At the start of January, Elysabeth and I spent our time coping. We lost our little Molly. Still, to this day we giggle and remember her quirky little self. But this month, instead of my usual clip to clip video of Seoul, I decided to make a little tribute to the tiny pup.
Oh yeah, this is also my video for the month of January. ;-)
...get Lost my friends.
1.31.2012
1.28.2012
Wizard Shoes
I've been at my kindergarten for a long while now and at times I have been put into decision making positions. With that came the responsibility to hire people.
This experience was fascinating.
Applicants were aloof. Resume's were hilarious. And people simply blew it. But the other day I chuckled when I thought about one interview in particular.
Let's call him the British Taekwondo Master. He had long, pony tailed, blonde hair. A very nicely cut, grey three-piece suit and Benjamin Franklin style bi-focals. His face looked kind and his 6-foot frame stood lean and athletic.
He came to Seoul to pursue his dream of winning international Taekwondo competitions and in the interview intricately weaved me through how the Taekwondo masters in London established him as the next best thing. At which I replied with no words but a short glance at the colorful bookshelves with children's books, thinking, "Did you know you are interviewing to teach 4-year-old's how to say 'hello'?"
The interview felt like a vortex of odd. He talked. We didn't. He kept moving his hands in wavy yet circular motions as he spoke. My hands stopped taking notes. His eyes were serious. Mine were understanding, yet very confused. Simply, odd.
The interview ended when he said, "To be honest, and please understand me Mark, I feel like the Taekwondo spirit brought me to Korea, and even to the this office, to speak to you, Mark."
Hmmmm.
As he left, he bowed very sincerely. Then put on a not-so-subtle pair of pointy suede shoes because in Korea you leave shoes at the door and wear slippers inside.
The vice principal, looking perplexed, then quickly asked, "Why does he wear the shoes of a wizard?"
To which I replied, "Good question..."
...get Lost my friends.
This experience was fascinating.
Applicants were aloof. Resume's were hilarious. And people simply blew it. But the other day I chuckled when I thought about one interview in particular.
Let's call him the British Taekwondo Master. He had long, pony tailed, blonde hair. A very nicely cut, grey three-piece suit and Benjamin Franklin style bi-focals. His face looked kind and his 6-foot frame stood lean and athletic.
He came to Seoul to pursue his dream of winning international Taekwondo competitions and in the interview intricately weaved me through how the Taekwondo masters in London established him as the next best thing. At which I replied with no words but a short glance at the colorful bookshelves with children's books, thinking, "Did you know you are interviewing to teach 4-year-old's how to say 'hello'?"
The interview felt like a vortex of odd. He talked. We didn't. He kept moving his hands in wavy yet circular motions as he spoke. My hands stopped taking notes. His eyes were serious. Mine were understanding, yet very confused. Simply, odd.
The interview ended when he said, "To be honest, and please understand me Mark, I feel like the Taekwondo spirit brought me to Korea, and even to the this office, to speak to you, Mark."
Hmmmm.
As he left, he bowed very sincerely. Then put on a not-so-subtle pair of pointy suede shoes because in Korea you leave shoes at the door and wear slippers inside.
The vice principal, looking perplexed, then quickly asked, "Why does he wear the shoes of a wizard?"
To which I replied, "Good question..."
...get Lost my friends.
1.23.2012
Subway Observations
These days I ride the subway a lot. I recently started a job coaching
soccer in English and the school's location caused a big jump in my
commuting. So, three times a week, I spend close to 2 hours riding
subways, buses and walking. It's nice, kinda. I read more, reflect more,
but more than anything, I unintentionally observe my Korean compadres.
This brings us to today's post, Subway Observations.
***
In the midst of a brutally compact subway car sat an old lady. Small in stature, frail and sleepy. She looked like any other old woman on the subway but for some reason, I stood peering in her direction.
She sat with closed eyes and hands crossed. Again, nothing unusual but as the announcement rang over the loud speaker, "Next stop, Dongjak station," she casually opened her eyes and wiggled into a position to get up. But, she quickly realized the solid wall of people right in front of her and between the seat and the door.
"Uh, oh," I thought. "She'll never make it."
I stood corrected. She very gently grabbed hold of a young Korean girl's arms who stood directly in front of her. And in that moment, a very beautiful transaction of affection occurred. The old lady lifted herself up and with only a nod or two they successfully shuffled and switched positions. The old lady then scooted her way through the thick kelp-like crowd to the door. She made it, like so many times before in life.
In these moments a very distinct stirring of appreciation happens inside of me. I really appreciate the innate kindness Koreans show toward one another. Sure, this is not 100% the case, but it's definitely not rare. It's common to see, and I truly love seeing it.
It keeps a person kind, even in the midst of terrible subway rides. Beautiful.
...get Lost my friends.
This brings us to today's post, Subway Observations.
***
In the midst of a brutally compact subway car sat an old lady. Small in stature, frail and sleepy. She looked like any other old woman on the subway but for some reason, I stood peering in her direction.
She sat with closed eyes and hands crossed. Again, nothing unusual but as the announcement rang over the loud speaker, "Next stop, Dongjak station," she casually opened her eyes and wiggled into a position to get up. But, she quickly realized the solid wall of people right in front of her and between the seat and the door.
"Uh, oh," I thought. "She'll never make it."
I stood corrected. She very gently grabbed hold of a young Korean girl's arms who stood directly in front of her. And in that moment, a very beautiful transaction of affection occurred. The old lady lifted herself up and with only a nod or two they successfully shuffled and switched positions. The old lady then scooted her way through the thick kelp-like crowd to the door. She made it, like so many times before in life.
In these moments a very distinct stirring of appreciation happens inside of me. I really appreciate the innate kindness Koreans show toward one another. Sure, this is not 100% the case, but it's definitely not rare. It's common to see, and I truly love seeing it.
It keeps a person kind, even in the midst of terrible subway rides. Beautiful.
...get Lost my friends.
12.29.2011
A View Through December of 2011
So, the year has come to a end. Well, that has prompted me to start a new project.
End of the month videos.
Over the past few months I have really taken to shooting and editing video. My photo skills are 'alright' at best and I just like looking at my video's more than my photos. Plus, Liz is a very gifted photographer and most of the things she takes pics of and posts on her blog, I video. It works out nicely in my opinion.
Below are some things I shot, random events, moments, food we made, people we eat it with and one very nerve wracking moment that ended up being one of the best moments of my Korean life. And before you ask questions, just know that I spent four straight days practicing for it but there is no way I could have winged it.
...get Lost my friends.
End of the month videos.
Over the past few months I have really taken to shooting and editing video. My photo skills are 'alright' at best and I just like looking at my video's more than my photos. Plus, Liz is a very gifted photographer and most of the things she takes pics of and posts on her blog, I video. It works out nicely in my opinion.
Below are some things I shot, random events, moments, food we made, people we eat it with and one very nerve wracking moment that ended up being one of the best moments of my Korean life. And before you ask questions, just know that I spent four straight days practicing for it but there is no way I could have winged it.
...get Lost my friends.
12.15.2011
Grandpa Ratto
{From the San Fransisco Chronicle on November 30th, 2011.}
Raymond Angelo Ratto Sr. Sept 19, 1927 - Nov 26, 2011 Beloved husband for 48 years of the late Irene Ratto, he is survived by his angel Eleanor Camicia, his seven children Raymond Ratto Jr., Paul Ratto, David Ratto, Suzanne Walling, Thomas Ratto, Margaret Ratto-Young and Joanne Lippi, 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Ray was the beloved son of the late Antone and Johanna Ratto, brother of twin Edwin Ratto, Len Ratto and sisters Catherine Buchl, Joan Ciccarelli and Anne Gangl, as well as his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brothers John Ratto, Antone Ratto Jr., Frank Ratto and sister Adelaide Ciccarelli. Ray was born and raised in Alameda and graduated from Alameda High School in 1945.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a lifelong farmer and part of the 100-year-old family business Ratto Bros., which is still in existence today. In his earlier years, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts and was a member of St. Joseph High School's school board. He was a member of the Ligure Club, Grandfathers Club, the 100 Club and Native Sons of the Golden West Piedmont Parlor. Ray truly embraced the community of St. Joseph's as an usher and active parishioner. More than anything, Ray cherished his family and friends. He was a loving, caring, generous and wonderful man with a welcoming heart. He always had a positive outlook on life, told a story with a twinkle in his eye and had a great sense of humor. He loved farming, traveling and fishing. He held an important place in his heart for his special needs twin brother, Eddie, and those who care for him.
***
Just over two weeks ago the Ratto family laid to rest it's patriarch, my Grandpa Ratto.
For me, mere words cannot express my love, gratitude and overwhelming admiration for this wonderful man, but here goes: he was a man who loved to live life, and gave his everything to the people around him. He woke up at 4 a.m. to start the day and rarely had a night without some occasion on the calendar. And he always did it with a wink and a smile. Because of this, he is loved by countless masses of people.
Grandpa Ratto, you were, are and forever will be, the greatest man any of us have ever known. You were the definition of a blessing in someone's life. You shall be missed.
Here is some footage the family asked me to take and put together to commemorate Grandpa Ratto.
(I humbly ask that comments only be directed to him and not the video making itself. It is not an art film nor is it intended to entertainment so please only share this link with friends and family of Grandpa Ratto. It is merely one small thing we, as a family, can look to and remember this uniquely wonderful man by. Thanks.)
...get Lost my friends.
Raymond Angelo Ratto Sr. Sept 19, 1927 - Nov 26, 2011 Beloved husband for 48 years of the late Irene Ratto, he is survived by his angel Eleanor Camicia, his seven children Raymond Ratto Jr., Paul Ratto, David Ratto, Suzanne Walling, Thomas Ratto, Margaret Ratto-Young and Joanne Lippi, 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Ray was the beloved son of the late Antone and Johanna Ratto, brother of twin Edwin Ratto, Len Ratto and sisters Catherine Buchl, Joan Ciccarelli and Anne Gangl, as well as his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brothers John Ratto, Antone Ratto Jr., Frank Ratto and sister Adelaide Ciccarelli. Ray was born and raised in Alameda and graduated from Alameda High School in 1945.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a lifelong farmer and part of the 100-year-old family business Ratto Bros., which is still in existence today. In his earlier years, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts and was a member of St. Joseph High School's school board. He was a member of the Ligure Club, Grandfathers Club, the 100 Club and Native Sons of the Golden West Piedmont Parlor. Ray truly embraced the community of St. Joseph's as an usher and active parishioner. More than anything, Ray cherished his family and friends. He was a loving, caring, generous and wonderful man with a welcoming heart. He always had a positive outlook on life, told a story with a twinkle in his eye and had a great sense of humor. He loved farming, traveling and fishing. He held an important place in his heart for his special needs twin brother, Eddie, and those who care for him.
***
Just over two weeks ago the Ratto family laid to rest it's patriarch, my Grandpa Ratto.
For me, mere words cannot express my love, gratitude and overwhelming admiration for this wonderful man, but here goes: he was a man who loved to live life, and gave his everything to the people around him. He woke up at 4 a.m. to start the day and rarely had a night without some occasion on the calendar. And he always did it with a wink and a smile. Because of this, he is loved by countless masses of people.
Grandpa Ratto, you were, are and forever will be, the greatest man any of us have ever known. You were the definition of a blessing in someone's life. You shall be missed.
Here is some footage the family asked me to take and put together to commemorate Grandpa Ratto.
(I humbly ask that comments only be directed to him and not the video making itself. It is not an art film nor is it intended to entertainment so please only share this link with friends and family of Grandpa Ratto. It is merely one small thing we, as a family, can look to and remember this uniquely wonderful man by. Thanks.)
...get Lost my friends.
11.07.2011
America.
One year had passed since I stepped foot in America. I spent that year teaching tiny Korean kids how to read words like, "Happy", "Ambulance" and "Snow mobile". Consequently, I got tired. Repetition of basic English words for 6 hours-a-day puts a wrinkle in your forehead. So, I did the necessary thing at the end of my contract and traveled back to the States for one month.
In those four weeks my fiance, Liz, and I cruised all over the place. We hit Nashville for a wedding, Raleigh for the opening of a chocolate empire, NYC for my sister's engagement party, Northern California to hug my oldest brother and finally back home to Torrance, CA for friends and wedding planning.
The time back highlighted numerous things but really proved only one big thing: if Seoul had Trader Joe's and In-n-Out, it would be hard to leave. Thankfully, especially for my perfect mom, it doesn't.
The next few posts are of some footage I took. Please enjoy.
...get Lost my friends.
In those four weeks my fiance, Liz, and I cruised all over the place. We hit Nashville for a wedding, Raleigh for the opening of a chocolate empire, NYC for my sister's engagement party, Northern California to hug my oldest brother and finally back home to Torrance, CA for friends and wedding planning.
The time back highlighted numerous things but really proved only one big thing: if Seoul had Trader Joe's and In-n-Out, it would be hard to leave. Thankfully, especially for my perfect mom, it doesn't.
The next few posts are of some footage I took. Please enjoy.
...get Lost my friends.
Bay Area - '11
On a drive to Northern California, the radio volume stayed low, roads stayed empty and my mom and I stayed in coversation I wish never had to end. The talk evolved, ebbed and flowed, calmed and jumped, became serious then lost itself in laughter, but, it never stopped.
We talked for six-and-half-hours straight. And for me, throughout my 30 day stint in the States, I never felt happier. Thanks Mom.
But once the conversation came to a halt, we found ourselves smack dab in front of mister chamber of commerce himself, Dave Ratto. My oldest brother, chef de cuisine, and future local politician. He plotted out a 3 day adventure that lacked no assortment of food, family and overt laughing. Dave has many gifts but his main and most important one is his addiction to loving his family. He can't get enough. And, being a member of that family, hanging with the guy is always a good time.
So, below is a little video of our time with Dave. Enjoy.
...get Lost my friends.
We talked for six-and-half-hours straight. And for me, throughout my 30 day stint in the States, I never felt happier. Thanks Mom.
But once the conversation came to a halt, we found ourselves smack dab in front of mister chamber of commerce himself, Dave Ratto. My oldest brother, chef de cuisine, and future local politician. He plotted out a 3 day adventure that lacked no assortment of food, family and overt laughing. Dave has many gifts but his main and most important one is his addiction to loving his family. He can't get enough. And, being a member of that family, hanging with the guy is always a good time.
So, below is a little video of our time with Dave. Enjoy.
...get Lost my friends.
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