Last day off, and last day of work!

Well I had no work on Wednesday like normal so I filled it with tons of good times. I met Diane in a part of Itaweon to go to the Korea War Museum. First I got lost down in the subway station. We were at completely opposite parts of the station. It was ridiculous. We found each other though and thats what counts. I really was excited to go to the museum because my Grandpa Villanueva served in the Korean War. The museum was amazing! I have never been one for museums, but this was just so good. We walked around the grounds for a while, and looked at some of the sculptures, statues, and artifacts that were outside before going into the museum. There was this great sculpture called "Two Brothers" and it represented two brothers. One on the North Korean side, and the other on the South Korean side. It depicts them meeting on the battle field. Embracing each other, and expressing their love for one another, and apologizing for the circumstance of meeting. I really can't find the right words to describe it. It really was a breath taking piece, and I got chills. Everything set aside in all seriousness the museum was just amazing. There was a lot of mention of a divided nation, and a possible unification. The sculpture really did touch me. It was a good reminder of the freedom that I have as a US citizen that sometimes I think I forget. We also were able to go, and look at the air crafts from the war. I have this fear of planes. They just give me anxiety, and I get really nervous so being so close to the planes was freaking me out, but I was really interested because it was so surreal to look and walk through some of the air crafts from that war.
They also had a huge section with missles, and BIG weapons, but I really had no desire to get a hands on look except for this one. It was one of the big guns that they used to shoot things with. I really just feel dumb for typing that, but I am not taking it back. Whoever was shooting had to stand and put their shoulders in the half circle things. If the words Cuba Gooding Jr. in Pearl Harbor mean nothing to you right now then you should go watch Pearl Harbor to get the reference. It's worth it. I thought this would make you proud Kels. After that magic I thought it would be important to at least get a picture with the other stuff so we took this picture. Next we went into the actual museum. Outside they had walls, and walls of soldiers who died in the war from Korea, and all of the countries that helped during the war. It was so amazing. The museum was nice. Some artifact dated back to the Silla period. I don't remember when it was exactly but it was a long time ago. There was lots of amazing artifacts, and some boring, but mostly amazing. One of my favorites was the random Viking looking boat in the middle of the building. Diane had to go to work so she left, and I stayed, and walked around for a while, but not to long. I then went to Itaweon to grab some stuff. My friends from the English ward here called me, and we met up to go and see a movie. We saw August Rush, and it was great. I really did like it. So what the music genius aspect is "impossible"(mom). It was just a feel good movie, and I like to feel good so I think it just really spoke to me. After that me Pania, and Fono went back to Pania's. We talked for a while and then watch another movie. By the time that movie was over it was pst midnight, and I was on the opposite side of the river that I live on. Taxi's are way expensive to travel that far, and buses, and subways stop running at 11:30 on weeknights so Pania invited me to just stay the night which I did. I really did intend to update yesterday, but I wasn't home. Before we went to bed Pania decided that we need to take some pictures because we didn't have enough together. So that we did. It was just a good time. I think that we really came out on top with the pictures. We didn't even have the scarfs in the beginning, but they really did just make the pictures.
That was just a glimpse into the shoot. After that we went to bed.
Today I got up and left Pania's early because she had to be at work, and I had a lunch date. So I took the bus all the way back over here. I was impressed that I took a bus that I had never been on before and didn't get lost. It was my last lunch date with Sister Burton, Brynne, and Sister Residori. It was great of course. After lunch I had to go to my last day of work, but not before taking these. I just like how happy everyone looked in both pictures.
Work was good. I tried to capture as many pictures with people from the office that I would like to remember. Like the Manager of the office. It was my last class with Stacy. We got everything done, and had a good time. She pulled her peace signs down right before the flash and she thought she was so funny.
For the party with her we went to dinner at my fav restaurant and I made sure to take pictures with the owners. We are going to miss each other for sure. After dinner we all went to the church for English class. Where we played games. I got really into one. Lets just say that its hard for me to let an 8 year old win. I really need to see someone about my competitive spirit. After class I said good bye to two of my students. I really almost lost it. I don't know how I am going to do tomorrow because today almost killed me. The women were so nice, and even gave me gifts. I haven't opened one because it is a note, and crying is something that I do on the plane when I can't turn back. Then I went up to the Burton's and had a grand time. Brynne, and I watch a slide show that she made for me and it made me so happy. I really do like slide shows, and then looked at some pictures. A little while later then gave me a ride home. That is going to have to be another location that I just walk out of before I loose it. I hate all of these emotions of mine. Well tomorrow is it. It should be a good day. I have a lot to do, but I hope it's fun. My goal is to just get everything done, have fun, and not loose it. Haha. Well have a great day!
This is Ashlynn (AKA VaVa) playing O Holy Night. Every Christmas, she plays it and it is one of my favorite tradtions, and this season I was not able to be there to hear her play so I asked her to record it for me. Years later I got it. Just kidding Ash! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
The following is a note from Ashlynn:
When ever I would record this I would get very nervous and start to mess up but this is the best one I could find and also I apoligize for the light and sound. I Let my crew off for the Holidays!

The beginning of the end......

So I started this blog on Sunday night. Even though it's two days late I am still using the same title. I really do love that it sounds so morbid.
The Weekend
Well people I have just had my possible last weekend in Seoul. Oh how it has been a joyous one too. It was so relaxed, and that's why I liked it.
I spent Saturday with the Burton's in Dongdaemun. Which overall I was just so pleased with. The highlight of my day would really have had to been the never ending show of Korean dance groups. So entertaining. The flee Market would have to be second. Really just no words to describe it. By far my best purchase of the day, or even the whole time here in Korea was a pair of white framed glasses that I bought. Only in Korea could I find them, be proud of them, and purchase them. After Dongdaemun we went back to the Burton pad, and had some Waffles. I really love waffles, and after two months of no waffles I was really just so happy with them. Then the Residori's came over to watch Ratouille. I so don't think I spelled it right, but thats okay. It wasn't as great as I remebered it being, but it is still a cute movie. After the movie I came home. I was to so tired. I think that I even started to get a lazy eye. Weird I know, but when I am really tired I have one. I got into the elevator on the way up to my apartment, and I tossed my stuff against the elevator wall to dig through my purse really fast. Well the place that I ended up putting my purse ended up being where the emergency button was. I set off the alarm!!!! I just about died of a heart attack. The next thing I knew there was some mans voice was in the elevator with me semi yelling frantically. I think he was asking me if I was okay, and I just kept saying "I am okay I am okay", then he would say something like "adkikd kifhed", and we repeated that back and forth a few times. It doesn't help when you don't speak the same language. I just left the elevator saying "good night! I am okay! Sorry!" You know they hate me. Good thing it wasn't a real emergency though because we wouldn't have understood each other, and I might still be in the elevator. I came right in and just crashed. It was just too much excitment for my heart.
I just liked the scenery.......
We liked what the store had written on it. Good call with the pic Brynne.

Sunday was just fun. I woke up late, but made it to church okay. I went to the Songpa Ward because as lame as it made sounds thats where it started to me. I was a good day! First Young Womens was fun. Sister Residori and I didn't have a translator so Stacy translated for us, and her interpretation was just so good. After Young Women's the girls took a picture with me and it just made me so happy. They told me that they were going to miss me even though most of them don't talk to me, but we were connect at heart. Sister's in Zion. There was normally more of them, but I was glad that they were so glad to take the picture even though it doesn't look like it. Sometimes people here are just so happy to take a picture, but when the camera flashes they don't have a smile on their face. They really were happy though.

After young women's we hit up Gospel Doctrine. I met the new teachers who are coming for the next semester. Wow. Then we went to Sacrament meeting. I was sooo glad that they sang Christmas songs. Hark the Herald Angles Sing was one of the songs. I can never get through that song anymore because of my Dad, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. If you haven't heard the Charlie Brown version of that song you should go listen to it because that is the only version that I know, and I can necer get through the song without laughing. I would have made my Dad so proud. After church we had something to drink for one of the boys in the ward that left this week to serve a mission in Japan. The one whoes house we went to to have dinner last week. After that there was some kind of choir practice. Then had some food which was spicier than normal. That is when this great picture was captured. Me Annie, and the Bishops daughters. We really have all bonded.

Heejung had to take the two guys to the Express bus so that they could go to where they are going to be staying, and teaching for the next few months. So we took this. Heejung is a big fan of this one.
Then we went back to choir practice. I was participating until I realized that I won't be here when they preform. They realized that I was leaving this week too. We talked a little about me possibly coming back next year, they told me that they were going to miss me, and someone said that they would look forward to me coming back, and that they would wait for me. The first thought that comes into my mind with that phrase if funny, but it was sweet the way the meant it. I got really emotional and told them to just start singing. This was seriously the first time that I realized how much I have come to love the people here, and how much I am going to miss Korea. I thought that I was going to be okay. Now I know that I am going to be sadder than I thought.

After a few rounds of singing hymns in Korean Brynne, and I ditched out, and went upstairs. I spent the rest of my day there. I even took a nap which I thought was odd because I was just napping at the Burton's but some how I feel closer. It takes a certain bond for me to nap at someone's house. Then we had our last Sunday dinner together. I am just thinking of ways to make this sadder. After dinner Brynne, and I took a picture that made me look super short. Really I am much taller than I look. I just always have my knee's bent. Then we sang some Carol's, and played Christmas Duet's. I think that I semi have it down, and that was a goal remember? I feel good about it. Then they gave me a ride home. Once I was home I started updating my blog, and then got all crazy about packing. I stopped both, and crashed.
This is me being sad that my weekend was over.

Monday was great! It started with actually talking to my family. They called from family dinner, and it still makes me laugh when all of the litte cousins gather around. After we hung up I went to work. Work was fun. I had a lot to do. I got it all finished, but it seems like this week I just keep forgetting things so I spent a lot of time making lists. For dinner we went to the chinese restaurant where they served me the super hot soup and I took a picture with the staff. They remebered me, and it was just one big happy reunion. It was my last day for the adult class. It was also the big debut of the glasses. They loved them, and just made me feel good about my purchase. I was sad when I found out that it was the last class with them, but better to spring it on me than to let me think about it. They decided to throw me a going away party after class at a Noriban which mean Karaoke place. We went to karaoke! I seriously can't sing to save my life! Karaoke was so much fun though. The women who I thought were all shy, and timid were just belting it out! My song selection was just priceless.
1. Ain't No Mountain High enough by Diana Ross. I was so nervous for some reason, and it was a different version than I thought it was going to be, and I bombed! I made up for it though with the next one.
2. 1, 2 step by Ciara. It really was a crowd pleaser when I started the rap. I was just so happy. Emma, and Ashlynn would have been sooo proud.
3. Surfin USA by the Beach Boys. This one was so that Gi Yun, and I could sing together. Watching all of those Full House re-runs sure payed off with that one.
I decided to just sit back and watch for a while. Then they realized that it was two hours later, and that we needed to start heading home before 11! Well before we ended they told me I had to sing the last song. I almost died so I picked one that everyone knew so that it could be a group activty. We sang ABBA Dancing Queen. It was so much fun, and then we sang another ABBA song because one ABBA song just isn't enough. This was the last time that I was going to see Choi Yun. She was so nice, and kept telling me thank you for everything, and that she was going to miss me. I was so sad! She gave me a hug which I don't think is really a Korean thing. I just said thank you so much, I would miss her too, and then just walked away because I was going to loose it if I didn't walk away fast enough. Well once I got home I started to update again, but then I got packing crazy again! I went to bed shortly after that I am starting to think that packing stressing me out, and that makes me tired.
It really was just a party.
I don't think this needs words.

Today was Tuesday, and was low key. I had the hardest time getting up this morning. I had the worst night of sleep, and it always works out that when you finally get the sleep thing down you have to get up. I talked to my family a little before they went out for Adam's dinner. Happy Birthday Adam! Once I was at work I did just that work, and made some more list, and wrote a letter. I had to record some of the last lesson's. Heejung and I went to dinner at my favorite place. I have voted this place for the rest of the week because I just love the people there. The lady who gave me the Sue Jay Be was there, and we took a picture because I just feel like it had to be done.
We bonded over soup, and now look at us. Best Friends.

After dinner I went to return my DVD, and was sporting the Glasses. Then we went to the 980 won store. I just love that there is an equivalent to the 99 cent store. Then we went back to the lesson. We had a lesson with Stacy, and it was so much fun. She had to do interview questions and her answer were priceless. After work I went to the stationary store, and grabbed a few things then came home. I finally finished the packing issue I think. I am pretty sure that I am going to make the luggage weight. I am so glad too. So happy that stress is over. I don't know how I am coming home with less than I came with but I think I have pulled it off. So now that this is done, and the packing problems I can finally sleep! Yeah! Tomorrow no work! It should be fun.
So much fun at the 980 won store. Bam look at those glasses!

Alright good night!

It's snow for real this time.....

I am pretty sure the last it snowed, and I got excited was just a false alarm because tonight has been so much better. You better believe I grabbed my camera, and ran outside at 11 PM in my pajamas, and moccassin's(old one's Stef's your just mean to much to me). I am so pleased with Korea currently. I hope that you are too. I threw in one other picture from my day in, but I am just so excited about the snow.

Well this one is important to me because I feel so good about my height in this one. I am the average!
Well you see what happened was I thinking I just love Korea so it just made sense to write ♥ Korea on some random car.

Now it's I ♥ Korea

So much snow! I am so glad!

Well that is all for today. I will actually post about the happs of today tomorrow, but the snow took away from that time. Have a great day!

Finally all caught up!

Well sorry that I didn't update yesterday. It was just that Wednesday was just such a good day I had to give myself time to recoup.
Tuesday was just a marvelous day. I decided to pretty much finish most of my shopping. I went to the coex because there was one thing there that I knew I wanted. It ended up being just the best experience ever! I took the bus even though I wasn't sure that it was the right one, and it was! There was hardly anyone there because it was the afternoon, and everyone was at work. The lady at the shop was so nice, and helped me without be creepishly close to me like some people here do when I go into stores. I felt like the whole trip was just so great. I even had enough time to stop, and get lunch, and stop by my apartment to drop stuff off, and be at work early. I am just so good sometimes it's scary! Well work was great. I really didn't have much to do except for record & correct lesson's. In my down time I beat the expert level of minesweeper. Really I just left the screen up for a while so that I could admire my work. It had been months since I have won that game. I had to take some time to take it all in. For dinner Heejung, and I went to our favorite restaurant. We decided on Sue Jay Be because I was such a big fan when the lady gave it to me. The lady was there again tonight, and was so excited that I was going to eat what she had suggested. Well we got it, and it was just broth like so I said "oh I thought it was hot" which translated to Heejung as tell the lady behind cooking that we needed it hotter. She did that. I was so hot I seriously couldn't talk. Heejung started laughing because my face was red, and I was trying to pretend that it wasn't hot even though my eyes were starting to get tears in them. It made her so happy for some reason. Everything was better when the man who ran the restaurant told Heejung that I had impressive chopstick skills. I was so over come with emotion. I wanted to say "WEEEEE" like Lisel does in the Sound of Music after Ralph kisses her, and then runs away. I didn't though. If you don't get the Sound of Music reference you should be ashamed. Stacy called, and cancelled our class so I didn't have to go back to the office. I decided to go to Jamsil, and grab the gifts for my little cousins. For some reason Jamsil is always a different experience for me, but it just seems to get better, and better every time. I got the gifts, and found the greatest hat I think. On Wednesday I found out that Brynne bought the same one. I really didn't plan it that way it just happened. I think it's fate really. Anyways I knew I should get the heck out of there because I was just going to end up spending more money so I did just that, and headed home. There was so many great Christmas lights outside. I would have got pictures, but I didn't want to miss my bus. Sorry to disappoint. Don't worry I still have one more week to get some great Korean Christmas light display pictures. Once I was home I updated for Monday, and Tuesday, and then watched the Hills. I love that show. Korea has made addicted. I feel so close to Lauren Conrad it's almost like we are distant cousins or something. Well the best part of my Jamsil trip had to have been the discovery of this fountain. Outside you may ask. NO! It was inside, and I just thought it was so great. After the horrible post office experience this week I knew that Korea didn't hate me after seeing this.

Wednesday was my day off, and it was a good one. It started out a little rocky, but ended on a high note. First off I had the hardest time waking up, but leave it to the Sumo wrestler up stairs to come through, and wake me up. So once I was up I waited for the post man who was supposed to bring my medication for my ears. Mom has me all freaked out that I might now be able to fly home if my ear doesn't get better because my ear drum might pop. It made me so nervous! He didn't show up between the hours he said he would be here so I left. Well I went to go to the church, and have lunch with Sister Residori, and the bus took forever, and a day to come! I could have knitted a sweater for a small person by the time it got there. An hour after the package was supposed to arrive Heejung called me, and told me that it was on it's way. To bad I wasn't home though. So once I got to the church Sister Residori, Brynne, and I left for lunch. I didn't know Brynne was going so that was a treat. Lunch was great. Three English speakers trying to order in a Korean restaurant. Boy am I glad that pointing always works. So we didn't get what we really wanted, but we got half of it, and the effort was grand. After lunch we went back to the church for a bit, and then Brynne, and I headed to the 63 Building(it is a building with 63 floors, and it is just marvelous). I was so glad that Brynne decided this was something I needed to see. It was a grand time. The first great thing to see was this school of kids all walking together holding hands in matching bright orange outfits. I was so happy about their color choices. There was great hallway where the walls changed colors. It is what I image an acid trip to be like. Haha I can't believe I said that. Anyways after that we went up to the observatory deck. It's 60 floors up, and you ride up in a glass elevator! I didn't think this at the time, but I felt a little Willy Wonka like. I know I was feeling it. I wasn't a huge fan of how high up we were, but that's okay I still live to tell that tale. At one point we walked on the thrill deck which I wasn't sure what it was until I had one foot on it. Basically it's a glass floor that you can look down and see all the way to the bottom. Really I could have died. I don't know how anyone even got me to think about walking on it. Bug on a windshield for sure. When we came back down I noticed this great little area on the bottom floor that was all decorated Christmas style. It was just magical. I felt like I was in a winter wonder land....kind of. The best part of the trip had to be me just about dying in the cafe down stairs because Brynne made me laugh, and I was chocking on my smoothie. How do you choke on a smoothie? I don't know, but I know it's possble. Thanks for the great laugh though Brynne. After the 63 building we headed back to the church. I had dinner with the Burton's. Third time this week! I feel like we are on a roll. It's just lovely. Then we went down for English class. It wa great. My favorite part was at the end of the night when the class learned The Twelve Days of Christmas, and one of the little boys who actually speaks English pretty well was the Partridge in a Pear Tree. He sang that part all by himself with his great Little accent. It was just so good. After English class I came home. Overall just a great day. I don't think anyone could disagree.
the school of kids. so great!

Just some Christmas joy down in the 63 Building. I wasn't sure which camera to look at, but I like the picture anyway.

Just for Callie I thought it would make you proud. The dog isn't looking at the Camera, but he is wearing a sweater. He looked like Tramp(from Lady, and the Tramp). He was just the cutest thing ever!

So today was Thursday. It really was one of the most stressful days the whole time I have been here. I finally got my package sent home, but it only took me 1 hour at the post office to send it off. No one spoke a word of English, and I was just having the hardest time. Finally after calling Heejung and letting her talk to the man at the post office we finally got everything sorted out. Then I said I needed my medicine, and I showed him the message that was left on my door. He motioned for me to follow him. I ended up following him into the elevator. Down a hall, and into the post delivery room where about 40 delivery men where. I looked so out of place, and I felt so awkward. It took about five minutes for them to finally find my package, but they came through. Right after I jetted off to work. It was good today. I didn't have much to do, and I am never toren up about that. For dinner we went, and got duckgalbi. I made the comment about how I loved the aprons that the workers were wearing, and I wondered if I could buy one. Heejung ended up asking them! I was so embarassed, and I looked so dumb. I just walked out with my head down, but not before getting a picture with Heejung, and I in our orange aprons for one last time. Class was great with Stacy tonight. We always have a good time. I was glad to come home though, but I was so not glad to go outside because it was freezing! I think it's going to snow. I have started the packing process, and I am horrible at it! My apartment is a disaster! Oh well. I have had a great 3 days, and I will worry about that tomorrow. Such a procrastinator I know. It's a family trait. Haha. Well I hope you all liked this post because I sure enjoyed reliving/reminissing/sharing some of the great moments from the past few days with you.

I will try to post something every night from now until the time I leave. This is my goal. = ]

2/2

So this is the second half of me updating you. I will update every day from now until I leave Korea after this. Promise! Ok well maybe......
Sunday.........
I semi talked to Aaron on Skype. Once again not so much a talk as much as a chat. Mom, and Ash were gone and Dad was working on his final so Aaron called Mom on the phone, and that's how we talked to the day. They finally finished the book! Yeah. Happy Alexis. I went to the Songpa ward again which is always a blast. I couldn't focus on anything, but that's okay. I have been rather disappointed by the fact that we have yet to sing a Christmas song yet. So after sacrament was over I took matters into my own hands, and got two of the little girls in primary to come sing for me if I played. They were so excited to sing Christmas songs. Well our little group went from two little girls to a rather large group! The chapel walls were certainly shaking. It was lovely. Much love to the little girls though. They were the trend setters!
After church Heejung planned to teach Sister Residori, and I to cook Korean food. Before we could leave though she had a meeting so after the Sing-a-long I just took a seat and occupied myself. Well the spot where I was sitting ended up being where the choir was going to meet. They just filled in around me, and that's how I became apart of the choir. I won't be here when they preform, I can't sing, and I don't know the words in Korean, but it was just great fun. Finally we went back to the Residori's to start cooking. Sis Yun, Gi Yun, and Heejung where our teachers. They did a great job, and so did Sister Residori, and I if I do say so myself. We made Vegetable Pancakes(I made the one on top all by myself!),

and egg roll(tastes much better than it looks),
and Chop Cha(I was the mixer =]).
The egg roll was the hardest I had no part in that beside whisking the eggs, but I think that I just might be able to do the others again. I learned a great deal I think, and was so excited with the finish product! I feel like I was a huge part of the successful out come of the dishes even though I really don't think I was. After dinner we talked for a while, and then we went to do the dishes, and then realized we had tons of food left over. We decided to give some to the Burton's since they had to go to another meeting, and couldn't be apart of the Korean cooking experience. So we all left the Residori's together. It's a good thing too because they brought the trash down with them, and couldn't figure out where to put it, and all three of them just stood there looking around confused by life. After silently laughing I helped them out. Well after I laughed at them I gave them a reason to laugh. My heel got caught in the crack, I couldn't move, and they all just thought it was the great thing since sliced bread. Well once I took the food up to the Burton's I just ended up staying. I just don't think my Sunday's are complete now without some Burton time. Before going home we went on a "Christmas walk" which was pure magic because which Christmas walk isn't? After that I came home. I noticed that my apartment had an odd scent combination of milk, and something burning. Apparently the milk odor hasn't left my apartment yet, and I left the Iron on again. This would be the second time this has happend. Am I trying to burn down the building subconsciously, and not succeeding? Oh well better luck next time 3rd times a charm.

Monday........
I planned to send off some post cards, and packages, but that would have just been to easy. I walked to the post office. I didn't have any cash on me because I thought that the 3 machine in the corner were ATM machines. They weren't they just looked exactly like one. I payed for the post cards, and then said I would be right back to pay for the boxes. I walked to the bank just a little up the road, and the machine's there didn't take visa. The lady who worked at the courtesy desk spoke English, and told me that I could go to the other branch by Daecheong station, and my card would work there. I was starting to stress because I had to be at work soon. The bank that she was talking about was back past my apartment building. I was so not pleased. So I ran back to where she told me go. I walked to the other bank at a high pace. When I got there the receptionist didn't speak a lick of English, and when I showed her my card she seemed a little confused, and then got my question, but wasn't sure so she ran it to the manager who 5 mins later came out, and told me that my card didn't work there either. It didn't work at the bank across the street either. I was getting real irritated, and it doesn't help that I push door's instead of pull. Dang California! I can count on two hands the number of times that I ran into the door, and just about screamed. Finally I went down into the subway, and tried the machine down there. It worked! I was excited, but slightly irritated. I had to catch a cab to the Post office even though it was close I was running out of time. Then I got the boxes caught a cab back to my apartment, grabbed my stuff, and then caught another cab to work. I wasn't too late, and Heejung just thought that the whole ordeal was hilarious so. Before I could actually do any work Heejung made sure that I wrote down the recipe's indetail so that I wouldn't forget them. In church yesterday one of the Sister Yun(different) invited the 4 office elders, Burton's, Residori's, and investigator, and I to have dinner at her house for her son who is going on a mission to Japan, and is leaving next week. I didn't think that I was going to be able to go because I had work. Well when I told Heejugn she basically told me to leave, and go because it would be a great chance for me to see the inside of a Korean home, and an olympic apartment. So I went. Took another cab, and met up with everyone. Sister Yun had prepared a ton of food, and thought it was mine, and Brynne's first time in a Korean traditional apartment, and even told us to go look in whatever room we wanted to. She was soo happy about sharing this with us. I didn't look in any rooms, but it's the thought. Dinner was great, and fun. I went back to work right after, and had class. I don't know why but after my outing I just couldn't focus any longer, and I kept doing everything wrong, and it became a joke the rest of the night. On my way home it started raining which just made me so happy, and even happier that it didn't start pouring until I was inside.

Well I have decided to save the great adventures from today for tomorrow. I am just beat. I promise it will be good. Today was great day, and I didn't run into any dooors.........okay just a few but dramatically less.

1/2 post...

Well I was going to post Thursday through Monday, but I am just lazy! Sorry. I thought that 5 days might be to long to so I decided to stop. Just know that my sunday was great! Updating tommorow for sure. So here is Thursday-Saturday

Thursday........
was loads of good times. First off I spoke to Aaron on skype. I just love that kid! He really does just have the best things to say, but since he discovered emotions on Skype chat he would rather say them that way, and with smiley faces emotions. Haha. Well after my brief chat with Aaron I was off to work. I had to take a taxi because even though my talk with Aaron was brief it was long because he types like 1.8 words per minute, and then adds an emotion. I am getting good at the awkward rides, and giving directions without using words just grunting, motioning, and nodding. Work was just great! Called home from work, and got to talk to Emma(I think I talked to her more than my family, but that's okay. I love that she was at my house), and then I had a quick little chat with Mom, and a great one with Gram's right before going to work. I had a lot of things to do, but I got them all done on time, and I felt good about it. I had time to play Minesweeper which I have become addicted to/a master of. Heejung, and I had a great talk about many different things, but it was real good. For dinner For dinner we went to the restaurant just down the street from the office(the place with the massive mondu!). We go to this restaurant a lot but I love it, and the staff loves me(not to gloat). Almost every time that we go in there; there is a lady who comes in too, and we are slowly becoming best friends. Well I learned how to count to 10 in Korean which soon became a restaurant project. It was fun, and everyone was so excited once I finally got to ten on my own. I also learned some other handy phrases, but they didn't stick with me as much as the numbers. Well once our dinner got there I was just so excited. It was like I was being rewarded for my counting accomplishment. Plus I have finally reached the point where I can choose, and order my own food(well at least in this restaurant). Well the lady who is always in there when we are was sitting at the next table right next to me(there isn't a lot of space in between tables at some Korean restaurant's). Well when she got her food I looked over, and asked Heejung what it was. Well the lady caught on and motioned toward her plate. I had no idea what she wanted. Next thing I knew heejng was handing the lady Heejung's small bowl. Then Heejung said that she wanted to know if I wanted to try it. Before I could even accept or reject she handed the bowl back full of soup. I guess the decision was made for me. The soup's name was Sue Jay Be. It was marvelous. Way spicy, but tasty. There was a shell fish it is, and I was scared to be honest, but the lady was watching me, and I ate it, and I was surprised at the not grossness of it. All around dinner was great. I went and rented the Da Vinci Code. We went back to the office, and had a lesson with Stacy which seems to be going well. After class I went to go, and pick up item's to send to Bryce, and Bobby. Heejung, and Stacy ended up going with me. It was great to have their opinions. All items in the package are Korean approved which just makes me happy. They are either going to think I am lame or just be thrilled by the items. I vote thrilled by the items. Once I was home I watched the movie. I have never understood that movie. For some reason I thought that if I watched it this time it would make sense. I couldn't understand it with Britt, and Emma explaining it to me so why I thought I would get it this time was beyond me. Nothing could ruin the joy of my day though. Not even the all the confusion, and question's swirling around in my head.

Friday.......
Was just not so exciting. I mailed some post cards, and got a chicken on a stick which is always a joy. It didn't burn my mouth this time because I made Heejung go with me to buy it, and tell the guy to not kill me. I didn't have much to work on because I finished everything the day before. For dinner Heejung took me to some restaurant that seemed to be forever away. I forgot the name of the name of what we ate. I was told that I had to have it because I would regret not having this Korean experience if I didn't try it. Basically it was thick bacon fried in front of us that we wrapped in a lettuce leaf with sauce, and rice. Surprisingly it really was quite enjoyable. Class went great! One of the ladies in my class is a comedian I swear, and I love to hear her answer's. After work I headed to Olive Young to buy some conditioner. I was there for 30 minutes trying to find it, and what I thought was it ended up being just a treatment. Finally someone helped me, and I could semi-stop looking dumb. On my way home I saw this little girl that I have seen once before. She remembered me, and was so happy that I was there. She kept trying to make me chase her, but I could see my breath, and I wanted to go home. Plus I didn't want people to think that I was trying to kidnap her, and get tackled to the ground, taken away in a police car, and spend the night in jail. I have a book that tell's me phrases in Korean when dealing with the police that would have come in handy. On my walk home from the bus stop a fatty cat ran out form under a car, and I just about died! It scared me half to death. It really was a good thing that I used the ladies room before leaving the office. I went straight to bed because I was just tired. Well once I layed down I notice my heater was off, my laptop charger light wasn't on, and my cell phone light wasn't on even though everything was plugged in. My power went out! My apartment was pitch black! My lights wouldn't turn on, and it was just awful. See for most this wouldn't be a big deal, but for me it was. My apartment was pitch black! I don't like not knowing what is in front of me. I live in an electronic building. I have to push a button to open my door. I have to ype in a number to get in. Even my phone to call for emergency services, or the front desk was gone! I was stressed out about it so I just went to bed. Before I fell asleep the power came back. I was relieved to know that I wasn't going to have to Bear Grill it in my apartment in the morning.

Saturday........
Was also a day of fun. I am not even using my subway map anymore. I look at it once, and then I am good. It really make me proud. I went to Seoul Tower with Diane. We rode the cable car up. It was the first cable car ride for the both of us. It was exciting, but a little nerve racking for me. Every thought it was great, but it made me nervouse because if for some reason the cable broke or something happened we would be toast. Bugs on the wind shield pretty much. Once we got off the cable car we had to hike up to the base of the tower. It was so cold! There was snow every where because of the altitude change, but it was so pretty. Every once in a while there would be a great wind that would come up, and I would just freeze. Diane got her picture drawen by one of those artist who are great at doing it fast, and making it look like your self. I had no desire to do it though. Meanwhile I chased a dog around because I was trying to get a picture of him for Callie, but without creeping our the owner, and the dog wouldn't stay still. It's the thought that counts though. The tower was fun. We didn't go up to the observatory deck. There was just fun stuff to do on the base, and our view was great, and not worth five dollars to go up even higher. There was a great Indian show which kind of confused me, but I was cold once again, and slightly non verbal because the cold had effected my speech so I didn't ask anyone why there was a Indian show in Korea. After we had enough of the the tower we hiked down. All the way down. It wasn't to bad just a lot of stairs that were all different sizes and distances apart. I knew I would be regretting it the next day. After we went and grabbed something to eat. Then we went to do some shopping and didn't buy a thing, but did lots of more walking! later we called Pania a girl from the english ward and decided to meet up with her for dinner. We went to the subway stop we thought was where we were supposed to meet her, but Diane got us lost! After talking to Pania I knew exactly where we were, and where we were supposed to go. I felt great about this because I went the whole day without using the subway map again, and I got us unlost. I finally feel like I know what I am doing here in Korea. After chilling at Pania's for a while we went to dinner at Outback Steak House(we all decided western food would be good. We had all had our fill of Korean for the day). It was my first Outback experience, and it was a good one. Food was great, and I loved our waitress she was a sweet heart! We were there for two hours just talking, and having a great time. After dinner we split up with Pania, and headed home. Diane lives on the same side of the river as me so it's great because she rode almost the 3/4 of the way home with me. Before we got on the subway we found this little hut shop, and I was surprised it was still open at 10 at night. I bought 3 great scarfs, and 3 pairs of semi-tacky earings for less than 15 dollars. Yep you better believe it. Great deals here in Korea! No odd twitches, and throwing my purse across the subway tonight though so that was good. I went to the store across the street to get a 1L of water before sunday. The man in there is always so nice to me but always tries to speak Korean to me even though he know's I don't understand a word! One day my friend one day. Then I went home, and crashed. My short body was so tired.
Here are the pictures that follow...
A)Dog just for Callie
B)Indians?
C)Peacing it on the top
D)Feeling real short
E)My thought process was "want some"
F)Diane, Me, and Pania at Outback

A)
B)

C)
D)
E) F)

Almost food(milk) poisoning! Just for Ashlynn.

So I was in the midst of my normal routine. I was at one of my favorite parts in my morning. The part where I eat a bowl of cereal, and jam to some great songs. Well this morning I poured my bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, grabbed a glass of OJ, and grabbed the milk. Well the milk has gone sour! I almost ate that! A couple weeks ago I was concerned about whether or not my last thing of milk was still good, and Ash said that it will smell sour if its bad. Well I don't know what milk is supposed to smell like I don't like milk! I only like it with cereal. Well I opened the milk carton, and it smelled disgusting, and it had a chunk in it. I don't know a lot about dairy products outside from the facts that a)they are supposed to be refrigerated, and b)they aren't supposed to be chunky. I am sad because I now have to go the whole day, and possibly the whole weekend without my bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios! Thanks to Ash though for the great advice a couple weeks back about the milk smelling. What if I would have drank it? I would be in my apartment dying of food poisoning and no would know, and then you wouldn't have these blogs to read. So I dedicate this blog to Ashlynn. Your the greatest! Your getting a big high five when I get home!

Just for you Mom....

So Mom insisted that I post something today. I am not updating on my day even though it was great. I will update tomorrow. Until then here is something to tide you over.

You will park a mile away from the entrance just to have your car parked under a tree.

Instead of people thinking you're "rich" for having leather seats, they think you're stupid.

You laugh when people complain about 95 degree weather.

You're bored one day, and decide to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

You're not worried about the big "California fires" cause by the time it gets any closer, they close the Grapevine.

You've seen the "Stairway to Heaven of lights" while coming back to Bako at night on the Grapevine.

You know to call it "Bako" and why we call it that.

You know what "White, Ming, Rosedale, Calloway, and Panama" mean.

When you go out of town & you see a sign saying "Union Ave" you expect to see a hooker.

Rosedale is a world all its own.

Rosedale ALSO needs to be turned into a sitcom. And if you live in Stockdale? yeahhh
OC aint got NOTHIN on us baby. Okay except an ocean.

You remember the TWO times in the last 25 years that it snowed in Bakersfield, and you remember everything you did that snow day.

Everyone always says they're going to leave, but you know that if you try, you get sucked right back in.

You take the "California Roll" at a stop sign to a whole new level.

You know where all the "haunted houses" are when Halloween comes around

You know what an "08er is", where "the Dale" is, and what a "Dalion" is.

You know Trouts, and were not talking about the fish.

And then people who actually MADE it out of this city sit here & laugh at these because they know they're TRUE

You know the ingredients in a George's Special, or have ever had a "Black and White" for lunch.

You get mad every time you see "Best of Times" when Taft wins at the end. ...or... you get mad every time you see "Best of Times" because who the heck are the Bakersfield Tigers?

You comment on how expensive Mexican food is in any other city in the country and how
terrible it tastes.

You have even offered someone a Dewar's Chew from a bowl on your coffee table.

You know if you're not a Luigi's at exactly 10:30 Saturday morning you're not getting a steak sandwich.

You claim to hate LA but go there at least every other month.

You have even debated the merits of water skiing at Lake Ming versus Buena Vista.

You have to explain to friends from out of town what animal a tri-tip comes from.

You think beans and salsa go with everything.

You think a restaurant is chintzy if it doesn't come with soup, salad, spaghetti, and fries.

You think a red light is just a suggestion.

The best restaurants in town serve pickled tongue!

You think $600 a month for rent is way too high.

You know a swamp cooler is not a happy hour drink.

You know the pool can be warmer than you are.

You realize that Valley Fever isn't a disco dance.

Anywhere that takes longer than a 10 minute drive is way too far.

You think you're better than people from Fresno.

Someone mentions "the fair" and your thoughts turn to Cinnamon Buns, First Christian
Church caramel corn, and Boy Scout potatoes.

You have to "explain" to someone about Beach Park.

You complain about how boring Bakersfield is, but still make fun of people from Delano, Taft and Tehachapi.

Someone from out of town talks about how foggy it is and you tell them, "Just wait."

You swear that just last week there was an orchard where there is now a whole development of houses.

You drive just as fast on a foggy day in December as you do on a sunny day in June.

You no longer associate bridges or rivers with water.

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Bakersfield

Well that was fun. I don't agree with all of these, but for the most I do. Either way I thought they were enjoyable. Some mas great picture from my rewarding dress up party yesterday. (okay two pictures)

Seeing some sights & awkward moments

First of all Stefanie update your blog! I need updates!
Tuesday was tons of fun, and just full of awkward moments, but I will only share a few. First I talked to Dad on skype which wasn't awkward. I had to go because I was going to meet Diane in Sinchon to go, and watch the ceremonial changing of the guard. Adam, and Dad said that it was just basically a parade, but it wasn't! The whole morning was great, and the ceremony was great. Our tickets also got us into the palace and which was great. It only cost 1,000 won! Entertainment in Korea is so cheap I love it. After our photo shoot in the palace, and the ceremony we headed to Namdaemun because Diane wanted to look around. Good thing I had been there before because we both would have been lost, and late for work if I didn't have such a good sense of direction. Dang I am good. I didn't get anything, but I walked past the purse hut again, and I was so tempted to get another one, but for some reason I felt so weird going back, and trying to haggle another purse. Speaking of my purse it is a big success among the Korean women. They were all so proud of the price that I got it for, and just loved the purse overall. I felt successful. Well after our quick jaunt through Namdaemun we both headed for work. I hadn't eaten anything at this point so I decided to go, and grab a chicken kabob thing. Well I didn't understand what the man was asking me, and he ended up putting fire sauce on my chicken for the marinade. I guess he wanted me to pick out which sauce I wanted when he was pointing at them all and talking to me in Korean. I guess just nodding doesn't always work because that sucker was hot, and seriously brought tears to my eyes. Work was okay. I really am starting to feel my ear getting not better. It hurt yesterday, and I just sat at work hating life, and wanting to gnaw off my ear. How's that for a visual? I taught class early because there was some meeting going on that everyone wanted to go to, but I opted out because I didn't feel good. Before class I went and rented a movie, and grabbed some ramen from a GS mart. I always walk through this electronic store to go back towards the office, and one of the boys there always tries to practice his English and talk to me. I just wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone yesterday though so I just put my head down, and didn't acknowledge him. Well I just looked dumb because when I went to open the double doors I tried to open the wrong one, and I didn't stop when it didn't open so I just ran right into the glass door. Teach me to be rude to the guys in the electronic store. After class I went right home, made some ramen, and watch my movie. It was the Pacifier by the way. Vin Diesel is so dreamy! Well that's enough of me being weird. I was going to update last night, but once again I fell asleep at the computer. No weird L's when I woke up this time just me on the floor once again confused about why I was there. Wednesday was once again loads of fun. I went with Stacy to the Folk Village which ended up being a great trip. We ended up getting free admission to The National Museum of Korea. It was nice. Tons of history of Korea some of which I just didn't care for, but some was pretty neat. When we left the museum there was another changing of the guard I guess they do it two places I am just one lucky duck. We didn't watch it though because we went to buy our tickets to the Folk Village well right next to the ticket booth there was this little stand to dress up like an old palace guard. I of course took this chance to be a nerd, and dress up. Actually getting dressed was the most awkward situation I was in the whole day though. I didn't know how to wrap the dress so the guy who was running the stand started dressing me, and it was just odd, but I didn't know what to do but just stand there, and take a picture with me to capture the moment. Stacy wouldn't dress up because she thought that it was to embarrassing, but I just thought it was great. Well after playing dress up we walked through the Palace which once again didn't plan on doing, but it was fun. Stacy got us lost, and we ended up walking for forever, and up, and down stairs it was hilarious though. Once we got to the Folk Village we had a great time. There was no shows like everyone said there would be, but that was okay. We went to the side where the kids games are, and played with the old Korean toys. I have no idea how kids used to play with so of those things, but it was sure a good time trying to figure it out. Stacy wanted to go to Insadong so we were off. Everyone told us to just catch a cab and that we did. When we flagged down the cab she started laughing because she thought it was just like a movie. I just thought it was great because I was thinking the same thing. Insadong was fun but the colder that it got the more my ear started to hurt. So after some walking around we headed for the yuk. Well we took this weird route that brought us into the barrio of Korea. For some reason both Stacy and I were looking down, and when I looked up we were in front of a butchers truck, and the back was open. Well there was just 6 dead pigs hanging there. I didn't know what to do so I just stared, and then looked away and started saying oh my gosh oh my gosh. Stacy finally looked up, and did the same. For some reason neither one of us thought to move. I finally did when she did, and grabbed my arm. Poor little piggies(well they weren't little). I kept thinking of when we found that little pig, and Mom decided to rescue it, and we had a little black pig as a pet. I don't think we ever decided on her name, but Saturday night dinner wasn't funny. I liked Beans, and she sure did look good with her hot pink collar. Anyways I just couldn't get her little piggy face out of my mind. Well after my traumatizing experience we caught the subway home. I planned on going to English class, but still not feeling so hot. I fell asleep on the subway. I am telling you more, and more Korean everyday! I don't know if this happens to everyone but sometimes when I fall asleep in an awkward position or when I am not supposed to I twitch. Well twitch I did, and I threw my purse clear across that subway no joke. It was just way embarrassing. For the most part the past two days have been great! I am really not enjoying this ear ache though. It doesn't seem to be getting better, and it is just starting to hurt! I don't want to go to the doctor, but it looks like a bigger possibility everyday. Well I hope that you enjoy the following pictures! Until tomorrow! =)

Well I felt as awkward as I look

Korean Drummer Me
Just pondering
I call it the Korean King
10 pts for Stacy for taking this one
Definetly my proudest moment.
Just thought I would make it more awkward, and capture the moment