Monday, October 22, 2018

On some other notes,

I came across some quotes in my readings that stuck with me for different reasons. One was this: "Hilgers writes, 'According to Tang Yuanjun [the democracy activist], most immigrants, Chinese and otherwise, come to the end of their lives telling two stories: one set in their country of origin, and one set in the United States. Nearly one story always dominates.'” Some individuals portrayed in these books embrace their new identities in America, while others cling more tightly to their home country.

Well if I haven't been a clinger to American culture, I don't know who has! It's why I don't experience reverse culture shock, b/c I'm always struggling with or occasionally loving the differences, which I've discussed before.

There ARE things I like about Korea/some good things that come from the cultural things I don't always get/agree with. I wish I could just concentrate on the things I like instead of the mountains of things I hate. I was looking through a photojournalist's photo essay on Mongolia, & he said, "Once I let go of Western expectations, I was able to relax & find much better photos I wouldn't have been able to take/encounter otherwise." HOW DO YOU DO THAT?? I'm actually going to ask this on a few of the expat sites I'm on, though I'm fairly certain I'm a lost, bitter cause whose hatred of change extends to changing myself. But if you've got any ideas, PLEASE let me know.

The good news I mentioned earlier? My friend Keri is coming to visit on Nov 21st for 2 weeks. Mom is coming at the beginning of February, though unlike Keri, she hasn't booked anything yet. & Kristina's investigating/likely coming in March. So I'll have visitors! Hurray!

Oh! & I joined a CSA here, once/week on Fridays they deliver TO MY APARTMENT organic/pesticide-free produce, plus eggs. I'm currently getting the small box for 2-3 people, but will go to the large next month so I can use what I get to make lunch. & just waiting for the MASSIVE breakout I've been dealing with since getting back from Malaysia + my newly-developed problem with potatoes, which is especially upsetting.

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