I'm Late...

Hello, dear Bae-Family bloggers. I hope everyone in blogger-land has been doing well. I am a few days late with this posting, due to all of the Thanksgiving festivities, not to mention holiday guests staying over with me. I hope all they Bae-sisters who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful time with their families and friends. This has been a year of change for everyone in The BYJ Family. So many of us here on the blogs have connected on Facebook as well. There have been new Family members whom we've 'met' on FB, and a few connections which have been broken, as well. Overall, we have grown even closer, as an internet Family, and learned so many things together. We have shared laughter, smiles, sighs, news, photos, feelings, sorrow and tears. Most of all, we have continued to share our love for Our Prince, BYJ. He is still the foundation on which Our internet family is built. I feel as though we owe him so much, for his kindness, caring, understanding and love. I, personally, am still struggling with my health; trying to get to a point where I can say I really feel healthy, everyday. For now, I must take things one day at a time, in the struggle to regain some of the feelings of well-being which I have found are really so important in life. But, through all of the things that have changed this past year, one thing has not changed and that is all the love which is shared by Our Bae-Family, for each other, and for Our Prince. The point of this posting is that I am trying to do my part to help that love stay strong. I may not always feel like posting here on this blog, but I still will come and post when there is anything so important it must be shared. In this case, I came here and posted just to say that American Bae Fan is now 3-years old, as of November 26, 2012! Thanks, to all of the people, Bae-Family and others, who have kept this blog from being forgotten, by coming here and 'following' ABF and for not giving up on it or me. Lots of hugs, all! (Anna) 

A Very...

Dear BaeFamily, I know I haven't been posting very much or very often here on ABF, but I had to come here tonight, just so I could wish Our Charming Prince, and all our dear BaeFamily: 메리 크리스마스, メリークリスマス,  สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส,  圣诞节快乐,  聖誕節快樂, Maligayang Pasko, Selamat Hari Natal, Selamat Hari Krismas, کریسمس مبارک, मेरी क्रिसमस, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah, and a very Merry Christmas!!! I hope all our Family and their loved ones share a lot of love, laughter, happiness, joy, good times, and many family traditions this holiday season. I and my family hope to be enjoying our own special joys and traditions this year, as usual. I have much for which to be thankful; family, BaeFamily, good friends, and many blessings. I hope everyone in our Family can say the same thing. Take care and be well, all my lovely Family around the world. Lots of love, and hugs!!! <3!!! Anna

Well, Look Here...

Dear Family,
I must apologize for my too long absence from this blogsite. I have not had very much access to the internet for many months, but it is good to be back among our blogger Family members once again. I know this comes a bit late, but I am proud to announce that as of November 26, 2011 I have been a BYJ blogger for 2 years, now! I can't believe It's actually been that long already. Oh, how much I have missed everyone of you and your wonderful blog postings and comments. It's amazing that another year has nearly come and gone. I hope our charming prince had a great birthday. I also hope that all of the Baesisters who celebrated Thanksgiving had a special time with all their families. And that everyone in our dear Family has had a good and blessed year, so far. I also hope everyone is making some lovely plans for Christmas, Hanukkah, and all other celebrations this season. My family and I have many activities planned for our holidays. It is wonderful to me to be posting this here on my blog after so much time away. I hope all our family have been well during my absence. I love you all very much. Anna

Hello?...

Dear Baefamily, I must apologize for not having posted here on this blog for several months. I have had so many personal matters with which I have had to deal, and I also suffered a time of illness during which I was hospitalized twice within one month's time. I am much better now, so we won't talk about that. When I wasn't sick, I was working on something that I had mentioned in a previous blog posting, which I had said was a kind of dream of mine. I have been busy connecting my blogger BaeFamily with my other internet families; all through the 'magic' of Facebook. While I was busy doing this, I found that there are hundreds and hundreds of lovely BaeFamily members on FB. And not just Baesisters, but Baebrothers as well. they are all so kind and loving that I have grown to love them all very much. I now feel as though my Families truly reach around and embrace the whole world and me with it. I have never known that kind of love in all my life, but I am so very glad to be experiencing it now, when I am finally at a stage in my life where I can truly appreciate it, and all the people who have given it to me, and to each other. And the best part is that it is all because of one person who has that kind of love for everyone, and has helped us all find a kind of family affection which might never have been possible without his gentle influence. Our Charming Prince, BYJ, has helped us to build many bridges of love that really do span the globe, and he is the engineer who made the plan for their construction, with his selfless love for all mankind and his desire to have the largest Family in the world. But, I can't forget the willing and loving hearts of all our BaeFamily, who took that love he gave and helped spread it around the world. Thank you, Family, for being so kind and loving, and for taking up the dream of Our Prince, and sharing it with others, especially me. Love to all Family, everywhere. <3

Well, Well,Well...

Hello, dear Family.
It is hard for me to believe a whole year has gone by since I set up this blogsite and wrote my first posting as a Baeblogger, but I know it is true! So much has happened since then, I couldn't begin to write about it all here in this posting. I have been privileged to become acquainted with so many BaeFamily members and share in their joys, tears, hopes, dreams, and even some of their fears. And I have also laughed, cried, hoped, dreamed, and feared along with them all. Through all of these things I have grown on both an emotional and spiritual level, and, most importantly, I have learned what it means to be a part of this amazing Bae Yong Joon Family! I am grateful for being able to be a Family member, and to 'know' all of the other Family members here on Blogger, as well as several other blog hosting websites. It is hard for me to contain the joy and  excitement I am feeling as I sit here in Tennessee (USA), on this chilly, rainy morning of 26 November, 2010, writing all of this, in celebration of my first anniversary as a BaeFamily blogger!!! I would like for the whole Family of Baebloggers to share this happy occasion with me, just as we have shared so many other experiences throughout this past year, and I hope everyone will.
As I shared Thanksgiving festivities with my family, yesterday, I thought about all of the things for which I was, and am, thankful. This wonderful Family of ours was very close to the top of my list; right after my own family and a few close friends. That is how important being a part of all this has become to me. Thank you to all of our Sisters (and maybe even a few Brothers) for allowing me to belong. I can't begin to put into words all of the emotions I am feeling right now. I can only say thank you, again. Love to all Family, everywhere, especially Our Charming Prince, who made it all possible in the first place. (Hurray!!!)

A Holiday Wish...

Hi, dear Family.
As I will probably not have an opportunity to post anything here for the next few days, I would like to take the time, now, to wish all of the American Family a Happy Thanksgiving! And to send special greetings of love and support to all of the Asian Family during this difficult time of conflict and tension between South and North Korea, which is obviously having far-reaching consequences around the world. At a time when so many are preparing to celebrate the Christmas season, such tensions can not be, and are not, an easy thing with which to deal. Still, we will remain strong as a Family, in spite of whatever difficulties we may face, because we have our love for each other, and our mutual love for Our Charming Prince who gives us all so much love in return. (In the words of sis Myoce, 'BaeFamily fighting'!) My prayers are with all of the Family, worldwide, and especially those in South Korea and so many neighboring countries there in Asia. I may be half a world away, but my heart is there with you all, in hopes that you will continue to have a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Again, Happy Thanksgiving! Love to all family everywhere. Anna

So Many Things...

Hi, dear Family.
In the past few weeks I have noticed so many things going on within our BaeFamily; not just with Our Charming Prince, but with our Baesisters as well. The tragedy of death, the miracle of new life, moving from one home to another, traveling because of a job, starting a new website, overcoming difficulties of one sort or another; just living life in general. Having Birthdays, Anniversaries (marriage, blogging, and other kinds), meeting new friends (on the internet as well as in person). Finding our Family members in unexpected, but exciting places (Youtube, Facebook, etc.). It is all a part of living, and learning, which is a very important part of life itself. Without the hard things in life, we would obviously not appreciate the joys, laughter and happiness we are able to share with our Sisters. It is good to know they are there to help us deal with the sorrows as well.
As we Family in The States get ready for our Thanksgiving holiday, I am looking back on the last couple of months with mixed feelings. Sorrow at the loss of people who were important in my life; several of whom I was priviledged to call friends. Joy at the birth of babies (welcome to the Family, little Edward). The love of newly met BaeFamily members by the dozens. All of these things have helped me to grow as a person in many ways. I am sad for all those who have recently suffered losses of family members, I am happy for those with new family additions, and I am grateful to the Facebook sisters I have met, who have helped me feel even more a part of this wonderful BaeFamily. God bless you all, as the holiday season begins, and also throughout the rest of this year and beyond. Love to all Family everywhere. Anna

A Nice Discovery...

Dear Family,
I have discovered a wonderful thing; a lot of our Baesisters also have Facebook accounts! I am happy to find that they do, and I have sent out 'friend' invitations to as many of them as I could find on Facebook. I have also been priveleged to join several BYJ Facebook sites. All of this is thrilling to me, because so many of the other friends in my life are also members on Facebook, and this could mean I may be able to connect my two separate networks of friends into one group by suggesting they 'friend' each other. I know many of my 'non-BYJ Family' friends would be eager to do that. To them any friend of mine is someone worth having for a friend. They always accept my 'friend' suggestions. I know many of my BYJ Family would be willing to 'friend' others on my recommendations, too, because they trust me and love me, and they know I love them, too. There are still a couple of the Family who may not have accepted me as Family, yet, but I still love them just the same. I am asking all the sisters, who are on Facebook, and who haven't yet accepted my invitations, to please do so. It would mean a lot to me. Love to all Family everywhere. Anna
(My real name is Anna Daugherty, and I'm not worried about anyone knowing that, because there are a lot of  'Anna Daugherty's' in Tennessee, so I am just one of many!)
(Special note of thanks to sisters BB and Myoce who have accepted my invitations.)

I Am Sorry...

Hello, Family.
I hope all of you are well on this hot and beautiful 'high' summer day.

I am posting this, today, because I have come to a sad realization. I have just been fooling myself. I have wanted to believe that I have been a welcome part of this Family, and, to some of the blogger Family members, I have. I am thankful and grateful to those few. (You dear ladies know who you are.) (I understand that many are busy with their own lives, yet many of them take the time to acknowledge other sister's comments. Why not mine? What have I done to offend them? I really want to know. In fact, I feel I have a right to know, so please, won't some of you tell me?)

I know I am still a relative newcomer  and outsider to many of the Family, but I also know I love Our Charming Prince as much as anyone else who posts these blogs. And, I also know that I am a BYJ Family member in good standing. All I had to do to achieve that status was to sign up as a Family member on The BYJ Official site, because he welcomes and loves everyone; no matter who they are or their country of origin.  (The concept is, after all, "Humane Living", isn't it? To truly try to love everyone in the world.)

It just saddens me to know I have, pretty much, with few exceptions, been banging my head against a wall, here, hoping for acceptance. The thing is, I am here to stay, for as long as this is the direction in which my life takes me. From my viewpoint, that will be a long time. Acceptance is good, and desirable, but not always given. Still, I have learned a valuable lesson from the great Martin Luther, who founded the Lutheran Church. When he was shunned and ridiculed by his peers, he wrote:

"They drew a circle and shut me out;
Heretic, rebel; a thing to flout.
But, love and I had the wit to win,
We drew a circle, and took them in."

So, you see, I will still continue to love all of the BaeFamily, all around the world; regardless of how they see me, or what they think of me. (I don't have to know them personally; I just have to believe the same way as Our Yong Joon-ssi.) I am sorry if this offends anyone, but I must speak my mind, here. And, Josephine, dear, before you or Tamar say anything, in your direct, but always refreshing and always welcome manner, thank you, both, and thanks to the other few sisters for showing me your kindness and sisterly friendship. It is very much appreciated.

I could say more, but I won't. I would just like, please, for the sisters to read this, and think about what I've said. (I know I don't post comments on all of the sister's sites. Please forgive me if this fact has offended any of you bloggers. It isn't because I don't love you; it is because you often blog about topics which don't interest me. That is just my preference, and has nothing to do with any of you, personally. Your tastes in entertainment, and celebrities are fine with me. Just, please understand if I don't share them. It is great that you all like the singers and actors that you do like. I say, more power to you. I have my other favorite celebrities as well. I am a huge Ko Yu-Jin fan, though I doubt there are many of those here, besides me. That's fine, too. I like reading the different postings about celebrities besides Our Charming Prince; although the ones about him are the most special to me. Those blog posts have helped me gain a greater appreciation for all of the talented Asian celebrities out there whom I have not yet discovered. (A special 'thank you' to all of the Kim Hyun Joong fans.) Whoever you sisters like and admire, I will be like I told sister bb; be yourselves and like whom and what you like, and I will cheer and applaud you. And I will say 'you go, girl!")

Again, a special, heartfelt thank you to the sisters who have taken me into their hearts as a member of this dear Family that means as much to me as my own flesh and blood family, or any of my other friends. Take care, and please know I didn't write any of this to hurt anyone here; but only because I have been hurt and I had to make my feelings known in the matter. (Perhaps some of the sisters have not consciously ignored me, but I really don't know. To any with whom this may be the case, my apologies.) Take care, and be well, everyone.

Love to all family, everywhere.
Anna

PS: If anyone wishes to comment on this blog, they are still always welcome, but I probably won't be doing much commenting on other blogs. Not for now, anyway. A.

Just A Brief Note (Off Topic)...

Hi, Family.
As many are aware, I have devoted this site to news and postings for the Bae-sisters; about Our Charming Prince. Therefore, I ask your indulgence, for once, to go off topic, sort of, and wish all of my American Bae-Family a very Happy, Happy Fourth Of July!!! I hope everyone is enjoying lots of fun, good food, and, of course, fireworks with their families, this holiday weekend. (Fireworks courtesy of the Chinese, and a big thanks to them for the pyrotechnics.) It is a perfect July 4th here in sunny Tennessee, but I also hope all of the Family, all around the world, are enjoying a beautiful day and quality time with their loved ones, as well.
We should all take the time to let the people we love know how much they are loved, while we have the opportunity to tell them and to show them. Life is short and we have no promise of tomorrow, so please, take the time to say 'I love you' to everyone special in your life, today.
Love to all Family, everywhere.
Anna

What Is Love...?

Hi, dears,

What is your definition of love; romance, friendship, caring, consideration, thoughtfulness, family, marriage? To many of us in the Baefamily, Our Charming Prince is a shining example of what love really means, otherwise we might not think of him as being Ours. 

I have noticed that many Family members worry a lot about Yong Joon-ssi. To me this is one of the many ways they use to express their love for him. Others worry about their other favorite celebrities. Again I see this as an expression of their true affection and caring for those individuals, and I give them credit for being so loving. 
 Some people might think that the Family who worry a lot do so unnecessarily, but I disagree with that thinking. Sometimes caring involves worrying. I ask myself, 'what kind of person would I be if I didn't worry about the people I love'? I think the answer is that I would rather care too much than too little.

Please, don't misunderstand me. I am not criticizing any of my dear Baefamily members. I have not now, nor for as long as I have been a Family member, had any reason to be critical of anyone in our lovely family. I am just saying that I Admire the loving attitudes demonstrated by all of them, whatever forms those attitudes may take.

I know that some people are less affectionate, but that doesn't mean they are any less loving. I also know that all of our Baesisters, with whom I have become acquainted here on the net, have shown a loving and supportive unity; not just toward me, but toward each other. I admire that, too, and I admire them as well.  They are being true to Our Charming Prince's philosophy of "Humane Living".

As for that wonderful guy, I believe he might actually be even more of an affectionate 'hugger' than I am. That is saying a lot, because I hug all of my friends; both men and women. I live to hug!!!

One thing which I have learned in life is that it isn't as important how you love, or whom you love. Those choices must, and should, be left up to the individual. (I know I wouldn't like someone telling me whom I could or couldn't, or should or shouldn't love.) The important part is how much you love that person or persons. If worrying is your way of saying 'I love you', I have to say I respect that.

For the Family who are not worriers, I know you have loving hearts with more calm outlooks on life and its ups and downs. I admire that, and often wish I had a bit more calmness inside of me.

Still, if we all were the same in our feelings and outlooks, wouldn't it be a dull world? I know I would definitely not like that. I like finding emotional differences in the people I meet, because I know deep down we are all the same; we are human beings. That makes the differences mean less than the similar things we share; like our love for Bae Yong Joon.

Love to all Family, everywhere.
Anna

(Photo credit: www.10asia.co.kr)

Special Posting...

Hi, Dear Family.

I know it is now 7 June in Asia, but I have just learned about something. I am posting here to say that I hope all of the Family in Asia had a peaceful Korean Memorial Day (현충일)(顯忠日) (Hyeon Chung-il). And a blessed and peaceful Korean Memorial Day to all the Family in all Western countries, where it is June 6, today. Here in America, as some of you know, we have a Memorial Day observance, too. Ours falls on the last Sunday in May, and we take flowers and visit family grave sites and pay our respects, pretty much the same as they do in South Korea. Then, some families have a quiet Sunday dinner in honor of our departed loved ones. These customs are very beautiful, but sometimes sad, if someone has recently passed away. It is good to know people in other countries have these kinds of occasions, for remembering the family and friends who are no longer there. But, their spirits and memories will remain alive as long as we remember and cherish them. Take care and be well. Love to all Family everywhere. Anna

Even Better...

Hi, dear Family.

Now I have something even better than the 'Dream High' production news about which to get excited. Our Charming Prince and his company are finally going to publish "A Journey to Discover The Beauty of Korea" in English! How I have waited to hear this news! Taiwan and China will also be getting translations of 'the book'! I am happy for the Family in all of these countries; especially my own. Canadian Family members will, of course, benefit indirectly from the American publishing, because they can order the book from here. So can all the Family in English-speaking countries around the world, such as England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland. And we can't forget about our Family in Europe, Mexico,  South America, and all of the world's island nations, because many of them also speak English, as a second language. I believe the English printing of "Beauty" will be as helpful to all these Family members as the Chinese printing will be to a large part of the Family in Asia. I am so thrilled for everyone of us who will finally get a chance to read our Dear Yong Joon-ssi's lovely book! Oh,oh!!! Can't wait, can't wait!!! (Feeling weak with excitement.) I think we should all help other family members in countries where the book is not being published, yet. I have made a promise to a certain Sister, to keep her posted about the release dates for the book, as soon as I know anything, myself. If I can help any other of the Baesisters in this way, they should certainly let me know, and I will gladly do my best for them.  After all, we are Family, aren't we? I truly believe that we are. Love to all Family everywhere. Please be well and take care. Anna

Waiting...

Hi, Family.
I am sure we are all anxiously awaiting the completion of the first episodes of "Dream High", if only to see what kind of role our Charming Prince will play in the series. I am so anxious, myself, that it is hard to concentrate on  my college studies. With the spring semester nearing its end, I will have more time, during summer break, to devote to this and all my other blogs, and to some other activities which I have 'in the works'.
A friend and I have some things we want to do for our mutual benefit, concerning which, I will try to keep posts on my 'Whatever Strikes My Fancy' blog. (This one being strictly for news of our Yong Joon-ssi and the Family.)
Can't wait, can't wait, for more news about "Dream High"; and a special 'thank you' to all the sisters who have been keeping us all posted about current developments in that area. (I, personally, can just picture our BYJ as a music/drama teacher, clashing with a hard-nosed principle, who may think the school music or drama program is a waste of time, or something of that sort.) (There goes my imagination, again; off on a complete odyssey all its own, when I don't even know enough about the show to make it take off that way. Naughty imagination! Shame. Get a grip! Sounds like a good story, though. hee hee!)

 Seriously, does it bother anyone else when production companies are so secretive about a T.V. show, or movie? It sort of drives me 'bats'. Sorry. I know, I will just have to be patient and wait and see, like everyone else. 'Patience is a virtue'; just not one of mine. (smiles.) I need the Family's help with this one; to keep me in line, until time for the first episode of 'Dream High' to air on T.V. And, even beyond then, unless someone uploads the show to Youtube; otherwise, I may not get to see it until much later.
Sorry, dears, I don't mean to sound as though I am complaining. I am happy that our Charming Prince is involved in a new project, and that he is having his management to keep us posted on the progress of the drama. I have just missed him so much, and he has so seldom been in the public eye in recent months, that I am all excited about this whole thing! I hope everyone else in the family is excited, too.
I will try to curb my enthusiasm, for now, and wait and see what happens. Not an easy thing to do, but I promise, I will try!
Love to all the Family, Anna

Happy, Happy...

Hi, Family.
I would like to wish every one of the Baesisters, around the world, a very Happy Easter! I want to thank all of the sisters who have been posting all those new, wonderful photos of our Charming Prince. without their help, some of us in the Family would not get to see pictures like these, nor to find out what is happening in Baeworld. I feel I owe you all so much for your thoughtfulness in sharing all the news of our Yong Joon-ssi with me, and the rest of our Family. I worry about everyone. Please take care of yourselves and be well.
Love to all Family everywhere. Anna

    (\/)
>(*+*)<
  (_/\_)

GRRRR...

Hi, Family.
Well, dears, I just finished watching The Green Planet International Film Awards, and I must say I was disappointed, in many areas, with the lists of chosen winners. Please, don't misunderstand me. I love and admire such actors as Song Gang Ho, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and many others whose names were called tonight. My congratulations to all of them. The thing that bothers me is the choice of Bi Rain as International Asian Ambassador of the Year. No offense to any Rain fans out there, but what the flip is up with choosing him as an ambassador? To the best of my knowledge, he has never even aspired to be an ambassador promoting anything; unless, of course, it was himself. On the other hand, Our Yong Joon-ssi spends a good bit of his time promoting international public relations, not only among the various Asian countries, but between all the countries he has ever visited, as well as many countries to which he hasn't been, yet. In view of this fact, he is far more qualified to be International Asian Ambassador, not only of the year, or the decade, but of the entire 21st century. (Thank goodness The KTO, at least, had the sense to choose BYJ as their honorary Ambassador for the Visit Korea Years Campaign.) The only good part of all this is that our Charming Prince would no doubt be the first person to congratulate all of the winners at tonight's presentation. Mianheyo, Yong Joon-ssi. I am so very sorry that you did not win the awards for Asian actor or Ambassador, but I know a large number of Family members, including myself, voted for you to win. And, as far as we are concerned, you are, and always will be, a winner to us, because we love and respect you, no matter what happens. After all, that is what it means to be a Family, loving and supporting each other when things are disappointing, bad, or sad. Love to all Family, everywhere. Anna

Huge Sigh Of Relief...

Hi, dear family.
Today, I was glad to learn that all of our injured sisters, except one, have been released from the hospital, and allowed to return to their homes in Japan. I pray our last injured sister will soon be well, too. I am also glad to know that our Charming Prince, and his staff have been taking care of everything regarding the well-being of all of the Japanese sisters who were hurt, Friday. I am not surprised, because I know of the love that our Yong Joon feels for each member of our family. He has shown his affection time and time again, and in so many ways. I hope that all our family continue to remain safe and well. Yong Joon ssi, take care of yourself, and try not to worry, or be sad. We all love you and worry about you. Love to all, Anna

Friendship...

Hi, dear Family,
Today I would like to talk about Friendship, and love for one's 'Family'; two things which more and more people seem to take for granted.
In recent years I have had so many people, who were supposed to be friends, who betrayed my trust in them. These people didn't seem to understand that friendships, like any other relationships in life, are partnerships. This means that, in order to maintain the relationship, each person involved needs to contribute 50% of the effort involved. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unwilling to do this. They seem to believe they can take and take from the friendship and never give anything in return. They have a kind of "You should be there for me, but I don't want to be there for you" mentality. This will not work, no matter the type of relationship to which it is applied; romance, marriage, family, or even co-workers and bosses. If we don't make an effort to meet the other person half way, the relationship won't survive. This includes friendships, of course.
On the other hand, I also have long-time friends who tend to give 100% effort to maintaining our friendships; they give and give and expect very little in return. I believe this is known as 'going above and beyond the call of duty' as a friend. I have a good deal of respect and love for these friends, because they make me want to contribute as much as possible to our relationships, making them become fifty/fifty in nature. They are people I will always love, and help in any way I can.  They are more like family than friends.
This brings me around to our BaeFamily. In the short, few months that I have been a Bae Yong Joon Family member, I have found a lot of love, and I have learned so much from our Charming Prince and his philosophy of "Humane Living". It has helped me to see not only the kind of person I was, but the kind of person I want to, and am trying to be. It's interesting how one person can have such a positive effect on the lives of so many other people. We Baesisters have come to a place, through the internet, where we have grown together as a family, and are strengthening the bonds we have made, through continuous contact by messages, photos, and videos which we share with all of the other Family. And we also welcome new family as they join us here on our blogsites. And, even though a great number of us have never met, and may never meet, we still share the same kinds of ideals that Bae Yong Joon had when he started this international Family of ours. I, for one, could not do less than share my love for our family and for BYJ with as many people as I can. I tell everyone who will listen about Yong joon ssi and our Family as often as I get the chance, which is pretty often, since I love to talk to people.
All of  this has only become possible through the efforts of one man, and his undying faith in the inherent goodness, kindness, and love of all mankind. Without his influence, I can honestly say I would not be writing this for all of our family, today. Kamsahamnida, Yong Joon ssi, just for being the wonderful kind of person you are! Love to all Family. Anna

Have A Happy...

Hi, Bae Family.
I hope that everyone in our Family had or has a wonderful and Happy Valentine's Day! Please, do something special with the ones you love, and let them know how much you care. Happy Valentine's Day Yong Joon ssi, wherever you are, and may you have a great day. Love to all, Anna

There Are Differences, But...

Hi, Family.
Today I would like to touch on a rather sensitive subject. There are so many people out there in the world who can not seem to tell the difference in one Asian nationality from another. These people either assume that all Asians are Chinese or Japanese, or they simply say "Asian" as though it were a dirty word which covered all Eastern peoples and cultures. These small-minded, thoughtless individuals get me so irritated, I can barely stand it. The assumption, on their parts, seems to be "If it's not white, it's not worth the trouble". I would love to grab these people, one at a time, and shake some sense into them, but there's an old saying: "You can't teach them and you can't kill them", which is, sadly, very true. (Not that I, personally, want to kill them; just teach them.)

Some years ago, I was taking some college computer classes with a very nice, lovely Korean/American girl and her sister. This young lady was involved in the college's work-study program as an office assistant. One day a guy student came to the office, where my friend  and I were talking. He asked her about some class he was taking, but she didn't have the information he wanted. He smirked and said: I thought Chinese people were supposed to be smart." My friend stood looking at him for a moment, with hurt and then anger in her eyes. Then she said, very quietly; "I'm not Chinese; I'm Korean." the guy laughed and asked her what was the difference. I had been standing there, listening, with my fists clenched. Before (____) could answer him, I said, "Excuse me, but it makes a great deal of difference to a Korean, being called Chinese or Japanese, or some other Asian nationality. Not that these people have anything against each other, it just isn't fair to label one as being any of the others. They are all different, and unique people in their own way." The guy stared at me, but my friend gave me such a look of gratitude, that I was glad I had spoken up on her behalf. I then proceeded to tell  the guy that it was not fair to assume that all Asian people were Chinese, or Japanese; the way so many people did, instead of realizing there were many Asian cultures. I told him he wouldn't like it if someone assumed he was a Canadian, or some other Caucasian nationality. I also said that I knew (____) was Korean, even though she had never told me that. The guy looked surprised and promptly apologized to my friend.

The sad thing is, this kind of behavior is common all over the Western part of the world; especially here in the United States. I am ashamed of this fact, since I was always taught to be open-minded toward other people, regardless of who they were, or their country of origin. I am glad for this kind of upbringing.  But these thoughtless types are, unfortunately, still my people.

My point is this: why can't people, especially my race, be more sensitive to the feelings of others to the extent of learning something about peoples of other countries, instead of just callously lumping them into a single category? Thank goodness for those individuals, like our American Baesisters, who can do so much more than just distinguish the differences in Asian cultures; we can also see the similarities between these wonderful people and ourselves. That is what this dear Family of ours is all about, after all. This is due, in great part, to the loving influence of our Charming  Prince,  Bae Yong Joon.

On a final note, I am now attending classes with a wonderful Korean exchange student, at our local Junior College. When our first class together had ended, I approached her and asked, "You're Korean, aren't you? She looked surprised, but pleased, and nodded. "Um-hum, how did you know?", she asked. I told her I could tell by the lovely structure of her face, and that my favorite Korean pop singer had the same shape to his face. She thanked me for the compliment, and we became friends from that moment on. In fact, she is now my best friend at the college. She helps me with my Korean language studies, and I help her with her English. As another friend of mine used to say: "It's all good." (RIP, Jeremiah; you are missed.)

 Love to all Family, everywhere. Anna