[Photo Essay] My life in my 80s~90s

     What would my life be like 70 years later? Have you ever thought about it? Well, lots of teenagers seem to think of their 30s and 40s when they would have their actual occupations. However, they have less opportunity to think about their old age. Speaking frankly, I have not, too. So, today let's take a journey to my 80s by reading the diary of 2084. I hope it wouldn't be a boring and dull life! In 2084, I might have spent my week hiking, cooking, spending time with my family, reading my past records, meeting my old friends, making a speech, and visiting my hometown. Now, let's take a closer look!

Calendar of 2084

MONDAY (May 8th, 2084) 

Hiking

I started my new week by hiking Mt. Geumgang. It is so good that we now could climb the mountain, since the North and South Korea have united. As I climbed the mountain with my husband, we giggled together talking about our newly-wed time as we heard the birds sing an enchanting song. I was also able to sight such a beautiful scenery. The sky was undoubtedly bright and blue with snow-white clouds resembling some animals and the sight from the high spots were just magnificent. The scent of tiny and cute flowers welcomed me. When we finally arrived at the top, I felt so proud of myself. I felt healthy already.





TUESDAY (May 9th, 2084)

Lunch box for my family

Today, I made lunch boxed for my families. My cooking skills might have weakened for the past hours since I am old now (maybe my standard of taste is vague now), so I was a bit edgy before I started cooking. But, I was still very pleased to do something for my dear family. I made gimbap and salad and decorated the lunch box with cute fruits. The final lunch box looked very neat and pretty with splendid variation of colors. The kitchen was full of sweet scent for the cooking hour which I love. At the end of the day, thankfully, my family looked very happy about it. Maybe I should make lunch for them more often.







WEDNESDAY (May 10th, 2084)

Inviting my grandchildren

My lovely grandchildren came today. They always look gorgeous and fancy to me, resembling their parents hundred percent! I had so much fun with them, telling them a story about when I was their age and listening them giggling. They showed me snack they said it is popular among the children these days, and we tried it together. It was a long chocolate bar with some sort of bubbles in it. It smelled like a combination of mint, strawberry, and FISH! They loved it but for me it was quite disgusting! My grandchildren, of course, did not understand me at all. Am I that old now?

THURSDAY (May 11th, 2084)

Diary of the Past

As I was cleaning my attic, I found something very interesting this morning: my diary that I wrote in 2014, when I was 15. I sat down on the dusty floor in the attic and started to read it right away. Opening the book cover, the smell of old papers stung my nose but that did not matter at all. It was like going back to my 15 years old life which I remember fantastically enjoying it. There were lots of pages explaining the GLPS experience that I had that summer. Reading the diary of the past was a lot of fun! Tomorrow, I shall found more diaries.



FRIDAY (May 12th, 2084)

Chatting with my old friends

After reading the old diary yesterday, I decided to invite my old friends. I was not sure whether they would be able to contact, but fortunately, I called them somehow. So at 2, three of my best friends when I was a middle schooler came over to my house. They have changed so much that I nearly did not notice them! But their characters had not: they still had a gorgeous smile and loud laughing. After embracing each other with warm hugs, we chatted for so long, laughing every minute. We even joked to each other, saying that we are so old now:) We parted each other after having a delicious dinner I prepared and promised to                                                                    meet more often from now on.

SATURDAY (May 13th, 2084)

Making a Speech 

Today, I had a valuable time. I went to the city square to do a special thing, 'making a speech!' Well, it has been long time since I made a public speech. Today I was invited to talk about my opinions on life. As I approached the podium, I saw the huge crowd of people, and my heart started to beat faster and faster. But as they applaused for me, I felt confident just as before, and I was able to finish my talk successfully.




SUNDAY (May 14th, 2084)

Daegu

Last day of the week! Today, all of my family gathered including my lovely grandchildren. Then we all headed to Daegu, the city I spent my teenage. I only spent 5 years there, but I still wanted to show the place to my family. When I arrived there, I was shocked. The city was gray, with no green trees at all. The dirty smell of factory and car smoke vibrated. Most importantly the loud noise everywhere made my ears ache. What happened to this place? I felt shame to show this place to my family.



   So, this is one part of my 2084 diary. How was it? Did you enjoy reading? I was very relieved to know that my older life would not be that boring as I expected. I cannot stand myself just staying in home all day watching television or sleeping. How about you? What is your dream 80s? Planning for your 30s and 40s is definitely important, but as the average life span is increasing, planning your 80s and 90s is also essential for your life. So what about starting your old age plan right away! I would love to hear yours too. And, please keep in mind, DREAM COMES TRUE.

<Photo sources>

- Hiking: vi-hotels.com/en/news/blog/blog-detail/article/a-hiking-we-will-go-hiking-in-autumn/

- Lunch Box for my family: blog.naver.com/cdskin1/90183004355
- Inviting my grandchildren: associatesins.org/
- Diary: dawnpowelldiaries.com/1954-diary/

- Chatting with my old friends: bonsecourssurgicalweightloss.com/2013/04/support-        groups-help-patients-achieve-successful-weight-loss/
- Making a Speech: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2055214/How-Laurence-Olivier-gave-Margaret-Thatcher-voice-went-history.html

- Daegu: trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/South_Korea/North/Gyeongsangbukdo

Watch 'Mao's Last Dancer' & Jump out of the well

Mao's Last Dancer

Ratings: ★★★★☆

   Mao's Last Dancer. What do you think of when you hear this title? Well, speaking frankly, I thought that it would be a bit boring movie about Chinese traditional dances. However, I realized that I was completely wrong, after watching the movie last Sunday. Actually, the movie was a touching story about Chinese ballet dancer's American adventure. The romantic and dramatic movie, 'Mao's Last Dancer' released in 2009 by Bruce Beresford not only made me impressed, but also think about many other things that I have not thought very often. Today, I would like to share the marvelous experience I had, with you. I hope you enjoy! 

     The movie takes place in several places. This is because Li often recollects his memories. However, the actual story goes on at Houston, Texas, in early 1980s. To give you a better understanding of the plot, however, I should rather start from Shangdong, China 1972. In a small town in Shangdong Province, Li Cunxin who is the main character of the movie, lived with his parents and five older brothers. Then one day, he fortunately got an opportunity to be tested in Qingdao to be a student in Madame Mao's Dance Academy. Thanks to his pliant body, he easily got into the academy. That was the start of his hardships, however. The training was very tiresome so he dreaded it and wanted to return home. However, during his hard time, teacher Chan gave Li warm-hearted advice and inspired him and Li was able to overcome his trouble. 

Teacher Chan and Li Cunxin

Now, thinking of Teacher Chan, I wondered 'Is there someone who is like Teacher Chan to me in my life?' And there was, in fact, very close to me. To me, my aunt is like teacher Chan. Whenever, I feel stressed and don't know what to do, I just run for her(or call her). Then she first makes me relaxed and cheerful once again and gives me her advice by telling me a story or introducing me a good method. She has not done something really huge for me, but I am mostly motivated by her.

Communist style Ballet Li practiced in China 

Anyway, after studying at the academy, he was very lucky to go to USA for three months to study ballet. However, at that time, Li was already the part of Chinese communist society and its style of ballet. So, at first Li was terribly shocked at the new environment and was skeptical of Americans. However, as time went by, he got used to the American life and also got an English girlfriend(Elizabeth). The three months flew like an arrow as he became a star at Houston Ballet and enjoyed the life at USA. When the expire date came near, Ben, the artistic director at Houston Ballet and Li applied for extension to the Chinese Consulate. However, the apply was rejected and Li's troop had to fight with the Chinese government for a long time. At last, Li was permitted to stay at America, but there were two costs he should undertake. First, he should have an international marriage. This was not a problem for him at all since he really loved Elizabeth. Second, he was not allowed to return China for the rest of his life. When I heard this part, I thought 'Hey, isn't this too cruel for a young man?' Thus, I was even more surprised when Li replied okay remaining silent. 

How could he accept that? Even though he could achieve his dream and continue his love by staying at America, still, he had to withstand several prices which was not going back to his land of birth and never see his beloved family. If I were him, what would I have done? To me, my dream is important too and I might have wanted to stay. But could I have coped with the departure with my family and abandoning from homeland? Well, I guess no. So, in that aspect I really respect Li for his decision. 

However, his decision didn't solve all the problems. After several conflicts he separated with Liz and he had nightmares everyday about his family. Meanwhile he gathered momentum as solo ballet dancer. He finally became the American star, even doing the world tour. Then one day, a nice surprise came to Li. At his Washington performance, his parents visited him all the way from China. The three family members embraced each other and cried.

     

Li meets his family, finally

At this point, I almost burst into tears. It moved my heart and made me feel the family love once again. But there was something other than that. When Li was determined to go to Beijng, his father told the story of frog in the well. Frog in the well. Maybe the frog was actually me in the past. Living in a city in country, I was in the well. However, I have always seeked of going out of the well which I believe that it was the difference between me and the frog. Then, recently, I jumped out of the well as I came to this camp. In GLPS, I met so many brilliant students from all over the Korea, even from foreign countries. It was like a new world for me. But I believe that there is another big well surrounding me which I should overcome in the future. I am sure that as the frog steps on the stages of achieving her dream as she tries her best, the frog could climb out of the big well and see the whole world with a true eye. Now, when do you feel that you are the frog. It doesn't really matter if you are like the frog now because almost everyone is the frog at first. But there is a clear difference among them; there are frogs who try to climb up the well even if they have several failures and frog who just seek for an easy life in the bottom of the well. Well, I appreciate both frogs but as long as I am about it, I'd better choose to be the frogs mentioned former. What would you be? Would you be Li and live with the entire world, or would you select the safer but boring way? It is up to you. 


     To wrap up, 'Mao's Last Dancer', the movie based on Li Cunxin's true story has kept my attention every single moment and made me both thoughtful and touched. So I gave this movie 4 starts out of five which means that it would be memorable and valuable time for you to watch the movie. At many points, I considered about my family, who is my inspirer, living in a foreign country, and finally the lessons the movie gives. I have been solely impressed with the story of frog in the well represents. I hope that you would make your own decision about the question I have thrown to you wisely, just as I have made my own. I wish you a good luck! 
And always and sincerely, THANK YOU FOR READING.     

Movie Trailer of 'Mao's Last Dancer'                               

Movie Review by Ted Baehr
This review summarizes my plot explanation.

3 Things You Should Know About Me

3 Things You Should Know About Me

- Mina's GLPS World Blog Post #1

   Hello, everyone. My name is Mina You and it is a great pleasure to meet you. I live in Daegu, Korea and is currently attending the Hwanggeum Middle School's grade 2 course. Today, as my first blog post, I prepared three words that would help you know me better. 

1. 2 Summer Experiences

2. 1 Month

3. TED

(If you want to find more information on these three words, please click on the each word. It would lead to another post that describes the words.)

    I hope that you were able to grasp an idea of me, Mina You, by knowing the three words that relate to my dream. To wrap up, I would like to be a diplomat or a diplomatic professor when I grow up, travel to Europe for one month, and talk in a TED talk. If there are other questions about me, please feel free to ask me by using the comments below. 

-Thank you for reading-