Christmas Weekend

First off, Happy belated Merry Christmas! I know it's late, but Christmas hasn't exactly felt like Christmas since some point in high school. Being in Korea, without family, makes that even worse. And the fact that I did nothing I wouldn't normally do makes it not feel like christmas. Maybe I should re-evaluate my expectations for Christmas and this woudn't be an issue, but it's all good.

For Christmas Eve, Brittany called and said let's go to this champagne party that was supposed to have all you can eat, all you can drink. It was all you can eat, but the food consisted of saltines and cheeseballs. It was not worth it at all.

Christmas Day, Erin came over and we proceeded to wander around Busan, mainly looking for Thai food. However, no such luck. We settled for this makkeoli place with Korean pancake (pajeon) and fried squid legs. We then checked out a couple "parties," but for the most part did a lot of people watching.

Then Erin and I on Boxing Day were greeted by Brittany and her dog in the morning. I skyped with my family and we hung out at Sinsegae all day. I met up with Emily and her fiancee for coffee, which was nice. They have been here 6 months and this is the first time we have gotten together which is surprising. After Ashleigh and Liz came down. We went to a sauna. Loved it. I was so amazed at how comfortable all the women were with walking around completely naked. It was definitely an experience. Very relaxing and I would most definitely do it again.

Today was supposed to be orphanage day. However, there really were so many people signed up, we were actually unable to go. That was kind of lame. But we hung out on the beach and saw the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. It was really interesting how they combined like 5 different actors into one character including Heath Ledger, who died 2 years ago.
All in all, it was a nice weekend though very little emphasis on Christmas.

Moment

I had a moment today as I do just about everyday. For some odd reason, I love Korea with all its quarks and faults. It just makes me happy. The end

life and happiness

I left Korea on October 18 for home.
There was a huge point in September where I could tell that I needed to just go home. I think that's about the time I stopped writing the blog entries. It is not that I hate Korea, I just needed the stability of home. I needed the comfort of the people whom I love and I knew loved me. People can be amazing, but people can also be cruel. at that point, I felt there was a lot more of people hurting each other than being friends. It got over before I even went home. It was about 2 weeks of just not feeling it. I'm not sure exactly when that feeling ended, but it ended on it's own. I think having that feeling was a good thing because I learned that there's no way you can like everybody in the world. if you find you disagree with someone, the world is huge and you don't have to be around them the whole time.
Anyway, so In October I went home. I came home and it had been snowing. Now New England is cold, but not that cold.There's not usually snow in October. But it didn't stick long. I thought I was going to cry when I saw certain people, but I had no tears the whole time I was at home.
My family and I went to Colorado for Jasmine Holbrook's wedding. Their family were some good friends of my family. That was crazy because we drove there and back. And my body was fucked. I had only been home for a day before we left, so I had no idea when I should eat sleep or do anything. So basically, I didn't sleep for a whole week and then the way home all I could do was sleep. But it was fun.
I went to UMass for a few days, went on the scissor lift and saw the marching band. I saw so many people. I saw Athena's baby. I saw so many people and generally just felt the most love that I think I ever felt in my life. When people realize they only get to see you for a limited time, they really step it up. I knew people loved me before, but this confirmed. On the other hand, others proved that they're more just acquaintances than friends.
I also got frustrated with a few guys in my life. Many assumed I wanted to hang out with only them..though they could have been purely innocent gestures, some of them felt very pushy for something more than friends. But that was not my plan for when I was at home. I was going home for America for only a month. There was no way I was looking for a relationship or hookup or anything else for that matter. I was home to see the people I love, the people that already have a huge impact in my life and though I missed a few people, I was able to accomplish most.
I cam back November 21st. I am now living in Busan. It's exciting, because I live in an area where I used to come only on weekends. I can walk to the beach in 10 minutes. I love it. It makes me happy. I know some people think that Busan is a place to party in the summer and that's all it's good for, but I really don't think so. You can party, but you can also have fun in other ways. I have drank far less here in Busan than I ever did in Ulsan. I feel more goal oriented. I'm looking forward to a great year here. A year where I can have fun, be happy, accomplish some goals, and continue to learn more about myself.

Kids and Life

First off, today was pretty interesting. The kids were presenting their thinking project and these two students Paul and Howard, who I generally like, were presenting. They were talking about the issue of climate change. Somehow they got it in their heads that climate change will make a person grow bald and make people black. I had no idea what to say. I didn't get angry because they were ignorant, not knowing what they said was absolutely wrong and offensive. However, I told them after that they can ABSOLUTELY not say anything like that ever again. i couldn't even put into words why, but was just appalled.

Not all the kids say are offensive. I wish sometimes I could tape them and put them on an episode of 'Kids Say the Darndest Things.' For example, I make them write letters to me on the first day. I promised to keep them private but some of the things they said I can't help but telling people. These aren't exact quotes, but pretty close.

My friend has pretty fingernails. I want pretty fingernails like you.
I like your long yellow hair. You are cute.
Please don't be angry with me. Please don't yell and be angry.
I always want you to be my teacher. forever.

Those are just a few I can remember off the top off my head.

On my own personal business, I have a plane ticket to arrive home on the 18th of October.
I'm going to Jeju Island the weekend of the 26th (Sept). It's supposed to be the Hawaii of Korea or something like that.
When I get home, I don't know how long I will be home for. Right now it's looking like anywhere between 2-6 weeks. I had a job interview today with this school named YBM language Institute teaching adults in Bundang, Korea. I finished my application for CDI Busans. Hopefully I will hear from them soon. I'm still talking to Moonkkang as well. They look like my best options right now, but we will see.
Becca and Thomas are engaged now. (My older brother and future sister-in-law) The proposal was adorable with swimming with dolphins and everything. I have to amit, he does so amazing things sometimes.

Musings that probably don't make sense

I've been worrying a lot lately. Part of me doesn't want to grow up and still be the college kid or high school kid I was just a few years ago. But I know that's not possible. And I know the only reason I want that or would want that is because I'd be running away from making decisions and being responsible. I liked myself a lot when I was naive and trusted everyone, not knowing things. There was nothing to bring you down or disappoint you. However, there's a lot that comes with knowledge. A lot more valuable things, a lot more experiences, a lot of life to live. I guess part of what is making me think of things is all these friends becoming engaged, married, and having children. I have been choosing not to live this kind of life purposely, but I know there's goign to be some point I will want those things. Part of me is afraid I'll just miss out on them. The other reason why I'm thinking like this is because my contract will be up soon. I'm trying to plan out where and what I'm going to do for at least another year. I'm trying to make sure I stay on some sort of target, stay happy, experience the world, be a good friend. I know I certainly fail at these things sometimes, but they're the things that seem to matter at this part of my life. There's no use of worrying about all these things, but they just get to me.
Anyway, I am happy. I'm doing well and I'm healthy. I've made some of the most amazing friends regardless of disappointments. I've experienced so much that I never imagined. Still love the family and friends back home. Nothing could ever replace you all. Much love.

updates

We've had a lot of changes at work recently. We lost 5 out of 9 co-workers as their contracts were up. The first replacement was here for a week and then decided he couldn't cut it. Since we've had 4 others that seem like they're in it for a long haul. It's strange to see the new faces at work, but they seem cool or nice enough. I feel as though because Matt and Ray have gone I have to be more disciplinarian, which is a bit anoying, but I'm sure it will work out in a couple weeks.

I've been teaching a lot more too. It's pretty tiring and sometimes I feel like I spend my whole life in, around or thinking about CDI. But overall, the paychecks will be sweet for the next few months.

There's been no word on the job stuff yet. Still trying, but Koreans don't exactly do business like Americans..so I'm struggling to try to make them understand that I need a job, talking to me directly and while I'm in Korea is the best option, and that yes, in fact, I'm serious about teaching here. I'm not worried. They will need teachers and I have experience.

I guess that's basically it.

deep indescribable thoughts

Why is it what we want we can't have it when we really want it and what we don't want is there even though we don't? Why must we live by the forbidden fruit constantly?
Just thinking....

By the way...Caroline's going to Iraq again. World's apart, but close to the heart.
Athena had her baby.
Life keeps moving on......

Thailand was definitely amazing. I loved it and would go back again. When I do go back, however, I would love to know how to ride a motorbike as it would be easier to just rent one. I'm putting that on my mental list of things I want to do before I die. I'm currently posting pictures on facebook, so most of them will be there.

As for everything else, I've been working on making some decisions. I need to figure out next year, so I finally wrote out my options.
*resign in CDI Ulsan
*resign at another location still with CDI
*apply for this hagwon called Moonkkang
*another Hagwon
*move home to Boston with Steph (however there is no job yet)

I talked to my boss today and told her I was not resigning with Ulsan though I extended my contract for 2 and 1/2 weeks. (Oct. 16 is the last day now).
I sent my information and resume to Moonkkang and have had some sort of e-mail back and forth. (They had an option for editing, but I don't have the experience. However, they are looking at me for a teaching position)
I sent my information to CDI Busan's a long time ago. I finally called Tim today about it. He said they would probably need people for Winter term which starts the very beginning of December. However, they won't look for people until October, meaning I wouldn't have anything confirmed until I left Korea, which isn't exactly comfortable. Plus, that would be me going 7 weeks without a job or working a temp job. I'm not sure if I'm up for that.
This is my current decision making process and it's taking up a whole lot of my mind. However, I am sure I will figure something out. I always do

It's been awhile

For those of you who don't know, I work at a hagwon. I won't mention th name for certain reasons. The first week you come to Korea, you have training up in Seoul and the training sucks. But you have to do it so that you are employed by the company. Well, the first day of training involves a medical test for your visa. Well, a few weeks ago, someone was doing said medical test and was found with swine flu. She was quarantined and about 40 other people. (My personal opinions on swine flu is that it's just a bunch of mass hysteria). Because it affected our comany so much, they closed down all locations to keep all the hagwons on schedule, etc. Basically, I got 10 days off. So I booked a flight to Tokyo. However, about an hour after that I get a call saying i'm not allowed to use public transportation. This is a completely ridiculous concept. I live 5 hours from Seoul. So, I went anyway and kept it on the downlow. I'll talk more about it later, but overall the experience was amazing. I LOVED Tokyo.

I get back and start working again then Thursday happened. There's this guy named Jeff..he's a Korean guy that recruits foreigners for other hagwons, basically to work second jobs which is illegal. But they caught him. And with that they are cathcing a lot of foreigners as well. One of my friends was even fired and will not have a job at the end of the month. I wound up on a list somehow and they questioned me for ahalf an hour. I was pissed. I am completely innocent and they came to my school and questioned me. My boss was freaking out thinking that she was going to lose a teacher. They kept telling me..you have two options. you can tell the truth or you can lie and get in trouble. I felt like I was three years old being punished or something. They have no evidence on me. I don't even know how they got my name other than I know people. I have never even had a conversation with this Jeff guy. I'm ok, so please don't worry about me. they said they would call if they found any evidence against me. If they do it's superficial evidence and that will be another situation.

Improvements

I have an addiction to the endorphins which come from exercising. In December, I started taking a yoga class at the University gym. Then in January, I switched my yoga to a regular gym membership. For the most part, I've been working out 2 or 3 days a week since then. However, in the past 3 weeks, I've upped the ante. I did 4 days a week the first two weeks and 5 days this week. Each day I did a minimium of 6-7 km. For those of you thinking miles..that is about 3.5 to 4.5 miles, roughly. And I love it. It makes me feel so much better, so much healthier.
The only problem is that at abot the same time I started to work out more, a Coldstone opened up in my neighborhood. Luckily, today was the first day that I gave in and went there. However, when my willpower isn't so great, it might become an issue.
I've also come to a decision. I am definitely going to do another year in Korea. One of the biggest questions that was making me not want to do another year was if I was postponing my life. I've been wrestling with that question and decided that is not so. I have just been making a life for myself out here, traveling and getting life experiences. I think everyday I'm learning something new about myself, the world, people, life, etc. I think this makes me a better person, even if I am not pursing the publishing career that is my eventual goal. I've been founding out who I am as an adult, defining myself. I like that.

Birthdays come and go like nothing these days. wow...that sounds really old. But however, I am 23. I made it to the age that they no one likes you. well, at least blink182 says so. Anyways, I tried celebrating on Saturday with Ashleigh in Buddha. We planned this beer pong on the roof thing which involved me digging through trash for things. However, we were ready to go and then rain came along. So we moved it to Ashleigh's inside ad then headed off to Bench. It was fun, just not what we expected quite.
On the actual day, I had to work and then after we went to the hookah bar til 3 am. It was nice and certainly not crazy. My family got me crazy presents, including, but not limited to Wall-E, Across the Universe, and the whole 4th season of Lost. Ashleigh and Alicia both got me gifts and i received a few cards. It was weird to have a birthday going on for a day and a half (via the time difference).
I kept thinking that my mother was in labor with me 23 years ago. and as much as I thank her for that, I'm extremely glad I am not planning on being in that situation anytime soon.
Random note....I really need to decide soon what I'm doing when I go home.

Decided

For vacation, I'm going to Phuket, Thailand. June 22-29. It shall be amazing. Flight is booked.

To be grown up isn't half as fun as growing up

I haven't written here in awhile.It's not because I haven't had the time to. I have been thinking about the way I live my life and what I want to do with it.

The thing is when you are going through college, your mind isn't always thinking about that after this you will be an adult. Of course, you are an adult when you are in college, but it doesn't hit. You're still going to school as you have your whole life. The only thing different is you hardly ever live with your parents anymore. But it's been slowly hitting me and I think the past few weeks, it really bothers me that I'm more lost.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a mess. I know where I stand and such. I just don't know where I want to go. It has taken so long to realize that I'm no longer a student, no longer any of the things I have considered myself to be my whole life. I couldn't even let people call me a woman until I came here (except when I became angry with my parents and used it as a defense).

Basically I've been thinking about where I want to go and what I want to do. First thing is I have my first vacation pretty much ever on my own in June. And I'm planning it by myself and I'm a little scared. We all know most things I plan and look forward to screw up. I'm going by myself, at least if I can't find someone who can and will go with me. I want to make sure I'm safe and have fun.

Some of my friends have been getting married and some are starting to have babies. And though I am happy for them, I don't think that's part of my life currently. I actually had a dream, funny enough. Basically in my dream I met with a doctor who was telling me that some choice I was making made it nearly impossible for me to have a baby. And in the dream, I felt no remorse. In fact, I said to the doctor, "a baby is just not in my plans right now." Not that I will never settle down, get married, or have children. I just don't think those things are on what I want in my agenda. Besides, the whole concept of settling down sounds disgusting. Disgusting in the sense, that I want to always live my life and when and if I ever get married I want to continue to live my life and not settle down.

Then I need to figure out what I want to do after the year is through. I know it sounds quite far away (and really it is) but time flies and it's important to have a plan. I need to officially decided whether I'm doing a second year or not. And if I'm not, I need to decide what I'm doing when I'm coming back. Where I'm going to live, with whom, and what kind of a job I get. I know this might offend my mother a tad bit, but It's not meant to. I cannot live at home anymore. This is because it does not feel like home. I also feel that my independence feels suffocated at home. I like living on my own, supporting myself. I think I have always loved it.

All in all, I've been doing some thinking. I've made some choices which I don't think I could have made a half a year ago. I still have so many more decisions that I must make and will have to continue to make many decisions in my life. It's all part of growing up.

There is a roof!

Alicia has been wondering for a long time whether there was something on the roof of our building, where we could just relax and have fun outside. So, Friday night about 5:30 am we made our way up there. And of course..there is. So Saturday I was wicked excited to check it out not at 5:30 am. I went up there with only my key. and let the door close. I don't know what I was thinking. I look back at the door and realized the doorknob is broken and I am locked up on the roof.
How did I get off, you may ask... I waited until I saw people. These people ended up being two young Korean boys. I got their attention and spoke random Korean words and just kept pointing. Finally, they got the point and opened the door. But I made such a fool of myself..ooops

On another note: It's getting nice enough that we were able to have a bonfire on the beach last night. Also, I have officially been in Korea six months.

I'm turning Korean?

I have been taking Korean lessons with a friend of mine since the beginning of January. Except I don't study so I'm not exactly sure if I've picked up a whole lot. (it's all my fault) Well, he told me during the last lesson that I was born to be a Korean woman. I laughed at him for 5 minutes. He meant that I pick up the pronunciation well. But really, I just act like I'm speaking french..it's a little similar. (not really at all) Plus by living here, I hear it every day everywhere. If you hear something for so long you can kind of guess how things are supposed to sound.

I also am obsessed with kimbap. For those of you who don't know, kimbap is kind of like California roll sushi without the meat. It's rice, carrots, picked radish, egg, spinach, and usually ham wrapped in seaweed. (i do it without the ham) I've had it for a meal 5 out of the 7 days last week. I just get two rolls for 2,000 or 3,000 won. And I really crave it. I am becoming Korean.

I also check myself out in the mirror too much. I hate this fact. All Korean women do it. I'm pretty sure the men do it too. Somehow, I have picked it up.

Side note: I've started speaking a mixture of English, French, Korean, and Spanish when I'm drinking....Am I a little crazy?

Some complaints

Those people who know me fairy well know that I think a lot. Sometimes too much for my own good, sometimes just because. I have my reasons, it works and I find that I am an intelligent person who knows what she is doing regardless of what it seems on the outside.

One of the things I have been thinking about is what people ask you about. Now, when I was graduating college, everyone kept asking what're you going to do now and then would have to give them this whole long speil. (sp?) Well, now that I have a job and I'm in Korea they need to come up with some other question to ask me. Of course, it becomes the question of..are you seeing anyone, do you have a boyfriend, and any variation of the question that you can find. I understand that people want to know about the events going in my life. However, if people know me..they know that I have never and will never judge my life about whether or not I'm in a relationship. I've always found I like myself better outside of relationships anyway. But to ask that question constantly. And it's not just people who know me. It's my students always asking. I've been taking Korean lessons witha friend and the first lesson he was going to try to teach me how to describe what kind of a guy I was looking for. This was listed under BASIC conversation. What? I would never answer that question to anyone and certainly not to someone I'm meeting for the first time. What does it matter anyway? People need to stop defining how well a persons life is going by if they're with someone. I think it's downright annoying and degrading.

Another thing I find annoying is the whether people are worth you or not. I've been told ths by so many people and different contexts. But I have never ever believed in judging worthiness. Who are you to say that you are that much better than me? Or me to say that about someone else? I think worthiness is just a big piece of crap (for lack of a better description). People should just be friends or don't be friends..plain and simple. But don't give some lame reason sch as he's not worth it or I can do better. People are all people. We all have flaws...we all make mistakes and I'm sure most of us have at some point in our lives been "not worth it" for something or somebody.

Finally, it drives me crazy when people feel the need to prove themselves by what they say. For example, guys will talk to you and they want to know about other guys. Then they feel the need to say "I'm better than that." Well, I want to say right back to them "No. You're not." If you need to say things to show that it is true, than chances are it's not true.Another one people say a lot is I don't do that because I'm mature. if you were mature, I would notice without you telling me that. I know sometimes I personally act like a goofball, but when it comes down to it I do what I need to do and then just have fun. But by saying that you're mature to people constantly, it seems as if you think the other person is not. That sounds like real good conversation builder skills to me. It's like very simple essay writing- show it, don't tell it. But yet somehow people constantly feel the need to say things like this to get into a someones pants or make themselves feel good. I think most of the time, it just makes them look like asses.

A nice Gesture

I got sent this in an email through couchsurfing and figured I'd let people know. I figured it's a cute idea.

Sorry to disturb You, I’m Tom Szili from Hungary, and I would like to ask you to help me to make a big birthday surprise for my beautiful girlfriend. She really loves postcards, from nice places - this is how I got the Idea, to ask people to send her postcards/letters from all over the world.
If you can join and help me, I’d be really thankful!!
1. Please choose a nice postcard
2. Write Her „Happy Birthday” in English, and in your mothertongue too.


3. Her name and address is:

Hajnalka Domokos
MISKOLC
Kossuth u. 17.
3525
HUNGARY
EUROPE
Your post should be arrive until 13th March 2009. Thanks a lot!!!
If You sent her something, please write me an email to szili.tamas@gmail.com with your name, your city, and your country.
If You know friends from different countries (especially North and South America, Africa, Asia), please ask them to join too, for making a happy birthday for a nice person.
Thank You for reading it, and helping me!
Tommy

If you feel like doing so, go ahead.

Disappearing

I went to Ilsan Beach today. I needed a few hours to myself besides at my apartment. And the weather was how 50s, so it's one of the most perfect days as of late to to go to the beach. In my attempt to stand in the water for a minute or so, I proceeded to trip on a rock covered in seaweed and fall. I have to say that it was one of the most graceful falls ever. Except for the fact that I bruised a random spot on my thumb.
I also wrote some while I was at the beach. That felt so good. I forgot how much writing just takes control and does whatever it wants to. I meet so many people here who claim they are writers. Not that I don't believe them, but I truly believe that if there was such a thing called destiny mine would be to write. Even if it doesn't ever get published or anything. It's all for me anyway. My thesis professor in college told me I wrote without thinking of an audience which can be a very good thing or a very bad thing. For me, it just feels so good.

Some of my Students

The term ended this week, so I made most of my kids pose for pictures. Some of them really hated me for it. The first four are my memory level kids which is like levels 5 and 6. The next two are my EC level kids. They're the lowest level at CDI and they are so little. I like to consider them my babies. They literally do everything I ask them to do. Except for the fact that they wanted me to dance and Sing this Korean song called "Nobody" they were perfect. The last two are my Bridge kids. I only teach them listening and speaking (they have a different teacher for reading). Just figured I'd show that I am truly teaching real students.

Love

This has nothing to do with anything going on in my personal life, so please don't over read this.

I am a cynic when it comes to love. I don't believe in the "one." I don't believe in love at first sight. And I honestly think people are completely crazy when they say they love someone they've only known 2 weeks. Or moved to the middle of no where to have a child with a guy that they've met in person once in their life. Basically, I think it's crazy, lunatic, and something's going to go wrong.

Resumes

I've decided that I'm on the job search. I have about 6 months left to go here, but I'm scared of being screwed or failing this time. Not that I failed last time, I just don't think I'm the perfect teacher. I figured out teaching isn't right for me. I'm still constantly considering doing a second year here as well, but that depends on a lot of things. But really, what I want is a job that can take me somewhere, speaking both literally and figuratively. My thoughts right now are for New York. Most people that know me should know that by now..I've kind of been talking about it for years now. And the industry I'm looking at most at it publishing. I love editing, I love reading, I love all that kind of stuff so I feel like it would be perfect. However, I know about my lack of experience in working in just the publishing world. I've done a little bit of print media and some news media. But I know I can do something.

On a side note, I stay awake pretty late most nights and keep the tv on for background noise. And some how people on my tv always wind up having sex, in Korean, in English, tonight it was French. I swear I don't even have a remote and hardly change the channel. Why so much sex?

Don't Divorce them

This is a video I completely agree with

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Little to do with Korea

So, I love when the top 10 lists come out for colleges. I think this stems from the idea that UMass was always in the top 10 party schools (based on riots) and sometimes in top 10 most violent schools (though it was all because of some stupid drunk people one night and it's all because UMass is basically a city in itself- c'mon we have our own police force!) But anyways, they came out and UMass is not on the Party school list (I'm only counting top 10). I'm pretty sure this has to do with the Amherst and UMass police teaming up together.
Brown made it on the list of top 10 happiest schools. I'd have to say everytime I go to that part of Providence it has seemed pretty happy, though some of the buildings just look ugly. Hampshire, of course, is number 2 for most liberal. it's in the middle of the woods and everyone doesn't wash their hair. And it's located in Amherst. Western MA has to be some of the most liberal, free-spirited hippies I have ever met.
Mount Holyoke made it on the list for the top 10 colleges for the best classroom experience. I'm not sure what they mean by that, but the class I took at Mount Holyoke was certainly one of the most interesting..Victorian sexualities. And the teacher had such a wealth of knowledge. So I guess I'd have to agree with that.
Besides exploring these top 10 lists I must say this: I had no idea how amazing it was to have a free weekend until I came here and actually had them. Having a weekend where absolutely nothing is expected of you is so relaxing and rejuvenating. It also makes you go an hour and half to stuff your face with Mexican.

Ulsan..I am back!

I went to Shanghai for Chinese New Year and I have to say it was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. Even though I feel like every time I come back from a place my account of it seems rather boring..I thought it was amazing. The pearl tower..the Bundt, two temples which kick ass in seeing a culture. Plus the customs they have remind me terribly of the Catholic church..( when I say this I'm not meaning to insult anyone) I've always thought that all world religions are based on the same basic premises and have much more in common than they think or lead themselves to believe. And going to the temples kinda proved that. I love incense too.
I will post some pics up here later..I'm kinda being lazy at actually uploading them. As always, my friend has FAR better pictures and I'll get those when she's done editing and stuff. I bought gifts. I also bought something that should say double happiness..however..I don't trust people to translate correctly so the lovely Steph Cheung will be checking that for me.
I think I might be a bit happier snce I've been back. Obviously, only time will tell, but China made me realize some things I enjoy about Korea. Like the money system is far better than the Chinese money system..at least for my head that chooses to do as little math as possible.
Also I trust people far better here. I'm not scared people are going to screw me over, take my money. Though I truly enjoyed bargaining people down on prices..that is purely amazing.
By the way, when you think of the color of China, what comes to mind? COMMUNIST RED..

Pescetarian

So, I haven't told many people about this because I've thought about it awhile and am scared at failing at it. However, about a month ago I officially decided to become a pescetarian. ( I think Sarah might be wicked happy about that. ) I had considered it many times before, but Saturday officially makes it 4 weeks of not eating meat. I do not miss it at all and feel a bit healthier about it, I think.

On that note, I haven't personally had many problems about not getting meat. I learned the phrase to ask for no meat. But sometimes Koreans just don't understand. Yesterday prime example. My friend Alicia is a vegetarian and ordered spaghetti. We double checked annieyo gogi. and then when it came it had little bits of meat. Of course. They don't understand spaghetti and pizza, etc do not need meat in it. You do not have to put meat in it. Sunday, we tried to order spaghetti at a place..and we couldn't get the cheese oven spaghetti without meat.does that even make sense? Cheese Spaghetti. And they had a different option of meat spaghetti. Then we tried to order a vegetable pizza...We had to painstakingly explain to them how to make a pizza and that all you had to do was NOT put the meat in it. STUPID......But I'm over it.

I'm headed to Shanghai for holiday and am wicked stocked. Also, just so people know, when President Obama was sworn in and gave his speech..I was sitting at a bar until 3 am with many Americans, a couple Canadians, and Brits that were so silent as he spoke. It was one of the best feelings in the world. Where were you?

We were boxing, you were swinging for Mars

It's been awhile since I've written. I feel like I am horrible at updating this. I think I treat it almost like a censored diary and I never was good at keeping a consistent diary.
Well, since I've written, I've had to teach an extra 3 hour class every MWF along with prepping it. Though this class is much more relaxed and it's actual books...it's been keeping me busy. I am basically at the school for over 12 hours minus maybe an hour break somewhere for lunch.
I have also started making myself go to the actual gym on all the other days (except Sunday..the gym is closed then). It's annoying waking up, but as soon as I actually get up and ready, going there isn't a problem. It was interesting today. There's a side room I like to go in and do sit-ups, etc. It's such a big room I decided to try a little bit of a dance warm-ups. At one point I was practicing my turns because God knows they need work and I realized there were these men watching me. A bit sketched out I kept going. Then, they decide to talk to me and tell me I'm a beautiful dancer. First of all, no. I am WAY out of practice. Second, why would you ever go interrupt someone in the middle of dancing? or working out or anything..I'm pretty sure it was quite obvious I was not there to talk to people in English or in Korean.
I have also started to take Korean lessons. I have a friend who meets with me for about an hour every week and has started to teach me Korean. I wanted to learn more one day. I was getting annoyed with not knowing what people were saying as I walk anywhere. So, I am learning, slowly. Hopefully it will work out. My goal is to have a fullblown conversation in Korean instead of speaking in little phrases and pointing.

Portrait

One of my kids, Jack, is a very good drawer. He's kind of crazy and not very focused which is the only thing that keeps him back. He speaks pretty good English as he spent a year, I think, in America. One day during class, he decided to draw this particular picture. And even though, I don't think I really get that angry at my kids...I love this picture..So much that I had to hang it on my wall.

Happy New Year!!!

from Boston perspective I am tomorrow.

from Korean perspective Boston is yesterday.

sahe bock manhi bong doseyo!

much love!