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. = ]