9 years ago  

At Providence Zen Center, I met a Korean ajumma. 70 years old but looked 40. Former dancer. Full of energy. I tried to chat with her, but my Korean stuck in my throat. and she spoke SO fast. So I am determined to get back to studying Korean so I can say more the next time we meet.

10 years ago  

Feel like I haven't been here in forever. It's been a whole month since I studied Korean flashcards. Instead, I have been day-tripping around to places like a Korean restaurant in Albany, NY, a Peace Pagota, Cambridge Zen Center, and Yushien Japanese garden. Today going for morning bows/chanting/meditation at 5 AM, then tomorrow driving for a vegetarian dinner at the Providence Zen Center.
It's kinda related to Korean, since the Zen center was started by a Korean monk and they chant in Korean.

10 years ago  

I want to study everything, all at once! It is my downfall. I am trying to keep it light and easy right now. My Korean class ended, and my brain needed a rest. So I am sticking to studying Active Korean 1 (with workbook and audio) and Talk To Me In Korean Level 1 (with workbook) and Living Languages audio in the car.
Plus Memrise.
Yet I see howtostudykorean, and I am immediately drawn to that, which I have always wanted to learn from. Silly me.
So I remind myself that I figured out that at the pace of 2 hours a day of studying 6 days a week, it would take me 3 months to get through the TalkToMeInKorean lessons alone. I resist the urge to run off on another tangent. I will stick to TTMIK.

10 years ago  

I have been doing other things, casually, not as serious studying. Like listening to audio in my car, watching an hour a day of KDrama on average, reviewing by working my way through Talk To Me In Korean Level 1 grammar lessons, practicing chinese brush pen writing of Korean and Chinese characters, learning Chinese brush painting, etc.
What I stopped doing for 2 months was my Memrise flashcards. I would do 10 cards, then stop. But I have hundred of words that need reviewing in the various lists. So I am trying to get back to speed with devoting time to Memrise and working through all those words.
Basically, my 2 months off has resulted in me only remembering 50 - 70 percent. I have forgotten at least 30 percent!

10 years ago  

I've found the more American TV I watch, the less Korean I study. I remember a few months ago, my problem was there were too many Korean things I wanted to study all at the same time. Now, I stare at the computer screen in the morning and can not think of a single thing I feel like studying. Motivation comes and goes, I guess.

10 years ago  

Any suggestions on getting back into studying after taking a month off? I have lost momentum.

10 years ago  

I did Memrise flashcards today. First time in 2 weeks. Why is it good habits (like daily flashcard practice) are so easy to lose? Not feeling 100% healthy, but time to stop giving myself a free pass to sleep all day. I wonder how much Korean I have forgotten this month.

10 years ago  

*sniffle* Haven't been studying for 2 weeks now. This cold has drained all my energy. Hope to get back to good health and regular study soon.

10 years ago  

I will cheer up! I will cheer up! This winter has to end soon. Figure my slump in mood is all due to the long, cold winter.
I have been promising myself a vacation from Korean soon as my KDA class 24 was over, and that class is Tuesday morning. So if you don't see me around for a week or two, then it is just me taking a much needed break.

10 years ago  

Tutor said something to me today that struck a chord. He said that I am holding myself back. That I have knowledge, but not confidence. He was exasperated with me using excuses instead of just getting to speaking and reading Korean.
I have to admit it is true. I was making excuses. It is the end of winter, and I am all cranky, sleeping poorly, and lazy.
I am thinking hard about what is holding me back. I think maybe I should be able to speak confidently about some things, like food & weather. I don't know why learning feels so tiring and difficult lately.

10 years ago  

I was thinking about it, and I have not immersed myself in Korean in recent weeks. I am thinking after taking a week break when class finishes, that I might try an "all Korean" week ... Korean drama, Korean books, Korean music. I have been watching too much American TV (Walking Dead, I am an addict!) I have been writing English, instead of practicing writing Korean. I am getting lazy.

10 years ago  

I had KDA Class 22 today. Just me and teach, since other student was MIA. Whizzed through the lesson. Got it almost all correct. "Ask and Give Permission" Teacher complimented me on how well I did and on my pronunciation. I have improved!

10 years ago  

10 years ago  

10 years ago