First Diary Entry

What started as a daddy blog over 10 years ago, I didn't think I would start blogging again. When I first became a father, I was so overjoyed that I wanted to start documenting my journey as a first-time father. I was also one of the first to become a dad amongst my friends and thought I could pass some of my fatherly wisdom and tips behind for them once they became fathers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiZChB5vzOQ

That is how Appa's Diary was born when my daughter arrived.

However, the reality hit me harder than a speeding truck and it was difficult to keep up with the blog while juggling sleepless nights with a newborn, a full-time job and learning what SEO meant. If you're a parent yourself, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. I don't think I met one new parent who was not tired.

So, my 'very passionate' daddy blog got the "404 Error" message after my domain name - www.appasdiary.com was not renewed after a year. Even when I posted pictures and videos on my Instagram page, many started receiving the hashtag - #latergram.

Life went on. We bought our first house. Our daughter got a younger sibling. Life was very busy. Sometimes crazy, most of the times chaotic, few times quiet and sleepy but we were happy watching our babies becomes toddlers into spunky little children. Some would say we were living the 'American Dream'. One daughter, one son, 1 dog, owned a home, stable white-collar jobs with dual income and a happy family. What more could we ask for?

You see, my wife and I met in Seoul, South Korea 16 years ago. We were out there teaching English and our paths crossed. If you believe in 'soulmates' or 'right place at the right time' or anything between, that's what we were. Maybe I can expand on our 'how we met' story in another post but we yearned to go back to the country where we first met. Where the sparks flew. Where the magic happened. Our motherland...

We started looking for ways to go back there. Well, I did more so than my wife. Even though my career afforded me this great life in the suburbs of Maryland, I felt stuck in a groundhog's day. Like a hamster running on a wheel everyday. I yearned for more...

"How awesome would it be if we can live in Korea? Our kids can connect with our families there, learn the language and culture. Our parents can come visit or maybe even move and retire there. We can eat all this delicious food, travel Asia and live out our K-drama!"

Lo and behold, God answered our prayers and we found our ticket to Korea! I can explain more in another post but long story short, my wife was able to find a job out here in Korea. Which meant that I would have to give up mine in order to make the move (boo hoo I'm going to be a stay-at-home-dad). I knew this was my opportunity to make core memories not just for ourselves but especially for our children. A buddy of mine gave me the idea to get a pair of the Rayban Meta glasses so I can seamlessly record our activities while exploring Korea.

And that is how Appa's Diary came back with a renewed mission.

To document our family experiences in Korea more extensively. I don't know why didn't think to start up the blog again. The name was RIGHT THERE. "Appa's DIARY"! I was too busy slurping down noodles and learning how to poorly edit short-form videos. But alas, here we go again. Let's see if I can keep this diary going for more than few months. I have no excuse right? WIth 2 wonderful children that do not need me to change diapers and burp them anymore and 9-5 job, this should be piece of cake, no?

Anyways, if you're new here, check out my social media. I started making reels since we came to Korea in August 2024. A warning though, my older videos may be a little dizzying.

If you've been following us since Day 1, we appreciate you and we hope you stick with us on our journey in Korea. Love yall! Peace and blessings!