Mr. International Kwik

It's Now How I'm Living, But How I'm Surviving

2009-06-04T06:16:00.001+02:00

Short enough just considering the time, but long enough to have lives change. While those changes were taking place in people's lives, I saw it happen to me too. A stop in my life in Paris was probably meant to regroup myself. Regroup in order to prepare for what I am now, a R.O.K. Army soldier. Something I took initiative to, enlisted myself to fill the purpose of my family's desires. It'd be a lie if I told you that I never thought about quitting, or questioned my decision time and time again. But as humans, we feel the greatest feel of accomplishment through the most difficult challenges that we face in life. In the military it's not how you live, it's how you survive. I was blessed to have 'lived' in a life where people are free to walk the streets and find work in a high rise building, then have the option of letting go. Then I found myself surviving the artic cold weather in the woods of basic training. And through that I'm in a new position, where I'm in position not just to witness it but actually be able to change other people's lives having been recruited as a Drill Sergeant. Not just building civilians into combat soldiers, but to be fearless, confident and a brave individual ready to face the challenges of life. I still face those challenges today. My day starts at 5:20 in the morning and it doesn't until midnight when all the training and meetings have been covered. Putting in 130 hour work weeks, 7 days a week is no easy task. But like I said, I have no choice but to survive, you never want to put your dead body in the hands of a comrade first. My time is up, my first leave was a chance for me to recharge my batteries, and when I go back to base tonight, finding better and more efficient ways to build on my leadership is key, and for those I've lost touch with for the past couple months, due to my situation, believe me, you are still in my prayers.

Demolish In Order To Conquer

2009-01-19T20:27:00.002+01:00

Life is often comparable to architecture, the way it's built from a blueprint to construction ultimately to a structure. Then so far, I love my platform. But there comes a time a structure is beyond repair and simply easier to demolish in order to be built bigger, better and more efficient.

Just like anyone else I have immense amounts of different decisions I would've made if I knew better a second time around. But I'm fortunate to be where I am through those decisions that in one way or another shaped my life the way it is today.

Who knows, I might cherish today for today because I couldn't go back and have the opportunity to change those decisions.

Earlier in the year, I made another crucial decision. No one will ever know the impact it'll have in my life until I look back in the next ten years but I have a good feeling deep down this moment, that this will change my life forever.

God must've known this was coming because I can honestly say the last couple of years truly prepared me for this moment. The deep understanding of our culture in Korea, the true lessons of survival I attained on my own in America, coupled with the valuable test of patience and optimism in Paris, it couldn't have set up more flawlessly.

And so I salute to those who raised me, my mother and father, for giving me more than they ever had in their lives, my brother for having gone through this process before me and made me proud. I thought I'd never say this, but salute to the country that fed me but raised me in better conditions.

I will miss you all and I hope to greet you guys soon when I'm back from my leave of absence. Until then, best of luck and wishes for you all truly deserve it. My year starts now!!!

Woof! Woof!

2009-01-18T16:10:00.004+01:00

I've been looking forward to this moment for a long, long time. I finally got a chance to eat dog meat in Korea! Boshingtang, the kinda meat that make white people go. "No thanks, duuude." I know there's a lot of people that disagree with me on this one, haha, and being a dog owner myself I shouldn't have probably tried it but the curiousity was a bit too enticing. My brother took me to this spot in Non-Hyun Dong and it wasn't necessarily off the hook, but it was darn GOOD. It tasted like Bo-ssam but the meat was a lot more softer. I couldn't ignore the general perception that it gives men its power boost if you know what I mean ;) I should need it to knowing that I'm going 'camping' in a day haha. I'll post pictures as soon I as I get a chance.

Other than that, been busy meeting friends (seriously 5 people I can call family to) and just quickly re-adapting to Korean way of things, how they talk, walk, their slangs and mannerisms. That's been the only worry, the mental aspect of having to adapt in such a short period of time. I'm just glad I've been here before and some of the old memories are coming back. Physically I'm down to 167 pounds (I haven't been below 170 since ...) I was quite surprised because I've been consuming all kinds of junk food knowing I can't have them in a while.

Anyhow, it feels good to be here, be close with family and family-like friends I never had in Paris nor New York. Knowing you have people you can rely on is a great feeling and gives me a certain swagger difference from your own self-confidence. I haven't felt this way in a long time! Staying positive baby!

Obama's Letter To Malia & Sasha

2009-01-15T09:54:00.004+01:00

You can't help but to admire Obama and who he is and what he stands for. I came across this letter that he wrote to his children, and I thought it was so deep that I wanted to post this so I will never lose it and I can always go back to it, possibly when I have children one day. Here it reads:

Dear Malia and Sasha,
I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

So Far So Good

2009-01-13T19:37:00.002+01:00

That is the best way I can describe my experience in Korea so far. I'm still in awe with all the technological advances here. I can't tell you how much it makes life easier. I thought when I came here I'd feel the 'panic' from the recession but honestly walking down the street I don't feel it much. Everybodys still going out to clubs and bars and spending their money as my brother would say. Over the past couple of days, I met up with my one of my closest homies in my lifetime, Jun and Juan both whom I met while I was living in Peru. These dudes are my brothers, and after all these years aint nothing changed between us but age. I'm really glad I have these folks here that I can look forward to meeting with. It's funny to me, 'cause if anyone saw us together now, they'd probably think how in the world we'd ever become friends. We're all real different in a sense, but it's the high school experience that brought us all together. Since back then, we'd never 'judge' a friend by 'what they do' but solely accept them for who they are. What's also great about meeting up with old folks is that each one of us have a distinct memory of all our past times, it's quite refreshing and suprising.

So I have 6 more days 'till time becomes a friend of mine and so many things are racing through my mind. Six more days my freedom is gone. It reminds me of the day I went to Central Booking for a day for a DWI case in New York and how much I told everyone it's something everybody should go through atleast once in their lifetime because of how you get to appreciate your freedom. The only difference is that was a day, this is two years that I'm talking about. I really won't know what it's like until I face it but I know almost everybody makes it out alive. That's good news, just don't drop the grenade. For the next few days I'll be meeting up with a couple of more folks I knew and watch the time fly by. Hopefully I won't run into some crazy ass people I've encountered along the way, you know, one of those Korean people asking you to go to the 'temple' with them. Weird Buddhists.

Back To The Future

2009-01-09T17:23:00.007+01:00

In Korea at last! But...

I hate flying.

Not to mistake hate with fear. I hate flying. It took me ten hours and fifty-nine minutes to stomach my likewise problem. Just a few seconds more I thought, but watched a few years gone by. Eleven hours into the flight, as soon as the tires hit the ground and the plane made its routine turbulence, it was out. I barfed. Like a slick terrorist, I sneaked the blanket I barfed on beneath the front seat successfully like a bomb was to go unnoticed. Then I'm sure it blew, not a real bomb, a stink bomb when it went ahead and got discovered. :)

During the flight though, I sat next to this French guy named Peter, who at first seemed obnoxiously ignorant talking on his cell phone as loud as if his eardrums fell off, was a real cool dude afterall. He was on his way to Indonesia on a connect flight from Seoul, to teach surfing, which is his occupation. He seemed to have it real good, he says he works 6 months of the year and has the rest of the 6 months off and he still gets paid during the offseason. My first thought,

'Where do I sign!?'

Please. I'll take those jobs any day. So he wasn't as fluent in English, volunteerly like any Parisian, but was very fluent in Spanish so we started conversing in it. He talked about two things majority of the time. Alcohol and women. When the subject of women came about, I expressed my disappointment in French women not really being rich in volume. He was quick to engage himself in defense mode, and gouged in his pocket for what he called 'personal' in Spanish, a digital camera with a picture of his girlfriend in a lingerie. +_+. So, where do I sign again!? Nah just playing, lol.

What I realize about Seoul is it breathes the air of convenience of everyday living. They say money is what buys it, but you don't need that when you have a country that's outerspace in technology. Internet is The Usain Bolt. My brother's navigation detects speed bumps, ridiculous. I asked him if it detects gums on the street but sadly we're not there yet. When I went to see a doc in Paris, they had a lamp. I went to an ortho here in Korea, he pulled out an ultrasound system for a ligament tear on my pinky. Public parking lot attendants don't drive the cars up the floors and take the elevator down with it, it stores a car in certain number lot and all he does is punch in the number and it will bring the car down itself.

Other than my amazement of this futuristic-ness, I'm catching up with old real homies and some of the forgotten moments of my past is dug up again, and realize my life was more interesting than I thought, lol. Spending time with my brother is always good and I'm just on cruise control, enjoying life, being thankful, staying positive like always. If you wanna break me down, you gotta go for my mind, but try me. I'm grateful for the real homies that never wavered as well, shout outs to Jun, Juan & Soo. It's 7:25am, so that means I stayed up 6 hours talking to Jun over the phone about our high school days. These moments, priceless.

Life Lessons

2009-01-07T23:35:00.006+01:00

I'm Seoul bound tomorrow, half excited, half sad that I'll be leaving the beloved Paris for a minute but hand in hand I believe this is my destiny and I'll be able to fufill the experiences of Seoul as much as Paris.

A friend of pops stopped by tonight and gave me one of the best life advices I've ever heard in a long time. He might be much younger than my dad, but he really knew how to give a motivational speech. Now I'm all hyped to be experiencing something completely different from what I have and going to Korea I know I'll be just alright.

I've been so busy the past couple of days just seeing parts of France & Paris I've yet to see, and it took me 4 + months to actually visit some of the tourist spots I've been lazy to visit. All in all, still haven't packed yet, so gotta get to that right now. But damn, today was a good day, have gone up the Arc du Triomphe finally, then some sushi with moms and pops, then get to listen to some great advice. Anyways, I'll prolly post something up when I'm in Seoul but if I get some time before that I'll post something but otherwise, talk to y'all when I'm in the Far East!!!

Last Minute Gathering

2009-01-05T18:22:00.004+01:00

So, I leave for Korea on Thursday. I haven't packed at all, not even bothered to think about it. During the four months that I've been here, I've grown accustomed to this place quicker than I have any other places before. Not to say it would have been my preferable lifestyle. But there's a beauty within this country that is nowhere else, and I know my experience here was just too precious to be bidding farewells with. I will be back though, I know that, and when I do I'm making sure every part of it gets lived up without leaving behind a stone unturned. This place has become one of the many but few that I call 'home'. It will always have a special place in my life that I will tell my kids about one day.

These past few days, I've been having many of the father-son quality time and we've been taking drives down to the country side's of France, going to Versailles, Opera, Lafayette and etc. To have my mom's home cooking on top of that, I'm absolutely loving it. I'm looking forward to Korea as well, esp. those pojangmacha dduk bok ggi's, boong uh bbangs, ho dduk...YUM. I def. wanna try some of that boshingtang too, I hear it's good for men's power ;). Other things I'm looking forward to, reuniting with my brother and sister in laws, with cousins and relatives I barely know, and some year 2030 futuristic internet speed!!! No longer have to be living behind in the 1800's no more, lol. It'll be weird, being around everybody who's Korean again, funny how you feel more out of place that way at first.

These are some pics from Medan, France, a countryside where the famous arthur Emilie Zola once resided. BEAUUUTIFUL. Every part of this country is just stunning beauty. Something I'll never forget about.

The countryside drive in the town.

A place with peace & serenity, couldn't hear a thing moving.

Walking through the railroads, pensive.

Trying to balance my life.

Poppers & lockers @ Trocadero. Btw, they are GOOD.

Right by Opera.

Versailles.

Backyard.

Just endless.

Right by my crib. Rue Jean de la Fontaine!!!

New Year, New Challenges

2009-01-03T12:01:00.007+01:00

Happy 2 0 0 0 & 9!

I spent my NYE very low key at home, with family, and watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle from my living room right to the moment of countdown with just a few thoughts and sighs I let out the window for what's to come in this coming year.

This New Year is indeed very different from others, because this is the first time I really know what I'm going to be going through the whole year. I'm physically ready, with just a few mental preparation due, but I'll get that equipped very soon.

If anything this year signals change, a change of attitude, change of lifestyle, change of people, change from freedom, change of scenery, change of all changes. Another change in my life, but what can I say, it all looks too familiar to me. How am I going to do it? Just rely on 25 years of experience, I'll be just fine.

I apologize to most of you for being so vague, but I'll let y'all know in time. There's only a very select few that know what I mean. Anyways, it's refreshing to see changes around me as well, when the light of the Eiffel Tower changed for the new beginning. The stars around it representing the Euro Union is gone as well. I know I mention the E.T. so much but it's the closest thing to home, and it just fascinates me, just my way of expressing my appreciation of my time here...So here are some pics:

2008 & 2009

Btw, I'll be in Korea January 8th, so holla at me!

New Year's Resolution

2008-12-31T14:03:00.006+01:00

Stay healthy and well.
Surround myself with more positive people.
Keep my faith in God.
Read more books and study the way it's written.
Write, write and write.
Re-establish myself with my family.
Thoroughly plan out goals and achievements

I can't help but to recite a lyric again that expresses my exact sentiments going into the New Year. From David Cook's 'Time of My Life'...

I’ve been waiting for my dreams
To turn into something I could believe in
And looking for that magic rainbow
On the horizon, I couldn’t see it
Until I let go, gave into love
And watched all the bitterness burn
Now I’m coming alive, body and soul
And feelin’ my world start to turn...

Holding onto things that vanished
Into the air left me in pieces
But now I’m rising from the ashes
Finding my wings and all that I needed
Was there all along, within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart...

Happy New Years!!!

2008 Recap

2008-12-30T16:45:00.008+01:00

And so I did some thinking last night before I went to bed and reflected on my past year. If felt like I was caught in an early thunderstorm, rode the waves and somehow ended up in shore, safe at last. :) Here's a brief synopsis of what occured during the months...

January
My coworker comes over to my place and accidently knocks over my brand new furniture ($6 G's worth), only to leave without an apology, causing an office hoopla.

February
I go to court over a two year long dispute with my ex-landlord on deposit issues, then received only $120 of the $5300 owed.

March
I get convicted of my first ever DWI while still blowing under the limit of .07, when the legal limit is .08. I'm arrested at the spot, then spent a night in Central Booking, oh how lovely that was. Fine + attorney's fees ran about $1500.

April
I get into a horrid car accident while driving on the highway in the Bronx. $5 G's worth of damage with some mental shock in my brain.

May
Parted ways with a partner, things just seem to head straight downhill. So I lean towards moving to Paris, my mind almost made up.

June
Started attending Arcola Church on the regular, thanks to Marie. Went on the retreat, began making minimal changes.

July
I got connected with my trainer Brian through Mikey. Started working out and making lifestyle changes.

August
I announce my move to Paris. Flew down to Miami to see my boy Eric before I left. Threw a farewell party in Jersey and felt like I was on top of the world.

September
Make my move to Paris. Experience a culture shock, transition period. But made a trip to London and the tourist spots here along with several visitors that kept me busy.

October
Spent my 25th birthday with several friends here in Paris. One of the toughest adjusting periods, almost fell through depression.

November
Dusted myself off after a trip to Barcelona and adopted a real positive attitude and outlook on life. Things started to look good, enrolled in classes, had El & Cat visit during Thanksgiving and started playing flag football with the boys down here.

December
The positive outlook continues, everything looks gravy, spent Christmas here with pops, my mom made a return from Korea and plan to spend New Years here with them, which is even more special.

So as you can see, it started out rough, but it had a great ending to it and that's what matters most - how you finish. August was the best month of this year but November is the month that changed me forever. Everything is positive around my life, my family is well and healthy, my close circle of friends are keeping up with their positivity and myself, I'm doing just that - no longer cluttered around negativity nor negative people.

I was talking to my man Chris aka LS, and I was talking to him about how the more positive attitude I try to adapt, it seems to attract more negative people. How the influence doesn't carry over. I actually sat on this thought for days trying to analyze it before speaking to him. He came away with one simple answer that solved my long and complicated riddle:

"You see, the negativity was always there,
it's just that now that you're thinking more positive,
you notice more negativity around you."

Wow, well said.

Food To My Soul

2008-12-29T11:03:00.003+01:00

Welcome home, Umma! :)

My whole Paris ordeal wasn't entirely as I mapped it out to be, the way I meant to spend quality time with my parents one last time, when my mom unexpectantly had to go to Korea for three long months to oversee our estate. Yeah, not exactly how they planned it out to be as well when 5 years ago we predicted this new property would be a money maker with the economy booming.

Well, we weren't even planning on renting it out nor selling it in the first place. This was supposed to be the home all of our family would move into afterall being as spacious as it is and brand spanking new. But the way our family had been scattered in different places, timing wasn't so right for that. Timing wasn't right as well when the economy took a plunge and it took as long as it did, well, moreso fortunate that it didn't take any longer to rent it out.

The three months again, I mention. During those times I realized what a family without a mother must be like, or those real families who lost their mothers in the middle of their lives. Though I understood within time, people are all meant to adapt to their surroundings and make up for the loss (just like me and my pops have), it is never to say that her presence was never felt. No one can replace the love, care, affection and tenderness like a mother can give. I couldn't picture my life without her.

Now from here on out, with just more than a week left for me to go to Korea, 97.8% of my time will be dedicated to her. I just hope we both overcome this nasty cold we individually came down with to truly enjoy the last week before take off.

I love you umma, you are very well the food to my soul.

So Sick

2008-12-27T15:34:00.002+01:00

No, not the song, like really. It's been a rough, rough few days coming down with a nasty cold. Bahhh.

I never liked the idea of being 'comfortable' in any position, but its hard to avoid it. Like, here's my theory: Once you reach that comfort level in a relationship, that's when you lose them. Once you are comfortable with your wealth, it's gone with a blink of an eye. Once you're comfortable with your health, it'll take one sickness to make you realize how grateful your well being is.

My mama fed me good when I was a kid. Thanks to her I've been truly blessed to have great health all along. But no matter how healthy you are, once you set in your comfort zone, and start to get lazy in taking care of yourself, it'll hit you hard. And I'm the type I'll get sick once in a couple of years but I'll almost be in coma-status.

I'm glad I'm sick now before I face my bid. But just another reminder we should never take our health forgranted...I'll update the things I did on Christmas and so forth later. In the meantime, I can't wait for mama to fix me up a soup...

Joyeux Noël!

2008-12-24T18:59:00.007+01:00

Merrry Christmas!

The Lord has blessed us another charming day of sunshine. As I was walking out of my apartment today, I looked up to come across an evolving realization. Considering how monumental Eiffel Tower is, helped by crouched buildings, it's never hard to notice where it stands. And today, it was just that much more fascinating.

It wasn't lit in blue elegant LED lights as it usually does after sunset with sparkling lights every hour of the night. But the way it naturally paints a picture during the day is simply enthralling. Whereby the buildings adjacent to me are so vividly clear infront of my eyes and the Eiffel Tower leaning back blends in with the sky of blur. The way it embodies each other is so natural, yet Eiffel Tower seems as if it's on its own. Such a piece of art this city is. It always makes me think, 'Wow, am I really here?', 'In Paris!?'. Sometimes I can't believe it myself. It seems as though Parisians can't quite grasp it also, as I occasionally get wonderous stares like, 'I never knew this types of human race existed, ah mon Dieu (oh my God)!' Even though I've been halfway around the world I'm always amazed at how you can be in such unique places within couple hours of a plane ride.

It's funny how observant I've become ever since I started this blog, lol.

I'm not sure if the picture depicts my observation but here is the view.

Annnd, as for my other daily activities, I copped me them Jordans!!!!!!!!!! These were the Air Jordans 1 Retro Highs I lost sleep over, then got tired, so I dreamt of it all along. I made it my mission to go get these today, and when I say it was a mission, it was one indeed. I went over to a closer Champs Elysees Nike store and they only had one pair of 11.5s left (with the way my pants are getting tighter each time I buy me some jeans, these days 10.5s are a fit). So I decided to leave them and head over to Chatelet again, thinking my luck will be better there. They had two pairs but only 12.5s and a 13. Ugh. Headed back to Champs Elysees, and this time ran, hoping no one copped the last pair. It was atleast a relief knowing Parisians don't have big feet (wink wink ladies). But still, I hurdled over people to see someone carressing the display sneakers I wanted. Ohhh my, I was about to faint. Dude was a little small so I knew he wasn't going to be taking them 11.5s. So at the end of the day, I became the lucky, happy jolly one coming home with it!!! But so much for Christmas spirit here, nothing is on sale :(. Though I guess this Christmas isn't so bad afterall!

Jeeeeeeeeeeahhh!

Bonus of the day:

When I say everything is small in Paris, once again, it is. This is my shopping cart for the supermarket. Imagine me strolling through the aisles with that, lol.

Châtelet

2008-12-23T19:36:00.010+01:00

So much for my busy Monday (as you can see on yesterday's post), I didn't quite have the time to write a blog, lol. The more time on your hands, the lazier you get. That's why bosses like to give work to the busiest employee because he/she will get it done nonetheless.

Today, that is why I am writing an entry. I spent a rather more productive day than of yesterday. Blessed with beaaautiful weather, once again VERY rare in the wintertime, I went to my favorite part of Paris, Châtelet. Not necessarily coherently favored by locals, this place to me is an altruistic blend of France & America. A fraction of this place remind you of the romantics of Paris you envisioned before coming here, yet another fraction, you're encountered by stores of Nike, Foot Locker, KFC, Starbucks and etc. Well, afterall, this is the main fashion district in Paris.

So that's what I went out to do. I instantly fell in love with these red Jordans (with a black swoosh) but with the way sneakers are overpriced here, I could've gotten some quality jeans, hoody and a button up so I ended up choosing the latter (more pressing needs). But ever since I came home, I can't seem to get those Jordans out of my mind. It's like finding a new motivation to live, so you can save up some € and finally be able to bring them home with you, lol. Kinda felt like a kid again, where you'll die to get these sneakers, but your mom won't buy you one so you'll have to wait until you save up enough money to cop 'em. I think I'mma beg for some dough and go get 'em tomorrow. Ahhh, this devil crawling underneath my skin.

Snapshot of Chatelet (Rue de Rivoli)

Another sneaker to add to my Christmas wishlist, although, it might be impossible to get them. Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreaks sneakers!

I cooked again, haha. Due to very low expectations I wasn't even going to take a pic, so mind you the presentation, lol. Cheese over rice, steamed broccoli, egg sunny side up, Mackerel fish with my fave Tabasco saucy on top, MMM.

Mondays

2008-12-22T17:04:00.002+01:00

2011 Christmas Wishlist

2008-12-21T17:39:00.015+01:00

I know it's that time of the year everybody wishes for something. But Christmas to me, has never really been that yearly holiday-in-waiting since childhood. In all honesty, I don't even remember the last Christmas gift I ever received. This year is no different, I don't want anything nor asked for anything and therefore I will get nothing. Ha, it's all good with me. Maybe I won't wish for anything this year, but around the year of 2011, hopefully I will have big things in store once I conclude my two year bid. And if today was that year and day, I would wish for these...:

Home Sweet Home

My color, my style.

Lexus GS 450

Executive Style. Yeah, just that color too.

Vertini Hennessy Shoes For Her

Them black stilettos looks oh-so-nice on her.

Sony Bravia LCD TV 50"+

I used to have a 50 inch and I would'nt have minded a bigger one.

Nikon D90 SLR Camera

It'd be outdated by 2011 but its own version of it.

Bike

Get my excercise onnn.

Crackberry

Going from a PDA phone to a simple slide phone means massive delays. I need to get back on it!

Tabasco Sauce

I'd want a BOX of those Jugs right there.

Wifey

Now, this a tough one 'cause this chick just beat out my lover Jessica Gomez. It wasn't an easy decision but something about this woman is captivating. Something. Not feelin' the pose though. (Korean celeb, not sure of her name)

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!

Washington Deadskins

2008-12-19T14:19:00.007+01:00

A season started out with so much promise at 6 wins 2 losses halfway through the season, it all seemed playoff bound there. "Playoffs!?! Don't talk about playoffs!?" Like Jim Mora used to famously say it at a press conference, here is a pure example of that.

Now we stand at 7-7, having gone a lousy 1-5 the last six games. I'm just kicking myself in the nuts. Every Redskins fan is. Until when do we have to keep enduring this landslide? As much as it hurts I can't help but laugh at this youtube clip, an exact depiction of me on Sundays IN December. This here, is indeed the life of a Redskins fan...

New Discovery

2008-12-18T19:28:00.009+01:00

*EDIT*
When I mentioned in my earlier blogs that a new environment brings you to new discoveries within yourself, these days I'm intrigued by what beckons me away; things I never thought I'd be associated with.

-Boxing
The intensity level is striking and brushes off all aggression known to your body.

-Photography
Possibly an influence on the artistic scenery itself in Paris?

-Cooking
What the? Yeah, that's right. Your boi is finally getting comfortable in the kitchen. Here's the first time I ever cooked something legit, lol.

Btw, I attended this Taekwondo tournament last weekend hosted by the Korean embassy here in Paris. I went into it thinking it'd be soft & boring nonetheless. Wrong. I was amazed how these guys were just flying around and punishing one another. It almost felt like a real Muay Thai fight. This black guy was a BEAST just destroyed his fellow sizable opponent! What he did didn't look like Taekwondo to me. On the girls side of things, there was a petite girl in the tournament who laid out her opponent TWICE with blows to the head which caused a ruckus from the crowd. Can't knock our national sport.

Rise From Death

2008-12-17T18:33:00.012+01:00

You know how old timers say it so it sounds right; you can't have too much on your mind when you eat, but you need to eat with peace at mind.

In the midst of decision making during dinner on Monday night, I think I got caught up with a little too much thinking as of when exactly I'd fly into Seoul. As simple as it sounds, it was quite complex figuring out where and who to stay with (couple of options) and what everybody's schedule was like. I think I was just stressing 'cause it was a bit out of my control. Or maybe, it was that bucket of Tabasco sauce I poured on my dinner, AGAIN. God, I love that thing. Anyhow, I couldn't quite make out what it really was...

All the few minutes of stressing for no reason had me woozy for two days. I don't know if it was indigestion mixed with a fever or whatever it was it wasn't fun at all. I tucked myself under the warmest place in the house but yet I was freezing like a bleep. But somehow, someway I made it to Fei's apartment for dinner with the group last night for some home cooked Chinese. As hard as it was to get up I thought I had to get my mind out of being sick and get some fresh air - but ofcourse I had to rock my nae-bok (thermos) underneath them jeans, lol.

I had a great time despite it all, even greater was the food. Still salivating over it. Pictures coming soon...

** On a side note, it's quite interesting, I've been realizing more and more how the French culture is much more open to discussions of sexuality, not in terms of their identity but their experiences.

The highlight conversation of the day, between an engaged couple of Fei (Chinese) and Nico (French), they discuss their first date experiences;

"When I first met this guy, I told myself I'll never make him my boyfriend." Fei says.

"He didn't even buy me coffee on our first date! In China the man pays for everything and he split the bill!" She continued.

"That's 'cause we didn't fuck yet." Nico says laughingly but in a serious tone.

"Once we fucked, I paid for everything." Nico is serious, but we burst out in laughter.

Fei, then, reluctantly nods.

Season Finale

2008-12-14T18:07:00.002+01:00

Ah, just when it was getting better.

The football season came to a close today until it starts back up on January 18th, for which I won't be here. But damn, today was by far the best game I ever had. Thanks to Phil, we've been having this Montana to Rice-Aikman to Irvin-Brady to Moss type of on-field chemistry. Behold and beware, I just found out today Phil was 46 years old!!! The man looks like he's in his mid thirties, damn. I caught several bombs for TD's from Phil, it was as if he worked for UPS and he had delievered me a package right to my doorsteps. Just perfectly thrown. Vice versa, when I lined up at QB, I'm looking for Phil 'cause I know he can catch it. He's just not going to burn past a 25 year old. But damn, as I told Phil, by the time I'm back again, I probably need to lure him out of retirement! Possibly big $ too. Lol.

Smile! It Irritates The Devil

2008-12-12T14:10:00.005+01:00

What better way to start off the day with a phone call of GREAT news? Today's going to be a good day because I already smiled so much the devils decided to call it a day. :)

Couple things to address;

- My brother survived the cut!!! His company was laying off 10% of its workforce and today was the nerve racking d-day. I always believed in him and I have never wavered my confidence in him. Congrats brotha!!!

- The bid date is set! January 20th, 2009 sets the day I truly begin my 'rebuilding' process. I will elaborate on that soon on my coming blogs. But for now, it feels good to have clarity because the waiting game was far more grueling.

- It's simply amazing the things that happen when you think positive. I believe it's our way of showing God our appreciation for him and in turn he blesses us in more ways than we give him.

- I want to recite a lyric that always hits me hard whenever I listen to it. From the segments of 'No matter what' by T.I.;

"God'll take you through hell just to get you to heaven,
So even though it's heavy the load I will carry,
Grin and still bear it, win and still share it..."

"Life can change your directions, even when you ain't planned it,
All you can do is handle it, worse thing you can do is panic,
Use it to your advantage, avoid insanity manage,
To conquer every obstacle, make impossible possible,
Even when winning is illogical losing is still far from optional..."

"Facin' all kinda time, but smile like I'm fine"

Big Brother

2008-12-11T21:22:00.004+01:00

My biiig brother, so here's a few words from your kiiid brother, if you admire somebody you should go ahead and tell 'em, people never get the flowers while they could still smell 'em.

Most people don't even know I have a big brother. That's because we spent most of our post middle schools days a mili miles away. We grew up together until in Peru one day he left for Korea to go to college and eventually pursue a career. Ever since, we've went our serperate ways. Regardless of distance, we never forgot the fact that we're the closest people to each other in this world.

When I look back on my childhood, I honestly don't know how I would've mentally pulled through so many changes without my brother. I remember as a kid, whenever we would move to a new country, I would be so sad and lonely that I had left my friends behind. I'd look outside the window the entire day and just think about how much I missed them. At that age, that's all I cared about. But it was my big brother, who pulled me away from the window and told me it was going to be O.K. We played all sorts of games together, but our favorite was playing soccer in our living room. Sometimes our kicks would sail high and break a furniture or two and we'd be dead scared to hear it from mom when she would come back home. We'd play Robocop vs. Bad Guy, speed skating with plastic bags over our feet, sometimes get some WWF wresting action going.

Today I'm 25 and he's 28. We're three years apart but it seems like he's light years ahead of me. He has graduated from a prestigious school, happily married and makes one good living. I'm so proud of him for what he's been able to accomplish, yet I never expressed that to him. I wanted to take this time to do so. Most of the times I never got to see his maturity grow in person but every once in a while I would talk to him, his composure speaks for itself. There was a point in time I thought it'd be bizarre to see him married and start his own family. But now I can only have so much respect for him and try my best to emulate myself after him. He is definitely somebody I admire, look up to and love 'till death.

My brother works for Credit Suisse and we all know the financial market around the world has been disasterous. In these tough times of recession I hope he's able to pull through as thousands of jobs are being laid off. I'm just proud that he's been able to withstand his position 'till this day. I continue to pray for him and I hope he knows whatever may happen, our family is here with him and behind him no matter what. I just want him to know I don't know what my life would be like without him. Love you brother.

Daily Reminder

2008-12-10T15:45:00.010+01:00

A time for me in Paris was a time for me to focus on the Present. To put all my past achievements and mistakes behind, stop planning my life so far ahead that I lose sight of what I have right now. I write this, because I need to remind myself what I came here for, why I'm here and what I'm going to do here.

I need to remember it was just yet another opportunity in my life to start fresh, new and rejuvenated. Wherever I went, I always looked back on the friends I left behind and held on to them as if I had frozen the time. Surely enough, when I went back 'home' it wasn't the same because life kept going while I wasn't there. It put me down as young one, but I learned I can't be hanging on to the past like that because eventually its arms will grow tired.

On the contrary, I never used to plan my life 5 years ahead, but more like 10. I had this clear picture of who I wanted to be in that time and what I wanted to accomplish. I was so fixated on my goals I didn't just lose what was around me, but I had lost myself. It was good to have that constant motivation to achieve higher standards, though not by selling my soul. I knew then my dreams were what I desired in my life at the time but not who I was meant out to be.

So here I am today, until time tells me otherwise, to love this given moment. I need to continue to appreciate what I have, not what I used to have. I'm always guilty of that. I don't need to look so far ahead because the future will take care of itself if I continue to accept today as a gift. I don't need to freeze the time but let time walk with me. I need not to be stressed because I'm blessed in so many ways and so many times I don't even know it. Let people move on by to make room for new ones. There's no reason to hold back. Quit being bitter because at the end of the day, God never did me wrong. I need to remind myself...

I want to share this quote I really like:

"I want to walk away and not look back, because sometimes we just need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop figuring out precisely how we feel, stop deciding with our minds exactly, what we want our heart to feel...We just have to go with the flow."

Dear Summer

2008-12-08T15:12:00.004+01:00

When I say everything on this blog resembles my state of mind, yes, dear Summer, where are you now? I miss you, for we've been together like Nike Airs & crisp tees.

The weather's cold out, but who said my blog has to be? I'm changing the season around, atleast in here, 'bout to take another vacay.

I need to chill from Europe for a second, not a minute, let it hibernate while I estivate under the tropics. So when I pack, it's one layer a day, to fit into my Crooks & Castles duffle bag, not a body bag, dammit.

Trying to clear my mind a bit before my long bid...So what you gonna ride or die, now which one is it? Lol, that's a bit serious, but in other words, who's down to go?

Expectations

2008-12-07T10:51:00.002+01:00

There's three general expectations of living life.

1. You expect the worst; consequently hoping every situation turns out better than you have anticipated.
2. You expect nothing; living every moment as a surprise.
3. You expect the best at all times; believing expecting the best is the only way to bring out the best.

For the majority of my life leading up to my current age, I was a firm believer of the 'expecting the worst, hoping for the best' attitude. I always thought that's how I'd stay satisfied with most life occurences. Everything seemed to turn out better than how I ever measured it to be. However, recently I thought I'd put that attitude behind me because in a way it was a negative energy. I held the bar so low that sometimes that's the most I'd get. So I turned it around and started to expect the best. I woke up each morning expecting a good day. Even in the days where all things could go wrong, I never labeled it a bad one until the last moments before sleep 'cause there was still hope that I could reverse my fortunes. It could get tough though, getting a good day everyday out of your life. I ask myself how I could stay balanced and live it thorough? To me, living frugally on surprise each and every step of the way is what i enjoy most.

How do you live yours?

Settled For Less But Happy

2008-12-04T15:26:00.009+01:00

Usually towards the end of my Spanish class (7~9pm) every Wednesdays I get so hungry I salivate like a lion without a scent of beef lingering. On top of it all, my reach for my cravings yesterday were far too short. So I settled with something similar, American, at the least. A foot-long chicken terriyaki Subway sandwich!

I inhaled that thing. It tastes pretty much the same, but the way they toast the bread gave it that extra crunch. It wasn't so bad eating by myself either, kinda reminded me of old times.

I also found this song dedicated to Sean Taylor by Raheem DeVaughn feat. Wale & others called 'Every Given Sunday'. Gone but never forgotten!

Helpless Craving

2008-12-03T14:04:00.003+01:00

Now that it's 2pm and I'm getting a little hungry for lunch, I thought about what I could have at this time. I still haven't crawled out of my exhaustion, especially to cook? My mom has been gone for 2 months to Korea to rent out our apartment but with the economy stifling she's been forced to stay as long as she has. Right about this time, once upon a time on Highland Ave. in Palisades Park, I would usually hop in my car to get any of these...:

- Boston Market (Fort Lee); 1/2 Dark Rotisserie Chicken w. Mashed Potatoes & Mixed Vegetables.

- Johnny's Pizza (Bergen Blvd.); Large Chicken Caesar Salad w. Extra Dressing on The Side.

- A&P (Fort Lee); Salad Bar all the way.

- Dunkin' Donuts (46 East); Finally to top it off a Large Ice Coffee w. Skim Milk & 2 Splendas...

You always want what you can't have.

Be Home Soon

2008-12-02T19:00:00.011+01:00

Today was an unusually sunny day. Likewise an unusal day for me. Although tomorrow marks the 3 months that I've been here, today felt like the first time I touched-down at Charles De Gaulle airport. That odd and eerie feeling that shivered down my spine knowing I was on my own again to embark on a new adventure. Ironically, this time I was on the opposite end. I didn't stand in line of Departures to display my passport and submit my I-94. Except, I was to be stopped at the gates, admitted no further, and wave my heavy hand 'Au revoir'. Now I can only anticipate the next time I do so, I will be on the receiving end of it at Departures, and ensuingly march through Arrivals to wave my weightless hands, "I'm baaack, New York!!!"

Woebegone

2008-12-01T19:34:00.006+01:00

Leave No Stones Unturned

2008-11-28T12:53:00.005+01:00

I once managed an artist that went by the name of Rook. In 2006, I discovered his music through a forum and it hit one out the ballpark. I took an aggressive approach, someway landed his number and signed him to my label that year. His first project took off and gained worldwide recognition in the independent market, with large sales distributed to Europe.

In 2008, it was evident we were going our seperate ways. As fate would have it, Rook was incarcerated for an undisclosed term. On my end, my days in New York were growing short and I would eventually make the move to Europe. However, we haven't been so far apart yet. I wrote him a postcard when I got here, and yesterday, I got a reply.

It was touching to know how someone in such unfortunate situation could view life in a brighter light than most who have it all. It was encouraging to know he wasn't just scratching out days but rather making the most of it by working out, reading, studying and even writing a book. It was inspiring, most important of all, how he's growing spiritually and closer to The Lord.

Once a bond formed through mutual respect and affection for music, we now stand as brothers under the loving forefather of The Lord. I'll never forget his last words in the letter, 'Leave no stones unturned, and live it up.'

If you know Rook in any way, shape or form he would love to hear from you. If he wrote me back all the way to Paris, he can definitely write you back. He longs your support...Please direct all letters to the address below:

Cyril Kim
P.O. Box 16700
Golden, CO 80402

My prayers go out to you...FREE ROOK.

100 Dove Salute Sean Taylor

2008-11-27T15:48:00.007+01:00

For those of you who know me, know the Washington Redskins are an integral part of my life. It dates back to 1995 when I first became a fan, while I was residing in McLean, Virginia at the time. My passion for the game of football and the Redskins never grew thin throughout the years I lived in countries such as Peru & Korea where American football is non existent. However, during those times it's quite surprising to think that I never had a 'favorite player'.

As soon as I returned to America, this time to New Jersey, in late 2003, I caught up with the 2004 NFL draft anxiously waiting to see who the Redskins would pick with the 5th overall choice. There we chose a safety by the name of Sean Taylor from Miami University or aka "The U". I jumped up from my couch and screamed in joy so boisterous that my mom downstairs told me 'you sound like a psycho'. I thought we drafted one of the most dynamic players to ever play the position.

My oath under this man's ability did not go unreturned. He became one of the center pieces of the defense, capable of covering wide recievers man-to-man, covering 3/4s of the field himself as a safety and knocking you out with those vicious hits like a linebacker can give you. Every time he played - it was like being glued to the TV the whole game like Michael Jordan made you do - because you never knew when he was going to make that exciting play. Subsequently, he was earned two Pro Bowl honors in his short four year career.

Then came November 27, 2007, Thanksgiving Day. He was shot in the leg by burglars attempting a robbery. Sean Taylor lost so much blood that he would not recover from the wound. He had been trying to protect his girlfriend and an 18th month year old whom were sleeping with him in the room. His loss still affects those who were not only close to him, but those who looked up to him as a player, father and a friend. I changed my blog to black, for today is his one year anniversary. In his remembrance, 100 dove salute to now God's starting safety. Rest In Paradise...We miss you dearly...

Your loss is deeply felt...

New Horizons

2008-11-26T11:40:00.001+01:00

A change of scenery doesn't necessarily just bring you to a new environment, people or a new culture to bode with. But a change of place brings you a change of pace, from your daily routine and from your comfort zone. And those changes combined bring you to new discoveries within yourself. The things you were never used to doing, the roads you never crossed, you realize, can actually bring light to the world you haven't seen yet.

Since the day that I was born up until this point, I can count with the fingers of one hand how many books I've read. I never liked to read, I thought it was boring and I was living in the high-tech generation preferring to see the visuals. And here I find myself today already finishing two books within a month and already that's all of what I've read up to this point. I realized how much depth reading brings and not only does it teach but it inspires. It can provide you with so much knowledge and understanding as well as motivation. And all of a sudden you find yourself having answers to the questions you had for yourself as well.

'A Year In The Merde' By Stephen Clarke
Stephen Clarke is a man from England who comes to Paris for work and discusses his work experience, cultural differences and many of his romances. I definitely could relate to his experiences adjusting to a new city in Paris.

'Become a Better You' By Joel Osteen
A book on better ways to live your life, not only through just motivation but positive outlooks and optimism. It definitely helped me crawl out of a very negative stage and I've been a positive man ever since...

It's Snowing!

2008-11-25T12:37:00.003+01:00

Now, one thing you can't expect to be good in Paris is definitely the weather. More like the London weather, maybe not as bad, but similar in a lot of ways. Cloudy, rainy, windy and just ever changing throughout the day. Even in the coldest winters, it'll drizzle rain than shower snow. Matter fact, it never snows I hear.

But I caught a glimpse. For a short 5-10 minutes, it was pouring snow! The non-sticky icky ones, but still!

I still remember the first time I came here, and after being around the sun so much during my last months in NJ/NY, the weather almost severely put me through depression. It was just so gloomy day in and day out, but funny now I don't even notice it, ha. It is what it is and I'm just happy to be here...

- On a side note, gotta love the full body soreness after an intense workout...

Football Season Has Begun!

2008-11-23T17:44:00.005+01:00

While my folks at ACC back in Jersey just ended their football season, mine just started today. Like I told my man J. Peezy, it felt like like I was fresh coming out of offseason after getting traded to Europe. As they've been playing their games I have been itching to run out there as well since I got here. So much that I took my dad to the park and started throwing the football to each other lol. Luckily, while my sister in law was in town for a business trip and as I was showing her around, I caught a buncha American dudes playing flag football. Wow, I thought what a blessing from God. It's even quite surprising to catch someone speaking English in Paris, yet alone American English is even more scarce, but American football?!?! I had to take advantage of the situation and went up to 'em like 'yo, you gotta see me play'. Lol, I'm just playing.

As I joined them on the field, my debut was already spoiled by massive cold weather mixed with rain. The field was muddy, ball was slippery and my hands were frozen to the point I couldn't feel them anymore. Although in the beginning it was a bit sloppy, once guys started to get in a groove it was all good. The most important thing was that we were all out there having a good time. I didn't quite expect a big game because it was my first, and I did just that by pulling down 3 catches, 1 TD, couple tackles and passes deflected. My biggest play came on a deep post where I made a sliding touchdown catch. But the biggest play of the game? This guy James runs deep to the endzone, QB throws a bomb, defender tips the ball, somehow spins on James's head 3 times then while it was falling, our other reciever, John happened to be running towards it & easily snatches the ball in the endzone. Hahaha, the funny thing was James had no idea where the ball was while it was spinning on his head and he had his eyes closed all cringed thinking the ball was still in the air coming after him.

Anyhow, here are some pics!

The before. Gotta have the right look to go with the plays. Lol.

Waiting to test out my new cleats.

The field we played on, right by Invalides - where Napoleon's soul rests.

After the game...

This guy was HILARIOUS. The dude is the biggest dude I've seen among of all skinny Parisians. Well, he wasn't French, rather had a Australian accent. He looked like he was on roids but that didn't matter. Dude wore a helmet throughout the entire game!!! I thought he was joking at first and he was going to take it off but nope. The whole game I was just hoping I didn't run into that thing haha.

The after. =(. I hate you rain...

The Foundation

2008-11-21T20:27:00.008+01:00

With my days as an ambitious architect, I learned the foundation is indispensable. Before the blueprints are drafted, endless pages of fixed lines were drawn uninterrupted for nights. They had to be precise, otherwise a slight blunder - they had to be re-done.

When I was creating this blog I thought, not only is the content to be fruitful, it had to consist of a foundation. A structure that embodies me, suits me and personifies me. Every word, every line drawn up this point has done that. However, improvements will come within time.

If you look around the colors of this page, it represents my favorite color(s); brown. Notice I had 's' in parenthesis because I believe beige is associated with brown. But those colors have been fond to me for five plus years. (Now only if I could get a Louis monogram going...jp)

The title of my blog 'From Kwik to Kyubert' stands for the nicknames given to me over the years. The change in nicknames also comes from the transformations I've gone through within different stages of my life. The name Kwik was first given to me in middle school as a b-boy and has lived with with me for as recently as a year ago. I dropped it because I felt like it represented my adolescence. And thanks to Mikey Fresh, I now go by Kyubert.

The daily quote on the left hand side of the page isn't just a random quote shoved in by this blog site. I carefully choose them to the correlation of how I feel at the given moment. It abbreviates the million thoughts that go through in my head into one sentence.

And finally, the first blog I wrote below summarizes my life, my experiences and my outlook towards what's ahead of me. The three main reasons I wanted to create this blog, in order to share them for I have accumulated so much by living in different places of the world...And it'd sure be a waste to keep it for myself.

I hope you enjoy.

The Gift & The Curse

2008-11-20T20:59:00.005+01:00

By: Kyu Kim

It's been a long way around the globe, however, my life has yet been short. I just turned 25 last month and already I've been blessed to have lived in places many could only fathom.

I always thought 24 was that age when you become an adult. Maybe it was because that was the time my mother got married to my father, but I always believed by that age a stable life were to be established.

Quite the contrary, my life by far has been inconsistent and erratic. While I never found a place to call home to - something I longed for; at the quarter century mark, I found myself, once again, packing my bags to explore the city of Paris.

If you would compare my life to the NFL, I would have played for 8 different teams in 12 different systems and with team-mates having gone in and out the door year in and year out.

If you look at the history of successful players, they've stuck with one team and a coach throughout their careers. I'm probably one of those players who have yet to reach his full potential through so many changes.

Be that as it may, the road to assuming an executive role of an organization does little use what kind of a player you once was. But rather, it's those changes that you endured that allow you to diversify your potential to be ever prosperous.

Consequently, it is the now, the present, at this moment I am utterly appreciating and embracing change. A change that might hinder my growth at the moment but develop a firm approach to the future ahead.

I've had my share of wealth and misfortune. That is why I titled this piece 'The Gift & The Curse'. But because my gift outweighs the curse, therefore, it comes first.