2 days missed. Ooops.
The first day I forgot until after my computer was turned off. Last night, my computer battery died before I could get it plugged in. You didn't miss much.
Today (Saturday) was Chuncheon Adventure day. Chuncheon is a town that is a two hour train ride away from Seoul. It's really nice to get out of the city from time to time. I went there last September with Hannah and Karen (coworkers). This time, there were 9 of us. It was a day full of different modes of transportation. Starting from the beginning I took:
Subway, Bus, Subway, Train, Bus, Taxi, Ferry, Ferry, Bus, Train, Subway, Bus Subway.
It was nearly a palindrome of motorized vehicles. :)
After taking the train to Chuncheon, we started to take a bus to a lake, but the bus was far over crowded and continued to lurch violently. We opted to get out and take cabs. The lake was set in the "mountains." They're a bit smaller than the Black Hills...or so it appears to my untrained eye. It was lovely to see snow on the mountains and not be trapped in by tall white apartment buildings that all look the same. We took a ferry across the lake and walked up the mountain a bit to a Buddhist temple. I'll put some photos up on facebook.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Snowy Seoul
It snowed in Seoul today. It's rather a rare occasion. There was quite the commontion in the office.
Now that I think of it, I think I did hear apocolyptic rumblings the other day.
Now that I think of it, I think I did hear apocolyptic rumblings the other day.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Potty Dance
So I'm super tired, so I'm going to make this quick. I had to put this picture up. My friend and I met for dinner tonight. I found this sign in the bathroom amusing. There was only one bathroom for men and women. There was a urinal for the guys next to a stall for women. In case of any confusion, this sign gave any lost bathroom-goers clear direction. I think it's clear that the woman has to go much worse than the man, as she's doing the dance and he's hardly even crossing his legs. Also, look closely at the guy in the small yellow circle below. I presume what is written in Hangul says "Watch your aim."
Monday, January 25, 2010
Regular Radio
As much as I pretend to be a music snob, I really miss the regular radio. Even the commercial filled radio. I'm currently sitting in my apartment listening to Mix 97.3-a Sioux Falls station. Not my favorite Sioux Falls station, but the one I could get to stream. I just heard the school cancellations and late starts. I heard a commercial for a "responsible plummer." And it made me so happy. (Apparently, according to Ben and Patty in the morning, the Saints-Viking game was a hard game to watch. Ah...normalcy) Actually, it's bittersweet. So nice to hear. However, it makes me a little sad, too.
And South Dakota accents!! Sigh. So nice to hear.
Oh internet...where would I be without you.
(Really? 6 turnovers?! Come on, Purple)
And South Dakota accents!! Sigh. So nice to hear.
Oh internet...where would I be without you.
(Really? 6 turnovers?! Come on, Purple)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Duck and Cover
Today, my friend Jessica and I were walking back to our building from the subway, when the one thing all foriegners in Korea dread happened. Minding our own business, a man in a suit (with a suitcase for some reason) began walking along side us. "Hi. We're taking a survey..."
"No. Thank You." I cut him off.
"It will only take a few minutes."
"No. Thank you." We hadn't stopped walking.
"But..."
"No. Thank you."
He stopped.
"Have a good day." I tossed back.
A few steps later, Jessica asked "Church of God?"
"Yep."
We have the unfortunate circumstance of living practically next door to the Church of God. If you are unfamilar with this sect, let me fill you in.
This church is pretty big, and they are very eager to share their message of God the Mother. God the Mother is a significant portion of what they believe. She apparently is an old woman who lives here in Imae (a district of my city Seongnam City). However, of course, no one can quite pinpoint where she is. Folks from the church hover around and tell you they are practicing for a sermon and want to practice in English. Or that they are doing a survey. Just tell me what you want to tell me, man. Don't try to cover it up. I wish I had more patience to listen to them, but generally, I'm annoyed. I've found that by tossing out the term "bad theology" they are rendered speechless and will let you on your way.
Anyway, we made it safely past them once again. However, the mothership should be arriving any moment, so I best be off.
"No. Thank You." I cut him off.
"It will only take a few minutes."
"No. Thank you." We hadn't stopped walking.
"But..."
"No. Thank you."
He stopped.
"Have a good day." I tossed back.
A few steps later, Jessica asked "Church of God?"
"Yep."
We have the unfortunate circumstance of living practically next door to the Church of God. If you are unfamilar with this sect, let me fill you in.
This church is pretty big, and they are very eager to share their message of God the Mother. God the Mother is a significant portion of what they believe. She apparently is an old woman who lives here in Imae (a district of my city Seongnam City). However, of course, no one can quite pinpoint where she is. Folks from the church hover around and tell you they are practicing for a sermon and want to practice in English. Or that they are doing a survey. Just tell me what you want to tell me, man. Don't try to cover it up. I wish I had more patience to listen to them, but generally, I'm annoyed. I've found that by tossing out the term "bad theology" they are rendered speechless and will let you on your way.
Anyway, we made it safely past them once again. However, the mothership should be arriving any moment, so I best be off.
Lazy Saturday And Dancing Hobbits
Much needed rest today, followed by a trip to the English book store, Indian food, and coffee shop concert (featuring folks from my friend Autum's church). Aside from being turned down from yet another cab ride, all in all a decent day.
Except now, the giant spider part in The Return of the King is on TV. Blogging is a good distraction. I made myself watch that scene the first time. That was enough.
Actually, speaking of that movie, there is a scene near the end, when all of the hobbits have returned back to The Shire. Middle Earth has been saved at the expense of many lives. The little hobbits fought nobly though muck and fire and destruction. Battles raged around them. More than one being tried to kill them. They carried each other, both mentally and physically. Their hearts never failed. Continually, they pressed foward, fighting to save their home from what seemed like inevitable destruction. Hobbits are small creatures; no bigger than children. The world of war is no place for such small people, no matter how big their hearts are. Numerous times, they were told to stay out of the way in battle, that they were burdens. But still they fought. And they won. And in the end, when they have returned safely to thier home, they sit around a table at their local pub, like they always had. They drink their pints of beer and everyone dances and sings merrily around them, paying them no heed. They had no idea what these four hobbits had been through. They knew they were gone for over a year. They were happy for their return, but they had no idea. The 4 hobbits sit at the table, watching the merriment surrounding them, and just look at each other, knowing that they share a bond that no other hobbit or any being on Middle Earth could ever break. Or ever begin to understand.
I think of this scene when I think of being back in the United States. Many will be glad for my return. There will be merriment around me. However, daily life will continue around me as well. And when I come across an individual who has shared the experience of teaching in Korea, we will look at each other, while others dance around us, and know.
Except now, the giant spider part in The Return of the King is on TV. Blogging is a good distraction. I made myself watch that scene the first time. That was enough.
Actually, speaking of that movie, there is a scene near the end, when all of the hobbits have returned back to The Shire. Middle Earth has been saved at the expense of many lives. The little hobbits fought nobly though muck and fire and destruction. Battles raged around them. More than one being tried to kill them. They carried each other, both mentally and physically. Their hearts never failed. Continually, they pressed foward, fighting to save their home from what seemed like inevitable destruction. Hobbits are small creatures; no bigger than children. The world of war is no place for such small people, no matter how big their hearts are. Numerous times, they were told to stay out of the way in battle, that they were burdens. But still they fought. And they won. And in the end, when they have returned safely to thier home, they sit around a table at their local pub, like they always had. They drink their pints of beer and everyone dances and sings merrily around them, paying them no heed. They had no idea what these four hobbits had been through. They knew they were gone for over a year. They were happy for their return, but they had no idea. The 4 hobbits sit at the table, watching the merriment surrounding them, and just look at each other, knowing that they share a bond that no other hobbit or any being on Middle Earth could ever break. Or ever begin to understand.
I think of this scene when I think of being back in the United States. Many will be glad for my return. There will be merriment around me. However, daily life will continue around me as well. And when I come across an individual who has shared the experience of teaching in Korea, we will look at each other, while others dance around us, and know.
Friday, January 22, 2010
It's Not All Bad
As promised, here is a more postive look at my life in Korea. I've compiled my top ten reasons I'm thankful for being in Korea. Also, I've asked my friend/co-worker Amanda to make a list as well. She came to Korea just over a year and a half ago and has fallen in love with the country and plans to stay here forever. May these be proof that not everyone is nearly as cynical as I am...and that even I'm not as cynical as I make myself out to be. So, without further ado:
Amanda's
List is as follows:
List is as follows:10. Always a variety of things to do: bowling, hiking, shopping, bungee jumping, amusement parks, ice skating, swimming and biking. Plus all things are reachable in about an hour or less.
9. Amazing public transportation that is cheap and will get you ANYWHERE.
8. Koreans crazy desire to learn EVERYTHING.
7. Jimjilbangs (Korean Sauna/Spa/Bath houses)
6. Street vendors for everything including clothing, plants, and movies and well you got the idea.
5. Good food all night long at hofs(bars with food).
4. Bars and other establishments being open all night long.
3. The amount of respect that Koreans have for their elders.
2. Korean Food. Especially kimchi, kimbap(rice roll), bibimbap(rice and veggies with red pepper paste), and dukbokki (rice cake in spicy sauce).
1. Korean Boys especially Lee Sung Gi, Kim Bum, Boys from Boys Over Flowers (Korean TV Drama)
My Top Ten Reasons I'm Thankful I'm In Korea:
10.Korean Food
9. Communal Society
8. Easy Winter
7. Seeing similarities between here and USA.
6. Konglish (Misspelled English words/English words written in Hangul...consequently, I feel like when I get home, I'm going to rock at the game Mad Gab, because reading English words written in Hangul and trying to sound them out is like constantly playing that game.)
5. Community and unity felt between other foriegners.
4. Lifechurch
3. God growing me in ridiculous ways. (Ok, this should obviously be number 1, but I'm going to be honest, it sucks a lot of the time, despite how "good" it is for me.) :)
2. Traveling around Asia
1. The People: Co-workers and Church Friends. I am SO incredibly blessed with people in my life here who encourage me beyond belief. Without them (and the insane grace of God) I would collapse. Thanks guys. I love you all and can't tell you how thankful I am to have you in my life.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Are You Kidding Me?
Today's blog is about two unrelated incidents that have happened in the last 36 hours. However, each has a significant amount of ridiculousness, thus I'm just going to write about them at the same time.
I'll start with the more recent one. Thursday is the day that I teach Korean 5 year olds "science." The particular class that I am teaching has been learning English for approximately 3 weeks. The experiment was to use baking soda and vinegar and BTB solution (will someone tell me what that is, please?) to change colors. I'll now give you some direct quotes from the teacher's manual, directing me how to instruct said pre-schoolers on the amazing wonders of science.
Purpose of the Experiment: End goal of the experiment is for children to understand and differentiate the differences between acids and bases....the goal has been set for children to experience amazing chemical phenomenon. Children can be led as far as to understand the concept of "neutralization."
Insturction and execution:
Start class talking of vinegar.
Talk of the properties of vinegar we know.
Talk of the experiences of having eaten vinegar.
Think of other properties.
Talk about the expected result of the experiement.
Make sure to ask the children "What do you think would happen?"
Make the chilren accurately describe the relationship between colors when the vinegar and baking soad are put in the solution.
See what's the relationship between vinegar and soda? (proposed answer) Their properties are contrary to each other.
Needless to say, we talked about our favorite colors. Then, my coworker who loves science took over for me and I went to the coffee shop and had an americano and a bagel.
The other incident happened yesterday (Wednesday) morning as I was walking to school. Korea is crowded. I get that. I expect to get bumped into without acknowledgement. I do get bumped into without acknowledgement pretty much everday. Ok. Whatever. I can deal with that. There is a massive amount of people and they probably assume I won't understand them. (Which, I probably wouldn't)
However, the limit of running into someone without acknowlegement should probably be set at hitting someone with your car. Yes, that's right. A car. I was minding my own business, walking along the road (no, not in the middle) when I was struck on the elbow by a the side mirror of a white sedan. Now, the car wasn't speeding along, but he certainly wasn't creeping along as one might expect it to be when approaching a pedestrian. I admit, I had my earphones in. But I always have my earphones in and am perfectly able to hear automobiles coming up behind me, especially when they honk...which they do if you're even 20 yards away. The driver of this car made no attempt to slow down, go around me, honk, or even make sure I was ok after striking me. If you're worried, I'm fine. It surprised me more than hurt me. But it didn't help my relative angst toward Korea.
Here's a photo of where it happened. I was walking along the right side of the road, next to the building with the rounded window. I don't know..maybe the driver expected me to go in the building.
Anyway, there's some entertainment for you, I hope.
I'd like to point out that to counter these relatively cynical blogs, tomorrow I'll put up the top 10 reasons I'm thankful I'm in Korea. I'm also getting my friend Amanda to compile her top ten reasons she loves Korea, because she will never leave this country, and I'd like to have fair representation of views of living in Korea.
I'll start with the more recent one. Thursday is the day that I teach Korean 5 year olds "science." The particular class that I am teaching has been learning English for approximately 3 weeks. The experiment was to use baking soda and vinegar and BTB solution (will someone tell me what that is, please?) to change colors. I'll now give you some direct quotes from the teacher's manual, directing me how to instruct said pre-schoolers on the amazing wonders of science.
Purpose of the Experiment: End goal of the experiment is for children to understand and differentiate the differences between acids and bases....the goal has been set for children to experience amazing chemical phenomenon. Children can be led as far as to understand the concept of "neutralization."
Insturction and execution:
Start class talking of vinegar.
Talk of the properties of vinegar we know.
Talk of the experiences of having eaten vinegar.
Think of other properties.
Talk about the expected result of the experiement.
Make sure to ask the children "What do you think would happen?"
Make the chilren accurately describe the relationship between colors when the vinegar and baking soad are put in the solution.
See what's the relationship between vinegar and soda? (proposed answer) Their properties are contrary to each other.
Needless to say, we talked about our favorite colors. Then, my coworker who loves science took over for me and I went to the coffee shop and had an americano and a bagel.
The other incident happened yesterday (Wednesday) morning as I was walking to school. Korea is crowded. I get that. I expect to get bumped into without acknowledgement. I do get bumped into without acknowledgement pretty much everday. Ok. Whatever. I can deal with that. There is a massive amount of people and they probably assume I won't understand them. (Which, I probably wouldn't)
However, the limit of running into someone without acknowlegement should probably be set at hitting someone with your car. Yes, that's right. A car. I was minding my own business, walking along the road (no, not in the middle) when I was struck on the elbow by a the side mirror of a white sedan. Now, the car wasn't speeding along, but he certainly wasn't creeping along as one might expect it to be when approaching a pedestrian. I admit, I had my earphones in. But I always have my earphones in and am perfectly able to hear automobiles coming up behind me, especially when they honk...which they do if you're even 20 yards away. The driver of this car made no attempt to slow down, go around me, honk, or even make sure I was ok after striking me. If you're worried, I'm fine. It surprised me more than hurt me. But it didn't help my relative angst toward Korea.
Here's a photo of where it happened. I was walking along the right side of the road, next to the building with the rounded window. I don't know..maybe the driver expected me to go in the building.Anyway, there's some entertainment for you, I hope.
I'd like to point out that to counter these relatively cynical blogs, tomorrow I'll put up the top 10 reasons I'm thankful I'm in Korea. I'm also getting my friend Amanda to compile her top ten reasons she loves Korea, because she will never leave this country, and I'd like to have fair representation of views of living in Korea.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Top 10 Reasons I'm Glad I'm Not A Korean Woman
10. Heels.
9. Korean men look like girls.
8. Traditional Gender Roles.
7. Unrealistic expectations of perfection.
6. Unrealistic and unhealthy obsessions and expecations of body image.
5. Societal expectations to obtain a good husband with a well paying job, have 1-2 children, have a nice car and nice apartment. A woman without these things obviously has something wrong with her.
4. Unallowed to be an individual/yourself.
3. Forced to put on a facade (Smile, everything is fine).
2. Husbands telling thier wives (who are all of 120lbs) that they are fat and physically removing all of their snacks from the house.
1. The expectation and general "acceptance" that your husband will be drinking all hours of the night with his "business parters" and is generally entitled to a mistress.
Please keep in mind these are observations from a somewhat cynical outsider who has only been making observations for 7 months. I have several Korean women friends whom I cherish, and I wish them no offense. However, I'm very happy to not have the same societal standards and expectations that they are supposed to live up to.
9. Korean men look like girls.
8. Traditional Gender Roles.
7. Unrealistic expectations of perfection.
6. Unrealistic and unhealthy obsessions and expecations of body image.
5. Societal expectations to obtain a good husband with a well paying job, have 1-2 children, have a nice car and nice apartment. A woman without these things obviously has something wrong with her.
4. Unallowed to be an individual/yourself.
3. Forced to put on a facade (Smile, everything is fine).
2. Husbands telling thier wives (who are all of 120lbs) that they are fat and physically removing all of their snacks from the house.
1. The expectation and general "acceptance" that your husband will be drinking all hours of the night with his "business parters" and is generally entitled to a mistress.
Please keep in mind these are observations from a somewhat cynical outsider who has only been making observations for 7 months. I have several Korean women friends whom I cherish, and I wish them no offense. However, I'm very happy to not have the same societal standards and expectations that they are supposed to live up to.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Top Ten Reasons I'm Glad I'm Not A Korean Child
10. Breakfast: Kimchi and Rice. Lunch: Kimchi and Rice. Dinner Kimchi and Rice.
9. 11pm ice skating lessons.
8. Having to wear a face mask to school.
7. A daily schedule of elementary school, english/chinese school, music /taekwondo/soccer lesson, math/science school, homework, bed.
6. K-Pop (Korean pop music)
5. Coporeal Punishment at elementary school.
4. No room to run and play outside.
3. Ridiculous expectations of achievement.
2. Ridiculous standards of perfection.
1. Korean Mothers.
9. 11pm ice skating lessons.
8. Having to wear a face mask to school.
7. A daily schedule of elementary school, english/chinese school, music /taekwondo/soccer lesson, math/science school, homework, bed.
6. K-Pop (Korean pop music)
5. Coporeal Punishment at elementary school.
4. No room to run and play outside.
3. Ridiculous expectations of achievement.
2. Ridiculous standards of perfection.
1. Korean Mothers.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Doh
Well, I already missed a day. Minus one point for me.
It's currently 4pm, Sunday afternoon. I'm wearing comfey green sweatpants, loafing on my bed, watching Stranger Than Fiction and typing away. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Oh, Dunkin Donuts and an Americano are also involved.
Yesterday was my friend/co-worker Jessica's birthday. It was a funfilled day of going to an aquarium, On The Border mexican resturant, bowling, and karaoke. The aquarium has fairly ingenius tanks made from refridgerators, toliets, coke machines, phone booths, and the like. I'll put up some photos soon.
I'm fairly certain that Livin' On A Prayer is my new Noraebong song. (Noraebong=Karaoke room. Just you and your friends singing whatever songs you like...not infront of a whole bar. Far superior.)
This evening is pub trivia. Good times.
All for now.
It's currently 4pm, Sunday afternoon. I'm wearing comfey green sweatpants, loafing on my bed, watching Stranger Than Fiction and typing away. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Oh, Dunkin Donuts and an Americano are also involved.
Yesterday was my friend/co-worker Jessica's birthday. It was a funfilled day of going to an aquarium, On The Border mexican resturant, bowling, and karaoke. The aquarium has fairly ingenius tanks made from refridgerators, toliets, coke machines, phone booths, and the like. I'll put up some photos soon.
I'm fairly certain that Livin' On A Prayer is my new Noraebong song. (Noraebong=Karaoke room. Just you and your friends singing whatever songs you like...not infront of a whole bar. Far superior.)
This evening is pub trivia. Good times.
All for now.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.Thou my best thought, by day or by night,Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;Thou my great Father, I thy true son;Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,Thou mine inheritance, now and always:Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.High King of heaven, my victory won,May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
It Must Be The Culture Shock
It's merely 9am, and I'm full of angst again. Ok, less full than I was even 15 minutes ago due to some much needed journaling and a little bit of prayer.
It seems I may be the victim of the stages of culture shock. I've gone from elated to depressed to angry...and I worry this anger may lead once again to depression. I think I thought because I wanted to live abroad more than anything, more than anyone, I would be immune to it. How naive I often am.
One thing I need to remember is that no matter what, God is still God. I am still me. He still loves me madly, and he still has a plan for me-the same plan. Thank God His plan doesn't waver according to my moods (or thoughts toward this plan)
After my angsty filled blog last night and a good nights rest, I saw myself heading down a road (the angst leads to anger leads to depression road) that I don't want to go down...again.
My prayer is to be filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control (let me know if I forgot one or two). It is He who must fill me with these things. I am so incapable alone.
Greater is He who is in me than He that is in the world. Thank God.
It seems I may be the victim of the stages of culture shock. I've gone from elated to depressed to angry...and I worry this anger may lead once again to depression. I think I thought because I wanted to live abroad more than anything, more than anyone, I would be immune to it. How naive I often am.
One thing I need to remember is that no matter what, God is still God. I am still me. He still loves me madly, and he still has a plan for me-the same plan. Thank God His plan doesn't waver according to my moods (or thoughts toward this plan)
After my angsty filled blog last night and a good nights rest, I saw myself heading down a road (the angst leads to anger leads to depression road) that I don't want to go down...again.
My prayer is to be filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control (let me know if I forgot one or two). It is He who must fill me with these things. I am so incapable alone.
Greater is He who is in me than He that is in the world. Thank God.
Taxi Driving Bastards
I don't care if someone is a foriegner or not, leaving them to stand in sub-zero temperatures while you go in search of better fare makes you a jackass.
Foriegner + Short Distance = No Cab Ride For You
I thought about throwing a snowball at his car after he shook his head and drove away, but Korean taxi/bus drivers have been known (relatively often) to beat the shit out of people who piss them off. So, I kicked at the air behind his car, and my friends and I sauntered along until a driver was gracious enough to take us home.
There are certain cabs who will only take passengers into Seoul-proper, however, these cabs are identifiable by license plate. Mr. Headshaking-I'll-Leave-You-In-The-Cold cab driver did not have one of these plates.
If anyone has a rational explanation as to why this happens, I'll gladly retract the above hostility...and quite frankly, I should probably do so anyway. But c'mon man...it's F-in' below zero outside, in both Celsius and Ferenheit, give the waygookies (foriegners) a chance.
In unrelated news, it's really unsettling when you hear people talking about you in another language, but they won't tell you what's being said. This happens on a fairly regular basis. I thouroughly enjoy my life in Korea when I'm not at work. When I am at work, my recent similie has been that being there is like being repeatedly beaten with a 2 x 4 in the ribcage on a daily basis. I do enjoy several of my co-workers, I should point out.
Thoughts such as those above are a big reason (though not the only) why I haven't blogged much. I'm not as hostile as the above may insinuate. Really, how can I complain? I just spent 9 days in Thailand; a country I've wanted to visit for years. Consider it more venting that anger.
Foriegner + Short Distance = No Cab Ride For You
I thought about throwing a snowball at his car after he shook his head and drove away, but Korean taxi/bus drivers have been known (relatively often) to beat the shit out of people who piss them off. So, I kicked at the air behind his car, and my friends and I sauntered along until a driver was gracious enough to take us home.
There are certain cabs who will only take passengers into Seoul-proper, however, these cabs are identifiable by license plate. Mr. Headshaking-I'll-Leave-You-In-The-Cold cab driver did not have one of these plates.
If anyone has a rational explanation as to why this happens, I'll gladly retract the above hostility...and quite frankly, I should probably do so anyway. But c'mon man...it's F-in' below zero outside, in both Celsius and Ferenheit, give the waygookies (foriegners) a chance.
In unrelated news, it's really unsettling when you hear people talking about you in another language, but they won't tell you what's being said. This happens on a fairly regular basis. I thouroughly enjoy my life in Korea when I'm not at work. When I am at work, my recent similie has been that being there is like being repeatedly beaten with a 2 x 4 in the ribcage on a daily basis. I do enjoy several of my co-workers, I should point out.
Thoughts such as those above are a big reason (though not the only) why I haven't blogged much. I'm not as hostile as the above may insinuate. Really, how can I complain? I just spent 9 days in Thailand; a country I've wanted to visit for years. Consider it more venting that anger.
Blog Time
Six blogs in six months. What a shame.
New tactic...blog every day.
This will in many cases probably consist of a one line update on something mundane, but I think it will be a good challenge. Plus, my writing has been fairly non-existant lately, and that should be remedied, if for nothing more than personal reasons. I think about blogging sometime, but I think I've been holding back because I've been trying to wait for some less negative thoughts...and there are a few of those...but it's been a rough couple of months. (I will say I'm incredibly grateful for the people in my life, both in Korea and elsewhere that are pulling for me. You are all so encouraging and I love you)
So, let the games begin.
New tactic...blog every day.
This will in many cases probably consist of a one line update on something mundane, but I think it will be a good challenge. Plus, my writing has been fairly non-existant lately, and that should be remedied, if for nothing more than personal reasons. I think about blogging sometime, but I think I've been holding back because I've been trying to wait for some less negative thoughts...and there are a few of those...but it's been a rough couple of months. (I will say I'm incredibly grateful for the people in my life, both in Korea and elsewhere that are pulling for me. You are all so encouraging and I love you)
So, let the games begin.
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