They say "never, say never, whatever you do!" However, I just can't help but to say; "I'm never coming back to Korea;" to live that is. While I've enjoyed most of my moments here, and I've learned so much more about the world and another culture within it, I thoroughly long for the days where it either "is" or it "isn't."
I can't wait for the time when 9:00 means 9:00 and today, means today. If you've lived in Korea, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then kudos for "hopefully" not having to live this nightmare of the never-ending not knowing game until 2 minutes before you need to know.
If anything else, this is the #1 point of contention that I have with the Korean society.
Other than the above (my little rant,) I'm very much excited to be traveling home within the next 7 days! It has been a long time coming; 17 months and 28 days to be exact. I'm ready to see my family and friends. I'm ready to see my itty bitty hometown again, and to drive my car. I'm ready for my dog Joey to be able to run around in the yard, and spend hours at a time outside, with little supervision. I'm even ready to work a full-time job again--and that's saying a lot!
I know I said I'd be updating you on my previous trip, but in all of my excitement to be going home, I packed away my camera and sent it to America! Hee hee hee. I'll update on my travels when I am safe and sound at home...if by some chance I never make it there...just imagine beauty and mangy dogs, all in the same setting, and you've seen it all!!
Until next time, dream of me on American soil...
Friday, February 24, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
It's been way too long!
And for that, I'm terribly sorry! Wow, I've had so much going on--and I've not even thought to blog about it. :-)
That's when you know it's been some serious stuff going down!
Where do I begin?? Where I left off, duh!! LOL. Well, the school year ended without a hitch. I had an amazing time at Winter Camp (at both my schools). At one school, I had 1st-2nd grades, which I thought would be horrific, but they were the brightest bunch of students I'd had the pleasure of working with yet! I mean, sorry 6th graders, but they topped you, hands down! The personalities of the kids--wow, is all I can say! Needless to say, that week flew by!
At the 2nd school, the 2nd week, I had yet another fun-filled week of Winter Camp. In this school, once again, I had 1st-2nd graders combined class, and then the 5th-6th grade combined class. The younger kids were great, but we didn't get to finish a lot of the activities, because they are SO detail oriented!! I expected them to draw a raggedy picture, color it in, and be finished. But no! These famous artist-to-be went "in" on the projects; creating masterpieces from their imaginations! I love them at that age; they are not yet programmed to be drones and just copy work. My 5-6th grade classes did not know what hit them! They expected a trying class (like our normal English class), but were pleasantly surprised that we were doing a "cooking camp!" It was great! We made banana oatmeal, PB&J sandwiches, deviled-eggs (really!), and rice krispy treats! The Vice Principal sat in on one of the days and she had a grand ole time taste-testing the food! It was cool to see the kids being grossed out at making the deviled eggs, but then loving the taste later. :-)
So, after Winter Camp, I had one week to finish selling off my belongings, and moving out of my apartment. On the following Monday, I'd be embarking on this amazing journey through Southeast Asia with a friend...we'd start in Malaysia, go to Thailand, then to Cambodia. She would then continue to Vietnam and Laos. It would be a 25 day trip for me...I mean really!?!? What in the world can you do in 25 days around 3 countries!? EVERYTHING!!!! And I was prepared to do them.
In my next blog, I'll share with you how I came, I saw, and I "almost" conquered. :-) Until next time, go somewhere new, even if it's just in your mind...
That's when you know it's been some serious stuff going down!
Where do I begin?? Where I left off, duh!! LOL. Well, the school year ended without a hitch. I had an amazing time at Winter Camp (at both my schools). At one school, I had 1st-2nd grades, which I thought would be horrific, but they were the brightest bunch of students I'd had the pleasure of working with yet! I mean, sorry 6th graders, but they topped you, hands down! The personalities of the kids--wow, is all I can say! Needless to say, that week flew by!
At the 2nd school, the 2nd week, I had yet another fun-filled week of Winter Camp. In this school, once again, I had 1st-2nd graders combined class, and then the 5th-6th grade combined class. The younger kids were great, but we didn't get to finish a lot of the activities, because they are SO detail oriented!! I expected them to draw a raggedy picture, color it in, and be finished. But no! These famous artist-to-be went "in" on the projects; creating masterpieces from their imaginations! I love them at that age; they are not yet programmed to be drones and just copy work. My 5-6th grade classes did not know what hit them! They expected a trying class (like our normal English class), but were pleasantly surprised that we were doing a "cooking camp!" It was great! We made banana oatmeal, PB&J sandwiches, deviled-eggs (really!), and rice krispy treats! The Vice Principal sat in on one of the days and she had a grand ole time taste-testing the food! It was cool to see the kids being grossed out at making the deviled eggs, but then loving the taste later. :-)
So, after Winter Camp, I had one week to finish selling off my belongings, and moving out of my apartment. On the following Monday, I'd be embarking on this amazing journey through Southeast Asia with a friend...we'd start in Malaysia, go to Thailand, then to Cambodia. She would then continue to Vietnam and Laos. It would be a 25 day trip for me...I mean really!?!? What in the world can you do in 25 days around 3 countries!? EVERYTHING!!!! And I was prepared to do them.
In my next blog, I'll share with you how I came, I saw, and I "almost" conquered. :-) Until next time, go somewhere new, even if it's just in your mind...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Bite the bullet...
Well, it's officially that time of the year; this year, it's 2-fold: Holiday season and the end of my contract and my time here in Korea.
Let's address this holiday thing real quickly. I've never in the past been "a scrooge" but this year, I must say, BAH HUM BAG! My Christmas plans, which apparently I made in my head, and not with the person I planned to spend it with, fell through. So, I ended up spending Christmas with just Joey and I...and God, of course.
I went to church Christmas morning, but I got there an hour late! That's not even my stylo...but I couldn't decide how to style my wig! LMBO! As if it mattered!? I ended up wearing my natural hair anyway...And got the blessing that "the negative powers that be" were trying to make me miss out on. So boooyah! Sticking out my tongue.
I then proceeded to go back to my sister's apartment; eat some leftovers, and wash 3 loads of laundry! The awesome thing is--she has a clothes dryer!! For those of you who don't know, SoKo doesn't have dryers with washers...you wash your clothes, then hang them up to dry. In the summer, no sweat; the heat of the sun does the work for you--however, in the winter; NO BUENO! Your clothes are just wet and cold forever!!
I actually dry mine inside my apartment instead of the specially created room for washing and hanging, because my Ondol (or floor heater) is warm enough to dry the load in a day and 1/2.
Anyway, after watching TV and washing clothes, I made my way back to my apartment...here I am greeted by boxes and stuff! When I say stuff, I mean things to give away, things to throw away, stuff I haven't decided on yet...Sigh. I am ready for all of this stuff to be gone! So I thought...
I was ready for it to be gone because it signified the 4 weeks I had left to leave SoKo...so I thought (once again). Technically, I can leave the country on 1/14th if I wanted. That's the last day I'll be required to teach. However, my contract isn't officially up until 2/29/2012. I just found out today that my last check and all the perks I signed the contract for, will not be paid until the last day of my contract. Errrrm...which means, for all intensive purposes, I too will be here until the last day of my contract. WAAAAAAAAAAA! This is SO not how I envisioned it.
Yes, I can go home, and arrange for my money to be sent home to me, but I just don't feel comfortable doing that. I've had a GREAT relationship with my school--it's not that I think I'll "intentionally" get screwed, but for the sake of argument, if something does happen, and I'm in the States, do you really think I'm flying back to straighten it out? Noooope. Because I understand the concept of "out of sight out of mind," my yella behind is gonna be here until the last dime has been collected...I just can't go out like that. LOL
Unfortunately, that means, I'll be here...in Korea, with no work to do; with nothing to freaking do...ugh. I thought about vacation somewhere, but my whole plan was to not spend money but save it for my return home... still debating on that. And to top it ALL off...a very special person is leaving me the beginning of January...yeah, I think I had better book a vacation somewhere. I might not be able to take it staying around here...
So, I just needed to vent just now...Until next time; it never hurts to ask; Just be prepared if the answer isn't what you wanted to hear.
Let's address this holiday thing real quickly. I've never in the past been "a scrooge" but this year, I must say, BAH HUM BAG! My Christmas plans, which apparently I made in my head, and not with the person I planned to spend it with, fell through. So, I ended up spending Christmas with just Joey and I...and God, of course.
I went to church Christmas morning, but I got there an hour late! That's not even my stylo...but I couldn't decide how to style my wig! LMBO! As if it mattered!? I ended up wearing my natural hair anyway...And got the blessing that "the negative powers that be" were trying to make me miss out on. So boooyah! Sticking out my tongue.
I then proceeded to go back to my sister's apartment; eat some leftovers, and wash 3 loads of laundry! The awesome thing is--she has a clothes dryer!! For those of you who don't know, SoKo doesn't have dryers with washers...you wash your clothes, then hang them up to dry. In the summer, no sweat; the heat of the sun does the work for you--however, in the winter; NO BUENO! Your clothes are just wet and cold forever!!
I actually dry mine inside my apartment instead of the specially created room for washing and hanging, because my Ondol (or floor heater) is warm enough to dry the load in a day and 1/2.
Anyway, after watching TV and washing clothes, I made my way back to my apartment...here I am greeted by boxes and stuff! When I say stuff, I mean things to give away, things to throw away, stuff I haven't decided on yet...Sigh. I am ready for all of this stuff to be gone! So I thought...
I was ready for it to be gone because it signified the 4 weeks I had left to leave SoKo...so I thought (once again). Technically, I can leave the country on 1/14th if I wanted. That's the last day I'll be required to teach. However, my contract isn't officially up until 2/29/2012. I just found out today that my last check and all the perks I signed the contract for, will not be paid until the last day of my contract. Errrrm...which means, for all intensive purposes, I too will be here until the last day of my contract. WAAAAAAAAAAA! This is SO not how I envisioned it.
Yes, I can go home, and arrange for my money to be sent home to me, but I just don't feel comfortable doing that. I've had a GREAT relationship with my school--it's not that I think I'll "intentionally" get screwed, but for the sake of argument, if something does happen, and I'm in the States, do you really think I'm flying back to straighten it out? Noooope. Because I understand the concept of "out of sight out of mind," my yella behind is gonna be here until the last dime has been collected...I just can't go out like that. LOL
Unfortunately, that means, I'll be here...in Korea, with no work to do; with nothing to freaking do...ugh. I thought about vacation somewhere, but my whole plan was to not spend money but save it for my return home... still debating on that. And to top it ALL off...a very special person is leaving me the beginning of January...yeah, I think I had better book a vacation somewhere. I might not be able to take it staying around here...
So, I just needed to vent just now...Until next time; it never hurts to ask; Just be prepared if the answer isn't what you wanted to hear.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Let it snow, let it snow, let it....ERRR?
So, I was all excited about the snow last week...it was pretty! Then it dawned on me, OH NO! SNOW!!!! Meaning, I have to get my car winterized. Haven't done it yet, and I'm SMH at myself. I guess, until I can do so, I'll be on public transportation.
It snowed again last night, and is currently snowing again. Sigh. I like the freedom of driving. Like, for instance, I want to wash and dry clothes at my sister's house this weekend. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be doing it at home, because who wants to get on the subway and bus with a load of stuff!? Been there, done that, didn't enjoy it.
Snow is only nice when you don't have to be out in it. If things continue as is, looks like we "might" be having a white Christmas...
On another note, I'm gonna take some of this weekend to start preparing things that will stay, be shipped, or be thrown away! I can't wait--for everything to be gone. Then it will really feel like I'm leaving soon. The thing I hate the most about moving is getting rid of the small things. It seems like the more you throw away or pack, the more appears! Sigh (again). Here's to nothing.
I never thought I'd settle down back in North Carolina, and maybe I won't. But one thing's for sure, moving is just not where it's at--you wouldn't tell by the amount of times I've actually done it. Maybe I'll give myself a few years break before embarking on another move...just maybe.
Until next time, sip on some peppermint tea and enjoy the snow! (or lack of)
It snowed again last night, and is currently snowing again. Sigh. I like the freedom of driving. Like, for instance, I want to wash and dry clothes at my sister's house this weekend. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be doing it at home, because who wants to get on the subway and bus with a load of stuff!? Been there, done that, didn't enjoy it.
Snow is only nice when you don't have to be out in it. If things continue as is, looks like we "might" be having a white Christmas...
On another note, I'm gonna take some of this weekend to start preparing things that will stay, be shipped, or be thrown away! I can't wait--for everything to be gone. Then it will really feel like I'm leaving soon. The thing I hate the most about moving is getting rid of the small things. It seems like the more you throw away or pack, the more appears! Sigh (again). Here's to nothing.
I never thought I'd settle down back in North Carolina, and maybe I won't. But one thing's for sure, moving is just not where it's at--you wouldn't tell by the amount of times I've actually done it. Maybe I'll give myself a few years break before embarking on another move...just maybe.
Until next time, sip on some peppermint tea and enjoy the snow! (or lack of)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tick-tock, said the clock...
So, the semester is winding down! I officially have 6 more weeks of teaching and I'm done! I'll be able to enjoy a long 7-weeks of paid vacation. Man, I'm definitely not gonna get that in the States.
In recent news, I managed to make it to the final round of the Teaching Competition I entered. I am very excited that my hard work paid off; BUT, it also meant more hard work! My presentation is finally coming together. Yep, the one that's due in 2 days! Bwahahaha! I will be fine. Positive affirmation is everything. The good part of the presentation is that I am going to imagine everyone without hair, so I can laugh, and keep from being nervous!
In very recent news, I've decided that Korea has been a good run, but I'm heading back to the States--North Carolina specifically! Yep, I'll be heading back to my hometown, to pick my "real" life back up. Just a few posts ago, I was already decided that I'd stay in Korea another year, but this recent bout of homesickness made me reconsider. So, I started searching...for jobs that is. And I found one, in my very own backyard--working with my very own father! Now this is where the REAL adventure will begin! ^.^
So anyway, now that I have some free time coming up I have to make a decision on what to do. I'd like your advice--
1) Stay here and take in sites I missed
2) See more of Southeast Asia
3) Get lasik eye surgery and recoup
4) None of the above: High tail it home ASAP and chill!
Decisions, decisions! They never stop coming! Until next time, make your next move, your best move! (Thanks Benita)
In recent news, I managed to make it to the final round of the Teaching Competition I entered. I am very excited that my hard work paid off; BUT, it also meant more hard work! My presentation is finally coming together. Yep, the one that's due in 2 days! Bwahahaha! I will be fine. Positive affirmation is everything. The good part of the presentation is that I am going to imagine everyone without hair, so I can laugh, and keep from being nervous!
In very recent news, I've decided that Korea has been a good run, but I'm heading back to the States--North Carolina specifically! Yep, I'll be heading back to my hometown, to pick my "real" life back up. Just a few posts ago, I was already decided that I'd stay in Korea another year, but this recent bout of homesickness made me reconsider. So, I started searching...for jobs that is. And I found one, in my very own backyard--working with my very own father! Now this is where the REAL adventure will begin! ^.^
So anyway, now that I have some free time coming up I have to make a decision on what to do. I'd like your advice--
1) Stay here and take in sites I missed
2) See more of Southeast Asia
3) Get lasik eye surgery and recoup
4) None of the above: High tail it home ASAP and chill!
Decisions, decisions! They never stop coming! Until next time, make your next move, your best move! (Thanks Benita)
Friday, November 25, 2011
The dust settles...
So, this post is very random, yet relevant. I can't really put my finger on what I want to say; so, I'll try to sum it up into one phrase "Love is like the sea." You can deduct from that what you want. :-)
So, it's been about 1 1/2 months since my beau and I split. The emotional dust is settling...Okay, REWIND! So, you didn't know I was dating in Korea, right!? Well, I was. I met him in March, and we ended it in October...much to my demise...
But, like I was saying; I went through all the emotions that I think are healthy and a few that I know were definitely NOT healthy. I allowed myself one solid weekend to "officially" mourn...LOL. Ya know what I mean; close the curtains, turn off the lights, hole up in a corner; go through a box of tissues, listen to break up songs, and not answer the door or phone. That got old quickly, and I moved on to the more healthy ways to cope.
Although mentally, I've moved on, and am focusing on me, my heart is still heavy thinking of how much fun we had together and the ways in which we actually were compatible. But, like a wise man said somewhere in olden days, you can't cry over spoilt' milk. There's no point.
This most recently ended "ship" just got me to doing a lot of thinking...I'm very weary of the dating scene. "This" time will always be different; I'll be the exception. The number one conclusion I've come to is nothing "new" per se: It takes two to tango. It only takes 1 person in a friendship, courtship, or marriage to wake up one day and realize that he/she doesn't wanna do this anymore...and there goes that.
If you feel this way, why do you date then? You may be asking me. Because...I'm guilty. Handcuff me. Throw me in jail. I am so guilty of still believing in love. Yes, the fairy-tale kind. Sue me. LOL. I believe because I have faith.
My faith reminds me that I have a Father who loves me more than anything in this universe; and His love is like no other (1 Corinthians 13:4). He's blessed me with a natural father who loves me more than any man in this world. It only makes sense that He's already sending the man that will love me like He desires for me to be loved in a marriage.
I just need to take out the guess work and trust Him. So yeah, I'm the blame for my current status. Like I said, this blog is a bit random; and a little all over the place. But guess what? It's MY blog! I can do that!! Hee hee.
Until next time, the solution to your problem resides within you. Take a look in the mirror sometimes...
So, it's been about 1 1/2 months since my beau and I split. The emotional dust is settling...Okay, REWIND! So, you didn't know I was dating in Korea, right!? Well, I was. I met him in March, and we ended it in October...much to my demise...
But, like I was saying; I went through all the emotions that I think are healthy and a few that I know were definitely NOT healthy. I allowed myself one solid weekend to "officially" mourn...LOL. Ya know what I mean; close the curtains, turn off the lights, hole up in a corner; go through a box of tissues, listen to break up songs, and not answer the door or phone. That got old quickly, and I moved on to the more healthy ways to cope.
Although mentally, I've moved on, and am focusing on me, my heart is still heavy thinking of how much fun we had together and the ways in which we actually were compatible. But, like a wise man said somewhere in olden days, you can't cry over spoilt' milk. There's no point.
This most recently ended "ship" just got me to doing a lot of thinking...I'm very weary of the dating scene. "This" time will always be different; I'll be the exception. The number one conclusion I've come to is nothing "new" per se: It takes two to tango. It only takes 1 person in a friendship, courtship, or marriage to wake up one day and realize that he/she doesn't wanna do this anymore...and there goes that.
If you feel this way, why do you date then? You may be asking me. Because...I'm guilty. Handcuff me. Throw me in jail. I am so guilty of still believing in love. Yes, the fairy-tale kind. Sue me. LOL. I believe because I have faith.
My faith reminds me that I have a Father who loves me more than anything in this universe; and His love is like no other (1 Corinthians 13:4). He's blessed me with a natural father who loves me more than any man in this world. It only makes sense that He's already sending the man that will love me like He desires for me to be loved in a marriage.
I just need to take out the guess work and trust Him. So yeah, I'm the blame for my current status. Like I said, this blog is a bit random; and a little all over the place. But guess what? It's MY blog! I can do that!! Hee hee.
Until next time, the solution to your problem resides within you. Take a look in the mirror sometimes...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
A new challenge--totally unrelated to Korea!
So, very recently, I was introduced to a YouTube poster named Kimmaytube. I was advised to check out her hair practices and results. I am FLOORED. Not only has she shown the product of her hard work, she's totally backed up (or reneged on) her practices with research and proof! I must say, I am a sucker for practicality, logic, and research. I am the type of person who will argue a point against you--not because I care that much--but because what you are saying is unfounded and/or not "fool" proof.
So, in saying that, I've decided to follow in many of Kimmaytube's practices, in hopes that my hair responds just as favorably as hers. I have been natural (did the big chop) since August 2008. While my hair has grown tremendously from about 1/2 of an inch in 3 years, I am convinced that it can do more! I know how I've treated my hair (not too bad, but not excellent) and my splitting ends seem to be the most problem (as for many people), and the reason for not retaining length.
Although natural for 3 years, I have just recently gained an interest in natural "hair care." Anyway, I'm saying all of this to say; I am starting a hair challenge!!! My goal is to grow my hair 1 1/2 inches in 90 days. I'm not sure if that's considered a high or low goal, but let's consider this: 1) It is rumored that the average person's hair grows about 1/2 an inch give or take a bit per month. 2) My history: Chopped my hair off to 1/2 an inch in 8/2008. If my hair would have retained its 1/2 an inch growth every month since then, it would be a little over 15 inches long by now (which it is not). So, taking these things into consideration, I think I've set a realistic, yet, adventurous goal.
Once I receive my products, and do my next wash, I will actually measure my hair and post pictures so you can follow me on this journey. I don't wanna be a hair mogul, just a mogul who has a successful hair story! LOL. (No, really!)
Anyway, all I can say is, LET'S GO! Until next time, set a personal challenge--what is it that you think you can achieve?
So, in saying that, I've decided to follow in many of Kimmaytube's practices, in hopes that my hair responds just as favorably as hers. I have been natural (did the big chop) since August 2008. While my hair has grown tremendously from about 1/2 of an inch in 3 years, I am convinced that it can do more! I know how I've treated my hair (not too bad, but not excellent) and my splitting ends seem to be the most problem (as for many people), and the reason for not retaining length.
Although natural for 3 years, I have just recently gained an interest in natural "hair care." Anyway, I'm saying all of this to say; I am starting a hair challenge!!! My goal is to grow my hair 1 1/2 inches in 90 days. I'm not sure if that's considered a high or low goal, but let's consider this: 1) It is rumored that the average person's hair grows about 1/2 an inch give or take a bit per month. 2) My history: Chopped my hair off to 1/2 an inch in 8/2008. If my hair would have retained its 1/2 an inch growth every month since then, it would be a little over 15 inches long by now (which it is not). So, taking these things into consideration, I think I've set a realistic, yet, adventurous goal.
Once I receive my products, and do my next wash, I will actually measure my hair and post pictures so you can follow me on this journey. I don't wanna be a hair mogul, just a mogul who has a successful hair story! LOL. (No, really!)
Anyway, all I can say is, LET'S GO! Until next time, set a personal challenge--what is it that you think you can achieve?
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