Annalog's Favorite Things List

I've been busy trying to work on all my curriculum R&D before I leave for Cali in APRIL!!!! (I'll be there for a month). I should be making discussion questions, but I've decided to take a break and do my weekly post.

So, I've decided to post My Favorites Things List ala Oprah Winfrey, except I'm not giving away any free cars or anything. Okay, okay. How about an mp3? (See the end of the post)

Here's my list in no particular order.
My Favorite Things: April 2009

1. Dramabean's recaps of Boys Over Flowers.
It's difficult for me to watch an entire episode of Boys Over Flower without wanting to gouge my ears or eyes out, but I still NEED to know what's happening! I swear. It's like some sick disease.









2. Criminal Minds. Channel CGV. Mon-Fri @ 9 pm ("New" episodes air Mon & Tues)
I never watched this show while I was in the Homeland, but thanks to Cousin VP, I'm now addicted. That show is FRIGHTening, yet highly fascinating. Now I can't help but look at every strange looking ajusshi without profiling him as a potential psycho.







3. The Epik High blogs at MapTheSoul.Com
Epik High is still one of my favorite Korean groups. This month, they're preparing to release a book/album package directly to their fans, without a third party distributor. Bold move, Epik High. You can follow their progress and gawk at their personal photos at the Map The Soul website.

4. Cledor Blueberry Ice Cream
Other than the cheap ice cream cones, I haven't really found Korean ice cream to my liking. But, never one to turn down a sample at eMart, I tried a spoonful of Cledor's blueberry ice cream and was immediately hooked. I really liked the combo of frozen blueberries and the yogurty vanilla ice cream. If you buy a carton a eMart, they'll pack it in an adorable styrofoam cooler, custom-made for the ice cream container. Cledor's strawberry cheesecake ice cream is also pretty yummy.








5. My new Samsung Anycall SCH-W410 mobile phone.
I know that my "new" Anycall phone has been on the market for awhile now, but if you saw the phone I've been carrying around for the past year and a half, you would agree that my new Anycall phone is a major upgrade. Being anti-social and all, I don't really use or care about mobile phones (even though I sometime covet an Ice Cream phone), but when our Kwajang-nim (Office Manager) told me that SK Telecom is currently offering free phones, I decided to switch over from Show to SK. I had two pay 70,000 won for the activiation fee, but I didn't mind because my Anycall is awesome. My phone includes a English/Korean dictionary and a subway map! I know. I know. These days, that's like being excited that my laptop has WiFi access and a DVD player, but I'm excited nonetheless. It's like I was living in the Dark Ages, yo. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to set up my caller ring (Heng?).


6. 세바귀 (Sebakwi) MBC
Between the Criminal Minds and the ice cream, I know that I'm starting to sound like a tired, old ajumma (no offense to ajummas), but I'll go ahead and mention my favorite Korean variety show of the moment: 세바귀, a celebrity quiz show that's part of MBC's Sunday night lineup. I can't even understand half of the banter, but I still find myself laughing out loud.



7.8eight's Golden Age

I've been enjoying kpop trio, 8eight's latest album, which I downloaded from this awesome livejournal, 영원히.

8eight - Golden Age








8.Last but not least, my favorite song of the moment is "My Love" by The Bird and The Bee.

[Download Link]

동대문 종합시장: The Mood of Project Runway Korea

I know. I know. It's been a long while.

I've been working a lot. Essentially working Mon - Sun for the coolest little hagwon in Seoul. It's a project of love (I know. Sounds mind boggling, but it's true). I haven't be going about town as much as I used to, and when I do, I don't feel like taking out my camera. Basically, what I'm trying to say is, this blog will continue to be a little boring, but I will try to make an effort to blog at least once a week.

A few weeks ago, I accompanied my cousin N to 동대문 종합시장 (Dongdaemun Chonghap-shijang). It's a textile market, so I never would have thought to check it out. Fortunately, my cousin needed to pick up some fabric and knitting material, so I tagged along.

If you're into sewing, knitting, or like me, are just really into Project Runway, you need to check out 동대문 종합시장, the "Mood" of Project Runway Korea.


















I can barely sew a button, but I love looking at fabric, ribbons, and other design accessories. It's strange, I know. It's truly a sight to see all of these stalls bursting with beautifully colored textiles and other crafty knickknacks. In addition to textiles, you will find stalls selling handmade jewelry, ribbons, costumes, and housewares. It's pretty awesome to have all of those vendors in one complex. You can even purchase fabric from one stall, then find a seamstress a few stalls down who will make you custom curtains.

It's a bit of a maze, as most Dongdaemun markets are, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. I'm always amazed how Korean shopkeepers manage to stay afloat with such side-by-side competition, but from the consumer's standpoint, it's great to have all those options.

I captured a few pictures if you need visuals.

(By the way, if you're digging my "polaroids" you should download the Poladroid: "The easiest and funnest Polaroid Maker."