What exactly is “kimchee-scented Kleenex fiction”?
The worst book review I’ve ever read. Maureen Corrigan’s take on a Korean novel reeked of enthocentric entitlement.
Category: Musings
Memories
Like a lot of Koreans of their age, my parents survived war and led very difficult lives. Books were an escape. My dad used to joke that had he learned Russian instead of English, we may have immigrated to the (then) Soviet Union instead of America.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is sold as a day of romance, where you buy each other romantic gifts. And, if you’re alone, well, too bad for you. But Valentine’s Day really should be a day about love, not just romance.
Wannabe Girl Writer vs. Mommy Blogger
In which a male author calls me a “wannabe girl writer,” and then asks me to write about his book.
Tae Kwon Do
The other day, my son and I were talking about bullies, and how it’s important not only to protect yourself, but to also look out for children who are getting picked on. I told him how I had been picked on when I was little.
Pororo Gift Pack Giveaway
Pororo is getting the movie star treatment, with a 103-minute DVD release in the United States, featuring the vocal talents of Drake Bell, Rob Schneider and Jon Heder. To celebrate, I’m hosting a gift pack giveaway that includes the movie, toys, a backpack and more! #WinWithJae
Happy anniversary
Earlier this year, my husband said we should go somewhere nice this winter. I asked why? He just stared at me. Oh, yeah. It’s our 10-year wedding anniversary.
Ray Rayner, a gingerbread house & a Hallmark Christmas giveaway!
I made a gingerbread house with my son, and it looked nothing like it was supposed to. But, it was still fun.
“Holland’s Got Talent” … and racist judges
There’s a Dutch talent show called “Holland’s Got Talent.” A better title would be, “These Judges are Racist A-holes.”
My mother’s friend
My mother’s cooking was a taste of Korea. It took me years to understand why her friend stopped by when I was home alone.
Darth Vader, the Hot Dog and the Lion
The Hot Dog, the Lion and Darth Vader followed around the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man — to houses they had already been to — just because they thought the costume was so awesome. They were laughing hysterically and had a great time trick or treating.
Protected: Meet the Vaders
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Go Go Power Rangers!
Why are the Power Rangers still popular? I don’t get it. But the little kids understand…
Ground control to Major Kyle
Last year, when my son was 4 years old, he said he wanted to become an astronaut when he grew up. I was almost dancing with joy when he said that, because, well… he wanted to become an ASTRONAUT!
The Chess League
My son joined his school’s chess club a couple weeks ago. I had been hording this Justice League chess set for just this moment. He loved it! 🙂
Gourds with fangs? Yes, please!
Nothing says Halloween like gourds with fangs, yes? 😉 While my son was in Korean school, my husband decided to decorate some of them. We used to buy gourds every year around this time, but this fall, we didn’t have to. Thanks to our composting efforts, literally dozens of gourds (and full-size pumpkins) turned up in our garden. What a pleasant surprise!
Walking on sunshine
In about a decade, I predict that our ‘hood will be filled with angst, as childhood friends look at each other as possible romantic interests. Nooooooooooooo! But, for now, these kids are good friends whose affections aren’t complicated by gender or jealousy.
The Boy Scouts
Our local Boy Scout troop could’ve had an opportunity to learn that there are repercussions to their actions; and that sometimes, the worst action is in pretending that a wrong never happened. Instead, they learned that if they deny something enough, they can get away with being cruel to youngsters and disrespecting members of their community.
Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow
I was surprised that an actor with such a strong improv background couldn’t just wing it and go with the flow. But mostly, I was saddened that a grown man with the privilege of wealth and fame couldn’t think of one place in this vast world that he had enjoyed visiting.