It's raining... it's pouring... (and this weekend I'll be snoring!)

Yes, I am very very tired from this week. I thought I had a good handle on things at the start of the week, but with losing two days to getting our Alien registration, opening a bank account, and then Sports Day, I feel all out of whack. Ah well, I have the next three days to make some sense out of the week ahead.

It is pouring rain outside. In Seoul, it never seems to just dribble... if it is going to rain, then godammit! It's going to rain all day! And hard too! It's amazing! I actually really like the rain. I like the sound against the windows when you are sitting, warm and comfy, inside. I like the fact that even in the silence of my apartment, the rain reminds me that I'm just a small part of something bigger... (though, damned if I know what that something is!).

I'm pretty happy right at this moment. I have cup of tea, a connection to home and the rest of the world (my laptop), pieces of a Korean fruit that tastes like an exact combination of an apple and a pear, and the promise of a long weekend ahead that will be both fun and relaxing. Seriously, does it get much better than that!?

I really like it here. Our school is terrific, our area is really nice, the nightlife here is awesome and all of the people we are met are great! I am so glad that I made the decision to come here. I still am realistic that I will have some awful days and will probably want to come home at some point, but for now, I'm just enjoying the adventure.
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THINGS THAT ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT IN KOREA FROM WHAT I'M USED TO IN CANADA:

*Walking around and everyone looking the same. It's not that I think that Koreans all look the same, because I don't, but once you come here (where about 94% of the population are Korean nationals) you start to have even more respect for how diverse Canada is. I like going to Itaewon, not so much to see other white people, but too see the mix of people... period. It reminds me of home (except for all the American military guys of course). In Itaewon, there are Korean, East Indian, American, Canadian, British, Australian, etc., etc.

*Being able to read movie time listings... not being able to read most things actually hasn't disoriented me at all the way I thought it would. But I sure would like to know when the darn movie starts!

*Pop cans!! I love the cans here... they make so much sense from a point of sale standpoint (yes Dad, I'm still thinking about these things). They are made a bit taller and much thinner, so you can fit more of them on a store shelf, therefore showcasing a great number of kinds. I think that you get slightly less in the can itself, but Koreans don't seem to drink much pop.

*Water at dinner! I have figured out at least a part of why Americans and Canadians are heavier than Koreans. Those of us in North America always have something to drink with dinner, often something that is laden with empty calories (pop, juice, even milk). Although I think that Koreans could do with a bit more milk, the pop and juice is really just a waste. The food is so flavourful that you don't really need anything but water (or a beer if it's the weekend).

*Desserts that aren't super sweet... this one I actually like quite a lot! I like some sweets (pastries, cake) but I often found desserts in Canada to be too sweet. Here, they seem to be less sweet, but with lots of flavour from either cocoa, fruit, or whipped cream. MMMmmmm.... And they don't eat much of them in large quantities either. Just for special occasions.

*The lack of furniture is interesting. I have always loved Asian furniture and decor... minimalistic. I've had a Japanese style bed that was close to the floor since I was sixteen. I am not sure why it is that Asian style is so much more minimalistic. I like it, but I'd love a Korean's insight into this...

*Markets!!! I love markets. I realize that we have some back home (in BC mostly), but they are just terrific here. It makes me want to cook when I see all the interesting things I could pick up. I love the huge prawns and the delicious salmon!

*BBQ!!! Korean BBQ rocks. You cook the meat right at the table, in this little stove burner thing that is recessed into the table. Then, you wrap it up in a lettuce or other type of leaf and eat it! Absolutely delicious! Why don't we do this at home? A little meat, a little leaf... it's all you need! In fact, I had some just last night (though I cooked it at home, but I bought the leaves and everything!). They have this one type of leaf that looks like it comes from a tree, rather than a lettuce or cabbage type of thing, and it tastes delicious. Almost a bit minty... can't really describe the taste. But Korean food is awesome!

*Kimchi! How to describe this... it's a cabbage that is fermented or pickled and it's in a hot sauce. Koreans seem to eat it at breakfast, lunch and dinner. I actually like the stuff. I'm surprised, because the first time I had it back in Canada, I was totally grossed out, but I've acquired quite the taste for it, and eat a little with every lunch and dinner now. In fact, I might even buy some to eat at my apartment.

Well, that's it for today I think... I'll write tomorrow. I'm thinking that Jeril and Cath and I will explore some palaces, a park or two, and the Itaewon international festival tomorrow. The temperature here is quite similar to Winnipeg the past week or so actually... which is kind of funny. I will be sure to post some pics if we end up doing the touristy thing this weekend!

Love and miss you guys!!

Burnt to a crisp (but loved every minute of it)

Today was Sports Day at our school, and it was so much fun. I'm completely exhausted now of course, but the kids had an awesome time getting out of the classroom and playing around at the park.

I'll write about it more in detail later, but check out all the photos that I posted on Flikr, for those of you who have the password.

Tomorrow is an easy day...the kids have computer, gym and a couple of other 'special classes' which mean that I get a bit of a break, but this whole week as kind of felt like a break... and we have a long weekend coming up.

I am still a bit shocked at how much I actually enjoy the teaching. Truth be told, I thought that it would be a great reason to come to Seoul and live an adventure for a year, but I honestly really enjoy being with the kids and interacting with them everyday. They all have such strong and unique personalities, and I am surprised at how quickly you get to know them.

Okay, I need a nap. It's ladies night at Helios, and since Cath, Jeril and I are totally broke (payday is next friday), we were thinking of heading into Itaewon tonight and checking it out again. But we'll see if I actually get up for my nap after all!

(And yes Mom, I got sunburnt today. Even though I had sunscreen in my bag. But at least I wore a hat, so I didn't get my face burnt. But let's just say that one of my kids pointed to my shoulder when we got back to the school and said "Apple teacher red like apple". He was right.) :o)

Fish, Fire, Food... oh my!!

So, today was pretty eventful. We left the school at 10am to go with one of the Korean staff to get our Alien Registration ID card. We took the bus, the subway, and then a taxi. It was a beautifully sunny day, so Jeril and I were more than happy to be out of the classroom. I love our school, it is very bright and warm and new, but there aren't a whole lot of windows (paritally I think because the kids are supposed to forget that grass and swings exist and to just concentrate on their studies).

By the time we got back to the school, it was 1:00, so we grabbed lunch and then the same staff member took us to open up a bank account. We get paid for the first time on Friday (next one... not this one) so we needed to open an account for the school to desposit the money into. It was pretty funny. I have two middle names (both of my grandmother's first names) and this caused great confusion for the poor Korean bankteller. (Thanks Mom and Dad!) ;o)

Anyway, by the time we were all done with lunch and the bank, it was already 3:00 and we had to run and teach our special clubs (my science club and Jeril's cooking club). Science class was pretty cool. I had the kids cut and colour paper 'helicopters' and then we flew them around the class. We also finally got our science kits delivered for the coming month, and there were four freshwater snails in the box! They were in a little container with air holes, and a letter translated into enlgish that said I should put them in water. So I did... and they came out of their shell! The kids (okay, and me too!) were totally amazed. We watched them for the last half hour and talked about them. It was a lot of fun!

After school, Jeril and I went to pick up some groceries. We found a great market area just a quick busride from our apartment and I picked up some prawns and chicken to freeze and a few other goodies. We then grabbed dinner at a little place where we ended up drawing a fish with a fire under it for the guy there, because there were no pictures on what we could order and we were afraid we would get raw fish on cold noodles, (which we saw other people eating). Now, I love sushi, but not a big fan of sashimi...

Anyway, he got the general idea and we ended up with a bowl of delicious soup with muscles in it and some fried fish that was scrumptious. It was a bit more pricey than we meant for it to be, but that was probably partly because we didn't really know what we were ordering. (By pricey, I mean that a full dinner with salad, soup and fish cost $10 each. We can usually eat a full dinner for about $5 or $6 each, or even $7 or $8 all together).

I am really happy at how well Jeril and I are getting along. We have both had bad days and been tired or stressed out, or just sick with a cold, but we are just totally clicking. I know that after 10 years (and everything we have been through) I shouldn't be surprised by this, but truth be told, I though ANYONE would make me a bit crazy after spending so much time with them, but instead, I just have a newfound respect for our friendship and the role that it plays in my life. We really are just like sisters... we can be catty and bitchy and no one takes it personally. It's great!!

Tomorrow is Sports Day at school. Truth be told, I am super excited. I always LOVED track and field days when I was in school and I love being outdoors with the kids. My kids are so great. Even the ones that aren't the easiest to handle are still awesome little individuals and I am so glad that they will get the day to just play games and be outdoors. And, I get to wear sweats or jeans and runners! I am going to bring my camera, so I'll take tons of pics and post them for you to see!

Korean moms... what's the deal?!

Okay, so, I hope that a few people that have more insight (ie: experience) in Koreans can give me their explanation or view on a couple of things. Mainly, Korean mothers.

As an English teacher of wee kids (about 5 years old) I understand that mothers might be a bit overprotective or concerned about how their child does in school or interacts with other children, but why are Korean mothers SO involved in their children's education? Between Jeril and I, we have heard the following concerns from Korean mothers (though mostly secondhand, as translated through our Korean co-teacher):

-Their daughter is not pretty enough
-Their son might 'get hurt' which apparently means any bruise, knick or scratch that a child could possibly sustain. (Of course, these are always the mothers that should be more concerned about THEIR child hurting someone else, not actually getting hurt themselves)
-That their child is the smartest in the class, or at least absolutely average in every possible way. God forbit the child actually might need to improve on one or two things... (I mean, come on!! These kids have just BEGUN their educational career... give them a chance to find their groove!)

Several times, it has seemed like mothers are FAR too overbearing. Jeril and I have both had moms that kept their kid out of school one day because they had taken them to an amusement park over the weekend, and the child was simply 'too tired' to come to school the next day. What is THAT all about?

My parents were always involved in my education, but I don't think they called the teacher once or twice a week and discussed whether their child was 'playing well with others'. It isn't really about how the child actually performs, more about how they are perceived that concerns the moms.

I realize that part of it may be that our area of Seoul is very affluent and little to none of the mothers work, so maybe this makes them a bit too invested in their child's wellbeing. Ironically though, the mothers that worry the most, have the most problem children, and the moms that give the child (and TEACHER!!) a bit of space seem to have kids that are excelling in the class work and in the social aspects of school as well.

I would love to hear opinions on this, as I am trying to understand it without being ethnocentric. I am not a mother and did not teach kindergarten in Canada, so I'm not really sure how Canadian moms are, I just know how MY mom was, and she never would have caused the teachers so much grief. I admit though, that I have it pretty easy. My kids parents seem to like me and so do the kids, so their have been no complaints about that so far, it's just that some of these mothers are smothering the kids, and the kids personality is what's suffering. It's really amazing how much personality they have at this age, and meeting the parents almost ALWAYS gives you a little insight into why they are the way they are. I found it most interesting that I have heard several times now that the child is embarassed to do their english homework and practice their english in front of their parents, and yet these are my most outgoing children at school. Is it that there is so much pressure put on them by their parents to do well that they don't enjoy showing their parents what they can do?

Father's day is coming up at our school, and it is basically a performace class when we have the kids 'show off' what they know so that the parents know what they are paying a grand and a half a month for. Jeril and I are both pretty nervous cause our kids will only have been in school for a month and a half, but our director has said that the parents will just want to see how we interact with the kids and whether the kids are happy and participating in the environment. Most my kids are really good that way, so it should be good... we'll see though.

Tomorrow, one of the Korean staff at our school is taking us to get our Alien registration card and then on Thursday we have Sports day all day at one of the local parks. That should be lots of fun. I absolutely love getting all crazy with the kids, especially in gym. I played soccer with two of my boys in gym the other day and by the end of the day, I had kids coming up to me asking me if I was the teacher that played soccer... it was too cute! Now, every time we have gym, these two kids latch onto me until we are able to find a ball and start kicking it around.

Friday is a pretty fun day as well, as the kids have gym and computer and a few other 'special' subjects, which mean that I get to just sit with them and another teacher teaches. I like computer because my little monkey that I 'adopted' really responds well to the computer, and it tends to be a good day for boosting his confidence.

Okay, well, back to work... I'm all work and business during the week, but once the weekend hits, I just let it all go and have a good time! I think it makes me a less stressed out teacher come Monday morning! Course, it's a long weekend, so it will be come Tuesday morning next week!

"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely."
(Auguste Rodin)

"We stayed at home to write, to consolidate our outstretched selves."
(Sylvia Plath)

"And I have the sense to recognize that I don't know how to let you go."
(Sarah McLaughlan)

"I am someone who is looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous... inconvenient... consuming... can't live without each other love..."
(quote from Sex and the City)

Return of the Ghetto-Fab Twins

Yes, this past weekend was simply too much fun! Dinner at the Marriot was simply the end to a rather strange couple of days. I've uploaded a ton more pics onto my Flikr account for those of you who have access, so check it out.

This coming up weekend is apparently another long weekend, so we'll see what we get up to.

Jeril and I now have a cell phone... well we are sharing one... so the boys have resorted to calling us the "Ghetto Fab Twins", but really, it just makes financial sense right now, cause we usually do all our social events together and get invited everywhere as a duo... so why get two phones when we don't get paid until the second week of october anyways.

Hongdae with Shaun and then we'll see what other trouble we'll end up in this weekend.

I am so glad I made this trip. It's the first time in my life I've actually just acted my age! YEH!!

I actually love this teaching thing...

So, things are falling into place now. At first, when you start teaching, you think that you might never get the hang of it, but I decided at the end of last week to change my 'teaching style' (I can't believe I actually have one) and it has been a million times easier since then.

I'm a very goofy person when it comes right down to it, so I went from 'sort of serious' teacher, to 'goofy as hell' teacher, and I find that the kids are actually better behaved and learning much more that way. I mean, I still have to discipline some times, but overall, if they are happy, they seem to be learning better. And it's a hell of a lot more fun for me too! I love walking through the hallways and having kids run up from my other classes and latch on screaming "Susan Teacher! Susan Teacher". It makes me feel really good that they actually look forward to seeing me and being in my classes. (Though I'm not sure I will ever get used to the girls obsession with my hair!)

I could really see myself staying another year and doing this. This may be jumping the gun a bit, but I am completely surprised by how much I love the kids and enjoy the teaching. The weekends and evenings completely rock of course, but the days are turning out to be pretty good too. I am sooooooooo glad that I made the leap and came here. I will never think about the world or my life the same way again.

Us girls at an outdoor patio

Originally uploaded by ButterflyChai.

I see it... I want it... but it's just beyond my reach... WELCOME TO KOREA!

Okay, so Jeril and I finally made it out to Yongsan Electronics Market today. It was a trip that we've been planning to make forever, but it's just never actually happened until this weekend.

Anyway, it's this massive electronics market that has everything you could ever want... including what we wanted... a cell phone.
Several times this week and over the past month, our friends here have cursed us out for not having a phone. Although we always end up having a great weekend, I inevitably hear on Monday morning that we missed out on something because they were calling our landline to invite us out, but neither of us is ever home.

So today, we made the trek. As it is with many things in Korea due to the language barrier mostly, we could see cell phones everywhere. Racks and racks and display case after display case. But do you think we could get the first three guys that we talked to to sell us one? Here is how it went down:

ME "Anyung Haseyo! We want to buy a handphone."
THEM "No. No phone."
ME "Ah... okay.... but aren't these all phones for sale?"
THEM "No. No phone for you."
ME "Ah... okay.. are you the phone Nazi?" (Please tell me you've seen this Seinfeld episode!)

So we walk away and try the next counter... pretty much the exact same exchange.

Finally, we find a guy that can speak some English, and we figure out that we can only buy a Card Phone, which means that you pay as you go basically. Korea is a very closed system, so telephone companies won't let you buy just a regular Korean phone, because you need to be a Korean to get the kind where you are billed at the end of the month for what you have used. This is, I guess, what the first two guys where trying to tell us. But, what we thought is that we were standing in (quite literally) a sea of cell phones... we had money... and no one would sell us one!

This was pretty much the exact situation when we were trying to get internet hooked up at our apartments. The guy from the internet company came on the day he said he would... and then we had the following conversation (swear to god, word for word):

COMPUTER GUY: "Your company, very hard. No internet today."
ME: "What company? What's hard? Aren't YOU the internet company?"
COMPUTER GUY: "Uh.... your company, very hard. No internet. Very hard. Thursday."
ME: "Okay, so you are going to come back Thursday and hook us up? Thursday for sure?"
COMPUTER GUY: "Yes. For sure. Maybe Thursday. Thursday, yes. Company very hard. Phone number different than company. Company hard."
ME: "Ah.... yeah... alrighty then. But you ARE the phone company. Is your company hard?"
COMPUTER GUY: "No... YOUR company very hard. Very difficult. Yes. Difficult."
ME: "Yeah... whatever."

Anyway... we got the internet hooked up. Truthfully, it's the exact same bullshit as when you deal with Canadian service providers, but at least there, you understand the bulls%#t excuse they give you because it's in your language.

Actually, this posts sounds all cynical, but I totally didn't mean for it to, cause I don't feel that way. It's just funny when both parties know what they want to say, but my Korean is brutal, and many times, their English is just good enough to make me think that I should be able to understand... but I just don't.

I do think it is amazing how many Koreans speak English and how well they do it. It's an incredibly hard language to learn! I was trying to talk to my kids the other day about the difference between the use of the words "should, could and would". I can't even really understand why Koreans use a different greeting on the phone or in person ("Yobosayo" on the phone and "Anyung Haseyo" in person), so imagine trying to deal with SHOULD COULD WOULD, or THERE THEIR THEY'RE... crazy. I have an incredibly amount of respect for those who try to communicate while they are learning english. I'm always embarassed that my Korean pronounciation is off and I'm just massacring their language... but they are always so eager to help.

Oh, and my kids are super cute. I asked them what my name would be in Korean and they said the Korean word for 'princess'. And then one of them (in another class) drew a picture of me and I have a little crown on my head. They are so cute... Course, my mom used to call me princess, but she never meant it in a nice way! ;o) (Don't think I've forgotten!!) But the kids mean it in a nicer way I think. Actually, one decided that I look just like the Barbie doll she always brings to school in her bag, but that actually creeps me right out. A) Because I don't look anything like Barbie and B) Because Barbie's dimensions are a little messed up. In fact, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't be able to walk or talk or ingest food with a tummy and hips that size.

It's just the blonde hair. The kids are always playing with my hair. I understand that blonde hair is a novelty, but I just hope that they don't buy into the crap about 'White = beautiful' like many Koreans seem to, because it's total BS. But now... that is a totally different post for another time...

Take my picture... PLEASE!!!

Okay, so I know that some of my fellow bloggers have already covered this topic, but for those of you who only read my blog (aka... my family), I feel that I need to tell you about this strange Korean phenomenon.

Now, I'm all for having my picture taken (I was an only child for the first five years and my dad was pretty camera-happy), but I don't think I will ever understand why Koreans feel the need to 'secretly' take my picture on their camera phone in the subway. Do they think that I don't know they are doing it? Shelly (Seoulfulladventures blog) made an excellent point when she asked "What do they do with these pictures?". Now... I could see taking my pictures if I was dressed like a freak or was doing something insane, but simply sitting quietly on the subway with Jeril doesn't exactly seem like an exciting photo op to me. I guess (no... actually, I KNOW) that Jeril and I get more than our fair share of stares because:

A) We always travel together... so they get two 'non-Koreans' for the price of one photo
B) Stand out, as there are few Philipino/white girl, Tall/Short combinations on the subway.

Jeril and I have now decided, that since we seem to attract attention to ourselves without doing anything, we might as well give them something to look at. So... recently, on a shopping trip to COEX, I got really annoyed with how many outright stares I was getting while Jeril was trying stuff on in the changeroom. Without knowing how long she would be, I decided that I would begin the stage show. I have yet to hear much Korean music in the malls, so I decided to full out sing to the American pop music that they had blaring over the speakers. This was complete with moves and full lipsynching to the lyrics.

The funny thing was, once I actually started to act like someone you should stare at, they kind of stopped staring. Or maybe I just stopped caring?

Truthfully, it doesn't really bother me all that much. Partially because I don't understand the language, so I don't know if they are saying anything mean. I find that they are usually quite discreet about it. I don't get pointed at, just stared at or people take sideway glances like crazy. If you had any self esteem issues, then teaching English in Korea would be a bad choice I think. But, my self-esteem is in check. Besides... we've decided that they are staring because of our ravishing beauty and nothing more. :o)

(Kidding... of course!)

Eerie...

So this weekend is Chu-seok (or something similar). It is like Thanksgiving is for us, except that it goes for two or three days. I walked to the Pc-bang today... and it was eerie... so quiet. Usually, no matter what time of day or night in our area on the weekends, it is filled with people walking around, picking up groceries, children playing, cars, buses, taxis... etc. But today it is just quiet. It's very interesting.

I got presents from some of my kids on Friday for Chu-seok. One mom gave me a pair of earrings and a necklace that she made herself... it is really beautiful! And another gave me Christian Dior lipstick and lipliner. I certainly appreciate the gift, but I'm not really a designer lipstick kind of girl... and certainly not in Barbie-doll pink... as the colour turned out to be. Still, the gift is really sweet! ;o)

I do however have one child that I have unofficially 'adopted'. I may have written about him before... he is my wild child in the class. Very tiny, intelligent and happy, but absolutely wild. He is just completely unable to concentrate in class. His pronunciation and verbal skills are excellent, but his motor skills are not quite at level with other kids his age, and he just seems unable to concentrate on any task for more than 30 seconds (and I am not even slightly exaggerating).

To top it off, if I work with him on his writing and write a letter, he will write it in reverse every time. Though it is normal for children to do this every once and a while, he does it constantly and with consistency. It might just be the psych major coming out in me, but I have recently been researching ADHD and dyslexia online and I think that my wild child might have both. What is even more amazing though is that in computer class, he absolutely shines! It is the only class in which he can sit still, and he is just amazing at the matching games that they have them do on the computer. I have actually read about this in the past, that kids with ADHD respond well to computer programs, because there is enough going on to keep them interested.

Anyway, I have adopted this kid. He is my 'little monkey' as I have dubbed him. I am going to make it my mission to figure out a way for him to learn. I think that part of it is that I worked with a lot of kids, (and know a lot... including myself in junior high I think) that were simply bored in school. I was smart, and interested in a lot of things, but the stuff that teachers put in front of me, and the way that most of them presented it simply bored me to death. I was still able to get through just fine, but many people I know did not. And this little guy would be the same way. It's not that he's a bad kid, or that he's dumb at all. Rather the opposite. I think he might be one of the most intelligent kids in my class, but (although this is true on some level) it's like we're not speaking the same language. He understands English very well, so that's not the problem at all. He is the same whether I'm speaking to him in english or my co-teacher is speaking to him in Korean. He is simply unable to focus. I have actually taken him to an empty classroom and work with him on his writing, and he is unable to focus on the page in front of him for more than a few seconds at a time. I studies child psychology and some about learning disabilities in school, but as it is with everything you study in a classroom, it is completely different to see it if real life.

My co-teacher has taken to yelling at him constantly. I have had to a couple of times as well, because sometimes he'll do stuff that is dangerous (he didn't earn the 'monkey' nickname for nothing... the kid can climb like you wouldn't believe!), but I can just see him going his whole life getting yelled at and labeled a troublemaker because no teacher bothered to figure out a way to capture his attention. I can hear several people I know saying "But Sue... you didn't go out there to change the world!", but I just have a total soft spot in my heart for this kid.

Anyway, enough rambling. I'm going to do a bit more research and then approach the school's director about doing some after school work with my 'monkey'. I think the computer is really the way to get to him... so we'll see what happens.

I stayed home last night (Friday night) cause I was really sick. Fever, coughing, totally congested... not exactly fun. Ian's call kept me company, and then he called again in the morning to make sure I was okay. (Thanks babe! I love answering the phone and it's you!).

Today, Jeril and I are venturing out to see if anything is open. If not, we'll just grab dinner and maybe see a movie or go clubbing. I'm not sure yet how I'll be feeling by the end of the day, so I might just stay in. But I'm definitely feeling better today than I was yesterday.

Anything you guys back home want to know? I should have internet hooked up Tuesday afternoon, so I'll be able to upload pics etc. then.

Love you all!

Seoul on a budget...

So Jeril and I have finally curved the spending a bit, as we arrived on August 22nd (I think) and don't get paid until October 7th. But we are still having a great time! (And man! Is the shopping trip on for the 7th!!!)

Things here are working out. Work is coming together much better and we are falling into the routine. We went out with one of the girls we met at work and have now developed our twosome into a truely awesome threesome of like-minded individuals.

I got to talk to Ian on webcam the other day on MSN and it was awesome! We followed it up by one of our first truely honest phone calls in ages (ie: we both said how we honestly felt rather than trying to pretend we were all tough and able to hide our feelings) and it just felt right. So we'll see what happens when he comes out to visit in December. I know how some people in my life feel about him and I together, but I have never been so honest with anyone in my entire life about who I am really am and what I really want out of my life, and I just need to go with my instincts on this one.

As for the immediate future, we have a long weekend coming up! I can't wait. Korea is absolutely what you make of it. As with all things in life, some of it is just luck... we ended up at a really great school, were able to negotiate a pretty good contract, have terrific co-workers and are in a great part of town. So that is mostly the luck part... (though we were very picky about the contrac that we eventually selected). But most of your experience here is based on what you are like as a person. And honestly, who you were at home is who you will be here, but it will simply be magnified. If you are mainly a pessimist that only sees the cracks, the flaws, and the let-downs, that is all you will see here. Korea (or at least Seoul, because I can't really judge anything other than this particular city as of yet) is a very image oriented culture where how you look and what you do is incredibly important. But honestly, isn't that like almost everywhere else on earth? But if you are an optimist, you might just look around and see an adventure and an opportunity around every corner.

I know that I will have my ups and downs here, but I am so glad that I made the decision to come, and that I did it with the one person in the world that I could take this leap with, but who lets me have the independence I need to feel like I made this decision on my own... (ah, yeah, that person is you Gel Teacher) ;o)

So, on the negative side... I have ants... my internet is proving rather hard to hook up... and .... well... so far, that's the only negatives. I don't really mind not being able to speak the language yet. I rather like being kind of anonymous and a novelty at the same time in this city. I don't know when they are talking negatively about me, but I get told I'm pretty at least once a day. ;o) I can go dancing on the weekends, meet people from all over the world, and it's cheaper to eat out than make myself dinner almost any day of the week! (I'm considering using my kitchen cupboards to store my clothing and expanding accessories section in the coming months. God... gorgeous $2.00 earrings... what is a girl to do!).

Well, it's Monday night, and I have school tomorrow. Sometimes I totally forget that I'm in Korea. Like Shaun promised (HEY THERE! I still haven't forgotten that I owe you a drink. Maybe this weekend?), my family is just a phone call or email away, I go to work every day and am making decent money. But unlike at home, I have a million places to eat, explore, shop, or sightsee on the evenings and weekends. In fact, a simple bus or subway ride takes me to the most interesting places, and all the conveniences of home are just outside my door.

I'm still loving this place! And as this blog is much like my journal, I'm sure that I'll sound manic-depressive from time to time as my emotions go up and down depending on my experiences and the stresses I'm exposed to at home. But honestly, I have worked very hard most of my life. Many of the people that I find complain the most out here went straight from university to here, without once having a real job. Dealing with gossiping co-workers or the stresses of a boss that never quite defines what he/she wants from you is pretty common order in the real world (aka. outside of university), so that is nothing new. Act professional at work... play the game a little, and it will all be much much easier in the long run.

Oh, and don't be afraid to see the world through the eyes of the ajumma every once and a while. In Itaewon on a Friday or Saturday at about 2am... us foreigners do look a little ridiculous... And it never killed a white person to face a little reverse prejudice or stereotyping every once and while... it just gives you a better understanding of what it's often like on the other side of the bench.

Love ya! Miss you! I'll call you soon!

Kings and Queen! OH MY!

Only in Seoul can you dance the night away in Kings Club and then meet up with the boys for a drink at Queen bar, where the men are beautiful, think you're beautiful, and never once try to hit on you! Itaewon is great! If you stay a good distance from most of the military guys, and keep a great-looking gay 'boyfriend substitute' by your side, you can dance the night away without being bothered by anyone.

Friday was another great night! We really didn't want to go out cause we were both pretty sick with a cold, but decided to go to a dinner with some of the teachers (to a place that I can't wait to take Ian when he comes!). I had a great time at dinner, and then decided to go to Itaewon with the rest of the group. Our school group is amazing! I love hanging out with them, they are so much fun!

It's Saturday now and Jeril and I have already broken our promise that we would go out every Friday and Saturday while we are in Seoul. Instead, we are at the PC-bang and then both going to our apartments to crash and watch movies on our laptops... total losers I know, but neither of us has gotten over our colds and next weekend is a long weekend here. Apparently we get off at noon on Friday and then get the Monday off. I've been told that most Seoulites (or Seoulians?) head out of Seoul to visit family in the other provinces, so Seoul is quieter. I don't totally buy this, because Seoul is so insanely busy as it is, but we'll see. So it will be another crazy weekend.

Work is good. Still tiring as we are getting used to the schedule and the way things are done, but it is a very good school, and the teachers are all awesome, and we've made some really good friends.

Other than the news update, Seoul is a very interesting place. Jeril and I get called beautiful and cute and pretty often, which never hurt a girl's self esteem. I take it with a huge grain of salt because I think it's mostly because we're novelties. Truth be told, although I would like to learn more Korean to be able to get around a bit better, I don't really want to know when people on the subway, or bus are talking about me. As it is right now, unless they are being really obvious about it, I don't understand them, so I can just pretend that they are talking to each other about the weather, etc. :o)

Really though, it is pretty incredible how well you can get along without knowing the language in a major city like Seoul. People are incredibly friendly when you look lost, and pictures really do speak a thousand words. Restaurants often have pics of the food (though we have learned to ask... "Is it hot?" after one too many experiences with the ever-present chili that Korean seem to adore). Seoul is very visual. From the high heels and advertisements for perfect skin to the 'Konglish' used in advertisements and signs (just a hint... translating verbatim makes for some pretty funny signage out here. My dad knows how crazy improperly used English makes me in advertising copy.)

The t-shirts are wild... I don't think that they realize what they say 90% of the time, but the ones in English are great. Jeril and I saw a 7 or 8 year old girl wearing a t=shirt that said "Love me long time"... which isn't exactly appropriate... and I'm sure her mom doesn't know what it really says.

Zohreh, you would have a heart attack here! We went shopping today at Dondeamun (this incredible clothing shopping district that is open til 5am). I got a great belt for $5 and a pair of earrings for $2. Mom, just wait til your birthday! You'll be getting a box full of goodies!

Makeup is super cheap here too. Korea is very image conscious. There are mirrors EVERYWHERE! At first, it kind of freaks you out, but I now find them totally normal. And truth be told, many of them are a bit low (as Korean woman are shorter than me, especially when they take off their crazy heels!), so I can usually only see my chin. Which is fine with me, and I think I have a nice chin. ;o)

I love Seoul on the weekends. Exploring, trying new food, bargaining for clothing, meeting new people. I am surprised about somethings that I have learned about myself.

A) I don't miss my car. I know it's only been a few weeks, but I love everything being so close by, or a subway ride away. I like not having to worry about parking or insurance payments or the rising cost of gas. This surprises me because my car was my baby, but I find it relaxing not worrying about having one. Plus, I'm getting in great shape!

B) I am a party girl at heart. I'm still not a huge drinker or anything... but I love to dance. I have always loved to dance. I work hard and play hard, and wouldn't have it any other way. At least not any more. I still like my alone time and so on, but nothing de-stresses like getting dressed to the nines, having a fabulous dinner with great people and then dancing the night away to good music. Working my butt off during the day just makes it feel more like I earned my play time.

C) I am definitely a city girl at heart. I love the lifestyle, the fashion, the different districts and the people-watching.

D) I have an awesome family and that doesn't change no matter how far away from them I am. I love you guys! I miss you, but I love you and I know that we will always be close, no matter how far away I am.

I can't wait to upload pics when I have time. This year is such an experience. Everyone should do this at least once. It doesn't change who you are, but it helps you explore things that you may not have known about yourself and that you wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise.

Love you guys!

Loving Korea!!!!!!!

Oh my god, I am having the time of my life!!!

I was out til 5am last night and 4am the night before (Friday and Saturday night) with the most awesome people! The teachers at our school are just too much fun!

Jeril and I are just having such a great time. The job is terrific! The kids are great! And we are sooooo glad that we came and did this.

I'm sure there will be times in the future when I will really miss home, etc, but Ian is probably coming out to Taiwan and he'll come visit me, so I'll get a little reality from home... and maybe my baby brother will be able to come for a visit too?

I miss you guys a lot, but don't worry about me, I'm great!

I will hopefully get internet at my apartment next week and then I'll be updating WAY more often.