So This One Day............

I was in Japan. That's right, a grand total of 28 hours in the country with a travel time of 21 hours. The original plan was a three or four day trip during my winter break, but being the procrastinator and timid person that I am, I waited to make a move. I took a 45 minute ride on the subway to the bus station, bought a bus ticket down to Busan (4 and 1/2 hours) with the hopes that I would be able to catch a ferry across the sea. Within moments an older Korean woman came up to me and directed me to the ticket counter, and while there were departing tickets available for that night, it was returning that was going to be a problem. No ferries were cruising from Dec. 31- Jan. 2, and both the Dec. 29 ferries were full, which means I would have to go for one day or have to stay in Japan for an entire week. I realized I was simply not financially prepared to spend a week in Japan (quite expensive), and plus, I need more of a recovery period than half a day. So I thought the whole idea was out the window. One day was not worth it, right? I remounted my backpack, and walked out of the terminal rather upset, for I just spent the entire afternoon getting there. I thought I would just stay in Busan overnight, and see the city over the next day, but then I heard this voice (that sounded a lot like Stephanie Renaud) saying, "Just do it. You came all the way down here, don't get much vacation, and probably won't have the opportunity again. Carpe the Diem!" So I did. That same old Korean woman found me and asked, "You buy ticket? You buy the ticket?" I was asking her about prices, and she told me the special rates for child and student. I asked if there was one for teacher, and she laughted histerically. Then while I was waiting around she made me green tea and asked me how I liked Korea. Then she rushed me to the front of the line to get through security.
Japan is gorgeous. From about 8am until 8am the next day, I wondered the streets of the port town Hakata, exploring shrines and temples and street side shops. The people are ridiculously nice, uncommonly nice; so nice I felt bad for how much trouble they were going through trying to help me with directions and such. I practically had the whole town trying to find my hotel for me. I didn't even turn in for the night, just landed in a PC Bong for a few hours and walked around some more. I wish I had gotten to stay longer, make my way up the coast, and I wish I had had someone to share the experience with. I find some rather lonely times over here........but those moments have provided some needed time for reflection.

That's a Cinch for the Grinch

"It's comin' on Christmas........." I've been thinking that ever since Thanksgiving. No tree, no stockings, no wreath, and no river to skate away on. I had to work on Christmas Eve too, and knew that if I ever had to go to school on Christmas Eve when I was a kid I would have cried. I didn't cry surprisingly; I knew that Christmas at home would be much different this year anyway. There aren't many people who can say that they spent Christmas in a foreign country, but there were enough for me to get together with and have a story to tell. There were only about ten of us, eating tons of food and playing games, and talking a lot about Korea. Most of us have similar experiences, similar frustrations, and similar fascinations with this country. Its nice to know that others feel the same way and have given up things to be over here as well. Everyday is an adventure, and it won't go on forever. We even swapped gifts,though it was kinda nice to not get caught up in the materialistic craze of the season.
I have officially surpassed the 3 month mark. The major holidays are just about over though, and I must admit that I am a little glad about it.
Here is Peter, who did an excellant job as Santa. Didn't miss his cue or complain about wearing that poorly made beardfor over 1/2 an hour.

Laboratory Rats

I have great difficulty yelling at kids. It's not really my nature to make a scene in the first place, but I always feel bad losing my cool with young ones. Most of the time they just have to much energy, or they are too frustrated to express themselves soundly, or they are embarrassed or insecure, or they don't have the ability to weigh out consequences, and the list goes on. I remember being between the ages of 5 and 12 (really, even at this age sometimes) and being so charged with an emotion that I did something to really anger someone, not thinking at all about what I was doing. I think people forget how little you can feel, and how lonely that can be.
I get walked on at times, I'll be the first to admit. It often gets to the point where I have to either really lay down the law or go get someone else to do the dirty work for me (that sometimes is laying down the law). The latter is rather embarrassing because I should win the arm wrestle with a six, seven, or eight year old. It's like, "Dude, we're both going to be embarrassed, so just behave yourself. I don't have that many rules, I don't ask a lot and nothing unfair, so let's be cool." That doesn't always work. Especially with a 5 year old. I have to come up with different things other than just a moral code for us to follow. So there are stickers, there is candy, there is a game day or craft day for good behavior all week. There's no play time, no coloring, no singing and dancing, sitting in time out or marching to the principal's office.
Then, there's the good kid shot............. This is actually a rather creative and helpful ink pen from someone I would personally like to thank, for now I can simply say, "If you're going to be bad, I'm going to give you the shot that makes you good." Too awesome. Is it worse than raising my voice? I don't think so........I don't strain my vocal cords nor does the kid's wrongdoing get amplified for everyone.
But if a kid thinks that it may be what they need to keep from getting in trouble all the time, I'm screwed.

PHILL! NED!

The urge to simply knock people out comes upon me quite frequently over here. Not because I'm angry, but I often feel this sense of frustration and weariness that makes me want to tell people to back off; like "don't make things harder for me. Don't push me, don't pressure me, don't upset my zen. " Of course there's the language barrier, then my emotions which make any words come out wrong - so why not just throw a right hook? In the classroom, in the teacher's lounge, on the subway, in the gym, in the grocery store........ I am on the other side of the world from all that I know and should be cut a little slack, right? When it comes to kids and co-workers especially since we're with each other all day, let's just be cool and make things easy for each other.

I let a couple of my classes make Christmas cards this week. I don't think the principal was too happy about it (not in the lesson plan) but a friend sent some stickers and glitter over in a care package so I went for it. The kids thought it was the greatest thing ever.

Loving Guam

I really didn't see this one coming. In my more advanced class we were discussing different places around the world, and I asked my students where they had traveled to outside of Korea. The United States, China, the Philippines, and Guam were a few of the answers that popped up. So then I began asking them what they did and where they went while they visited there (i.e. The Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall, palm trees, etc.) Two of the girls in the class, Monica and Alice, are cousins who happened to go Guam with each other over the summer.

ALICE: How do you say [something in Korean] in English?"
ME: I don't know
MONICA: It was like this [motions downward with her hand flat]
ME: A waterfall?
ALICE: No, no. Us up, and then down.
ME: hmmmm......
MONICA: No water; a boy then a girl.
ME: Oh, did you see other Koreans there?
MONICA: [sigh] I'll show, you look.

She grabs the board marker, and quickly draws a cliff with her and Alice on top and then a boy laying on top of a girl under a tree below.

ALICE: Loving! That's it - they were loving!
ME(quickly shaking my head): No, Alice, I meant what kind of things did you do.
ALICE: oh........
ME: Erase that picture.

I Am an Englishee Teesher.

I think it's about time I write about what I actually do at work and who I do it with. I've been here for over 2 months now and have almost gotten the hang of things. I am not hesitant to say almost though. Things still take me by surprise and I often wonder if they're nuts or I am.........but I will have story after story from this experience.
My school, Wonderland English School, is a private English institute. All of the classes are conducted entirely in English. The kids start as young as 4 years old because A. the younger you are the quicker you learn and B. knowing English is one of your best tickets out of here. So you see these tiny little kids trottin' around with backpacks. All the preschoolers and kindergartners come in the morning. I teach all the math classes, which each class only has once a week. But then I have my own class of 5 year olds. These kids are too much. Every day I either want to pull my hair out or wet my pants from laughter.
There's Jason. He has huge cheeks and a fro of dark, curly hair. Every time I write a word on board he tells me its pizza. He puts his school clothes over his pajamas, and the kid never has his shoes on.
Then there's his partner in crime, Justin. Justin likes to go to the corner of the room and make a fort with chairs and coats in the middle of class....and steal kids' pencils. I yell at him all class and he still wants to sit in my lap and hold my hand.
Peter is the gentleman. If only he were 20 years older...............He shares all of his pencils and erasers and never hits a kid back. He also likes to swing open the door every morning and say to me "Trick or Treat!"
Gloria loves me far more than she should. God bless her. My first couple of weeks she hardly said a word to me. Now I get a hug every time I see her.
Isabell, Isabell - at least two steps behind everyone just because she's in her own little world. La La Land as one of my teachers used to say. She tries so hard though, and is the first one to rat someone else out.
Mary is just a gem. Cuter than a puppy. She's a year younger than all of them too and just gets smarter every day. She wrote me a letter last week telling me how much she loved me. I would take her home in a second.
Ellis is captain of the team - organized and prompt; always knows the answer and wants to tell everyone else what it is. If it weren't for her and Mary...........

Then in the afternoon the elementary kids come, AFTER a full day of regular school. They are there just for English speaking classes. The first class I have every afternoon is full of 8 and 9 year olds. They have been in English classes since preschool and are one of my smartest groups. I had a problem child in this class who, as of today, is no longer attending. I now like this class, because I feel like I'm actually teaching English - verb tenses, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns. My favorites are David, because he is by far the sweetest boy I have ever met(maybe with exception to Peter or Jacob Minner); Amy because she always has a story to tell me, and Sylvia because she is just a stud. This kid never fights with anyone, ALWAYS pays attention, does her homework, studies for the test, and takes notes.
My second every day class is 10 and 11 year olds. This is my smartest class. They can be rowdy, but I get to actually just talk with them. Today I gave my favorite assignment yet: pick a country to write about, make a flag and a map, and bring in pictures. That's real homework! My favorite is Alice. She wants a high five every time she answers a question........even if she's wrong. Then she curtsies. Oh man.
On Mon, Wed, and Fri I have two more afternoon classes. The first one is 7 and 8 year olds who have just started learning English. This class can be frustrating because they don't understand half of what I'm saying. I play charades a lot. My second class is about 9-11 year olds. It's mostly boys and we've had to warm up to each other, mainly becaue they don't really want to be there. I can actually get them to participate now. Both of these classes have shown me what an impossibly difficult language English can be. If it wasn't my native tongue, I'm pretty sure I couldn't have picked it up later in life. I am also realizing more and more how much I enjoy the language......how much I like to see it on paper.

My Bologna Has a First Name........And It's Oksu.

Korea produces three things: rice, potatoes, and tea. They have easy access to one thing: seafood. If you want anything other than rice, potatoes, tea, or seafood, you're going to pay a heavy price. In some cases, a shocking price. This past weekend, my coworkers and I took a little trip to an American grocery store down in the heart of Seoul. I am not one for the American junk food and snack craze, but a Thanksgiving feast is very distinct. And I was bored. So the four of us set out on Saturday and discovered the true underbelly of Korea.
I'm not sure if I should be dishing out labels to the selfish Americans or selfish Koreans, but somebody is getting rich off a $15 box of Rice Krispies. I have a rather difficult time believing it costs that much to import Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Or Aunt Jemima for that matter. I nearly did a cartwheel when I spotted the Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups(the first time I have ever seen them over here), and then cursed when I read the price tag of $8. You think a pint of Hagan Daaz is expensive at home? Try $11. Its not like they're trying to save your soul and sell penance; we're talking some milk and sugar. Kudos to those who realized the Asian strive for "Westernness" and tacked a $25 price tag on a box of Nature Valley Granola Bars. Yes, $25!!! Who has that kind of money? I'm not even paying rent, but to drop 10 bucks on a can of Country Time Lemonade would mean I'd have to cut out toothpaste and laundry detergent............
Someone is chewing their 50 cent Snickers bar or slurping their 99 cent can of Campell's chicken soup and smirking at all the shopping carts full of American made products, thanks to not only all the Koreans, but the thousands of English teachers over here.
But here's what I really don't understand - in relation to the United States, Thailand is on the other side of the world; but in relation to Korea, its a plane ride with Karate Kid I and maybe half of II, yet cashews are twice as much here as they are in the US. And another thing, you can't find deodarant or taco seasoning for your last wish, but they have Giorgio Armani? Oh, Korea........you're so silly.


Happy Thanksgiving to those at home. Eat an extra piece of pie for me.

A Bout With Balboa

I am a woman of routine. As much as I like to think that I am all for jumping in the water and going with the flow, I really like to just dangle my feet......or wade. I have worked out rather religiously since tearing my ACL as a freshman in high school (ten years ago now). Granted, I've played sports for as long as I can remember, but after injury I was immediately put on a strict rehab regimen. I have been running ever since. Simply running - me, my headphones, and the ground beneath my feet. Since I worked at the YMCA for 4 years and a FREE membership was included in my services, I have been plugged-in to the fitness center environment.
I was dead set on continuing my practice when I left the country, though it has been rather difficult considering I don't speak the language. After much frustration yet much glee, I finally got to join a gym this past weekend. It was necessary not only for my schedule, but it has quickly become frightfully cold outside.
For the low price of $40 a month I not only get my wonderful treadmill, but also a kickboxing room, a clean set of workout clothes each visit, my own lock and locker, and a personal trainer. His name is Andy, and he knows 5 words in English - weight, fat, muscle, break, and treadmill. He thought he knew 6 words, but I had to kindly tell him that "veck" was not considered part of my native tongue ("back" I eventually figured out..... my 7 year olds call it Konglish.) After a week I now almost feel adjusted. Well, there is the whole locker room dilemna.......the day I am comfortable conducting my morning preperations surrounded by completely naked women squaking in mumbo jumbo is, well, never. But, heck, I get to hear techno Miley Cyrus and Van Halen on a daily basis. That says home.

Backspace

I had a glitch today; a shortage in the circuit. Seemingly out of nowhere too. My emotions crept up on me, and I absolutely hate it when that happens. More often than not, I can feel myself becoming overwhelmed, but today it was sneaky. In a split second I felt completely and utterly alone. And the tears just started to flow. Fortunately, I was sly enough to hide it and not get caught in a moment of being undone. Nonetheless, I feel stupid because I am an adult and should be able to control myself and deal with adult-like things. Being homesick or getting lost or having a confrontation shouldn't rub me so strongly in the wrong direction. I am realizing how much it rattles me when I have nothing familiar to grab a hold of, how quickly I can feel pinned against the wall.
I had no one to just talk to and feel at ease with, feel like myself. I even hung out with people this weekend, and ate and laughed and socialized. I have people to do the same with tomorrow. But I don't have MY people.............I can't walk into work and tell Nina about a crazy dream I had or a weird encounter at the grocery store; I can't come home and complain to my parents about how frustrated I am with someone; I can't call Steph and meet for dinner or coffee so we can dissect our mutual problems or plan an adventurous weekend. The hope for those relationships is present, though hesitant. It takes me awhile to warm up to people, more of my own doing than theirs. I am wary to give pieces of myself away, and some understand that and others don't. Either they get it and let me come out of my shell on my own terms..... or they don't, and make assumptions and challenge me in alarming ways. I can't necessarily hold it against them, yet I want to. The pressure it puts on me seems unwarranted and intrusive.
Pardon me for the seriousness of this post.
I went to church yesterday.........the pastor stated quite boldly, "Don't worry about a thing." Ha!

"A" For Effort

I was invited on a fall expedition over the weekend. Me and a few fellow North Americans decided to have a girl's outing in search of the season. Well, they decided and graciously let me tag along. So we started with enjoying the wonderful weather and taking pictures of fabulous color. We strolled around the woods of a hotel before heading to Olympic Park, which was the highlight. Over 4 hours passed by and our stomachs let us know when it was about that time, and we went to grab some good Korean food. As much as I like most of the food over here, its not the same as the stuff you get back at home around this time of year. I think the others felt that way also, because the urge to make apple pie hit us all. We made our way to Sarah's apartment for dessert - except we had no butter, no measuring cup, no rolling pin, and no oven. None of those things stopped us. With oil to stick, a frying pan to mix, spoons to meaure, a glass to roll, and a toaster oven.......Its not Mom's or Grandma's but we're still brilliant.

Rock and Roll

I came down with a terrible sinus infection about a week and a half ago, which quickly turned into this terrible hacking up phlegm from the chest. Sleeping on my back and being contained in small stuffy areas seemed to make it worse. I was on the subway this past weekend, super excited that I actually got a seat since I had quite a ride ahead of me. Of course, at each stop we acquired more passengers and soon I was scrunched between two old Korean men with a wall of people in front of me; the disruptive spectacle quickly ensued. I was just a barkin' away and to be considerate and not shower others with my germs or DNA, I quickly moved away into the most open space available. As I was trying to smother my cough with one of Mom and Dad's American cough drops, I was naturally thinking, "Crap, I have another 25 minutes or so to go and just lost my seat," not to mention the fact that every Korean was intensivily staring at the sick foreigner. About ten minutes passed with me at the opposite end of the subway car nursing my illness and my pride, until I looked back in the direction of where I was sitting, and the old man next to me had saved my seat! Once he noticed I was alive and well and we made eye contact, he politely waved me back over to sit down. Then he handed me a piece of gum AND took my wrapper when I tried to put it my pocket.

I am quickly developing a scarf fettish. I think I had one scarf at home(lost it), for completely practical reasons. I bought two scarves in one week over here. One is forest green and the softest thing I have ever owned; the other is different shades of maroon and burgundy. I wanted to buy two others as well but refrained. I have 10 months left though. Better save some room in my suitcase.

My lightbulb in my bathroom burned out. I was taking the fixture down to check what bulb I needed, and it shattered all over my bathroom floor. I still haven't replaced it and have been showering in the dark for a week. I got rather bold the other day and decided to shave. Bad idea.

I really like adjectives and adverbs.

A coworker commented on the number of stairs at my subway stop, claiming there had to be about 30 steps I climbed twice a day. I thought her math seemed a bit off, and decided to count them myself. I average 250-300 stairs every day. That coupled with a diet of fish and rice has given me more room in my pants almost every week.

Korea has been following the presidential race in the US, covering the front page of their newspapers with the faces of both candidates. Today I asked my most advanced class(about 9 years old) who they would vote for if they could, and Monica wrote, "McCain is grandfather. Grandfathers is nice and I would vote for grandfathers and McCain." Ji wrote "I vote for Obama because he has chocolate face so I could eat chocolate every day." That's about how I feel.......

I am wondering why the plural of goose is geese, but the plural of moose isn't meese. These are the things you think about when you're on the subway for 2 hours with no one to talk to.

Sell It By the Pound

As I made known in a previous post, fall is my time of year. Some unexplainable peace and inspiration comes over me, and I feel more myself than ever. Even on the other side of the world I can sense it. Yes, I am longing for the nights when I can drive my Jeep around with some nice tunes and smell the fireplaces burning when I open the windows; Mom's famous chicken soup cooking in the kitchen; the sight of pumpkins and squash and scarecrows; and the smell of homemade cookies or brownies right out of the oven. Those cravings will intensify, especially with all the Holidays coming up, but just the atmosphere aids my spirit. As Tom Hanks once said, "It makes me want to buy school supplies." I think I could handle perpetually Autumn.
At school we've had a couple rather enjoyable events. Of course it was Halloween, which Korea actually doesn't celebrate but they let us American teachers help organize the day. The kids were super excited to be in their costumes and cuter than ever.
We also went on a field trip to a sweet potato farm where we got to dig up potatoes for the farmer's wife to make us sweet potato curry for lunch. Yum Yum. The weather has been very kind and I've been able to be outside quite a lot. I'm enjoying it while I can.

Sleep Tight

When you're loved, and you know it because someone goes out of their way for proof, it is an overwhelmingly great feeling.
The treasures of my care package(s):
Mixed nuts - cashews, pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts.
Trail mix
Biscotti
Cinnamon bread
Oatmeal
Chocolate bars
Hot chocolate
Marshmallows
Cappuccino
Flavored coffee
Coffee creamer
Coffee pot and filters
Books
Electrical converter
Movies
Cough syrup and drops
Cold medication
Chapstick
Chicken noodle soup mix

Ma and Pa........you rock.

Hello, Frank Lloyd Wright

People often speak about wanting a blueprint or a map for their life, directions for where to turn and where to stop. I realized I am not nearly as concerned with where I'm going as who I am, and I have a much greater need for a blueprint that explains that. It would illustrate exactly how I was built, and why this was put here and that there; it would explain the reason such and such happened and how to react to it; it would tell me which things were connected and where they were connected.
This is why you love the color green and the sound of the cello. This is why you feel most comfortable around children, or why meeting new people makes you feel so vulnerable. This is why Little House on the Prairie or Simon and Garfunkel can suddenly make you long for home. This is why you are comforted by the taste of chocolate or a cup of coffee. This is why running makes you feel alive. This is why you can watch old Meg Ryan movies over and over again. This is why those words left a scar.
I could carry it in my back pocket and refer to it when needed. I could make copies and utilize it like a business card. When I first met people, I could skip all the awkward, difficult in-between and simply pull out my blueprint. "Here, if there is ever a confusing part of our relationship, you'll already know the history and the science. I can just talk and we'll both understand; there would be no struggle to figure it out or even make an impression. Spending so much time in solitude and with my own thoughts has definitely led me to spend much time wondering. Every encounter I have over here forces a new relationship; there is no one who I can just go unload on. No parent, or sibling, or best friend, or co-worker I've known for years. The amount of energy needed is exhausting. Its unlike any challenge I've been faced with..........and probably a good one. One I needed sooner or later. Before I left, a friend who lived in a foreign country for awhile told me that I'll be completely naive, like a baby having to learn things all over again. Some things I wonder if I ever learned to begin with.
One thing is for certain: Autumn is mine!

Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200

I have never been good with directions, but take away my native tongue, my alphabet, street signs, my own automobile, and its like "Where's Waldo?" I found myself near tears after just not knowing where the hell I was. I was supposed to be meeting up with people for someone's birthday, but ended up on the other side of the city thanks to two subway stops that are only spelled differently by one letter. The right stop would have taken about 25 minutes; the wrong stop took about an hour and 15 minutes, and ruined plans for Saturday night. Shit.
The addresses in Korea are so screwed up, that I don't think most Koreans know where they are or where they are going. There are no street signs in Korea, and the numbers on buildings are assigned as they built........meaning there's building number 14 and right next to it is building 221. That's really awesome, let me tell ya. Apparently, there is a YMCA within walking distance of my apartment, but I can't find it, or an address, and of course Korean directions don't help. Even in my own neighborhood which I have now lived in for a month, I get turned in circles two or three times in an outing. I should have a picture of me in tears to post. That would sum up the way I feel about all this. The best way to make amends with the night: buy a big bottle of red wine and some chocolate to go along with a good movie. Those are three of things you can almost always rely on in a different country.

Joni Mitchell and The Counting Crows

I am one to complain about something, and then have an epiphany regarding that same thing's perks or benefits. As soon as something takes a 360 degree turn, I find the not-so-awful aspects of that predicament. I can skip from mood to mood like a stone skips across a lake. Suddenly,things weren't so bad, or could have been worse at the moment. Even getting up at 5am, or being underpaid, or having a Friday night with no plans, or parents who are "over-involved" can have attractive qualities when they are no where in sight. My true weakness shines through when I have to take charge of something; I've sadly always had someone to do it for me.
I have quickly realized what a baby I am What do you do when someone is trying to screw you over? You tell Dad. What do you do when you can't find a good deal on a cellphone? You tell Dad. What do you do when you need a table and chairs? You tell Dad. What about when you're drain is clogged? Or your bathroom needs re caulking? Normally, you would tell Dad; or you do it yourself and slice three fingers open because he's on the other side of the world. My philosophy through life has long been "Daddy will fix it." I've been rather spoiled with parents who can not only come up with good ways to solve things, but are willing to go out of their way to do it. Of course, I'd like to think that I'm becoming stronger and more independent without them, but its rather terrifying to be honest. It is what it is right now. I'm sure I'll fail many times, and I guess that's okay, but I'm not sure I'll ever get out of that habit of leaning on my parents, especially when I return home. Maybe deep down my father appreciates it.
So Mr. Pacer of the Carpet-Let's Make This Perfect-Throw My Back Out-Open My Wallet-Wave My Finger in Your Face-Guy", this Bud's for you.

Veni, Vedi, Vici, Soju

I'm still recovering from my weekend hike. Desperately needing to get out of my tiny apartment and kill time, I decided to climb Bukhansan Mountain. I was a bit intimidated when I noticed my company decked out with hiking boots, backpacks, gloves and poles, mats, sweat rags and handkerchiefs but decided to give it a whirl anyway. The more difficult it got, the more I was telling myself that it couldn't be that much longer; I was this far into it I might as well go all the way. I was glad I did, not only because it was an amazing view but because most of Saturday was then over. Time over here has been painfully slow. I've been struggling for interaction and things to move the days along. When I reached the bottom once again some old man gave me a bottle of Korean vodka for a dollar. Who can beat that? I've been to the mountains before, but only one other time did I actually hike up one, and that was in Ireland. This one was a bit steeper I believe, but Ireland won my heart over for good.

Bloodthirsty Koreans

So today I was supposed to "give a little bit of blood for a drug test." 5 vials of blood, a cup of urine, an eye exam, a blood pressure test, and a chest x-ray later I was good to go. Except I completely missed my first two classes of teaching, almost lost my passport, and felt like I was going to pass out. I got a free latte out of it though so an even trade I guess. Hopefully my ARC card will follow shortly so then I can participate in the perks of Korean society - a gym membership, a Costco membership, a cell phone, and a bank account. All things I'll have to budget for but may be a rather invaluable plus. Could make my life over here easier. I'm kinda surprised they didn't ask me to do all that before I came over here...
I was also teaching kindergarten this morning and wrote the word "window" on the board for a word that starts with W. I asked them what that word was and with both hands raised Jason yells out "Pizza!" I almost peed my pants. I think that might be the only English word he knows. I think he's my favorite, even though he's quite the handful. My mom told me I could bring him home. I'll think about it.

Sowing Seeds

So the receptionist at the school I work at speaks very little English, and I don't speak a lick of Korean yet somehow we get along wonderfully. We've had dinner together a few times now. She said (and this is through a translator mind you) that she was very shy to speak English around me but would like to be friends. Okay. That's pretty easy. And its pretty easy running into a couple of American girls at the market who decide I can spend the whole day with them to kill time. Awesome. Definitely a random and welcomed encounter. I started the day determined to see something and have a pleasant outing and the Lord certainly blessed my effort. There's an instant mutual bond between people when they run into each other in a foreign country. I had my first real Korean adventure which gave me a better outlook on things, as did being in good hands. I hope to have the confidence to pursue relationships and experiences. That's not something I have been very successful at in the past. God is pushing me, but not without some places safe to fall.

Catch Without Arms

A week in Korea; no Internet and thus, this incredibly delayed blog. I have never been more out of my element than I am now. Fear is an emotion I am pretty familiar with, but I don't recall experiencing it at this magnitude before. Suddenly I am second guessing everything, mostly about myself-my knowledge, my choices, my characteristics, my abilities. Having never been on my on before I sure went all out to do it. I will admit to a meltdown; well, more like three of them. Frustration is the other feeling which I have to stand against; when things aren't going my way, and I just want to throw the towel in. There are deffinitly going to be stuggles, but I think there may be some very rewarding things as well. I am already having to rely on the Lord more than I have ever been forced to; and to be perfectly honest, my relationship with God has been faultering, mostly out of laziness. I am going to have to trust Him working inside me and through me, and actually take charge of things, take initiative. I have already learned much about myself, so there must be tons I don't know...

The Rat Pack or Pack Rat

This is what packing for a year away produces - an overwhelming mess. I wasn't even really sure where to start, thinking I'll never need this, I'll maybe need this, I could use a lot of that, what if this just sits and takes up space. It's not like I'll never be able to use or see this stuff again, but its not like I'll be able pick up the same thing while I'm overseas either. I have a feeling my luggage isn't going to be perfect. I just hate asking myself, "Why did I bring this and not that?" Drives me nuts I tell ya. I'm almost there though. Its taking me a couple of trial runs and weigh-ins, and conversations with other people but I should be pretty good. So what do you for sure take with you when you're moving away for a year?

1.a stack of t-shirts, a couple stylish but mainly ones you don't mind sweating in, or staining or ripping holes in the armpits.
2. pants of various color and thickness for all seasons.
3. at least two pair of good tennis shoes, in case you need to book it across the border.
4. a sweat shirt and and two sweaters
5. you're camera and journal for obvious documentation.
6. for the Asia region, a waterproof jacket or poncho as there's a rainy season.
7. I Love Lucy DVDs for those long flights.

Running on Empty

I realize I am getting a pretty sweet deal with this whole job opportunity thing (at least it looks like it from afar), but I've had to fork over quite a chunk of money the past month for trip necessities. My present funding has been going out the window quite quickly: eye exam, contacts and glasses, plus getting the brakes fixed on a Jeep I will not be driving was a good $500. All the processing fees for paperwork has been close to $150; of course a few extra clothes and shoes personal items, and a trip to Chicago. I spent nearly 14 hours on a train yesterday to visit the Korean Consulate for my interview and visa and that will not be happening again. No sleep and one rather obnoxious passenger. We barely made it in time due to rail delays, and my father, who tends to get worked up, was with me. But its done. And it makes things real now. There's no turning back...at least I haven't found a way. I needed a moment to collect myself afterwards.
Here is Dad, not to pleased with the process but soon to be comforted by food. He was definitely a help so it was nice to have someone along.

For everything else, there's Mastercard

I mailed my Visa application to South Korea today, and goodness gracious. It only took me three weeks to get my documents. Really, to get a document. I needed my police records, which were going to take me three to five weeks if I waited for them in the mail. So I decided to get them myself. Left work early, went downtown, waited in line, paid a fee and them mailed them to Jefferson City to receive an Apostille stamp (Google it), only to have them mailed back to me because they weren't notarized properly. Of course, Jeff City doesn't call to tell me that nor do they get the document back in the mail quickly so I can take care of it. Instead, I am now waiting on two criminal records to come in the mail. When the original finally does come, I take a whole day off work, go with my Dad to his work so a co-worker can notarize it for, then go way downtown to the wrong building because I was given the wrong address, then go to the right building so they can tell me that this document isn't notarized properly either. With every piece of identification I have and my check book, I ask for any kind of help I can get. I might have traded my first born child in the process, but I finally received my flippin' Apostille stamp and sent my envelope FedEx. Before you criticize me, calling people on the phone and checking websites didn't do me hardly any good. But here is the picture:



Actually, FedEx put it in a fancier envelope so this isn't the actual package but its symbolic. Whatever. I'm almost over it.

Pop the Cork

So this is it. The start of 14 months of fascinating blog entries. If I had a champagne bottle I would crack it open right here...well, maybe safely away from my laptop. I suppose it will be longer than 14 months, but really this journal is to document my overseas adventure of teaching English in South Korea. Hopefully, this will not only be a service to myself but to those wishing to keep up with my life while I am living it up:) The plan is to leave in the middle of September and live in Seoul for entire year. More to come with the whole process.