Life is Mild.

2011-12-20T17:21:00.001-08:00

For those of you that don't already know it, I'm staying with R.C. and Melissa while I wait to hear about graduate school. Just waiting for two more recommendation letters to be sent in and I'm golden as far as applications are concerned. Then I just wait and wait (as patiently as I can) to hear from schools.

In the mean time I'm working at Target. It's not enjoyable working full time in retail. It's hard on my feet, and my back. It's quite a physical job and not very rewarding (monetarily or fulfilling). I have gone in for an interview for a private non profit social services agency. It's a position that would allow me to supervise visits between foster children and their biological families. I should also have the opportunity to mentor some teens, as well. I really hope this pans out. I hope to hear back from them in the next few days regarding a second interview, in which I would meet with the vice president. It's right up my alley of interest and is amazing experience and will help me achieve future goals. I'll let you know how that goes.

I miss Korea. I do. It's been really hard to come back and just wait for things to fall into place. Okay, don't get me wrong. I'm not just waiting. I have worked on and submitted all my applications. I have been working at Target and trying to get back into the habit of working out. But there is a lot of time waiting for schools to make decisions and every day waiting to hear from from a prospective employer feels like weeks. I miss Byoung Ho, but he is planning to come in March or April. So, just more waiting. Today R.C., Melissa and I made a trek to an international grocery store and I bought some kimchi and other delicious Korean treats and I made some Korean food for dinner. It hit the spot. But I think what I miss most about Korea is not worrying about having a job, or what my living situation looked like. I miss having health insurance and a nice paycheck. There's so much to be said for stability-independence.

That said, I have been having a nice time in the US. The Saylers have welcome me and I even get hugs from Russell on a regular basis. That's pretty cool! I'm in the same time zone as my friends and family (give or take 2 hours...instead of 14).

Here are some pictures, to give some life to what I'm trying to describe.

A trip to New York with Mom and Shane for Nancy and Jason's wedding reception.

At the pumpkin patch

Carving pumpkins

Eating Korean food and LIKING IT! Using kids "training" chopsticks.

Thanksgiving Day

Going to Russell and Max's Christmas program at school

Pause for a picture while decorating the Christmas tree...and if you're R.C. - put on a Santa suit ...and stuff it with a pillow.

Merry Christmas everyone! <3

2011-10-05T11:33:00.001-07:00

I'm in AMERICA.

I'm in San Francisco, visiting Erin, one of my best friends in the world!

Today I'm going to the Exploratorium and then the Golden Gate Bridge.

I will head to Chicago on the 10th- the go to R.C.'s on the 15th- the 19th is Russell's Bday and then I'm headed to New York for Nan's wedding reception. Then to Kentucky to visit University of Louisville to hear about their MFT program.

Then it's time to buckle down, take the GRE, finalize applications, get a job.

It feels relatively good to be back- A big thanks to Erin and Nate (her husband) for putting me up and helping me out! So far, San Francisco is pretty awesome!

Hope to see everyone soon!

xoxo

2011-08-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

One Month Left.

18 teaching days left.

I cried today- I'm so overwhelmed -though some of it I brought on myself.

KBH and I will spend the weekend posting things on public websites- trying to sell everything in my apartment. -Mattress, Fridge, Washing Machine, TV, sofa, and dressers. I'll put them on the expat sites and he'll post them on Korean websites. Doubles my chances. And maybe the Koreans won't need help trying to transport the items.

A million things to do to get ready to move home.

Pension Office. Closing bank accounts. Saying Goodbyes. Packing. Selling. Mailing boxes. Not to mention STILL WORKING!

And mixed in there applying for grad schools. Writing essays. Contacting former bosses and professors for stellar reference letters. Perfecting my resume, studying for the GRE and the MAT (figure I'll take both).

I keep remembering things to do. I really ought to start a list.

It's hard moving overseas- after three years of making one place your home.

But- I gotta hit the ground running or I'll wonder why I left. So looking forward to seeing everyone. I miss you all right now. The homesickness is maybe more tangible now that it's so close (and yet SOOO far away!)

Picture Below: A great night with great friends-My Cambridge Family. People I've come to love and will miss dearly when I've gone. FL-clockwise: KBH, Stefan, Me, Daniel, Jackie, DongHee(Curtis' wife) and Curtis.

2011-08-17T01:48:00.001-07:00

KBH and I went camping last weekend. Albeit to say, it was a very "Korean" experience. We left after KBH finished working so we arrived quite late on Saturday night. The "free" campground was completely packed. I mean, tents EVERYWHERE. There are no designated campsites. This was tent spike to tent spike PACKED.

We went to the West Sea, as it's called in Korea- or the Yellow Sea for the rest of you folks. I met KBH at his workplace and it was about a 3 hour drive from the West side of Seoul.

We arrived past midnight and we were both super tired. As we grumpily looked for spots, we decided it was better for us to just sleep in the car. We very carefully found a rather secluded parking spot, facing west so as not to be blinded when the sun came up (I'm the smart one that figured that one out!) We put up some sun - shades in the windows and curled up. In the morning we learned that many of the sites were in fact, not free. We paid 20 bucks to set up the tent. But cold showers were also included! After getting set up and eating some bacon and eggs for breakfast we were ready to hit the beach. It was only about 100 meters or so away from our campsite.

It was low tide and EVERYONE was collecting clams. I also noted that very few people, aside from children wore swimming suits. I mean, I saw a girl swimming in shorts, a t shirt and a HOODIE- for crying out loud. I was the only one wearing a bikini. I asked Byoung Ho why- did it have to do with modesty? But even he seemed a bit befuddled (as he was one of the few men that actually took his shirt off to swim.)

We spent the whole day swimming, taking a break for tanning and laying in the shade tent. We barbequed Mok-Sal which is similar to pork chops for lunch. We took a walk and found some tide pools - and KBH let the inner "little boy" out. We spent a good hour catching crabs and fish (He gave the crabs to real little boys who were collecting them in buckets...) He even caught a big one that snapped his fingers....

Then for dinner we had steak marinated in sesame oil and garlic. Grilled to smokey/charred perfection! with grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms and zucchini. KBH said multiple times it was the most amazing meal!

Monday was Korean Independence Day- so when we woke up we thought we were both so tired we'd just pack up and head home- but when I suggested after breakfast that we take one last walk on the beach, we were so drawn to the ocean that we ran back and put on our suits for one last dip.

It took us three hours to drive down, but because of traffic, it took six hours to drive back. Everyone in Seoul escapes on holiday weekends, but they all have to get back the same day for work the following morning. KBH was smart and listened to traffic news. All of the major highways were backed up more than 50 kilometers. So we took city streets, but at least we were moving. I'm convinced the interstate would have been longer.

It was SO nice to be out of the city for the weekend! You REALLY learn to appreciate a slower pace- when you live in a city as big and crowded as Seoul!

***After I posted this KBH said "Why are there no good ones of me?" So we chose this one together- so you can see how handsome he is! :p

2011-08-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

SHANE WAS HERE...

2011-07-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from graduate school research. . . to inform all of my readers...

That I will be returning to the US of A in October of this year. That's only 12 weeks away. I'm excitedly counting down the days to be finished with school and heartbreakingly counting down the number of days until I leave Byoung Ho. Though I do have high hopes for what my future holds, I'm very seriously dreading the departure.

For the first time in 3 years I will be with my family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'll even get to go to my cousin Nancy's wedding and see all of my maternal relatives---I think it's been 5 years?

And though I have NO idea what the future truly holds for me, I am hoping to begin graduate school in the Fall of 2012 pursuing an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. I'd love to work with parents and children going through foster care and the adoption process. It's a fairly lengthy endeavor, with 2 or 3 years in the school and then additional 1000-3000 hours of supervised clinical work before licensure is even an option. What's really exciting about this though is that I have no idea where I'll end up. I haven't begun to apply yet, but programs in California, Colorado, Connecticut and Illinois have caught my eye. Each of these programs is nationally accredited which means I'll be eligible for licensure in any of the 50 states.

In other news, my parents had a great visit in the middle of June and Shane will be arriving in less than a week. We have a trip to Jeju Island planned as well as a tour of the DMZ scheduled. Needless to say, I think Shane will not have any time to be jet lagged. I'll keep him busy.

The first night Mom and Dad arrived, we took a walk along the CheonggyeChun Stream that runs through old downtown.

We spent the next day at the Folk Village, seeing old houses and learning about Korean history.

We took wild rides on these ATV's to see a waterfall, that was closed! :/ but it was a cool, shady walk...Lovely day.

On the last night, Father's Day 2011, I took my parents on a river cruise on the Han River. I was hoping to see some fancy light show that had been added to a few of the bridges in Seoul, but our cruise didn't make it that far. However, it was a beautiful cruise with lights and a nice balmy breeze!

Just a side note: we ate ICE CREAM FONDUE from Baskin Robbins. My mom said she had never eaten such "fancy" ice cream. So, naturally, We had to eat some! :)

Thanks for coming, Mom and Dad! I love you!

Proof of Life

2011-06-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

Send me a million dollars and I'll send them back....

2011-06-10T01:39:00.000-07:00

MY PARENTS ARRIVE TOMORROW!!!!!

I've got a few good things planned! :)

2011-06-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

I took KBH on a date. It was a western style pub owned by foreigners. He said he felt like he was in a different country.

News!:

KBH was in a body building. And though he didn't place, he's a winner in my book! He ate sweet potatoes, chicken and eggs for 4 months...and said no when I made cinnamon topped coffee cake. HE WINS!

I helped paint him! :)

He's on the left.

I made a shirt that says "I <3 KBH" brought a marker with me and wrote his tag number on the back. He was a really good sport, despite the results.

My "cousin" stayed two nights at my apartment. I say "cousin" because he's my Grandma Sayler's cousin's grandson. Ha. Jamie Wilson. It's a bit distant, but family's family then, isn't it? It was fun, if not low key.

KBH and I went to the beach with friends of ours. True to nature, I am sunburned. We had a barbeque on the beach. Including prawn, clams, pork etc. The body builders really know how to eat!

So happy together.....

My Momma

2011-05-06T23:44:00.001-07:00

A post in honor of Mother's Day- and more specifically, MY mother.

My mother chose me. (well, all 4 of us kids). She was given options and choices. And she picked me! She could have sent me back and said "I'd like a cuter one. I'd like a smarter one. I'd like one with a little less spunk and energy." But she didn't. When faced with a choice to make me her own, she said "Yes." to me. Thanks Mom!

In a recent admission from my father, he wasn't sure (at the time) he was ready for all of us kids- but it was my mother who convinced him. Thanks Mom!

Thank you for your infinite forgiveness. Thank you for answering your phone late at night and your soothing words. Thank you for cooking me countless numbers of meals, washing a million plus some pounds of dirty laundry, wearing your tires thin driving me from one practice, lesson, appointment to the next. Thanks for being a voice of reason. Thanks for all the advice you've given me and accepting the decisions I've made even when I didn't follow your advice.

I remember one day after high school soccer practice, as I lay on the kitchen floor in a *rare* dramatic state, I asked you to take off my shoes, socks and shin guards. You stopped making dinner to pull of my sweaty smelly gear. Thanks for helping me through the rough parts in my life.

I can't say I wouldn't be in existence if it weren't for my mom, but I can say there's no possible way I'd be the woman I am today without her. She picked me and shaped me into who I am today- helping me grow into myself by giving me education, opportunities and never ceasing to love me.

Thank You, Momma! I love you!

2 Happy Years

2011-04-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

The man I love. hahaha. He's a bit of a weirdoSledding for my birthday, 2010
He's helping me climb down the rock! What a gentleman.

Photo Shoot! Winter 2010
The first summer we were together- This is 4th of July, 2009

This is probably late July, 2009

김병호 (Kim Byoung Ho/ KBH) and I have just celebrated our two years of dating anniversary.

It's been quite an experience, to say the least. From my point of view, it started out of curiosity. The big strong, handsome trainer wanted to meet me outside of the gym. It was flattering, especially considering that he'd only ever seen me red faced, sweaty, and huffing and puffing my way through my work out.

But it's turned into something much more than that. He's my closest friend in Korea. He takes me to the doctor when I'm sick. He takes me to Cost-co and carries my heavy heavy Cost-co bags into the house. He never tires of speaking Korean on my behalf. He's ALWAYS there when I get homesick. His English is continually improving and it melts my heart, because I know it's for me! And on days like today, when I suggest delicious dinner ideas and fail to actually make them- he sends me a text message that says "Baby, I don't care. Just you're the best girlfriend in the world."

I've learned patience and understanding from this man. And I can easily count him among the blessings in my life.

I'm so lucky to have him for a boyfriend. <3

2011-03-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

I know I've been MIA for far too long. Who have I got to blame but myself. I will be the first to tell you, after 5 pm I'm not very busy.

I've decided that, because I don't know whether or not I'll stay another year, that I ought to take a break on the Korean language courses. They're expensive and far away from my home.

Lately, with my new schedule I'm 100% beat at the end of the day. Add an hour of travel to and from Korean class, that puts me home at 10-10:30pm . I can't handle that! Right now, I've decided to stick with the gym. Perhaps physical fitness will help give me the boost of energy I need to get through the days.

March 1st marks the start of a school year for Korean kids. My boss decided to add two more classes, with no more full time teachers. We've got about 50 kids and 4 teachers. 30 minute classes, no recess, no gym center, no breaks between classes. Bathroom breaks and water breaks are at the discretion of the teachers. And we've got so much material to cover, those children are at the mercy of their teachers. Because I am the token foreign teacher, I have NO breaks all week until Friday from 4:00-5:o0 pm. I have one hour scheduled a week to prepare for classes. This is unrealistic. Thankfully English is my native language, so teaching by the seat of my pants is not uncommon in my class.

My lunch time is spent supervising children, taking a few bites here and there between "Teacher, can I have more __(insert funny English translation of Korean dish here)___?" Feeding unwilling children. I fly so many "airplanes" of food into mouths, by the time I have my own children I won't have the patience for it. Mind you, I'm watching 10 "6 year olds" during lunch. (If you recall, 6 in Korea is usually 4 or 5 years old in America) I have to monitor the amount of food they eat, how many times they're "getting water" or "going to the bathroom", track them down with they've lost their way or become distracted by children who have finished eating. I clear trays, wipe up sticky rice that has been smashed into floors, tables, shoes, sweaters, and hair.

I zip up pants, coats and backpacks, wipe noses and tears, I fix ponytails, pigtails, braids, I straighten tights, put on shoes, put on pants, take off shoes, take off coats and sweatshirts. I deliver lost books, hand out worksheets, papers, candy, tests, homework books. I am bathroom monitor, hall monitor, nurse, nanny, babysitter, I am comforter, I am enforcer.

And by the end of the day I'm beat. Sometimes, after lunch, after all my students are finished eating with trays cleared, I sneak off to the bathroom and sit for 5 (okay, sometimes 10)minutes. I don't care what the other teachers think I'm actually DOING in the bathroom. But if I'm expected to remain sane for the remainder of the day, I NEED that time.

I forgot to mention, each Korean teacher has one or two class period breaks during the day- but not me. I won't say they have a break, I know they're still working, but they don't have a child tugging on their sleeve while they check homework, make worksheets and plan for a few classes in advance. - I'm just saying... I'm working hard now.

My former workplace is hiring. Better hours and more pay- it's tempting. I visited my old town this weekend. I kind of miss the small town life.

I'll leave you with pictures from my school's year end performance. They're cute. Sometimes, when I'm not too busy trying to get through the day, I can really enjoy their silliness, their jokes and if I'm lucky a hug and/or a kiss.

2011-01-27T00:37:00.000-08:00

bells on bob tail ring, making spirits bright, what fun it is to ride and singing a sleighing song tonight. Imagine this was your in-house phone ring tone. - I don't have to imagine, because it is, in fact, mine.

Also, a weird thing I've noted as I walk to Korean class every MWF. There are men brushing their teeth on the side of the road nearly every time I walk to class. There is a pedestal sink on the sidewalk outside of a restaurant, and the men are brushing their teeth. (I say men, because for some reason unbeknownst to me, this is a VERY popular street for Taxi drivers to stop and eat dinner)

My birthday dinner with school. My boss invited everyone and kept us waiting for 4 hours. However, these are the other teachers (bl Grace, br Cookie, fr Joanne). We had a good time. Grace and I have started hanging out, talking in our free time.

Birthday Dinner with KBH and some other friends. My hair is SOOOO long.

A field trip with the students! During .....

and after......

2011-01-05T03:01:00.000-08:00

KBH took me to the doctor today- I have a severe cold and the flu. Last night I slept from 5:30 until 7:30. Went to the bank to pay rent and to buy some Korean Juke (it's porridge- the Korean equivalent to chicken noodle soup). Then went to bed at 9 o'clock. I think I've never had a flu like this. My whole entire body ached. Just the touch of my clothes moving gave me the shivers (made my skin crawl/hurt...) My throat is closed up, and super red and my glands are so swollen my neck probably looks huge. I slept until 12:30 today. I called in sick to work- but...still had to go in from 2:30-4:30, absolutely no one can cover for me!? I guess.

WHen I came into school, one of my favorite students, Sam (see him on Santa's lap if you scroll down a bit) said "Jennifer teacher, hospital go?!"(Sam doesn't know past tense yet The students were concerned about me! How sweet. I still feel awful.

However, I had to take my placement test for Korean Language tonight, for classes starting on Monday. Though both people doing my evaluation suggested I should start with level 2- it is not being offered this semester. Instead, 1-2 will offer me some review and I believe will reinforce what I already know- so speaking will be easier. So I will start Monday with level 1-2. Hopefully then that class will continue on to level 2, so I can begin something more challenging. I honestly don't mind the review. I haven't studied Korean for nearly 4 or 5 month now- so I've forgotten quite a bit.

That's all on this front. I will drink some peppermint tea and hit the sack.

love and love.

2011-01-02T00:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, from Jen and KBH

Winter Skating. :) Ashley and me

2010-12-28T21:06:00.000-08:00

I'm in the middle. I stayed at my friend Ashley's house on Christmas Eve (On the right). We ate bacon, eggs and hashbrowns for breakfast. Wildly exciting.

This little guy is Sam. He's so much fun and though his English skills aren't excellent, he will ALWAYS speak in English. THe first day I came into the school he said "What's your name!?" And then Byoung Ho (who is obviously Korean) came in a few days later and Sam was SOOOO excited to talk to him, in English and KBH obliged. It's so cute. (KBH loooooves children!)

So Sam is sitting on Santa's knee. He wanted a Robot for Christmas. All the kids knew it was just their teacher dressed up, but that didn't stop them from being a little nervous---or truly asking him for a special present.

Playing with Dinos before class starts. The one on the right, Scott, gives me HUGE hugs and kisses everyday. On particularly hard days, I truly truly appreciate them. One thing I like about working in a Korean school is that I'm not forbidden from being affectionate with the children. I can hug and kiss them. I help them button their pants when they come out of the bathroom, and if they're standing on their chairs, or otherwise not sitting on their bottoms I will "DRUM DRUM DRUM ON YOUR BUM BUM BUM" And they quickly sit down.

2010-12-08T03:47:00.000-08:00

No Smoking Guns on the sidewalks in Japan

Outside my Hostel

Picachu!

Beautiful 3 story hanging Christmas decorations

Ramen! Delicious

At the Dazaifu Shrine

SUSHI!

2010-12-03T04:03:00.000-08:00

2010-12-01T03:54:00.000-08:00

I went to Japan to get my visa. I am now a legal resident and employee in Korea land!

So, after this trip I've realized that traveling alone is not my cup of tea. Nothing traumatic happened, but when you want to share a funny/interesting sighting with someone, there's no one. When you want to go wild and try some weird food, there's no one to be adventurous with.

I arrived Sunday evening and took a train into the city, it's just 5 minutes to where my hostel was. Headed toward the subway was a western guy about my age, so I asked if he was also there to get his Visa- he confirmed that he was. So we made plans to check into our accommodations and meet again for dinner. We met and realized neither of us had found our accommodations. We then ventured to our dinner location. --- We picked it because there were pictures on the menu. However, we misjudge the picture and our best guess is that we ate pig knee? We then chose sushi and some noodle dish.

I arrived at my subway station to begin hunting for my hostel again, and an old gentleman must have seen the perplexed look on my face - staring blankly at the Japanese map in front of me. He asked me if I needed help. Thankfully he could speak English well enough to tell me what exit to go out of and which way to turn, etc. Then as I thanked him a younger man said "I would like to introduce you to exit 15." I gratefully thanked him, but being the cautious western girl that I am, turned him down. I'm sure he was genuinely trying to help, but you can never be too careful.

I found my hostel. It was a cozy little place, with a friendly front desk guy. I shared a female dorm room with 3 other girls. Two Japanese women who were not from Fukuoka- and a Chinese girl whom I never spoke to, she came in very late and left very early. Also there was a Bosnian girl who stayed one night with me.

The following day I went to the Korean Consulate. Fairly uneventful and straightforward. Handed them my passport and some application form and then headed off to Dazaifu Shrine about a 30 minute commuter train ride outside the city. Though, once I arrived I realized I had NO idea what i was looking at because all of the signs were in Japanese and though I had an English map there was little explanation. So after about an hour walking around, I headed back into the city. I ate some ramen- from a place the hostel guy recommended.. It was okay.

Then I proceeded to walk and look at stuff for hours. I returned to my hostel around 7pm. And yeah, I ate McDonalds for dinner. Japan is expensive and eating alone is not fun.

Tuesday morning I returned to the Consulate and grabbed my passport with my second Korean Visa. I went to the Fukuoka City Museum, but once again I didn't know what I was looking at. This had English explanations, but the names of people, places, dynasties etc were nearly impossible to keep straight.

So, I slowly made my way to a Japanese "Onchen" which is a public bathhouse, but with natural hot springs and outdoor baths! This is what I had really wanted to do, and it took a lot of guts and time before I admitted to myself that if I didn't go, then I'd regret it. So I went. It was lovely and relaxing and after two days of walking all over Fukuoka- my body thanked me.

After that I headed to the airport and returned home to Korea land---And not to say I didn't enjoy a few days off work and seeing a new country, it felt really good to come home to my apartment and a country where I could actually READ the signs!

ps. for some reason my pictures aren't loading. i'll try again soon!

2010-11-23T07:18:00.001-08:00

Don't worry! Everything here in Korealand is fine.

I got an email from the US embassy that says there's been a cease fire and things are stable at the moment. THey will be in contact if the situation develops.

I'm SAFE!

Love
jen

2010-11-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

How about a post with random bits of information!?

I think I'm the brooding type. - I won't go into details....but it's easy for me to get into a funk- Still working my way out. But I see an end in sight.

I still haven't found a gym near my house. KBH suggests walking/running on the street. That might be okay for now, but I imagine soon the weather will be way too cold.

I have applied for Korean language courses. I should hear back from them next Friday.
(KBH did the annoying chore of taking my documents to the PC방, or Internet Cafe and scanning my documents so I could submit them via online application. He's a doll!) I have no idea why for some reason I would NOT be accepted-

Still waiting on that VISA- Am predicting a trip to Japan before December.

Today we went on a field trip to the War Memorial Museum- but not to remember veterans- they have an exhibit space with a Leonardo DaVinci exhibit. It was a busy day, but I really enjoy playing with the children- as opposed to actually teaching them. It's more fun.

I'm going to have a reunion with some girls I met my first month or two in Korea. They're still here. Will be really really fun to see them. One of them has joined a dance team and they are performing at a Korean rockabilly concert tomorrow night-- and it's her birthday. So- perfect opportunity to get together.

Also my dad's birthday is Friday. He's no lady, but I figure I won't reveal his age. My dad is discerning and smart. He is deliberate and diligent. He is motivated and dedicated. I'm a lucky girl to have a man like my father to call when I'm having troubles. Always ready with insight, relevance and a clear headed comment. Thanks for everything, Dad! Happy Birthday!

2010-10-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

2010-10-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today was my first "open class" in the history of Jen Teacher. The parents come in and watch classes. It's nerve wracking and stressful- with over planning and butterflies in the pit of your stomach even though it's what you're doing every work day of the week.

To add to the stress, I had planned an activity and created a board game (on my one time, on my own dime) only to be told 2 work days prior to the event that I would be teaching another lesson. One they'd already studied.

So, after my material had been given to me just words laminated with magnets on the back- and the children were overly prepared for the lessons- I entered the classroom, turned on the parental charm and performed my duties --- only to be told after the class that it was boring. " Why thank you Head Teacher. How incredibly helpful that is- full of support and constructive criticism."

I have two left- both of which schedules have been changed up to 3 times in the course of the previous two weeks. I am now doing "cooking" class. Tomorrow we are making sandwiches with the six year olds. and Wednesday we are making fruit smoothies with the 5 year olds. Each class is only 15 minutes long with 5 or 6 students in each class.

It will not be boring, but I can't tell you how productive it will be. Bear in mind-these were NOT my ideas for open class and it does NOT in anyway resemble how we teach on a day to day basis.

Please pray that this year goes quickly and I can somehow remain patient with the students and the staff at the school.

2010-10-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

have ordered a dresser and end table with drawers. should arrive sometime this week! hoorray!!!

then i'll take photos of my apartment.

in other news.

this week is open class- in which the mother's will be attending classes to see how we teach. It's all quite a farce- as we have been planning on it for 3 weeks, training and teaching the children exactly what open class will entail. Also, we do not use text books in open class- but we use them everyday in 'regular' class. I'm irritated- they've changed my lesson plans 3 times per class (3 classes- 5 year olds, 6yo, 7yo) And each time I was preparing each class for the proposed lesson plans- not to mention preparing materials...

so anyway.

that's all for now.

oh.
friday is halloween party day and I will be wearing Byoung Ho's kickboxing shorts and his boxing gloves----I promise not to hit the children too hard.

all my love!

2010-10-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

I had this great plan to write a giant blog. Put up lots of pictures of my new home and generally update everyone.
Needless to say, tonight is not the night for the GIANT blog. But I can muster up a quick update.

I recently began my new job. It's exponentially more difficult than Cambridge. Everyday my schedule has changed (due to management chaos and not just my being new and not understanding). At lunch I'm literally spooning rice into 5 year olds' mouths. (Now, remember in Korea they count age differently so a 5 year old Korean could be 3 or (more likely) 4 years old). There are no break between classes, so if nature calls I have to be late to my next class and of course I'm left feeling rushed in EVERYTHING I do.

Instead of just teaching phonics, speaking, reading, writing, I'm also teaching math and science. Let me tell you, teaching math to a 5 year old = dreadful.

This year will be much more trying for me- maintaining my mental and emotional health will be much more of a challenge. However, for those of you that worry about that for me- know that I have Byoung Ho- who has done everything from help me carry boxes around, set me up with a cell phone, was here to let the movers in when I was working (for things such as a mattress, fridge and washer etc.), changed shower heads, toilet seats, lightbulbs. Let's not forget the first few days of the new job were particularly stressful, and in a very womanly way, I cried my way through the stress. He was there to wipe away the tears and be upset with the school management for making my life miserable. He's made calls to my recruiter,as well as encouraged me to attend a barbecue at the recruiters house to help me "make friends". WOW- I'm the luckiest girl on the planet to have a boyfriend as wonderful as him. I can't be more thankful for him. So as fall and inevitably Thanksgiving rolls around You can count on hearing again how thankful I am for Byoung Ho.

Onto the good stuff. In the very near future I will be going to Japan to obtain my work Visa. Let's not get into the logistics of me working without a visa- but I'll get to go to JAPAN! I'm working on trying to get Byoung Ho to go with me---(he's only been out of Korea once before) I have to go for two weekdays - the process should take about 24 hours. I'll try to make it a long weekend.

After I've procured the Visa, I can then register for Korean language classes that begin December 6th. Now even just being gone for 2 months I can tell how quickly my language skills decreased. But I'm so excited to start studying again. It's so liberating being able to communicate- Children experience the more language they acquire and use the broader their world becomes- the can more easily get what they want-things, knowledge, help etc. I can see this happening to me, but I'm also actively aware of that idea. It's really cool to see it happening.

Alright. so I still have no place to put my clothes, so the apartment pictures may have to wait. :p sorry! but rest assure you'lll get to see it eventually and trust it'll be worth it. my place is awesome!

Love love love. Hope you're enjoying your fall. I am.

Love. Again and again!
xo

2010-10-02T18:43:00.001-07:00

My new apartment before the delivery of second hand furniture! :p it is a 10 minute bus ride from school. ... and the bus stops DIRECTLY in front of my building and my school! Talk about convenience! awesome! I will post pictures when I get some furniture. Compared to my last place, it's HUGE! Like double the size- and I suppose bigger than most studio apartments in Chicago too! No compaints. Plus on my street there's Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, a bagel shop, grocery store, dollar store, Pizza Hut, Starbucks! If location is a huge deal in real estate, I got a steal. For about 450 bucks a month, it's MINE! (and I'm not paying rent the school is!)

Today KBH and I are going to a K1 final championship fight! I will post those pictures later. Should be amusing...It's not really my thing, but my friend Ashley (whom we're going with) and Byoung Ho are doing Muay Thai (kick boxing) and are really interested. It's a sacrifice I'm making to show an interest in my friends hobbies. Plus, it's in Seoul, instead of anywhere else in the world. That's cool!

So the job is going to take some adjusting. It's very different from Cambridge and not in a good way. But as I told my mom, perhaps I'll just have to change my attitude and look at it as 'just a job'. The kids are cute. I am just not sure about my boss and coworkers. So we'll see. It seems like it's going to be a LOT more work! eeeek!

Back in Korearearea!

2010-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

So for those of you that are unaware, I have now returned to Korea. I arrived last Thursday, the 23rd. On Monday I met with the new school and signed my contract. I will begin working on Friday and that evening move into my really cool "loft" apartment. The "Bedroom" or sleeping area is located above the bathroom and kitchen. The remaining space is the all purpose living room/dining room/study area.

Tomorrow I will go to the new school again. Kids Brown College is the name and observe a few classes. Then I will head to Cambridge to say "Hi!" to a few students I didn't get to see today when I went.

Byoung Ho has been extremely helpful- hunting for apartments and generally being an EXCELLENT boyfriend!

I will now leave you with a few photos from my trip to America!!!

2010-08-09T01:11:00.000-07:00

2010-08-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

2010-08-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Pictures from my last few days in Korea.

Alice.

Marisa and ET

The girls. Evelyn, Marisa, Jenny, Me and Ashley.

Byoung Ho and me

2010-07-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, today is bittersweet.

It is my last day at Cambridge. I will say goodbye to some lovely children and say farewell to my co-workers. We will play a few games, take a few pictures and then my life will carry on and theirs will too.

I will keep in touch with Jackie, Daniel, Stella, Curtis and Jessica. They have played pivotal roles in my first two years in Korea. When I return to Korea in the fall, I will invite them to my new (presumably) tiny apartment and make some simple western food for them (probably spaghetti). We will still be friends.

Now for the sweet part. Sure, I'm going to Sweden, but mostly I'm excited for traveling to see family and friends. My nieces and nephews are growing up SO fast (and although my siblings aren't growing up as fast as the kids, lots of things happen in one year...) It's hard to imagine what my life would be like if I were still to be living in the US...but I know one thing I'd see my babies more than now.

The other night I was talking to Alyssa and she asked me "Can you come over tonight?" Certainly even if I were still in Chicago and they were in Georgia, I couldn't make that trip on a whim, but it wouldn't be so few and far between. It breaks my heart to have to say no- again and again and again.

Anyway, off to my last class of my last day.

Wild.

Next comes finishing the packing nad leaving for the airport at 5 am.

SICK.

wow.

love.

2010-07-13T03:36:00.000-07:00

who wants to make me a yellow cake with chocolate frosting when i'm home? from a mix is fine.

;)

2010-07-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

sometimes the eggs i buy at the grocery store still have feathers on them. And, I have never seen a white egg here. My eggs are always brown, and sometimes speckled.

I get the feeling the food in Korea is less "manufactured" than food in regular grocery stores in America. (I say regular, because I grew up in Greenville. There is not a Whole Foods or a Trader Joes...)

The fruit I buy is not massive. The food sometimes goes bad more quickly.

And well, there are some foods I've never seen. And something that we're SO used to seeing are impossible to find.

I'm excited to come home and stock up on herbs, seasoning packets etc. I'll probably buy a microwave oven for next year too.

My new favorite food to make is smoothie popsicles. A friend of mine gave me a perfect sized little blender. I put in yogurt, frozen strawberries, blueberries, bananas (sometimes mango), some OJ (or pomegranate juice, which I don't like by itself, but combined with other not so tart things is edible). Blend it up nicely and put it in a popsicle mold. When I'm craving ice cream or a popsicle, I reach for a healthy smoothie pop!!!!

2010-06-19T08:50:00.001-07:00

I MADE PICKLES! Probably for most of you that is nothing special.

But. I finally got all the ingredients together. Vinegar. Pickling Spices. Garlic. Lots of cucumbers.

Put them together and what have you got?

Bi-bidi-bob-bid-dee BOO!!!

A day and a half later delicious (NOT SWEET!!!!) pickles.

Hoorray!

2010-06-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

WORLD CUP FEVER: thought S. Korea lost tonight, I can't help but get sucked into the energy here. S. Korea is so supportive of their team (and N. Korea, too, for thosewho are wondering). '

As a veteran soccer player (left knee: R.I.P), I get easily frustrated with the plays and strategy, even though they're professionals.

The first game I watched at home with KBH. (he'd been to a friend's father's funeral the night before and didn't want to go out.) and that game was amazing. We could hear the spectators outside my window and the energy was electric. I've NEVER seen someone so excited for a game on television. I cheered as heartily as I could and in return I recieved A BILLION congratulatory S. Korean kisses.

This last game against Argentina was a terrible loss 4-1....but it was ONE beautiful goal. The rest of the game was lost by being just TOO SLOW. The Argentinians could dribble with a ball faster than the Koreans could run. There's no way to beat that.

The energy at the pub was unbeatable. Cheering and clapping. KBH says the energy is reminiscent of the World Cup 20002 in Seoul. Wow. Wish I coud have been here.

2010-06-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

oh yeah. KBH let me drive his car on Saturday. It was a total of like 2 kilometers, but I did it!!!! And he said I was good and he'd let me do it again---next time in daylight, in the country.

2010-06-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had plans with a few friends to go to the lake about an hour away. We packed snacks and drinks and our inflatable tube and went.

A few hours later a surprise guest turned up. Byoung Ho decided the weather was too lovely to miss a day at the lake (His friend was getting married, but he dropped off a wedding gift and came to the lake to play, instead).

A great day all around. Fun in the sun and I didn't even get burned!

Emily, Byoung Ho, Me and Jenny riding on an inflatable tube thingy. Scary and fun.

Me and my love, Marisa.
Byoung Ho loves piggy backs. Needless to say, I couldn't go anywhere under his nearly 200 pounds of muscle.
But, he can do pushups with me sitting on his back.

Best surprise EVER! He walked up wearing his wedding clothes. Lookin' so handsome in his brown boat shoes and blue seersucker shorts... (I chose those things for him!)
The original crew, Me, Jenny, Ashley, Emily and Marisa.

2010-06-04T03:48:00.000-07:00

2010-06-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Honestly, nothing exciting is going on in Korealand, at least not in my neck of the woods.

Lately, I'm letting things wind their way down here at Cambridge, in Hopyung. Come August, I'll be finished at Cambridge and beginning some traveling. Hopefully that'll include Sweden and most likely many stops throughout the US. - before returning to Korea for a year of working in Seoul/ studying Korean at a university program. So needless to say, my mind has wandered far from the private lessons I'm conducting, as well as the Korean lessons I've been doing with Jackie and as life would have it- from blogging.

For those of you that are keeping up with the news about the sinking of the S. Korean ship, at present that has had little affect on my daily life. I received an email from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul that said they perceive no threat to our safety in S. Korea. I've registered with the Embassy, so they have my contact information and, you know, in the case of an emergency, I can contact family (and vice versa) through the embassy.

Summer is in full swing here in Korea - we seemed to have skipped Spring and are now enjoying 80 degree weather and enough humidity to make me want to shave my frizzy head. I think Korean people just don't sweat. I walk out of the house and I'm covered in a thin layer of moisture---I'm sure you needed to know that.

In news not pertaining to me or Korea....Stacia's husband Chris was able to return home from Afghanistan for 2 weeks last month. They took a family trip to DisneyWorld. Since Stacia does not keep a blog, I asked her permission to post pictures of their trip (for all you interested parties) and she's graciously granted it. I will post them this weekend. Those girls are growing up SOO FAST!!!!

R.C. graduates from his sculpture program at RISD this weekend. I know from lack of communication lately that he's been hard at work getting things finished. Congrats, my brother. You done good.

Really, I told you, nothing is happening here, which is why I'm blogging about my family in America.....

2010-05-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend I attended the Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul. It is in commemoration of Buddha's Birthday; a national holiday in Korea.

There were a million things to see and do.

I got a few great photos. It was a visual event, to say the least.

First we started out at Jeongsa Temple, where we were given free noodles and lanterns to carry in the parade.

Then we wandered around till it got dark and we were met with a very aesthetically pleasing parade.

2010-05-13T08:09:00.001-07:00

i miss you.

2010-05-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

So, most of you probably know by now that I've purchased a new laptop. I bought an Apple this time around, with my plans for traveling this summer, it is essential that I have a global warranty.

(As I type this, there is a monk behind me chanting and pounding on a wooden block....standing outside a restaurant, perhaps this is a ritual they must perform before eating? I don't know, Korea is so exciting and exotic sometimes!)

It was quite expensive, so today, although it is fabulous weather, I turned down a day outing to World DJ Festival in Seoul, because it would easily be a 100 dollar day. Instead I cleaned my apartment, did laundry and am now sitting at my favorite coffee shop with a $3 coffee and updating my blog , reading and working on Korean homework.

난 블롱쓰고, 소설책이읽고숙재해요- That just says I'm writing my blog, reading a novel and doing homework. :p I'm a genius.

Oh, the new computer has a Korean keyboard too, so that's what enables me to type in Korean. I just change the language preference and off I go, in Korean!

My friend, Jimmy came online when I was typing this---so I was sitting at the coffee shop alone, talking to my computer in English- needless to say I got a lot of funny looks.

Alright, moving on to homework!

xoxoxox.

2010-05-07T08:27:00.001-07:00

Some photos for you all of Emily and James' visit. Just a week or so before their trip, James proposed to Emily. James's parents and his two older sisters were born and raised in Korea. James was the first of the Lee family to be born in the US and this was his first trip to Korea. A long lost cousin (who was quite a bit older than us, nearly 50, I'd guess) pick Emily and James up and took them to a hotel. The following day he drove them to my town. I had to work all week, but the weekend and evenings were ours.

For those of you that don't know. I met Emily way back when we moved to Greenville, so I've known her for 15 years and we also lived together my last year in Chicago. It was a lovely treat to get to spend time with her and James and hear all about what they've been doing since I've been gone.

The day Emily arrived was her birthday, so we (my friends Evelyn and Marisa joined us) went out for the best galbi we'd ever had. Here is a picture of me, Emily and James on their first night staying with me.

Forgot to mention, it was Emily's 26th birthday! We also got a birthday cake to celebrate. When I first saw Emily and James, I didn't know what to say first "Happy Birthday!-Congrats on the engagement-or-Welcome to Korea!!!"

On Sunday we went to 덕수궁 or Deosugung. We haphazardly arrived at just the right time for the changing of the guards ceremony. That was a lucky treat!

Emily and me in front of the king's throne room. James had some friends who were also in Korea for a relative's wedding, so we met up with them in Sinchon area of Seoul. Emily and James came in time to see some cherry blossoms a'bloomin'!

Emily and James made a couple trips to E-Mart. Emily wanted to get some cheap glasses (literally 10 bucks total for lenses and frames. It's true! Ask Melissa and R.C. -I've filled their prescriptions for them here in Korea!) It's also not a bad place for souvenir shopping. It's sort of like a Super Wal-Mart, groceries, clothes, electronics, housewares etc. It's a one stop shop and I go there at least twice a week.

One night, Emily and James wanted to have dinner at home. They went to E-Mart and stocked up on premade radish kimchi, seaweed and cup-라면 (Ramen noodles!).

On Emily and James last night we had 삼곂살 or samgyeopsal with KBH.

Here's the 4 of us.

Emily and James were truly lovely guests. They came bearing gifts (always a perk!), they were helpful and content in the small living space and they have been very gracious with their thank yous. It was such a lovely treat to get to spend some quality time with slumber parties every night.

Congrats, Emily and James on your engagement and as long as I'm here, you're welcome back (and you'll also be welcome wherever else I happen to be in the future.)

That, as always, goes for the rest of you too! You are welcome to stay in my tiny space-I might even buy you dinner. :p

2010-04-30T00:16:00.000-07:00

I FINISHED MY TESOL!!!!!

From the responses from my tutor, I did a stellar job. I don't know if a letter grade is assigned. I don't even care. I'm finished. 6 months it took me and I'm sure it was 100 solid hours.

A weight off my shoulders and credentials to put on my resume-leverage for good pay. Hooray!

2010-04-29T07:10:00.001-07:00

My computer is officially broken. Daniel took it to the Dell Repair Center. They've said I need a new mother board, which will cost $300, plus labor.

The hard drive can be saved, so my pictures are safe. Never you fear and I've taken to making my documents on Google documents, so my resumes are saved on the world wide web somewhere.

The worst part is deciding which computer to buy next.

Shooot.

I know I'm paying for the extended warranty this time- and I'm finished with Dell. These two things. I know.

2010-04-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Emily and James are here (well, off in Seoul and I'm at work) but we are having a lovely time. Despite the size of my apartment, we're comfortable all sleeping in teh same room.

E&J have scheduled a trip to the DMZ tomorrow. We had dinner with KBH last night. They're off today seeing the War Memorial Museum and possibly doing Seoul Tower. Followed by dinner with my co-workers.

This coming weekend is KBH's and my first anniversary as a couple. Pretty exciting. We've got plans to bike and picnic. Nothing extravagant - that's not our style. We like to play and relax. :)

My computer is still getting worked on or looked at or something, so still no pictures for ya---but just an update!

love

2010-04-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

Emily and James will arrive Saturday afternoon sometime. After a quick trip to visit James' grandmother's grave site with a cousin who still lives in Korea, they will join me for the week. Definitely excited. I know they love Korean food, so I'm getting excited to eat and eat and eat with them. Saturday is Emily's birthday (and they're newly engaged) so I've invited a few friends to get together for an evening of delicious food, getting to know each other and fun.

A few random thoughts as of late:

I learned in Korean lesson how to say "How do you eat this?"
And I thought when will I ever need to say that. But then I remembered trying to suck crab out of a shell, holding on with chop sticks. If the crab fell back into the bowl of spicy broth, my clothes would be stained. I also remember Byoung Ho asking how to eat taco salad that I'd made at home. And the other day I was eating an English Muffin with peanut butter and KBH was eating scrambled eggs and an English muffin. He asked for peanut butter on one half of his muffin and then began to eat his cheesy scrambled eggs and peanut butter muffin together. Maybe he should have asked "how do I eat this?"

Spring time in Hopyeong sees a lot, and i mean ALOT, of construction. Stores, shops, restaurants, apartment buildings. Even pre existing buildings see stores and shops open and close nearly over night. The past few days there has been some sort of "building" going on. Shelves and counters being built right on crowded side walks. But really, the smell of cut wood on from the table saw remind me of my dad. . . I can't even remember what he was doing or making, but I remember wanting to hold onto something to help him with sawing or cutting or measuring or something. And the smell. It's said that scent is the strongest sense linked to memory. - Dad, know that I think of you every time I get a whiff of freshly cut 2x4's and planks of ply wood.

The other day I received an e-mail from my Grandma Sayler. It was lovely. It was about her relationship with my Grandpa Sayler. I shared it with Byoung Ho, and although he never got to meet my Grandpa, I got to share fond memories of my grandfather with him. His model train set in the basement that seemed SO HUGE when I was a little girl. The train that went through every season n 5 minutes around the track. Santa flying over the neighborhood. And people ice skating on the pond. The trips to the department store to ride the Christmas train. The pranks - the inflatable Gorilla that "talked" (it was really Grandpa in another room with a microphone). Dummy, the rocking donkey. The table and chairs set that Grandpa made and we still have (and sit in when the family room is crowded). He was the kind of man who took every opportunity to play- I think he truly lived the work hard/play hard mantra. I remember him visiting Greenville and going to the local 'department store' and returning with toys- anything, a fluffy tail attached to a motorized ball that you let loose on the floor. The monster truck that crawled over everything in its path. He taught our dog, Davy, to come at the sound of a whistle.
Although, I cried a little, I couldn't help but smile for all the warm memories that flooded my mind and heart. Thank you for your email Grandma. It warmed my heart. Truly.

Just a few thoughts to let you know I consider you and think of you often- even though I may not write blogs about every musing---

All my love.

2010-04-03T08:18:00.001-07:00

Amy came to Korea last week. It was a lovely treat to have night after night of slumber parties with her.

She is the first person from home to have met my significant people in Korea.

I was preparing all week for her Thursday night arrival and on Thursday morning I decided to check the exact time of her arrival so Byoung Ho and I could arrange to be there at the right time. However I had misread her itinerary and due to the time change she was not arriving until Friday night.

So we enjoyed a quite night together at home on Friday and then Saturday we went to Seoul and saw some significant places around the city.

It's always lovely to see old friends and pick up where you left off.

We did a lot of smiling for self portraits....

We broke all the rules (it said do not touch....)

Just joking, she didn't really touch it.

We ate lots and lots and lots of food.

More photos and comments to come (my computer or internet connection or both are not working properly), but thought I'd get this started. In a week and a half Emily and her boyfriend James arrive. I'm thoroughly excited to have them visit!

2010-03-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

I just put Amy on a bus to the airport.

It was a week of sleep overs and wandering. will report later.

but didn't want you to think i'd forgotten about you.

2010-03-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

나는편도염있어요

That means I have tonsillitis.
Bummer dude.
I got a shot in my bum.

In America we do not get shots in our bum past the age of what...5?

I feel better now.

2010-03-13T18:29:00.000-08:00

So I guess I owe you guys a blog update. Sorry I've been so bad at this lately.

This week at school I had one of the most awesome classes in all my time in Korea. After 5 classes in a row with no break, I walked into class number 6; a middle school class I've been bribing for awhile (if they speak ONLY English for a whole class period I give them a sticker on the calendar ....once they earn 12 stickers....which should be 4 weeks, I'll buy pizza). I didn't really feel like teaching or have much prepared. It is a speaking book/class after all. I can't prepare much, unless they are willing to converse. So. . .

I walk in and Chris is offering everyone some of his shrimp flavored "chip like" snack. Christina takes a couple but then stops and says she shouldn't because she's on a diet. I mentioned something about not dieting because I love food too much....and the class just took off!!!! Joel made a few comments about how a healthy diet consists of routine exercise and healthy foods. We talked about portion control...and the differences in food culture (The French spend hours on their meals. Koreans don't talk until they've finished eating. American's eat fast and talk during the whole meal. Chinese people eat bugs (Yes, my students REALLY said that)). We talked about meal time at home.

A few times there were lulls but mostly they were great! And at the end of class they were so excited and proud of themselves about how they'd just spent the last hour of class. "Wow. Teacher, that was great! We just talked." I said "Sure, sometimes you just need to practice what you know. You guys did great!"

It was such a great feeling. That a random topic presented itself and these kids could just talk about it in another language...and that I was a part of helping them accomplish that. So cool!

This week is bittersweet. I'm saying goodbye to one of my closest friends in Korea. Kimi is headed home to South Africa.

BUT.

Amy is coming on Thursday. She was my roommate in Chicago for 2 years. Byoung Ho has come up with a few plans for her (He's almost as excited as me. This will be the first person he meets from my "American life".) I don't have any time off work, so she'll be on her own for the week, but I've got most mornings and evenings free and she'll be here for two weekends.

And, I owe you pictures. So.

Here is a picture from a "dog cafe" we went to in Seoul. The owner has a bunch of dogs and patrons can bring their own pet. The staff cleans up any "messes" and you can let the dogs do anything...like walk on the tables. We just went and played with a few dogs...

We had an ice skating trip with Cambridge. We had a "kimbap" picnic. It's the Korean version of sushi and a staple in my diet. Rice, egg, veggies in a seaweed wrap.
Here is Jessica teacher with a few of our students.

Marisa enjoying some peace in Gapyeong. Our second camping trip with KBH and his friends.

Mr. Choi, KBH, and Mr. Min striking a pose.

Byoung Ho enjoys pulling his pants up SUPER high and posing strangely...perhaps he just likes how much everyone laughs.

My love, Marisa and me
Evelyn and Kimi. (we're playing with cameras while the men are cooking. we at pork and eel....)
Goodbye my dear dear Kimi. I will miss you... :(

2010-03-05T17:51:00.000-08:00

Going camping this weekend with my girlfriends, boyfriend and his friends. I love friendy excursions. The more the merrier.

Got the marshmallows packed and the sweats and tennis shoes on.

It's my very good friend Kimi's last weekend in good ol' K-town. I'll be quite sad when she leaves. I know in a situation like this people come and go, but it's hard when the good ones decide it's time to go home.

siiiiiiiiiiigh.

I'll post pictures when we return.

2010-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

okay. sorry.

i'm dumb.

the power cord was unplugged.

woopsies.

2010-03-01T23:17:00.000-08:00

My home computer is broken.
I plug it in and no lights come on.

I hope it's not serious, but there isn't a Dell repair shop near me. It could be a few weeks before I get there to have it repaired.

So, I may be MIA for a bit.
Sorry!

2010-02-24T04:07:00.000-08:00

This week I've got a nasty chest/head cold. Everything feels congested and my body just feels limp and heavy. However, I haven't yet taken a sick day (even when I had strep throat), so nothing's changed. Just going to bed super early and getting lots of Vitamin C and fluids. Just because I live alone, doesn't mean I'm taking care of myself. Byoung Ho makes sure to check on me, sometimes even coming over after to work to tuck me in, get my juice (change a light bulb...or whatever). It's nice to be looked after.

This week is Curtis' last week at Cambridge. A former Cambridge teacher is returning to take his place, so I can be thankful that I do not have to train him or look after him as he settles into Korean life. However, I'll miss Curtis. He's been a good friend and a great help these past 18 months. He'll still be in Korea, but not easily accessible.

This weekend we're going on a field trip. We're going ice skating with about 20 students. I'm excited. I love to play! And ice skating is a great way to get to play with my students. Set aside teaching for the day, and just play. I miss baby sitting---and nieces and nephews that I can just PLAY WITH! Teaching (which I suppose is sometimes just glorified babysitting) is hard work! (Just ask my sick, tired, worn out body.) We're getting our ice skating in JUST before spring settles in.

The weather this week has been absolutely beautiful high 50's/low 60's and sunny. I've got my window open as I type this at 9:15 at night. After a winter of living in a shut up little den of winter darkness, it's so lovely to smell the fresh air in my home!

Three weeks from tomorrow my very good friend (and former roommate) Amy, will be visiting me. She'll staying for 11 days, so we can play together for two weekends...I'm truly excited. However, cherry on top----- My friends Emily and James will also be coming to Korea in mid April! So I've got all sorts of visitors lined up. I'm excited to share my life with my friends...but also truly excited for my Korean friends to meet my long time friends from home. It'll be a merging of my worlds. I'm excited for the time I'll get to spend with these lovely people! Longer than I've spent with my own family in the last 2 years.... This is truly exciting.

*Though my home is small, it is open to any of you with an itch to travel!

2010-02-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

This weekend, marked by a very well known holiday in the US- Valentine's Day, was also Lunar New Year.

Most businesses were closed today...and many people have long weekends. I am one of them. I have Monday and Tuesday off.

Yesterday Marisa and I headed into Seoul. We wanted to go to a museum. However, when we arrived, we discovered that the museum is in the confines of a big palace. Marisa had already been to the palace, but I hadn't.

So we took a quick walk though the palace. It was pretty chilly and muddy from the snow that had fallen and melted and fallen and melted. We missed the last guided tour, and only had a very poorly laid out English directory of the buildings. So I din't learn as much as I could/should have...

but it was a beautiful place to spend the afternoon.

And, in the museum that we just walked through for 30 minutes had modern designer Hanbok on display. That's the Korean traditional gowns worn on holidays like today! That was cool...they really are beautiful (and forgiving in shape!)

2010-02-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

To celebrate such a momentous birthday such as 26, my friends and I ate fried chicken. Marisa made cupcakes....Delicious.However, the following weekend I'd asked Byoung Ho to take me and some friends sledding. He did so!!!! Here we are at the top of the sledding hill with a lovely mountain behind us. We opted for the moving side walk for this climb up the hill, but it was the only time. Byoung Ho approved our activities for the day a suitable substitute for a few hours at the gym.

Group Shot!!!!! From left to right: Marisa, Byoung Ho, Me, Kimi, Evelyn

Hot Chocolate! Prepared by KBH himself. What a good event planner.

We got corn dogs....delish

But mine was still frozen on the inside and I was unhappy about that.

We like snack time!

First we walk up the hill---it's a mountain, mind you.

Then we SLED DOWNNNNN, but only after a whistle is blown and we're given permission to proceed.
So much fun....a great birthday celebration.

After too much time playing with the girls, Byoung Ho got in touch with his feminine side. Can you see his beautiful flower headband?

2010-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

This TESOL course I'm doing is difficult!!!!!!

I'm whining, yes!

It's a hundred hour course. And...it TRULY is.

Who can tell me the differences in usage, structure and give me example sentences :

present perfect and past perfect?

Ready! GO!!!!

2010-01-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

My Birthday Celebration!

Marisa, the baker- She made my birthday cupcakes! And they were DELICIOUS!

A few loved ones who showed up to celebrate my birth!

2010-01-01T05:12:00.000-08:00

I was talking to Byoung Ho about past relationships yesterday and when talking about an ex boyfriend who is now married - he asked me if I was jealous.

My answer was and is a resounding "NO!" Simply put, anyway. I am happy with exactly where I am in life- if I had ended up with that particular ex boyfriend, my life would be a COMPLETELY different picture- filled with much fewer adventures. So that made me reflect on my life......

As I consider my life in general- the decisions of others that shaped my future (what is now my present). I think about the decisions I made myself that led me to where I am.

I am content, happy to boot. I am living what other's are too afraid to do, too caught up to do, to tied down to do. I'm living in Korea- If you'd have asked me a year ago, what my life would be like today- I couldn't give you an answer. I'm living an unfathomable adventure. Each day, something new.

As I reflect on the past year, and begin a new one, I am happy for every difficult learning experience, every laugh and every tear, every hello and every goodbye. Everything that has led me, shaped me, made me who I am. I'm a blessed and fortunate to live the life I do.

Thank you all for being a part of it in 2009. Here's to another beautiful year of life, love, adventure; experience.

This is a bit from "Desiderata" One of my best friends grandfather's passed away recently and she wanted to share this with me...It was one of her grandfather's favorite pieces of writing. It is full of wisdom. So, as we begin a new year,I want to share it with you.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Jen's Christmas

2009-12-27T00:21:00.000-08:00

2009-12-20T18:31:00.001-08:00

The ballet was absolutely beautiful.

After 5 hours of Christmas cookie baking (with sugar cookies decorating still left to be done), I ventured home to get ready for the ballet.

At six, KBH picked me up and I fed him left over pizza and a sample snickerdoodle to show how hard Marisa and I had been working all day. We then headed toward the center of Seoul to see the Nutcracker.

We were in the 19th row, of center section of seats.There were only children sitting in front of me, so I didn't have any trouble seeing at all. Though I did have to nudge Byoung Ho several times to make sure he was still awake (he blamed his eyes being closed on the fact that he did not have his glasses on and his eyes hurt), we had a lovely time.

I'd never seen the ballet before (as I recall) and recognized many more songs than I had expected to. I got particularly excited when I heard the Home Alone song.... :p

Although I tried to take pictures, I was yelled at twice that I was not allowed to take pictures. Though, I must point out, the second time I was not taking a photo, merely fiddling with my camera as I waited for KBH to get back from the bathroom.

However, these are the few that I DID manage to get....

2009-12-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

I suppose I should write a proper blog, but I always think of this TOOOOOOO late at night. It's 12:30 am now and I've been shopping since noon. Had to get some final presents in before it's too late. I went to a few places looking for a necklace for KBH, but walked into the Adidas store and not 5 minutes walked out with a nice brown leather(like) bag for him and felt a huge wave of relief. Jewelery shopping in Korea is NOT fun. It's a hundred little kiosks, in the same building vying for your attention and money...I was frustrated after having to run away from 20 people....

Marisa and I had a very successful, long day. We attempted to go to the baking market, where there is rumored to be vanilla extract, unsalted butter, food coloring and every thing else imaginable needed for baking...However, it is apparently closed on Sundays---Of course Byoung Ho had already told me that---but why would I believe a Korean when it comes to Korean markets??? Marisa and I will be baking

Snickerdoodles

Thumbprint cookies with rasberry and strawberry jams

Peanut Blossoms

Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint cookies

and will give them as gifts. I will give a plate to coworkers---probabkly just one to share during school on Christmas Eve...a plate to the lady at Park Avenue, my favorite coffee shop- and all the perfect ones---not a mishapen one---will go to KBH's parents.

The photo above is from a Christmas market we went to in Seoul. It was at a German international school. We heard children singing German carols- at some German treats and mingled with some other foreigners looking for Christmas spirit in Seoul. Pictured in the Photo are back -left to right - Ben, Marisa, Lydia Front: Kim, Santa, Me

Love and Love and Christmas blessings

2009-12-09T22:46:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to begin. My life has been a whirlwind of worry, frustration and indecision since Jackie and Daniel announced their departure from Cambridge.

At first I felt slightly betrayed, because they must have known this was coming and gave us no warning and allowed me to sign my second year contract. They used me as a bartering tool for selling their school "Look! You get Jen too! What a bargain!"

The people who took over Cambridge seemed over zealous. They had never run a school before and didn't speak much English. They didn't bother learning how Cambridge ran, and instead began making changes immediately. Hannah, The one who spoke no English, did all the actual work- while Joanne sat and thought .... About how to change/publicize. Joanne was hot headed while Hannah seemed nurturing and quiet. Already I knew they didn't have enough money to really afford Cambridge...Anyway, they had only put a small down payment on Cambridge-when the date came to make the final payment, they didn't do it. They quit.

On Monday, Jackie will return and presumably things will return to normal. But I'm extremely torn about how I feel now. My thoughts are scattered and I'm emotional- so therefore, not rational. I've talked to KBH, and he's been quite rational the whole time. Calming me down and thinking before responding when I ask him "SHOULD I QUIT!?!?!"

That is what I'm going through right now, I've put a few resumes out there. I'm not finished with Korea by any means- Not ready to come home and face an economic down turn with a limited job selection-or decide what I want to study at grad school (because, let's face it, those are really my only options...) I hate to speak for them, but I'm sure Mom and Dad don't want me living with them again!

You see- my mind is all over the place. Stay at Cambridge-find a new job-go home-find no job-go to school-study what? AGHHHHHHH.

2009-12-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

I was just given the best Christmas gift ever and it was TOTALLY unexpected. I mentioned to my closest friend here, Marisa, that I'd always thought it would be so romantic and festive to see the Nutcracker with my boyfriend (whoever that happened to be at the time)...she went out and bought me two tickets to the ballet on December 20th at Seoul Art Center.

KBH has graciously agreed to accompany me, even though it means changing his work schedule. I looked at pictures online and the Seoul Art center looks absolutely fabulous! I can't wait to go hand in hand with my handsome boyfriend...eeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkk!

I was worried about it "feeling" like Christmas, now I have nothing to fear! Hooray!!!

Playing House

2009-12-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

These pictures are nearly a year old, but I finally got them from Stella!

I helped her mother and her with a little bit of cooking for last year's Lunar New Year event. We then played dress up with her mom's Hanbok. - Traditional Korean dress.

I

Practicing my bow- I got money for it at the New Year celebration

2009-11-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

My coworker Curtis just married DongHee this weekend, at a very Korean wedding.

To me, this seemed very "vegas" to me. It's a wedding hall, which is normal in Korea. Where there are many wedding each day.

The photo below is of the room, 5 minutes after wedding #1 finished and 5 minutes before Curtis' wedding began.

It's a pretty room, but they use SPOTLIGHTS! Why?

To thank their parents and their guests they bow. 3 times. One time to each set of parents and one time to the guests. Curtis got all the way down on the ground and did a VERY polite bow to DongHee's parents.

Curtis' mom was super respectful of the culture and she wore a Korean traditional dress

After the ceremony we had a buffet dinner Curtis and DongHee changed into their Hanbok for the cutting of the cake

My handsome date! :p

2009-11-18T07:33:00.001-08:00

I just Skyped with Stacia in Georgia and Chris in Afghanistan.

What a small world after all!

2009-11-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Coolest picture ...ever?

2009-11-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

He's so handsome! This is the nicest picture I have of the two of us. It was at Curtis' wedding. I'll post more pictures once I put them on my computer. But I was so happy with the way this one turned out.

2009-11-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

Alas, I have failed at posting daily!

Could have seen that one coming. Life has gotten a bit stressful these days. I wont' list every last detail...

Anyway, I met the new "owners" of Cambridge. They speak little-to no- English. Should be very interesting.

They have not yet taken over management, but are working hard in "Jackie's Office", which I suppose it no longer Jackie's office.

Tomorrow is BaeBaeRo day. Which is bigger than Valentine's Day it seems. It's these tiny little pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate. The date tomorrow is 11/11....which looks like the little snack sticks. So buy a lot of BaeBaeRo and chocolate (the more the better) and give them to the person you love. I ask KBH if he expected them of me...I know, I know...not totally romantic, but I'd rather save that for Valentine'sPublish Post Day...Still a bit commercialized, but has some meaning....BaeBaeRo day is NOTHING but a commercial money making scheme...as BaeBaeRo is a brand name....Anyway, KBH said "No." Which I could have figured out on my own, because he only eats Chicken breast and sweet potatos. No snacks for that dieting, body builder. I did cave, however, and buy my students BaeBaeRo...it was under a dollar a box...I'll give a box to each class....We can share them.

2009-11-08T03:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend KBH took me on a lovely date! He picked me up at noon on Saturday and we drove about an hour east.

He had asked someone which was the best way to get to Nami Island- so we took a beautiful drive through the fall colored mountains, right along a river. It was gorgeous. The weather was hazy, but warmish.

We took a ferry across the dammed lake to the island. We just walked around the island (it was packed with couples, families, tour groups...) but it was nice to be out of the city, on an island covered with trees, grass surrounded by mountains and the lake.

I had packed a picnic and we ate next to a tree house, watching the squirrels play. KBH loves babies and kids, so we did a lot of "people" watching- pointing out fat babies, or their silly antics. We listened to a man performing on his saxophone.

It was such a lovely day! My camera is now broken, so we didn't get any fabulous pics. But on the island I watched everyone taking pictures- they weren't enjoying their time...they were ONLY there to get pictures...

KBH is very busy, but when we do get to play together, he does an excellent job planning. He's good to me.

(This photo is from a few weeks ago when we went camping with friends!We were at a traditional Korean restaurant)

2009-11-07T00:47:00.001-08:00

Well today, I have something real to blog about.

Yesterday, Daniel made a surprise visit to Cambridge. He met with everyone privately to tell them he "quit." What exactly this means is, he's found someone else to take over rent of the property and they will be managing Cambridge from now on.

They've agreed to take on the staff, including Jackie. What this means, is that my contract is still being honored.

I'm being optimistic, hoping that they'll be employers just as fair and kind as Jackie and Daniel, but also preparing for the worst.

I've decided that if I am to stay a 3rd year, I will find a job at a public school, where things like this can't happen. Also, I will find a public school close to a university that offers Korean classes full time, daily. So I will work in the mornings and afternoons and attend school in the evenings. A part of me wants to start doing that as soon as possible, where as the other part wants to continue working and living the way I've been doing for the past 16 months.

So my plan is to just wait and see how the new owners are. Daniel said if I have a huge problem, I can still talk to him about it, seeing as my contract was made with him....

I'm just anxious to see how it goes. If this was happening at home, I think I would feel more stable, but in a place where I'm still learning new things daily, I'm afraid of what might pop up....

The new owners are coming Monday to observe. I'll keep you updated...

2009-11-05T05:38:00.001-08:00

More things I never would have done if I hadn't moved to Korea....

4. Joined a gym. The woman here are SO thin. However, it does feel very nice to be active and "fit" again. (Though read my previous entry about no squats or anything putting pressure on my knee for the rest of my life ....so that puts a damper on things).

5. Been excited for Skype dates with my mom and dad (even if they're for Dad's Intro to Business Class) Seriously, I talked about seeing Mom and Dad today to everyone who would listen. My co teachers, my students, my tutoree...EVERYONE. I haven't seen their pretty faces since July!

6. Drink instant coffee on a daily basis. Coffee beans, coffee makers etc are hard to come by. If I want "real" coffee I go to Park Avenue, my favorite and VERY close coffee shop. If I knew where I was going to be in a year, I might invest in a coffee maker....or if I had a kitchen bigger than a shoe box.... But at the moment, I settle for Taster's Choice instant coffee. It's not so bad with some skim milk....

2009-11-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

A few favorite photos (now, they're not all excellent quality, but the hold a certain charm or memory for me.....)

Ruby, Ian and Philip. Ruby and Ian still go to Cambridge, but Philip has since left. They were my very first class and remain my favorite students to this very day. They're are imaginative, bright, sincere and extremely funny. I miss the little children in my life (at home) but these three can really communicate in English....so they make up for it a bit.

Another of Ruby and Ian. A Christmas hug. (They're not really hugging...they're play fighting. Ruby is struggling to get away...) Also, Ruby gave her new baby brother an English name, Max. Do you know the children's story Ruby and Max? She's so literary.

An unplanned hike in Suwon on the city wall, gave way to this beautiful pagoda. There is a man sleeping in there...Korean's tend to sleep anywhere...whenever there's a chance. They work very hard.A massive spider in Chuncheon.

My "baby" class. Because of the recent cases of Swine Flu in town, many of them are "taking a rest" until the panic subsides. This class currently has one member...He's lucky, he's the slowest one in the class, so he will get one on one review.
One thing I've heard about why Koreans like us foreigners are that we're so friendly. One weekend away we invited our visiting neighbors over to join us for singing, dancing, and eating whatever food we had left over. This is what ensued. The kids in the back were backup dancers. It is very common in Korea for the children (even tiny ones) to know all the popular songs and the dances that go with them. It's a bit disturbing really....

"Teacher! It tastes so good!!!!"
My best Korean friend, Stella, and me!!!!

With Stella's family for Lunar New Year. Grandparents and Baby Shi-u in traditional Korean dress. They were so welcoming and "regular." Her grandfather talked of family history and family trees, asked about USA traditions etc. (With Stella as a translator.) While Grandma bustled about the kitchen.

A perfectly prepared Korean meal. Kimbap (like sushi without the fish.) in the parking lot.

KBH makes me laugh. Alot...alot, alot. He works very hard to communicate clearly with me. He works very hard, in general. He is resourceful, gentle, and thoughtful....There are so many wonderful things I could write about him, but I'll save you from that.

2009-11-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Melissa said it's National Blog writing month. Just as I typed that I realized I'm not in America, so maybe I don't have to participate.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to work on a compilation of all the things I've done in Korea that I would not have done in America.

The first few things are easy, but I'll really have to work hard for more!

1. Hitchhike. We went out to the countryside, caught a taxi from the small center of town to a waterfall, but when we wanted to come back to town to catch the bus home, we had no way to return.... So a nice old lady picked us up in her van (I was with a man who's over 6 feet tall, so that was comforting for me, but probably discouraging for drivers....). Either way, she took us to the old folks home where she worked and we just walked down the hill to the center of town.

2. I have eaten so many strange things. The first few that come to mind: chicken colon in a spicy sauce. I ate one...didn't know what it was at the time ...and didn't like it. Whole fish....cooked and dried...With the head, and eyes and bones and everything. It's great for your calcium intake, eating bones. All sorts of things I don't know what they were...roots, mushrooms, I've eaten more seaweed in Korean than ever in my life....

3. Got on a bus....not speaking the language, without a map, a cell phone, or having ever been to my destination before. However, it was quite successful.

Okay, i'll stop now before I run out of things to say for tomorrow.....

2009-10-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was recently reminded by KBH that Chicago is not "my city" anymore. We were watching my Summer Vacation slideshow and a few pictures of skyscrapers in Chicago came up and I said "Oh, my city!" He said "Jen, Chicago is not your city. It's not where your job is. It's not where your apartment is. It's not where you live. You live here. In Hopyeong. Hopyeong is your city." What a statement. And it makes you wonder "What is home?" Home is where your heart is, right? I find that to be true, being so far away from my home---though my life is here.

Home may not necessarily be where you are living, where you are working or where you are currently. Home is warmth, security, comfort, support, respect, love and honesty that come from the people you love.

2009-10-29T04:10:00.001-07:00

So, all the schools in town are closed due to an outbreak of the swine flu. My private after school program was closed as well, so I spent the day doing CHORES!!!!!

I went to the dentist. I haven't had a cleaning in awhile and I had one tooth that has been really sensitive lately. I assumed it was a cavity, but it was near my gum line---not a likely place for a cavity. Though, I still don't know what the problem was (if not a cavity, I thought it may be that the root was exposed...), the dentist fixed/filled/covered it. I don't know what he did... Anyway, the total should have come to 110, but he gave me the filling for free. So I ended up paying only 50!!! Bargain!

Then I headed to the Orthopedic surgeon. I've been doing more exercise in the past 8 months than I have since 2003---and because KBH is a trainer, he was having me do weight training. I've been having some discomfort in my knee and hip----which I presumed was old soccer injuries. It turns out my patella is not centered, and the cartilage that should be protecting my joint is wearing away. He showed me one exercise and said that I am to do NO exercise that puts stress on my knee. No stair machine, no leg press, no leg extension, no squats NOTHING EVER AGAIN. The only suitable exercise for me for the rest of my life is walking or swimming. After 2 consultations with the doctor, x-rays and about 40 minutes of physical therapy, including a heating pad, electro-therapy and ultrasound, my bill came to 10 bucks.

Medical care here is amazingly affordable. I'm supposed to go back for more therapy whenever I have knee pain. and as long as I live in Korea, it's affordable and easy.

Those are my updates. No school tomorrow either. I rented a Korean movie tonight, that I will watch with English subtitles.

Saturday I will go into Seoul and dress as a pirate for Halloween and Sunday we are having a Cambridge dinner to celebrate Curtis' upcoming wedding.

2009-10-19T16:28:00.001-07:00

A while back I received an email from my dad explaining that a very distant "cousin" of mine would be arriving in Korea this fall.

Long story short, I met Jamie Wilson (who is my Grandma Sayler's cousin's grandson...that's the easiest way to explain!)

We got some dinner and hung out for a bit just catching up on life. We actually had a lot in common, so it wasn't as akward as we'd both planned for. :)

It's nice to have family in Korea!
:p

2009-10-14T05:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, so now for a blurb about the Philippines.

Starting from the airport:
KBH drove me and my friend, Delanie to the airport. This was to be Delanie's last hurrah before she moved back home to Canada.
Security in the Philippines was next to nothing. They ASKED if we had liquids. scanned our bags, but didn't take our liquids.

When we arrived in Cebu (200 miles south of Manila) we rented a bare bones room, to sleep in for just a few hours. I've slept in airports before, but this was NOT the kind of airport you sleep in.

After our flight on Thursday, we were directed on shuttle bus to travel an hour and a half to the jetty port where we could take a 10 minute ferry ride to the fabulous Boracay Island. It was voted the #1 beach in the world (To tell you the truth I couldn't see much of a difference from Jamaica, or the Bahamas... I sound so spoiled....)

We arrived at our hotel....and put on our suits and took a swim in the private pool. It was too dark to go exploring that night, so we just ate dinner at our hotel's restaurant....Candle Light on the beach. how romantic.

We really didn't plan on doing much, we were worried about the weather, we just wanted to relax. So on Friday I got more sunburned than I've ever been in my entire life. In fact, I'm still peeling. So I just took it easy the rest of my time. We found our way to a banana boat ride and a cruise around on a jet ski!

The exchange rate is amazing, a bottle of Coke was advertised at just about a 16 cents. It was a fabulous trip. Really relaxed and restful, in a beautiful place.

2009-10-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

2009-10-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

Though my life may seem exotic to you on the homefront, rest assured I'm living a relatively normal life. I have a job (though it is enjoyable, it's still work), I have responsibilities (I have no roommate or spouse to help with chores, errands etc), I have obligations (meetings, birthday parties...i know, that doesn't sound like an obligation, but sometimes I just don't want to go....going away soirees).

It's hard to imagine that a life in a place so incredibly distant from your own could become anything less than exhilarating, but when that life settles down from tourist to 'resident' it becomes more and more comfortable and less and less exotic.

Don't get me wrong, I still am amazed by things everyday. I simply love fall here, the beauty surrounding my valley town is stunning- and I smile on my walk to and from work admiring the colors changing and loving every cool breeze that chills my nose and cheeks.

When I was in the Philippines, I found myself hoping to speak to Koreans- because THEY were comfortable for me. (Be patient, I will upload photos from the Philippines shortly ... plus, if you're reading this and hadn't heard from me before...I did make it to and from the Philippines with no encounter from typhoons or tsunamis.) Though I'm still perplexed by some Korean behaviors, I'm nevertheless, feeling more and more at home among them.

On another note, I've just begun a TESL course online. It is Teaching English as a Second Language. I think this will benefit me in the long run, as I hope to continue studying education upon my return (whenever that may be...) It will also help me in the classroom. I have a unique situation in that I"ll be taking this course WHILE teaching, so I can put to use the things I learn, as I learn them. I'm excited to be studying and stimulating my brain for my benefit (and the benefit of my students!)

Just a few thoughts on this gorgeous Fall Friday evening.

My love and thoughts are with/of you!!!

2009-09-27T18:53:00.001-07:00

Saturday was my friend, Delanie's going away party. Granted, she will be going to the Phillipines with me on Wednesday for 5 days....but for those of her that don't have that pleasure, we mourned her departure, but going to a very swanky jazz club. (A friend's cousin works there and got us a special "2 for 1" entry deal) . Live Jazz---though I'm not convinced it was jazz, there was an accordion being used for one set. Either way, there was unlimited food and drink, and endless music and dancing. It was a lovely evening ... the girls got dressed up, the boys were wearing ties! It was classy....even though I don't consider myself a classy gal, it was fun.... but led to a very tired Sunday....

Marisa and I at swanky jazz club, dolled up.

Sunday, I had the rare opportunity to go to a Body Building Contest!!!

My friend, Marisa, and I were informed that a trainer at our gym (one Marisa has a crush on) was going to be in a contest this weekend, so I asked KBH to take us along, only after we asked Mr. Jung if we could be there....

It was an incredibly long day. We had to leave at 7:30 in the morning. KBH picked me up at my favorite coffee shop (the ideal early morning meeting place, right?) We grabbed Marisa and headed to meeting point #2, gathered the rest of the trainers from Rich Plus and Mr. Body Building himself, Mr. Jung.

I was assuming the contest started at 10 and we'd be finished by 2. Boy, was I wrong. For some reason we ALLLLL needed to be there at 9, so Mr. Jung could weigh in. We then began hours and hours of waiting until the contest started at 2:30.... Marisa and I borrowed some car keys and took a nap. We ate Kimbap in a parking lot and watching women's bench press.

For awhile Marisa and I were left in the auditorium and we coudln't figure out where everyone had gone. (I wish I had pictures of this!) They were in the parking lot "painting" Mr. Jung...instead of tanning at the tanning bed, they just used body paint.

We saw some super huge men (some of them quite old to be bodybuilding I'd think...I think there was an over 50 category....) and some men who we thought entered as a joke, because in comparison they were not huge....However, on their own, I'm sure they'd look like monstrosities.

Mr. Jung ended up winning 3rd place out of about 15 in his weight class. Not bad for his first contest... And he was totally excited about it. That was the best part of the day.

Mr. Jung (above) is standing directly over the first "B"
Now he is standing over the "BF"
Mr. Jung's back...SO muscular...wild....

KBH is planning to be in a contest in May. He will "bulk up" for 4 months and then slim down (not size...but by dieting and losing fat....) for 4 months. At first I thought it was gross...but it was fun to be a part of something like that...so I think it'd be super fun to have my boyfriend competing...

2009-09-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

i'm happy.

2009-09-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I've just accepted my first "private lesson." I begin tonight.

My friend, Delanie, has been doing conversational English lessons with a woman named "Karen." Delanie is leaving after our 5 day trip to the Phillipines in early October (really sad about that). However, Karen would like to continue studying.

I spoke to her on the phone last night. Her English is quite good, so she just wants to practice speaking and have a "go to" person should she ever have an English question. Just one hour a week, once a week- 30000 won per session. That's about $25. I figure it'll pay for my coffee/eating out each week. Not too shabby, I think.

This week, Marisa, my Canadian friend and gym partner, and I have been "hardcore" about our gym regimine. We've done our upper bodies, lower bodies, yoga, tonight is focused on cardio and abs (and KBH will teach us how to do squats with the weight machine! it looks scary!)

My 7 classes straight are becoming more bearable as I learn how to pace myself!

The weather is cooling down, in fact, last night on my walk home after the gym, I was COLD!!!!
I love it! I love fall! I can't wait for it to actually set in and the leaves to start changing! Korea is absolutely gorgeous in the fall.

All my love!
xo

2009-09-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

I found out tonight, that there is a boy from Greenville College teaching no more than 10 minutes from me.

Wild!

I haven't met him yet...but I imagine we'll have lots to chat about.

:p

2009-08-31T21:08:00.001-07:00

Just in the past two weeks, KBH and I have decided to offer our services to each other. He comes over 2 mornings a week to study English with me. Two mornings a week I go to the gym for some athletic training!

It's fun- and we both get to see what a day in the life of the other is like (kind of). We joke about how our days are so repetitive. Mine goes something like this:

"Sit down, please."
"page 88."
"Stop talking."
"repeat after me"
"Sit down, please."
"page 88."
"Stop talking."
"repeat after me"
"Sit down, please."
"page 88."
"Stop talking."
"repeat after me"
"Sit down, please."
"page 88."
"Stop talking."
"repeat after me"

His goes something like this:

"20 repetitions.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,....."
"One more!!! You can do it!"
"Okay! Good job!"
"20 repetitions.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,....."
"One more!!! You can do it!"
"Okay! Good job!"
"20 repetitions.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,....."
"One more!!! You can do it!"
"Okay! Good job!"
"20 repetitions.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,....."
"One more!!! You can do it!"
"Okay! Good job!"

He tells me I'm strong- I insist he says that to everyone.

Anyway, I don't have a better photo- this one is from my cell phone. This is a picture of KBH last year. Right now he's dieting and beginning to train for a contest in March.... His training slowed down a bit since he broke his toe during a shift at his second job....Which is something like a body guard...He got in a fight...good thing he knows TaeKwonDo!

(This picture might be slightly distorted....it's a bit stretched...but you get the idea. My trainer knows what he's doing!)

2009-08-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

I've been leting the days and weeks and even months slip by.

My life in Korea has gotten less and less exciting to write about, though I still learn new things everyday!!!

Sorry I haven't been keeping up! I'm a poor blogger- nothing compared to my sister.i.l, Melissa. She's a true blogger!

Today is Stefan and Lisa's last day at Cambridge. Our number of students has been steadily declining since I arrived (no jokes about the cause, please!), so Jackie and Daniel thought it was necessary to also reduce the number of employees. This of course has made everyone feel a little uneasy about the future of Cambridge and the security of the jobs we have managed to keep.

However, at the moment, I feel pretty secure. I think at this rate my job is safe. My contract is until next August- Curtis' contract ends this fall, so if Cambridge keeps downsizing, then I'll be the last English speaking teacher on staff.

This of course brings up lots of questions- what if they choose to sell? my contract is with Cambridge, not Jackie and Daniel. What about my Visa? Can I find anther job? Do I want to find another job? I'm not ready to leave Korea yet, but what if the decision isn't mine?

Okay- That's the latest update in my Korean life.

It's slowly turning into fall and I'm loving every cool evening of it! Last night Byoung Ho and I went on a walk, and it was so nice to be able to hold hands and not be dripping with sweat. (Also, for future reference my western friends call him KBH- for Kim, Byoung Ho, so I will refer to him as that from now on!)

That's all for now, my dear friends and family. I love you- and I'm sorry I've not been good at my blogging.

2009-08-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

I feel bad. My previous post got cut short. It was nearly 2 am, so I just posted it.

Anyway, I DID see R.C. and Melissa, not just their children.

The photos above and below are from RISD Beach
Photo Below: Mystic Seaport

Photo Below : Downtown Providence
RUSSELL!!!!!
R.C. and Me- Brother/Sister stroll on the beach.

2009-08-09T02:04:00.000-07:00

Where to start? My return to the USA was amazing in every aspect. From spending an excellent weekend with old friends in Chicago all the way to my frantic search for my passport at the Chicago O'Hare airport right before my departure for Korea; my time was well spent with people I love.

Friday morning Byoung Ho drove me to the airport; at the ticket desk I was told I'd get to sit business class (thanks to some phone calls made by Byoung Ho's best friend)...but I could not get my boarding pass until I got a re-entry Visa at the airport immigration office. WHAT?!?! I called my boss and he said "Oh it's fine. don't worry, just get on the plan...." I went to the office, all was fine- I have a residency card...so I just needed pre-approved permission to come INTO the country. It took about 30 minutes, but we'd arrived with enough time so it didn't make my departure anymore stressful than traveling already is!

I left at noon on Friday- and arrived in Chicago at 10:30 Friday morning. Talk about time traveling!!

So I enjoyed lots of extra space and a comfortable (relatively speaking) 12 hour flight. After I arrived in Chicago I took public transportation to my friends apartment (which also used to be my apartment a year ago.) I spent two very fun filled days with them. I got a haircut, went shopping, ate lots of good food, rode a bicycle built for six, enjoyed a walk on the Lake Michigan beach before heading to my parents home in Greenville.

I took the Amtrak train to Galesburg where my Dad and Grandma Sayler were waiting for me. Dad and Grandma were traveling from Des Moines to Greenville, and Galesburg is right on the way for them. This way I didn't spend the whole day on a train, but could maximize my time with my family! Life in Greenville is pretty much what I remember leaving. In fact, I found myself in the same place I was before I left- The free dinner provided by my parent's gas company at the Farm Heritage Museum. Funny! Shane and I went to see Harry Potter, Mom and I tooled around Greenville and it's surrounding towns running errands. I GOT TO DRIVE!!! For the first time in a year!

Speaking of driving when I was home, I obtained an International Driving Permit. Byoung Ho suggested I get one so I could drive his car! I still haven't done that yet... We'll see!

A few days later I found myself in Georgia, after some flight delays...But I was greeted by 3 beautiful baby girls and one pretty big sister. Stacia and the girls were waiting for me and we proceeded to spend days at the beach, playing games, making t-shirts the girls could color. We saw a rainbow. The girls sang songs for me, and performed the happiest dances I've ever seen. Georgia is HOT!!!!!

Then I went to Rhode Island and spent a few days with the Saylers. Here's the adventure part of my trip. My flight from Georgia to Rhode Island was a bit of a disaster!!! I was scheduled to change plans at LaGuardia, but due to weather and traffic control we were forced to land in CT to refuel before heading back to LaGuardia. By that time I'd discovered that my flight to RI from LaGuardia had been canceled. The flight attendants were kind enough to open the plan so that we could get off. I rented a car and drove to meet the Saylers at the Rhode Island airport. I was only 2 hours later than expected. Worked out well, I think. My bags were delivered the following morning.

We spent our time together going to the beach, going to Mystic seaport, eating delicious food, R.C. showed me his art studio, his school, his work. Russell and Max showed me their dance moves, drawing abilities. And Melissa orchestrated picnics, snacks and I'm sure other details I was unaware of! I even took them out for Korean food. Russell was quite a pro with the chopsticks and his favorite thing on the table was the broccoli. He ate the whole bowl....

On the way to Korea, in O'Hare, I misplaced my passport and about 30 minutes later I realized it. I retraced my steps to discover when I'd purchased my coffee, I'd let it and my boarding pass on the counter when I'd paid. It was upstairs in their corporate office and aside from a few moments of panic, everything settled down. The flight back was not nearly as nice, because I sat in economy class (i'm spoiled now), but Byoung Ho was waiting for me outside of Immigration....
so the end of my trip was sweet. It's really nice to show up at your destination with a hug and a kiss to welcome you "home."

My trip was short, but maybe it was just enough time. It was condensed that's for sure, but I enjoyed every second of it.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in my adventure. I miss you all. And think about you fondly very often.

Now some pictures....

2009-07-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

I used this photo of the Anderson family to get my students to do a Q&A session.

Who is the tallest?
He is the tallest.

Who is the smallest?
She is the smallest.

But one student was too distracted.

He asked "This is your sister? Really? REALLLY? Jen, she's so very very very very very many many very beautiful!"

He's only about 13, but he knows a beautiful woman when he sees one.

*Photo used without permission. I hope to receive gracious approval.... :p

2009-07-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Celebratin' Independence Day, ya'll

There's a new hotdog/hamburger stand in town. The owner grew up in Chicago. He had a special 25$ all you can eat and drink----and we could come and go. The rest of the time was spent on some friends roof top patio!!! It was celebrated in true American fashion. Friends, fireworks, being outside all day. Good timessss!!!

Byoung Ho and friends joined up later after they finished working- but in time for the fireworks we purchased. It was a decent show---and there were sparklers for all.

2009-06-28T08:06:00.001-07:00

Meet the Chef- and my boyfriend- Byoung Ho. He organized this outing to the beach with my friends and his friends. He did all the planning and shopping and (most of) the cooking. We went to the Yellow Sea, on the west coast of Korea. It was a good 2.5-3 hour drive-but we were armed with coffee, snacks, Korean music and good company. Before hitting the beach, we stopped a Korean coastal fish market for fresh (to be read LIVING) sea food. We got shrimp, (colossal sized(see picture below))clams and snails.

Byoung Ho is a bodybuilder/trainer at the gym at which I am a member. His friends are also bodybuilders and trainers, so we spent the day with some very muscular men! Below these two are gawking at a snail that had stuck itself to a clam.

Below is a picture of the massive clams we purchased. I know there's nothing to compare the size to, but it's about 10 to 12 inches long. It was placed on the table in the shell. To me, it seems like something a fancy restaurant would do- but instead it was my boyfriend- How fancy!!!
Big Shrimp---or Kim would call them prawns.

Everything was sooooo delicious. I'll let Byoung Ho cook for me anytime!!!

Below is self portrait of me and my two friends. Kim and Delanie.

Below are the 4 men on the beach. This beach was muddy and COVERED with little tiny crabs running around. The weather wasn't great; cloudy, but hot enough to get into the water. The water was a greyish color, but clean and refreshing, not cold. When we were swimming we saw flying fish and Byoung Ho found a HUGE jelly fish (even though the boys promised there were no jellyfish) Byoung Ho is on the left...

Me and my girls on the beach.
The day was exciting, sprinkled with communcation barriers and complete gaps in ability to communicate....but it was my first time at the Korean coast- We rode in fancy cars, had a fancy feast and I got to spend the day with my girlfriends and my boyfriend.

Best Korean Day ever (at least, so far)

2009-06-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Cambridge had a 4 day weekend and instead of reveling in our freedom to choose who we hung out with, all the teachers decided to go to Everland amusement park together. Here is the first group shot of the day!

Curtis gave the lovely Grecian statue arms- and a perfect pose for a Korean photograph!

A nice rose garden- there was also water shooting out of the ground somewhere in this garden- needless to say we got into a big kid water fight! It was the perfect day for this trip- Quite warm, but not too hot and a bit cloudy. It was on the weekday, so there wasn't much of a crowd!

Waiting in line for the "safari"!
The King!

A dancing bear- They responded to commands in English and Korean- The bears could wave/pray/stand up/sit down---and catch cookies in mid air as reward for good behavior!

IT'S A LIGER!!!!! I didn't think they existed, but I saw one with my own two eyes!

A ride mandatory in all theme parks- the Log Flume!!! Girls in one boat, boys in another!

Being very mature and riding baby rides.
Overall, it was a fun----long----day! Like an amusement park with friends should be!

2009-06-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Signed, Sealed, Delivered- I'm yours!

My dates are now official. Tickets have been purchased, the stars are aligned and I'm coming home to visit!!!!!

For interested parties who are near and dear to my heart----and would like to come visit me I will be in these areas during the dates listed below!

Chicago:
Arrive: July 17th, 11 pm
Depart: July 20th, 1:30 pm

Greenville:
Arrive: July 20th- evening
Depart: July 24th- afternoon

Savannah, GA:
Arrive: July 24th- evening
Depart: July 29th- afternoon

Providence, RI:
Arrive: July 29th- evening
Depart: August 3rd- super early morning.

If you're close to any of these places, I'd love to see you, if you can make it. I will not have a car (aside from when I'm in Greenville....)

Can't wait to see all your pretty faces!!!!

2009-06-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

A trip to Myeong-Dong for shopping with Kim. Where else can you find pineapple on a stick for under a dollar to snack on!?!? Awesome!

Then off to Namsan Tower for a bit of siteseeing. It was the day after Todd's birthday, so we also had a lovely dinner of falafel and hummus. SOOOOo delish.

Great view of the city. Can't decide if it was foggy or smoggy....

Me and Todd- Old Buddies

Namsan Tower outside, well lit, bad angle
Locks of Love, but none of us foreigners really know what it signifies. Couples come here and put locks on the fence...Of course I'm sappy, so I think it's sweet

2009-06-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

So I've officially signed a new contract with Cambridge. I will be working here for another year. I got a slight pay raise, but other than that, the contract remains unchanged.

I'm unofficially going to be in the US from July 17th-August 3rd visiting my family (and a very brief stop in Chicago) but that has yet to be confirmed.

I've just purchased a new frying pan and matching coffee mugs for the new year. I figured I ought to make things slightly more comfortable and homey for round two.

I think I need some more photos up of my loved ones. Send some my way, if you've got any!!!

xxooxoox

2009-06-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

I had Mac and Cheese for lunch and a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich for a snack and am going to have a Hot Dog for dinner.

Classic American children's day of meals.

2009-05-13T20:21:00.001-07:00

WHOA!!! It's been much too long, since I last updated all of you- so while my eggs are hard boiling, I'll give your eyes a treat.

My life has been a bit hectic lately- nothing I can't handle, but busy and stressful none the less. But- isn't that the same for everyone? I'm just making excuses as to why I haven't updated...sorry- I'll stop!

Onto the pictures and sentences explaining them!

The "pension" we stayed in. It's a large house with no rooms or furniture. The downstairs was the boys sleeping area, upstairs was the girls. For 2 nights and a day and a half the total cost- including the pension, food, transportation was only about $50. It was an excellent way to escape city life, if only breifly.
Ramen: how we kept costs so low!
Rise and Shine; it's time to play Jenga.

Mid Morning hike up the hill.

We had our own korean BBQ- I've gone out to eat at Sam Gyup Sal restaurants, but never made my own. The boys - how typical- were responsible for grilling.
Big Bang concert- They are like the hottest boy band in Korea now. They had a free concert in Seoul. About 10 minutes prior to this photo, I was in the thick of that crowd. But now that I'm so old and mature, the screaming, pushing teenage girls were too much for me. A few friends and I escaped to a rooftop terrace across the street.
Shopping with Cat in Dongdaemun. A famous market in Seoul.
I invited some girls over for games and dinner and snacks and drinks at my house.

In the middle of a serious Jenga game.
How precarious it looks!!!

2009-04-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Meeting at E-mart . Ready to head to Gangnam for BURRITOS! At a relatively inexpensive restaurant "Dos Tacos." The bus ride is about an hour and a half.

David and Alex relaxing on the bus ride. Despite my motherly/teacherly question "Does anyone need to go to the bathroom before we get on the bus?" (And of course they all said no) David was antsy and dancing near the end of the trip. These are "country" kids riding the bus to the big city- They were loud, excited and eager. Their enthusiasm was contagious. and their hunger grew with every passing minute. We were all STARVING when we arrived.Maddy, posing with a picture of her chicken taco. She brought one home to share with her parents. Later she reported that they really enjoyed it!!!
Can you see the look on these kids faces? They were in shock at how delicious the burritos were. I think these two ate more than Curtis or me. They ordered a burrito and a taco each. We also ordered two appetizers. --- Also! I asked them to order in English. The waitstaff at Dos Tacos can all speak English. It was really cute to see the Korean kids ordering food from a Korean in English. They did an excellent job too.

Alex posing with his taco. He picked out most of the vegetables. Typical. The kids kept repeating how good everything was. Even the neighborhood. "Oh, Gangnam is good. I like Gangnam."
Me and Maddy!

The group under the blossoming trees.

The end of a wild day. Curtis, David and Alex. Maddy was with me. She held on to my hand pretty much the whole walk. She was happy to be in Seoul, but I think even despite my foreigness- I was the most familiar thing to her. That felt really nice. She wanted to stay close to me. She's a sweet girl with spunk and energy. Everyda when the bell rings for class she comes to the office and says "Hurry Hop" (her accent...she's saying Hurry Up!!!)

It was a good day. I had a lot of fun with them and I'm glad they enjoyed their time with Curtis and me!!!