Oxford, England | 2 of 4

As I've said before, the city of Oxford is quite beautiful with an extensive history and stunning architecture. As soon as we arrived, there was a torrential downpour. We sought sanctuary in the nearest place and that was the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford and it was utterly breathtaking. We were only able to venture into a small sitting room. We had to pay a small fee to see the room, but it was still amazing. 

Since we had to pay and it was raining, we decided that we would take a break and sit for a while. The room was quiet with only a few visitors, thus creating a relaxing atmosphere. It was nice to stop for a few moments during our busy schedule and revel in the architectural beauty of the Bodleian Library.

Twelve Days of Christmas Cinema | Week One

This first week of Twelve Days of Christmas was exactly what I needed. Around Christmas time, I get really homesick. Christmas in Korea is nothing like back home. It's more of a holiday for couples and no one else celebrates it. There are so many things I miss about Christmas in America. I miss drinking and eating peppermint infused treats. I miss hearing Christmas songs everywhere. Most of all, I miss spending time with my family and friends. Watching these movies really put me in the Christmas mood and reminded me of home. They were the perfect antidote for my homesickness.

1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1983) 
This movie was my first taste of the National Lampoon films. I’ve seen Van Wilder, but I don’t think it really counts. I expected a lot from this movie, and I am sad to report that I was a bit disappointed. I know that everyone loves this movie, but I wasn’t that keen on it. I think that’s the problem with these kinds of movies. People have such fond memories of them from their childhood and they build them up. I've often heard it’s the best movie they’ve ever seen or the perfect representation of Christmas. For me, it was just okay.  

First, the length of the movie is too long. It just kept going and going. Every time they showed the Advent calendar, I kept wishing it Dec. 25. The main character, played by Chevy Chase, is just awful and really annoying. I know that he wants the perfect Christmas, but come on man. Why can’t he just relax? He makes ridiculous choices and most of the time they aren’t even that funny. I think that if I watched this as a child, I would’ve enjoyed it, but as an adult, I just wanted it to end. 

2, The Shop Around the Corner (1946) 
When I was in middle school, I would spend Friday evenings with my mom. We would lay in her bed with a bowl of popcorn and watch classic movies. I’m so thankful for having a mother who exposed me to old movies.  I learned a lot about relationships and love. I also learned how to be a lady and about style and fashion.

On one of those nights, we watched The Shop Around the Corner and I immediately fell in love. It truly is a timeless classic and stars Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. It’s a simple story about two people who argue constantly and end up falling in love on Christmas Eve. The film is executed perfectly. It’s funny and serious when it needs to be. The acting is amazing and it’s a real gem. I wish they still made movies like this; there isn’t a lot of flash or complicated story lines. It gets to the point and focuses on what matters, the relationship between the main characters. It's one of my favorite movies and one that will always leave me feeling warm and happy. 

3. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) 
As a child, this was my favorite movie. When I think back on my childhood, I have a lot of memories connected with this movie. I watched it constantly. I knew all the words to every song and sang them much to the annoyance of my parents and older brothers. My mother even made me a Jack Skellington outfit to wear for Christmas. I was obsessed.

I think I loved it so much because it perfectly combined two of my favorite holidays, Halloween and Christmas. It’s not entirely a Christmas movie, but also not completely a Halloween movie. It’s a great combination of both holidays and it’s a fun seeing how they interact. The story of this film is quite unique and unlike anything I’ve seen. I remember being in awe of Halloween Town. I wanted to live in that weird and kooky place. It seemed like a kid's dream living in a place where it was Halloween everyday, who wouldn't want that?
 

4. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) 
I have to admit that in my childhood I had a considerable lack of Muppets. I never watched Sesame Street or saw a Charlie Brown film. I think it’s because my siblings were 11 and 12 years older than me and I was left to my own devices. I watched a lot of I Love Lucy, Gilligan's Island and I Dream of Jeannie. What can I say? I was an odd kid. 

When we watched this film, it was like I found  a missing piece of my childhood. I absolutely loved this movie. There was so many amazing things about The Muppet Christmas Carol. To be honest, I was expecting to dislike this movie, but it was fantastic. It’s heartwarming, funny and poignant.  Michael Caine was also a pleasant surprise. He makes a great Scrooge. The acting was quite good and the puppetry was incredible.  While watching, I found myself laughing and crying. Yes, crying. I don’t know if it was the wine I was drinking, but there was one part that really got me. Judge me all you want, but watching a disabled frog singing about being thankful was touching. It’s always good to be reminded to be thankful, even in a kids movie.

 

Imaginary Christmas Wishlist

Around this time of year, everyone is creating their Christmas Wishlists. Sure there are things that I want, but what about the things that I want, but can never have? I started thinking about all the things that I would wish for if I could have anything. I think I've created a pretty awesome Imaginary Christmas Wishlist.  Now, if I could only figure out how to make one of these things come true.

Who wouldn't want to own a time traveling machine? I would love to be able to go anywhere in the universe during any time period. Of all the time machines to choose from, the Tardis is by far the best choice. It's a beautiful slick design, it's bigger on the inside and it comes with the Doctor. How can you go wrong with that?

Of all the animals in the world, be it fact or fiction, the panda is my favorite. One Christmas when I was a kid, my mom gave me a stuffed panda. I dragged that lil guy with me everywhere and slept with him every night. Ever since then, I've always wanted a panda. I imagined all the awesome things we would do together, like go down slides, eat lots of bamboo and sit around looking all cute and junk.  

I'm sure that you've figured out that Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite novels and obviously, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the epitome of a dream man. There's so much to love about him, he's a gentleman, he has an amazing home and he's passionate. I know that initially, he seems cold and distant, but when you get to know him he's a fierce protector of those that he loves. I wouldn't want to marry him, I'm already married to someone amazing, but a date with Mr. Darcy would be a dream.

I'm pretty sure that at first this would be a great idea, but later I would regret it. Old Gregg would turn obsessive, maybe try and steal Markus from me, but I feel like it might be worth it. We could hang out in his cave, do our makeup and paint watercolors. Also, he could  serenade me anytime all while I drink Bailey's from a shoe.

Of all the fictional schools, Hogwarts would definitely be the coolest and most interesting. The facilities alone are worth attending. Who wouldn't want to go to a school with moving staircases, haunted bathrooms and talking paintings? I can't forget to mention the awesome teachers and the coolest kids in all the land. The best part would be the relationships you would form and the experiences you would have.

If you've seen Midnight in Paris, then you know that Paris in the 1920s is a writer's dream. I couldn't even imagine how inspiring the city would be during this time. I've never been to Paris, it's on the Wandering Wishlist, and I'm dying to go. I've heard so many wonderful things about the City of Lights. If I could go during the 1920s, I would sit at a cafe and spend hours writing. Then at night, go out and do the Charleston with the Fitzgeralds and Dali.

Even though Steve Zissou is a bit selfish and not the best leader, he still goes on fantastical adventures. I have a fear of the ocean, so I think the best way to overcome that fear, would be to join Team Zissou. Sure, everyone on the team has issues, but who doesn't? Hunting the jaguar shark would be the greatest of adventures. You've got to admire Zissou's thirst for vengeance. Also, I've always wanted to wear their uniforms. I think they're quite cool.

I remember every weekday afternoon, I would run into the house, so I could catch Sailor Moon. This show was the most important show in my life. My friends and I even picked which scouts we would be. I was Sailor Jupiter and even wore my hair like her for a year. I spent evenings dreaming about Tuxedo Mask and how I could punish people on behalf of the moon. Of all the female super heroes, they were also the hottest.

I feel like this needs no explanation. Who wouldn't want to be bff's with Ron Swanson? He'll be able to teach me how to build things all while eating bacon. Sounds awesome.

I think being around this kind of genius would hopefully rub off on me. I would love to roam the streets of England solving cases. I'm pretty sure he would drive me crazy after five minutes, but that's what happens when you around someone so intelligent.

So, dear readers, that is my Imaginary Christmas Wishlist and I hope you enjoyed it. If you had a list, what would be on yours? Make sure to leave a comment and let me know!

Haedong Yonggungsa

In my birthday post, I shared a few pictures from Haedong Yonggungsa. As I've said before, temples in Korea all tend to look the same. They're all the same green and red color scheme and the construction of the buildings are exactly the same too. Whenever someone suggests going to a temple, I always pass. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all. The only difference is probably the way you get there. I think this is why I fell in love with Yonggungsa. It still has the same temple structure you see everywhere else, but it's stunningly beautiful and very different from the others.

On the way to temple, there is a different kind of feeling. I could feel the anticipation rising as we passed animal statues of the Chinese zodiac, walked down steps lined with bamboo trees and strolled across wooden bridges. As soon as the temple came into view, I was overwhelmed with how breathtaking it was. The temple is nestled on top of rocky cliffs and has the ocean as a backdrop. The place was overflowing with people and I've heard that it's always busy regardless of the time or season. I understand why it's so popular and always busy. It's a magnificent temple that is unique and beautiful and one that everyone in Korea should visit! 

Wandering Wednesday | Tennessee Road Trip | 2 of 3

On the second part of our Tennessee road trip, we drove to Pigeon Forge and to the Appalachian Mountains. These were the first mountains that I ever saw up close. Also, this was the first time I went hiking and I was very excited. I couldn't have thought of a better place, the Appalachian Mountains are beautiful.

Interesting side note, Markus and I are wearing strange looking neon t-shirts because my students were fundraising for a missions trip to Mexico. The spray painted Mexican themed designs onto t-shirts. At the time, it was all the rage. And now? I still stand behind my decision. I would do anything for my kids and if wearing a shirt while in the Appalachian mountains is a way to support them, I would do it again and again.

We drove up one of the mountain listening to soundtracks and rolled the windows down. Between the five of us, no one said a word. We were in awe of the beauty that surrounded us. We finally made it to the top of the mountain and parked.  We walked on a little trail to the very top. This was the first time I ever walked anywhere that steep and my legs were so confused. They didn't understand what was happening. It was quite an interesting experience.

While exploring, we found the Appalachian Trail and the boys were ecstatic. They managed to convince Victoria and I that we should hike the trail. When we started, it was great. I felt like a real explorer on my first mountain adventure. Then after about 20 minutes, I was done. My legs turned to jello. I was having trouble breathing. It wasn't a good look for me. Despite all that, I'm still really happy that my first mountain hiking experience was on the Appalachian Trail. How sweet is that?