a.k.a. Traci hearing something and believing it without checking facts. This weekend is NOT Korea's birthday--that happens in August. This is the celebration of the Lunar New Year. It made sense to me that it might be Korea's birthday b/c I didn't think Koreans would celebrate 2 new years and I went to a big party in Seoul on Dec. 31st. This one is celebrated by visiting family and the women cooking all day wearing traditional clothing. The children bow to their elders who in turn give them money. There is much eating and song singing. Several people have asked me if there are parades--not that I've heard of. I would like to see the ones with dragons and drums they have in China to celebrate the New Year---maybe next year.
In about 50 minutes we'll be leaving for the train station to go to Pohang. My mouth is already watering thinking of the delicious seafood we'll be able to enjoy!!!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
it's true
Last night I made a note of what I wanted to blog today. I cannot find the note. Luckily, I have noticed a few things I thought might be of interest.
First, (this requires a bit of background. we live in a one bedroom apt. we recently moved the 'big bed' into the living room to conserve on heat. we also have different sleeping schedules. I go to bed closer to 2 and wake up closer to 930/10. Beard goes to bed closer to 1 and wakes up closer to 9.) Beard and I like to torture each other. At night, while he is sleeping, getting closer to REM, I think nothing of going into the kitchen to get water, tea, a vitamin. Going to the bathroom a second time, sure. Each time I open the door out of the living/bed room (heat conservation) it rattles the sliding glass doors on the other side of the room leading to the laundry room. It's my last hour of being awake and I don't know why but I have to venture out several times. He doesn't say anything but I know he hears BECAUSE--he does the exact same thing to me in the morning. I was just thinking that morning is worse than just getting to sleep--but I think it's probably about equal. well--I guess it depends. Anyway. I know exactly what he does in the morning by how many times he opens and closes the door. (by the way--sometimes the door isn't all the way closed which then leads to a cold draft from the non-heated hallway right to the forehead) Gets up. Goes to the bathroom. Comes back in. Starts his computer. Goes to the kitchen to start boiling the water. Comes back in to check his email. Kettle boils, back to the kitchen. Back in--sans coffee (he uses a french press, one more excuse to open and shut the door b/c he wouldn't think of just bringing it in after pouring the water in) reads some news, back out to get french press and coffee cup, more reading, some snickering....and my alarm goes off. As if I needed it. The noise when the door opens and shuts is amazing. Mostly the half an hour spent in bed is in and out of consciousness again and again. Actually--I've only been up ONCE since he's been to sleep---hmmm, what do I need from the kitchen....
No, I'm not that mean and I think he's been trying to consolidate his trips since I brought it up that in one half hour period he left the room 7 times. (7)
Also, I read an editorial by Joel Stein. I agree with him for the most part but am ashamed to say so--Beard says it's the humanitarian in me.... but really, war = killing. Here's the link: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-stein24jan24,0,3682678.column?coll=la-util-op-ed
The whole pulling the trigger, morality thing is what got to me. I think of jobs I've had. If I was morally against something, would I do it? Would I take the job in the first place and RISK having to POSSIBLY do it in the future? But at the same time, we're in this war for uncertain reasons...and typing out my thoughts makes a lot of grey areas appear. So, I'll stop there about that.
Next--I had a Molson Canadian last night. It was a decent beer at home but here and half price Wednesdays at Psycho made it a SUPERB beer here. AHHHH.
That took a LONG time b/c I actually got up to find where I had written what I wanted to blog about. And HERE IT IS!!!! Pause for effect (affect, i always mess that up)
While at Psycho, we heard the song Sex Bomb by that guy we thought was dead and I turned to Beard and asked who he was thinking of and he said Jen--exactly who I was thinking of. While she was in Morocco the song was popular. We were in college and didn't listen to the radio unless it was the college station and if they let crap like THAT on there....well, we won't know b/c thankfully they didn't.
FINALLY. I have perfected the art of drying my hands with toilet paper and not having it stick. It's skillful blotting, friends. BLOTTING.
OK. Time to exit and enter the room another 5 times before going to bed. GOOD NIGHT NURSE!
First, (this requires a bit of background. we live in a one bedroom apt. we recently moved the 'big bed' into the living room to conserve on heat. we also have different sleeping schedules. I go to bed closer to 2 and wake up closer to 930/10. Beard goes to bed closer to 1 and wakes up closer to 9.) Beard and I like to torture each other. At night, while he is sleeping, getting closer to REM, I think nothing of going into the kitchen to get water, tea, a vitamin. Going to the bathroom a second time, sure. Each time I open the door out of the living/bed room (heat conservation) it rattles the sliding glass doors on the other side of the room leading to the laundry room. It's my last hour of being awake and I don't know why but I have to venture out several times. He doesn't say anything but I know he hears BECAUSE--he does the exact same thing to me in the morning. I was just thinking that morning is worse than just getting to sleep--but I think it's probably about equal. well--I guess it depends. Anyway. I know exactly what he does in the morning by how many times he opens and closes the door. (by the way--sometimes the door isn't all the way closed which then leads to a cold draft from the non-heated hallway right to the forehead) Gets up. Goes to the bathroom. Comes back in. Starts his computer. Goes to the kitchen to start boiling the water. Comes back in to check his email. Kettle boils, back to the kitchen. Back in--sans coffee (he uses a french press, one more excuse to open and shut the door b/c he wouldn't think of just bringing it in after pouring the water in) reads some news, back out to get french press and coffee cup, more reading, some snickering....and my alarm goes off. As if I needed it. The noise when the door opens and shuts is amazing. Mostly the half an hour spent in bed is in and out of consciousness again and again. Actually--I've only been up ONCE since he's been to sleep---hmmm, what do I need from the kitchen....
No, I'm not that mean and I think he's been trying to consolidate his trips since I brought it up that in one half hour period he left the room 7 times. (7)
Also, I read an editorial by Joel Stein. I agree with him for the most part but am ashamed to say so--Beard says it's the humanitarian in me.... but really, war = killing. Here's the link: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-stein24jan24,0,3682678.column?coll=la-util-op-ed
The whole pulling the trigger, morality thing is what got to me. I think of jobs I've had. If I was morally against something, would I do it? Would I take the job in the first place and RISK having to POSSIBLY do it in the future? But at the same time, we're in this war for uncertain reasons...and typing out my thoughts makes a lot of grey areas appear. So, I'll stop there about that.
Next--I had a Molson Canadian last night. It was a decent beer at home but here and half price Wednesdays at Psycho made it a SUPERB beer here. AHHHH.
That took a LONG time b/c I actually got up to find where I had written what I wanted to blog about. And HERE IT IS!!!! Pause for effect (affect, i always mess that up)
While at Psycho, we heard the song Sex Bomb by that guy we thought was dead and I turned to Beard and asked who he was thinking of and he said Jen--exactly who I was thinking of. While she was in Morocco the song was popular. We were in college and didn't listen to the radio unless it was the college station and if they let crap like THAT on there....well, we won't know b/c thankfully they didn't.
FINALLY. I have perfected the art of drying my hands with toilet paper and not having it stick. It's skillful blotting, friends. BLOTTING.
OK. Time to exit and enter the room another 5 times before going to bed. GOOD NIGHT NURSE!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
nothing really
Wednesday is over--meaning the weekend is one step closer!! I get Sat, Sun, Mon, AND Tues off for Korea's birthday. So far Beard only gets Sat, Sun and Mon. You never know what might happen. Joe just found out he get Fri as well. He's going to go to Pohang with us. Whenever Beard gets off work tonight we're going to go get bus tickets. We haven't travelled anywhere by bus here yet. It should be interesting.
I guess I don't have anything to say really. I'll try to find a funny picture of Beard and Joe.
I guess I don't have anything to say really. I'll try to find a funny picture of Beard and Joe.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
the weekend
Ahhh Monday morning...Krista is just now getting on the plane to Bangkok (lucky!) and we're sitting on the bed. Beard's studying for this license test--Americans have to take the written exam while Canadians only have to take the physical test which involves an eye and exam and squatting--he failed the first time and is going back tomorrow morning.
This weekend was fun. Friday night I went out with the teachers from my school and our director. We had raw fish and lots of ginseng soju. The raw fish comes with tons of sides dishes--seaweed, cabbage salad, soup, egg, cucumber salad, shrimp, and mackerel. For dessert--fish head soup. After eating I was trying to leave so I could go see Krista and Christa, but lots paper rock scissors and went to the nori bang--karaoke room--for a half hour instead. The director sang first and then we took turns. I really need more alcohol to feel comfortable singing but I did it anyway. I was told my song was too slow and to pick a faster one next time. I can't do that b/c I don't really know any of the songs they had that are faster. Anyhoo--I left at 10:40 and the science teacher took me to a taxi. I'm not sure if she did this b/c she was being nice and didn't want me to walk down alone or if she didn't think I could get a taxi by myself. I think the latter b/c she proceeded to tell the taxi where to take me even though I had told her in Korean exactly where I was going. Oh well.
Got to the Christas' and talked for a bit before heading to Waegook. Met up with Beard and everyone else there. Beard and I were planning on leaving early b/c I had to teach in the morning and he was going to Daegu to get his bike. Luckily, everyone else was going to Daegu for the night and then taking a train to the ice festival in the morning. Take away temptation and we actually do what we plan! I left at 12:30 and came home and tossed and turned for a while before falling asleep. I think Beard got home around 2. We both woke up at 8. That's pretty good.
Tobby called at 9:15 saying she was in my apartment, meaning she was outside waiting for me. I helped her by "teaching" at a tae kwon do gym. All I had to do was repeat what she said and then give the kids a mini quiz for about 15 mins and hand out candy to the kids who got the right answers. At the end I handed out candy to every one. The quiz consisted of me saying, "I'm thinking of something that grows on a tree. It's sweet and red." The kids start bouncing up and down and raising their hands, I call on one and if she/he gets it right, she/he gets a chocolate. In total I "taught" for 25 mins.
Came back home and made plans with Krista and Christa to meet down town at 2. I go early to get a haircut beforehand. This is my second haircut in Korea. The first one was ok but kinda looked like a lopsided mullet. It looked ok when I put it behind my ears. This one is MUCH better. The woman commented on my "baby head" again, but didn't feel the need to remind me that Korea has 4 seasons (really? no way!).
I left there and messaged Christa that I was going to the funny t-shirt shop, Magic Power. On the way I found a nice rainbow sweater for 5,000 won. Good deal! Found them and we all needed food so walked into nearest pizza/pasta place--il pasto. Krista and I ordered the potato pizza, Christa got the cajun chicken. I thought both were great. They had stayed in Daegu dancing til around 430 and got back into Gumi around 5 or so.
We picked up Krista's friend Katie who lives near Suwon and walked back to Doryang 2 dong. Beard called around 8, on the way home his bike got a flat tire so they ended up having to walk it back into town. We met him over at Greg's after eating chicken. Then we all went to Waegook again. Beard left around 130, he had to get up to go skiing with Daeyoung, Krista and Katie left around 2ish. Shab distracted me and I ended up going to Psycho with her and Justin. I hung out with a middle aged GI who was raised in Jamaica. Nice guy. Beard called at 5, he was getting up and noticed I wasn't there. I got home as it was getting light out and went directly to the gimbop place so I would have something to eat when I woke up. Instead of just getting a regular gimbop, I ordered a cheesuh gimbop--regular gimbop with cheese. Got home and it REEKED of gas. I called Beard to figure out what was up and while talking ot him threw all of his clothing he had worn to Daegu into the other room.
Woke up when Christa called at 1:30 asking if I was coming over. I pulled myself out of bed and drank half of hte diet coke I had bought the night before (smart girl, I am) while wolfing down the cheese gimbop. I told her to give me a little bit and laid back down. I realized that if I laid there any longer I wouldn't be getting back up so I turned on the water and took a shower. As I was getting dressed, I got a message saying Krista's train left at 2:25, not 4ish so they were heading to the train station to change tickets--it was 2:26. I met them there and we went to Dunkin Donuts (surprise). Krista was heading to Incheon and would get on a plane for Bangkok the next morning (today). It was sad to see her go. She'll be back in Korea in April though.
Christa and I then went to Lotte Mart for some hungover shopping. Lotte Mart was packed as usual. Lotte mart is 4 floors of fun. Or maybe not fun, depending. The first floor is grocery, makeup, and clothes. Second floor, more clothes. Third floor, restaurants stationary, electronics, Fourth floor, I'm not sure. Three was enough.
Came home and the apt STILL smelled like gas. I searched and couldn't find the cause. Beard came home and looked all around too. Then he found it--the plastic bag his bike lock came in. He promptly took that to the dumpster and made dinner.
And now...time for lunch!
This weekend was fun. Friday night I went out with the teachers from my school and our director. We had raw fish and lots of ginseng soju. The raw fish comes with tons of sides dishes--seaweed, cabbage salad, soup, egg, cucumber salad, shrimp, and mackerel. For dessert--fish head soup. After eating I was trying to leave so I could go see Krista and Christa, but lots paper rock scissors and went to the nori bang--karaoke room--for a half hour instead. The director sang first and then we took turns. I really need more alcohol to feel comfortable singing but I did it anyway. I was told my song was too slow and to pick a faster one next time. I can't do that b/c I don't really know any of the songs they had that are faster. Anyhoo--I left at 10:40 and the science teacher took me to a taxi. I'm not sure if she did this b/c she was being nice and didn't want me to walk down alone or if she didn't think I could get a taxi by myself. I think the latter b/c she proceeded to tell the taxi where to take me even though I had told her in Korean exactly where I was going. Oh well.
Got to the Christas' and talked for a bit before heading to Waegook. Met up with Beard and everyone else there. Beard and I were planning on leaving early b/c I had to teach in the morning and he was going to Daegu to get his bike. Luckily, everyone else was going to Daegu for the night and then taking a train to the ice festival in the morning. Take away temptation and we actually do what we plan! I left at 12:30 and came home and tossed and turned for a while before falling asleep. I think Beard got home around 2. We both woke up at 8. That's pretty good.
Tobby called at 9:15 saying she was in my apartment, meaning she was outside waiting for me. I helped her by "teaching" at a tae kwon do gym. All I had to do was repeat what she said and then give the kids a mini quiz for about 15 mins and hand out candy to the kids who got the right answers. At the end I handed out candy to every one. The quiz consisted of me saying, "I'm thinking of something that grows on a tree. It's sweet and red." The kids start bouncing up and down and raising their hands, I call on one and if she/he gets it right, she/he gets a chocolate. In total I "taught" for 25 mins.
Came back home and made plans with Krista and Christa to meet down town at 2. I go early to get a haircut beforehand. This is my second haircut in Korea. The first one was ok but kinda looked like a lopsided mullet. It looked ok when I put it behind my ears. This one is MUCH better. The woman commented on my "baby head" again, but didn't feel the need to remind me that Korea has 4 seasons (really? no way!).
I left there and messaged Christa that I was going to the funny t-shirt shop, Magic Power. On the way I found a nice rainbow sweater for 5,000 won. Good deal! Found them and we all needed food so walked into nearest pizza/pasta place--il pasto. Krista and I ordered the potato pizza, Christa got the cajun chicken. I thought both were great. They had stayed in Daegu dancing til around 430 and got back into Gumi around 5 or so.
We picked up Krista's friend Katie who lives near Suwon and walked back to Doryang 2 dong. Beard called around 8, on the way home his bike got a flat tire so they ended up having to walk it back into town. We met him over at Greg's after eating chicken. Then we all went to Waegook again. Beard left around 130, he had to get up to go skiing with Daeyoung, Krista and Katie left around 2ish. Shab distracted me and I ended up going to Psycho with her and Justin. I hung out with a middle aged GI who was raised in Jamaica. Nice guy. Beard called at 5, he was getting up and noticed I wasn't there. I got home as it was getting light out and went directly to the gimbop place so I would have something to eat when I woke up. Instead of just getting a regular gimbop, I ordered a cheesuh gimbop--regular gimbop with cheese. Got home and it REEKED of gas. I called Beard to figure out what was up and while talking ot him threw all of his clothing he had worn to Daegu into the other room.
Woke up when Christa called at 1:30 asking if I was coming over. I pulled myself out of bed and drank half of hte diet coke I had bought the night before (smart girl, I am) while wolfing down the cheese gimbop. I told her to give me a little bit and laid back down. I realized that if I laid there any longer I wouldn't be getting back up so I turned on the water and took a shower. As I was getting dressed, I got a message saying Krista's train left at 2:25, not 4ish so they were heading to the train station to change tickets--it was 2:26. I met them there and we went to Dunkin Donuts (surprise). Krista was heading to Incheon and would get on a plane for Bangkok the next morning (today). It was sad to see her go. She'll be back in Korea in April though.
Christa and I then went to Lotte Mart for some hungover shopping. Lotte Mart was packed as usual. Lotte mart is 4 floors of fun. Or maybe not fun, depending. The first floor is grocery, makeup, and clothes. Second floor, more clothes. Third floor, restaurants stationary, electronics, Fourth floor, I'm not sure. Three was enough.
Came home and the apt STILL smelled like gas. I searched and couldn't find the cause. Beard came home and looked all around too. Then he found it--the plastic bag his bike lock came in. He promptly took that to the dumpster and made dinner.
And now...time for lunch!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
oh happy day!
I GOT A NEW PHONE!! It's great. It has a camera and an mp3 player--though I haven't figured it out yet and your basic phone and message settings. I've been playing with it all day and taking pictures of my kids. From what they say it has good games, too. My ring tone is hangin' tough! HAHAHAHA. I can't believe that's on there. Even though I despised NKOTB (so much so that I had to mouth the words in order to figure out the acronym) it's amusing to me to have the song as my ring. I might change it back to Super Freak though, or Smells Like Teen Spirit. How do they pick these songs?!
After school tonight, I came home and studied Korean again--I got a 22/22 on the verb quiz and a 19/20 on the noun test. I think it's because I'm the kind of person that remembers things visually. Therefore, I picture the word, not necessisarily how it sounds, and can pick it out of 2 other words. Going from English to Korean is going to be much harder. I'm not going to try that til next week. Making the note cards has helped a lot. I carry them with me and glance at them every now and again.
After a meeting, Beard and I went out to eat with Eun Gyoung. She drove us there--her first time driving to/in Gyupyeoung. We got to the restaurant and her boyfriend called. He thought she was with another man and so she had to leave--after we ordered. Not a big deal since her friend owned the place and we were starving. You'd think that her coming home wouldn 't calm him though. She really could have been with another guy and to him, we've been caught, see you next week. I don't see how things were solved by her going home. But, it's not my problem. What sucked is that we had to pay for the taxi home, instead of getting a ride. Next time we go out with her, without her boyfriend, we'll choose a restaurant closer to home. Just in case.
My cell phone (Korean pronunciation--hand pone) http://www.cyon.co.kr/good/product/product_view1.jsp?product_id=180&product_model=LG-LP4300&av_curpage=1
This link shows it in black, my is silver.
After school tonight, I came home and studied Korean again--I got a 22/22 on the verb quiz and a 19/20 on the noun test. I think it's because I'm the kind of person that remembers things visually. Therefore, I picture the word, not necessisarily how it sounds, and can pick it out of 2 other words. Going from English to Korean is going to be much harder. I'm not going to try that til next week. Making the note cards has helped a lot. I carry them with me and glance at them every now and again.
After a meeting, Beard and I went out to eat with Eun Gyoung. She drove us there--her first time driving to/in Gyupyeoung. We got to the restaurant and her boyfriend called. He thought she was with another man and so she had to leave--after we ordered. Not a big deal since her friend owned the place and we were starving. You'd think that her coming home wouldn 't calm him though. She really could have been with another guy and to him, we've been caught, see you next week. I don't see how things were solved by her going home. But, it's not my problem. What sucked is that we had to pay for the taxi home, instead of getting a ride. Next time we go out with her, without her boyfriend, we'll choose a restaurant closer to home. Just in case.
My cell phone (Korean pronunciation--hand pone) http://www.cyon.co.kr/good/product/product_view1.jsp?product_id=180&product_model=LG-LP4300&av_curpage=1
This link shows it in black, my is silver.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
what day is it?
TUESDAY! and did I get the phone Monday as I was promised? Um, no. I understand that I'm on Korean time here but I don't have a home phone either. I was supposed to have a meeting at 8:30 tonight and it's 9:13 and no one has come here--I can only assume the meeting has been cancelled and b/c I have NO PHONE, I could not be contacted.
Kate (head teacher) told me yesterday when I asked her if the director had gotten a phone for me--"Yes, you will have a brand new phone in a couple minutes." She seemed sincere and even excited. I went through the day thinking that the director would hand me the phone on my way out that night, like he does my pay envelope. When I walked out and he did not have a phone in his had I asked him in easy English if he had my phone and he said today, no. Ok. I'm patient. I go home.
This morning. Kate comes up to me and says--"today Igot phone" I said. great! she said: it is top of line, new, have mp3, camera and it is cheap. I said--that sounds perfect, you might have to teach me how ot use it. she said--yeah. and walked away.
If you are thinking she has the phone in her possession and will give it to me shortly--YOU ARE MISTAKEN--as was I.
after my first class I asked if I could charge the phone and she said, yes I could. and I said can I do that now so I can use it tonight and she said--OOOHH, NO. I buy it tonight. humph.
Onto better things--I am still studying Korean. Last night I made flashcards and went through them once--there are a lot. Tonight, I'm going to organize them into "everyday sayings," "verbs," "body parts," "adjectives," and "food." That way when I learn these, I can easily add more.
I still love how we rearranged the apt. It seems bigger somehow--even though we moved the big bed into the living area.
I quit reading Umberto Eco to read 'Tis. I hate not finishing books but the need to read the sequel outweighed the want/patience to read Eco. At the rate I'm reading it I'll be done in a few days and can go right back to Umberto. If I ever get to name a new student--that's going to be his name.
I think that was enough rambling for today.
Kate (head teacher) told me yesterday when I asked her if the director had gotten a phone for me--"Yes, you will have a brand new phone in a couple minutes." She seemed sincere and even excited. I went through the day thinking that the director would hand me the phone on my way out that night, like he does my pay envelope. When I walked out and he did not have a phone in his had I asked him in easy English if he had my phone and he said today, no. Ok. I'm patient. I go home.
This morning. Kate comes up to me and says--"today Igot phone" I said. great! she said: it is top of line, new, have mp3, camera and it is cheap. I said--that sounds perfect, you might have to teach me how ot use it. she said--yeah. and walked away.
If you are thinking she has the phone in her possession and will give it to me shortly--YOU ARE MISTAKEN--as was I.
after my first class I asked if I could charge the phone and she said, yes I could. and I said can I do that now so I can use it tonight and she said--OOOHH, NO. I buy it tonight. humph.
Onto better things--I am still studying Korean. Last night I made flashcards and went through them once--there are a lot. Tonight, I'm going to organize them into "everyday sayings," "verbs," "body parts," "adjectives," and "food." That way when I learn these, I can easily add more.
I still love how we rearranged the apt. It seems bigger somehow--even though we moved the big bed into the living area.
I quit reading Umberto Eco to read 'Tis. I hate not finishing books but the need to read the sequel outweighed the want/patience to read Eco. At the rate I'm reading it I'll be done in a few days and can go right back to Umberto. If I ever get to name a new student--that's going to be his name.
I think that was enough rambling for today.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
SHOPPING
Ok, so I'm not a big shopper. My mom loves to shop and perhaps she overshopped me as a child b/c shopping isn't something I do for fun usually. I like following other people around while THEY shop, but when it comes to spending, I'm a saver. BUT here in the ROK things are cheaper than at home so I don't feel guilty spending money that could be spent on something better--like beer. I really needed some more winter clothes. I am sick of the clothes I have now and it's too cold to wear the plethora of dresses I brought. "I have to dress up to teach." PAH!
I went to Daegu alone. I didn't want Beard to come with me--he hates shopping more than I do, and is always questioning everything I want to buy (as if I haven't already done that myself). Krista had to run errands in Gumi before her departure and Christa was thinking in Pohang. I actually LIKE shopping by myself, I can take my time, try everything on, put things back and pick them up again as many times as I want without anyone thinking I'm nuts. AND, not having someone there to help me justify my purchases, keeps me from spending more than I had planned.
As I was crossing under the street I found a staionary store and was in there much longer than I needed to be. I wanted to buy notecards to help with the Korean learning. I found those right away but spent quite some time wandering around. I ended up buying a couple little notebooks that I might use instead of the notecards--I haven't quite decided yet. I bought more pencils for the girls--these have Korean drums hanging where the erasers usually are. I also remembered it was Diary Day where couple buy diaries or planners for each other. (thank you Jen for that article). I had wondered why there were so many planners on display. I found one for Beard that says Are the apples ripe enough to eat yet? At the checkout they gave me a free pocket calendar--service.
Next, I went to my favorite clothing store--Giordano Outlet-- and stayed in there for about 45 minutes probably. No one else was in there and for once the employee wasn't hounding me. She hung out in the back. The only thing she "said" to me was about the changing room. "Said" b/c she motioned instead of speaking. I had forgotten all about trying things on (see--I don't shop often). I had several items and she didn't ask how many or put a card on my door like they do at home so they know if you're trying to steal something. I bought quite a lot by my standards. Two long sleeve t-shirts (one says world without strangers), a big yellow hoody, and a small blue zip-up hoody and a pair of khakis. Then I went to a store that sells funny shirts and got one for kath that says 'she comes in colors everywhere' (HA) and one for maybe me if it fits or also for kath that says i feel good and has metal stars on it. It'll be nice to be back in the US where I'm a medium person again instead of extra-largey.
I had burger king for lunch--I was craving fries. Then I headed to Kyobo to see if they had 'Tis. As I was coming up the escalator I noticed a bright orange jacket and there was Devon. We talked for a while about books we had read and he helped me use the computer to see if they had 'Tis. THEY DID!! and he even printed out a little map so I could find it easily. It was 12,000 won (aish) but it's worth it. I hate waiting to read sequels. I hate waiting in general but that's for another day.
After leaving Devon I headed to the station, I was tired of walking around and carrying my heavy ass bag. Since I don't have a cell phone (til TOMORROW--I'm very excited) I called Beard from a pay phone and he was near the station too so I met him, Jason, and Greg outside. They had been bike shopping all day. Beard might just be buying one next week. Greg's going to give him lessons so I'm not as nervous. We bought tickets and beer and...
CHRIST!! When did I become the person who's late all the time?! I'm totally blaming this one on Beard. We have 1/2 an hour to be somewhere (involving taxi taking) and he's just now in the shower and we haven't eaten...and yet Im' STILL typing. Huh.
I went to Daegu alone. I didn't want Beard to come with me--he hates shopping more than I do, and is always questioning everything I want to buy (as if I haven't already done that myself). Krista had to run errands in Gumi before her departure and Christa was thinking in Pohang. I actually LIKE shopping by myself, I can take my time, try everything on, put things back and pick them up again as many times as I want without anyone thinking I'm nuts. AND, not having someone there to help me justify my purchases, keeps me from spending more than I had planned.
As I was crossing under the street I found a staionary store and was in there much longer than I needed to be. I wanted to buy notecards to help with the Korean learning. I found those right away but spent quite some time wandering around. I ended up buying a couple little notebooks that I might use instead of the notecards--I haven't quite decided yet. I bought more pencils for the girls--these have Korean drums hanging where the erasers usually are. I also remembered it was Diary Day where couple buy diaries or planners for each other. (thank you Jen for that article). I had wondered why there were so many planners on display. I found one for Beard that says Are the apples ripe enough to eat yet? At the checkout they gave me a free pocket calendar--service.
Next, I went to my favorite clothing store--Giordano Outlet-- and stayed in there for about 45 minutes probably. No one else was in there and for once the employee wasn't hounding me. She hung out in the back. The only thing she "said" to me was about the changing room. "Said" b/c she motioned instead of speaking. I had forgotten all about trying things on (see--I don't shop often). I had several items and she didn't ask how many or put a card on my door like they do at home so they know if you're trying to steal something. I bought quite a lot by my standards. Two long sleeve t-shirts (one says world without strangers), a big yellow hoody, and a small blue zip-up hoody and a pair of khakis. Then I went to a store that sells funny shirts and got one for kath that says 'she comes in colors everywhere' (HA) and one for maybe me if it fits or also for kath that says i feel good and has metal stars on it. It'll be nice to be back in the US where I'm a medium person again instead of extra-largey.
I had burger king for lunch--I was craving fries. Then I headed to Kyobo to see if they had 'Tis. As I was coming up the escalator I noticed a bright orange jacket and there was Devon. We talked for a while about books we had read and he helped me use the computer to see if they had 'Tis. THEY DID!! and he even printed out a little map so I could find it easily. It was 12,000 won (aish) but it's worth it. I hate waiting to read sequels. I hate waiting in general but that's for another day.
After leaving Devon I headed to the station, I was tired of walking around and carrying my heavy ass bag. Since I don't have a cell phone (til TOMORROW--I'm very excited) I called Beard from a pay phone and he was near the station too so I met him, Jason, and Greg outside. They had been bike shopping all day. Beard might just be buying one next week. Greg's going to give him lessons so I'm not as nervous. We bought tickets and beer and...
CHRIST!! When did I become the person who's late all the time?! I'm totally blaming this one on Beard. We have 1/2 an hour to be somewhere (involving taxi taking) and he's just now in the shower and we haven't eaten...and yet Im' STILL typing. Huh.
Friday, January 13, 2006
here i am again
I'm back! Was there ever any doubt?
I just completed my THIRD day of teaching myself Korean. I relearned the phrases I was taught before leaving Bellingham. And by relearned I mean that I reviewed them said them a bunch and wrote them down. To me, learning means committing to memory and I'm not sure if that's happened. I try to put the phrases to a beat. It helps if I bounce a little in my chair and move my arms and upper torso in a dancing santa fashion (don't tell me you don't know what I mean.) That's how I'm remembering "How are you?" RIGHT NOW. right = owen, now = chigum. right now DOES NOT = owen chigum. shucks.
Today started out very well. I woke up not hating morning as much as usual. The shower stayed hot and I didn't burn my mandu (kind of like dumplings) lunch. I made it out of the apartment ON TIME and went to the first bank and tried out a new word--deposit (yegum) and it worked. But then I handed her a wad of cash so I guess it was sort of expected...That's when things started to go a bit down hill. I went to the second bank to buy travelers cheques to send home (cheaper than wiring) and FORGOT MY STINKIN PASSPORT. So I waited, holding my number, thinking of the heaven scene from Beetlejuice, when I remembered I needed it and left. I got in the first available taxi and asked to go to my apt--I have this down--and he promptly put back on the parking brake and motioned for me to get out and cross the street--using the over pass, in the RAIN--b/c he didnt want to make a few left hand turns!! Grr. This has happened before and it's NEVER fun. Does this happen in other places? Cabbies refusing to take you somewhere? I haven't used taxis many other places besides here or I've called them so I don't know.
School was fun the first few classes. Then my third to last class happened. I never know how this class is going to go. We have a love hate relationship. Somedays they are great and we get through the material and they are even talking to each other in English and other days they behave like animals and I can't get them to say one word in English. They are too busy holding their breath and making their faces turn red or stealing each others' things and blaming it on someone else. Today was one of those days. Finally, I said ENOUGH! YOU'RE DRIVING ME CRAZY! (they know what this means, believe me) and walked out. They were saying--"No, Teacher!" I told Kate I had had enough of them today and she laughed and said OK. She knows how they are. My second to last class are 3 middle school boys. One speaks English very well and loudly. The other two--it's like pulling teeth. Most of the time the loud one is whining (in English) that he doesn't want to do work and doesn't want to talk and mo mo mo (Korean blah, blah, blah). I have to take coffee to this class to stay awake. Then my last 'special' class that I love. They were my students then started middle school and their parents moved them to a middle school academy but now it's break so they come to me for 2 months, every day. We can have conversations and they teach me some Korean slang.
After this class I found out I'M GETTING A NEW CELL PHONE on MONDAY!! I'M SO HAPPY. My phone shut itself off and was held together by tape. It was also only in Korean so I memorized phone numbers again (gasp!) and had to memorize which numbers to push to do what I wanted. 2-1-1 was to write a text message. Kate said the new one will be in English. WOO HOO!
Now to start the weekend.
Happy Friday the 13th.
I just completed my THIRD day of teaching myself Korean. I relearned the phrases I was taught before leaving Bellingham. And by relearned I mean that I reviewed them said them a bunch and wrote them down. To me, learning means committing to memory and I'm not sure if that's happened. I try to put the phrases to a beat. It helps if I bounce a little in my chair and move my arms and upper torso in a dancing santa fashion (don't tell me you don't know what I mean.) That's how I'm remembering "How are you?" RIGHT NOW. right = owen, now = chigum. right now DOES NOT = owen chigum. shucks.
Today started out very well. I woke up not hating morning as much as usual. The shower stayed hot and I didn't burn my mandu (kind of like dumplings) lunch. I made it out of the apartment ON TIME and went to the first bank and tried out a new word--deposit (yegum) and it worked. But then I handed her a wad of cash so I guess it was sort of expected...That's when things started to go a bit down hill. I went to the second bank to buy travelers cheques to send home (cheaper than wiring) and FORGOT MY STINKIN PASSPORT. So I waited, holding my number, thinking of the heaven scene from Beetlejuice, when I remembered I needed it and left. I got in the first available taxi and asked to go to my apt--I have this down--and he promptly put back on the parking brake and motioned for me to get out and cross the street--using the over pass, in the RAIN--b/c he didnt want to make a few left hand turns!! Grr. This has happened before and it's NEVER fun. Does this happen in other places? Cabbies refusing to take you somewhere? I haven't used taxis many other places besides here or I've called them so I don't know.
School was fun the first few classes. Then my third to last class happened. I never know how this class is going to go. We have a love hate relationship. Somedays they are great and we get through the material and they are even talking to each other in English and other days they behave like animals and I can't get them to say one word in English. They are too busy holding their breath and making their faces turn red or stealing each others' things and blaming it on someone else. Today was one of those days. Finally, I said ENOUGH! YOU'RE DRIVING ME CRAZY! (they know what this means, believe me) and walked out. They were saying--"No, Teacher!" I told Kate I had had enough of them today and she laughed and said OK. She knows how they are. My second to last class are 3 middle school boys. One speaks English very well and loudly. The other two--it's like pulling teeth. Most of the time the loud one is whining (in English) that he doesn't want to do work and doesn't want to talk and mo mo mo (Korean blah, blah, blah). I have to take coffee to this class to stay awake. Then my last 'special' class that I love. They were my students then started middle school and their parents moved them to a middle school academy but now it's break so they come to me for 2 months, every day. We can have conversations and they teach me some Korean slang.
After this class I found out I'M GETTING A NEW CELL PHONE on MONDAY!! I'M SO HAPPY. My phone shut itself off and was held together by tape. It was also only in Korean so I memorized phone numbers again (gasp!) and had to memorize which numbers to push to do what I wanted. 2-1-1 was to write a text message. Kate said the new one will be in English. WOO HOO!
Now to start the weekend.
Happy Friday the 13th.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
grr....ROAR
I HATE MORNINGS. REALLY. I'm past the point where I hurl my alarm clock across the room but I'm still just as pissed when it goes off. It doesn't matter how much sleep I've had or in what condition I've gone to bed. I hate all mornings equally. No discrimination here. Even if I know I'm going to do something extremely fun, I still hate getting up. I push snooze until I get annoyed hearing it every 4 minutes. FOUR!! Who in their right mind makes snooze go off every 4 minutes--that's barely enough time to go back to sleep (although I have mastered it). I've had this issue with mornings for as long as I can remember. My mom would yell up the stairs for about a half hour with with threats until I got out of bed. I went straight to the shower then back upstairs to sleep for another 15 minutes. In college the thought of how much money I was spending on each class woke me up a good 10 minutes before I had to be in one. Luckily we had a small campus. In WA I had a job that started in the afternoon but I would stay up late and STILL not want to get up. And now, in Korea, my job starts in the afternoon. I like to try to get up early b/c I'm teaching children and they shouldn't have to deal with my morning rage. I try to get up around 9:30 so I can have coffee, shower, wake up, run errands, eat. It takes a while when I keep crawling into bed every 20 minutes or so. No self-control--umm, yeah. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
results
Today was my third day of acupuncture/burning. Yesterday acupunture was used, and burning but no jabby thing or suction cup. The burning is called ttum (not mispelled, the t is aspirated). The acupuncture was done on my left leg--the injured knee is on my right. This morning the knee hurt more than yesterday and I told the doctor. He put the needles in different parts of my left leg today--including 2 in my big toe and one in my second toe. That was a weird feeling. My knee hasn't been hurting since this afternoon. I'll go back tomorrow. They know me by now. The guy behind the desk (office manager, perhaps) told me American music he liked--Chet Atkins, Eagles and...Motley Crue. Hell yeah!
He is one of the reasons I've started learning Korean again. He was talking to me in the limited English he had an I had basically no Korean to speak back. I could understand very little of what he was saying when he spoke Korean. I LIVE here for crying out loud. I should at least TRY. I'm setting what I think is a reasonable goal--study a half hour a night. Preferably right when I get home. I should be able to do it. I did it today. I found a great website--http://www.langintro.com/kintro/toc.htm The guy takes it slow and has practice quizzes in each section.
Another thing, I'm thinking of setting up a Roth IRA. Anyone have any suggestions, information they would like to share?
Finished my 2nd book for 2006--Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. This guy is hilarious. It's a book of short stories/essays. My favorite is Six to Eight Black Men. I also ask people from other countries what their animals say. It's always different...
My first book was Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. I'm in search of the sequel 'Tis. Sad but triumphant book. I love Ireland and ripped through this one fairly quickly.
Now I'm reading The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco. I read Foucoult's Pendelum while travelling in Europe a few years (wow how time flies) ago and really like it.
Time to read.
He is one of the reasons I've started learning Korean again. He was talking to me in the limited English he had an I had basically no Korean to speak back. I could understand very little of what he was saying when he spoke Korean. I LIVE here for crying out loud. I should at least TRY. I'm setting what I think is a reasonable goal--study a half hour a night. Preferably right when I get home. I should be able to do it. I did it today. I found a great website--http://www.langintro.com/kintro/toc.htm The guy takes it slow and has practice quizzes in each section.
Another thing, I'm thinking of setting up a Roth IRA. Anyone have any suggestions, information they would like to share?
Finished my 2nd book for 2006--Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. This guy is hilarious. It's a book of short stories/essays. My favorite is Six to Eight Black Men. I also ask people from other countries what their animals say. It's always different...
My first book was Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. I'm in search of the sequel 'Tis. Sad but triumphant book. I love Ireland and ripped through this one fairly quickly.
Now I'm reading The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco. I read Foucoult's Pendelum while travelling in Europe a few years (wow how time flies) ago and really like it.
Time to read.
Monday, January 09, 2006
oriental medicine
I tried oriental medicine today. I messed up my knee ( I think i twisted it) on New Years and after hobbling around for a week my friend Ji Hae took me to a clinic. I was put on a warm marble bed and the pushed around on my knee while I winced. Next he took out what looked like a large tattooing device (as in it had a few needles but much bigger needles than the tattoing kind) and jammed it repeatedly into my knee causing some major discomfort but was done quickly. Next he brought out acupuncture needles--one in between my thumb and forefinger, a few in my knee, one in my calf, shin and one right near my butterfly tattoo on my foot. I sat there for a bit and a woman came in and put something on my knee--Ji Hae said "grass" but it was probably a specific kind she didn't have the words for--and proceeded to light it on fire. Ji Hae said--if it is burning you let me know. This made me very nervous--I don't like to be set on fire, go figure. As such, I kept thinking it was burning me and flinching which made the acupunture needles not feel right. The woman came back in and watched to make sure I wasn't being burnt since I kept thinking I was. I kept saying, "ok, it's really not, I'm burning. No, I'm not quite burning. Yes, I'm burning." The burning bits were taken off--I think there were five. A bit more lying still. Then the acupuncture needles were taken out and a heat pad was put on my knee. After about 10 mins of that I was told I could leave and to come back tomorrow. It cost the equivelant of 15 bucks--tomorrow's visit is 10. What's better is that my director pays half of it. I'm taking Beard tomorrow so he can check it out. I figure I'll go a few times and if it doesn't feel any better I'll try western medicine.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
jim jil pang
Beard, Christa and I went to a nice jim jil pang in Gumi today. It was a bit different than the first (and only other) one I had been to. We paid and split up. We got undressed and headed into the shower room. This one had a lot more options. There were 6 tubs. One was cold and one was a green tea bath. The rest were between 35 and 50 degrees. There were 3 saunas also. The far one had a tv and each other room had a big window so each room could view. And everyone was naked as a jay bird (where ever that expression came from). I didn't feel shy at all this time. I think these things don't exist much at home b/c people are afraid of being coined as gay. (oh no...puh-lease get over it people.) Beard said there were men chasing each other around and hitting each other. The women were much more reserved. They would scrub each others backs and pour water on each other but no frollicking.
Into the common room. We go in and sit on the marble floor and wait for Beard. He comes in and we check out one of the dry saunas. The first one we go into at my request (I'm usually not one for hot rooms). It was 30 degrees celcius. There was a TV but it was in Korean so we had no idea what was going on. We didn't stay long. The next room was 51 degrees and had crystal rocks on floor to ceiling. I don't know the actual name but they are the kind you want to buy when on vacation and at a tourist store--the flat ones that come with a stand. Anyway, they were all different colors and on the floor, walls, and ceiling. Very nice. We left here after a while and had some lunch at the little restaurant--there is also a PC room. Then we went to check out what was upstairs. At the top we felt like we were on the 31/2 floor from Being John Malkovich. From floor to ceiling was exactly 5ft 4 inches--I know because that's how tall I am. Beard and Christa had to scrunch down. HA! Shorties rule! This was the sleeping area. There were mats and pillows. We went back down and sat in a hotter room--this one with whole crystal rocks on the ceiling and walls and what felt like potato sacks as "carpet." After this we sat out in the main room and read out books. Christa and I sat in the warmer big room and Beard sat out where drinks are sold. We looked up and Beard had a friend talking to him. Pretty soon said friend brought Christa and I candy and then an orange. He didn't speak any English and Beard was practicing his Korean. After a while I was getting a bit bored and a bit annoyed--there are children running around everywhere so Christa and I left.
Back to the oh so relaxing shower room. This time we checked out the wet saunas. The first one was hard to breathe in. It said it was only 40 degrees but I don't know. We left that one pretty quickly and went into the 70 degree one. This was more like the sauna rooms I remember from home. Wooden floor and walls. Every one was facing the same way which kind of freaked me out at first until I remembered the TV. We were watching the dibby dibby dop show. The one where 2 contestents have one large hand that is pointing and they say "dibby dibby dop" and move the had to the left or to the right and the opponent has to turn his head the correct way or something very funny happens. Either he gets hit on the head with a plastic mallet or he gets air blown in his face very hard. "And the crowd goes wild." My kids like to play this game, too.
And now--home.
Into the common room. We go in and sit on the marble floor and wait for Beard. He comes in and we check out one of the dry saunas. The first one we go into at my request (I'm usually not one for hot rooms). It was 30 degrees celcius. There was a TV but it was in Korean so we had no idea what was going on. We didn't stay long. The next room was 51 degrees and had crystal rocks on floor to ceiling. I don't know the actual name but they are the kind you want to buy when on vacation and at a tourist store--the flat ones that come with a stand. Anyway, they were all different colors and on the floor, walls, and ceiling. Very nice. We left here after a while and had some lunch at the little restaurant--there is also a PC room. Then we went to check out what was upstairs. At the top we felt like we were on the 31/2 floor from Being John Malkovich. From floor to ceiling was exactly 5ft 4 inches--I know because that's how tall I am. Beard and Christa had to scrunch down. HA! Shorties rule! This was the sleeping area. There were mats and pillows. We went back down and sat in a hotter room--this one with whole crystal rocks on the ceiling and walls and what felt like potato sacks as "carpet." After this we sat out in the main room and read out books. Christa and I sat in the warmer big room and Beard sat out where drinks are sold. We looked up and Beard had a friend talking to him. Pretty soon said friend brought Christa and I candy and then an orange. He didn't speak any English and Beard was practicing his Korean. After a while I was getting a bit bored and a bit annoyed--there are children running around everywhere so Christa and I left.
Back to the oh so relaxing shower room. This time we checked out the wet saunas. The first one was hard to breathe in. It said it was only 40 degrees but I don't know. We left that one pretty quickly and went into the 70 degree one. This was more like the sauna rooms I remember from home. Wooden floor and walls. Every one was facing the same way which kind of freaked me out at first until I remembered the TV. We were watching the dibby dibby dop show. The one where 2 contestents have one large hand that is pointing and they say "dibby dibby dop" and move the had to the left or to the right and the opponent has to turn his head the correct way or something very funny happens. Either he gets hit on the head with a plastic mallet or he gets air blown in his face very hard. "And the crowd goes wild." My kids like to play this game, too.
And now--home.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
first time
Welcome.
I figured since I'm on the stinkin computer all the time I might as well start a blog. Although it's probably something I'll start and not finish/keep it up. Like yoga Now, I'm injured though so it doesn't count. How did I injure myself you make ask. I don't know. I woke up New Year's morning my knee hurt when I walked. Still does as a matter of fact. And since I'm in Korea, I'm a bit nervous about going to the dr. Not that I don't have complete faith in the ability of Korean doctors, I don't speak Korean. So, I'm waiting until one of my Korean friends can go with me. I think Monday will be the day. Krista said it's cheap. She went to phsical therapy for her knee injury and it was 2,ooo won each time. Take off the zeros and you have the amount of dollars more or less.
Today is a sit on the floor and hang out on the computer all day day. Oh--and eat any and all chocolate that Gramma just sent. Last night we stayed out longer than planned (that will be said a lot) and didn't get home until 5 or maybe 6. We watched some Simpsons and fell asleep. I woke up feeling fine, Beard not so much. He's feeling better now but he didn't make it to Daegu with Joe. There's always next weekend.
Today has also been a watch tv day. Korean tv--wow. There are a lot of karaoke shows--where normal people sing songs but I don't know who the stars are and who the normal people are. I also can't really tell when people are being serious and when they are joking. Case in point: 6 guys come out, 2 are singers. One has a nose ring connected to his earring by a chain (nast). The other has a jeri curl and keeps doing a very funny dance. But no one in the audience is laughing, they're cheering. I don't know if these people are stars...but it's funny.
Ok--enough typing. Have a good day.
I figured since I'm on the stinkin computer all the time I might as well start a blog. Although it's probably something I'll start and not finish/keep it up. Like yoga Now, I'm injured though so it doesn't count. How did I injure myself you make ask. I don't know. I woke up New Year's morning my knee hurt when I walked. Still does as a matter of fact. And since I'm in Korea, I'm a bit nervous about going to the dr. Not that I don't have complete faith in the ability of Korean doctors, I don't speak Korean. So, I'm waiting until one of my Korean friends can go with me. I think Monday will be the day. Krista said it's cheap. She went to phsical therapy for her knee injury and it was 2,ooo won each time. Take off the zeros and you have the amount of dollars more or less.
Today is a sit on the floor and hang out on the computer all day day. Oh--and eat any and all chocolate that Gramma just sent. Last night we stayed out longer than planned (that will be said a lot) and didn't get home until 5 or maybe 6. We watched some Simpsons and fell asleep. I woke up feeling fine, Beard not so much. He's feeling better now but he didn't make it to Daegu with Joe. There's always next weekend.
Today has also been a watch tv day. Korean tv--wow. There are a lot of karaoke shows--where normal people sing songs but I don't know who the stars are and who the normal people are. I also can't really tell when people are being serious and when they are joking. Case in point: 6 guys come out, 2 are singers. One has a nose ring connected to his earring by a chain (nast). The other has a jeri curl and keeps doing a very funny dance. But no one in the audience is laughing, they're cheering. I don't know if these people are stars...but it's funny.
Ok--enough typing. Have a good day.
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