Expat in Korea · My Neighborhood

Daegu café and yarn shop + weekly prompt: “Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore?”

I am deep into my winter break in South Korea, and between trips - just coming from one in Hanoi, and preparing for another in Tokyo next week. Last month I participated in the WP Bloganuary challenge, and had fun writing a blog post every other day or so. I probably won't be able to… Continue reading Daegu café and yarn shop + weekly prompt: “Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore?”

bloganuary

Bloganuary: “What are the pros and cons of procrastination?”

It seems appropriate to post at the 11th hour of Bloganuary on this question. Everyone derides procrastination, yet everyone does it. Yesterday, I put off writing this very post, because I was a little too weary after an afternoon spent at the immigration office, and I just hadn't yet been able to spin out a… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What are the pros and cons of procrastination?”

bloganuary

Bloganuary: “What is a song or poem that speaks to you and why?”

This question is both easy and hard, as I could go in so many directions. I was surrounded by literature and music as a child and have carried some favorites with me throughout life, revisiting as one might a smorgasbord. I recently got to thinking that it's almost time for me to enjoy my yearly… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is a song or poem that speaks to you and why?”

bloganuary · Travel

Bloganuary: “What’s your favorite meal to cook or eat?” + Vietnamese cooking

When it comes to food, I can't play favorites. I'm a very adventurous eater, and I'm not afraid of the exotic. Food is one way I learn about a culture and people when I travel, and connect with friends and family at home. I've been called a foodie, and I'd agree, except that it sounds… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What’s your favorite meal to cook or eat?” + Vietnamese cooking

bloganuary · Travel

Bloganuary: “What fear have you conquered?” + Happy New Year in Hanoi

Today's Bloganuary prompt is challenging for me, as I can't exactly say that I have "conquered" any fear, but I have definitely tamed a few. Some fears are hungry bugbears that need habitual discipline to keep them at bay. I am writing to you from my vacation digs in Hanoi, Vietnam, where I arrived solo… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What fear have you conquered?” + Happy New Year in Hanoi

bloganuary · Travel

Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia

This WordPress question is really timely, since I am gearing up for a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam in about 48 hours. Unfortunately, I have had a splitting migraine since yesterday, and I am just this morning out of the fog enough to answer this one (and get back to packing). The short answer to this… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia

bloganuary

Bloganuary: “If you had a billion U.S. dollars, how would you spend it?”

Today's WP Bloganuary question reminds me of a typical hypothetical I'd ask a group of ESL students. Most of my students would answer with ideas such as, "Buy land" or "Invest in the stock market," which are very smart ideas, indeed, but that's not what I think of first. My answer might be a little… Continue reading Bloganuary: “If you had a billion U.S. dollars, how would you spend it?”

bloganuary · My Makes

Bloganuary: “How far back in your family tree can you go?” + New butterfly

I'm a little behind on the WordPress Bloganuary challenge (this question is from a couple of days ago), but really fortunate to have a few digital photos to share. It is hard to keep up with these Bloganuary questions, as they deserve much, much fuller responses than I can give in one day. The short… Continue reading Bloganuary: “How far back in your family tree can you go?” + New butterfly

My Makes · My Neighborhood

New alpaca amigurumi + market visit and walk

My new alpaca basket buddy is finished. I just put the final stitches into him last night, and he is ready to hold pens, hooks, or odds and ends. From toe to tail, he is about 20cm (8 inches). Compared to most other amigurumi I've made, this one was technically a little tricky - not… Continue reading New alpaca amigurumi + market visit and walk