Duolingo Milestone

 I am actually at Day 57 in a row, but I forgot to post this on the proper day:

Duolingo

 As of yesterday I have 30 days in a row of learning to speak and read Korean. I joined Duolingo on a whim (because it was free), and I have consistently beaten most people at my level in learning and scores (just like back in elementary and high school). It's been amazing to see the progress, both on the app and also in my K-content viewing (reading Korean titles and signs). I needed this intellectual challenge, especially since I've always wondered what it would be like to have another language rolling around inside my head.

I never had any interest in the 'boring'/typical languages (Spanish, French, Italian, etc...), though I did try German for a fruitless and dull semester in college. But the last few years of consuming content (God, how I hate that expression) from Japan and South Korea (never dubbed, always subtitled) made me want to tackle one of them. As my tastes have swung dramatically toward South Korean shows, music, reality tv, K-pop, etc... it was a no-brainer. I bought a couple of Korean workbooks (in February and April) to mess around with first, and after a week at the end of June of that progress I jumped into Duolingo. I've actually paid for a full year of their MAX service, so I can practice as much as I want (which is often), and even use their AI for 'video call' conversations. It's been amazing and fun!

Cool Learning Assist

Since I have been learning the Korean alphabet lately I decided to get a mug that would be both helpful and cool. I'm not going to use it for coffee, just keep it around where I frequently sit (couch or computer table) so I can passively absorb the letters. 

Kocowa+

With Jason & Stacie's ridiculously amazing gift I was able to spend the $80 for a year of South Korean streaming service Kocowa+. Netflix's content was grwoing thin, and this new service has TONS of game shows, dating shows, and movies & series I hadn't heard of/couldn't find elsewhere. I am so happy!