Hey everyone,
Man, it's been a while. So many things run thru my head that I have to write, but then...I try to collect them...we'll see what I can do this time. Might have to be a few entries.
Well, this weekend was a doozey..as in good and bad. I stayed up till 430 am in the noribang with a buncha ppl. Was sooo much fun. Liz and I were dueting fabulously, and Mel gave the best solo action to a Korean song she didnt even know...adn blew us away! Julian and Mel had 5 years together today, and he was being the most romantic guy, including bringing a dozen roses and keepign them for a special moment.... Serenades and everything. So awesome to see a couple like that. I'm envious!
School/work is going just fine. I've really come to a plateau of sorts in a good way I feel lately. Everyday is a challenge, but everytime I come out of it I feel good about it. And everyday there are little surprises.
I've been keeping a sticker chart, and every 25 stickers I give them a little present. One little guy, Percy, is not 'normal' as in he is a bit slow or something strangie. But lately he's been all excited about getting stickers so he can get his present. Today he got it! And he started speaking things in English on his own to me that really shocked me actually! I was wearing a tshirt that said "peanuts 10c" and he wrote it on a piece of paper and gave it to me! What a cutie. Melted my heart. I'm such a softie...
OH! and in another class...I've been changed to "wonder teacher"! (it evolved from wendy teacher) lmao! I've never had such a compliment in my life! haha. So now I come in the class "wonder teacher' style...complete with 'cape' and 'super powers'! It's grreat! I've also slowed down a lot in that class, and have been getting better results by doing it, and I'm learning alot with that one too. Like practice on ONE thing makes perrrfect. Not just "doing' the page. Obvious, but that's what it's like being a teacher. Not a dull moment.
Last week we had a holiday. Independance day from the Japanese war in 19something. So all of us whities went up to a temple/museum/hiking site and chilled out by the stream like a lot of other Koreans. Pictures on my flickr site. Got some nice ones too. And of pple! I felt quite inspired like I havent in a while. I needed that.
I need to paint soon! Cant quite do it here too much in Kroea. Doesnt feel like I can take it with me, or that it will last. Which is a bit silly, but I guess that's how it is. I think I need to be less possessive of my paintings...but there's sooo much of me in there.
I cant believe the countdown is somewhat starting for me. At least the realization that life here in Korea is winding down, and before I know it, I'll be moving back to Canada. Im really feeling nervous, and not looking forward to the lifestyle financially...like having to pay rent and stuff. And the general cost of living. And dealing with things as they always were. Nehhhh. But I need to do it too. I need a 'reality check'. I need to see how I feel in an English speaking country again. To see my family and friends and Very Important people in my life.
Its funny how much I feel that I absollutely LOVE living in a country with another culture and language etc. I just absolutely love it..even after all this time. That says something to me. It explains a lot too...about my past and how I forsee living my future too. It helps me to identify with so many people at home. People who arent native of Canada. It makes me realize how we are as Canadians, and how we are not, and how we should be. It makes me realize the stark contrast of how greedy Western society is...and how it doesnt seem like that at all here. A society that lives and has values of family first is wonderful to live in. Sure the priority of money is there, but it doenst rule their lives as relationships and famly do. There's a lot to learn about that stuff for us Westerners I think. But that's my opinion. And I have to own up to the fact that I tend to think in romantic terms. What can I say. IT's who I am and how I look at life. It's really a beautiful thing.
Anyhoo..I gotta run. Time and money runnng out.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Japanese train card
Man, this is an awesome card! I wish we had one like that in Korea, but mine is pretty much just as cool. I have it on my keychain and it's roses! I guess I'm gonna haveta take a shot of that too!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Jeju-do to today
Well, i didnt exactly finish my blog on Jeju-do. Dont remember where I left off..but I ended up staying up all night almost because i was paranoid about missing the ferry back in the am, and ended up meeting some Koreans to go dancing with, and then hung out at the 'causeway' like everyone else in the 'cool' of the night, and then sleeping on a 'platform' that was for eating from the fish restaraunts across the street...and waking up to all the people exercising at 5:30 am...and the sunset.
Then I went to a jimjilbang for a shower, and then walked around in the morning sun. What an interesting feeling..especially since its super rare that I'm actually up that early! It was great lighting for pictures!
Then got a taxi to the ferry terminal, and went to get my ticket. THen up on the ferry was interesting. A man escorted me right past some people to my 'room'. It was a 'second class room' but that just meant i was in a room with about 15-20 people. There are no seats on the ferry, but just carpeted floors. A family brought some newspaper to lay on, and they gave some to me which i thought was sweet of them. Where in Canada would u see that? Strangie. I was hoping to stay awake to see the ferry off..but I couldnt stay awake. I just passed out on the floor and sllept pretty much the whole way through. 3.5 hours or 4 to get across. At one point I got up and walked around the ferry. The color of the water was amazing, and it was nice to experience the difference of Canadian ferries to Korean ones! The water seemed clear in spots...wow. For an ocean I find that impressive.
Then we docked in Mokpo, and I went to try to get into the museum of culture and arts, but it looks like it's 'obssoyo' which is 'not there' in Korean. Darnit. But I did wander in the basement that was open to find an exhibit or something that wasnt up yet of architecture! That was awesome. And then on upper floors some paintings, and calligraphy. Awesome stuff...
Then I wandered around downtown, and got something to eat. Namely bibimbap. Sooo yummy. Cant get enuff of it! Then down to the bus terminal to go home to Gwangju.
The week was low key, and I only worked for 2 days, and got Friday off because of the kindergarten kids that werent there, and so I decided last minute to go to Seoul for the weekend. I left on Friday afternoon, go tto Suwon around 11. Went to Candice's. Good to see here, and to be in Suwon. Slept in. Went for the BBQ with Shawn and Jane and Nathan and a few others..was fun. We just hung around all day. Then went to Seoul and had an adventure in Hyundae district. Took bunch of pictures, but my camera's memory was pretty full...imagine that. 1G of memory full...haha...can u tell i love taking pictures?
Oh man, I'm going to have to finish this later. I"m sooo tired and i gotta sleep soon!
As in NOW!
Then I went to a jimjilbang for a shower, and then walked around in the morning sun. What an interesting feeling..especially since its super rare that I'm actually up that early! It was great lighting for pictures!
Then got a taxi to the ferry terminal, and went to get my ticket. THen up on the ferry was interesting. A man escorted me right past some people to my 'room'. It was a 'second class room' but that just meant i was in a room with about 15-20 people. There are no seats on the ferry, but just carpeted floors. A family brought some newspaper to lay on, and they gave some to me which i thought was sweet of them. Where in Canada would u see that? Strangie. I was hoping to stay awake to see the ferry off..but I couldnt stay awake. I just passed out on the floor and sllept pretty much the whole way through. 3.5 hours or 4 to get across. At one point I got up and walked around the ferry. The color of the water was amazing, and it was nice to experience the difference of Canadian ferries to Korean ones! The water seemed clear in spots...wow. For an ocean I find that impressive.
Then we docked in Mokpo, and I went to try to get into the museum of culture and arts, but it looks like it's 'obssoyo' which is 'not there' in Korean. Darnit. But I did wander in the basement that was open to find an exhibit or something that wasnt up yet of architecture! That was awesome. And then on upper floors some paintings, and calligraphy. Awesome stuff...
Then I wandered around downtown, and got something to eat. Namely bibimbap. Sooo yummy. Cant get enuff of it! Then down to the bus terminal to go home to Gwangju.
The week was low key, and I only worked for 2 days, and got Friday off because of the kindergarten kids that werent there, and so I decided last minute to go to Seoul for the weekend. I left on Friday afternoon, go tto Suwon around 11. Went to Candice's. Good to see here, and to be in Suwon. Slept in. Went for the BBQ with Shawn and Jane and Nathan and a few others..was fun. We just hung around all day. Then went to Seoul and had an adventure in Hyundae district. Took bunch of pictures, but my camera's memory was pretty full...imagine that. 1G of memory full...haha...can u tell i love taking pictures?
Oh man, I'm going to have to finish this later. I"m sooo tired and i gotta sleep soon!
As in NOW!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Vacation Destination -- JEJU-DO ROCKS!
Wow...I'm on a real vacation! Is it vacation or holiday? Good question. Apparently it's where u come from that depends on the terminology. Hmmm. Anyway, I'm here on this volcanic island, and I feel like I'm on Asia's Hawaii, and that it is. It's honeymoon location for Asia too, that's for sure. Vacation destination that's for sure.
I got here on Friday night, and had no accommodations booked, no idea of exactly where or what I wanted to do besides some ideas from friends who had come here before. Some of those things I havent been able to do, but most of them I have, and I'm happy with what I've done here. Even if it's been alone. I mostly like travelling alone cuz I get to completely absorb everything...but I've decided I would prefer to travel with someone. But that someone would hopefully be that special 'other', or someone who doesnt mind my stopping and gushing over everything enthusiastically, or taking pictures of everything, or likes to go by the seat-o-yer-pants (ie. no solid plans, just ideas...) and the idea of "I can DO it"!
Love it. BUT, I also discovered that it's good to have a bit more of an agenda/plan. Not having one is okay too, but it keeps you going a bit more when u have an idea of what you want to do, or what you'd like to do. Ya ya, I can hear all you people who wouldnt DREAM of going anywhere without doing this, or you're saying 'ya wendy, DUH'!! Well hey...that's how it is in my world. And I've learned a few things. Also that I can do it! And I can be a woman and travel alone in Korea no problem.
Tonight I made it to the miniature land park thinger, and after was waiting on the sideof the road for the bus right outside the entrance, and a family in their rented white shiny car pulled over, and asked me where I was going. To Jeju city I replied, and they said we'll give you a ride! So there I was, in a nice car with a nice Korean family. THey said what they could in English/Yongo, and I said what I could in Korean/Hangul. It was fun. It made me miss the days where I travelled and moved across the country (Canada) with my family. I miss my sister!! There were 2 sisters/girls in the car, and they were cute.
So we got to Jeju, and I got out and looked for a PC room/bang to download ALL my pictures in. I'm Hungry though..and I'm craving pizza, or maybe I should be healthy and find some bibimbap. Hmmm...
I gotta download all these pics first though. i LOVE Flickr!
So lets see...what did I do this weekend.
Arrive Jeju City 8 pm Friday night
Looked at a tourist online site to find out what I wanted to do and what there was to do
Walked around Jeju City after taking a bus downtown somehow
Got a pair of pretty Korean shoes! only 15! I wish I got the other ones that were shiny gold and jewels on them too...
Found a Jimjilbang
Sat:
Wandered around Jeju City
Found the Love Park...is this appropriate?!
Wanted to find the Mysterious road...time was ticking and my feet were hurting
Went to the Hella Arbetoreum
Petted a DONKEY! Was going to ride him, but didnt. I've never seen a donkey to ride before! ha ha
Taxi to the bus terminal.
To Seogwipo on the other side of the island where apparently everythign is (how cool is that name..Seogwipo?!)
This island is beautiful!
Went to eat at a really cool down-n-out family restaraunt. Yum..black sauce and noodles are yummy. ONe of the guys there did a show off sexy dance for me! It was hilarious!
Went to find a way to the beach/falls
Got there finally, and it was getting dusk...found the falls...WOW. Sat there and looked up at the stars..yes! there were stars to be seen here! Felt a bit lonely with all the honeymooners or couples around.
Amazed at all the volcanic paving stones. This river is fantastically perfect as well as the falls
Did a drawring
Went to find a taxi-he took me to a jimjilbang in the WOrldcup stadium! Interesting. And very very nice. THe most authentic one i've seen yet. Was a bit too hot to sleep in comfortably though. No worries.
Sunday
Woke up, amazingly enough. Got ready
Went out...look! There's a balloon! Went traipsing through some mandarin field to find amusement park! The guy there spoke pretty good English. I came in through the back side!
It cost 22000 won to ride and admission. You have to go through the maze first. Ok. That was more fun than I thought.
Just in time for the balloon ride. Up up and ...wow this is smooth! See movie clip for experience. Wow, theres the ocean horizon with nothing out there!
Down down down.
Instructed to go on trampoline/bungy ride. Wasnt sure if i wanted to but I thought..heck...I'd better do it! It's "free" Wow that was too much fun!
off to the next location....Emart. Could I just stop shopping?! Ha ha. Got some salad..no bikini though as planned. They'er too expensive! 75 for a 3 or 4 piece. Hmmm..
Took bus to the Jongnam resort. Wow.
Teddy bear museum first....Yes, teddy bear museum. And the building was amazing..and the teddy bears intersting enough. Largest teddy bear museum in the world.
Dumb camera and these AA batteries keep dying on me. UGH. NEVER will get a camera without a lithium battery...but at least I can go and buy the AA's at the store anywhere....
Pictures pictures
I'm officially becoming an expert in taking pictures of myself. How embarrassing...well not necessarily in Korea. Love it. I dont have to feel self-conscious here about taking my own pic in public. EVeryone does it. And why not?
I WAS HERE! And I can prove it!
To get batteries...WOOO! Pitstop in Cinnabon/Seattle's best! WOW was that ever GOOD!
Stop to take picture of Hooters Hof sign!
Back to teddy bear museum to finish off..
Went wandering to Lotte Hotel.
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
I got all teary eyed, and I feel like I've finally had my own honeymoon! HA ha..well not quite...but hey..the thought ran through my mind. I'm missing someone! Darmit! U know who u are...;)
Wandered down to the beach
Met a girl Kelli, and James, and Stew
Ended up hanging out...got dark, looking at the STARS and horizon at night is awesome. I miss Vancouver for that...deja vu
Walked up to the Hyatt...met an Indian guy who was a magician. Took picture
Went into the Hyatt looking for a toilet
Wandered the halls!
Went to taxi to town.
Got a pizza and ate it standing around a street toy machine...YUM Hoping the tonnes of birds above us dont give us a white shower! Ewww!
Went to noribang with Koreans we met on the street!
Wow that was fun
Found a jimjilbang...sleep...
Woke up just before sunrise. Glad I did. That was cool...
Monday:
Woke up again ..found a mat somehow during the night...yay..and a pillow!
got out the door by 11
went to find bus
and mandarines...did i saw how AMAZING they taste here? NOTHIGN like it!
Bus to bus terminal
Taxi took me to a bus terminal...dont remember that mis-connection
He was amazing...came in to communicate for me! My Korean to him was pretty good! I"m impressed with myself
ON the bus...thought i was going in the wrong direction..who cares...its an island!
Hour later, I get off at the side of a road that points to the Caves I want to see. Hoping to find a taxi..no luck...I start walking. Too impatient.
The sign says 3.8 kms. SUre..here we go! I can do it!
After 2 kms or so a car decides to ask me wher I'm going..and they end up giving me a ride right to the door! Wow. only in Korea
Walked around....went to see the caves
Went to leave, to go see Mini Land...and find out that I"m too late. They close in 2 hrs and no bus goes directly there, and I"m on the other side of the island. BUT there's another one close...and it costs 20 000 in a taxi. Whew...well sure why not. Eeeks that's expensive. But ...
So I do it, and get to 'Mini mini land' in luxury. Through the middle of the island and a lot of horses. I want to ride them too...but no time. See a folk villiage, drive by the crater...
Arrive at mini mini land.
Annoyed cuz they guy that was helping me to get a taxi at the 'cave' place was there!?!! What the?/??? I said hi just like that...as IF. HE could ahve given me a ride or something. But maybe I'm glad he didnt. Still!
Pictures pitures of Mini everything. Yay! I can say i was 'There'!
left
Got picked up by Korean family in White Shiny car.
Arrive in Jeju
Find PC bang..
here i am
gotta go find the ocean concert hall
gotta find something to eat
gotta find jimjilbang to sleep
WHEW!
A bit of a run on ramble..but hey..it was fun
Tomorrow am bright n early...4 or 5 hr ferry ride to Mokpo
Bus home (1 hr or so)
Relax a bit....who'm i kidding? I'll prolly be bored and lonely again
But i had a GREAT vacation!
Miss u all...;)
Who wants to come with me next time?
I got here on Friday night, and had no accommodations booked, no idea of exactly where or what I wanted to do besides some ideas from friends who had come here before. Some of those things I havent been able to do, but most of them I have, and I'm happy with what I've done here. Even if it's been alone. I mostly like travelling alone cuz I get to completely absorb everything...but I've decided I would prefer to travel with someone. But that someone would hopefully be that special 'other', or someone who doesnt mind my stopping and gushing over everything enthusiastically, or taking pictures of everything, or likes to go by the seat-o-yer-pants (ie. no solid plans, just ideas...) and the idea of "I can DO it"!
Love it. BUT, I also discovered that it's good to have a bit more of an agenda/plan. Not having one is okay too, but it keeps you going a bit more when u have an idea of what you want to do, or what you'd like to do. Ya ya, I can hear all you people who wouldnt DREAM of going anywhere without doing this, or you're saying 'ya wendy, DUH'!! Well hey...that's how it is in my world. And I've learned a few things. Also that I can do it! And I can be a woman and travel alone in Korea no problem.
Tonight I made it to the miniature land park thinger, and after was waiting on the sideof the road for the bus right outside the entrance, and a family in their rented white shiny car pulled over, and asked me where I was going. To Jeju city I replied, and they said we'll give you a ride! So there I was, in a nice car with a nice Korean family. THey said what they could in English/Yongo, and I said what I could in Korean/Hangul. It was fun. It made me miss the days where I travelled and moved across the country (Canada) with my family. I miss my sister!! There were 2 sisters/girls in the car, and they were cute.
So we got to Jeju, and I got out and looked for a PC room/bang to download ALL my pictures in. I'm Hungry though..and I'm craving pizza, or maybe I should be healthy and find some bibimbap. Hmmm...
I gotta download all these pics first though. i LOVE Flickr!
So lets see...what did I do this weekend.
Arrive Jeju City 8 pm Friday night
Looked at a tourist online site to find out what I wanted to do and what there was to do
Walked around Jeju City after taking a bus downtown somehow
Got a pair of pretty Korean shoes! only 15! I wish I got the other ones that were shiny gold and jewels on them too...
Found a Jimjilbang
Sat:
Wandered around Jeju City
Found the Love Park...is this appropriate?!
Wanted to find the Mysterious road...time was ticking and my feet were hurting
Went to the Hella Arbetoreum
Petted a DONKEY! Was going to ride him, but didnt. I've never seen a donkey to ride before! ha ha
Taxi to the bus terminal.
To Seogwipo on the other side of the island where apparently everythign is (how cool is that name..Seogwipo?!)
This island is beautiful!
Went to eat at a really cool down-n-out family restaraunt. Yum..black sauce and noodles are yummy. ONe of the guys there did a show off sexy dance for me! It was hilarious!
Went to find a way to the beach/falls
Got there finally, and it was getting dusk...found the falls...WOW. Sat there and looked up at the stars..yes! there were stars to be seen here! Felt a bit lonely with all the honeymooners or couples around.
Amazed at all the volcanic paving stones. This river is fantastically perfect as well as the falls
Did a drawring
Went to find a taxi-he took me to a jimjilbang in the WOrldcup stadium! Interesting. And very very nice. THe most authentic one i've seen yet. Was a bit too hot to sleep in comfortably though. No worries.
Sunday
Woke up, amazingly enough. Got ready
Went out...look! There's a balloon! Went traipsing through some mandarin field to find amusement park! The guy there spoke pretty good English. I came in through the back side!
It cost 22000 won to ride and admission. You have to go through the maze first. Ok. That was more fun than I thought.
Just in time for the balloon ride. Up up and ...wow this is smooth! See movie clip for experience. Wow, theres the ocean horizon with nothing out there!
Down down down.
Instructed to go on trampoline/bungy ride. Wasnt sure if i wanted to but I thought..heck...I'd better do it! It's "free" Wow that was too much fun!
off to the next location....Emart. Could I just stop shopping?! Ha ha. Got some salad..no bikini though as planned. They'er too expensive! 75 for a 3 or 4 piece. Hmmm..
Took bus to the Jongnam resort. Wow.
Teddy bear museum first....Yes, teddy bear museum. And the building was amazing..and the teddy bears intersting enough. Largest teddy bear museum in the world.
Dumb camera and these AA batteries keep dying on me. UGH. NEVER will get a camera without a lithium battery...but at least I can go and buy the AA's at the store anywhere....
Pictures pictures
I'm officially becoming an expert in taking pictures of myself. How embarrassing...well not necessarily in Korea. Love it. I dont have to feel self-conscious here about taking my own pic in public. EVeryone does it. And why not?
I WAS HERE! And I can prove it!
To get batteries...WOOO! Pitstop in Cinnabon/Seattle's best! WOW was that ever GOOD!
Stop to take picture of Hooters Hof sign!
Back to teddy bear museum to finish off..
Went wandering to Lotte Hotel.
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
I got all teary eyed, and I feel like I've finally had my own honeymoon! HA ha..well not quite...but hey..the thought ran through my mind. I'm missing someone! Darmit! U know who u are...;)
Wandered down to the beach
Met a girl Kelli, and James, and Stew
Ended up hanging out...got dark, looking at the STARS and horizon at night is awesome. I miss Vancouver for that...deja vu
Walked up to the Hyatt...met an Indian guy who was a magician. Took picture
Went into the Hyatt looking for a toilet
Wandered the halls!
Went to taxi to town.
Got a pizza and ate it standing around a street toy machine...YUM Hoping the tonnes of birds above us dont give us a white shower! Ewww!
Went to noribang with Koreans we met on the street!
Wow that was fun
Found a jimjilbang...sleep...
Woke up just before sunrise. Glad I did. That was cool...
Monday:
Woke up again ..found a mat somehow during the night...yay..and a pillow!
got out the door by 11
went to find bus
and mandarines...did i saw how AMAZING they taste here? NOTHIGN like it!
Bus to bus terminal
Taxi took me to a bus terminal...dont remember that mis-connection
He was amazing...came in to communicate for me! My Korean to him was pretty good! I"m impressed with myself
ON the bus...thought i was going in the wrong direction..who cares...its an island!
Hour later, I get off at the side of a road that points to the Caves I want to see. Hoping to find a taxi..no luck...I start walking. Too impatient.
The sign says 3.8 kms. SUre..here we go! I can do it!
After 2 kms or so a car decides to ask me wher I'm going..and they end up giving me a ride right to the door! Wow. only in Korea
Walked around....went to see the caves
Went to leave, to go see Mini Land...and find out that I"m too late. They close in 2 hrs and no bus goes directly there, and I"m on the other side of the island. BUT there's another one close...and it costs 20 000 in a taxi. Whew...well sure why not. Eeeks that's expensive. But ...
So I do it, and get to 'Mini mini land' in luxury. Through the middle of the island and a lot of horses. I want to ride them too...but no time. See a folk villiage, drive by the crater...
Arrive at mini mini land.
Annoyed cuz they guy that was helping me to get a taxi at the 'cave' place was there!?!! What the?/??? I said hi just like that...as IF. HE could ahve given me a ride or something. But maybe I'm glad he didnt. Still!
Pictures pitures of Mini everything. Yay! I can say i was 'There'!
left
Got picked up by Korean family in White Shiny car.
Arrive in Jeju
Find PC bang..
here i am
gotta go find the ocean concert hall
gotta find something to eat
gotta find jimjilbang to sleep
WHEW!
A bit of a run on ramble..but hey..it was fun
Tomorrow am bright n early...4 or 5 hr ferry ride to Mokpo
Bus home (1 hr or so)
Relax a bit....who'm i kidding? I'll prolly be bored and lonely again
But i had a GREAT vacation!
Miss u all...;)
Who wants to come with me next time?
Thursday, July 27, 2006
JeJu-Do Island Tomorrow!
Yep, its holiday time. All 2 days of it. :S Neh. Thank goodness its a weekend too. Or I'd go nuts.
Anyway, I'm off to the island of Jeju. IT's the Hawaii of Korea. It takes 4 hrs on a ferry or about 40 mins or so on an airplane, and I'm doing Both! Flying there, and ferry back. So we'll see how that is. I get to take the ferry back to Mokpo, which is a town that I visited in January. Wow..that was a while ago! Went fast! I'd love to go back there quickly, and so I shall!
It's goign to be a true adventure for sure. I dont have an official place to stay, but I'm planning on staying in Jimjilbangs. Cheapest way to do it. But it's first come-first serve idea. I say that because pretty much everyone that can goes to Jeju right now. So it might be too busy. In that case, Korea is known for being able to sleep ANYWHERE...and I plan on going Korean style! Ha. Or I can camp out in the fresh air or something crazy like that. Why not?
I plan on visiting the volcano that made the island, the waterfalls, the tunnels/caves, the beaches, and possibly even the Teddy Bear Museum...yep..u heard right! Everyone raves about Jeju in Korea, so I hope it's worth it ;)
I was planning on going back to Canada or making another major trip on this holiday, but I cant get anymore days off right now...so what can u do? :S People work here like mad! And since I'm here I do too...well somewhat.
I was also hoping to go to China this weekend, but it looks like it's too much for me right now too. SO maybe another time.
Japan I'd like to go back to, and I would love to go to Vietnam, and Thailand..just cuz. Too many things to do and to see! I guess u cant do them all...but I'm too optimistic. Imagine that!
eesh...I'm feeling quite grumpy today. A lot of drama...mostly in my head but real.! Ha ha..that sounds dangerously psycho! Ha ha.. Don't worry..I'm not going nuts...yet. THings you cant control can do taht to u.
It's funny though....we're having a 'festival' in November. I'm assuminng its then because John and I will be leaving. So they asked John to teach a Taekwondo number, and for me to do a belly dancing number! HA! How the heck do you teach kids belly dancing of all things! Specially a 'sexy' dance?! But...I was to be surprised.
One day I just got them to do some very simple moves, and it was a blast! One kid, Sam is pretty good at 'snake arms' too! It's fun to break up the monotony of trying to get them to sit and listen...which is nearly impossible...from what my standards are from what i remember we were expected to do in school..or ELSE. Not so much here....especially when kids think they can get away with much much more because I dont understand or speak Korean. Little do they know!
Hehhh ehhhhhhh....evil laugh. I understand WAY more than they think I do! It's fun to answer them in Korean once in a while. THen they go around to everyone in the class and yell...Wendy teacher Hangul mal! Or close to that idea. And then they all want me to say it again! ha ha. It's cute.
Man, I'm gonna miss these kids. I really love them. Specially when they've been bad and i gotta put them in the Baby chair...or punish them in some way, and then after I try to remember to give them a hug and say 'I love you' or something like that...and then they either get all teary eyed, or get all happy an dit's all forgotten. I wonder how many times I got teary as much as they have. Little boys seem to be my favorite..with their constant mischief and things in their pockets, and trying to see how high they can fly their paper airplanes, or Danny begging me to play bingo! Or Sam screaming like a girl and then laughing histerically. Or Maria shocking me with the English that she knows when I least expect it. That kid is quite the piece of work!
..And then there's orange class. My nightmare...they always seem to be the kids that are the ahrdest to work with. THey're just between everything. And they need CONSTANT change and energy and ..... but they're cute too. And they beg me for bingo as well! I'm not playing bingo much tho, because the parents have wondered if that's all they know how to do in English is say Bingo! SO it's backfired a little..but they have learned a lot through Bingo...so Im finding ways of changing the method of approach!
Wow...so much for a little blurb and then off to bed! But I gotta do that now. I've been worrying so much its showing, and I cant do that...specially to myself. It's amazing what isolation can do to your brain! It goes off tha hook! But I still love living in another culture and language. It's constantly fascinating...and I think I must thrive on it.
Okay...seriusly...off to bed!
Anyway, I'm off to the island of Jeju. IT's the Hawaii of Korea. It takes 4 hrs on a ferry or about 40 mins or so on an airplane, and I'm doing Both! Flying there, and ferry back. So we'll see how that is. I get to take the ferry back to Mokpo, which is a town that I visited in January. Wow..that was a while ago! Went fast! I'd love to go back there quickly, and so I shall!
It's goign to be a true adventure for sure. I dont have an official place to stay, but I'm planning on staying in Jimjilbangs. Cheapest way to do it. But it's first come-first serve idea. I say that because pretty much everyone that can goes to Jeju right now. So it might be too busy. In that case, Korea is known for being able to sleep ANYWHERE...and I plan on going Korean style! Ha. Or I can camp out in the fresh air or something crazy like that. Why not?
I plan on visiting the volcano that made the island, the waterfalls, the tunnels/caves, the beaches, and possibly even the Teddy Bear Museum...yep..u heard right! Everyone raves about Jeju in Korea, so I hope it's worth it ;)
I was planning on going back to Canada or making another major trip on this holiday, but I cant get anymore days off right now...so what can u do? :S People work here like mad! And since I'm here I do too...well somewhat.
I was also hoping to go to China this weekend, but it looks like it's too much for me right now too. SO maybe another time.
Japan I'd like to go back to, and I would love to go to Vietnam, and Thailand..just cuz. Too many things to do and to see! I guess u cant do them all...but I'm too optimistic. Imagine that!
eesh...I'm feeling quite grumpy today. A lot of drama...mostly in my head but real.! Ha ha..that sounds dangerously psycho! Ha ha.. Don't worry..I'm not going nuts...yet. THings you cant control can do taht to u.
It's funny though....we're having a 'festival' in November. I'm assuminng its then because John and I will be leaving. So they asked John to teach a Taekwondo number, and for me to do a belly dancing number! HA! How the heck do you teach kids belly dancing of all things! Specially a 'sexy' dance?! But...I was to be surprised.
One day I just got them to do some very simple moves, and it was a blast! One kid, Sam is pretty good at 'snake arms' too! It's fun to break up the monotony of trying to get them to sit and listen...which is nearly impossible...from what my standards are from what i remember we were expected to do in school..or ELSE. Not so much here....especially when kids think they can get away with much much more because I dont understand or speak Korean. Little do they know!
Hehhh ehhhhhhh....evil laugh. I understand WAY more than they think I do! It's fun to answer them in Korean once in a while. THen they go around to everyone in the class and yell...Wendy teacher Hangul mal! Or close to that idea. And then they all want me to say it again! ha ha. It's cute.
Man, I'm gonna miss these kids. I really love them. Specially when they've been bad and i gotta put them in the Baby chair...or punish them in some way, and then after I try to remember to give them a hug and say 'I love you' or something like that...and then they either get all teary eyed, or get all happy an dit's all forgotten. I wonder how many times I got teary as much as they have. Little boys seem to be my favorite..with their constant mischief and things in their pockets, and trying to see how high they can fly their paper airplanes, or Danny begging me to play bingo! Or Sam screaming like a girl and then laughing histerically. Or Maria shocking me with the English that she knows when I least expect it. That kid is quite the piece of work!
..And then there's orange class. My nightmare...they always seem to be the kids that are the ahrdest to work with. THey're just between everything. And they need CONSTANT change and energy and ..... but they're cute too. And they beg me for bingo as well! I'm not playing bingo much tho, because the parents have wondered if that's all they know how to do in English is say Bingo! SO it's backfired a little..but they have learned a lot through Bingo...so Im finding ways of changing the method of approach!
Wow...so much for a little blurb and then off to bed! But I gotta do that now. I've been worrying so much its showing, and I cant do that...specially to myself. It's amazing what isolation can do to your brain! It goes off tha hook! But I still love living in another culture and language. It's constantly fascinating...and I think I must thrive on it.
Okay...seriusly...off to bed!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Soccer Day
Yep, we've been playing soccer on Sundays now. It's so nice to do that. I havent been going to taekwondo for a month or two...and I've really been feeling the difference. I want to go back and get my next belt! So its been good to get some running in. Its fun with friends too.
Lets see, nothing really exciting this weekend. Nothing to report. I didnt leave the house until 9pm yeserday. I think I needed it. Then I stay up too late though, and end up having to recover. Takes sooo much longer when you get older. Did i really just say that?
We had a roof party on Friday which was a lot of fun. Got to meet some new people. I'm one of the old ones now! Imagine that! Time's running away on me! Only 3 months to go. Wow. My boss has asked me to stay for another 3 months, and financially I would love to. But I do have some things back home that I need to attend to. But some of those things involve money that is needed....so in that case, and because I really want to go to Turkey in October, I might need to stay. But the one most important thing/person is the issue. I could always come back if things don't work out... Scary thought.
I really do like it here in Korea. The people are nice and friendly, the hours I work are good. The people I work with are fun. The fashion here is fun, and Cheap. Travelling is awesome cheap. I've made some friends with people here that I hope will last a lifetime. I'm gonna miss those kids somethign terrible I'm sure..but at the same time I think I'll be a bit relieved. But I feel like I've grown so close to them. Hmmm...part of life. Hellos and goodbyes. Ugh...why can't life be fair.
The other issue is what on earth do I do when I get back home? I might just pursue teaching, because I really quite enjoy it. But there's design too. At this point, however, it's all about the money, because those stupid loans are a plague! Darnit!
Okay, I really haveta get to sleep...I'll regret it if I dont. It's 1 30 am here now.
Luv ya all. And Bealaboy...where the heck have u dissapeared to? Into girlfriend land? :P he heh.
Lets see, nothing really exciting this weekend. Nothing to report. I didnt leave the house until 9pm yeserday. I think I needed it. Then I stay up too late though, and end up having to recover. Takes sooo much longer when you get older. Did i really just say that?
We had a roof party on Friday which was a lot of fun. Got to meet some new people. I'm one of the old ones now! Imagine that! Time's running away on me! Only 3 months to go. Wow. My boss has asked me to stay for another 3 months, and financially I would love to. But I do have some things back home that I need to attend to. But some of those things involve money that is needed....so in that case, and because I really want to go to Turkey in October, I might need to stay. But the one most important thing/person is the issue. I could always come back if things don't work out... Scary thought.
I really do like it here in Korea. The people are nice and friendly, the hours I work are good. The people I work with are fun. The fashion here is fun, and Cheap. Travelling is awesome cheap. I've made some friends with people here that I hope will last a lifetime. I'm gonna miss those kids somethign terrible I'm sure..but at the same time I think I'll be a bit relieved. But I feel like I've grown so close to them. Hmmm...part of life. Hellos and goodbyes. Ugh...why can't life be fair.
The other issue is what on earth do I do when I get back home? I might just pursue teaching, because I really quite enjoy it. But there's design too. At this point, however, it's all about the money, because those stupid loans are a plague! Darnit!
Okay, I really haveta get to sleep...I'll regret it if I dont. It's 1 30 am here now.
Luv ya all. And Bealaboy...where the heck have u dissapeared to? Into girlfriend land? :P he heh.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Lowered Expectations
Typhoon Weather and Birthdays
It was my birthday on Tuesday, and it was the day that the typhoon decided to dump the most. It's been interesting for me because I've always been kinda proud of the fact that I always have nice weather on my birthday and have come to have expectations about it...funny how that is. And silly too. But it turned out okay...and the kids at school in Red class (my fave class) sang Happy Birthday to me..which was sooper awesome. I love those kids. And that was thanks to Rachel teacher. :P Then John Teacher and I went to Baskin Robbins for an icecream cake. Now, you might not know, but in Korea that's a pretty cute cake. They have this thing for cute and little cakes here...its kinda funny. I got one that was white and pink with pink flowers on it, and it was yogurt. It had little red heart sprinkles on it to! I wish i could remember the 'name of it'. Something like 'Sweet Garden' or something. The pink flowers remind me of my favorite birthday when i turned 7 I think. I ate that cake and had a big party (the fairy tale kind of party that every girl dreams about with her friends), and then I promptly got super sick that night and threw it all up! Ha ha..but I still have happy memories of that cake. So Pink and White was in the order!
So I have a video of the whole birthday thing...and I'll link it up to here I hope.
So I havent written much..been thinking of it...but just no real energy to do it. I'm in the place of processing a lot of stuff. My birthday was a bit depressing because it's just the realization that I'm 33 now, an dmy life hasn't necessarily come to what I had hoped and tried to have it be. But what do you do about that kind of thing? It's a lot about choices and things like that. And I always wanted to not have regrets, and to make the right choices. It looks like I havent always made the right choices...but I do have a lot of intentions to keep trying to make the right ones.
Future goals:
1. Stop worrying so much!
2. Focus on the future while staying in the now not to be over frivolous and more productive in life
3. Work on my belief in God to be confident with what He wants for me and trust him.
4. Travel as much as I can while I can
5. I would love a future with a family- a husband and kids, but we'll see. Maybe I'm not meant to have that.
6. Learn to save and not spend as much!
7...we'll see don't worry be happy.....
So...there was the mud festival...and here's the link so you'll get what this is all about a bit more. http://www.mudfestival.or.kr/english/festival/festival1.php
Pics are on the flickr website as always.
Okay, well that was my birthday. Oh yah, John came out to hang out after...it was too rainy and everyone didnt want to do anything. :( It's okay, this time I didnt mind being low key. I must be getting older! Eeesh!
Kay that's it for now....except what do I do for the holiday of 4 days at the end of this month? Hmmmm...
It was my birthday on Tuesday, and it was the day that the typhoon decided to dump the most. It's been interesting for me because I've always been kinda proud of the fact that I always have nice weather on my birthday and have come to have expectations about it...funny how that is. And silly too. But it turned out okay...and the kids at school in Red class (my fave class) sang Happy Birthday to me..which was sooper awesome. I love those kids. And that was thanks to Rachel teacher. :P Then John Teacher and I went to Baskin Robbins for an icecream cake. Now, you might not know, but in Korea that's a pretty cute cake. They have this thing for cute and little cakes here...its kinda funny. I got one that was white and pink with pink flowers on it, and it was yogurt. It had little red heart sprinkles on it to! I wish i could remember the 'name of it'. Something like 'Sweet Garden' or something. The pink flowers remind me of my favorite birthday when i turned 7 I think. I ate that cake and had a big party (the fairy tale kind of party that every girl dreams about with her friends), and then I promptly got super sick that night and threw it all up! Ha ha..but I still have happy memories of that cake. So Pink and White was in the order!
So I have a video of the whole birthday thing...and I'll link it up to here I hope.
So I havent written much..been thinking of it...but just no real energy to do it. I'm in the place of processing a lot of stuff. My birthday was a bit depressing because it's just the realization that I'm 33 now, an dmy life hasn't necessarily come to what I had hoped and tried to have it be. But what do you do about that kind of thing? It's a lot about choices and things like that. And I always wanted to not have regrets, and to make the right choices. It looks like I havent always made the right choices...but I do have a lot of intentions to keep trying to make the right ones.
Future goals:
1. Stop worrying so much!
2. Focus on the future while staying in the now not to be over frivolous and more productive in life
3. Work on my belief in God to be confident with what He wants for me and trust him.
4. Travel as much as I can while I can
5. I would love a future with a family- a husband and kids, but we'll see. Maybe I'm not meant to have that.
6. Learn to save and not spend as much!
7...we'll see don't worry be happy.....
So...there was the mud festival...and here's the link so you'll get what this is all about a bit more. http://www.mudfestival.or.kr/english/festival/festival1.php
Pics are on the flickr website as always.
Okay, well that was my birthday. Oh yah, John came out to hang out after...it was too rainy and everyone didnt want to do anything. :( It's okay, this time I didnt mind being low key. I must be getting older! Eeesh!
Kay that's it for now....except what do I do for the holiday of 4 days at the end of this month? Hmmmm...
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Oh the Drama
Well, yesterday I had an interesting incident in school/work. A girl in one of the classes who is always quite quiet came up to me quite quietly. (ha hows that for English 'Q' words?!) I didnt know what was happening but then I noticed that she had her hand over her face, and then there was blood everywhere. Then I realized that she was having a nosebleed. Man, I forgot about that kind of stuff. It was fully gushing. I've never seen such a gushing nosebleed in my life! So I sat her down and got her head back...I couldnt remember if it was forward or back, but back seemed to be the thing to do...and it helped. All the kids started to help me clean up the mess....on the floor and on her dress. It's amazing how bratty kids can be, and then if someone needs something like some attention of some sort, they all drop everything and help. Almost all of them. Ha.
I got one of the kids to call another teacher, and when she got there, she pretty much just took her to wash up and tossed it off. One of the other girls, Bonny, in the class was very attentive and wanted to sit beside the girl (Crystal is her name), and she made sure that she had a big wad of toilet paper up her nose to stop it. At one point Crystal took it out...and Bonny promptly grabbed more toilet paper and stuffed it up her nose! It was quite funny actually for me...or I should say amusing. Kids are human after all! Haha.
Something else happened but I dont happen to remember what at the moment. Will add it later..
Oh, so I've been appointed to teach the kids belly dancing for our school play in November. That's going to be interesting!!
Today I decided to get the kids folding paper today. I wish I could remember the word for it in Korean. It's NOT origami! I've really started to learn some of the differences and similarities in cultures. It's interesting. And other Asian cultures too. Stuff I never thought about until I've come here.
Ha ha....and I"m watching a TV show about jewelry making, and ribbon roses. Yep, you gotta have pretty stuff. What I love about it is that the men are attentive to this stuff too..and have an appreciation of it...and aren't afraid of wearing it themselves. For example, if a guy is with his girlfriend, or even a friend, its not uncommon for him to carry her purse. And that doenst mean by any means that he isn't a manly man. I just LOVE it. They ALL wear pink, and combine really awesome colors, and have fashion sense. Yes, there's the ones who don't quite have it all together, but its rare. The women all wear pretty things, dresses and heels ALL the time. And pretty ones with bows and flowers and a beaded necklace. Short sweaters or 'Boleros' are all the thing. Sometimes I feel I've stepped back into 1950 or something combined with 1980s. Oh yah, and the 80's are alive, leggings under everything. Long 'shirt dresses' with leggings under. I love how they layer things. I've learned a lot that way. Funny...I wonder how it will be for me to come back to Canada. I'm gonna be dressing waaaayyyy to pretty or something. But who cares. I love it. Something else to incorporate into my style. Oh yah, guys wear suits ALL the time too. Boy heaven for that reason. Ha haa...
Wow, that was a run on paragraph...can't help it. What else do you do.
Okay, that's all I can think of for now...
Gnite.
I got one of the kids to call another teacher, and when she got there, she pretty much just took her to wash up and tossed it off. One of the other girls, Bonny, in the class was very attentive and wanted to sit beside the girl (Crystal is her name), and she made sure that she had a big wad of toilet paper up her nose to stop it. At one point Crystal took it out...and Bonny promptly grabbed more toilet paper and stuffed it up her nose! It was quite funny actually for me...or I should say amusing. Kids are human after all! Haha.
Something else happened but I dont happen to remember what at the moment. Will add it later..
Oh, so I've been appointed to teach the kids belly dancing for our school play in November. That's going to be interesting!!
Today I decided to get the kids folding paper today. I wish I could remember the word for it in Korean. It's NOT origami! I've really started to learn some of the differences and similarities in cultures. It's interesting. And other Asian cultures too. Stuff I never thought about until I've come here.
Ha ha....and I"m watching a TV show about jewelry making, and ribbon roses. Yep, you gotta have pretty stuff. What I love about it is that the men are attentive to this stuff too..and have an appreciation of it...and aren't afraid of wearing it themselves. For example, if a guy is with his girlfriend, or even a friend, its not uncommon for him to carry her purse. And that doenst mean by any means that he isn't a manly man. I just LOVE it. They ALL wear pink, and combine really awesome colors, and have fashion sense. Yes, there's the ones who don't quite have it all together, but its rare. The women all wear pretty things, dresses and heels ALL the time. And pretty ones with bows and flowers and a beaded necklace. Short sweaters or 'Boleros' are all the thing. Sometimes I feel I've stepped back into 1950 or something combined with 1980s. Oh yah, and the 80's are alive, leggings under everything. Long 'shirt dresses' with leggings under. I love how they layer things. I've learned a lot that way. Funny...I wonder how it will be for me to come back to Canada. I'm gonna be dressing waaaayyyy to pretty or something. But who cares. I love it. Something else to incorporate into my style. Oh yah, guys wear suits ALL the time too. Boy heaven for that reason. Ha haa...
Wow, that was a run on paragraph...can't help it. What else do you do.
Okay, that's all I can think of for now...
Gnite.
Monday, July 03, 2006
soccer and heels
How BRILLIANT is this window display?!!! Man, I want to walk into my house with a wall to the side of this. Or how about your headboard on your bed? SHoes and bars with FLoozball doods on it! Man, I need to get to design again sometime someday! Wooo! I'm inspired and my brain iz buzzin! While yer at it...I've signed on to Flickr. WHY haven't I done this yet? So everybuddy...all my photos, all million of them will be appearing on Flickr from now on for your perusal at any time of the day or night. No invites or sent emails from Kodak for now. But Kodak is still good stuff.
Ooooh I love shoes. And I love being in Korea for pretty shoes like this. You can see shoes like this anyday. And cheap too! Oh help me! Save me from the shoes! Tee hee (never!!!)
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Strange silence
Funny how life is. Funny how decisions and things in life take you to places you never expected. Deep thoughts...more decisions to make. Damn I hate making them sometimes. ...no at most times.
Not sure what to say, but I have a lot to say. Same old stuff..tired of it repeating in my life.
Thank goodness for TV or internet...stuff to keep your mind off of things.
I really have to get some different things to do at school/work. Like phonix games and any game for that matter. I've discovered that I'm just not a games type of person. Doens't help when you're working with kids, and that's about one of the best things to get them learning. I just thank God for bingo! haha. Seriously. But even then it's limiting. :( Well, I have a few variations. But there's only so much you're going to do...Help!
Were having a mild thunderstorm right now. I forgot how much I LOVE thunderstorms. I'd rather thunderstorms and humidity than Vancouver drab drizzle rain anyday! Seriusly!
I'm tired but I dont want to sleep, too much I want to do, but too lazy to do it. Gotta stay in the house or there'll be some small thing to spend money on.
Goign to be strange because Karel is leaving, and I'm really going to miss her. Lots of ppl I know are going, and I wonder how things will be when they do go. It's part of living here and being a foreigner. People always going and coming, people you make friends with and then they leave. Sometimes you make good friends with them, sometimes they're passing through your life.
Doors that open and shut.
I just want to settle down and have a family...but it doesnt look like that's going to happen soon. I want to see Europe and as much as I can very soon too...but time is against me. But I shouldnt think that way either.
We'll see.
I need to make more friends here. And do some hanging out and keepign my mind off of things. My neck muscles are seizing up, and that's a sure sign that I'm stressing and worrying about too much...and most likely needlessly as usual. It helps to write this stuff down..to have that connection to people who might read it...or even not.
My mood in music is Bjork. Man, I'm so inspired by her. Sometimes i feel that I have Madonna and Bjork in my personality. I dont really mind that idea. I always did like a bit of strangeness and whats-the-word; brashness? Anyway, you get the idea. And a bit of James Bond in there. Ha...or his girls or something. Anyway
Not sure what to say, but I have a lot to say. Same old stuff..tired of it repeating in my life.
Thank goodness for TV or internet...stuff to keep your mind off of things.
I really have to get some different things to do at school/work. Like phonix games and any game for that matter. I've discovered that I'm just not a games type of person. Doens't help when you're working with kids, and that's about one of the best things to get them learning. I just thank God for bingo! haha. Seriously. But even then it's limiting. :( Well, I have a few variations. But there's only so much you're going to do...Help!
Were having a mild thunderstorm right now. I forgot how much I LOVE thunderstorms. I'd rather thunderstorms and humidity than Vancouver drab drizzle rain anyday! Seriusly!
I'm tired but I dont want to sleep, too much I want to do, but too lazy to do it. Gotta stay in the house or there'll be some small thing to spend money on.
Goign to be strange because Karel is leaving, and I'm really going to miss her. Lots of ppl I know are going, and I wonder how things will be when they do go. It's part of living here and being a foreigner. People always going and coming, people you make friends with and then they leave. Sometimes you make good friends with them, sometimes they're passing through your life.
Doors that open and shut.
I just want to settle down and have a family...but it doesnt look like that's going to happen soon. I want to see Europe and as much as I can very soon too...but time is against me. But I shouldnt think that way either.
We'll see.
I need to make more friends here. And do some hanging out and keepign my mind off of things. My neck muscles are seizing up, and that's a sure sign that I'm stressing and worrying about too much...and most likely needlessly as usual. It helps to write this stuff down..to have that connection to people who might read it...or even not.
My mood in music is Bjork. Man, I'm so inspired by her. Sometimes i feel that I have Madonna and Bjork in my personality. I dont really mind that idea. I always did like a bit of strangeness and whats-the-word; brashness? Anyway, you get the idea. And a bit of James Bond in there. Ha...or his girls or something. Anyway
Strange silence
Funny how life is. Funny how decisions and things in life take you to places you never expected. Deep thoughts...more decisions to make. Damn I hate making them sometimes. ...no at most times.
Not sure what to say, but I have a lot to say. Same old stuff..tired of it repeating in my life.
Thank goodness for TV or internet...stuff to keep your mind off of things.
I really have to get some different things to do at school/work. Like phonix games and any game for that matter. I've discovered that I'm just not a games type of person. Doens't help when you're working with kids, and that's about one of the best things to get them learning. I just thank God for bingo! haha. Seriously. But even then it's limiting. :( Well, I have a few variations. But there's only so much you're going to do...Help!
Were having a mild thunderstorm right now. I forgot how much I LOVE thunderstorms. I'd rather thunderstorms and humidity than Vancouver drab drizzle rain anyday! Seriusly!
I'm tired but I dont want to sleep, too much I want to do, but too lazy to do it. Gotta stay in the house or there'll be some small thing to spend money on.
Goign to be strange because Karel is leaving, and I'm really going to miss her. Lots of ppl I know are going, and I wonder how things will be when they do go. It's part of living here and being a foreigner. People always going and coming, people you make friends with and then they leave. Sometimes you make good friends with them, sometimes they're passing through your life.
Doors that open and shut.
I just want to settle down and have a family...but it doesnt look like that's going to happen soon. I want to see Europe and as much as I can very soon too...but time is against me. But I shouldnt think that way either.
We'll see.
I need to make more friends here. And do some hanging out and keepign my mind off of things. My neck muscles are seizing up, and that's a sure sign that I'm stressing and worrying about too much...and most likely needlessly as usual. It helps to write this stuff down..to have that connection to people who might read it...or even not.
My mood in music is Bjork. Man, I'm so inspired by her. Sometimes i feel that I have Madonna and Bjork in my personality. I dont really mind that idea. I always did like a bit of strangeness and whats-the-word; brashness? Anyway, you get the idea. And a bit of James Bond in there. Ha...or his girls or something. Anyway
Not sure what to say, but I have a lot to say. Same old stuff..tired of it repeating in my life.
Thank goodness for TV or internet...stuff to keep your mind off of things.
I really have to get some different things to do at school/work. Like phonix games and any game for that matter. I've discovered that I'm just not a games type of person. Doens't help when you're working with kids, and that's about one of the best things to get them learning. I just thank God for bingo! haha. Seriously. But even then it's limiting. :( Well, I have a few variations. But there's only so much you're going to do...Help!
Were having a mild thunderstorm right now. I forgot how much I LOVE thunderstorms. I'd rather thunderstorms and humidity than Vancouver drab drizzle rain anyday! Seriusly!
I'm tired but I dont want to sleep, too much I want to do, but too lazy to do it. Gotta stay in the house or there'll be some small thing to spend money on.
Goign to be strange because Karel is leaving, and I'm really going to miss her. Lots of ppl I know are going, and I wonder how things will be when they do go. It's part of living here and being a foreigner. People always going and coming, people you make friends with and then they leave. Sometimes you make good friends with them, sometimes they're passing through your life.
Doors that open and shut.
I just want to settle down and have a family...but it doesnt look like that's going to happen soon. I want to see Europe and as much as I can very soon too...but time is against me. But I shouldnt think that way either.
We'll see.
I need to make more friends here. And do some hanging out and keepign my mind off of things. My neck muscles are seizing up, and that's a sure sign that I'm stressing and worrying about too much...and most likely needlessly as usual. It helps to write this stuff down..to have that connection to people who might read it...or even not.
My mood in music is Bjork. Man, I'm so inspired by her. Sometimes i feel that I have Madonna and Bjork in my personality. I dont really mind that idea. I always did like a bit of strangeness and whats-the-word; brashness? Anyway, you get the idea. And a bit of James Bond in there. Ha...or his girls or something. Anyway
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Yeosu Trip Weekend
Its Sat night at a few mins past midnight. And I can't seem to get away from the puter for one night! Geeeez! I can't help it...it's my connection to the outside world, and the place to download my pictures! And entertainment. So there.
Anyhoo...I've come to a town on the coast of Korea (wierd, am I really in Korea? it feels normal to me now) called Yeosu. It's really quite nice here. The main reason why I came here is to get to the ocean again. I don't realize how much I miss it until I get there, and wow. The smell of an ocean is just not like anything else...not really even the smell, but the air itself. And the sound and the magnatism of the tide...
So I arrived, went to a little temple up a hill, then went to the beach. The taxi kept going through this side road that didnt look like it was going anywhere..and I was almost worried. But then we came to a really cool place in the road where it looked like a dead end almost..but there ahead was a narrow tunnel that looked like a train tunnel, and yes, we went through it! It was just barely wide enough for a car, and there were lights all down it thank goodness. I wondered if it was a one way and how the cars were controlled if it wasnt, and then i discovered as I saw headlights coming toward me that there were regular pullout spaces along the way! BIZARRE! It was sooo cool! I literally had my mouth hanging open! The taxi driver was a bit amused I think at the waeguk in awe at some dumb tunnel! Ha ha.
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Then we crossed some train tracks, and there was a cove with some restaraunts along it, and a beach! So there I was, at the beach! Yeayy! I forgot how nice it is. Seems like "what's the big deal" sometimes..but then you get there and ..oh yahhh! So I sat there and wandered around, took pictures, etc...of course. Found a cool shell, and a green rock, and a rock shaped like a heart! OF COURSE! I was laughing out loud to myself. Sat there and watched the waves crashing. Contemplated the concept that I was on the OTHER SIDE of the Pacific Ocean! Had to go and dip my hand in...and it was surprisingly warm! Imagine that! But that was mmy hand. Looked at the lights from the ships on the water. That was honestly my first impression and made me miss a certain view from English bay ALOT. I LOVE those ships..and I didnt know how much until I saw them there. Something homey about it. But then again lights like that have always been 'home' to me in one way or another.
So then it got dark, and I was still on the beach. Got up and decided to wander around the buildings on the beach 'drive', and got to a 'foodstop' with the staple boiled eggs n salt. YUM. The lady there was super charming and funny. They were watching TV with some guy holding works and they were going off...and they sold fireworks there, adn the 'husband' grabbed one and decided to go out and light one off like that too! IT was so cute. She's all shooing him out of the store so he doesnt set it off right there! Ha ha! Yah, so it inspired me to go and buy some fireworks myself! So that's exactly what i did! I got a 25 missile one, and a 'silver sparkler' one. The missile one was loud and worked quite well, the other one didnt work at all..and i was quite dissapointed. I should have got a Roman Candle. Crazy how you can buy them on the side corner store! And anytime of the year. Ha...its fun. I've never honestly got fireworks before and lit them off myself, and by myself..but hey...I'm in Korea! WHO CARES!
Well,
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Vicious Circles
Well kids, my life seems to be coming to a sort of crossroads again. Strangie how that is. It's because of a few factors. Mainly because a VIP that I've been very very connected to in Canada that has had my heart seems to have vanished, and I'm left with nothing left but to assume things and to overthink things as well. There's a lot I dont understand, but then again its because of LD (or long distance relationships) that are hard because of the very nature of time and distance. Really sucks, but the I do know that I had to come here to Korea for a reason. I just wish that my VIP had held me back from going if it was really something that was important for him...but I can't say that either, because he had the maturity and decency and wotever other word to describe it to let me go, and do what I needed to do. I just hope it wasnt a mistake. But then I know it wasn't. It's just an interesting thing to plan your future now. To wonder what is next. To try to figure out what you want to happen next, when it seems that it's turning out to be the opposite of what you hoped.
Funny that, how you have your hopes and dreams and plans that you conjure up and try to make happen...and then life has its twists and turns. And again I am pointed back to the quote from my favorite movie which says, "...don't look for straight lines. Life isn't like that." Yep, you can say that again.
Ugh, its all so frustrating. But then its exciting in a way because its a 'hold on and go for the ride' kindof thing. But I wanna control it! I want to at least know how to plan and have a direction in this bumpy ride. And wearing your heart on your sleeve doesn't help either.
Well, after coming to some conclusions in my head and after some really important friends in my life always being there for me...and listening to my constant crooning, I felt a bit more peace today. And I felt happy too. Well, on the path to being more happy. Those poor kids at times...when I have bad days. Then I feel so bad. Right now I dont know what I'd do without them either! Strangie. (that's how u say it in Korean...everything ends in a 'ie'!)
I have to say its true for me that even after all the crap that can happen, and I just want to throw God away, it always gets worse for me if I do, and I always come back. That might sound hokey to some, but that's how it is for me. Man, God has incredible patience with me..that's for sure.
Kay, gotta sleep...
Funny that, how you have your hopes and dreams and plans that you conjure up and try to make happen...and then life has its twists and turns. And again I am pointed back to the quote from my favorite movie which says, "...don't look for straight lines. Life isn't like that." Yep, you can say that again.
Ugh, its all so frustrating. But then its exciting in a way because its a 'hold on and go for the ride' kindof thing. But I wanna control it! I want to at least know how to plan and have a direction in this bumpy ride. And wearing your heart on your sleeve doesn't help either.
Well, after coming to some conclusions in my head and after some really important friends in my life always being there for me...and listening to my constant crooning, I felt a bit more peace today. And I felt happy too. Well, on the path to being more happy. Those poor kids at times...when I have bad days. Then I feel so bad. Right now I dont know what I'd do without them either! Strangie. (that's how u say it in Korean...everything ends in a 'ie'!)
I have to say its true for me that even after all the crap that can happen, and I just want to throw God away, it always gets worse for me if I do, and I always come back. That might sound hokey to some, but that's how it is for me. Man, God has incredible patience with me..that's for sure.
Kay, gotta sleep...
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
My latest obsession
This is by a Japanese artist. His name is Yoshitomo Nara....and He ROCKS! This girl is just awesome because she's this 'sweet innocent' little girl with this attitude that sometimes I have to say I felt like her, and still do at times. IT's like this inner dark side that has to rebel and show her face at times. I have been seeing Tshirts starting to come out with her, and yep..I'm getting them all if I can help it! SOooo cheap! Stop me now!
The one pic is of an original ashtray that he did. I gotta find more like this! I'm starting to 'get' the deal about animation and stuff now. Painting idea? :D
Oh, and by the way, I'm thinking of ideas and opinions about stickers. What the HECK do you do with them besides stick them in some book? Or on your guitar case or your car? What about those tiny ones? What about those big ones? Collage? I have issues with collages. I'd prefer modern simplicity...but..I'm starting to change my mind about how I look at these things. Hmmmmmmm. Anyone have any ideas? I'd love to hear them on the comments or email. Or pictures would be even better! I gotta do this in a generated survey I think...just for fun to see what would happen. Hmmm...good idea. Now to do it...
Silence turned upside-down
Tonight was a good and bittersweet night for me. Creating my inner world of anxiety all that much more intense today as usual, pluggin along through it, and somehow I always get through the day. I was not sure what to do after work. Thank God for those kids at times, because they keep my brain active most of the day so I don't go overboard!
So I was thinking of going to see a Hangul movie (that's Korean) but it didn't end up happening. For some reason as soon as I come home I just dont want to get the energy to go back out till I absolutely have to. Tv and Internet and food and clothes, and a constant mess of some sort seems to keep me here. All the reading I want to do but can't seem to pick up a book for long. Feel guilty for that too. Man, I'm really hard on myself huh? How on earth do I turn that around? Pray a LOT I guess. But even then I have the choices. Ugh..I hate that.
So I ended up cooking a meal of spaghetti and sauce with braized green and red peppers and 'meatballs' of broccoli an cheese balls. YUM that was good. Halfway through cooking it I remembered Windy (my ex roomie) noticing that whenever I cooked up a storm it was because I was stressed, or most likely upset at something. Yep, it occurred to me that perhaps that's exactly what was happening. I am stressed...about a few major things in my life. And the problem with a few of them is that its not in my control to do anything about it. All I can do is wait and wonder...and drive myself nuts. But I dont' have to drive myself nuts! I can choose what to do with the situation. Do I hold on? Do I let it go? How much do I wait? What is it worth to me? Is it something that will repeat itself in the future? Do I really want that? IT's hard to tell because of the situation if that's really the case. And I feel horrible for thinking that even. But...that's how it is. All I can do is what I can on my end.
So while some of these thoughts are going through my head...I am eating, and watching TV (some horrible TV about 'Camelot' and a lot of gross dead things, beautiful shiny costumes, and a movie with Denzel and Angelina about crime scenes which in a sense was good, but a lot of nto so pretty scenes in there that I'm afraid I'll be dreaming bad stuff). And then somethign occurred to me while I was watching a shot in the 'Lancelot' movie....a Painting!
Yes folks, I did indeed settle down and DID a painting that I feel really quite good about here in Korea. And it involves some Korean even! Yep, I'm happy about it. Especially since I used some 'Korean brushes' and 'Korean paper' and was very influenced by 'Korean colors'. AND I used 'Korean paint' which was acrylic (I hardly ever use acrylic) and used it like watercolor! So I'm impressed with that. I'll download a pic as soon as I get it. I've got sooo many pics to download it's not even funny.
Oh man...I'm just watching a bit of TV..or being distracted by it whilst I'm sitting here typing away...adn there's a show about a young woman who has a daughter, and she has a 'new' boyfriend, and the little girl comes up to the boyfriend while he is sitting at their table eating dinner, and she totally gives him the guilt trip! Its fun to watch Asian expressions and attitudes in talking because at times they can seem really quite whiny or put off. But the funny thing is that it seems light and heavy at the same time. IT's like there's some big guilt trip....but then Asians have this way of laughing it off that's equally as entertaining. I'm so glad I've had the experience of seeing this first hand. There was sooooo much I never knew or understood about Asian people until I came here. And now I'm starting to really be able to tell the difference of different Asian countries too...and that's really cool! Specially for a whitie! Ha ha. I really am going to miss things about this country...
I havent been goign to taekwondo very much for the last few weeks. Bad me...but I guess i need a break. Its getting quite warm and its always humid...so it does make a difference. But I'm determined. So we'll see.
So I gotta sleep here...but I gotta say...I'm so glad I stayed in today. I really needed this time of reflection and inflection. A time to let go and cling to things, a time to get some clarity...but I need a LOT more. A time to spew out some colors and shapes onto a canvas...to portray how I feel outside of myself. I really needed that. Now I just feel alone, and the solitude of the silence. I'd like to console myself with the following....
"It just matters to know that someone loves me to the core somewhere on the planet". And I'd like to add to that...somewhere in the universe." Cuz that's about what I feel I've got left...somewhere deep in the universe there's something constant that won't let me down that I can talk to anytime and I know He's listening. Somehow...
I need to go look at the moon and the stars now...if I can see them. Apparently the rainy few weeks start tomorrow...
So I was thinking of going to see a Hangul movie (that's Korean) but it didn't end up happening. For some reason as soon as I come home I just dont want to get the energy to go back out till I absolutely have to. Tv and Internet and food and clothes, and a constant mess of some sort seems to keep me here. All the reading I want to do but can't seem to pick up a book for long. Feel guilty for that too. Man, I'm really hard on myself huh? How on earth do I turn that around? Pray a LOT I guess. But even then I have the choices. Ugh..I hate that.
So I ended up cooking a meal of spaghetti and sauce with braized green and red peppers and 'meatballs' of broccoli an cheese balls. YUM that was good. Halfway through cooking it I remembered Windy (my ex roomie) noticing that whenever I cooked up a storm it was because I was stressed, or most likely upset at something. Yep, it occurred to me that perhaps that's exactly what was happening. I am stressed...about a few major things in my life. And the problem with a few of them is that its not in my control to do anything about it. All I can do is wait and wonder...and drive myself nuts. But I dont' have to drive myself nuts! I can choose what to do with the situation. Do I hold on? Do I let it go? How much do I wait? What is it worth to me? Is it something that will repeat itself in the future? Do I really want that? IT's hard to tell because of the situation if that's really the case. And I feel horrible for thinking that even. But...that's how it is. All I can do is what I can on my end.
So while some of these thoughts are going through my head...I am eating, and watching TV (some horrible TV about 'Camelot' and a lot of gross dead things, beautiful shiny costumes, and a movie with Denzel and Angelina about crime scenes which in a sense was good, but a lot of nto so pretty scenes in there that I'm afraid I'll be dreaming bad stuff). And then somethign occurred to me while I was watching a shot in the 'Lancelot' movie....a Painting!
Yes folks, I did indeed settle down and DID a painting that I feel really quite good about here in Korea. And it involves some Korean even! Yep, I'm happy about it. Especially since I used some 'Korean brushes' and 'Korean paper' and was very influenced by 'Korean colors'. AND I used 'Korean paint' which was acrylic (I hardly ever use acrylic) and used it like watercolor! So I'm impressed with that. I'll download a pic as soon as I get it. I've got sooo many pics to download it's not even funny.
Oh man...I'm just watching a bit of TV..or being distracted by it whilst I'm sitting here typing away...adn there's a show about a young woman who has a daughter, and she has a 'new' boyfriend, and the little girl comes up to the boyfriend while he is sitting at their table eating dinner, and she totally gives him the guilt trip! Its fun to watch Asian expressions and attitudes in talking because at times they can seem really quite whiny or put off. But the funny thing is that it seems light and heavy at the same time. IT's like there's some big guilt trip....but then Asians have this way of laughing it off that's equally as entertaining. I'm so glad I've had the experience of seeing this first hand. There was sooooo much I never knew or understood about Asian people until I came here. And now I'm starting to really be able to tell the difference of different Asian countries too...and that's really cool! Specially for a whitie! Ha ha. I really am going to miss things about this country...
I havent been goign to taekwondo very much for the last few weeks. Bad me...but I guess i need a break. Its getting quite warm and its always humid...so it does make a difference. But I'm determined. So we'll see.
So I gotta sleep here...but I gotta say...I'm so glad I stayed in today. I really needed this time of reflection and inflection. A time to let go and cling to things, a time to get some clarity...but I need a LOT more. A time to spew out some colors and shapes onto a canvas...to portray how I feel outside of myself. I really needed that. Now I just feel alone, and the solitude of the silence. I'd like to console myself with the following....
"It just matters to know that someone loves me to the core somewhere on the planet". And I'd like to add to that...somewhere in the universe." Cuz that's about what I feel I've got left...somewhere deep in the universe there's something constant that won't let me down that I can talk to anytime and I know He's listening. Somehow...
I need to go look at the moon and the stars now...if I can see them. Apparently the rainy few weeks start tomorrow...
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