Happy New Year!!!!

Year End Report

The final piece of this year's report..

September

* BYJ became the Face Shop model/endorser and yes we heard him sing as well and take note in English!!! Definitely music to my ears.

* He was also cited studying various wines (don't think he really needed it)

October
* BYJ gathering information for his photobook went on the Ocean Experience

* The most important event this month and this year perhaps was him awarded with Korean National Order of Culture of merit. The first Hallyu male star to receive it. (Made us all proud)

November

* He presented through his official site a music gift for all his fans/family called "You are My Everything" in which the MV was directed by him..( I'm impressed and truly grateful)

December

* BYJ attended the MBC awards to announce this year's grand winner

* We also found out about BYJ directing the MV for "You Are My Everything" (this is like a dream come true for me. why??? YJ knows)

* The Yokohama Christmas Party was successfully launched when YJ greeted the family through a live telecast from Korea

* We also saw lovely footages of YJ with a new CF

*BYJ was also named as the largest shareholder of a Japanese firm; the BOFi which will merge with Digital Adventure in 2009.

MBC Awards

Just a breather from the Year End Report sisters.. Couldn't help posting the MBC awards which happened while I was at work sob sob sob..

I will only post my favorite pictures..ok? With this one, he looked really happy and you could feel the warmth on his face being out and see his family perhaps.. There's this kind of aura around him that seem to light up the whole event. I don't think many people could do that.

This one shows whatever facial expression he carries he still looked very cute and adorable.. One of those which weakened the knees kind of thing.

Confidence, charm, oozzzzzzing sex appeal and a killer smile enough to make the night perfect.

If you notice the hair was short.. never mind the color streak, he looked a lot slimmer than last year's award, no crutches this time (thank God) and he looked absolutely well.. That's just what I would love to see.

BYJ Year End Report Part 2

I think I have to give a short yet picture less report this time because my computer is so slow.... My apologies. I am battling with a virus in my computer so been using a half dead one while the other computer upstairs is just dead .. I think I overload it.. God I need a miracle!!!

So April

* BYJ flew to New York for CF making (I remembered sisters looking from all corners of New York to LA just to see him, feels like it was just yesterday)
* We were also informed that BYJ became the spokesperson of the Shinhan Financial Group
* The new Megane Ichiba CF was aired on the 25th of this month
* BYJ was voted as the most Influential Actor in Korea

then May
* BYJ as we all know was still in New York
* Then he was back in Korea the same month and left for Japan for the TWSSG Premium Event
( He must be jet lagged after all this travelling but then again he's THE BYJ)

June
* The TWSSG Premium Event successfully took place watch by thousands at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka. (It was an amazing gathering)
*The TWSSG Premium Press conference was conducted followed by interviews
* He also visited a charity football match at Nakata Hide
* YJ also managed to take a trip to Kamakura despite hectic schedules

July
* BYJ was back in Seoul after a succesful Japan trip
*He also graced us with lovely pictures of Kamakura

August
* This month the family rejoiced over a letter from him to his family asking for suggestions of things they want to know about Korea which will be shown in his photobook plus it was his birthday too!!

BYJ Year End Report Part 1

It's nearly New Year so let's take a look on how our adorable BYJ did (I might be missing some details , just bear with me) . As far as I could remember it's an exciting year for BYJ.

January
We were still feeling the hype of TWSSG and BYJ's success after receiving MBC's Daesang Award and Best On -screen Couple. I remember well the excitement and anticipation on those days.












*This month the sale of the TWSSG Photobook came out and BYJ applied for a US visa.

* If you remember the lawsuit about the FACE in Japan took us by surprise. Needless to say, I didn't hear anymore after BOF's press release so it must be settled by now.

This month is a mixed time for the Baeworld.. so we move on.
February

* The rumors about YJ casting in the Japanese Manga thrilled us all. Wine?????? I think that's where my passion for it comes from hehehe

* This month BYJ acquired 40,000 shares of BOF International. Sounds like he made himself one of the major shareholders and later on bought a further 1.08% share lifting his holdings to 34.36%
*BYJ was also recuperating at this time while the lawsuit still lingered (sigh)




March
* Further rumor surfaced that BYJ was interested in the drama "The Drops of God"











* We also saw a collector's edition of the Joon Bear. I am still toying at the idea of looking in the net for BYJ goodies perhaps that's a long long way to go to be fully pledged ;-) don't want to break the bank if there's any .
* And who didn't fall weak on the new cell pictures which started circulating this month for BYJ cellphone . I want that too .. (credits as labeled)

* His contract with Megane Ichiba was also renewed around this time.




* We were also surprised by BYJs message about WLS Animation. The Winter Sonata animation was launched in Tokyo and will be aired in later part of 2009.
There will be new scenes which we didn't see in the original drama such as those in France and New York.. Ohh wonder what the plot would be like. Most of us know already he will be the voice of the lead role..those voice..



* What a stylish way to end this month with a new CF for Viliv a sat nav and multimedia system.. .










to be continued..

Eventful Christmas

Christmas was over and I hope all of my Baesis had a great time coz I did. I think that was the first funny experience I had. My guests and hubby thought it was a very good time. They love the food , the wine and their stay which was important.

Christmas Eve was eventful. After a Chinese takeaway (saving the turkey you see) we all had to wait for Ben all the way from London and luckily he arrived about 2 am. Yep and following the German tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve we had to open ours though it's the early hours of Christmas.. hehehehhe not that I complain ;-)

Apart from those things I received above I think one of the delightful things to have are these two: a good sturdy camera tripod, decanter with 4 matching crystal wine glasses including a couple of lithium batteries, and digital frame. If you notice the theme this year is photography. I remember one year they gave me painting equipments and last year was wine... didn't have many wine this year but these are just great.

Now how did the meal go??? It was fun. The turkey was cooked after four hours but because I was busy talking to everyone I forgot to put my vegetables. So after the starter of smoked salmon they had to sit back waiting for the main course which was about an hour while enjoying a glass of Blason de Bourgogne-Burgundy 1st cru. This one was really good with fish being a chardonnay.. Hey, not so bad since they were all merry and enjoying the conversation. Phew!!! I didn't realize I kept giving them bottles of wine and actually comparing each after the other. At one point even the expensive Chateau

didn't impressed Dick but the Chateau de la Madeleine got the

highest score. I don't know (sigh).. so my visitors were very merry then it's time for the main course. It was more of a meat feast actually since we had the turkey, ham, meatballs, bacon and chipolatas plus the

vegetables. Oh dear, thinking about recession. I think they were only a quarter of the turkey left considering it's for 12 people and there were only 5 of us.. It wasn't me , honest. I didn't think I could eat anymore especially when I was in the kitchen most of the day. Because we were so full we had to leave the dessert of Christmas pudding and fruit of the forest trifle inluding the cheese and biscuits later on. I didn't even manage to eat the cheese and biscuits so I took some for work the following day. ;-)My little research did the trick since a J.P. Chenet Pinot Noir was a very good match for the meal. Phew!!! What a great day to end this meal with a glass of an 11 year old Taylor's Port. Success!!!

Card

This has been sent to me today by another Bae sis. I thought it's rather cute. Happy Christmas to you

Happy Christmas

Happy Birthday Myoce

This ones for you. I hope you had a fantastic day and wish you all the best my dear. I also raise my glass for you. Love , Hyds

On Friendship..

"YOU WERE THERE FOR ME"

Erin Porter

Words escape me at this moment that seems like the end yet it is only the beginning when friendships are close and dreams are far you were there for me.

Tears fill me with memories of both good and bad some nearly forgotten yet all dear to the heart you were there for me.

In times of trouble and in times of thanks you stood by my side and held me up.

Through your ever-patient ears to your comforting hugs you were there for me.

From that first day when I saw you and knew that you would love me

For who I was you were there for me.

And until the day when we are old and gray

I will always know that you are there for me.

Between The Miles
by Heather Stoop
Because existence can become severe

in one day,

just sense me and

I'll be there.

In the minds eye,

I'm not so far away.

If you hold out your hand,

in the whispers,

I'll become the zephyr.

and besiege you.

If your eye's upon the stars,

in the crystalline darkness,

I'll become the moon.

And the light shall guide you.

If you rest upon the ground,

in the warmth,

I'll become the grass.

And embrace you.

If you turn outside,

in the wetness,

I'll become the rain.

An upon your forehead, kiss you.

If you free the air,

in the light of day,

I'll become the sun.

And smile for you.

Between the miles-if you need me.

If you need a friend.

Let me be the friend,

I want to be.

Dedicated to my dear friends across the miles. You know who you are

Christmas Tradition in Britain (Cont)

Popular among children at Christmas time are pantomimes: song and dance dramatisations of well-known fairy tales which encourage audience participation.

Carols are often sung on Christmas Eve by groups of singers to their neighbours, and children hang a stocking on the fireplace or at the foot of their bed for Santa Claus (also named Father Christmas) to fill. Presents for the family are placed beneath the Christmas tree.

Christmas Day sees the opening of presents and many families attend Christmas services at church. Christmas dinner consists traditionally of a roast turkey, goose or chicken with stuffing and roast potatoes. This is followed by mince pies and Christmas pudding flaming with brandy, which might contain coins or lucky charms for children. (The pudding is usually prepared weeks beforehand and is customarily stirred by each member of the family as a wish is made.) Later in the day, a Christmas cake may be served - a rich baked fruit cake with marzipan, icing and sugar frosting.

The pulling of Christmas crackers often accompanies food on Christmas Day. Invented by a London baker in 1846, a cracker is a brightly coloured paper tube, twisted at both ends, which contains a party hat, riddle and toy or other trinket. When it is pulled by two people it gives out a crack as its contents are dispersed.

Another traditional feature of Christmas afternoon is the Queen's Christmas Message to the nation, broadcast on radio and television.

The day after Christmas is known in Britain as Boxing Day, which takes its name from a former custom of giving a Christmas Box - a gift of money or food inside a box - to the deliverymen and tradespeople who called regularly during the year. This tradition survives in the custom of tipping the milkman, postman, dustmen and other callers of good service at Christmas time.

Countdown to Christmas

It's less than a week and it's going to be Christmas. I wonder if we will have any surprises from BYJ within this week; a Christmas greeting perhaps???

People all over the world celebrate differently and have traditions to follow. I just thought I would share with you the English tradition. It's not much different from the rest except that they celebrate only on the 25th with a big meal and plenty of drinks . As far as I could remember, since the meal was so big it was enough to fill a person the whole day.

So each day till Christmas I will tell about ways observe in England basically. The Welsh, Scots, Irish have similar tradition but I'll focus in England.

Lets' start with the Christmas card. Apparently it was first posted in England in the 1840s. Different charities sell their cards which is not bad since it's more of donating to your favorite charity when you buy theirs. Over a billion Christmas cards are sent each year. Thinking about being eco friendly. Anyway I have been doing this too , writing greeting cards to friends and families including work colleagues and neighbors. Yes, it could be tasking and one has to start early. In my opinion it's the thought that counts so after all these years I just sent one card for the whole staff and cut down on the number of cards I sent considering the cost and waste it will pile after the season. Though we recycle in this country a lot, I give them that.

Another thing is the Christmas decoration which even have earlier origins. Holly, ivy and mistletoe are associated with rituals going back beyond the Dark Ages. (The custom of kissing beneath a sprig of mistletoe is derived from an ancient pagan tradition.) The Christmas tree was popularised by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, who introduced one to the Royal Household in 1840. Since 1947, the country of Norway has presented Britain annually with a large Christmas tree which stands in Trafalgar Square in commemoration of Anglo-Norwegian cooperation during the Second World War.

A lot of families still buy the real tree. I haven't thought of doing it unless one has a really huge house for a big tree, I find the small ones unattractive. They said the smell is good but then again in my opinion it would take time to dispose them, and plus I've got a dog. He wouldn't like the pointed edges of the tree so have to use my good old tree which is now decorated with lovely autumn colors.

Ok sisters.. I hope you learn from this.

Excerpts of BYJ interview..

My dear Moichan shared her own translation in KOB of this fascinating BYJ interview from footages of the Premium Event. Sorry a bit late in updating this but I'd like to share it here since I felt it's precious. Thank you very much Moichan.
I'll translate only YJ's words which touched the string of my heart to let you know how he was like on the day.

1) about his hobby-taking photos;

By taking photos,I can vent my stress while looking at the sky,clouds in the nature. Before getting injured,I thought exercises helped me release something bad in my body and make me feel refreshed. But now I can see things from many different angles by taking photos.
Dear hyds, do you agree with him ? (From old footage,he said,'' I'd like to make a guide book.But I can't tell the details which should be kept secret.)
h: M now that I like photography I'd rather not being photographed but the many beautiful things around me. It's life changing.. Once your eyes are opened to see beauty there's no turning back.

2) About visiting Japan: All the places I know in Japan is Saitama-arena and Kyosera -dome.
(M:Oh YJ don't tell a lie.You've been to Kamakura and some other places,too.) I know there are so many places worth visiting other than those two and delicious food as well. If I could come here more often and get to used to the life here,they (Japanese) would pay less attention to me.

(M: It can't be possible, I'm saying)

3)What he wants to do;
Sitting on a chair and laid back in the woods surrounded by trees and dewy grasses,I like to smell clean air and breathe it.(He wants such a rest.)
h: that's exactly what I would love to do. Camping in the open air/woodlands and stargaze at night (sigh)

4)He also said,'' Eating hot and spicy foods hepls me get rid of stress and strains since I sweat a lot and refreshed.''
Moichan heard from Goshireh chief chef YJ didn't take spicy foods too much and liked rather light taste.
h: That's what I thought also. I like spicy food but we all know hot and spicy food releases endorphin , doesn't it? Which makes us feel happy..

5) About being an actor as a profession;
Acting is one of the most difficult jobs,I think.Because there's no right answers in it.When I'm so into the role,I feel more pains than joys of the characters,which touches my heart so deeply I can get aross something to the audience. Am I right ? Therefore being an actor is a tough job,I think.But a tough job has many hardships to overcome until I reach the goal.A tough job also generates enegy and challenging spirit for self-growth.

6) About his future ;
I'm thinking of farming in the future.As I like wine,I'd like to work in the grape field and invite my family to feed them tasty foods.I'll stay with my family until over 50 years old.(M: oh he is thinking about keeping on acting that long. That's great.)

h: About that vineyard, definitely will visit. When and where YJ?????

The weekend was truly exciting and a great time for the Baeworld and though I was miles away thinking of the event I was also having a good time with my family. It was a sort of a double celebration one anticipated the other one wasn't.

Alex's brother cooked a lovely Indian meal and thought I'd like to share them with you. The starter was poppadums and baji. I brought with me a petite Chablis hoping to try it for the first time. It must be slightly different to the full bodied Chablis because this one I had, didn't impress me at all . Considering Chablis is a very popular drink but obviously a faux pas on my part as it didn't match the food. Lesson learned. No matter how expensive the drink if it doesn't complement the food it's no good.

Then came the main course. It was a sumptuous vegetable curry and another masala with vegetables. (healthy eating) paired with pilau rice. Dick brought out two bottles of J.P. Chenet cabernet shiraz. It's a good wine. His sister sent it over from France for Christmas so we will have more of these on the day. (tell you now, I found a Chenet in Pinot Noir earlier which would be really good for turkeys, perfect timing so bought two bottles)

Alex' nephew, Oscar came around to me and asked if it was my birthday last Sunday and I said no. Poor kiddo he had to keep something from Auntie Hydee. Anyway my mum- in-law came around with this. I just took the candles out and forgot to take a picture coz of excitement and being surprised.

Oscar enjoying the cake.

The family gave me a pretty picnic bag which should be handy when we go camping next time.

New CF picture

Love this new look..the eyewear suits him too. Want more!!!!! photo credits as labeled/original post by Hapiebb.

An Angel

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. ~Author Unknown

BYJ's Hasselblad Camera

I know, I vowed not to discuss Yong Joon's camera as I felt it's something personal to him and I respect him for that but as a photography enthusiast myself I couldn't help noticing his kit. Obviously it's everywhere from latest to not so old postings of sisters, I see it. It's screaming for attention and attention (from me ) it will get.

H3DII-31








H3DII-50

Yong Joon has all the money to be able to afford this camera and being a very keen photographer he truly deserve to use the most sophisticated of all digital single-lens reflex cameras(DSLR). I am only a humble new owner of a D30 which is the mother of Canon's DSLR, not that I complain but very thankful and lucky to receive it; this baby of his is HOT!

When I saw him with this camera in the Kamakura footages I couldn't help but wondered what sort of camera was it. I thought at first it was a Mamiya, Canon or Nikon because of the hood. Although now I could buy a hood for my lens no problem and it will just look like the rest of them. You don't really need to put a hood on a lens and best not. Going back to BYJ camera, thanks to the strap and I managed to unlock its name.

Hasselblads are very expensive and if you look back at its history it was first established in Sweden by the Hasselblad family .The son, Viktor Hasselblad founded the photographic division in the company and was once quoted “I certainly don’t think that we will earn much money on this, but at least it will allow us to take pictures for free". He didn't realize it would be the major profitable department later on and up to this time enjoying the top position of the chain in the world of photography.

It was nothing but a commercial camera not until a bright American astronaut purchase it in 1962 and decided to take it with him in space which gave birth to the first space photography and the start of a close relationship between a small Swedish company and NASA. The rest is history..

We saw BYJ with his camera anywhere he goes whether he's filming, travelling and being with his 'family'.. He found himself a precious companion and as for us, we wait to see these images he's gathering 'designed to convey thoughts, feelings, and information' about the beauty of Korea.

For further reading please visit this link. Photo credits as labeled.

The Many Faces..

Winter has come again and it's been a special season because of this young man. This was the first character played. Serious, stubborn, distant yet sweet and sensitive. Reminds me of the younger years ;-)

Then comes the cheerful one.. Lee Min-Hyung. A charmer, vibrant, confident and loves life.

And the true self.. A complex persona who was willing to face all odds and defy all forces for love.. How sweet!

The many faces of Kang Joon- Sang. (credits as labeled)

Food and Wine this Season

Christmas is fast approaching and this year hubby and I will host the Christmas dinner. It's ok, we are organize or trying to be ( I hope so) . Since it's my first time I feel that I really have to get things planned and scheduled since I will be working days before hand. I have come up with a menu which include a starter, main course which would be the turkey and trimmings of course including vegetables, dessert, biscuits and cheeses, tea and coffee. Phew!! Did I miss anything? Oh yes the wine!
Anyway folks, I was buying this and that and forgot that I will be serving white meat! Most of the wine I gathered were for red meats..! Not only that salmon which will be the starter has to be paired up with I don't know.. Perhaps a white Burgundy? Most sites mentioned the German wine. Though some could be sweet I thought the Riesling was a bit strong. I don't particularly want that in the start of the meal. So luckily I found some Chardonnay and Cru Burgundy.

Then I thought what about the turkey??Oh, white meat should have to be white wine. Great!! I haven't got many whites. Apparently, it goes well with reds as well. Oh good! But which one? Shiraz and Merlot are said to be compatible. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also good . I thought that's ok since there are many of those I could get. From new world to old world wines.

I am not worried about the dessert and the cheeses. Although for the cheese if I get the soft ones I need to have a light red like Chinon or Sauvignon Blanc handy.

Oh well, I should think my Saint Emilions and Bordeaux would have a lucky escape this time. I hope so as they are my favorites.. Now, did I say I'm going to cook? Oh dear, perhaps I should start at six in the morning.