January 28th

The light at the end of the tunnel is visible. The work load for the last four weeks has been unrelenting. I haven't been able read the news papers or do anything relaxing, except for Saturday afternoons. Sunday is a day for Jr. and family. Looking forward to just having time for extended thoughts during the day. There is something barren about my mind when all I do is work. I miss the luxury of giving thoughts time to run around. Thinking is indeed a luxury, at least for me, and I try to protect this as much as possible. I understand what Thoreau was talking about when his days were busy, and he didn't have time for his walks or reading. Busy hours lead to dull and uninteresting hours when the work has ceased for evening. Coming home the these last four weeks has lead to me having dinner, and then readings a travel book, or a guide book about China. Thinking, being in peace with thoughts of my family, politics, travel, or even women has all but vanished. Its get up and work, work, work. Once home I'm too exhausted for true relaxation, and it is about getting down for sleep for another full on day.

But to night, I'm going open a cheap bottle of Yellow Tail Merlot wine from Australia, and get back into the habit of enjoining life a bit. My deep down I'm a hedonist, but I'm also a fairly good aesthetic who enjoys living simply, much to the frustration of my wife. Regular posts should start from this weekend.

January 12th

If you subscribe to the International Herald Tribune here in Korea, you got an opposing view of North Korean defectors in Monday's edition with the Joongang supplement inside and to to day to an article in the the front page. What I believe is that the Monday's article was more to the truth, though it was ruffly written, though isn't most of its pages. The IHT article was written for liberals in the states that don't want the reality or the truth of the defectors plight. I haven't personally met any in my time in Korea, though I often think it would be interesting to talk to them if the chance ever came. In other news, I went to the aquarium with Jr. on Sunday. Costly for what it is, but Jr. had a great time especially after I bought him a balloon. Then the fish didn't mater. The seal show needs work, if anybody from there finds this humble post.

January 9th

Well the week's work is done, and it was a slog. Not used to putting in that many hours and with that few breaks, but it will be worth it when the pay packet comes around. The sides streets are still full with snow, and only now getting some attention. I have Mondays through Fridays IHT, unread sitting on my desk here at home. Will probably just put them into the recycling bin. That doesn't mean I haven't had some time for the news. Reading this is a twice or trice yearly accordance in the Korean rags. It's all dome and gloom for Korea if the exchange rate goes too high, or reversely its all mayhem and people selling gold rings just to eat if the exchange rate weakens and Korea uses too many dollars to buy raw materials needed to manufacture. Toddlers have better control of the pants wetting than the ricetards getting scared about how to do their jobs correctly and pissing in them. Give it a break please.

The pub last night was filled to Texans watching the Rose bowl. Watched the first half and then left. I declare we give Texas Mexico, or that was all I could think about being in the pub's environs last night.

January 4th

Now that is a lot of snow. It was a beautiful quiet walk into work today. I had an early start and at a little after seven this morning, it still being dark, the evening lights turned off for the daylight that was delayed. The days hum was just getting started, and the snow promised an eventful day. Snow speaks of innocence and honesty, lots of tracks over one area disappointed my imagination at that hour. The few older buildings with light on and snow falling as fore-drop reminded my of early days of my life with untroubled hopes and a what I thought was a largess of time. Silly me. The snow also brings out a civility in people, a cheerfulness that I wish was shown at all times. With the cold air blasting down, the snow should stick around for some time too.

January 3rd

The New Year season has come and went, and 2010 is off to a good start. I haven't broken any resolutions yet. This weekend has involved commuting a between Suwon and and my house in Seoul. Taking the commuter rail from Shin-gil station to Suwon seemed a lot longer than I remembered. I used to travel this route in the late 90's and I don't remember the commute taking that long. I think it has something to do with impatience on my part to get the the commute done, while long ago I used to enjoy soaking up the environment around me. I do take this route a few times a year and a few months ago when the weather was warmer I was honored by lovely lass sitting across from me. Dealing with her super short skirt in a sitting position, she decided to wear her shopping bag. That commute went fast, thankfully for me and for her.

The post times are mix up on this humble on-line diary. Have tried to fix it, but no luck so far. Hopefully soon I will fix it.