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

Weekend & Monday

This is going to be short, but Monday is exciting so read!

Saturday:
So Saturday was fun. First I went to Jamsil with Sister Residori. It was tons of fun. I finally bought things that I have been like "aww I'll just get that later" so it's good that I am no longer procrastinating. Well after that I went to the English ward for the adult session which was pretty good. After that I went to a "gathering" at Grace's apartment. I like to call it her penthouse. She works for the Canadian Embassy. For her tiny little self she has 3 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, Kitchen(including a stove), dining room, and a living room. Look at me being all apartment add sounding. I am really not trying to sell her apartment. Anyways my point was that it was pretty legit. The "gathering" was loads of fun. After that I went home on the subway because that's just how I do it. So now that I have officially used the word legit I think that we should talk about it. Okay so a few years ago legit was the "in" word. Well then I didn't use it, but now I am becoming a fan of it. Some of the boys used it over the summer, and now I am a fan. I would like you to use legit at least once in your day. Use it, it will impress people. I will give you examples in ways to use the word.
1. A: Dude did you see that wave?
B: Yeah dude it was totally legit!
2. A: Homie I got an F on my test.
B: Man that's so not legit.
You don't have to use dude or home boy, but it just makes legit sound so much cooler. Legit is a good word, and we can't just let it die out with phrases like wazz up, and yeah boy. Finally at like 10 someting I left Grace's because I was freakishly tired. On my way over I noticed a Starbucks, and was so excited to get one on my home. I had convinced another girl that it was so worth it on our way home(by the way the drink I had in mind was mormon friendly chocolate cream chip frap). Well turns out that when Diane, and I finally got there they had just closed! It was a cruel joke for them to have the door still unlocked, and people sitting in there rubbing their drinks in our faces. I just wanted a piece of home. Was that to much to ask? Apparently. Well the subway ride bothered me. Some dumb guy was sitting next to me, and he was not very smart. It's okay though he was sitting in the pregnant lady/elderly people/disabled peoples seat, and he looked dumb. The walk home was cold. That all I have to say about that.

Sunday:
Sunday started off with me realizing that it was freakishly cold outside. I was going to take the bus to the mission home to meet the Burtons and Residori's so we could leave from there in a car to go to the English ward. Well I got dressed, and did all that I needed to. Well then I decided that it was just to cold for me. So I layered. I put on my under armor, white socks, moccasins, jacket, sunglasses, and gloves. I looked like a spaz, but a warm spaz at that. Well once I got outside I realized that I needed to loose some of the layers because it was getting colder. I did, but just the gloves, and the sunglasses. Well as I was walking I noticed that my bus was roaring down the street, and it was to cold for me to wait for the next one so I started running. I have quite the stride if I do say so myself, and in my moccasins. I was impressive. Well the bus realized what I was doing, and stopped for me before the stop so I could stop looking crazy. Well I got to the mission home, and don't worry Mom I changed so I didn't let everyone see me looking crazy. Well I finally saw the Han River very exciting. I should probably go there on morning, and take pictures, but I think that I scare Korean's when I randomly ask them to take pictures of me. Anyways the meeting was good. I loved it. After the meeting it was colder! I hate Korea(okay I might say that, but really it has grown one me)! I could see my breath, and that is just one thing I don't need to see. Well I spent the rest of the day at the Burton's and I rather enjoyed myself. At the end of the day when I was getting ready to go home Sister Burton just took me home in the car. I must say that I was rather grateful. I wasn't looking forward to suiting back up in all of my gear again, but I would have. It was way nice of her to take me. Well when I got home I talked to my best friend the door man. I am getting used to our half way conversations. They are a good pick me up, and he makes me laugh. I am going to start teaching him slang, and before I leave he is going to be worthy of rolling with Snoop Dogg. He's pretty much a gangster. When I got into my apartment I realized that it was freezing! I tried turning on my heater, but no luck so I waited in the hall for someone to come so that I could make then turn on my heater because I couldn't get it to work. Finally someone, a man helped me and he said that it turned on at ten, and I was counting down the seconds. I started watching School of Rock because I had to return it today, and hadn't watched it yet. That movie is sooo funny. Jack Black is inspiring! It reminds me of so many great band rehearsals in Cam's garage. I fell asleep before it ended though, and was woken up when Mom called on Skype. I was half asleep through that too, and then just rolled back over, and went to bed, and didn't update my blog. Sorry.

Monday!
Today was fun! First my day started out with me getting a cramp in my leg, and collapsing in my hallway. I thought it was good considering how dramatic the fall was. Well after that someone rang my doorbell. I still always think it's the fire alarm, and I have a momentary freak out, and then I snap out of it. Well I was indisposed so the guy had to wait a second. I said coming, and he thought I said come in so he tried to shake the door open. It was kinda of funny. Well when I finally got to the door it was the post man. I still don't get why people who deliver stuff to me feel the need to come inside the doorway. Well he had a package! I was so excited! Well first he was taken back that I was American I think, and just stared. It made me laugh and then he made me sign, and he tired to pronounce my name, but he so couldn't once again great. Well the package was from Kristen. I have to say it was so good. She sent me hot chocolate, "family pictures", card, and a scarf she made herself. I love that girl. Well the family pictures turned out to be a DVD! She is so smart to have said it was a picture CD, and knows me so well. After getting my package I called home on skype. It was Sunday night there, and everyone was at family dinner. I love talking to the family! Without fail the little ones came into talk but more to look at themselves in the computer. Reese screamed she was so excited, and it made my ear drum pop, but it was so cute. Well I talked to Nichole, and Emma. They are nerds, and make me laugh. Emma dumped me though because Man vs. Wild was on. I guess I know where I rank, and apparently it's after Bear Grills. Anyways eventually I had to hang up. I didn't want to cause Nichole was killing me, but I did. Work was fun today. Well kind of work. I finished all of my stuff early so I had a chance to catch up on post cards. I love that I start out writing big, and then end up really small. Class was great. I ran out of words to describe a few things so I just started drawing stick figures. At one point I drew me & Emma. Emma was having a BBQ at my house. I was hosting it, and there was a hot spring in my back yard. Let me tell you the picture was great! I told them not to erase it because tomorrow I was taking a picture. So here's the exciting part. Well the forecast for today was cloudy, and chance of rain. Well when I left work I noticed that the ground was wet. Then I was like hey it's hailing, and then I was like hey that not hail its snow! Well then I did what any true California girl would do. I screamed out loud. I didn't think I did, but the look from the boys passing by confirmed my fear. Well they I was so excited, and that was soon replaced by bone chilling cold. Then I started running. I couldn't get warm for the life of me! I kept saying your in Cali your warm, your in Cali your warm. It didn't work as well as I would have liked it to, but I was still so excited. I stopped people as they were walking so they could take picture of me! I just couldn't contain my excitment. Well I saw my bus flying by and I had to run to catch it because although I was excited about the snow I had no desire to wait in it. Well while on the bus I took a picture and the flash went off, and I don't think that pleased the bus driver, but I had to document. I took a video, but at the end it's me screaming about how the wind came in, and I had to go because I had to run, and get inside before I got frost bitted. Well I also had a little girl take pictures. She was quite the photographer if I do say so myself. I know it wasn't snowing hard at all, but to me it was a big deal! So that was my day. I am determined to wear my galoshes tomorrow. I am excited!
Nikky being a G!

Under my umbrella-ella-ella-a-a-a (it was just raining at this point)

Snow through the bus window.

The white things on my hood would be snow flakes

The picture the little girl took!(thats my building behind me)

P.S I was just so excited I could hardly stand it! It was pretty ridiculous, but what can you do? It may not look like it was snowing in some but it was!

Crazy Little Bus Driver

So today was alright. I woke up this morning not feeling very well. I don't know what is wrong with me! So I had plans to go to lunch with Sister Burton, and Brinn, but our plans fell through. I wasn't to upset considering I felt gross. So after talking to the family on skype of course I took a little afternoon nap before work. I don't know if I just haven't noticed it before, but one of my bus drivers is nuts! There are about 3 buses that are called number 5. They all drive the same route. Well there are about 6 different drivers so you never know who is working and who you are going to get. Well today I got the youngest one. Maybe it's just me, but he is nuts! As soon as he closes the doors he takes off! He doesn't care if the old lady with the cane is trying to get to her seat, and he throws her across the bus cane and all. He is ready to go. Home boy layed on the horn like every minute. No joke I promise I started counting. I think his best time was 1 min and a half without using the horn. If you ask me I think he's watched Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift a few to many times. He was weaving in and out of traffic. He ran a light, and was get remarkably close to other cars. It was making me sick, and really nervous. Well once I got off the rocket and was able to see straight again I went to work. Work was okay. I taught the first business men's class today. One guy thought he knew everything, but he didn't. At one point he asked me if my pronunciation was correct? I was all yeah, and if it's not your screwed! I thought I was funny. One other guy in the class kept slurring his words and I was trying to help him say it right. Finally he was all "I sorry I had to much to drink last night and I still not sober yet. Maybe I say better tomorrow." Haha what do you say to that. I just teased him the rest of the class. I totally thought that they were going to tell Heejung that they didn't like me or my class, but apparently they loved me, and my class and want to come back again. Oh crazy Korean business men. So Heejung took me to get chicken noodle soup because earlier in the day I told her I didn't feel good, and after trying to get me to drink some remedy she finally just gave up and took me to get chicken noodle soup. It was at some Chinese restaurant. It was so good. I even ate it with chopsticks. Okay so not the whole thing, but a few noodles here and there, and I didn't slurp that much. I was pretty proud. The next class was good. I love that they try and feed me the whole time. Some of the girls in the class even taught me how to spell my name in Korean. I did it nicely I must say. I am pretty sure that I will be speaking the language any day now. Yeah I am that good. Well after class I like ran to my bus stop because it is freezing outside. I ran past this girl who was wearing a mini skirt, and I stopped dead in my tracks and just looked at her. I am serious I think I might have had a starring complex there for a second. I am not sure. She looked cold and it made me cold. She needed to put some pants on. I think that from now on I am going to carry a pair of sweat pants in my bag for girls like her. Sure it would be like a tent on her, but a warm tent. I didn't get crazy bus driver this time. I was so relieved and so was my stomach. So I needed some water before I came home, and the lady at store is always very nice to me. Well when I was walking around this guy came in and after he checked out he asked her something in Korean and she shrugged. He then turned to me and asked me where I was from. Where I live now. Mothers maiden name, how many brothers, and sisters it had. Well no not the last part, but you get the idea. I refused to tell him where I lived though. I don't think I look that American but apparently I do, and everyone is fascinated by me. YES! The highlight of my day though had to be the nauseating ride to work though. If there was a movie about illegal bus races I am pretty sure that he would be on it. Now I am home and tired, and going to bed. I have plans to go and see the Ancient Palaces tomorrow. We'll see! Pictures will be posted then regardless!

1st of the month

So today was the November 1st! Who knew? Well it reminded me that my 18th birthday is in 21 more days! Okay and there's a national Holiday then too, but whatever. Today was a pretty good day. I slept in way late! Aw it was nice. I would have slept longer if the wind wasn't threatening to rip to trees outside my window out of the ground. My family was out celebrating so I didn't really get to talk to them for long. They were with Stefanie! Once again I blame her for my families lack of talking time, but it was cool. I saw everyone minus Ashlynn cause she thinks she can have a social life now. Whats that about? It was crazy cold/windy outside today, and I was so not happy. You know something? When its cold and windy, and you are walking against the wind. It's almost like someone is flicking your cheeks over and over again. Oh well what can you do? Work was good. Heejung dropped the ball on me that she is adding a class to the schedule, and it is going to be a business man's class. Great! I am way scared and the first class is tomorrow. I had some free time to send off some postcards which was cool. Some people have ridiculously long addresses. Hope they enjoy their postcard & picture of Korea because I ran out of ink from writing their address that I couldn't even write a message. So I told Heejung a few days ago that I wanted to watch a movie and maybe we could rent one. So Heejung and I went on a man hunt for English DVD's. She took me on this hike type thing. You know something I've noticed? If you walk a long way in one direction; eventually you are going to have to was back the same long way just up hill. It's okay though we found DVD's they were right across the street from where we started. Haha strange huh? So the hike was just for some cardio. The rest of work was cool. We did a lesson, and some mas recording, and then I went home The bus ride home was fun because I had this lady take a picture of me cause my mom said I needed more pictures, and she was the only one who after asking 4 people finally got what I was saying. Well she had two kids a boy and a girl. The boy kept saying hi to me, and trying to say things in English under his breath and the girl was just playing. She was adorable. They rode the same bus I did, and the little girl kept looking back at me and smiling, and then giggling, and the little boy kept looking back at me and then blushing. When they got off the bus they yelled BYE really loud. It was cute. Then the whole way up to their street they kept looking back at the bus and waving to me. It was then I realized how much I missed my cousins. Well I got pizza again because I didn't know what to get. I have adopted a policy that if there are no pictures in a restaurant then I don't order there alone because I don't ever know what I am going to get. Pizza was the only thing that I knew what I was getting. They apparently have my number and address memorized because they knew exactly who I was when they picked up. You call one time, and make them switch to someone who speaks English and all of the sudden the whole staff learns your information. Haha I was flattered really. I got home and hung up my laundry. Man I miss dryers! I am just going to chill now, and eat my pizza and watch some Ocean's Thirteen! Real exciting I know, but did I tell you it's freezing outside? Mom my wanted me to take some pictures so here they are. Oh the things I can do when Heejung has her back to me. = )

Me at my desk

Cheesy!
I would like to call this Rockin Da Mic!
The picture that the lady took!

Yeah thats me pretending not to be cold in my massive jacket!

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

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!