cambridge University Press has a great site with an interactive Phonemic Chart. Click here

Also the British Council has one that you can download and keep on your computer. Click Here

Also MacMillan English has one too. Click Here

Hopes that helps ~ take care and all the best :)

Need to go shopping in Korea

2009-07-17T02:18:00.007-06:00

I miss shopping in Korea, there was always something fresh. I think many Korean designers are underrated as their talents really need to shine through.

I found this brilliant USB table that I really would love to have and put my tablet on top of. It's not bad for 44,00won (Korean).

How about this adorable tea for two, but it looks to be a Japanese designer, which is all good :)

These felt coasters are really cool, it gives me some ideas to make my own.... ;P

Got to love the cute clean up box for your desk!

I miss Traveling!

2009-06-14T23:21:00.003-06:00

Angkor Wat

Bangkok

Hong Kong

Lake Lousie

Before Namdaemun was burnt down ~ Seoul

Flying to LA

Maui

Halong Bay, Vietnam

The Water Town Zhujiajiao (Shanghai)

I'm so blessed to have had the chance to visit so many wonderful places ~ thank you!

Okay so it's been a while since my last post ~ sorry folks!

2009-06-08T21:50:00.003-06:00

Well there were quite a few happenings, but that's all in the past and I'm excited about the future. So what's up you may ask...well I am pleased to say that I will be participating in the upcoming Market Collective at the old Anthill Fabrics store in Kensington, Calgary during the Sled Island Festival. I've been working, but I must admit I could work a lot harder!!! But I must admit I miss the full time access to my studio space at home ~ however it is temporary :)

Cheeky Coupon!

2009-03-24T21:20:00.007-06:00

Wow, where does the time fly off to, cause it's leaving me lagging! Well, it's not that bad at all! However today marks one year that I left Korea, and boy I sure do miss it, especially my beautiful Seoul sistas ~ you know who you are!

So this time last year I was flying off to Bangkok and here I am embracing the cold weather wondering just how much more snow is going to fall before Spring is over??? But on the flip side I have a fantastic deal for you Cheeky Nado Fans, as well as those who are fans of A Print A Day ~ I know I am!

The first ever Cheeky Nado coupon!

That's right:

Free shipping to anywhere!

A free gift!!

And a coupon for 1/2 off your next purchase!!!

So why not check out the Cheeky Nado store for your cheeky items, there's more to come, and if you're in the Calgary area, this Saturday you can meet me in person at the Night to Fight Music and Art Festival at University of Calgary where you can check out the cheeky items for yourself, or buy a raffle ticket to win this original drawing; proceeds from the raffle will go to Doctors Without Borders for Darfur. See you there!

Cheeky Nado is getting busy :)

2009-03-13T14:20:00.004-06:00

So I started my new job on Monday but only to find out that I am a sub teacher as I'm at the bottom of the seniority list, so I have to wait until there's a class for me :(

In other news Cheeky Nado has two upcoming events the first is on March 28th "Night to Fight" music and arts festival. The event is to raise awareness and educate the public about the ongoing genocide in Darfur the profits they make will go to Doctors without borders. I'm also donating two framed original illustrations for the event.

The second event is April 18th Market Collective at the Carpenter's Union in Kensington: An interactive market of local artisans.

I'm busy finishing many projects plus I'm putting together 70 promo packs for another table that an Alberta Etsy Team member has for the Portobello Market in the Big Four this summer ~ I wish I could be apart of it but I simply can't afford the table fees :(

Below is a sneak preview of the new work for Cheeky Nado: meet St Trinian Sarah!

Whao love the tilt shift maker :)

2009-03-05T19:20:00.002-07:00

Whao love the tilt shift maker :)

Originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!

Check out this site http://tiltshiftmaker.com/ just upload a photo and play around with the settings to get the desired miniature look. I can see myself spending way more time on the net, like I already don't!!!

I love my Angkor photo of Ta Prohm.

Yay 2009 is getting better :)

2009-03-04T11:05:00.002-07:00

Wha-hooo finally 2009 is kicking in with positivity and yesterday was the highlight!!! So what happened you may ask. Well I finally got a job teaching ESL to adult students downtown. I also got a better start as they recognize and award those who have their CELTA over those that have a TESOL ~ yipee, cause that was something I was worried about over here as everyone was asking for a TESOL cert.

I'm back in the game and can start putting money back into the savings ~ yay :) Also talked to a friend and was offered a room as there's no way I'm driving 120km everyday and make it into the city in the morning ~ brutal and admire those that do it cause I can't. I parked downtown for about 4 hours and it cost me $26 ~ holy mama mia I swear the guy behind me must of been amused with the noises I was making as I put the money into the stupid machine!!! Back to where I was really going with this paragraph ~ I'm moving back to the city, this means I'm no longer going to be alone out on an acreage talking to me myself and I!

And the best news of all*** I visited my nan before the interview and what a shock to see her, she was glowing and full of color. For those of you that don't know the last time I saw her she was ill and close to leaving us, so this was a blessing. She was back to her usual self asking me the same question over and over but it such good spirits and smiling too. Oh what joy :)

Disco Studio Queen

2009-03-01T23:04:00.003-07:00

How can I forget the Disco Studio Queen print, one of my favourties :) I love it when I have some good tunes on and the beat just gets the better of me and I start dancing ~ so what I'm by myself in my studio, I have to party Stavely Styleeee with me myself and I!

New Print

2009-03-01T16:39:00.005-07:00

So I finally put up a print for sale. It has taken me a while and I have to a give big thanks to Ryan who helped me to print. I do plan on putting more up for sale, and will blog about it too.

Other than that not too much is happening here, I am busy getting more work done, and man living so far is really getting to me. I really need some things to complete some of my projects, and it's just a few things from a dollar store. I did go to Claresholm, the closest town with some stores, but even there I had a hard time finding double-sided tape and of all places I found glue sticks in the supermarket but not in the two bargain/mini department stores in town or the hardware store ~ strange. I would be happy to deal with online purchases if Canada Post wasn't so slow and somewhat unreliable as I've had a few packages go astray as well as I'm still waiting on receiving packages for the last four months! Gosh I miss living in Seoul, shop online today and receive tomorrow or within two business days! Balli Balli!

Oh and I do have good news ~ I have a job interview on Tuesday teaching ESL so wish me luck :) Happy Sunday all!

Long-life Necklace

2009-02-18T02:11:00.005-07:00

Cheeky went to Hong Kong in the search of happiness, she ate bird's nest sundaes and drank mango and sago drinks which was all good for her but she really liked this longevity necklace. She thinks you would like it more! Check out more photos of the necklace in my Etsy shop. www.cheekynado.etsy.com

Sorry I didn't have any pictures of the bird's nest sundae's, but the pic above is of my favourite chain of drink restaurants in Hong Kong. If you're ever there, you should try the drinks. However I advise you to stay away from the brown drinks, I tried it once and found out that it was turtle jelly drink ~ apparently it's good for you!

Oh and if you want to try the bird's nest sundae which you can here, check out the photo (in the menu on the tables) of translucent jellyish looking stuff on top of ice-cream or mango, they say it's good for your skin.

More Giveaways

2009-02-16T01:12:00.005-07:00

Rainbow Swirlz has some more giveaways check out her blog!

Cherry Blossom Co ends February 18th

Cherry Blossom Co. Etsy Shop

Home Studio Ends February 22nd

Home Studio Etsy Shop

All you have to do is:

*** look around in the shop and check out which is your favourite, then leave a comment on Rainbow Swirlz with your email

For Extra Entries:

* subscribe to Rainbow Swirlz

* blog about the giveaways

My dresser is out there :)

2009-02-16T00:47:00.003-07:00

Interesting, I was reading Rozzie Jewelry tonight and saw her posting about Googling her name. I haven't done this in a while and now that I finally have Google Analytics up and running for this blog I thought I'd give it a go. And this is what I found when looking for "shazzbazz". I am so happy that someone noticed my dresser, I did try to get it out there, but several months later I'm super elated to see it was on one of my favourite websites, Apartment Therapy ~ yay!

And searching for "Cheeky Nado" my Etsy shop is right on top!!! However my Artfire shop seems non-existent. Oh, I'm also working on some prints in my Etsy shop, so do keep checking. And for all of my family in the UK and friends in Asia, yes, I do ship internationally :)

Good night :)

Killer's Paradise

2009-02-12T01:12:00.004-07:00

Tonight I watched a documentary “Killer’s Paradise” and my goodness I’ve never seen something strong so severe that I really was so angry and so sad for all the victims. The documentary was on the murders of women in Guatemala and how violent and brutal these killings are. It’s mind boggling just how cruel we humans can be to each other, something I will never understand.

Olenka Frenkiel and Giselle Portenier did a fantastic job on documenting these brutal killings. They follow several families that have lost a loved one, interview rapists and speak with the Guatemalan president. It’s horrifying to see that there is no motive to investigate these murders and the reasons to not seek out evidence is absurd, saying, she’s a nobody because she had sandals and a navel piercing, they are quick to place blame on the victim. The victims’ families that pursue the police to further the investigation are then harassed themselves.

The interview with the rapists got me really angry and sad for the nation. One had raped a 17 year old the other 12 and the third had raped a 7 year-old girl, and they all claimed they were innocent as they blamed women!!! They said that the girls are going out without supervision and dressing in ways that provoke harassment, these were girls for goodness sake!!!!!!!!!!!

It is the idea that women are the enemy that was taught during the 36 years of civil war that tore the country apart. They thought that the women are the ones that bore rebels so they are the enemy – why oh why is it always the women???

The numbers are rising. There was one story of a 15 year old that was raped and luckily escaped murder but her rapist had the audacity to give her family an ultimatum that she marries this monster or the house will be burned with all the other family members. Apparently the rapist can right his wrongs if he marries the victim ~ WTF???? The family chose not to marry their daughter the father said, “my daughter is not a dog”.

See the documentary if you can, we need to raise the awareness!

Click here for the trailer "Killer's Paradise"

Check out
National Film Board of Canada
Green Change
BBC
Xeni notes from the Road (blog)

Another Great Giveaway with Rainbow Swirlz

2009-02-09T21:26:00.005-07:00

Another giveaway with Rainbow Swirlz!!! Check out her site to see what's up and enter yourself to win a pillow from Robins Egg Pink who has an abundance of fantastic handmade products. All you have to do is check out Robins Egg Pink choose the product that you like and leave a comment on Rainbow Swirlz's blog and don't forget to subscribe to the blog!

What's my favourite product from the shop, well it's.......

Yep, it's the Mod Blue Pillow!

Give Away Via Rainbow Swirlz

2009-02-08T11:24:00.006-07:00

Ooh, don't you just love it when you stumble upon greatness such as giveaways! Well Charmdesign is giving away this scrumptious zip pouch via Rainbow Swirlz blog! What do you have to do to enter? Well comment on your favourite design in Charmdesign's shop and you're entered to win! But hurry cause the deadline is Feb 11th ~ oops I had better get a move on!

My favourite design from Charmdesign's shop.

Hhmmmm for some odd reason the Etsy mini code wasn't working :(

Stuck in the Snow Again!!!

2009-02-06T01:40:00.000-07:00

Daily Creativeness 5: Cheeky Brooches

2009-01-28T01:43:00.005-07:00

Wow, the new year is something else, I sure hope this is just a bad month. My grandmother was discharged from hospital on Monday after being admitted twice in the last two weeks. We honestly thought we may lose her, but my goodness she's a fighter!

We did though lose our accountant, who was quite a lively soul, each time we visited her she would talk and talk and talk. But now she's gone and a sudden death too, she died way too young as she was just 52! RIP Jolene!

My one friend was also stressed out as her father had surgery during the same week I was spending time in the hospital looking after my grandmother. Luckily her father is okay but to hear that her brother may not, is quite a blow and I really hope that he is well!

2009 just has to get better, I know this is the year of greatness after all there's a new President in the world arena that just may make sense of things ~ here's hoping and believing!

I also did some work since coming home this weekend as sitting in the hospital for over a week is just no fun at all! I listed the items below on my Etsy shop so check them out :)

Become a fan of Cheeky Nado on Facebook!
Click here :)

Daily Creativeness 4: Cheeky Wonderland

2009-01-15T23:46:00.002-07:00

cheeky wonderland
Originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!

I spent the day cleaning up my studio space as the mess what driving me nuts, I need stuff in place. I like to pull out the materials I need depending on what project I'm working on. I love to use my Gocco, draw, make jewelry and sculpt, so you can imagine things can get crazy.

I did the 1111 show in Calgary last Sunday and I have mixed feeling about the show. I thought it would be a great way to network and even meet new friends, but some people can be snooty or just odd. I did talk to a few and boy, I sure felt old telling them I graduated from ACAD 13 years ago ~ where did the time go?

Anyway the show was a great opportunity for artists of all kinds to come out and show their work, however there is no chance for it to be curated so it can be a bit messy. I did appreciate some of the explicit artworks were in a space that was monitored as there were children around, and I'm not one for erotica art that to me seems borderline pornographic. I mean I like the Japanese erotic art or even some artists like Whitney Lee, but not guys painting nothing but high realism details of female parts, with female on female all over.

I was glad that I got to have a space almost to myself.

Cheeky Wonderland was inspired by many artists, like my friend Lim, Hee-jeong, Ren Lee (photos taken by my awesome friend Nayan Sthankiya) and some others I found on Flickr: marrazkiak and BoM-va + cOmeTA ! 2b.

Enjoy!

Daily Creativeness 3: My World & Sarang Bites

2009-01-10T03:07:00.003-07:00

My World, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

Well seeing that I'm taking part in 1111 art event I thought I should add some new pieces, and as usual I seem to do well with deadlines and so far it's 3am and two drawings done.

Back to work I go!

1111 Home One Thousand One Hundred and Eleven

2009-01-10T00:07:00.003-07:00

This weekend is going to be different ~ yay 2009!

I'm in a group show 1111 Home One Thousand One Hundred and Eleven where one thousand one hundred and eleven artists join forces to build a strong and diverse community of individuals. The culmination of their efforts is an exhibition from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on 01/11/2009 in Calgary.

It's the first time to be showing my art in Calgary since I graduated from ACAD back in 1998! OMG it's 11 years, I just realized the number LOL how fitting, gosh things are looking up! I've had shows just not in Calgary I was a member of Anyang Young Artists group which is just outside of Seoul, I was fortunate enough to be in a few of their shows as well as "art in the park" where some of my work was stolen :( I also was in the Minority Report show last January in Insadong, Seoul. So I've been active. However I really need to do some new work, I've been focusing on Cheeky Nado, that I haven't had time to create my own art, which I still want to push.

I'm also meeting up with Amanda and maybe a few other people I hope as we are planning to make a fun night of it, and I think the two of us deserve it. I haven't been dancing since Korea! Also the weather has been nasty, today the road was like a stage with dry ice, it would be fun if I was disco-ing but not to drive ~ however it was beautiful, I've never experienced a snowdrift storm before, I guess it's similar to a sandstorm.

Well folks hopefully I can find my old camera in my storage while I dig up my paintings and warm boots as my baby Canon is still not working ~ damn I forgot to call the service centre!

Storque Showcase on Etsy

2009-01-07T18:42:00.003-07:00

I'm in the Storque Showcase on Etsy today, so let's hope this brings some business. I've been spending a lot of time trying to promote Cheeky Nado. It's not easy, I wish I paid more attention in business class in school ;P

I also signed up with Art Fire another online store like Etsy, but I must admit I like the clarity on Etsy.

If you have any ideas please, let me know.

Daily creativeness 2: buchujeon 부추전

2009-01-06T22:23:00.003-07:00

I'm not too keen on seafood but this is yummy!, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

The day started off with a sad note, as my camera has decided to not work. I'm upset as I only bought the Canon G9 in February in time for my trip around S.E. Asia and leaving Korea. Argh! I hope things go well with Canon as I bought the camera in Seoul, and to think my other Canon is still working fine that I bought in Daegu back in 2003, even though I dropped like a thousand times!!!

So, here's an older photo, taken with the same camera when I just got it. What's the picture you may say, well that's haemul jeon, 해물전, a seafood pancake that's just too good for words. It goes great with alcohol especially dong-dong-ju 동동주 a rice fermented drink that's one of my favourites.

Why did I take this photo? Well just like the title says, I made my first jeon today but I made a buchujeon 부추전 and with no camera, well you're just going to have to imagine it! I also made a prepacked kimchi stew, but tomorrow I plan on making fresh kimchi from scratch! Oh I also steamed some edamame, but I overdid it :(

Oh well tomorrow is a new day!

Daily creativeness 1: Cheeky Nado Stuck in the Snow

2009-01-06T00:02:00.003-07:00

Cheeky Nado Stuck in the Snow, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

I've decided to create something everyday as a way to keep a journal or sketchbook. It doesn't matter what medium I use just as long as I create something, and I must admit that being home without a job and all that jazz, that I have millions of ideas and need to focus with all this inspiration ;P

Oh, today was a fun day trying to get the car unstuck, I hope things are okay tomorrow as there's more snow on the way. However we can't park close to the house as the driveway is too deep of snow. There's no way that I'm shoveling it either, as the length is about two acres long!!!

Oh, the joys of snow :)

Hello 2009 :)

2009-01-05T01:33:00.005-07:00

Wow, how quick 2009 has come. I know it will a great year as 2008 has some fantastic highlights but it ended not so lively.

So, what's new for 2009?

Well I finally got my Esty shop: Cheeky Nado up and running and my wonderful friend Irene made the first two purchases hoping to bring me luck ~ thanks sweetie :)
A long time friend has decided to disappear from my life but at the same time, another long time friend and I have a new spark, and I can't wait to see her again.
New opportunities have arisen but that's under wraps for now ;P
I am planning on going back to school this year ~ fingers crossed.
I'm feeling optimistic that this year is the year I actually make positive changes.
A new look for my blog to correspond my new work. Let me know what you think, I have other ideas too :)

I wish you all a fantastic 2009!

In love with Nissan Figaro

2008-12-21T22:15:00.004-07:00

I've seen this car, in and around Seoul and here in Alberta, and after searching and searching the Internet to find out what it is, I'm just in love with this car. Wish I knew about it earlier! Oh well :D

Wallpaper Creativity

2008-12-18T18:38:00.011-07:00

So you know that I love interior design and how could I not with the beautiful wallpapers that are coming out these days?!?! The samples below are just a few of the many creative designs that are out there. Have fun :D

Topo Azul: Allan, The Gallan t

Folia: Osborne and Little

Walk in the Park: Osborne and Little

Grand Jubilee ~ Cream: Mod Green Pod

Custom Wallpaper by Carl Abad with Rollout

Hula: Barbara Hulanicki

Frames by Chris Taylor and Craig wood

Cheeky Nado In a Craft Fair

2008-12-16T00:21:00.004-07:00

I had a table at the Chestermere Lake Christmas Around The World festival. I was excited and worked more than ten hours a day in the week proceeding the sale. However, Southern Alberta had a huge snow fall and a major drop in temperature with a windchill of -35 Celsius, so who wants to even leave their home? I know I didn't want to and the idea of driving was a scary thought. But luckily we made it into the city but it took us two hours to drive in, normally it's only an hour, but visibility was bad. Despite all the effort of getting there, my poor mother and I sat all day entertaining the idea of a sale ~ but not one :( Unfortunately the only people who were there at the community centre were the parents of junior hockey teams that continued with their games and classes. A few vendors packed up and left around lunch time as it was a waste of their time, and to be honest it was an expensive way to sit around in the cold!!!

Never the less I am in the process in getting my stuff online with Etsy.com I have to take a million photos, as I ended up making:

68 pairs of earrings
6 black necklaces
48 Gocco printed x-mas cards
8 moustache necklaces
11 santa beard necklaces

Fingers crossed that this will go a lot better than the craft fair. I really wish there were Canadian Renegade Craft Fairs or more tables available at the art fair in Kensington ~ I did try.

Wish me luck :)

Hair Ideas

2008-11-17T00:51:00.004-07:00

I really wish that I can just do my own hair and not deal with trying to find a hairstylist you can trust, cause I'm tired, really tired of bad places. Living in Asia had it's problems, the biggest was language then was my hair type, I am always told off for my fine hair and it's dryness. I try, I do, but that's just the way it is. Oh and the fact that my hair has curl was another issue, so many stylists just straightened it in order to cut, strange.

I once walked out of a salon with half-cut hair with my girlfriend which we then drowned our sorrows in a big fat sundae. But later that night after fixing it myself and hitting the town I was complemented on my hair, which made me giggle.

Before leaving Korea I finally found someone who was a friend and knew exactly what I needed and wanted and would do a fantastic job, and for the first time in years I was also able to have a conversation with my hair stylist, what a joy that was. Now that I'm back in Calgary the search begins again and now that language is no longer an issue I thought this would be a lot easier, well.... I finally got a haircut and I was not happy. The cut took five minutes of cutting, no wash and cost me $50! I was in shock and horrified, I know I'm no longer in China where you get a massage with your cut, or in Korea where I get tea but wow, I've never been charged for an awful service. The cut was terrible I wanted layers but the girl just did one layer with a blunt cut then straightened it. I did want a touch up on my color and the other girl in the salon offered but saying that I want blonde color, I think she was color blind and I backed out. The girl that did cut my hair spent most of the five minutes on her cell phone ~ what's up with that?

So, I'm off to LA and meeting YJ who has also not bothered to do her hair and normally waits until she's back in Korea, but also thinks it's time to get it done. And why not do it together at a salon she's been recommended too. I am hoping that they have skills and not ruin my trip.

Let's hope guys ;P

Boots, Shoes, boots, Shoes ~ me love :)

2008-11-14T14:10:00.004-07:00

Gosh how I love shoes and boots. It was tough living in Asia where my feet are considered museum quality for it's huge size, every time I asked a sales clerk if they stock my size they immediately looked at my feet to see if it was true!

Well, now that I'm back in the land where they are normal, in fact my size seems to be so popular they are sold out :( I'm still a happy camper, and next week I'm off to LA, so the choice is even more so, I'll be like a little kid in a candy store :)

In the picture clockwise from the top right: Betsy Johnson "Lillian Ankle Boots" $110, Steve Madden "Ruffle-Fringe Pump" $99 Colin Stuart "Ruched Suede Boot" $128, Colin Stuart "Cuffed Boot" $129.

I've tried on the Betsy Johnson boots, they were super high, made my feet look tiny and my oh my they were super duper funky little monkies :) The store didn't quite have my size, I think I take size 11 in boots!!!

Naughty Xmas Doodle

2008-11-08T17:19:00.004-07:00

naughty xmas doodle, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

I love the new pen that I bought, but now that I'm trying out the software Sketchbook Pro, I'm so over the moon that I can sketch and draw just like the real thing, that I don't know when to stop!

I just found Shantell Martin's fantastic work, and now I'm missing Seoul terribly!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-29T10:32:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

Mum gave me a "marshmallow hamburger monster" for Halloween, instead of eating it I took it for a walk ~ yep I don't have a pet!

I love how the photos turned out :0

Naughty Boys!, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

They were talking about my "marshmallow hamburger monster"!!!

Late Night Snacking

2008-10-20T13:53:00.002-06:00

Late Night Snacking, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

I'm a secret late night snacker! I admit it!!! But ssshhh..........

Revamping my dresser :)

2008-10-16T19:16:00.005-06:00

Revamping my dresser :), originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

Why throw away your old furniture? I know it's not easy to paint, and can be somewhat a pain to sand and get the paint nice and flat without any drips or brushstrokes, but hey the end result is so worth it.

I've seen this particular dresser on a couple reality TV shows, where they threw the set out and bought new stuff. Not that I really like this dresser, but it was the first furniture I ever bought with my first job here in Canada. It's also moved with me to every apartment while I was in college. However I took off to Asia for the last ten years, and it wasn't used much in my absence until now. So the well traveled dresser is now holding my collection of clothes as well as decorated with numerous items I've either bought on my travels or things I've made.

I'm so happy with how it's turned out, and surprised to see just how many blue items I had, as I'm normally a red or curry colored kind of gal! LOL

I need your help ~ pretty please :)

2008-10-10T13:55:00.001-06:00

So, I've been a bit busy lately which has been fun, however I need your help to vote for my entry posted below.

How to help:

October 10th public vote begins until October 24th.

Go to the Aarting website to vote.

Or you can vote for "Chav" which was a collaboration with my cousin Luke, if you're unfamiliar what a "Chav" is, check out the video doooooooown below.

How do you feel?

2008-10-06T23:27:00.003-06:00

How-Do-you-Feel, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

Sometimes things can feel like an emotional roller coaster. But not today, today is a great day! How do you feel?

I love Etsy

2008-10-05T01:32:00.003-06:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
cheekynado.etsy.com

I love Etsy and I'm trying to get motivated to make and sell my own items. There is so much to see that you could spend hours and hours just looking and being inspired. Above is from my collection of favourite items. J'adore!

Whale Island

2008-09-16T02:20:00.006-06:00

Whale Island, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

I've been using this idea for a while now, especially on furniture. I entered this into Illustration Friday, which is a cool group on Flickr. Each week there's a new topic posted and you have a week to upload an illustration to the group. There's also a website.

You can't see clearly, but the whale is just under the aircon, as well on my table. I did some drawings just on plastic as a way to decorate without hurting the walls, but it was also my inspiration while I worked.

My living room in Seoul, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

Holding on!

2008-09-04T00:58:00.004-06:00

Holding on in colour!, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

I am addicted to playing around with illustrator anyhow this is a self portrait. Also I'm in love with this blue, I've been using this color in my work a lot, it's different to my usual choice, as I normally go for reds or "Curry Colours" as one instructor put it in art school.

Here's the scan.

The Old House

2008-08-29T13:55:00.004-06:00

The Old House, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

A neighbor found photos of our house and the land. His family has been here for decades, I think it was his grandfather that built this house, I'm not so sure. But it's pretty cool to see how it used to be.

We are not sure of when the house was built some say it was built 1900 but others think it was 1910 or possibly a decade later. Anyhow it's still standing but it does need a lot of work. I'm a bit worried about the winter as I've been spoilt by my last apartment with it's warm floors as Korean homes are heating through the floors. But this house.... the insulation isn't finished and many walls are open as we are still going through renovations.

It's a cute home that my parents fell in love with.

Pink Party

2008-08-23T03:32:00.002-06:00

Pink Party, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!

I haven't been sketching this week, but I have been fooling around with Illustrator. I should learn more, such as being able to convert this to JPG straight off from an Illustrator file as the quality gets lots a bit the way that I'm doing it. The lines look a bit pixelated.

Have a smashing weekend :)

A Drawing!

2008-08-19T00:27:00.004-06:00

My Nado!, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz Draws The Line!.

Seeing that I named my blog "Shazzbazz Draws The Line" I should post a drawing or two here and there. I did this last January for an Art Show curated by Mary Song, "Minority Report" in Seoul.

It's pen on a wooden table that was given to me by my school which I painted with acrylic. Unfortunately I had to take the legs off due to shipping charges being too crazy, and I'm glad I did as the legs had a few lodgers!

Decorating and Recycling

2008-08-17T14:54:00.006-06:00

I have this on my desktop, I never liked blue in a home until now.

I love interior design and people's wonderful imagination in how to use their spaces. Many of you may know that I've been posting a variety of links to websites/blogs that I frequent that feature interior design. Well I'm still addicted maybe more than ever!

I love how you can reinvent and give life to something old to be new again.

I'm still job hunting however I can't stay at home in Stavely and work in Calgary as it's just too far and I have much respect for those that do, but I am not looking forward to winter. I can't and don't want to imagine myself driving each morning in the snow, and apparently the road into Stavely from my house is notorious in the winter months which is probably why everyone drives such monstrous pick-up beasts! So the plan is according to me landing a job in Calgary or even Fort McMurray that I will purchase a place with the help of my family.

Which is why I'm feeding my addiction for interior design. However I envy the flea markets that numerous bloggers blog about, Calgary is somewhat limiting, I know some Calgarians have good taste but my goodness some just don't. I've been researching realty and eeeek many homes are so bland or just filled with flowery wreaths that decorate every nook and cranny. I've been looking at Craigslist and Kijiji and wow, the things people sell are sometimes a cool bargain and others need to do some research before posting. I saw a sofa and loveseat for sale for CDN$300, "What's the prob?" you may ask, well it was hideous, brown and flowery in a not so nice way. (Check out the Ugliest Couch Contest some have interesting shapes.) I remember when I first came to Canada in '91 that stores where trying hard to flog em. Gosh and to think I sold a nice white sofa for $20 and a grey one that I bought brand new and used for two years for $75!

I took this photo to show how ugly and uncomfortable these beasts are but yet they're popular in Korea, as well as the arrangement. This house was huge, the space was empty.

Anyway we should recycle furniture more than we already do I've heard of some cities having a recycle furniture day or I remember in Hong Kong that every Chinese New Year many families would refurnish their homes in the hopes of cleaning out the bad luck well my friends and I would go on scavenger hunts to all the garbage dumps and come home with new furniture most expats arrived in HK with just a suitcase and now had fully furnished homes thanks to the garbage. I knew of a few people who created businesses from this.

When I see Linda Crispell's home I just melt and get inspired. Hope you do too.

I'm max

2008-08-16T13:09:00.000-06:00

I'm max, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

I've posted before about "Where the Wild Things Are" and how I used it in the classroom. I miss my kids and maybe I should become a true elementary school teacher. It allows me to reach my own inner child too as you can see above :)

Argh!

2008-08-14T13:02:00.001-06:00

I don't know if anyone else has these issues when they are trying to log into their blogger account. It takes three or more times for me to sign in, I am always automatically directed to the "Create a blog" page which is so annoying.

Oh dear maybe it's just me getting old and falling behind technology ~ LOL

Calgary Craigslist find: Tulip Dining Set

2008-07-19T18:32:00.005-06:00

Calgary Craigslist find: Tulip Chairs and table, originally uploaded by Shazzbazz draws the Line!.

I'm so excited to find this set, I've been following websites like Design Sponge or Decor 8, I love what people have done. You can check them out in my favourites on Flickr as well as other things that tickle my fancy!

Also I really am inspired by artisans like Thomas Wold who created the amazing "Fractured Fairy Tales"

Or Danny Seo the "environmentalist lifestyle expert" who finds a greener creative approach to everyday living. With some simple ideas to create some unique and fun alternatives. Like painting your old fridge with chalkboard paint which serves two purposes like covering the ugliness as well as being functional art or lists.

I used to collect the Readymade magazines when I lived in Korea, as "What the Book" is an awesome store that you can order books online (for those in Seoul, Korea) with them as they're connected with U.S. Amazon. So really for a Canadian gal like me getting mags or books there was cheaper as some publishers still refuse to see that the Canadian dollar is just about on par with the U.S. dollar or is sometimes stronger but yet the pricing is still higher for Canadians which sucks!!! Anyway the main point here was the fact that I was telling you to go get a Readymade mag, you won't be disappointed, or click and check out the website!

Well that was the highlight of my day the other part was me stuck in the South of Calgary with an overheated engine with steam pouring out of my hood. Got that fixed just before my hour long drive home, luckily it happened here and not on the highway! Once I got home and made myself a tuna sandwich as my brother recommended last night, well I broke my tooth in half :(

It's a sign of good things to happen, he he he he! Happy weekend all!

So uhm, I didn't quite post the next day ~ oops!

2008-07-14T01:32:00.005-06:00

So I left the last post at Ho Chi Minh City. Well I went to Hong Kong kind of alone as United Airlines wasn't so kind in my request for my parents and I to sit together; yeah right, if one end of the plane to the other constitutes as together then I shouldn't complain!!! Once in HK, my parents tried hard to change their flight to Canada and allow them to stay two days, but thanks to Oasis Airlines closure there was no way for them to get another confirmed flight and was best to stay on course :( so we said our goodbyes and parted our ways.

It was a sad and lonely bus trip to Fotan where Cherie lives. I was so hoping that my parents could make it there with me as it's another place for them to visit as I had lived there for a couple of years and seem to be always drawn back to HK. Anyway I got to Fotan and was to pick up the key from my old school, however they were away for a two hour lunch, so there I sat at the Mac Donald's next door for two hours!!! It was interesting I even got chatting with a university student, so that was cool.

I stayed in HK for three weeks it was supposed to be a week and then to L.A. with Young-joo however she had some visa issues and had to return to Korea, so I was stuck in HK, but that was okay, it meant a longer stay with Cherie :) I was a bit lazy too, as I had my own room for the first time in a month, so I slept a lot.

HK was fun, I got to see more of Wanchai than I did when I lived there. I met up with Vicki too which was cool. I love and hate HK for many things, and this trip made me see the better side of the city, and IF I ever move back I am definitely not living in the New Territories again, I want to be on the island.

I still had to fly to L.A. to get my connecting flight to Calgary, as my Air Canada ticket was carved in stone and I couldn't change it at all :( I remember last year I was stuck for ten hours at LAX coming in from Maui to Calgary as the flight was delayed, well I thought no way am I going to sit for the four hours layover I had in the same gate again. So I took off to Venice beach for a bit, which was awesome, if only I knew the last time just how close the beaches were to LAX! I just relaxed on the beach did some people watching and took a taxi back with the best driver ever, he was from Tanzania and really made my day :) But that was soon shattered to see that the same delay was about to happen, what are the chances of that??? I was flying the same flight as last year and again there were delays!!!! I took how many flights on this trip and AC still can't get it together!!! AARGH!

I finally arrived in Calgary just about midnight, then it's a two hour drive home :(

Anyway life in Canada has slowed down a lot, I mean sloooooooow! I did get roped into drywalling and painting in the house, even when I visited my brother for a week in Fort Mac my mum and I were landscaping. My friend Hee-jeong came to visit from Korea, she was to spend three months here, but it got cut short due to her dad's health, but luckily he's not too bad now that she's back there. So now I'm home alone in Stavely still living out of a backpack, my shipping made it here okay but is now is storage awaiting the next phase. JOB! HOME! In the meantime, I enjoying the creative energy that has recently hit me, I'm painting plates, sketching, painting furniture and playing with shrinky dinks (LOL)!!!

Wish me luck with the job hunt and the reversal culture shock!

I Know, I'm Sorry :)

2008-06-28T00:32:00.014-06:00

It's been a long time since I posted I do apologize about four months!!! Hi-ya! Well as you can imagine lots has happened as well as the meaning of my blog which I will get into later. So I last left off at "Moving Sucks" and let me tell ya it most certainly did!

The shipping company came in and packed up everything nicely for me, it's here in Canada, but I'm living in a small room in my parent's place so until I get my own space again can I unpack my stuff, for the moment I'm still living out of my backpack!

It was hard to hand over my keys as it meant much more than that. I was lucky enough to find new tenants who wanted to buy most of all my stuff giving me some extra cash as well as saving me from the heartache and stress of selling each piece. But I will miss my apartment however I'm looking forward to my next space as I'm determined that I will no longer rent, but instead own my home!!! Damn I had better get a job!

Well as you can guess I'm now back in Canada with the folks but they themselves took a big leap this year along with my brother as they met me in Korea like I mentioned in an earlier post.

It was fantastic to introduce my Korean life to my family who embraced more than I had anticipated which was awesome. My friends were worried to meet them as they were nervous as the cultural barrier of how to speak or act around elders was really evident but once my friends met my family they realized how down to earth my family really is. It was awesome!!!

We only stayed in Seoul, if there was more time I would have liked to take them to Daegu and introduce them to my first school and Mrs Cho who has helped me so much in Korea. After all 대구 was my Korean hometown ~LOL!

Well even though it was great to be with my family it most certainly helped with the harsh reality that I was LEAVING Korea and all my wonderful friends. It made it a lot easier as I'm still teary eyed knowing that I can't just call up Nado, or go to Hongdae in some club or gallery and meet up with Valthino, Sanae, Joo-young or other friends to party all night. Or have a girly chit chat in Itaewon with Maryon or be involved in some art show thing with Mary! I love them all and will miss Korea for it's people and the wonderful memories however I will be back for a visit as I left a piece of me there!!!

So that was that however another part was just beginning as my family and I were off to Thailand together. I realized that it was the first time that all four of us were together on the same flight, the last time was when we first went to Canada for a holiday when I was 16!

WE had a wonderful time, mind you I think everything caught up with me the first night in Bangkok I was really ill, I've never thrown up in a restaurant, but I think I was under a lot of stress and now I can relax, but my body really went South! Luckily the next day I was fine and ready to kick some ass as Bangkok's tour guide to the Palace and beyond ~ he he he!

We stayed in bangkok for three nights then flew down to Krabi where we stayed in a small resort that was absolutely the best ever!!! Sure there were bugs but hey that's what you expect when in the jungle!

We had such a fantastic time going on a picnic with our longtail boats whizzing pass so many islands then picking our own private beach to eat baguettes and drink beer ~ that's the life! The resort was so friendly and comfortable it was fun to eat dinner with everyone at one large table as well as go sea kayaking with everyone, however my parents opted out instead they took the dogs for a stroll along the empty beach that our resort was nicely located on. The best place that I stayed in.

Andrew left to go back to work, but the three of us went onto to Siem Reap which I have been trying to go to, and I'm so happy that I got to go with my folks.

We visited Angkor Wat which was amazing, my parents weren't so sure what I was talking about but once we were there they were in total awe! We had a great time with our driver who was the same age as me but his naiivety was quite cute. He drove us around for the three days we were there, at only $30 a day I thought it was higher than what was advertised however it was a steal for what he provided for us in the end and what that money represents to his family.

The next day we were off to Vietnam by bus however we had to stop over for a night in Phnom Phen then the next we took another bus to Ho Cho Minh City.

We didn't stay too long in HCMC in fact as soon as we got off the bus we walked straight into a travel agent and booked the first flight to Hanoi. We got to our hotel quite late, but weren't too pleased being on the top floor of the tall skinny hotel that has no elevators, so carrying all the luggage wasn't the most fun to do in Hanoi! The next day not only did we find a better place to stay in but we also booked a two day tour in Halong bay. It's about a three hour drive from Hanoi but Halong bay was worth everything. However I was most disappointed with the pollution as the junk boats dunk all of their garbage into the sea!!! :( We took off to Cat Ba Island, but I wasn't too happy with the place, it was certainly quieter than the other places we had seen in Vietnam, but some of the worst food!!! We didn't have good food until our last night in Vietnam but that was in HCMC as our flights to Hong Kong was from that point.

*Will write more tomorrow! I promise :)

Moving Sucks!

2008-02-09T01:50:00.000-07:00

Once again I’m packing up my home and getting ready for the big move. Argh moving!!! At the moment I’m full of mixed feelings; I’m excited to be leaving my job and also that my parents and brother are finally coming out to Asia to see me. Then we will leave together to go traveling around S.E. Asia ~ I can’t wait. But on the other hand, I’m sad, really, really sad to be leaving my friends, my apartment the art scene the big city. I’m not really a small city gal, I love to get lost and find something new but in Calgary I guess I can get lost in the suburbs. I must admit for the first little while it will be new again and I will have to find my way around and I’m really hoping that things have changed but so far I can see that the city has gotten really expensive.

My apartment in one day of organizing has already changed and there’s no going back and I’m feeling cold. I’m moving out earlier than my original plan as I had mentioned to a neighbor that my place is free at the end of March. Well their building will be torn down in the first week of March ~ hhmmmmm I was in the same position this time last year were my building was being torn down. Well they took one look at my place and wanted it within the first five minutes of seeing which was the same reaction I had when I saw this place. Korea has some nasty apartments that in western standards are unlivable. Anyway I’m moving out early which will save me cash in the long run as well as I get to visit people in Daegu for longer too!

This is indeed the year of changes. My little group of, “Seoul Sistas” is dwindling fast, Irene is now living in DC, I will be going back to Calgary, Heejeong will go to Beijing for a while but will come to Calgary for a few months vefore returning home to Korea, Nado is trying hard to get a design job overseas preferably in Sweden. My other friends; Youngjoo is in L.A. and Nayan in Canada for a short while before heading back to India. Whaaaah!

By the way:

Say hay boke-mahn he pah du say oh!

새해 복 많이 받으십시오!

Best wishes for a happy new year!

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

恭喜發財

Congratulations on the New Year and be prosperous!

This is my livingroom before moving (shot on my new Canon) ~ the after pic coming soon ;p

Singledom on the Weekend!

2008-01-13T08:49:00.001-07:00

This weekend has been really quiet, or the truth is that I spent yet another lazy weekend doing nothing. I am stuck in some broken record lately of procrastinating and arguing with myself to do the right things ~ don’t worry I’m not walking around my apartment talking to myself! However I end up doing nothing and sitting on my arse!!!

So I got myself a pizza, from the local joint for $6 it’s a steal, which I allow maybe once a week or two weeks. I watched “Copying Beethoven” which was great but some parts I didn’t understand the deliberate camera action/focus that reminded me of NYPD. It’s worth watching if you haven’t yet. Then I spent another couple of hours just browsing on the net wanting to listen to some new Indian music as it keeps me in touch with Southall, as you can never get the Southall out of me! Ha ha ha~!

Sunday I wanted to go out but then I thought of the dangers of me spending too much money, so staying home was the cheapest option. I searched online for accommodations, flights etc.. for the big trip that my family will go on in March. Man, there’s so much it’s really overwhelming I forget what I was looking for. I remember when I booked a resort back in 2000 for Cherie, her family as well as some friends and myself, it was so easy it took one evening and a few websites before I made my decision but now I’m all over the place. But I must admit I do have a biased view now as that time was my first time to Thailand but this upcoming trip will be my forth and the first for my family. So I feel some pressure to pick the best that I can as I’ve stayed in some icky places as well as amazing places too.

Well I still have lots to research but my trusted belly started to rumble and annoy me as I really didn’t want to cook. So off I went as I had a craving for kimchi jjigae and thought that I can do this thing by going to the famous place close to my apartment but it’s normally full of taxi drivers which isn’t so nice. I got there only to be disappointed as it was closed, I looked at the other restaurants and saw so many people in them. It’s weird I have eaten in all of these restaurants either alone or with friends. However I felt a different vibe to the weekdays as everyone was sitting in groups. All of a sudden I was feeling panicky and didn’t want to be alone in a restaurant and walked by to the point where there was no more places to eat. I had to go back but I felt so stupid as I felt like everyone had seen me by now as I walked by the windows, so I hopped on the minibus and ended up closer to home. I saw that Manilla Bay restaurant was still open and is normally quiet. I walked in and ordered the same seared tuna dish as last time. But this time, it was absolutely awful, I ate it all due to pure hunger! But now, I regret eating there as my belly is not a happy camper at all! It’s still rumbling but not from hunger and it hurts too, it reminds me of two years ago when I had some serious food poisoning which I’m hoping is not the case here.

Ooooh , tomorrow is one more day closer to this silly winter camp being over! YAY! But I’m excited to practice the play with my kids as we’re doing, “Where The Wild Things Are”.

UK Music

2008-01-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting video and the part where Riz MC is talking about Harrow!

Riz MC ~ this is great!

And here's more of Riz MC this dude is wicked!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

I guess I've been neglecting this blog for quite some time and I'm shocked to just how long it's been since my last post. Oops~!

Well 2008 is here and it seems to be the year of changes. The biggest for myself is the fact that I will be leaving Korea this March. I have come to the end of my rope with ESL teaching here. It's been good as well as it's been frustrating. I'm glad that I have had great kids who actually made it worth while at work. However it's the administration and the fact that as a foreigner I will never have a future and will always be entry level. I was most disappointed with the fact that my contract does not offer anything for signing for the third year however it is expected that I hold most responsibilities as a senior foreign teacher, which makes no sense. But oh well!

So, it's been one of the hardest decisions to make as I love many other things about Korea, I have many dear friends here who are all artisitc and creative in some way that inspire me and my art work. I have independence with the money that I make as I feel it goes a long way here, and I am sad to be giving up my apartment. My art ~ I've been able to partake in a number of shows as well as events with other artists as I'm part of the community here and I will dearly miss it. It took me a long time to get where I am at and I will leave for Calgary once again.

However I'm so excited that my family is finally coming to Asia! This March they will stay here in Seoul for a few days and all of us will leave for a tour of Thailand. My brother will leave and my parents and I will go onto Cambodia and Vietnam. From there they will go home and I am hoping to meet up with my dear friend in LA and possibly my other friend in DC.

I'm planning on starting my own line of necklaces and other art goods as well as the possible career with the oil and gas in Fort McMurray with my brother. So wish me luck!

Here's whats been happening:

My 6th graders created Halloween comic stories and the 5th graders made

bookmarks. The winners received a bag of candies.

Having fun in Itaewon.

The Itaewon Ohs!

Toad in the hole darling?

Saying goodbye to the lovely Irene ;(

My crazy shopping spree except for the whale.

Nado's birthday :)

Preparing for the Minority Report Art Show.

Sketchbook and table.

Hey I found Santa on stilts!

Christmas shopping!

Christmas dinner with some friends.

The best turkey ever!

Boxing day trip to Insadong.

Yatren, Sandy and Ananda visiting from Daegu. I hope

mum and baby are having fun at home in Canada~!

Outside the Minority Report show at Gallery 175.

The family pose~!

My work.

Irene's work.

Fashion is exciting and so is Doota in Dongdaemun!

I accidently ended up at Seoul Tower but took a walk around as it's close to

my house. But I love the suspended sculptures.

My new line of necklaces. Tell me what you think ;P

Birds in Spring.

Geometry wasn't my forte but this is!

For the diva with friends.

Eloquence

My first necklace, "Nabi" also the first to sell. My friends Jameet and I used to make and sell jewelry during our breaks in high school, but I miss shopping for beads and that as we used to go up to London and Neal Street.

Let’s eat again, like we did two hours ago!

2007-10-21T06:47:00.000-06:00

Food and I have an interesting relationship, it goes up as well as down. I’ve been through some rough times as well as some gourmet times. When I first came to Asia I felt like my tongue was under attack by the new textures that I had never experienced before. I remember one time being given a Daifuku gift that my Hong Kong friend was so excited to give and explained that they’re expensive too. I ate one with the same sort of excitement she had, but to my horror they were full of sweet red beans with sticky rice on the outside. The texture really got to me making it really difficult to eat, she quickly offered a drink which I was desperate for but was also in shock to be handed a Heineken, anyway I downed that can of beer like it was water! I’ve come a long way since then, I actually don’t mind them anymore but I do prefer the ice-cream kind.
My first time to Korea, I had no idea how to speak or what to eat. I was given a huge bag of rice by my school which I knew could last a year. Some teachers introduced me to the small corner shops around my small downtown area, but I couldn’t recognize anything I could eat. So I lived on canned tuna and rice unless I went out for dinner to Burger King or the one coffee shop that a friend bought spaghetti for me which I returned to religiously until I met other foreigners. It was an interesting year as I gave up so many things, TV, radio, chocolate, computers, transportation and food that I recognized. I lost a lot of weight then.

Now that it’s going on almost my eighth year in Asia I’m finally gaining control and planning what I eat. It’s hard but easier that I live in this part of Seoul as I’m surrounded by grocery stores that carry some foreign food, a small fruit and veggie market and really good foreign restaurants as well as one of the best kim-chi jjigae restaurants in Seoul as it’s one of my favourite Korean foods. I’m now making my own lunches for work as I gave up eating the school dinners as sometimes there’s not much I could eat. The menu is not something to brag about even the Korean teachers complain at times.
Planning is a little difficult as I have to coordinate my cravings, needs, what ingredients I can get as well as the nutritional values. I use http://www.sparkpeople.com which is awesome as it helps me to plan as well as to break down the calories, fat, carbs and protein for my day. My taste is changing as these days I seem to crave poached eggs like the one in the picture below. There’s a fantastic restaurant near my home that prepares the egg on top of mushrooms, toast with a side of spinach and hummous; that is absolutely delicious!

If you have any recipes for poached eggs please let me know as I found my new love :)

What are some of the strangest foods you have eaten or drinks you have drunk?
Here's my list:

turtle jelly and coconut milk drink ~ tasted like wood

fried chicken bum ~ it's chicken but I felt so diiiiirty!

bird's nest on ice-cream ~ it was slippery

pat bing soo/팥빙수 ~ sometimes it's good but please don't put cherry tomatoes in them!

cakes that have cherry tomatoes! ~ wierd I really don't like cake in Asia, it's blaaaaaand!

salads with lettuce, chicken, corn flakes, corn, sprinkles, mustard, Pringles and ketchup ~ overload of strangeness

hot lemon, ginger coke ~ love it, great for sore throats!!!

black sesame bubble tea ~ love it, it's my favourite and I MISS it :(

This I love, it's batter filled with sweet beans, sold on the street in the winter months. But I can never remember the name cause I never bother to look at the sign as I'm so focussed on eating. They're normally four for a $1!!!

My teachers used to scream at us for running down the hall, now I know why!

2007-10-18T05:02:00.000-06:00

Well I sure know how to make life more interesting hhmm let’s see….

Last week as I was running up to teach the 6th graders on the 5th floor, I fell on the stairs in front of many teachers. Major embarrassment; so I was quick to stand up and assure everyone in Korean that I was fine. I’ve done this before ~ a real major clutz I am! So I’m standing there smiling and all, and rubbing my knee to feel a indent that the stair made, “yeah yeah, qwen-chun-a-yo/괜찮아요!” However it felt a little damp, another teacher didn’t quite believe me she was lifting up my pant leg also I looked down to see that my knee was cut open with blood everywhere the other teachers were about to faint as they saw the bone, “Oh shit!”

I left a trail of blood behind me, as I hobbled along the corridors to visit the nurse’s office the whole time I’m calling myself a baa-bo/바보 (twit). The nurse cleaned up with everyone standing to watch as they were in shock with the amount of blood. But me, who was laughing and smiling ~ baa-bo/바보! After getting permission from the vice principal to visit the hospital (what if they said no), I walked about three blocks to visit an orthopedic. I sat there still smiling as I couldn’t believe what just happened but it was just pure denial, as I knew I was about to have an injection or two along with a few stitches!!! So I had a few x-rays done and phew that was fine then it was time for the sewing to begin. The doctor started by giving me an injection thankfully my body was already in shock and some pain that I couldn’t feel it too much and by the second stitch I could no longer feel anything. The doctor was asking me some questions with his limited English and I was answering in my limited Korean. However things came to a halt when he asked if I was married and I said no, I guess he was in more shock than I was, as he smiled no more! Also I was in more pain I think from the two shots I got in my buttocks ~ I still have bruises!!!

Cartoon characters reassure your fears!

I hobbled down to the elevator and off to the yak-guk/약국, (pharmacy) which is when my co-teacher came to rescue me from my adventures of being a dumb foreigner but instead she found me conversing with the pharmacist and the grandmothers around me as they were so happy I spoke some Korean.

Hobbling became me as I was still smiling and thinking what a twit I am and what bad timing. The next day was one of my biggest days of my teaching career, (*I will go into more details later). I got back to school and went straight to class with my bloody pants, not the most hygienic and I’m sure if I was in the States I would have been burned at the stake for doing such a thing. The kids were already told that I was in hospital so they were super sympathetic ~ bless their hearts! At lunch my friend/roomie came to the rescue with fresh black pants; okay I lied they weren’t so fresh I worn them the day before but they were the most comfortable thing to wear at this point as well as me having to explain it's location; no don’t worry they weren’t in the dirty hamper!

Two of the five students who acted in the play.

*So here we are at the part I said I would tell you later.

I had been preparing five of my students for a competition amongst other schools from our district. The kids and myself wrote a script for a news broadcast that was quite humorous. We had to practice at least three times a week and last Wednesday was the big day, hence the bad timing to fall on stairs! I even worked on my holidays to get this thing done, prepared the set and all the props. I wanted the kids to be more involved however the poor things have so many private classes after school hours, which is rather ridiculous, plus they had their midterms last week. I was the only teacher involved with more teachers giving a helping hand the closer we got to the main day. We had to take the whole thing to another school, which was hosting the competition, and Young-joo was the sweetest, by driving the props and myself there and back.

At the school all the other groups were busily preparing which motivated my kids too who were busily eating junk food of all sorts ~ sshhh I can’t tell their mums as one kid put it, his mum would kill him! What was really funny was so many teachers came from my school to help us, as well as all the mothers, we had the biggest group there! But it was so annoying; another foreign teacher Malcolm and myself kept directing others in what they have to do to help us get everything onto the stage. When it came down to it almost everyone disappeared leaving the two of us to do it all, remember I’m the one that was limping!

The kids did a fantastic job; we had two presenters sitting at a desk with three boys acting like field reporters. The first report was about the camping trip the sixth graders took and Harry the fishing expert then they talked about studying, preparing for their midterms. The last was a report on the school pond, which was funny to us as I still can’t find my school’s pond but the school that was hosting this competition had a huge pond with a stream, a mini bridge as well as a waterfall. All the kids were laughing about it before we got on the stage. The show ended wonderfully as the kids were humorous and entertaining, so much so that we won! Now we have to do it again in Seoul National University ~ argh!

Happy Chuseok/추석!

2007-09-24T10:06:00.000-06:00

I can’t believe that I’m actually staying in Korea during this holiday, I was hoping to visit Thailand but the airfare is pure extortion and I refuse to pay more than double the regular fare! One of the joys of being a public school teacher.

So far I haven’t done too much which is the whole plan as I’ve been way too tired lately. However Young-joo, Nado and myself took off shopping to Costco to stock up on some of the yummy food that is otherwise hard to find. Hhhmm the TV is on at the moment the show from what I gather is about the black market for prescription drugs here in Korea. Anyway where was I??? Yeah I needed things like Special K, kidney beans and some ground beef ~ oh oh soooo exciting!

Sorry that I haven’t posted in a while I’m actually busy these days at work ~ yeah I admit that I normally post while at work as all my stuff is done and I have hours of time spare. But these days I’m preparing a few kids for a school play that will perform for a contest that involves all the schools. I also have pressure seeing that my principal expects us to win. GREAT!

Not too much else is going on, I went out last night with the girls and Nado’s friend David from Scotland. We had a couple bottles of red wine while sitting on the rooftop at the bungalow lounge. But dinner was at the Wolfhound Pub a small Irish joint that offers a pretty good menu, but the beef and mushroom pie was not what I expected as it seemed more like a soup with pastry on top. The apple crumble wasn’t bad but not so Irish with all the cinnamon, or maybe I’m wrong.

Tomorrow I guess is the main day for Chuseok/추석 which is Korean thanksgiving. For those who are unfamiliar with this major holiday it’s a time when everybody visits their families especially the eldest male who is the most important figure. So Seoul seems rather empty as everyone is off to their hometowns around Korea.

This is not the time to be traveling, as traffic is absolutely horrific!!!

The family pays their respect to their ancestors early in the morning by bowing and then enjoying a meal with them. It’s a great time to visit Koreans in their homes which I have done in the past when I lived in Daegu as it was a destination for many Seoulites.

It’s also a good time to see many people dressed in hanboks or receive some interesting gifts like a box full of more boxes of toothpaste or a box full of Spam!

This year the holiday falls on a five day weekend, so starting Saturday till Wednesday however I’m lucky that my school has a day off on Thursday but why, why and why again do I have to go on Friday???

And for those that reside in Hong Kong/China ~ Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Maui, Calgary, Fort McMurray and back to Seoul!

2007-09-01T22:22:00.001-06:00

It’s official my brother is married! Man, what a gorgeous wedding too in Maui, both he and Joanna looked extremely happy which was the main thing.

Receiving a high five from dad!

Self portrait

I miss my brother dearly, even though we fought like cats and dogs when we were young but the best thing and what I miss the most is that we could argue but he's always there for me and I'm always there for him with total respect.

We started of as four and now we are five :)

I love this photo!

Saying goodbye is the part of my vacations that I hate the most and I know I'm not the only one. But I'm glad that I got to stay with my brother for a couple of days in Fort McMurray :)

And the last leg of my trip home was a night in Waikiki I managed to squeeze in some time on the beach however it was about 7am!

July's Photos

2007-07-25T06:04:00.000-06:00

The summer classes are now on; this year I have to teach two seperate camps as oppossed to just teaching my school kids. The Gangnam English Centre Camp which is open to nine local schools - but it's stressfull with the press and alsorts of heads from the edcation board to the blow Joe of the street coming to check it out as it's the first of it's kind in a public school. However this photo is of my favourite class so far. I did a social studies lesson on Freedom of Expression with focus on North Korea. We watched a Korean B-boy video then froze certain frames in order to draw figures similar to Keith Haring.

Watching the world go by in the Itaewon St*rbucks.

Walking around in Samcheon-Dong, one of my favourite areas around Gyeongbuk Palace and the President's Residence, "The Blue House". This area is being preserved as it's rare to see the old Hanok houses.

With Mark in Samcheon-Dong.

A thank you lunch from my school for Malcolm (another foreign teacher in my school) and myself for teaching during the summer vacation ~ like we had a choice. But hey, the lunch was awesome it's rare to have a good Chinese meal in Korea.

The Ups and Downs in July!

2007-07-18T01:18:00.000-06:00

I don’t know what to say this week or should I say this month I’m somewhat at a lost. Well I guess with the first bit of news is a downer. I have been seeing someone off and on since November, an American guy. I know I posted about him before saying that he was history. Well he was history for a week then things were good and we were happy. However now it’s over as he has his orders to return back to the States and with short notice too. I guess it was coming, but to come so soon??? I must admit I tried not to think about that fact he has no choice of where he’s posted, the joys of being in the military.

However in other news, it’s been fantastic having Nayan and Miss thing, staying with me, I’m going to be lost when they leave. I think my stress level will go up, as I won’t have anyone to talk to when I get home and with Mark being gone. Or the stress may go down, as I won’t have any excuse to not go to the gym!

But, I will be in Maui very soon! Sitting on a beach sipping on me Mai Tai’s thinking of nothing. Yeah, can’t wait to meet up with everyone and have a great time and also realize that my little bro is growing up as he and Joanna exchange their vows ON THE BEACH, oh yeah still sipping me Mai Tai’s!!! Then it's off to Calgary to meet up with friends and my nanny! Oooops... I just realized I missed her birthday, yay for alzheimer's! I'm bad I know ;P

Oh and tis the time to be eating Sam-Gae-Tang 삼계탕 the yummiest Korean soup ever! Gotta have your stuffed chicken with dates, ginseng, chestnuts and sweet rice cooked to perfection in a wonderful broth served piping hot to your table. This is the food of choice for the hottest days of the year (if you can get a table due to the crazy busyness of the restaurants) or you could have dog soup, however I opt for the chicken myself ;P

This week and the last three weeks in photos!

2007-06-26T08:42:00.000-06:00

My school's grand flea market where all the goodies where sold within setting up the fair which upset many of the students. But still was a fun day.

Heejeong and myself at our friend Valtihno's concert in Apukjeong a place where my friends and I normally avoid however the venue was a nice surprise.
We are officially Valtihno's groupies as I have many photos of him on stage. The music was awesome and sung in three languages, as he's originally from Brazil and the other members were Korean however English is the common language for them to communicate with. The group played Bossa Nova inspired music with Valtihno's genius percussion which he has practiced at numerous parties as well as my kitchen lamps!
Quite the name for a shop, don't you think?
Nayan's back and here we are at Santorino's Greek Restaurant in Itaewon, then we went back the next day with some other people then the next with another group of people, now I think I've had my fill for the year!
This is one of my favourite hangouts in Itaewon called, "The Bungalow" which has become our second home, the service sucks though they seem to be getting worse but the place is great with so many different places to sit, there's an area with swings and sand then another area with a jacuzzi each area has it's own personality but the last time we were there the service was so bad it took 10 mins to get someone's attention then after ordering it took a further 30 mins to get our drinks!
As you can see Keo isn't so keen on the waiter!!!
Nayan and Miss shyness :)
Last Saturday I attended Heejeong's father-in-law's 60th birthday party which is a big deal here in Korea.
I love this photo of Heejeong and her hubby.
On stage her father-in-law gave a speech, everyone in the immediate family had to wear Hanboks which are cute but not always the most comfortable things to wear.
Heejeong and myself

Black Lace - Agadoo

2007-06-21T22:54:00.001-06:00

Ah the 80's how I loved this song when I was a kid on my hols. Was I on crack?

For Julie

2007-06-17T20:31:00.001-06:00

Thank you for your friendship during my visits back to the UK as well as your patience as I looked at every detail in the shops that kept you waiting like my aunt Elsie normally did. I’m sorry that I still don’t remember you in high school but I’m grateful that I got to know and laugh with you over the years. And I’m sorry that you didn’t have that chance to go to Canada like how we talked.

I will miss you, as I know you and Debbie were wonderful friends. You meant so much to Debs as she always talked about you, and I thank you for everything.

You remind me of how fragile life is and the importance to live each day. Today I mourn your death that ended way too soon. I yearn for my family that I miss so dearly and wish I could be there for yours. I’m sure that you and your brother Vincent are together again. I pray for your parents and Debbie with all my heart to get through the darkest hours, as I’m sure you’ll agree there’s so much to live for. I wish you happiness and your family too.

We will meet again.

Julie left And My Cousin Debbie Right

Etsy Favourites

2007-06-08T00:13:00.000-06:00

I could spend hours and hours on Etsy, there's some great stuff but you really need to look.

Here are just some that I looked at today:

Brainiac the Art of Matte Stephens and his blog.

Dog Bone Art

Magic Jelly

Margaux Lange unique jewelry

I'm finally hooked up!

2007-06-03T07:52:00.000-06:00

I'm back online at home at last! So here are some pics to catch you up to date.

Moving day, which took four trips in a 1 ton truck and a lots of friends!

At Kang, San-ae's concert in Ssamzie Space a really cool artist centre that also offers residencies.

Nasty cheese bite pizza my students love.

Birthday dinner with the girls that are so important to me. Irene and Nado!

A one stop shop for...uhm...baskets...and other woven goods...

BBQ art show opening in the Samcheongdong area the gallery is built inside an old style Korean home which makes for an ineresting space, sorry no pics of the art.

My Birthday party: Ok-jae and Hyo-jin I think there's a theme going on here tonight...
I love this shot and yes it's rather suggestive but he's just curious about my prezzie and I'm energetic to tell him about it.
I celebrated my birthday with Peter, David and the other fella I forget his name, oops. We combined the party as we have mutual friends.

My new home

Out with fellow foreign teachers that work for Gangnam, this is the first time we got together other than the monthly workshops.
A birthday party for Roxanna from Iran, Phillip from Austria and Ok-jae from Gangnam which ended 7am this morning!

Korean Music

2007-05-29T23:23:00.001-06:00

Well I'm still waiting for Internet hookup, yep I'm still living in the dark ages! My cell phone is getting funky even though it visited the LG service centre, looks like I have to visit Samsung too for the vacuum and well look at that my headphones just fell apart so off to Sony I go!

Other than that let’s have a listen to some of my favourite Korean musicians…

강산애/Kang San-ae there are many songs that I like but it seems hard to find at the mo.

리쌍/Lee SsangHip Hop stuff

I love this song! By 하찌와 TJ in English: Ha Ji & TJ. I met these guys through Kang San-ae at their CD release party. TJ is a really interesting Japanese guy that used to produce San-ae's music.
another song, I was at this concert but a little too late to hear them.

I was just introduced to this artist 바비김/Bobby Kim, I've heard his music before.

And lastly, for your viewing pleasure I give you Dynamic Duo!

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people!

2007-05-16T19:43:00.000-06:00

This is quite the quiet week compared to the last little while and I'm not complaining. I have to say that I do prefer to be busy but it's nice to have a break and enjoy being at home even though it's a complete disaster area as it's become more like a motel than a home.

My friend Irene has been busy with her two shows that opened about two weeks ago. One show was titled "Alien" due to the Alien Registration Card that all foreigners living in Korea must possess. Here’s a pic of the two of us, even though we were on our way to the opening party I couldn’t resist the street food, yum!

Last week I celebrated my birthday and I have to say that so far it’s one of the best times ever! One of my 6th grade classes had a surprise for me; I was told to wait as I was just about to walk into class. When I was finally allowed I was in shock as the students had one personal sized cake with a tall candle alight on the teacher’s desk, they sang as I walked in ~ I lost it. I couldn’t stop the tears as I was so grateful and touched and told them that this is the most special moment I’ve ever had and thanked them as I told them I miss my family and friends back home and this makes up for all that. How ironic that week’s curriculum was on birthdays and my plan was for them to make birthday cards for each other ~ everyone dived in a did a fantastic job which made for a wonderful class for all.

I celebrated my birthday later that evening with a meal in Samcheongdong a Gallery area by the Blue House which is where the presidents lives. The area is beautiful as it’s one of the oldest areas around a mountain so it’s lined with big trees and old houses that are now protected in a bid to save the area. However Saturday was the day that really was the celebration as I had a party with three other guys who also celebrated with me. The restaurant was packed with all of our friends I think almost 50 of them! The poor staff did an amazing job :) We had to sing Happy Birthday in three languages English, Korean and Farsi as one friend is from Iran. After we took off to Nabi which means butterfly in Korean. The place is really cool as it’s set up like a bar in Istanbul or something, with Turkish rugs on the floor with plush cushions for people to sit or cuddle with as we drink or like us, play the bongos and sing all night.

The night ended with breakfast in MacD’s as we don’t have diners here :( By 9am I was in bed and realizing how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends :)

Thank you so much!

International Artist Calls

2007-04-30T18:56:00.000-06:00

I really need to get in gear with my art and so I did some research as to what's out there for art calls and I will list them for you too as I know many of my friends could also benefit from the info.

The Grieve+Samaritans Art Prize
Venue:House of Commons, London, England
Deadline: May 18, 2007

Online exhibit: www.upstreampeoplegallery.com
9th Annual Collage, Digital & Mixed Media Juried Online International Art Exhibition
Deadline: extended to May 24, 2007

Strange Figurations
Venue: Limner Gallery, Hudson, New York
Deadline: May 31, 2007

A Great Awakening
Venue: Rhonda Schaller Studio, New York, NY
Deadline: May 31, 2007

Painting On The Edge
Venue: Federation Gallery, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Deadline: June 1, 2007

"HEAT" The Next Tortured Genius II
Venue: 547 west 27 Street, New York City, Chelsea, NY
Deadline: June 3, 2007

Annual International Juried Exhibition
Online Exhibition: www.artKudos.com
Deadline: June 25, 2007

Mailart

Renew the Goddess - Ongoing Mail Art Call
Emily TownsendEtStudio19 Sapphire Drive West Windsor, NJ 08550USA

FRIDA KAHLO's 100 years 1907-2007
Venue: Jaca (Huesca)-Spain
Deadline: May, 31st 2007
Send to: ARTEMISIA Y COMPA?IA, Asoc. M. Artistas Avda. Juan XXIII, 19-esc 2 22700-JACA (Huesca)SPAIN

The Museum Devoted To The Enhancement Of Red And Green
Venue: Huddersfield Art Gallery, UK
Send to: Milk, Two Sugars 6 Savile Drive HORBURY WF4 6JP ENGLAND
Deadline: May 11th 2007

The GRACE LEE Project Trailer

2007-04-26T22:49:00.001-06:00

This looks really interesting. Have you ever googled yourself and checked out the results?

Fun, fun fun!

2007-04-23T00:22:00.000-06:00

At last I've had a wonderful Friday and let me tell ya it was something! I went to Sound Day in Hong Dae where my friend Kang San-ae was playing. The ticket was 15,000won however it's a pass to all the clubs that participate for Sound Day, so it's a good deal!
He played for an hour, the audience was wild as he has so much energy and really knows how to work his fans and entertain. My friends were slowly trickling in but a few couldn't find the place and were text messaging me constantly, but we met backstage aftewards and became groupies, he he he.
Off to "Som" (a bar)we went as they were expecting the after party. Valenchino was ahead with his cute Mongolian friend, he kept turning around and we kept verifying with screams that yes we are his groupies. This started when Kang San-ae started to walk to the bar with us but was bombarded with fans and headed back to the venue to get his car, the scene was cute as young girls were screaming as well as older than me women running after him.

At Som there was some confusion as we were told it's for a private party plus some friends were already there who were also being kicked out. So everyone waited outside for San-ae to come and verify that we are the party! And let me tell ya once it got started it was wild!

It started civil with everyone trying to find some space to park themselves on the warm Korean floor (Ondol) and chatting to their neighbors as we were all mixed up. The drinks started to flow and they didn't stop. A few times in the night the bar received deliveries of more beer as we were drinking it all up. The mood was fantastic with quite a number of musicians and artists from all over the world. The music started, San-ae was singing Valenchino was drumming with a box he found a few other people joined in the jamming and showed off their talents. Then the dancing started as the bar had an extensive record/CD collection with everyone up on tables the bar or what little space they could find they were dancing their hearts out.
The night for myself and my close friends in the bar ended around 6am but then we walked around figuring out what to do as we weren't ready to go home. Hunger pangs hit us and as we walked and found traces of the party everywhere as everyone was eating in the late night restaurants or street stalls. We ourselves ended up having Gam-ga-tang (spicy Potato and beef rib soup) where the night really was coming to an end as my head felt heavy and yearning for my pillow. My one friend decided the subway was open and she was going home, I have no idea where she got the energy from as she lives over an hour away by subway!
Even last night I was out with a lot of the same people for a friend's birthday, but this time I left early as my body was crashing and I'm now with a cold.

The Tube's Fashion Victims

2007-04-17T01:17:00.001-06:00

I remember my friends and I saying that there is the need for the fashion police. I understand that people have the right and freedom to where what they please but sometimes it just hurts to see such things like men who wear their tight short shorts that they had since middle school or something but now they have beer guts, dudes it just doesn't look good! Anyway have a look at London Underground Fashion Victims.

Housewarming fun!

2007-04-17T00:50:00.000-06:00

My housewarming was fantastic as it was nothing like I had expected it to be. I would have photos however I still can’t find my camera as it’s packed somewhere unbeknown to me the tricky little devil!
Philipp my friend and ex-roommate just returned to Korea from Austria came early to help me set things up for the party which was really helpful but he was worried that he may be the only guy so he started making calls. The party started with a few people which was nice but we were all getting a little tiddly as we were drinking some awesome wine but there were no snacks to go with it as the person assigned to bring them was running really late. However people started coming and coming and coming by the time dinner was served I think I was serving for almost 20 until the food was gone and the tables bare. But more people came I think there were almost 30 people. My fridge was empty; thank goodness for the shops around my house and those who ate before coming to my place.
We had the privilege of two performances, one by a professional Korean singer and the other was my friend Valentino a Brazilian percussionist who kept the party entertained by using a few bowls, lamps, an empty coke bottle along with chopsticks.
Quite a few people left around 2am but then a few of my close friends stayed and more food came out, I don’t know where from??? We ate and chatted more then I gave in by 4am where I left two people chatting in the living room and I have no idea when they went to sleep.
The night was really interesting with a great opportunity to network as we had a group of International artists that are currently doing an artist residency at Changdong Art Studio. One person that came along turned out to be my friend's professor at art school. So you can imagine the conversations and business cards that were flying around the apartment.
The only down point of the party was that my so-called boyfriend or whatever he calls himself never showed not even a message or call to say whatever. In fact I'm tired of his ass and I am now officially single again. Oh, some of you may be somewhat in shock, as you didn't know that I was dating, actually I kept it quiet ~ I’m sorry. The on the flip side; my new area is full of good-looking men! He he he he, what good timing then!

Hyderabadi Biryani Preparation Video

2007-04-12T23:35:00.001-06:00

My mum used to make chicken or lamb biryani on special occasions. It's the one dish that I really, really miss and I’m sure I'm not the only one in my family who does, as she hasn't made it for a while.
I remember one time she made huge vats of it for an Anglo-Indian Dance in Northolt that took the whole night before but it’s one of my fondest memories as our neighbors were over with bottles of red wine flowing and the jokes cracking with odd Indian but not Indian accents, as we were cooking these huge pots out in the back garden in our tent. Everyone took turns stirring the brew it really felt like witches of Southall making their potions. All of us kids were running in an out in the dark garden and into the wonderful spicy scented tent.
I personally have never made this dish and I’m about to try, as tomorrow is my housewarming party. I’ll also be making some fish fry and I think a vegetable curry. Wish me luck and why not try it for yourself!

Oh the joys of shopping!

2007-04-08T20:29:00.000-06:00

Shopping in Korea is rarely fun as I'm unable to buy clothes or shoes so my closets are full of accessories as this is the place to be for such things. However there was one market that a friend of a friend introduced me to last summer.

The place was interesting with all sorts of things for sale. However getting there needed patience as it wasn't easy. We got lost but that's something that I love as we stumbled upon different streets catering to different clients. Like walking along refrigerator street then pork feet Restaurant Street to something similar to a car boot sale. The people with me were photographers looking for that interesting photo opportunity which was hard as the things for sale were super interesting.

Well last Saturday after my second visit with the dentist and half a frozen face I thought I would go to the market again as I was already in the area. I walked and walked I found the chair street then the printing street but not the market. I gave up after a few hours and went for some sushi. However I found some info on the net and as usual I looked on Naver (Korean version of Google) and found some blogs with some interesting photos too.

Love in Travel

Quilt Sale

Archizany

Rhee82

Big Big World

However some of the photos are old as there was a lot of construction done in the area as they tore down the decrepit highway and rebuilt Cheonggycheon (stream). So they downsized the market from 1,200 venders to 400 which is sad as it's a great place to go as a tourist or a resident.

The big bad dentist is just a friend!

2007-04-03T20:44:00.000-06:00

One of the best feelings in the world is in the mornings. As I lay in my bed knowing that I have to get up and start the day the rest of me is relaxed, comfortable and unwilling to unwrap the cozy warm blankie that I clutch so tight as if my mum is still there to rip it off at any given moment. However this morning I awoke to some weird timing as I turned on my lamp in my new dark bedroom at five thinking I was late, well far from it. However I was in the foulest of moods as I have two throbbing aches due to my fear of the dreaded dentist. So I called in sick and did all the red tape stuff one has to do in order to have the permission. And now I sit here at my desk in my home realizing that I have to soon get ready for the dentist chair ~ whaaaaah!

I have always been afraid of the big bad dentist, even though I worked in a dental lab and got used to the drilling sounds, but still I’m never prepared for those nasty long injections that probe your sensitive gums. Whaaaaah! I keep thinking that I am going to visit my friend Jin at work as he’s my dentist; at least I’m lucky there but as much as I like him as a friend he’s still that horrid person that brings pain. I know that it’s for the best but still it is PAIN!

Well I don’t think today’s visit will be the only visit I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot of Jin for the next little while and maybe I will be more comfortable than I’ve ever been ~ well let’s hope.

What have I done?

2007-03-22T21:52:00.001-06:00

So Thursday was a roller coaster day of emotional meltdowns and crazy energy. It started off with me walking into school then being called to see the vice principal. I apparently did something wrong on the network that I have to use in order to sign out of school, however the network is all in Korean with millions of options which would take me forever to do it alone. So I get help each time I need to leave early even though I had teacher training at the educational office; faxes, emails and phone calls have been placed beforehand for my permission~! It turned into a large fiasco as the vice principal wanted to know who helped me even though neither of us can communicate well to each other as we are equally poor with each other’s language. SO my whole office got involved which was starting be really uncomfortable. One teacher was looking at me and laughing even though I looked on with a serious face, everyone is talking but just laughing when they looked at me. By that time I was about to blow my top, I can take it most days but today was not that day, I lost it as I constantly have two teachers in my office who mock my poor Korean abilities – like that’s going to help me learn, and to think these are teachers???
Then the day was much better after that but I was really low and was close to running away. Luckily the kids were great and also uplifted my spirits. Come lunchtime I decided not to join for lunch as I usually sit there trying hard to understand the conversation but they speak so fast. By the time I left school my nasty migraine form the day before came back. However I was excited to get home as the moving guy was coming over with some baskets for me to pack, and a lady wanted to check out my stove I have for sale.
I got home and did some tornado style cleaning and within half an hour my place was tidy, clean and vacuumed!!! I met my potential buyer and was pleased as we hit it off immediately and I think I can say that I found a new friend. She was so happy that I had the stove and after she checked the size she handed me the money, whahoo~! Then the moving guy came he looked at each room and was asking what I was taking, in fact it was easier to say what I wasn’t taking. He then changed the original price and plan saying that I need two 1ton trucks and three men to come and help which meant that the cost went up by $150!!! I wasn’t buying it but thank goodness the lady was still there as she turned to me and said her husband moves people in his truck – what timing! I felt bad that the guy carried all the baskets but I’m so lucky that she was there as I would have paid seeing that I move tomorrow.
Realizing that I don’t have the baskets anymore I was in desperate need of boxes so off I went on a box hunt as there’s always some around on the streets or by the shops, but not last night! So instead I stopped off at the all time favourite Indigo for some fish and chips and again I forgot to bring my packets of malt vinegar that I swiped from a pub in the UK, he he he.
I got home after walking around my hilly neighborhood with tons of energy and packed the few small boxes I had with the most creative packing yet! So now my apartment is almost ready I’m at school waiting for someone to come to the office to help me sign out again so that I can leave early and go home and finish the packing. So who knows what Monday morning will be like, I guess I should embrace myself. But I must admit I’m a little nervous as I only have two guys helping and many girlfriends I hope we can carry the heavy stuff out. Wish me luck! ;P

Cool Home & Lifestyle Blogs

2007-03-13T00:38:00.000-06:00

I’m getting excited about my move and already planning in my head what goes where. So I thought I let you in on my usual reads and the reality of my obsession with interior design.

I have to start with Design Sponge I love this website for not just interior stuff but for art influences and a way to see what the trends are.

Then I normally go to Décor8 which is similar but shows different things.

I sometimes visit Imedagoze which is a good read but I’m jealous of her vacations!

I really love interior design and was watching Top Designers yesterday (not a favourite) as I miss the home improvement shows especially the ones in the UK as they deal with smaller spaces and seem to be more daring than the North American stuff. Oh I have to mention Tord Bootnje as I adore his designs and started collecting these light shades below and too nervous to take them out of the box but instead sit starring and adoring my precious!

What goes around comes around!

2007-03-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

I’m so lucky to have great friends even though there are way too many miles that separate us. Thank you Jasmine and Mandy for your kind offers and your moral support during that dreaded time that stresses the best of us ~ “Moving Time”

Yesterday I helped my neighbor upstairs move out, oh by the way she’s also Sharon, a Canadian and the same age! She was a bit disappointed that some friends who didn’t come even though they promised to come and help however the weather was probably not the biggest help as it was pouring the whole time! The truck that came to move her stuff was cute I should have taken a photo as it was quite small which meant more than one trip. Luckily she was just moving down the street and the sofa was the only furniture she was moving however our neighbor at the top of our street showed his stupidity once again.

I live on a corner though the one street on the side ends at our house and turns into giant steps down onto the road in front of our house. So ideally the truck should park on the side as we wouldn’t be blocking any traffic or go up and down steps plus she lives on the 3rd floor. Well there were two cars blocking the side road as there is no thru traffic for them to worry about, the one car I knew who the owner was and we asked for them to move but they were arguing and finally moved it. But for the second trip they refused and everyone in the house came out to yell at us, using the foulest language for a situation that is completely uncalled for. We ended up carrying everything between the two cars up the hill to the truck and this time we did block traffic as cars were just sitting there as we loaded up the truck while the idiot neighbors watched on with their stupid looks. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of us catch colds as we were all soaked to the bone, as we weren’t prepared for the rain or the fact that we had to walk that far.

What asshole neighbors I have, and I have to deal with it again in a couple of weeks for me to move out. I know that my building will be demolished and a new villa built in it’s place well I hope that the construction is loud as hell as those neighbors think that they’re being bothered now, ha, ha, ha well wait for it as it’s only just begun. The best thing is they have a “For Rent” sign in their upstairs apartment well good luck and good riddance!!!

My Nanny

2007-03-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

I was reading a blog by Desiree who is currently in India she wrote about Ooty, it reminded me of the stories I’ve heard not just from Nayan who is living there but also from my nanny (grandmother). As a young girl she would spend her summer months in Ooty in her uncle’s home, gathering together on the veranda singing songs with the neighbors. Her brothers would play cricket in the daytime with all the other boys. Her stories of India sound like a novel so romantic and dreamy I wish I could visit that time and experience the warmth. I did visit India a few years ago and even though things have radically changed since my family left however the warmth and hospitality of the people I met was still there.

I stayed with my uncle who is a catholic priest and at the time a head master for a boy’s college, which is also where he lived. It was interesting staying there to walk around the campus and everyone staring or wanting to get to know you. His guard was an old man who had a serious limp and most of his teeth missing but what a character, actually everyone there had an interesting personality with wide smiles. My uncle asked me what I wanted to take home as our family has a long history of trips between India and the UK with suitcases full of things for everyone from cotton vests for the men to panties for the ladies. I remember when my grandmother would open her suitcase and the smell would rush out I looked forward to that as I thought I was that bit closer to India unfortunately as I got older I realized that it was only moth balls that I was smelling and not India!

I asked my uncle for mango pickle as that was the biggest thing that all my relatives looked forward to when someone came back from India, it was a commodity in our family if someone had more than the other then all hell broke out. My uncle laughed at my request and understood he summoned his secretary whose wife comes from a small village outside of Secunderabad, which is famous for the pickle. Actually my mum told me that I couldn’t come home unless I had the stuff even though I was living in Hong Kong at the time and my mum in Canada!

The day before I was to fly my uncle gave me the pickle and my goodness I had half a backpack of the delicious and precious stuff that I was eager to open and eat with some boiled basmati rice. His secretary’s wife and her mother made the pickle and didn’t want anything in return I couldn’t believe how lucky I was and how giving they were. The funniest part was flying with it as I was a little worried about the security. I was stopped at the x-ray not because of the pickle but it was the small umbrella that I had which they almost confiscated but they were curious why someone like me has pickle then I said I was Anglo-Indian and all was understood with a smile.

I guess what I wanted to say is that I miss my nan I have thought about writing a novel or something as her stories are too important to be lost. However I think it’s too late, her memory is now her disability she hasn’t forgotten who people are yet, but talking to her is difficult as you’re questioned the same questions over and over. It’s horrid what old age is really like.

Bravo your well being life with green tea!

2007-02-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Taste buds can change! Since coming to Asia I’ve tried all sorts of foods and still tasting things for the first time. I remember how fussy and picky I was when I first moved to Hong Kong as I was exposed to textures that I never knew existed and tastes that were either extremely bland or just explosive. Or that one and only first class flight that I took from Osaka to Seoul and being served sushi made me wish I was in economy class, but now I can’t get enough of it as I’ve gotten over the texture and in love with wasabi!!! Tonight I had a craving for green tea ice cream, which is my favourite flavor coming from a girl that was chocolate, chocolate and all about the chocolate!!!

I have to tell ya, Haagen Dazs makes the best green tea ever, the others don’t compare also I do love green tea latte from Starbucks but I don’t like green tea in everything. There’s a trend in Korea to call healthy food “Well Being” and everyone here knows the benefits of green tea so they’re adding it to everything even to pizza, yep pizza. I was unfortunate one time to eat a slice and let me tell ya, it was not a pleasant experience. Not only was the dough made with green tea it also glowed a nuclear green color, it was topped with the usual things and some piped yellow stuff which turned out to be sweet potato! My fellow teachers told me that its “Well Being” any way I think it’s really healthy, as I won’t be eating it again!!!

I was looking around on some Korean websites and there are some great recipes for green tea ice cream however they’re in Korean and they do have pictures.

Happy Birthday Irene!

2007-02-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to my wonderful friend and parnter in crime as we're notorious in certain restaurants and bars seeing that we are that frequent. Our trainers know and hate the fact that we hang out, eat all the bad things and drink beer to be merry!!!

Love you :)

And the lucky winner is...

2007-02-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

I finally found my new place after seeing scores of interesting apartments varying in different degrees of quality, dirt and darkness! No more climbing up and down hills in search for a place in fact I'm leaving my beloved steep hill that gets everyone's breathing heavy and swearing as my new place is in the flatlands! Oh I should mention that the shops are up the hill, lol!!! One place I saw I just couldn’t see the apartment as I was more concerned about where I was stepping due to the pee and crap on the floor as the tenants included two cats and three dogs, I have no idea how people can live like that!

My new place is a little dark in comparison to my current home I’ll have to say goodbye to the lovely view and my wrap around balcony but the apartment itself is really cute with it’s own character. With wood flooring I no longer have to worry about the damage my sofa makes to the lino, as the thing seems to travel around a bit. There’s space for a dining table, which is great, as I’ve been eating on the floor with a Korean table for over a year. It has built-in closets so let’s see if I can be more organized, he he he!

So the move-in date is March 24th, I would love as well as NEED the help, nudge, nudge, wink, wink ;P

Yet Another Hong Kong Trip

2007-02-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

When in Hong Kong the first thing that I need is the food and drinks. Let me present my favourite franchise in Hong Kong that has a wide and interesting menu ranging from my choice of mango with mango jelly, coconut milk and sago to turtle jelly drink which I have tried!‘Tis the year of the pig!
Looking up is important there’s so much to see!
Cherie’s apartment has some sweet views I think I would be barbecuing a lot up here.
And lastly, the FOOD! Yeah, no Hong Kong trip is complete without Dim Sum that I managed to get at the airport. I highly recommend Maxim’s which is the same franchise in the city that has those horrid hour long line ups just like all great restaurants on a Sunday!