One Life

One day, we wake up and realize we’re not kids anymore. Perhaps it’s after we graduate high school, or maybe it’s when we start to worry about money or death. Whenever it is, we do grow up. We’re forced to. There comes a time when we’re no longer allowed to be dependent on our parents. A time when our innocence disappears. A time when our carelessness is no longer seen as youthful and charming, but as unduly childish. We dreamed of growing up, wondering what the world looked like beyond our own home.  Yet upon growing up, we find that the reality is less lovely than we’d envisioned. We find that the only thing we really want back is our youth and innocence, and the cruel irony is that these are the very things that will never return. Here I am, thinking about how my  friends are getting married and having babies. And all I want is to sleep at my house and have my mom come in and say goodnight. Time is moving way too fast. It feels like yesterday that I grad...

Reasons to watch Korean dramas: 1. The boys .   Practically every K-drama is full of beautiful things to look at; and the most beautiful thing of all is often the male lead. Have you seen most of the actors and idols out there? They'll ruin you!  2.  The romance . If K-drama were a universe, romance would be its sun; it's usually at the heart of almost every drama. K-drama love can make you swoon, make you smile or make you cry in despair. 3.  The culture . Learning the language and culture is certainly the biggest asset you can gain from watching K-dramas. After a few shows, it's impossible to avoid picking up some Korean. 4.  The emotion . No matter what a K-drama is about, its goal is to make you feel something. It draws you into the story so completely that it sometimes feels as if you’ll never recover from your emotional engagement with it. 5.  The music . K-drama soundtracks are incredibly cool and catchy. A lthough you may ...

Less than a year ago, I was alien to all things Korean. "Korean what?" was my reaction the first time I heard of Korean dramas from a friend. I mean, who the heck would be interested in Korean dramas when there are so many great American shows? But the boys were cute(no, they don't all look the same and they most definitely don't look like girls!), so I decided to give it a try. And it got me hooked instantly. Watching dramas led me to watch movies and listen to their music. They’ve made me curious about a lot of stuff, and I've fallen in love with Korean culture. It's become a serious hobby and really, I think it makes me happy. Did you know that South Korean drama(or K-drama) is banned in North Korea? I came across this article the other day about North Korea allegedly executing citizens who smuggled in and watched Korean dramas. Poor North Koreans, who could blame them? K-dramas are absolutely adorable and incredibly addictive! Spread...

It's been over a year since I last wrote here. I haven't really been busy or anything but I seem to have lost all enthusiasm for the world over this period of time; even the bits I usually like. Am I experiencing symptoms of depression? Or am I just bored? As much as I loved being at home, I also enjoyed being outside, taking walks, dressing up and going shopping. All I do now is spend my free time holed up in my room. Some days, I feel like the real me is back; I catch up with my friends, I go see a movie, I do something fun. Other days, I feel like nothing is going to make me happier, so what's the point?  There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. I decided to find something new to be enthusiastic about; be it work, a hobby or whatever. I thought having some goal, however arbitrary, to work towards might help. To understand how clueless I was earlier, you need to read this: Clueless...

It's a universal truth we all have to face, whether we want to or not, everything eventually ends. I've always disliked endings. Last day of summer, the final chapter of a great book, parting ways with a close friend. But endings are inevitable; leaves fall, you close the book, you say goodbye... I've always been an outgoing person, and so I've made a lot of friends over the years. After my tenth grade I changed schools. I had no idea then that I'd lose touch with the friends back in my old school or the ones I'd just made. My first birthday after I left school, two of my friends had a bet over who would get to wish me first. As the years wore on, the phone calls became text messages and then one in many wishes on my Facebook wall.   What once seemed to be the best of friendships is long gone now. Only later did  I realize that  growing up means growing apart.  But even through the distance, there are some people with whom you feel a connection. You...

Every girl wants a Prince Charming. And every guy, a Princess. Do we actually find the kind of person we're looking for? Do we end up being with them? Sometimes, you love someone for their looks. Your love towards the person is based upon fantasy and idealization, instead of experience. I'm not a believer in love at first sight. But there's nothing quite like feeling a spark of attraction between you and someone you just met. When you get to know each other, the infatuation diminishes. Sometimes, you have feelings towards a friend with whom you love to spend time. I'm of the opinion that the best relationships are ones that take place between two people that are close friends. It's easier to be with someone who already knows the true you - your likes/dislikes, mood, attitude, and what makes you tick. You're comfortable with each other and there's always something to talk about. While some friends manage to find a way of making things work romanti...

My grandpa and grandma are two of the most beautiful people I've ever known in my life. I remember the days as a kid when I held grandpa's hand and walked down the streets. We used to go to this temple near my place and on the way back home he bought me candy. Grandpa had a good heart. He was always so noble in his thoughts and deeds. He was a great teacher. I've seen people walk up to my mother on random occasions, identifying themselves as grandpa's students. He was loved and respected like none other I've known. He and grandma moved in with us after he retired, and a few years later he was affected by Parkinson's disease. He started having tremors and difficulty in walking. Mom and dad took care of him in every way possible, giving him the best medications. Dad was more like a son to him, loving grandpa like his own. Grandma used to spend every waking hour tending to grandpa. She had endless patience. When at times she lost her temper, they fought ...