Bodily Fluids, Blurred Vision, & B.O.

Warning #1: I have been under the effect of cold/sinus medicine and an abnormal amount of hot showers for the past few days. My writing may have been effected. Yes, effected.

Warning #2: If the title didn't give it away already, this is me holding nothing back. If you're a smart cute single guy who isn't crazy, please stop reading this.

As some of you may know, I've been sick this past week. In the states, when you catch a cold, it was no big deal. You take some nyquil, drink lots of fluids, sleep all weekend, and you're back on your feet in no time.

That's not Korea's style.

This cold/sinus infection/Korean death plague* was horrendous.
If I were to blow my nose using Orlando Bloom instead of a tissue, this is what you would see:

Sorry Orlando!

So much for a fun-filled Christmas day. After opening my presents and skyping with the family, I spent the rest of the day sleeping, taking steamy hot showers, watching movies, and cursing at the pharmacy downstairs for being closed.

20 minutes after arriving at school on Monday morning, it was decided that I was going to the doctor after lunch, and it was suggested (ordered) that I sleep in the heated bed in the teacher's lounge until that time came.

Normally in Korea, when you are sick, you don't go to a doctor's office. You just go to the hospital. The hospital isn't just for emergencies and surgery. However, the spirits of the universe were on my side that day, and we got to visit the nose and throat clinic that just happened to be in Yatap. Not that it really mattered.

You'll read why.

After a 2 minute wait (no appointment was made), I walked into the room. There were all kinds of medical utensils on the little table next to my chair, and a TV screen in front of me. The doctor quickly shoved this little tube up my nostrils to take a picture. It didn't hurt at all, but then I realized the pictures were on the screen. I don't like seeing anything related to the inside of my body, or anybody else's body for that matter. It wigs me out. Then he made me open my mouth, and shot this blast of weird tasting air into my throat. Now, I'm not sure if he discusses the medical problems will all of his patients or if he just wanted to practice his English, but he began to tell me I had a sinus infection, and pointing to the insides of my nostrils on the screen.

As if I really needed to hear about the details of the grossness happening inside my body. Really, why can't doctors examine you, give you medicine, and not speak a word about why? If I ever get cancer or get a kidney stone or break a bone, I don't want to know about it. Just fix it, and tell me when its over.

Anyways, as we were walking back toward the waiting area, I got that familiar feeling. The same feeling I got the first time I went to a chiropractor. The feeling I get before, during, and after getting blood taken. The feeling I get after getting any kind of shot. But I'm in Korea, with a co worker, and I have to be a big girl about this. So what do I do?

"Sungsook, where's the bathroom?"

Unfortunately, it was all the way down a long hall. I quickly walked out, but the closer I got to the end of the hall way, the more these black spots got in my way. I kept ignoring them thinking they would give up and bother somebody else, but they weren't having it. They may as well have been Ryan Reynolds with his shirt off. I just couldn't help but notice them. I never did find the bathroom, but there was a couch at the end. How I got there, I'll never know.

After a few minutes of laying down to let my dignity run for the door, I started to feel better, so I walked over to the pharmacy where Sungsook, aka my Korean savior, had just gotten my medicine. We walked back to her car, when I realized I didn't pay for anything.

"Sungsook! How much do I owe you for the medicine?"
"Oh, its 4,400 won."
"Oh yeah, and the doctor's visit. How much was that?"
"3,000."

Yes, folks, a doctor's visit, antibiotics, and cold medicine for a whopping $7.40.
I tell ya, that damn national health insurance...its...well, mmm...its great!

The large silver packets in the corner are the antibiotics. Take one pill twice a day...pretty standard.
Those other goody bags? Indulge in one of those after every meal. That comes out to 14 pills a day!


Yes, this is a Hello Kitty humidifier. It was the cheapest one they had, and its supposed to help in this dry winter air. I know, I know. I'm officially a dweeb.

On a completely different note, I've been using Secret Clinical Strength deodorant for a long time now. It has always worked like a charm. For some reason, though, lately it has most certainly NOT been working like a charm. I've been giving that area extra attention in the shower, switching between the two types I have...nothing was working. So today, I decided to just go without and see what happened. After all, Koreans never wear deodorant, and they never stink.

Wouldn't ya know, I came home, did the sniff test and...nada!

So that just goes to show, kimchi has more benefits than vitamins and fiber.


*Source: Keara, Facebook comment, profile of Rachel Howell, December 24th at 7:16pm

Christmas Eve

Even though I had to work today, a few little things made it feel like Christmas Eve. My coordinator gave me a Christmas present, because she knows how big of a deal Christmas is in America. I'm fairly certain she is the sweetest person since Mother Teresa.

I also had a Christmas card in my mail box from the parents...and I got my Christmas package from my Grandparents! As hard as it is, I'm going to wait until tomorrow morning to open it.


As for my Christmas eve night, Just Friends is on TV, pizza is in the fridge, and I've still got some "gold" left! I just hope my friends will still recognize me when they see me tomorrow.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

The Best & Most Complicated Care Package Ever

I had a note taped to my door last night when I got home. Speaking of going home, last night I pulled a smart one and got on the wrong bus in Suwon. Why was I in Suwon? Laurie and I felt it necessary to improve Korea's economy by devouring dinner and dessert at TGI Friday's.

Anyways, back to the side story. I said my final goodbye (she is going back home for Christmas, the lucky mee chin nyun) and hopped on what I thought was bus 720-1.

I was so tired due to my small cold and 2am viewing of Sleepless in Seattle the night before, that I fell asleep. When I woke up, I noticed we were passing a sign that said Tancheon stadium was to the right, but we went straight. Mmmmm, that's odd. I live next to Tancheon stadium. Why aren't we going that way?

After a few more stops, I begin to realize either
A) I'm dreaming,
B) the route has changed or
C) this bus driver is an idiot who doesn't know the correct route.

I begin to get up to yell at him for not taking me directly to my apartment and not serving hot cocoa on the bus, when I glance at the list of stops. It's there that I see the damn -2 in the corner.

So those little tiny numbers after the dashes really do mean something, in case you were wondering.

At this point, its just a Korean lady and me on the bus, and he is now flying down a windy dark road with no traffic. He finally stops in front of some quiet dark apartment complexes and tells both of us to get off.

Whoops.

So I start walking across the street to the other stop, to go back toward AK plaza where I can either take the subway home or get on the right stinkin' bus.

Did I mention the street was dark and quiet?

Nonetheless, when I start to cross this empty street, the ajumma grabs my arm and starts talking to me in Korean. She was probably saying something like,
"Idiot foreigner, you can't cross the street if you aren't at a cross walk and the pedestrian light isn't green! With this quiet road, there's no telling how many cars will start to fly past as you quickly cross the street."

So we walk down to the cross walk together, and make it ever so safely to the empty bus stop to go back the other way.

After the bus ride back, followed by a quick subway ride, I finally arrive in Yatap. Only when I swipe my T-money card, it says error and won't let me go through.

Did I mention I was holding a bag filled with popcorn, hangers, oreos, and a huge heavy jug of red wine? And that I have a cold and was up since 2am watching Sleepless in Seattle?

Anyways, I started to walk toward the handicap gate to hop over it, when a sweet Korean girl said no, no, it will work now...and she was right, somehow. I guess the one gate I chose was freakishly slow. Go figure.

How in the hell did I get on this subject? Oh yeah, there was a note taped to my door when I finally got home.

I brought it to school today for Lilith to read for me, and it said I had a parcel waiting for me at the security desk. Yay! I anxiously waited for 4:30 all day, so I could race home and see what it was. I walk to the security desk first, and show him this note. The same note my co teacher read and immediately understood that there was a package at the security desk.

But the security guy never gave me a package. Instead, he just looked at the note like it was written in English, and kept talking and asking me questions. I showed him my apartment # on the note, but he clearly didn't have a package for me. So I pointed up, thinking maybe he was telling me I needed to go to the actual apartment office. He nodded his head yes.

So I went to the top floor, and gave the lady the note. She then jabbers on in Korean for about a gazillion seconds, and then pulls out her bank book and starts asking me questions.

I start to wonder if I'm being punk'd. Where are you Ashton Kutcher?

I call my coordinator to translate for me, and she then asks me if I paid my bill.
"Yes, I got the bill two days ago, and paid it yesterday morning."
"Oh ok, she was going door to door to find out who paid a bill but didn't leave their name, but she has yours so you're ok."

Alright, so I came up here with a note about a parcel, and now we are talking about a bill, so did the note actually refer to the bill? I point at the note again and she points toward the neighboring apartment building and jabbers some more. I just look at her and say Ode yo (where)? Finally, she brings a maintenance guy to walk me to wherever I'm supposed to go to pick up this blasted package.

We get to the first floor. We walk toward the security desk.
The security guy sees the note, and immediately produces my package.

The same exact note!

Korea, you really confuse me sometimes.

No matter though. The important thing is this:


And this is why my parents will always be better than yours.

Answers Part Il-gop

Question: What are your top moments since leaving the U.S.?

It's only fitting I save the best question for last. When I first read it, my initial thought was "Whoa, I haven't even thought about that. This will take forever to answer." I must be honest here. I still haven't thought about it! I've been so busy this week reading, playing on the internet at work, working on my Christmas puzzle-I know, I know, my life has been hard these past couple of weeks.

Thinking out loud, I can conjure up a few things.
Things like:
Doi Suthep
Sunday Walking Street
Khao San Rd
River cruise down the Chao Phraya in Bangkok
Namsan tower in Seoul
Gyeongbuk Palace
Changdeok Palace
Lotte World
G20 concert
Hwaseong Fortress
Insadong
Soedaemun Prison
National Arboretum

These are all good and fun, but as I reflect on these past 146 days (is that all?) I'm realizing that my top moments seem to be the smallest and simplest ones.

In no particular order here they are:

1)Early morning walk in Chiang Mai: On my third morning in Chiang Mai, I woke up early and decided to venture down the other direction of the street. Of course, the day I chose to do this, it started raining. This turned out to be all for the better, because I saw the monks who walk the street every morning taking their collections doing the exact same thing, while holding umbrellas. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but for some reason it touched my heart. These monks are so dedicated and peaceful. The generosity of the Thai people just pushed this moment even deeper into my heart. As the monks walked the street each morning, the Buddhist people were always waiting outside for the monks to pass, so they might feed their stomachs with food, and feed their souls with offerings for Buddha.

2)Seeing a movie at the paragon and enjoying a Starbucks meal: After my trek to the Korean embassy, I simply couldn't make it all the way back to Khao San Rd. I stopped at the Paragon (Galleria of Bangkok), all sweaty and gross, and ordered a chocolate pastry with an iced green tea latte. I wrote and wrote and wrote out all my frustrations and thoughts on the backs of the extra visa application I had with me. I love moments like those, when all of the sudden my mind just floods my fingers with words. After that, I wanted to sit in just about the only cold place in Bangkok: the movie theater. Even though I watched the most atrocious movie ever made, I was happy.

3) My first walk down the Tancheon river: On my second day in Seongnam, I had the day to unpack, buy necessities, and get a general feel for my new home. I took a long walk along the Tancheon river in the afternoon. As I walked down the tartan path following the meandering river, I couldn't stop gazing at all the mountains around me. My eyes still wander over to the mountains all around me on my walks to school. I don't think I'll ever get over the initial "wow!" factor of seeing mountains all the time.

4) Sitting down to lunch one day and not dropping a single thing with my chop sticks: This may sound dumb, but I felt so accomplished that day! My first couple of weeks during lunch was so hard. I was rushing so much to eat at the same pace as everyone else and was constantly dropping things or having to just give up and use my spoon. Amy would be finished with her meal and I would just be half way through. But, one day after I finished (at the same time as her), I realized that I had eaten everything with chop sticks and didn't even struggle. What a relief.

5) Hiking Seoraksan: At the time, I probably wouldn't have ever put this on my top moments list. It was just so damn hard and not all what I expected. Hiking trails in Korea are more like rock climbing or an endless stair master if you ask me. But, the fact that I finished it, and that my students were all amazed when I told them what I did that weekend, made it all worth while. But only that one time.

Answers Part Ta-sot

Question One: Have you done anything that's a norm here in America but is considered rude or odd in Korea?
I don't think I've done anything too bad. You are supposed to bow to your bosses and even other teachers at school. There's quite a few times I either forget or just don't. Its so different than what I was taught growing up: eye contact, firm hand shake, smiling, all that jazz.

Plus, if I were to bow to every teacher that walked by, I would start doing it automatically as a reflex when students do it to me...and the students would probably laugh at me for bowing at them.

Also, at the movie theater, doctor's office, post office, bank, etc... you walk up to a small machine and take a numbered piece of paper to get your place in line. I guess since there's so many people, it helps keep everything in order. However, its nice to play the foreigner card every now and again. Laurie and I didn't realize we had to have a number to buy a movie ticket, but the cashier helped us anyway. I'd like to take this moment to say sorry to all the Koreans in line behind us!


Question Two: Here is the MOST important question. Are there any cute guys?!
FYI- I copied and pasted this question. My friends just have their priorities in the right order.

The answer is: yes, ne, oui, si, ja.
Here's the thing though. Before I came to Korea, I thought most Asians weren't very attractive. But when you see them in person, its completely different than seeing a picture. So keep that in mind if you ever see me freak out when I see a picture of Rain. Also, Koreans are the tallest out of all the Asian countries. So that's always nice as far as eye candy goes.

Kang Dong Won & Rain

Since I'm bored right now, here's a better way to show you some hot Korean guys. Alright, you might not think they're cute, but its the music and dancing that's so hot! Plus, people live and breathe Kpop over here. It seeps into my system even when I'm sleeping, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Sorry you can't see the entire screen! I don't know how to fix it.

Answers Part Yeo-sot

Question One: Is it hard to shop over there? I hear that sizes run very small.
Small sizes would be an improvement. The only Americans that could shop at your typical Korean store are the ones that work on runways. One of my co teachers is taller than me and about the same size, so she buys most of her clothes online. But, the website is all in Korean.

However, there is a Forever 21 and an H&M in Seoul. So all is not lost! And they have American sizes...I bought clothes from both stores last month, and can't wait to go back.

Shoes though? If you are bigger than a size 8, forget it. Luckily, my parents are great with the care packages, so I'm not walking to school barefoot in the cold.

Question Two: Do they like having American stores?
It seems so. On every corner you can find either a 7/11, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald's, Burger King, or Starbucks. There's also a lot of Pizza Huts and Papa John's. The odd thing is, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts don't open until around 7 or 8. And NOBODY goes to Dunkin Donuts in the morning. But when I walk by one at night, its a mad house.

The only American store I go to here is Starbucks. The music is the same, the atmosphere is the same, and its just as fabulous!

As far as the American/European clothing stores go (Forever 21 and H&M), its mainly foreigners shopping there. Which makes sense, since most of the clothes would probably swallow these beautiful petite Korean girls that command the streets.

Why is there a Costco? Do they have American things or Korean things?
If you read my Thanksgiving post, we had a pumpkin pie from Costco hence the question. While I've never actually been to one here, I've heard its amazing. There's one in Seoul and one in Daegu. A lot of foreigners go to get the things they miss from back home, and apparently they have an awesome food court. I'm sure they have Korean things as well.

You still have to get a membership though, so I probably won't be going anytime soon. Plus, it would not be fun lugging all the stuff back home on a crowded subway or bus.

Answers Part Net

Question: What the's best/worst thing you've eaten since you've been there? Thailand AND Korea.

I'll start with Thailand. The best thing I ate was pad thai from a street vendor in Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it, but it was amazing! Most places have already cooked noodles that they just heat up again. But this guy would make everything right there in front of you. He would start with some grease (healthy I know), and add the fresh noodles. After that, he would add some tofu, a little sugar and spices, and a few sprigs of a green vegetable. Then he would crack and egg on the burner and put all the noodly goodness on top, while wrapping it up in the egg. Sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top, and BAM! you've got a delicious meal.

Did I mention this cost $1?

The worst thing I ate in Thailand was a bug.

Which actually wasn't THAT bad. But I definitely didn't want seconds.

Since being in Korea, I've enjoyed a lot of the food, and hated a lot of the food.
So I can't pick just one favorite!
Fave #1- tofu soup at lunch. It's simple, but the broth is so good.


Fave #2- bibimbap. Lots of vegetables, red pepper paste, and rice.
Easy peasy...and pleasy!


Fave #3- kimbap. Bibimbap "to go"...essentially its the same ingredients as bibimbap, but its all wrapped in seaweed.
I can get a huge roll at a place in my apartment building for $1.


Fave #4- kimchi soup. My mouth just watered.


There have been a few terrible moments since I've been in Korea. They all involve food.
Enemy #1- baby octopus being cooked alive in front of you. See my "Don't Mess with Korea" post if you're interested. I don't even want to talk about it.
Enemy #2-tiny dried salty fish*. See my "What the hell did I just eat?" post if you're curious.


*I just googled the dried minnows since I don't have an actual picture. This is what showed up on the listing.

WTF?

Answers Part Set

Question: What do you miss most about Texas?

The vastness, the long country roads, the sports culture, guacamole, salsa, cheap red wine, the familiarity, the smell of hay and cows, cowboy boots, muscles, everybody knowing English, seeing the flag everywhere, Lake Kiowa, being able to eat oatmeal, wheat germ, hummus, and spinach everyday, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, hearing y'all, Barnes and Noble, as Good as Gold Toffee, fireplaces, yards, barbed wire fences, my car, Mom's deliciously unsweet spaghetti*, Mom's strong coffee, Mom's dump cake, Mom's peanut butter cookies, Mom's lucky cats, Mom and Dad's back porch, Dad's grilled vegetables, and jalapenos.

It goes without saying, of course, that my family, dogs, and friends are at the top of the list. :)

Question:What do you wish you had in Texas that you have in Korea?

Subways and buses everywhere, unlimited healthy side dishes with every meal, kimchi, kimchi pancakes, tofu soup, crazy fast internet, K-pop, cute Korean guys, the ability to walk around with just white noise because I don't understand what everyone around me is saying, mountains and rivers everywhere, cheap cute socks, scarves, earrings, and rings, Konglish!**, Laurie, Keara, Alex, Jodi, Misty, Rosalyn-to name a few, a free furnished apartment, extremely affordable health care, the ability to not ever be affected by advertisements, cheap popcorn and coke zero at the movie theaters, street food, fall colors, a real winter with snow, having a pizza place, rice porridge restaurant, and kimbap restaurant on the first floor of my apartment building, noraebangs, and my walk to work.

*Korea's tomato sauce is SUPER sweet...like you can feel the granules of sugar in the sauce. Gross.
**Konglish-the use of English words in a Korean context aka hilarious phrases that make no sense, but somehow, make sense. You will most likely see some examples on my clothes when I return. Buying sweat shirts with funny Konglish phrases is my new hobby.

Answers Part Dul

Question 1: Have you been dating, and, if so, who's the lucky lad?

No. I'm beginning to think I'll never date again. Or even meet a single cute smart funny interesting guy who isn't condescending and arrogant. I've met single guys. and cute guys. and funny and interesting guys. and arrogant and condescending guys. But none who fit all of those qualities (minus the last two of course).
I'm not bitter at all though. Clearly.

Next question!

Question 2: What's the nightlife like?

Before I answer this, it should go on the record that I'm not really a "nightlife" person. I'm more of a "lets go get coffee and read/chat person". I did go to a few bars and clubs in Daegu for Halloween, and it was pretty similar to the ones back home. I even got to play fooseball! But the epitome of Korean nightlife is in Seoul (in Hongdae), and its apparently a real happening place. It's close to a lot of the major universities, so there's tons of dance clubs and bars. Also, the subways close around 11:30! You would think this would make people leave earlier. But, it actually just means everybody stays out until the following morning. Clubs and bars don't have a specific closing time. They can stay open as long as they want. Also, the noraebangs (karaoke) and DVDbangs are open 24 hours a day.

One night, my friends and I went to Sinchon (right next to Hongdae) and stayed at a bar until around 1am. Since we couldn't get home cheaply, we went to a DVDbang until 5am when the subways open.

They have tons of movies to choose from. You pick one, they put it in for you, and it shows up on a big projector screen in your room. Although they tend to be popular for couples (if you know what I mean), ours was very clean.

Korea is also famous for their public baths or saunas. These are open 24 hours a day, and usually cost about 6,000 won to get in ($6). I haven't been yet, but there's hot tubs, pools, and nap rooms. The thing is...you take a shower first, and then you're naked! I get stared at so much with my clothes ON. I don't want to think about the stares I would get if they could see ALL of my white skin.

As much as Korea has a variety of fun things to do at night....my friends and I went out in Suwon last weekend (city of 3 million people and 14 universities). Every single place was D.E.A.D. I asked a girl I know who has lived in Korea for 2 years why, and she said "Everybody works hard during the summer to get a boyfriend/girlfriend, so they just stay in together during the winter when its cold." Come to think of it, this paragraph should probably be moved to question 1.

Question 3: Do you live near a U.S. military base? Do you ever run into any U.S. soldiers?

A) Not really. There's an air force base maybe 30 minutes away, but I never go that far south on the subway.
B) I met one guy (his fiance is an english teacher) in the army, and he is a really cool, nice, down to earth guy. But he's from Texas, so that's a no brainer.
However, unfortunately, the other soldies I've come across have been complete jerks. I realize they didn't choose to live in Seoul, but they were embarrassingly rude to other Koreans and extremely close minded about other cultures.

I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW that's not how most of the soldiers are, but I've only come across a very small group, and they were all like that. Which is probably why they were all hanging out together. But really-I know a girl who used to be stationed here, and she is nothing but nice and polite, so please don't get the wrong idea!

Answers Part Hana

Question: How on earth did you ever find out about teaching in Korea?
I knew I wanted to teach english overseas. It, for me, was the easiest way to live abroad and still make money. After going to www.nomadicmatt.com and doing some research, South Korea seemed like the best spot...aka, they are on the upper end of the pay scale. I stumbled upon a TESOL course in Thailand that also guaranteed a job in South Korea, and bam...exactly 4 months after deciding to do this, I arrived in SoKo!

However, it wasn't as easy as it sounds. The application process was long, uncertain, and stressful. If it weren't for my mom, I would not be here right now. She ran errands for me to get the correct documents I needed, shipped some for me, and more importantly, helped me keep my sanity. I had to get background checks from every state I've lived in. And get them apostilled (had no clue what that meant, but I sure do now).It was rough doing it in Florida and having to keep it a secret from my boss. I volunteered to work so many Saturdays just so I could actually use the copier and fast internet. I also had 2 phone interviews. One of which, I forgot the time change was also a day before, so it was unexpected. Luckily, I was at home and not sitting in a movie or something.

Then, once I got to Thailand, my recruiter informed me that I no longer had the position in the central province of Korea. So for almost two weeks, I was searching for jobs in Thailand instead. I did NOT want to work in Thailand, but I really had no choice. One day, I received an email for an interview near Bangkok. Luckily, the next day my Korean recruiter informed he found me a job in Seongnam. Whew, close one!

Alright, so I answered a little more than "how did you find out", but there ya go. And the visa-getting process? Even more stressful. My "Getting There Is the Battle" post in August paints a pretty accurate picture.

Question: Are you raking in some big bucks for this teaching gig?
Yes. Well, I shouldn't say I am. My two credit cards, my bank, and the US department of education are raking in some big bucks. This accounting grad is doing some lesson learning this year! Granted, the debt was worth it...I went to Europe last summer, and lived by the beach last year. So, while my paycheck is pretty nice considering my apartment is free, more than half of it goes straight into my US account and pays all of my bills. So, not really, no.

Curious Readers

It has been a while since my last post. Furthermore, I don't plan on doing anything too terribly exciting until next payday. So, unless I have a random Korean experience, I've got nothing to blog about! But instead of letting my blog sleep for 3 weeks, I have an idea. I'm sure its lame, but sometimes lame is better than nothing.

Here's the plan- I will answer any questions you have. It can be about anything: Korea, weather, chapstick, why students have to say teacher in such a whiney voice, teaching, me, Korean food, beetles, the Beatles, penguins, sleeping...you get the gist. Except I have no idea why students say the Korean word for teacher in such a whiney voice. I do have an idea on how to stop it. But I need duct tape.

Anyways, I'll wait for a few days to see how many questions I get. Depending on how many questions (and how good they are), will determine how many posts I write.

Remember there are no stupid questions. However, if you can ask some, please do so as I always love free entertainment.

Anyong!

Santa Never Loses an Address!

I received my parent's care package complete with Christmas presents...

...if only it was December 23rd instead of November 23rd!

Good Intentions

Last weekend, Alex, Jodi, and Laurie came to stay with me on Friday night for an early "Thanksgiving". Alex and Jodi brought pumpkin pie, and Laurie and I were in charge of getting chicken, garlic bread, and making the potatoes.

Laurie got here around 7, and we went straight to Kim's Club to buy everything. After searching (with no success) for chicken, we kept wandering down the aisles. At the check out, we realized what we had bought.

I know, I know, its not Thanksgivingey. But it all looked so good. I hadn't drank red wine or eaten real bread, olive oil, and brie in MONTHS.

As we're eating the delicious food and drinking the fabulous California wine, we just keep chatting and laughing. Alex and Jodi are almost to Seongnam.

The bread? gone!
The brie? what brie?
The wine? barely any left.

We go downstairs to meet them (and to see the pumpkin pie), and reluctantly break the news to them.

Me-"We couldn't find any already cooked chicken."
Alex-"What? So buy raw chicken. Put it in a pan, turn the heat on...cooked chicken!"
Jodi-"How did the potatoes turn out?"
Laurie-"They will taste good. I just have to make them."
Jodi-"No potatoes either?! Weren't we coming here for a Thanksgiving meal?"
...you can guess how the rest of the conversation went.

However, after a couple glasses of wine and many apologies, they forgave us. Laurie made mashed potatoes, and the fried chicken place directly below my apartment increased their revenue. But most importantly, the pumpkin pie was opened!


As if we aren't goofy enough, we took some self portraits.



Serious self portraits. Laurie, really? All that's missing is a gold gaudy frame!

And then we put my loft to good use.


Happy Thanksgiving week everybody!

Open Class, Close Fall

I had my open class today. Aside from the lesson taking a little longer than 45 minutes, everything was good. One of my favorite students came up to me before the class and said "Teacher, relax, you will be great." and after class he said "Teacher, did we do good?"...if only all students were as sweet as him.

Anyway, the evaluation conversation part lasted about 5 minutes followed by 20 minutes of eating cookies and jeju oranges while the other teachers chatted in Korean. It was nice. I knew I was stressed about this, but wow there's a huge difference in how I feel just from having gotten it over with!

I'm so glad its over. Now I can enjoy my weekend with my friends, and not have to worry about next week's lessons. Why? Because its Thanksgiving lesson week, chello!*




Remember this picture from last week?

That was Fall gathering its keys and phone...


So even though Fall is still at the party,


Winter is running up the sidewalk, about to knock down the front door.


*Chello- Think Jack Black in School of Rock...call Hannah if you need to hear an example.

Miscommunication? Try No Communication.

This should have tipped me off.


But my coordinator told me I had to come to school today. And at dinner last night with three of my co teachers, they all seemed confused when I told them I still had to go to work and said they were sorry.

This also should have tipped me off.

You see, today is Korea's national SAT day. So instead of having the SAT on multiple Saturdays throughout the year for high school students to take, they only have one and every high school student takes it on that one day. Its an all day event. So it has kind of turned into a holiday for everybody else, even middle schools. I knew this, but since my coordinator said I still had to come to school, I woke up, got ready, stopped at Starbucks, and headed out a little later than usual. Since, you know, there wasn't any reason to get there as early as I normally do.

20 minutes later, with a now cold scone in my purse and my toffee nut latte at slightly less than room temp, I walk up to the school. It's locked. The halls are dark. No cars are there. But, I'm not fooled. I was told by multiple people I still had to come to work. I was looking forward to this. A full day of no interruptions so I could lesson plan and prepare the room for my open class.

But like I said, the halls were dark. The doors, locked. I rang the bell.
Security dude: confused look on his face, nods his head no
Me: confused look on my face, pointing upstairs "me, teacher, work"
Security dude: makes the ex-uh gesture with his hands (no)
Me: see above
Security dude: Hakyo (school), NO! again makes the no gesture with his hands
Me: annoyed look on my face, ok.....

I text my coordinator to let her know what happened and that I will work from home, but she's supervising the SAT all day. So, obviously, there won't be a reply.

I start walking back, and see some of my students near the sidewalk practicing Shinee's Hello dance...I'm tempted to join them, but I don't want make them feel bad with my awesome Kpop moves when its their day off from school.

Middle school girls: "Teacher, you no have to work today. Test day!"
Me: "Well I was told I had to come to work, but you're right, nobody is there. So, if anybody asks tomorrow, will you tell them that you saw me here?"
Middle school girls: "Yes, yes!"

So I walk back getting more annoyed with each step. I text my friend who teaches middle school nearby. She tells me her school told her to come in at 10am.

Is that the case? If so, my school is going to be one English teacher short today when 10am rolls around.

The Truth

All my life my "need" and "should" switches have been turned on. I should go away to college. I should stay with him because we've been together for so long. I should get an Accounting degree because its practical. I need to just get a job at a bank in Florida, since I already have experience. I should want to have a social life like my sister's. I need to meet someone soon, because all of my friends have. I should travel the world before I settle down. I should want to do things in the evenings while I'm here in Korea. I need to be more social during the week, like a lot of my friends here.

But I don't want to.

So instead of feeling guilty or lazy, I'm going to enjoy myself and do what actually makes me happy. Of course, I enjoy dinner and drinks with my friends...but once, or sometimes twice, a week is enough for me.
It doesn't matter what country, or even continent, I'm in. When I get off work, I like to go home. I like to read, watch TV, and go to sleep early. Do I wish I had someone to come home to? Yes, but I also don't want to spend my evenings out possibly finding him when I could be at home in my PJs.

If I can't spend my evenings with Jessica, Rachael, Laurie, Ashlee, Hannah, my parents, Bobby, Alex, Jodi, Keara or whoever else I absolutely love hanging out with, then I don't want to be around anybody.

I rather enjoy spending my evenings watching American TV shows and movies and eating pizza. I figure, I'm getting enough culture during the day and on weekends. What's the harm in traveling back to the U.S. on weeknights?

So while some of my friends here are eating out every night, going bowling, playing soccer, going to Seoul, and whatever else, I'm content with staying in. Hell, even on the weekends, Laurie and I usually are chilling out in one of our apartment's by 8 or 9pm.

Like I've always told my Mom, I can't wait until I'm 40. I might finally fit in with the norm.

Well, would you look at the time? It's almost 7pm! Time for some more reading The Count of Monte Cristo and watching Friends! :)

11-11 = 2-14

No, I'm not saying that 0 is equal to -12.

On November 11th, Korea celebrates Pepero Day. Pepero cookies look like a 1, which is why they are celebrated on....you guessed it! 11-11. This is basically a second Valentine's Day as far as I'm concerned. The girls have been excited all week.


The girls have all been talking about making pepero sticks.


The guys haven't.


There's been gaudy displays in every store, with people always crowded around them.

And its become even more clear this week that Pepero Day is not for single population. While I will reap some benefits due to suck-up students and the fact that the family mart downstairs is selling them, I have a feeling it will still be a day where I feel like the third wheel everywhere I go.

But I'll deal with it. Because they are covered in chocolate.

The end.

Monday

It's a Monday for sure. After a fun relaxing weekend, Mondays just tackle me. There's no penalty flag thrown either. It gets away with everything!

But I've made it through the day. Granted, I did spend my entire afternoon class playing hangman and watching two parts of A Cinderella Story instead of one.

But I was able to get back up and run towards the end zone.
This was my walk home from school...




I stopped to buy some Jeju oranges, some bread to make a PBJ, and bought a delicious cinnamon thing from a street vendor. The rest of this Monday will be spent in bed eating peanut butter and watching movies.

Take THAT Mondays!

Friends, Makgeolli, & Johnny Depp

Last weekend was Halloween. Back home, I never really celebrated it. But, having said that, I must say I had tons of Halloween themed fun in Daegu!


But the fun didn't start in Daegu. Oh, no. It began in good ole Seongnam-si. I left school at 5pm, and rushed to get everything I needed for the 6pm bus ride.

Clothes? Check.
Book for the bus? Check.
Kimbap, oranges, and other goodies for dinner? Check.
Makgeolli? Definitely check.
Shoes? Check.
Money? Check.
Laurie?

Laurie?

Mmmmm...it was 5:55 (our bus was leaving at 6), and Laurie was nowhere close. This was not her fault by the way. She left straight from her school for Seongnam, but sometimes the buses turn on their "piss off foreigners" sensors. This was one of those days. The bus came late, and there was tons of Friday afternoon traffic. It was obvious we weren't going to make it on time. But all was ok!
Because we had Makgeolli.

In case you are wondering, or didn't read my Morning Calm post, Makgeolli is Korean rice wine, and it is the most delicious thing on earth (besides chocolate, OBVIOUSLY).

So we went to the bus terminal, and saw a 6:40 bus. However, after refunding (we think anyways) and purchasing new tickets, we realized we were leaving at 7:40. Apparently Seongnamers can't get enough of Daegu on the weekends, and everything was sold out. So, we sat down to enjoy our dinner and Makgeolli and started talking about our week.

See, Laurie and I don't see each other or talk a lot during the week since we live in different cities. So the weekends are filled with catching-up girl talk, which is one of the best things about my weekends! Anyways, we quickly finish the bottle and realize we need more. A lot more. We then make the genius decision to drink during the whole bus ride so we can show Alex and Jodi what we are all about this weekend.

Now its 7:20, and Laurie leaves to find Makgeolli. A homeplus is on the 3rd floor (like a Wal Mart) so she sprints through the store, miraculously finding the Makgeolli, and buys 3 big bottles. By the time she comes back, its almost 7:40! Yes, we almost missed the bus for the 2nd time.

We sit down in the last row, get settled, and crack open the next bottle.

Then my stupid quotes started to tumble out of my mouth.

Me, motioning my hands in the same direction as the bus is moving: "Wait, are we going this way?"
In my defense, we were going west and we were supposed to be going southeast. Still, it was pretty funny. Or maybe it wasn't and we just thought it was. Anyways...

About 10 minutes in, I got the hiccups! I hate hiccups. They suck. We each had our cups filled with Makgeolli, so I was trying to slowly drink it in hopes it would relax me.
Laurie: Is your cup empty?
Me: No, why?
Laurie: Oh, I was going to scare you if it was.
Me: Oh, ok.

A few minutes pass...I finish my cup and my hiccups are gone...
Me: Ok, my cup is empty now. Scare me.
Laurie just looks at me before cracking up. I don't speak for the next 30 minutes due to shame.

After a much needed bathroom break 2 hours in, we spot some rides. Photo op!


Laurie just hopped on top like a normal person.


I got all the way in, like it was actually about to fly off into the night.

As we were getting close to Daegu, we started passing tire shops. For some reason, Korea wraps their tires in with bright gold and silver aluminum foil looking stuff.

Laurie: Oh, I see those everywhere in Suwon. What's up with those?
Me: You've seen those in Suwon? I haven't seen them on any of the cars in Seongnam.
Laurie gives me the same stare after the scare me comment before dying laughing.

We somehow got there early, so we walked across the street to the Lotteria (which is a generic McDonald's...you can just imagine how delicious that is). We had drank the 3 bottles on the bus, plus the one in the terminal, so what did we need? Another bottle to go with our fancy Lotteria meal, duh. I pop over to the FamilyMart while Laurie orders an order of cheese sticks and sweet potato balls.

This is what comes to our table.


We're on our 5th bottle of Makgeolli, and we just got two whole cheese sticks for an order. This apparently is the funniest thing on earth, because we can't stop laughing. I still have no idea why Alex and Jodi picked us up and actually brought us back to their apartments. They are just that good of friends.

The following day after we woke up, we went downtown for lunch and shopping.

Downtown during the day...it gets busy at night.


The first arrow says: krispy kreme doughnut, bacon, zisomething, cheese


This hoodie says "Do you have any girlfriends?" and "The girl dances very well these days because of the ballet lessons."


I have no idea what to write here.

Saturday night, we went to a murder mystery play that Alex was in.

Regardless of what they said, I still think Alex did it.



Afterwards, we took Daegu by storm. Lots of fun bars and dance clubs. One bar even had...

...so you know this was a good place!

There were also some cute Halloween costumes...




Who knew a Korean could look so much like Johnny Depp?

In conclusion: We had a blast! Thanks to Alex and Jodi for the great weekend. :)

ps-We did manage to find a bar that had a "traditional" Korean dance performance. I'll show the video soon. It deserves its own post!

A Happy Day for China

Visit me! --> www.whatthefuckhasobamadonesofar.com


1993: Clinton
1994: Clinton
1995: Clinton
1996: Clinton
1997: Clinton
1998: Clinton
1999: Clinton
2000: USA budget SURPLUS = $46 billion
2001: Bush
2002: Bush
2003: Bush
2004: Bush
2005: Bush
2006: Bush
2007: Bush
2008: USA budget DEFICIT = -$438 billion

We tried it one way for 8 years...lets give them a little more than 2 years, eh?

A Few Things

It has been 60 days and 6 hours since I arrived in South Korea. In these last two months, I've seen, heard, tasted, felt, and smelled many new things. I've made some great friends. I've settled into my new place and city. I've traveled to Seoul, Sokcho, Suwon, and Daegu. I know I still have SO much to see and do, but for my two month anniversary, I need to reflect on my time here so far.

Things I've seen:
numerous dogs with fashionable hair cuts, colors, and costumes
men hacking loogies on the streets
women hacking loogies on the streets
students hacking loogies inside school
motorbikes flying down sidewalks
the North Korean border
ridiculous outfits on the subway
firework shows from Canada, China, and Korea
1.2 million people all needing to get to the same subway station

a dead man on a hiking trail at Seoraksan
middle school girls holding hands
middle school boys holding hands
crazily inhumane fish tanks outside restaurants
a traditional Korean dance
girls in 4 inch heels, tights, and a shirt barely covering their ass
people staring at me for wearing...gasp!...short sleeves or V neck shirts
men carrying nicer purses than I've ever owned
boyfriends dramatically waving at their girl friends when they have to part ways on the subway/bus/sidewalk/anywhere
Koreans sleeping on the street, in subways, & during a hard rock performance in a bar
B2ST, 2AM, RAIN, and BoA perform live
matching couples EVERYWHERE


Things I've heard:
my co workers smacking their food
my co workers slurping their soup
my bosses smacking their food
my bosses slurping their soup
a Korean lady yelling "Wae yo!?" (why) about 100 times at McDonald's because something was wrong with her order
a Korean man passing gas right in front of Keara and me in E-Mart.
men hacking loogies on the street
women hacking loogies on the street
people telling us to be quiet on the subway or bus
Koreans talking loudly on their phones right after we were told to be quiet

Things I've tasted:
onion juice
bitter ginseng
octopus I watched die in front of me (no English menu)
dried squid
many types of rice cakes
peanut buttered squid (looks like french fries)
sweet potato balls
Korean melons
Asian pears
some sort of organs in sauce (informed after I had eaten it)
dried salty minnows and shrimp
many types of kimchi
pizza toast...which is cold mushy toast covered in sweet tomato sauce and corn
red bean filled fish pastries from the lady near my apartment
dumplings from the lady near my apartment
soy bean soup (tofu soup)...one of my favorite Korean foods
sweet tomato sauce
sweet garlic bread
boiled chestnuts

Things I've felt:
The freezing cold wind laughing at my thin pants and socks.
extremely happy and excited
extremely sad and homesick
happy to have met some awesome people
lucky to have met another best friend
a gazillion eye balls staring at me and my brown curly hair, my curves, my weird clothes and shoes, my eyes, my red cheeks while running, etc...
sick to my stomach after eating a few said things above
extremely satisfied after eating a few said things above
under dressed every single day since I've been here

Things I smell on a regular basis:
kimchi
fish
sewer
pine trees
fermented bean curd soup

Things I've never smelled:
Koreans. They don't wear deoderant, and they never stink.

Things I've learned:
Spicy means sweet.
Sweet means barely sweet.
Not very sweet means a sugar rush from one bite.
Salty means sweet.
Salty means spicy.
Salty does not mean salty.
Ginseng, onion juice & sugary cough syrupy vitamin C drinks are "good for health".
Everything Koreans eat is "good for health".
French braid is pronounced Frenchie...no matter how many times I repeat it correctly.

Delizioso Cibo Italiano

Last week, my friend, Keara, and I went to an Italian restaurant near her place. Now, in Korea..."Italian" food usually means sugary tomato sauce and corn. But this place is actually owned and ran by REAL Italians! Cute ones too. Especially when they were speaking Italian to each other and putting pizzas into their brick oven.


Even though this was a legitimate Italian restaurant, we are still in Korea. Hence, the boiled potatoes next to the bread & olive oil.


My delizioso penne with tomato sauce and tasty red wine


Keara's fancy stuffed zuchinni

After dinner, we walked down the cafe street to a little place that sells sweet potato lattes. There's actually no coffee involved. Its simply sweet potato and steamed milk, and it is amazing.


Perfect ending to the meal

Even though this was the most expensive meal I've had in Korea (30,000 won or almost $30), it was well worth it!

What's to Come

Happy Halloween Eve Eve. I am working today, then scurrying to Daegu for the weekend for a weekend of awesomeness with Alex, Jodi, and my CA twin. It will be epic. Because of this, I won't be able to blog until next week. However, I the following things will be posted eventually:

My REAL Italian dinner last night, that I'm still salivating over.
My REAL black coffee I drank this morning out of my mini-french press.
My 2 month anniversary of being in Korea (this Saturday) and maybe even my 3 1/4 month anniversary of leaving the states...not sure it would result in anything different, but who knows.

and of course, my Halloween weekend in Daegu.

and maybe a post on chocolate, because its thats important in life.


Just thought everybody could use a little rainism to start/finish the day.