My favorite writing assignment

     "Go outside, and write a one page descriptive paragraphs." : this was my latest assignment which was the most memorable one. Although I knew the merits of this assignment,  going outside wasn't delight. It was because I didn't want to be forced. Moreover, I'm not an active person, and I hate going out. However, as soon as I got the Alki Beach, my mind was changed. I really enjoyed my Saturday with my daughters.  Yesterday when Kathryn handed back my homework, I was surprised at her comment ; "Another nice park is Lincoln Park. There is a good outdoor swimming pool there." She gave me another assignment.  I though that once was enough. If I don't go there, I will feel guilty as a mother. ^^;

KungFu Hustle

     After I moved to Seattle, I have not seen a film properly because I have been struggling to keep my copmposure. The film I saw with a lot of interest was "KungFu Hustle" by JuSungChi, who is a  famous Chinese actor and director. Actually I saw "KungFu Hustle" more than five times when I was in Korea. The topic is very light and funny. Furthermore, his film always has the same plot; there are  weak people who look shabby, but they finally overcome evil with good. The reason why I like this film is that it is filled with  humor. There are losers, who live really sad and hopeless lifes. However,after much delay they finally fight against gang members. In appearance, they are ordinry people,such as a barber, a laundryman, a farmer. After all their troubles, they dominate over the gang members. If you see this film, you'll think to read a comic book  since everything is exaggerated and ridiculous  in his film. If you feel the weight of life, I can recommend this film. Your source of trouble will be forgotten or solved while seeing  the film with a laugh . This is why I think it is a valuable film.

About my apartment

1.My apartment is located on Delidge Way, which is near school.
2.I live at West Ridge Park Apartments, which has 340 households.
3.The stunning landscape, which is well managed by a leasing office, is my apartment complex's most notable feature, and this is the reason why I chose this apartment.
4.My apartment number is 32 in which 4 households live. I live at first floor where I sometimes find ants and unknown insects.
5.I have a neighbor who lives above me, and he is a SSCC student too, but I didn't like him because he knocked my apartment's door several times for noise.
6.However, after he knew that I have three daughters, who made a noise, he never knocked again.
7.The inside of my apartment, which is colored in white, is so simple and basic.
8,Furthermore, I don't like a complicated style that makes me tired, so the interior is very simple.
9.In spite of my taste, there is a messy room-my daughters' room which is filled with their treasures, such as toys, books, pictures, and small things.
10.Therefore, I have to be satisfied with my arranged bedroom, bathroom, and living room, which are often messed up by my three tomboys whom I love.

Seoul and Seattle

 

     I had lived in Seoul for thirty seven years before I moved to Seattle five months ago. I chose Seattle to study abroad because I heard that Seattle has a lot of similarities with Seoul. Therefore, I thought that adapting myself to a new environment wouldn't have been difficult if I had chosen Seattle. However, after moving to Seattle, I found out that both Seoul and Seattle have a number of similarities and differences at the same time.

     First of all, both Seoul and Seattle, if Tacoma and Bellevue are included   in Seattle area, are almost same in area. They are approximately 610 Km². In contrast, the population of the two cities are notably different. Almost ten million people live in Seoul, and compare to Seattle it has ten times larger population. When I moved to Seattle, I was shocked by only two stories buildings and vacant lots. There are so many higher stories buildings in Seoul. Furthermore, finding vacant lots is difficult. As a result, if you visit Seoul, you will be impressed by the most crowded city.

    Also, the two cities have many cultural facilities. In my opinion, both cities' citizens are really interested in culture. Therefore, there are lots of museums,  theaters, shopping centers, and parks in both cities, and citizens seem to enjoy their cultural facilities. On the contrary, both Seoul and Seattle are distinguished from the history. Seoul has 5,000 years history. Moreover, Seoul has been a major settlement for over 2,000 years. Even though the Seattle area has been inhabited for at least 4,000 years, European settlement began only in the mid-19th century. In Short, Seoul has a longer history than Seattle.

    Finally, natural features of Seoul are similar to Seattle. I can find easily mountains, sea, river, and lakes in both cities. Also, there are a lot of  same plants, such as cherry blossoms, forsythias, and dandelions. When I discovered those flowers in my apartment complex one month ago, I jumped and shouted with a joy. I never expected to see those flowers in Seattle. I was deeply moved by those familiar flowers, yet I was disappointed with the climate. To be candid, the climate of Seoul is more severe than Seattle because it is very hot in Summer, its average daytime temperature is 29℃, and very cold in winter, Its average daytime temperature is -6℃. In contrast, Seattle's average daytime temperature in Summer is 22℃ and average daytime temperature in winter is 7℃. As a result, while Seoul has four distinct seasons, Seattle has a mild climate year round, and it rains a lot.

    In conclusion, these two cities have numerous similarities, such as area, cultural facilities, and natural features. On the other hand, the two cities differ in some aspects-population, history, climate, and so on. Although these two cities have lots of likeness and contrasts, I'm convinced that Seoul and Seattle are the most livable and attractive cities in the world.

Description

      This photo, which is used by the Van Gogh Museum Cafe advertisement, is too simple but has a considerable impact. It reminds me of  Van Gogh whose ear was cut by himself. Cutting ear is so cruel, but cutting handle is interesting expression which makes us laugh. However, in my opinion, this coffee, which is black coffee, looks tasteless.
Furthermore, I can't feel warmth in this photo which lacks human feelings. The reason why I can't feel taste and warmth  is lacking of colors. The overall  tone,which is used restrictively, is almost monochromatic.  Therefore, this photo hardly shows its feelings that are caused by limited colors such as white and black. Anyway, it is certain that this photo has a  humorous factor.

How to Manage Stress

       I have heard this : " If you can't avoid it, enjoy it."  Sometimes I feel stress as an international student. When I feel stress, first I check whether I manage the stress or not. If I can't manage the stress, I have to ask for help. However, I believe that I can manage the most stress by myself. I can deal with the stress by taking break, talking to people, and devoting myself to my duty.
       First of all, I can manage the stress by taking break. When I feel stress, I like to spend my time doing something passive, like listening to music or watching movie. While I'm listening or watching, music or movie makes me feel relaxed. However, sometimes active activities, such as shopping and exercising make me feel better. After shopping and exercising, I always feel tired. As a result, I can fall asleep easily, and I always find out that my stress is nothing peculiar when I get up.
       Also, talking to people is one of the best ways to get away the stress. I really enjoy chatting with my friend. Even though I have severe stress, after chatting with my friend, I feel comfortable. If I can't meet my friend, talking on the phone,or doing webcam chatting, or using the messenger are good options. Furthermore, talking with my husband is a convenient choice because of close relationship. In short, If I have stress, speaking out is helpful to get rid of the stress because I can see the cause of stress objectively.
       Finally, I can overcome my stress by devoting myself to my duty, such as studying English, painting pictures, doing household chores, and taking care of my daughters. When I'm  absorbed in something to do, I can't afford to pay attention to the stress. Moreover, If the result satisfy me, I don't feel stress anymore. For example, the last quarter was my first quarter as an international student. I felt stress during that time, but I determined to devote myself to my duty. As a result, my average grade was 4.0, and I overcame my stress because my effort rewarded me with a good result. In addition, caring for my daughters help remind me what is important in life.
       In conclusion, many people suffer from stress, and our body can't cope with severe stress. Therefore, we have to find the way to get rid of stress. In my opinion, I can relieve the stress by taking a rest, talking to people, and concentrating on my duty. I'm convinced that I can manage my stress successfully and live a healthier life.

My Hometown

      Seoul, which is almost same size  as Seattle, is much larger than  Seattle in population. About 10 million people live in Seoul that has 13 administrative districts,which are called "Gu" in Korea.When I was in Seoul, I lived in DongdaemunGu. My apartment was located in a  very big apartment complex, which had about 8 thousand households. I lived at 22nd floor, and I had many neighbors with whom I got along. Furthermore, my apartment was really safe and durable. There were lots of guards who went the round, and no one could enter the entrance hall door without card-key. Every apartment had two doorlocks  and one digital doorlock which were installed on a thick iron gate door. Although most foreigners believe that Korea is dangerous country because of North Korea, I think that Seoul,which is located in near to North Korea, is the safest city in the world. Therefore,I miss Seoul where I lived.

My Love - SAM

    There are a lot of  famous places in Seattle.  For example, most tourists visit  Space Needle, Pike Place Market, or First Starbucks Store.  However, the Seattle Art Museum(SAM) is  my favorite place. There are several reasons why I like to visit SAM.  First, SAM is accessible to me. Furthermore, the garage which I used to park is located in front of the museum.  In addition, I can save economic costs.  Because my three daughters are all under twelve, they can enter free of charge.  Next, there are entertaining playrooms in each floor of the museum. Therefore, my daughters are never tired of the museum ; consequently, I can enjoy appreciating arts. Last of all, I can't help mentioning the "Hammering Man". There is a same sculpture in the Seoul Museum of Art,Seoul,Korea. Moreover, my husband lives near the Seoul Museum of Art. As a result, seeing the sculpture reminds me of my husband. Whenever  my daughters and I  visit SAM, we talk abouthim -  my husband and their father. In short, SAM is the best  place where I can visit comfortably.

5 If Clauses

If I have a book, I read  it every morning.
If I have a book, I'll read it  tomorow morning.
If I had a book, I would read it now.
If I had a book, I would read it later on.
If I had had a book, I would have read it last sunday.

10 perfect sentences

1.When I moved in Seattle approximately four months ago, I was surprised at cold and rainy  weather.
2.I was disappointed by cold weather in Seattle because I  expected mild winter.
3.As soon as I get up in the morning, I always check out today's weather.
4.If it rains,I'm going to wear my rain boots.
5.Because rain will come without any warning, I always take my umbrella with me.
6.Even though it rains, many people in Seattle don't use their umbrellas.
7.If  I say that it rains the whole winter in Seattle, it's not an exaggeration.
8.Although it is April, the weather is still cold and  rainy in Seattle.
9.Since the climate in Seattle is extremely bad, I don't  like Seattle.
10.If  I adapt myself to new circumstances, I'll become to like Seattle.

Mysterious Woman

      I still vividly remember when I saw "the strange white thing" at my grandmother's house which was located in the country side. I visited my grandmother's house with my sister in summer vacation. Because it was 1983, the restroom separated from the house, and there were  only blurry lights. Although I disliked to go to the restroom at night, I went to there with my sister because of her request. When I stood in front of the restroom door, I felt a chill go down my spine. I opened the door, and I felt my hair raising. A woman who dressed Korean traditional white costume with black long hair without a face stood there. While I screamed at the top of my lung, I started running  far away. Because my grandmother was in the house, she wasn't that woman at all. Moreover,my grandmother had white short hair and didn't wear traditional costume.  Then, who was she? Whenever I stay in the darkness alone, it reminds  me of the moment I saw the mysterious woman.

My Three Daughters

      If  you first see my daughters, you'll think them triplets. They absolutely  resemble each other in apperance. In my thoughts, they have some similaritis and differences at the same time. First of all, they look very similar. They have long and dark brown hair, non-double eyelid eyes, and dimples. They are so skinny too. On the other hand, they have different characters. My first daughter is smart, but she is picky. My second daughter is an easygoing girl who gets along with everyone, but she is jealous of her sisters. My third daughter is in between, but she is impatient a little. In conclusion, bring up three daughters who have different personalities is very hard job, but I think they could learn and help each other because of their differenties.

Things to Do on Sunday

    On Sundays, I sleep till late without any worries. Then I get up lazily and enjoy eating  brunch. At 1 PM, I go to church in Federal Way.There are lots of Korean churches and Korean markets in Federal Way,so I like to go there on Sundays. After church, I go to Korean  market to buy something such as rice, meat, and vegetables. Lastly, I come back home. My Sunday is so routine exactly, but I look forward to Sunday the most among seven days of a week.

My First Valentine's Day in Seattle

      Last Valentine's Day made me gloomy because I was alone. It was a first time for me to spend Valentine's Day alone.  I had dinner as usual at home. When I was in Korea, my husband always prepared some gifts for me. We always ate out on Valentine's Day. I only had received from him. I bought some Valentine's Day gifts for him for the first time, and I sent them to Korea by airmail. Fortunately it was deliverd on exact date. I could hear his excited voice on the phone. It made me feel better. I felt  that giving sometimes made me more happier than taking on Valentine's Day.

My Country's Writing Style

   I had learnd how to write during my school life, and I still remember as if I had learnd this morning. In Korea, there are three parts; introduction,body of main topic and conclusion. It is very similar to American writing style, but my writing style is like a Japanese style. I think that is because I'm an Asian. Most Asians like indirect way, so they prefer Japanese style to American style.
   I agree with this passage, "Writing in English".

About Ko

        I have three daughters, and I live with them in Seattle. My husband lives in Seoul, Korea alone. He is a photographer and camera director. I graduated from Hongik University in Korea, and I majored in Science of Arts and Visual Arts. I had run "Hongik Fine Arts Institute" for more than fourteen years.Suddenly, I needed to take a break, to refresh and relearn.That was why I came here.
      The last quarter was just 10 weeks, but I felt like  it 10 months. It was a very hard time for me to study again, but it was worth it.

Hi~! I'm Ko.^o^

    Hi~! My name is EunHa Ko. Just call me "Ko". I'm from Korea. I have been in Seattle for three months, and this is my second quarter. Nice meet you.