Coffee, Blogging & Skydiving: An Interview with Cafe from Your Daily Dose!

Janice, AKA, Cafe with her favorite beverage

Hello! It’s my pleasure today to introduce to you Janice, AKA, “Cafe” who writes Your Daily Dose, part journal, part photography blog, and 100% interesting and inspiring! Cafe and her blog are loads of fun so let’s get started with the interview!

Rohan: So Janice, you are a Korean living in Canada. Tell us, where were you born? And if a different location, where did you do most of your growing up?

Janice: I was both born and raised in Toronto, living in the downtown area for most of my life. Toronto’s a pretty great place to live in. Lots of different types of communities. I feel that I was lucky to have grown up in very multicultural schools and neighborhoods in Toronto. I think that starts you on the path to realizing there’s very different types of people out there.

R: Yeah it’s similar in Australia, where I grew up, very multicultural. It definitely helps us realise that we’re all similar in way as well, regardless of our cultural backgrounds, which is something you don’t get growing up in a mono-culture. By the way I love Korean movies! I think I’ve watched about 30 of them over the past eight or so years since discovering how cool they are hehe. I’ve seen the likes of Oldboy, The Chaser, Memories of Murder, JSA plus a few smaller ones like Take Care of My Cat and Barking Dogs Never Bite. By the way Bae Doo Na is my favorite actress Korean or otherwise, I’m totally in love! It was great to see her in Cloud Atlas. So do you like watching Korean movies as well? What are your favorites? And can you suggest any cool ones that I might not have seen?

A Korean girl pouting! Adorable? Not according to Cafe

J: Lol. You’ve probably – no, you’ve definitely – seen more Korean movies than I have! Funny enough, I’ve never really watched Korean movies or dramas up until a couple weeks ago when I got the flu and was stuck at home every day with no internet. That’s when I started watching a Korean drama called “Dae Jang Gum” that I had borrowed from my dad well over a year ago and never gotten around to watching. I was totally hooked! That drama series is really popular in many countries. But I think generally it’s hard for me to watch Korean movies or shows because I have a very low tolerance for the Korean actresses who whine and pout a lot. Not very attractive at all, sorry Rohan (lol).

R: Haha, oh no, it’s the whining and pouting that I love, it’s just so adorable! Ahem, maybe I should see someone about that >.< I know what it’s like though, watching Irish or Australian films can be difficult sometimes, what is novel or funny or cute to an international audience can be pretty cringe-worthy to someone who actually lived there!

J: Haha! That’s okay, we all have our own tastes. Korean girls are cute, so I can’t blame you

R: Well I can’t argue with that

Growing up in Australia I’ve known a number Koreans and met a few Canadians in my time, and I have to say they are both some of the warmest, most interesting people I’ve come into contact with! You have some combo going on there! One thing I’m a big fan of from Canada is the punk music. Bands like Mute, Propagandhi, and This is a Standoff being some of my favorites. What kind of music do you like to listen to the most?

J: Aww, thank you, that’s very sweet of you to say

Well, I admit that I haven’t gotten into the punk yet. I’d say what I listen to the most on my iPod is pop music, R&B, and some rock. I also enjoy hip-hop, rap, house, opera and other types of classical music. I love songs from musicals as well. The songs that I’ll play on repeat are usually the ones that make me feel something, bring out a lot of emotions – whether it’s feelings of happiness, angst, or whatever.

R: Yeah, well the punk I admit is an acquired taste haha, but I too like a lot of classical music, rock, folk, jazz and so on. If it’s good it’s good, regardless of genre. As you say, the main thing is that it elicits an emotional response. Speaking of music you sing and play guitar! I’ve watched some of your covers on youtube and your voice is really nice, strong and sweet, I dig it a lot. Do you write your own songs as well? When did you start singing?

Cafe playing guitar

J: Thank you, it really means a lot to hear that! I always loved music growing up, my dad would always play the guitar and we’d all sing together. I started taking classical voice lessons when I was in middle school and part of high school. My dream at that time was to become an opera singer, but I don’t think I ever really understood at that young age how much discipline I really needed to achieve that goal. So I stopped singing and for about the next ten years music really disappeared from my life, which had then become all about school and work. And at the end of that period, I looked at my life and said, ‘I have no hobbies, I have no passions that I’m pursuing’ and I decided to get back into music just for fun. And I’m so glad I did because music is really where I get to let out everything I’m feeling. And no, I don’t write my own songs but I am planning to take an online songwriting course in the Spring because one of my goals this year is to actually write my own song!

R: Your early training definitely comes through in your voice! Oh cool, well you’ll definitely have to youtube that one!

J: I will for sure!

R: You currently live in Killarney, Ontario right? It caught my eye initially because we have a Killarney here in Ireland as well. I’ve looked at some pictures, yours and others, and I have to say it looks stunningly beautiful over there in the wilderness park! My go that lake! It must be cool to live so close to such natural beauty. Tell me about your hiking adventures, what’s the coolest thing you did or saw?

Hiking in Killarney

J: Oh, haha, no I don’t live in Killarney. Oh my gosh, if I actually got to live near that park, I’d be in heaven. It’s actually a provincial park, about 4 to 5 hours from Toronto which is where I live. I do go there every year though for a  back-country camping trip and I absolutely love when I’m disconnected from the city and all of the noise and emails. It’s when I feel most at peace. Hm, coolest thing I’ve done or seen … there’s so many, it’s hard to say! But I think at the top of my list is definitely the 9-day hike I went on last year – I’ve blogged about that being the hardest thing I’ve ever done, at least physically but mentally it’s also up there; and also just getting to bask in the gorgeous scenery and wildlife. Like getting to see a bear or a moose in its element is just so breathtaking.

R: Oops haha, looks like I can forget about a career as a journalist! Yeah I saw your post with all the pics from your trek, it looked and sounded really challenging, but clearly very rewarding! We have the wild deer in the phoenix park here in Dublin, so I can relate a little, but boy would it be cool to see an animal in that truly wilderness setting!

J: Haha! No, you’re doing great, Rohan

Yes, it’s one of the most rewarding things to know that you can overcome the challenges that nature has to offer.

Cafe in the sky!

R: You’re certainly not afraid of a challenge! I watched your tandem sky dive on youtube, whoa, not something I think I could ever do, I’m a total wimp when it comes to that kind of thing haha! How did it feel to fall out of a plane!? What do you remember most from that day?

J: Oh man, I once thought it was something I could never do either. It was like on the list of things I would never, ever do. And then at some point I started thinking about it and wondering what it’d be like, and eventually I thought: ‘It’d be pretty cool to try that one day.’ And so I made the decision to just stop wondering what it’d be like and find out for myself! And it was just the most amazing feeling to take the dive. What stands out for me the most – but what I also have the most trouble remembering what it actually felt like in detail – is the first few seconds after jumping out of the plane where you’re hurtling through the air. It’s the most amazing part but it’s over so fast that you just want to go back to experience that feeling again.

Cafe Trekking in Korea

R: That sounds amazing…but still terrifying haha! It’s always like that though with this kind of thing, isn’t it, the first time takes so much courage, but after that you just want another go! Do you have any more thrill seeking challenges in mind that you’d like to try in the future?

J: Oh, I definitely want to skydive again. Maybe I’ll ring in every new decade with a jump! I think I’d also love to go zip-lining in a forest. I’m actually scared of heights, but if I feel safe enough I’m willing to test my limits!

R: So you’ve been running the Daily Dose for over a year now right? I have to say you seem to have inspired a lot of people with your blogging which is fantastic, there’s definitely some magic about you that comes through in your posts. What has been the single coolest or most rewarding aspect of running Your Daily Dose since you began?

Cafe in Hong Kong

J: Yes, Your Daily Dose has been up and running since I believe October 2011. And I really appreciate that you get that feeling from reading my blog. I try my best to keep it genuine, I like to relay my own experiences and thoughts to people because I want them to know I’ve also had my downs, I’ve also felt this way, I’ve also been unmotivated. And I’ve also had some great things happen. What about you? Let’s talk about it. And also try to bring some positivity and encouragement to the situation. If my readers are inspired in the process – in any way – then I’m really happy and it keeps me motivated to continue. I think the most rewarding aspect is when I see readers discussing their thoughts on the kinds of issues we talk about on the blog – life goals, relationships, mental health, and so on. I’ve learned so much from hearing about other people’s perspectives and experiences. Whenever you’re challenged to think about your own opinions in a different way, I think it’s a good thing.

Cafe in the Philipines

R: I definitely got a good vibe from your blog when I first discovered it, and I agree about showing your weaker side. No one is invincible and it’s important to show and share our darker times. Not only can we gain support, but others gain strength knowing that someone else is going through a similar experience, that they are not alone. For me one of the most rewarding experiences in my time as a blogger, and this will sound really egotistical but it applies to most bloggers, is seeing people meet and share information, who discovered each other through your writing. Watching friendships form through a mutual interest in your blog is a pretty cool thing! And so your blogger alias is Café, due to your love of coffee right? I hate to admit this to you but I actually quit drinking coffee in November 2012, I’m so ashamed! Can we still be friends!? I promise I harbor no animosity towards those who enjoy coffee

Oh and what’s your favorite way to enjoy your coffee?

J: I can for sure see how that would feel rewarding for you. I think the social interaction is what bloggers get the most out of blogging. And yes, I naturally chose the blogging name “Cafe” due to my deep affection for coffee. And yes, we can still be friends! Only ‘cause you’re such a nice guy, haha. I usually drink this Korean instant coffee called Maxim – pretty much the only instant coffee I’ll tolerate. Have a cup of that in the morning with breakfast while responding to blog comments is a pretty sweet moment

R: Finally, it’s still early in the year, what are your goals for 2013? Do you celebrate the Chinese new year? I’m a fire tiger RARW!

Dinner with Cafe

J: Haha! I’m a Dog (and a Cancer) and I fit the bill

I usually have a dinner for Chinese new year, but nothing big. And as for 2013 goals … well, I said I don’t make new year’s resolutions but if I could just get one thing done this whole year it’d be to write my own song. And I’m gonna stop the list there before I get myself into trouble

R: Oh oh. A dog and a crab huh, I think I’ll avoid getting on your bad side haha! That’s cool, I’m sure you’ll have no problem writing your song, and once you start it gets easier

Just remember that there’s nothing new under the sun, the new thing is that you will be doing it in your own unique way. And in the words of Oscar Wilde “Talent borrows, Genius steals” haha!
J: I will remember that! Thanks so much, Rohan, for giving me this opportunity to tell your readers (and mine) a little bit about myself! It’s been fun chatting with ya!

Janice (aka Cafe)

R: It’s been my pleasure Janice, it’s always nice to spotlight a good blogger and interesting person, thanks loads for stopping by The 7 Things blog

Thanks for reading everyone! Be sure to head over to Cafe’s blog and say hi, and look out for more featured bloggers soon!

Take care, all the best