Parental guidance....

So today I had plans to go to lunch with Sister Burton, and Residori, but Sister Burton had zone conferences all day and Sister Residori got sick. So our plans were cancelled for today. I was pretty bummed. I also wasn't feeling very well today. It's the fifth day of me not feeling and plus having to change my plans just made it suck even more! I called the family on skype and we talked for a while until everyone thought that they were more important and went to Walt & Stef's. I blame Stefanie. Anyways I layed down to plan my next move and then I just fell asleep. It's funny I always fall asleep when I am thinking or reading. Hm. So I called Sister Residori to see how see was feeling and her and I talked for a while about some things. I got up and got a call from the family who now cared again. JK! So I was talking to Mom and was feeling pretty bummed and her and Dad helped convince me to go out and do something regardless. So after some chatting we hung up and I did just that. I went to the COEX which is this massive mall here. Subway commute was good. Well at one stop this guy got on and got out his guitar, and started pulling a Rocky and punching, kicking, and grunting to warm up. I had to transfer before he played though. On another stop a little old lady tried to get on as the doors were closing. She didn't move very fast and her husband was in front of her so he didn't see. Basically the subway doors made a sandwich out of her. She was trying to push the doors open but she couldn't and they kept trying to close on her. She was being smushed! I was to far away to help her, but she was there for a while until someone helped her. I know it sounds bad but her face and everything was priceless and the whole thing was a wee bit funny. She was okay so all was good. Well the mall was amazing! I got some stuff for me and people back home. I purchased Aaron's gift and I am so stoked about it. He reads this so I can't tell you what it is, but it's the things that I have so much trouble using in restaurants. Yeah there pretty legit. I also got some postcards and it took me like and hour to pick out the set that I wanted. After that I went to this accessory store because it was pretty cool. I think it was Heidi Klooms line but I am not sure. Some stuff was pretty pricey, but others were a steal. If Heidi Klooms is reading this I think you should lower your prices. It would just be better for everyone. I got the best earrings ever though. Brittney West would be proud. So after that I went to eat at TGI Fridays. It was the first place in Korea that I have eaten aside from the Residori's and my house that I haven't had to ask for a fork. Exciting. Dinner was good I got a diet Pepsi which they don't have anywhere! I got a Cajun chicken salad and it was pretty spicy. Good though. After that I went to this bookstore because I wanted a Korean cooking book and there was a ton of books in English. While I was there I thought I head someone speaking English. I just thought it was me being nostalgic, but I wasn't. It was two girls. Listening to them I was expecting someone that totally looked American. They were Korean though. I walked up to them and asked them where they learned English. Well turns out that one lives in the states and the other used to live there, but now lives in Seoul. We talked for a while, and they told me some things to do, and places to visit, and we exchanged info. I was happy. After I went to leave, but I stopped at one of the stands that had more accessories, and got a watch I've really been needing one. I think I am finally getting the hang of the way stands work around here. I just put my arm out and pointed to the watches I wanted to try on and someone started putting them on me. Well I made it back in good timing. I needed some water so I was going to go to the market, but I was going to drop my stuff off first. Well who knew that right across the street there was a tiny tiny little store. They had water there! I laughed because I've been carrying 2-4 liters of water + all my groceries for a half a mile every time. Sometimes I am pretty sure my arms are going to fall off. I will now just go to the store across the street for any water purchases. Nice. Well now I have to clean up my apartment, or maybe not. We'll see. So thanks to some parental guidance I had a pretty good day! Love that! Thanks.

Tired

Today was Tuesday for me. Well guys the future is cold! UGH! I am still not quite sure how well I like the cold. Burr! Well I went to the market again today. I did so good this time! I didn't get anything that I didn't get anything that I didn't need! Well this time I understood what things were so I actually got things of substance. I was way excited. Well when I was leaving the store I passed the little store that I bought my hat from. You know the one that the lady started throughing hats on me and then taking them off if they didn't look good? Well yeah I said hello to the lady as I walked out the door and she was cleaning the store window/door. Yeah she totally hit my bum. Normally I would have said hello dinner first, but I didn't know how to communicate that so I just laughed. I thought it was so weird, but hilarious at the same time! I just looked back at her, and she said HALLO! It was funny. Well after I went to Paris Baguette and it took me forever to find the type of bread that I wanted, and I picked out two sandwiches. I got two in case I didn't like one I could have the other. I also got a hot chocolate! I was so stoked. So I had to wait forever to try it because it was ridiculously hot, but just the plain and simple fact that I had it was enough for me. Well I didn't really like either sandwich, but some of each sustained me, and at least I tried. I am really trying to eat more than one meal a day. So when I got back I talked to my family on Skype. I love Skype! I am serious. I am going to start promoting it subliminally. Anyways so after all the talking and getting ready for work (skype) I was off to the bus stop. The bus took forever to get here today which (skype) means I would have to run to work practically. I still had time to say hi to the chicken guy though. Even though he sold me the hottest chicken under the sun my goal is to say hi to him everyday. So if I am in dire need of some chicken I know where to go. Anyways work was good. No class today. Hee-Jung and I spent the ENTIRE day recording the lesson's and putting them on a MP3 file so that the people in the class can work on English at home. On the bus. In their houses, and (skype) many more places. Basically I am going to be in there heads! Scary I know. The whole time we were recording I felt like a radio DJ. It was pretty good. I do have a pretty good radio voice if I do say so myself. Well for dinner I told Hee-Jung that I wanted chicken. Earlier this week I told her about the restaurant at the corner and how it looked like it had good chicken. Well that's where we went. When we sat down I asked her if she had been there before and she said no because it was a bar type restraunt. I started to laugh. She didn't have to (skype) take me there if it was a bar. She could've just explained and said no, but she just wanted me to pick where we were going to eat. She's so nice, and it was funny. The chicken? Oh the chicken was amazing! Well I left after dinner because we were done for the day. I of course said hello to the chicken guy again on my way to my bus stop. Well I went back to the market because I forgot to get eggs earlier. It was so cold at this point and I didn't wear a jacket because I was wearing thermals. Brr! Not wearing a jacket = not a smart idea. Well when I was walking home I saw another dog all dressed up! It was the Taco Bell dog! So exciting seeing him/her in Korea. Well I had to take a picture but the owner kept walking. Make me mad. Well finally she stopped but then some guy stepped in front of my (Skype) way. He moved because he figured out what I was doing when I was practically laying on the floor trying to get a picture. Well the picture didn't turn out so well, but thats okay. It was still so cute! Well I am off. Peace, love & skype I mean hugs. I am tired. Good Nite!

There he/she is!

Oh goodness I almost forgot the best part. Well the other night well I was at a corner store I grab some ritz crackers & Gatorade for my tummy. I ended up not eating the craxkers them that night. Well this morning I found out that they are actually peanut butter ritz crackers. I thought I couldn't find them any where! Yes life is good.

I thought it was....but it wasn't....

First of all thank you to everyone that has been commenting on my blog. I like to hear from you guys, and love reading all of your comments. So today was good. I was woken up by Dave Bunting & Clan calling me on skype. I know no matter what he says he misses me. I think I haven't seen Lindsey yet because she is going to reveal that he really does miss me. Anyways I then talked to EVERYONE who was at family dinner. It was so funny. All of my little cousins were so impressed that they could see me on the computer, but even more impressed that they could see themselves, but when we got on a conference call with Dave I was nothing to them anymore, and he was the shiz. Whatever. So then I just talked to my Family for a while + Emma + the West's + the Long's. I talked to Grandma and Grandpa which was good. I knew I would miss them, but I didn't realized how much I would miss them. Then I spent a long time talking to Brittney and Emma. It was so weird seeing them together, and me not be with them. It was ridiculous how long we talked. After I got off with them I got ready for my day. My thing lately has been to turn on music that is on Brittney's page and turn it up loud enough so that I can hear it while in the shower. So I hope everyone on my floor like whatever is on her play list. Once I was dressed I got another call from Mom this time she was home, and I got a chance to talk to her and Ash a little longer. Then Stef joined the chat. It was funny talking to them this way, but it made me feel like I was at home. I need my Stef time so it was good. I set off for work then. So I knew that it was going to be cold outside because I could see/hear the tree's blowing outside of my window, and I checked the weather on weather.com so that always help. I had no idea how cold it was though. I stepped out side and I started to freeze. California living didn't help prepare me for the cold here. Everyone else on the other hand was still walking around in light clothes while I was wearing a scarf gloves and a massive jacket. The bus ride was fun as always. I always stand and pay before the bus stops, and hold onto the railing as it is coming to a complete stop. Well today I couldn't find my phone that has my card on it and I didn't realize that the bus was stopping. When I did it was to late. I practically flew across the bus, and landed on a cute little Korean lady who seemed a little startled by the lack of breathing room I was giving her. It's okay though I now feel like her and I have a bond. Well work was good. My class was fun. It makes me laugh when they say stuff to me in Korean, and I act like I have an idea of what they are saying. I don't and I laugh along with them when they laugh. At the end of class they gave bread which was way nice of them. It seemed colder than it did earlier. Everyone was now feeling it. I saw a girl who just left her Academy and was wearing her uniform. She looked cold and I thought about giving her my scarf, but then I thought NO then I'll be cold too. Haha I need to work on my Christ like qualities, but I forget them when my brain is freezing! Anyways I stopped at a beauty shop and picked up some nail polish remover. It was funny play charades with the lady to make sure that was what it was. I gestured painting my nails and then wiping off the nail polish rapidly. She laughed and agreed.So here is the list of thing that I thought it was......but it wasn't....

1.Dinner-I thought it was normal Bibimbap, but it wasn't. It was fish style with fish eggs in it. It was different, but I was so hungry I didn't' care.
2.Snacks-A lady was selling stuff out of a snack car. I thought it was a churro, but it wasn't. It was pig intestine on a stick. Not something I'll be snacking on.
3.Cat-I thought it was a normal cat, but it wasn't. It was a ninja cat. There was a cat running, and then hiding under cars, and then running, and hiding under cars. Most cats in America will just kick it in the street until they are like inches away from your car. I think I have an idea of why.

Walking home I saw another dog. Second time I have seen him. He runs up to me so I can pet him and then tries to follow me home so his owners yells for him. He is so cute and wears a little Adidas jacket. I will get a picture next time. I still love the doorman at my apartment who always practices him English on me. He is starting to get good. He now says "I'm doing good" instead of "I'm is doing bad". It was a good day. Now I am home. I'll try it though.I am going to go to bed. Until next time! : )

Only pictures I've taken all weekend, but so good.

Ash was telling an intense story,

Brittney liked seeing herself in the web cam,

and Heather just wanted to see.

They were telling me a story.
Emma....well I'll leave this on up to your imaginations! Haha. Love her

My Weekend

(If things don't make sense figure it out. I'm tired and Mom is not awake to correct me)
So this post is for the entire weekend. Well Saturday was okay. I went to the LOTTE with Sister Burton, and Brinn. It was fun. That place is crazy! Everything looks the same, but it's all way different. I have decided that before I leave I will buy four things-

1. A knitted sweater because everyone wears them here and they are way cute, and not like anything in the U.S


2. A pair of boots because once again everyone, and everywhere, and I like them so much more now that I am here


3. Maybe a purse because there are so many good deals here.


4. Chopsticks because if you think for one second that I am going to learn how to use those puppies and then loose the skill you are dead wrong.

Anyways. I didn't buy much just scarfs again. I have really grown found of them since coming here. They are so not a bad investment either because I can use them in Idaho too. It was cool to just chill with the Burtons. They are both so nice. We ate lunch at the Paris baguette. They are everywhere here and really good. I wasn't feeling very well, and after lunch I came home and slept. I hate not having comforts of home when I'm sick. Later that night I thought that if I went out and took a walk maybe I wold feel better. All and all I walked for at least three miles. No joke! I saw someone on the bus the other day with Subway, and I was determined to find it. I was kinda frustrated because I wanted to ask someone, but no one could answer me. I was set on finding Americans. Well I found them, but they were in a Pub and I had no desire to go in. Finally I just called Pizza Hut. No one there spoke English either, but they hung up and called me back four times until they could finally find an English speaker. That would never happen in America. If there is a language barrier to bad for you. On my way home when I was on the phone with P.H I walked by 2 girls who just stared the whole time I was speaking because once again it was English. I said hi and waved, and then said it back all excitedly and then ran off. It was cute. I promise you that no pizza has ever tasted so good, and for the first time in a week I didn't wake up in the middle of the night hungry. It didn't exactly help my stomach, but I didn't wake up hungry. Talked a little on Skype. Then I went to sleep because I was feeling lozy again. Yeah real exciting day I know.

Well today was good. I didn't go to the English ward because Elder & Sister Residori spoke, and after all they have done for me the least I could do was go and support them. Well I won't make that mistake again! Classes went well. We made it to the third hour all good. Well In sacrament meeting I was just sitting there minding my own business. Singing in English as usual while everyone else sang in Korean while the kids in front of me laughed. Well right after the sacrament prayer the Bishop came running down from the stand. He ran over to the row I was sitting in and asked me in broken English to introduce myself to the ward because Elder Chea was up there and could translate. Meanwhile he was holding up sacrament because he is supposed to be served first. I of course said yes. What are you supposed to say in a situation like that. This was my worst nightmare! I don't like speaking in my own ward where half of the people can't even hear you yet alone speaking in a different country in front of people I don't know. I was so nervous. It went fine though. I shook the whole time, but I don't think anyone noticed. After church we had lunch. Oh how I love that they feed us after sometimes. We had curry. It was really good. I was surprised. Everyone said that it was going to be hot, but it wasn't, and I was stoked. Before I went home Sister Burton brought me down a big bag full of food. She said that it would due for a while. Once again so nice. She is amazing to me. I have to think of something nice to do for her, and the Residori's. Any idea's would help. Well I came home, and talked to Garret(shout out) for a while. I talked to a girl here who was going to a YSA activity, and I decided to go. Well when I went outside it was pouring! Nothing I've ever seen in old California. It was crazy. I am not sure that I like that much rain all at once. I met up with the KaRyn for the activity. Her friend (Lumina) asked me if I was from Texas. I said no and wondered why she asked. She said it was because I had an accent, and then she realized I was from California, and told me that I had a California accent. Way cool I've always wanted an accent. The YSA activity was cool. I was really nervous, but it was fun. Everyone was nice, and really welcoming. Haha who would've thought my first YSA activity would be in another country. Anyways. I was there for most of the night. Well I took the subway home. Today I went across the river and back and made 2 transfers without getting lost. I think I am starting to get the hang of it. Yeah! All things considered my first week here was good. Well no pictures today, but I'll get some soon!

Thanks all!

P.S I've started bowing. So weird, but I just can't turn it off now.

Fly, Follower, Scarf, and Noodles

So today was good. I was woken up by this massive fly. It had been flying around my apartment all night. Well it woke me up because it was flying right above my head hitting the window trying to get out. I tried to help it get out of the window, but it was to stupid to figure it out. Well after about 30 minutes of trying to help fly, and it semi attacking me I'd had enough. I just killed it. Normally I'm down with the PETA people, but this fly had to go especially after it woke me up. Anyway after that I talked to the family on Skype. It was good to here from them because I got to talk to Ash. It seems like I've talked to everyone else except here so we talked for a really long time. After getting dressed for the day I decided to go to the market to get some stuff that I needed. I walked through the park and it was nice because there was a ton of kids there today, and it was funny to watch them play. The kids here are hilarious. There were two kids on a bike and the one peddling kept hitting all the bumps he could to try to eject the kid on the back off. I don't think it ever worked, but the one in the front was laughing while the kid on back wanted nothing to do with him anymore. Well I never made it to the market. I stopped at this hat/glove/sock/black market jewelry/purse hut/headband stand, and boy oh boy did I have fun. The lady at the stand ran up to me and started putting hats on me, and showing me how to wear them. I thought it was funny that she would shake her head and rip a hat off of me if she thought it didn't look good. I got the cutest hat ever I am pretty sure. I went to drop some stuff back off at my apartment, and I walked through the park again. When I left the park I noticed that I was being followed. It was a little boy on a bike. He followed me half way down the block until I finally turned around and said Hi in English. He got a really big smile and said Hi back and then peddled of quickly. I think that he just wanted to make sure that I spoke english. Well I went to work right after that and worked on my lesson all day. Hee-Jung and I went to dinner, and we got some kind of black noodles. Well of course I had chopstick drama again! I cannot for the life of me get noodles with chopsticks. Hee-Jung asked me if I wanted a fork and I was so excited. Well basically when she asked for a fork I looked like a deer in head lights. Everyone in the restaurant looked to see who the freak who wanted a fork was even the cook took a look. Well the freak would be me. It's okay though. I couldn't finish the noodles but they sure were good. The lady who was serving us came up to me before I left and asked me if the food was delicious(in Korean). Hee-Jung translated for me and I told her it was. She kinda giggled and then smiled. She was way nice. Well the rest of the night was good. Class went good, and I am so going to become fluent in Korean so that I can know what my class laughs about. Haha we'll see. So here are the only pictures that I took today! Until next time. ; )

The park near my apartment

me walking through the park all bundled up

(notice the scarf britt)
My pink puchases

(scarf & hat)
so exciting!

MMM Velveeta!

So today was fun. I finally got a really good night of sleep, and slept in later than usual. I went to lunch with Sister Residori, Sister Burton, and Brynne. I like having lunch with them because it's nice to have people who a) speak English & b) help me adjust to living in a foreign country without my family or friends. We had some kinda soup and it was good. It had like pot sticker things in it, but I really had a hard picking them up with my chopsticks, and it became really frustrating. So I just started to stab them, and it worked out marvelously. I am going to be good at chopsticks if it kills me though! I had Kimchee with rice like Jeff suggested and I loved it! Way good. After lunch I headed right to work, but I had a little time when I got to the Songpa-yuk because...today I took the subway to the mission home, and back to Songpa without getting lost! SCORE! Yes, Kelsie you can be proud. Anyways so I looked around for a while, and stopped at some of the shops that I have wanted go into just not had a chance. I got the cutest scarf ever, and I am way stoked about it. Work was good today. After I came home, and planned to go to the Market. As some of you know I haven't really eaten a ton since arriving here because I don't know what anything is because everything is labeled in Korean. So as soon as I stepped outside it started to sprinkle. I just laughed and kept walking. I was really just to lazy to come back up to my room to get my umbrella. The market was ok I spent a lot of time looking at things to make sure that they were what I wanted though. The people in the fish department kept trying to sell me fish. They yell at people from across the store to come over and look, and when it was my turn and I told them I didn't speak Korean, and didn't understand one of the ladies took me by the arm and showed me everything that she had to offer. I felt bad, but I told her next time and she kinda shook me, and then laughed and said "ok ok next time next time." The best part of the whole trip was when I found what I think is Diet Coke, Pringles, and......(insert trumpet noises) Velveeta! I could sware that I almost screamed when I saw the Velveeta though. The lady who was stocking shelfs next to me laughed. Well after my walk home in the rain I made my grilled cheese sandwich with velveeta, and had my first homemade meal here. It was probably the best grilled cheese I've had ever. MMM Velveeta! Well I would say that I was most proud of my successful shopping today so I took pictures to document. Till next time. Enjoy!

My first set of groceries!

MMM Velveeta!

(who knew cheese could make me so happy?)

Once I was lost(again), but now I am found......

Hi everyone! So today I made plans to go and eat lunch with Sister Residori. Hee-Jung and I couldn't figure out to get me there on a bus, but she gave me directions in Korean for a taxi cab driver. Taxi rides here are expensive. So I decided to be courageous and take the subway without Hee-Jung. Well I rode the bus and then walked to the songpa-yuk (subway station). I made the first transfer good, and I was so excited. I should have learned by now to not get excited until I have arrived at my destination. Well lets make a long story short...I got lost....really lost! I went the opposite way after I made my first transfer, and some women helped me get back on the right subway. Then I got off and went back other way, and past my next transfer. I got off of that one and two ladies walked me to were I was supposed be. I finally made the right transfer after making some guy stop and make sure that I was at the right stop this time, and I was (it was a proud moment). Well after being lost for 45 minutes I finally got to were I was supposed to be. Sister Residori was really nice about it though. Lunch was really good. We went back to the mission home, and I helped her do a story for her English class. It was good if I do say so myself. When I left to go home for the first time I made the subway commute successfully. After that I came home and fell asleep. I didn't feel so hot. Mom says I need more fiber. Haha.

High light of my day! notice the shoes

I loved this and I named him Brutus

The real October 23rd

So here we go. Today as you may have noticed did all of my blogging. I am glad that I got it all caught up. After I finished I went to work, did the whole bus trip by myself. I was proud that I figured out how to do it. Well I might have missed it on the way there, but thankfully someone knew what bus I meant to catch and started motioning, and yelling at me to run to the next corner and catch it. It was funny. I know I looked dumb. I met Hee-Jung and we did a lesson, and then went to the Market so that I could get hangers. The market that we went to was so cool. I loved it. I noticed that it smelled like fish though and then we came up to a massive fish stand. Kinda gross but it solved the smell issue. The market was fun, and Hee-Jung told me that it was a street market. There was stands with all different types of things from clothes-food-make up-purses. I am pretty sure that I am going to have to go there again. After that we went back to the office and did another lesson. When I got off of work I went back to what I thought was a scarf & hat shop. Well it wasn't it was kinda but they just display them. I walked in and there was all of these ladies sitting there staring at me. They were taking a knitting class, and I think I interrupted..yes yes I did. Then they motioned for me to sit and join them I think but I just laughed and said "no just looking", and then walked out shortly there after. It was pretty good. So for dinner I got chicken but it was way spicy and I had a problem eating it because my nose started to run, and my eyes started to water because it was so hot. Oh well at least I have food for tomorrow. I also did my dishes tonight. It was the first time that I used them and after I cleaned them right away, and my apartment is still clean. My parents would be proud!

Trying new things

Yesterday was so much fun! First I talked to my family on Skype and my web cam finally worked very exciting! Hee-Jung was the one who figured it out. It was cool that she was here when I was talking to them because I cyberly introduced her to the family. Anyways we went to the market that is right around that corner from my house and it was fun. The people who work there didn't yell the prices at me. It would have been cool but they didn't. After that we went on the bus and Hee-Jung taught me how to use my transportation card, and use the bus. Then the subway. I thought it was crazy confusing! People where every where and it was funny. in the halls people we selling all kinds of stuff. My favorite was the pirated DVD's. I didn't buy any though. We rode the subway to the Seoul World Trade Center! It was crazy. It sits on top of a mall and the mall was so much fun. I didn't buy anything, but I am so going back soon. We went to Immigration and got my passport extended. After that we were both really hungry and she asked me if I wanted to eat some Korean food. I of course said yeah. I got this dish called Bibimbap. It was soo good. Spicy of course, but really good. I also tried Kim Chee for the first time, and Todd was right...it was so good. I was surprised to be honest. Then we went back on the subway, and Hee-Jung tried to get me to get us back, but I was so wrong in every decision that I made and she finally just started telling me where to go. It was my first class that night. I was so nervous, but I think everything went well. It was odd teaching people things that I just know sub-consciencely, but people really need to know to speak English. After class I wanted to go straight home because I was so tired, and I still had major jet lag. I left the building and went the wrong way, and then went the wrong way again, and then made a wrong turn. I sware all the streets look the same! It was funny though because people who were sitting on restaurant stool's that I passed every time that turned back around started to laugh because they so knew I was lost. I think that next time I might just pull a Hansel & Gretel, and leave a trail of bread so that I can find my way home easier, but the dang birds will eat them. UGH! Don't worry I will figure it out. Here are some pictures of the day.
World Trade Center Seoul

Yep that'd be me in front of WTCS
MMM Bibimbap!

(notice the amzing chopstick skills)

Kim Chee (so good)

First Sunday

So Sunday was my first full day in Seoul. I went to church with Hee-Jung and it was a lot of fun. There was a language barrier, but a lady translated, and then the elders translated later on. Everyone here is so nice. They all tried the hardest that they could to try and make me feel welcome, and they did. Some people here know like greetings, and thats all, but for the most part people try as much as they can or just smile which is still very nice. After the 3 hour block I think that it was someone's birthday, and they had like a lunch type thing after. We had duck cake and grapes. Here before you eat the grapes you have to bite off the top and then suck out the grapes because the skins are so rough, and very sour. They didn't taste like American grapes at all but they were good, and it was fun to eat them like that. Duck cake is a sweet here and it is like a rice type thing with all different kinds of beans in it. I was so different but I tried it. I met Brother and Sister Residori who are from the states and they were so nice to me! I also met the mission president and his family. They have a daughter who is around my age and she speaks english too so it was nice to be around people who speak english, and are from were I am from. All of them were extremely nice, and made me feel good about things here. After the 3 hour block we went right into a baptism, and it was nice. People here are very supportive of eachother. It was about 3 now and I was doing fine. People kept telling me that jet lag was going to hit me at 3 because that is the time that is hits most people. It didn't hit me until 4:30, and boy did it hit hard. I stayed for a english Book of Mormon class taught by the elders. It really wasn't boring but I couldn't for the life of me keep my eyes open. I felt bad. After that the Residori's invited Hee-Jung and I over for dinner. I was glad that it was American food and something that I recognized. It was a fun night. We talked for a while, and then finally Sister Residori thought that I should get home because my eyes were starting to droop. Haha. It was a really good day, but I was so excited to finally hit the sack. Here are some pictures of the building here in Seoul, and duck cake. Its kind of different there is like 4 floors and a parking garage beneath it.

The building from the street.

The front of the church
Me in front of the church
Duck Cake!

My Apartment

As some of you know my apartment is way small, but I love it! So I put some up so that you guys could see where I live, and my view. It's overcast today, but my view is normally awesome.

without a kitchen...

with a kitchen
my walk way

my frig
my shoe closet right next to my door. (You have to take them off before you enter the apartment)
Bathroom pics
my apartment from the hallway

the office space
my small shower
my toilet
my bathroom sink

Veiw from my apartment

View from the right side
View from the left side
I am telling you CRAZY drivers!

The Start of my Korean Adventure

(I am totally pretending that this is the nineteeth of October)

So this morning we all had an extremely morning to get ready to go to LA. Suprising enough it really wasn't that stressful. All of us including Grandma and Grandpa Cola drove down. Even Aaron who gave up his perfect attendance to go. He has just decided to get it in the third grade. We arrived at LAX with like 2 minutes to spare before I had to check in. Basically we ran to check in. We then checked in at the Korean airline counter where the guy who helped my was extremely helpful. He also told me that the plane that I was getting on was the biggest passanger plane in the world. Well it being my first time flying hearing that I was on the biggest plane did not make me feel better. All I thought was great makes for a bigger boom. After we checked in we all went and got something to eat, and then ate our semi last lunch together in a while (tear tear). After lunch we took a ton of pictures right before I had to load the plane. It was sooo weird saying bye to my family. It almost seemed like a big emotional joke, but it wasn't. Finally we said out bye's and later's, and I walked throught the gate. I have never seen such high security or smelled so much feet. I think that I am going to have to make a complaint to Home Land Security about people taking their shoes off. I have been thinking, and I think that it is a health hazard for that many people to take off their shoes all at once! Finally the boarding thing. I am pretty sure that everyong at the Korean Air gate knew that I was completely lost because I tried to load the first class door. Once they told me where to go I drop anything that I had in my hands everywhere. Finally one of the men at the gate just told me to go through the first class gate. Score, but kinda pathetic. The plane ride was extremely long! I enjoyed most of it though. I could have done without some of the people, but whatever you win some you loose some. I got to Incheon Korea around 5:30 pm on October 20. Thats around 1:30 am in California. I got off and did all my stuff quit nicely if you ask me. Well I did drop all of my stuff again, but this time I just laughed, and didn't look so pathetic. We I got through customs, and met Hee-Jung the coordinator in Seoul. She is SO nice. After we left the airport we came back to my apartment. She told me that it was small and boy is it. I really do like it though. It's very homey. After dropping off my stuff we went to the office where I will be teaching. The real reason I went there though was because Mom wanted me to call her asap. I was suprised when she answered so early in the morning there. It was good to talk to her and Dad after such a long day. After that we tried to find a place to eat, but most of the restraunts were closed so we went to the super market. It was so different than in America. All of the produce is weighed by someone who works there, and they are like yelling the prices at you the whole time. It was hillarious. We also ate at the market some kind of soup. Here they usually only eat with chopsticks and spoons. It was so hard eating with chopsticks and some older lady laughed at me and tried to help me but I still didn't get it. Hee-Jung thought that it was funny to. I was way frustated though, and finally I started to slurp. I told Hee-Jung that I would be amazing at using chop sticks by the time I left though, and I will! So that was my first day in Korea. Some pictures to document.

So ready to go!

I am in Korea!
All of my luggage!

Grandma, Grandpa, & Me

Me & my siblings

Mom and Dad

Just the Family

Pulling into LAX

Korean Air counter
Checking in
Look at the planes
Its tradition!