A Truism on Love?

I was watching a KBS drama earlier called Marry Me, Mary. The protective father in the show tried to dissuade his daughter from loving a seemingly irresponsible rocker who didn't believe in marriage. He told his child: "You can't live together for the next 50 years on love alone."

Not that the statement was untrue, but I realized a second part to the advice was missing: "You can't live together for the next 50 years without love either."

Today

While others were ushering in the Lunar New Year with reunion dinners, I have been on a TV marathon this evening, thanks to the free Star Movies and HBO trials. Coinciding with Valentine's Day, 27 Dresses was followed by Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle.

The last show feels particularly mellow and warm and fuzzy. So despite inadvertently being held victim to the media's manufactured romanticism, I am also acutely aware of the pitfalls in subscribing to these idealistic imagery. I don't even celebrate Valentine's Day!

But I am digressing. At the end of the day, I can be in the most romantic city, but not feel anything. Love, peace and happiness are all a state of mind.

So have faith. Believe. Indulge in the moment. Enjoy.

Life throws us unexpected curves

You never know the biggest day in your life is going to be the biggest.
The days you think are going to be big ones,
They're never as big as you make them out to be in your head.
It's the regular days, the ones that start out normal,
those are the days that end up being the biggest.

You don't recognize the biggest day of your life,
not until you're right in the middle of it.
The day you commit to something or someone.
The day you get your heart broken...
The day you meet your soulmate...
The day you realize, there's not enough time
because you want to live forever.
Those are the biggest days, the perfect days, you know?

- Izzie Stevens, Grey's Anatomy Season 5 Episode 22

Nostalgia

This past week, my family has been buzzing with the expectation of watching a new Mandarin movie, which combines the horror genre with slapstick comedy. Mom then mentioned how I used to love this Hong Kong series called 开心鬼 back in the 80s. I had almost forgotten all about it!

I watched it again last night. Ahhh the nostalgia!

Watch here

Buddhist Truths

I saw this in a TV program that interviewed Korean Buddhist monk, Master Beopryun.

Life is tiring because you are trying to be special.

The meaning of life is not that important. You already exist.

You just need to accept life as it is. If you try to control life, you will get lost.

Once you realize it is your own fault, all you have to do is to change yourself. But if you think it is the world's fault, you have to change the world. Changing yourself is much easier than changing the world. It's hard to accept that it is your fault, but that's actually hope. If you want to make yourself happy, you can do so without anyone's help. There's hope in that.

Contradiction

질투, 오해, 의심, 비밀, 변덕, 외로움 상처, 쾌락, 배신 까지...
Jealousy, misunderstanding, suspicion, secrecy, capriciousness, loneliness, hurt, pleasure, betrayal...
이 모두를 사람들은 '사랑' 이라 부른다.
All these people call 'love'.

And yet...

당신이 있어 행복 하다.

Sunday Leisure Activity

Best way to enjoy the weekend.