My Husband Got a Family: Unexpectedly Unforgettable

My Husband Got a Family or Unexpected You or You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly or Neongkuljjae Gulleoon Danshin (Oh dear, so many different ways to translate the title… phew!) is a drama aired in KBS last year. The drama got one of the highest ratings in drama history during its five-months long run. Of course, with a star such as Kim Nam Joo and Yoo Jun Sang, this drama sure is promising at the first glance.

image copied from http://www.dramahaven.com

Cha Yoon Hee is a successful thirty-something career woman who hates the idea of having in-laws after she got married. Luck is on her side when she met and got married to a handsome plus smart doctor, Terry Kang, who is an adopted child of a Korean Parents and grew up in the U.S. Having her husband’s adoptive parents living in the States is like having no in-laws at all. Yoon Hee feels she was blessed.

One day, Yoon Hee and Terry move to a new apartment and they instantly having problems with the landlord and their three daughters who lives just next door. Having constantly reminded of his blurry past after moving into the neighborhood, Terry suddenly feels the urge to find his biological parents. Yoon Hee agrees although she isn’t really fond of the idea. When Terry finally finds his biological parents, it turns out that they are… the landlord next door! This is where things get tangled and tangled even more for Yoon Hee, Terry, and the Bang family.

Bang Jang Soo and Uhm Chung Ae, Terry’s biological parents, have to deal with the lost of their only son for the past 30 years. Uhm Cung Ae, the mother, has been the one constantly blamed by her husband and her mother-in-law.

Bang Il Sook is the eldest daughter in the Bang family. After finding out that her husband has cheated on her with his boss she ended up living in her parents house with her only daughter prior to they divorce. Her life takes a turn when one day she finds out that Yoon Bin, a singer she was madly in love with during her teen, moved in to the rooftoop room of her family’s building.

Bang Yi Sook is a 30 years old tomboy. She has never been in a relationship with any man because she’s still can’t forget her first love of ten years. Things changed when she met Chun Jae Yong, a son of a wealthy family, who is funny and goofy. He is the manager in a cafe where she works as a waitress.

Bang Mal Sook is the youngest of the three. She’s a beautiful and fashionable woman who would date rich men just so they can get her expensive things. Her life changed when she’s falls head over heels in love with Cha Se Kwang. Se Kwang is handsome, rich, and cares a lot about her. Though later Mal Sook finds out a shocking truth about him.

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image copied from http://www.ohkpop.com

Oh boy, there are so many characters in this drama, it’s hard to talk about them one by one. So, I just talk about some characters that are very memorable to me, aside from Cha Yoon Hee and Terry Kang/Bang Gwi Nam, of course.

The first few episodes, I was so drawn by the charm of Yoo Jun Sang. Yes, I think he got everything a woman looks for in a man. A husband material, one of my friends used to say. I think he portrays the character of Gwi Nam really well. Kind, loving and a little bit awkward (due to the fact that Gwi Nam grew up in the States, maybe?). And Kim Nam Joo… what should I say about her… Interesting? Unique? I’m not sure. But it’s so refreshing to see her acting as a witty, smart, independent and courageous woman. This couple is so lovable. They act so natural, although everybody knows that Kim Nam Joo has a real life partner, actor Kim Seung Woo, and has been married for some time.

However, later on in the drama, my attention was forced to fixed on the other couple, Chun Jae Yong and Bang Yi Sook. They both are such a cute couple! Everytime they have a scene together it was always so refreshing, funny, sweet and heart-warming at the same time. It’s cliche, but I could feel their strong chemistry, I really did. Jae Yong is so funny, keeps getting into arguments with Yi Sook but later falls deeply in love with her. No, this is not a spoiler. I can easily guess, not long after these two characters met, that they are going to be a couple. But I keep waiting to see what’s next in their love story. I smiled a lot, laugh a lot everytime I watched them together. I was (and still) totally hooked with them!

The weird thing about this drama is that it’s quite predictable in so many ways, but somehow still managed to be totally enjoyable to follow. I knew from the start that the in-laws would be the neighbor next door, but it’s just interesting to see the moment they find out about it, and see their first official meeting as in-laws. I knew that Jae Yong and Yi Sook would be a couple, yet they somehow wrapped the story in such a way that kept drawing me in. The story of the drama itself mostly consists of everyday family issues, so it’s really something we can relate.

About the cameos, this drama has so many cameos of famous people. I would say it’s a drama with the most cameo appearances. My favorite Korean celebrity, KIM JONG MIN, is there! (Yes, that’s what got me into this drama in the first place, hehehe). There’s Ji Jin Hee, the amazingly handsome guy, who is famous for doing historical dramas such as Dae Jang Geum and Dong Yi, and who happens to be a good friend of Kim Nam Joo’s husband, the real husband. Sung Si Kyung is there too (I only mention him for the sake of my best friend, you know who you are :D). And then there’s Cha Tae Hyun, Lee Su Geun, ZE:A, Song Joon Geun (Shin Bora’s boyfriend on Gag Concert), Shin Se Kyung and sooooo many more. The most interesting cameos of all is Kim Seung Woo and Hong Eun Hee. Kim Seung Woo, as I mentioned before, is Kim Nam Joo’s real life husband. Hong Eun Hee is Yoo Jun Sang’s real life wife. Kim Seung Woo’s character in this movie is so unforgettable! Although he only appears for a few brief minutes, but his character is so funny and such a contrast from his usual roles in other dramas and made me laugh the whole time he was on!

My Husband Got a Family runs for 58 episodes. “That’s a lot!” I thought when I first learn about this drama. I usually only watch dramas 16 to 20 episodes long, so I immediately say no to watching it. Then, because it got great reviews, and great ratings, plus the Kim Jong Min factor, I got curious. It’s pretty intimidating at first, but, unexpectedly, I enjoy watching it so much that I got to the last episode in no time. It’s so unforgettable up to the point that I feel 58 is really not enough, I want more!

My Husband Got a Family, other than its high ratings, also won several awards and the casts are nominated in numerous categories in KBS drama award. The soundtrack is pretty good too. I personally love Girl’s Day – Nung Cool Song and Ce Song sing by Yoo Jun Sang and Kwak Do Yeon.

Bottom line of my review, if you’re looking for a drama to entertain you, to make you laugh, smile, and maybe just shed some tears (just a little!), then you’ve got to see this. I declare this drama highly recommended!

Bang Yi Sook (Joo Yoon Hee) and Chun Jae Yong (Lee Hee Jun)
image copied from dramacrazy.net

[Football Talk] Arsenal: This Season So Far

Let’s talk about football!

It’s been quite a while since the last time I talk about football. Half of the season already gone, and Arsenal is… to me they’re still quite frustrating. It’s love and hate about their performances so far this season.

First, let’s talk about Arsenal’s newest ammo additions: Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud. I think they are the dynamic or fantastic trio. So far they have been the soul of Arsenal in every performance.

The Dynamic Trio: Giroud – Podolski – Cazorla
Picture copied from Lukas Podolski Facebook Page

Lukas Podolski is a strong player who is highly skillful both in offense and defense. If I’m not mistaken, he has saved two goal scoring opportunities when Szczesny’s already in a helpless position. Remember the last match against Liverpool at the Emirates? Arsenal could’ve lost big time! He’s also a strong player with deadly strikes. Several of his goals this season came from powerful strikes and free kicks.

Olivier Giroud… What can I say about him? He’s a late bloomer, I guess. He started the season not so good, but he’s been awesome this past few weeks. 5 goals in 3 games isn’t something you can ignore about him. Indeed, he’s good in winning balls in the air. Most of his goals came from a header. But sometimes he’s a bit passive. In several games, I think he’s not active enough in creating chances or breaking through the opponents defense. He just wait upfront for someone to pass him the ball. When he did play a more active roll, man, he is a serious threat. I guess he still needs to be a little bit more consistent in his performance. So far so good, though.

Olivier Giroud’s Deadly Header
Picture copied from Arsenal Official Facebook Page

Now, talking about Santi Cazorla. As what I’ve heard from one of the commentators tonight, he’s been magical. I totally agree with that. Ever since day one, on his debut against Southampton at the opening game, he has shown everyone that he’s a fantastic player. He has the ability to create chances, to provide great passing and strike some beautiful goals. Although he hasn’t score that much this season, but to me he’s the only player who never lets me down. He’s a keeper! (I don’t mean goal keeper, obviously)

Oh, there’s one new addition in the left back, Nacho Monreal. At his debut tonight he’s pretty good, I would say. But need more time to see the best or worst in him. On season’s end, maybe?

Next, let’s talk about the table so far. We’re in 6, which is not so good, although the point difference between the 3rd to the 7th isn’t that much. Being in 6 is enough to make all Gooners restless. “Can we make it to the Champions League next season?” is in every Gooners’ mind right now. Nerve wrecking, totally nerve wrecking. Seeing how inconsistent Arsenal has been this season (every season, actually) is pretty much planting a bit of fear in my heart. Last season, Arsenal played well in every first half but crumbles in the 2nd half. This season, they’re so frustrating in the first half, but glorious and amazing in the 2nd half. The problem is, giving awesome 2nd half performance is not enough to secure 3 points, not always enough. In every game, I’m like holding on to dear life. When Arsenal score, I desperately hoping they won’t conceive any. When the opponent scores, I desperately hoping for Arsenal to bounce back. When the game ended up with a draw, I feel disappointed that Arsenal could’ve done better.

There were times when I feel a bit of… I don’t know… maybe anger towards the boss. At times I feel he could’ve chosen other players to start or could’ve substitute someone with another but he didn’t. That’s frustrating too. Maybe it’s just me, but that’s how I feel. However, I do still believe that he’s an amazing manager and wouldn’t trade him with anyone in the world… just yet.

Ah, it’s never easy to be a Gooner.

What about some new bright star this season?

I would say that the first one is Kieran Gibb. He’s young, he’s talented, got pace, good defending skill etc..etc.. He totally deserves his spot in the main team. And then, of course there’s the return of Jack Wilshere. Dear Jackie has been awesome ever since his comeback a couple of months ago. He can opened up the opponent’s tight defensive play and create lots of chances. He’s always so active and aggressive and livens up the game.

Theo..Theo..Theo Walcott. He has gone from good to great to amazing! It’s not been a pleasant several months with his contract extension postponement and stuff, because Gooners are of course traumatized from loosing important star players 2 seasons in a row. But during those suffocating times, he has given Arsenal the prove that he can be a player worth keeping and worth a raise for. 100,000 a week is the highest paycheck ever to be given to an Arsenal player. Theo wants it, Theo gets it. But everyone’s happy, that’s for sure.

Theo Walcott – TH14
Picture copied from Arsenal Official Facebook Page

One player who I think deserves more chance is Carl Jenkinson. When Baccary Sagna was absent because of his injury last season, Carl has been an amazing replacement. He’s strong and work hard in the defense area. Too bad that the boss been constantly putting him on the bench this season. I’ve only seen him once at the FA Cup match against Brighton Hove Albion a couple of weeks ago. Would really love to see more of Carl.

Then, there’s a couple of players who’s not really a comfortable sight to see, in terms of their performance.

There’s Sagna. Yes, Sagna. He’s a superb player when he moves forward and giving passes and crosses to Theo and Santi, but back in the defense area he’s just not as superb. It’s my personal opinion, though.

And then, there’s someone Gooners been ranting about. Yes, it’s Santos. I have no idea what happened to him in recent games. Is it because of his last injury? Or is it because he hasn’t played much since his comeback from injury? Sorry to say, I think he has gone from average to worst. He did things he wasn’t supposed to do, but didn’t do things he really should do, I’ll just put it that way. He’s received plenty of harsh criticism from Gooners in his instagram account, which I happened to follow, especially due to his frequent post of food pictures and self pictures in restaurants. Hm… I have no say about that. I still believe that he could be a much better player, but only time will tell.

Picture copied from Andre Santos Instagram account

The last thing I want to talk about is Arsenal after RvP era.

Why would I wanna talk about that? Well, just to make a point of something. In terms of Arsenal’s position in the table, yes, it’s no better than last season. But in terms of goal, we’re doing a lot better, I’d have to say. People said that Arsenal will lose their goal machine after last season’s top scorer left for Manchester. They were questioning the goal scoring ability of the Gunners post RvP. People, you are wrong… dang wrong. This season, there are several games where Arsenal win big. The 5-3 against Newcastle Utd, 7-5 against Reading, 5-1 against West Ham Utd (was it? I think so) has proven that Arsenal is actually doing so much better in terms of goal scoring productivity. And in addition to that, the goals Arsenal have scored didn’t only come from one name. Giroud, Podolski, Cazorla, Gibb, Wilshere, Walcott all have their name on the score board. That’s a relieve to me. Arsenal have overcome RvP’s departure with grace so far.

It will be one heck of a season if Arsenal manages to finish in top 3 just like last season. With a tight race to the very last second of the season, Arsenal had pull through in 2012. Can they do it again this season? Creating miracles for us, Gooners? Hell yeah, I sure hope so! Cos it would be a great feeling when I meet them in July at their Summer Tour to Indonesia (fingers crossed, I hope I can really go and meet them!) XD

Me as a Freelance Book Translator: 7 Days a Week with Plenty of Overtime

While researching for something, I found this blog about freelance book translating. The author writes about what the job is really like, the do’s and don’t of translating, the risk of being a translator and many more. Suddenly, I feel that the author is actually writing about my life. Especially when she wrote “masih mikir kalo penerjemah freelance itu pekerjaan leyeh-leyeh?” (do you still think that freelance translating is an easy job?)

I’ve been a freelance book translator for almost two years now, and I’ve translated 8 books so far (not a lot of books, not yet, hopefully). In these past two years, I’ve had people telling me how lucky I am to be able to work from the comfort of my own home. They said that I have loads of free times to do stuff, unlike people who are trapped in their office all day. They also said that I’m lucky to be able to take it easy when I’m doing my job, and don’t have to deal with demanding superior or work partner from hell. I just smile in response to all that and said to myself, “boy, they have absolutely no idea what it’s like.”

I think the misconception of a freelance book translator’s job happens due to the idea of working at home. Not having to rush in the wee hours to the office, not having fixed working hours, all that seemed to put a thought in their mind that it’s a light job that I can do whenever and however I like it. And it’s a book that I’m working on, how can it be much harder than simply reading one?

Putting things straight, translating a book is way harder than that.

Yes, I am working in my own home office, away from the hustle of office workers. It’s nice and comfortable, that’s a definite plus.

Yes, I don’t have a fixed working hours. I can start as early or as late as my heart desired and I can take as many short breaks as I have to.

Yes, books (novels, in my case) is what I work on. Interesting storyline, great author (I’ve translated two Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books so far, and both are amazing!) and being able to read the book before it’s published are a few perks of being a translator.

But, there’s more than meets the eyes.

Working at home is nice and comfortable, I admit that. But nice and comfortable isn’t so cool when you’re trying to do some serious work. My home office is in front of the computer in my bedroom. When I’m sleepy, the bed is highly tempting. When I’m hungry, the heavenly aroma of my mother’s cooking from downstairs is totally distracting. The freedom of using my mobile phone and chat with my friends or checking my Facebook, Twitter, blogs can be too much to resist.

The fact that I have no fixed working hours isn’t such a joy either. I have deadlines, and the deadlines can be so suffocating. I once have to translate a 300 pages novel in just one month. I have to work way into the night, up to 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning, almost everyday. In order to meet the deadline, I even work on weekends, whilst office workers have their day off. If I want a day off, even for just one day, I have to adjust my working schedule or make up for it by working twice as hard the next day so that I can finish the book in time.

Yeah, sometimes I need a long break that I ended up taking a full day off and go out with my friends. But the deadline’s date is in the back of my head every second of the day so that once I start working again I pushed myself even harder. I’m the type of person who doesn’t like to hold off work and later try to finish it like crazy when the deadline approaches. No, I always try to finish translating 2 to 3 days before deadline so that I have time to proofread all of my hard work. I always submit my work in time. I need to maintain that or I won’t get any more jobs from my publisher.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t write this to complain.

I love love LOVE my job. Why? I love reading novels. I read my first novel way back in junior high. It was an Agatha Christy mystery. I enjoy reading it so much that I’ve dive in to reading ever since. Working as a translator allows me to read and work at the same time. Fortunately, so far, the books I’ve translated are interesting books, mainly detective and mysteries which are my favorite genre. I enjoy translating so much that sometimes I got too caught up with work until way after midnight without even realizing. Whenever I got to interesting chapters, I feel so bad having to turn off  the computer and call it a day. When I get up in the morning, I can’t wait to go back to work and find out what happens next in the book.

It’s so cliche, people often said that when you love your job nothing is too hard or nothing is too much. I sincerely believe that’s how it is. I don’t mind working 7 days a week and having overtime almost everyday, as long as I can finish translating my book and happy with the result.

Being a freelance book translator isn’t easy, but it’s the most enjoyable and fun job I’ve had so far. I love it and I want to keep doing it! 😉