A Novel Life: Korean Edition Vol. 1

Making Moves

2009-02-08T08:59:00.001-05:00

This blog has been moved to

www.anovellife.wordpress.com

New and improved design. Check me out there for more novelties.

Home Sweet Home

2009-02-06T01:06:00.006-05:00

Homeownership is overrated. Let me share my personal experience:

I was conditioned, like many Americans, that homeownership is something you had to do...just like going to college and getting married, etc. There is a certain accomplishments in life you are supposed to achieve...I drank that Kool-aid until the last crusty sugary bottom.

So in 2006 I bought a home. In an area I could afford because my teacher's pay and the fact that I am single allowed me only so much to buy. I was realistic on what I could afford. I didn't think I bought a home that was too expensive and knew that my payments had to be realistic. I was excited although it was not what I wanted location wise or style...(townhome in the SWATs)

Fastforward to the economic crisis in hand.

Luckily when I moved to Korea, I found someone to rent my home. Albeit, I pay a large sum to keep her in there to avoid foreclosure and also it is nice to come home on the breaks...so I am like the roommate that is never home.

Now while these banks and governments are telling you that it is morally wrong to walk away from your home. Get this.

In the winter of 08, my homebuilder Centex said they will no longer be building any more homes and have sold the rest of the property to someone else. Now my home sits in an unfinished complex with more than half of the lots empty. Yes about 400 lots are empty...weeds have grown over the land where homes should be.

Then the buildings they decided to finish, they used lesser materials. Like instead of the sliding glass doors, they put in one regular door. Instead of double pane windows in the bedroom, they put in a lone pane.

Hmmm...so you telling me..that Centex can just bounce and sell the complex to cover their assess..I mean assets, and then use inferior product on the rest of the buildings and leaving the complex empty...therefore bringing down my property value? Hmm.

But I should be a "good" person and pay my mortgage. Riiighhht

So then this past summer, I get a letter from my mortgage company Wells Fargo.

My taxes are going up...therefore my mortgage is going up..by like 300 dollars.

WTF!?

Now I knew that my rate was adjusting to 5.8 that fall raising my mortgage a hundred bucks. But an additional 200 on top of that?

So I realized that because of the amount of foreclosures in the area...I, the respectable homeowner, must shoulder the cost of the taxes...this is bullshit.

Oh...did I fail to mention that there are sooooo many break ins at the community that it is like a seasonal flu. Once someone gets it...so will their neighbor. My friend's mom's house has been broken into four times. Mine once and these Sons of Sorry People took a bunch of ish I could care less about, one item that meant the world to me (my mother's Cartier watch...that she busted her butt to buy) and just overall violated my sanctuary.

Builder's Website:

Devon Model, three bedroom, 2 1/2 bath...$125,000

Oh helllllll nawwwww.. The price of my home on the Centex website dropped thirty thousand. So I lost 30 gs, doing n-o-t-h-i-n-g.

I haven't checked since this summer. I am too sick as it is.

Homeownership is overrated.

Then some section 8s moved in next door in the summer. Well, let me be fair, who knows if they are...they just behave like renters...blasting music, smoking weed, throwing too many parties...running the community down with ghetto blinds (sheets on windows), leaving trash in the parking lot and speeding in the complex.

I opened my email and get a letter today (2/09) from the HOA saying that security will no longer be on premises. And we can't afford to pay out of HOA dues, cause so many people are delinquent.

Yes, please rip me another asshole...next to the other four..

So, you telling me that I should be honorable, pay my mortgage for a house in a complex that has been abandoned, that has been robbed so many times and the cops do nada, that even security is gone. I should stay right?

I called Wells Fargo and asked about some modifications.

You aren't delinquent

Sooo...I need to not pay (screw up my credit) then you will talk to me?

yes..

Welllll fuuuuuuuuuuuu*****kkkkk me then. I might as well bend over one more time.

Cause what's one more!?, It boils down to ....I worked too hard to have good credit. However, I am really contimplating saying to hell with the American dream and letting my house go when my tenant moves out. Hell, everyone is having financial troubles!

Don't tell me "that ain't right" either!

I mean, I don't understand when did a business decision become an emotional one. Centex had no love for me! HOA management could give a f*&k! Wells Fargo isn't worried about me!

Where is my bailout?

Home sweet home my ass.

The Writing's on the Wall

2009-01-31T08:36:00.005-05:00

My life has gone as planned. So to speak.

Every goal I have set out in life, I have achieved it. At the same time, many extenuating circumstances have as well. I could have let them be setbacks. But my life is as planned. Good or bad things will happen in life and your power is in your reaction.

I chose to be better than my circumstances allowed. I could have let fate run its course, but destiny intervened.

Fate requires no participation on your part. But destiny does.

All the things I have done in life has come relatively easy. Because it is my destiny to fulfill those goals. Even things I thought I wanted to do and it didn't transpire, it was because it wasn't meant for me.

I always believed that your destiny will continue to present itself until you fulfill it. There are hidden signs in your daily life that remind you to fulfill your life's purpose. People always seem to be in search of what their goal in life is or should be, when it is all around you if you pay attention to the details.

I think coincidences are not haphazard incidents. Instead, they are signs to shape your life's path. You are drawn to certain things and certain people for a reason. They are there to help you become a better you.

Also, the negative aspects of your life are not an accident. They are to shape you and are part of your destiny. Think about all the people in the world who go out and start nonprofit foundations or become dedicated to a cause. Why do they do it? Because it affected them in some personal way. Therefore, their personal pain became their community, their nation or the world's benefit...in that process it has a domino effect by inspiring others.

You have to be willing to utilize your natural gifts, your personal experiences and the silent reminders around you to fulfill your destiny and act upon them. To actively create your own destiny, it is not going to fall out the sky in to the lap of your life per se. You have to do and not think about doing.

Money Matters

2009-01-23T10:27:00.006-05:00

I just finished reading this article about cutting expenses in 2009. The first three major expenses for people were:

housing

transportation

food

Moving to South Korea either eliminated or significantly reduced those costs. Let's do the math.

America vs Korea:

Car note $430 or$0

Subway $0 or $10

Gas $100 or $0

Car Ins. $75 or $0

Mortgage $1,200 or $0

House Ins. $ 25 or $0

HOA $169 or $200 (includes electric in Korea)

Food $300 or $150

Total $2299 or $360

Enough said!

I mean that is just considering the top three things listed in the article, not including all the other things.

I am still tightening my belt over here. I went to Costco and bought a lot of meat to start making my own dinners and lunches. I do spend too much money on mediocre school lunches. The school bus picks me up, so the only time I use transit is when I go somewhere...which is only on the weekends and quite rare. Eating out, especially Western food is expensive and eats away my won budget. Oh, yeah I forgot to mention I only live on 1/3 rd of my income. The other 2/3 goes to paying off American debts and maintaining the house I still own. :(

If you read my previous blogs, I am also on a debt snowball plan. So I need to cut some corners to pay off my debts by next summer.

To the chagrin of loved ones I will not be returning to live in America any time soon. It is just too expensive. I have already decided to resign my contract this fall.

Sleeping Beauty

2009-01-22T00:17:00.003-05:00

This is not my cat. But I feel like him.

I am tired today. Thank goodness we will be on break this upcoming week. I don't know if it is the weather or if my age is catching up to me. I just want to sleep but force myself to stay awake until 9 or 10 pm. I am sleeping so well, I am actually having some weird dreams.

Saturday the cleaning lady is coming and I have to clean again before she comes at 8am...so much for sleeping in. When will the madness end! Plus, I have plans to go to yoga and volunteer at a cat shelter in Itaewon called Nabiya. I can't take in any more animals. The two I have already drive me nuts. However, I would love to volunteer and help cats and dogs in Korea. So this is the start.
Sunday I am supposed to be going to Suwon to be with the family for Lunar New Year, I will be back on Monday.
Monday, I need to write a bit and organize my clothes. My bedroom looks like a clearance sale at Marshall's.

Well I am going to go home and try not to take a nap. Wish me luck.

Cause I'm a G!

2009-01-20T01:02:00.002-05:00

G-g-g-g-g Market.

No, this is not an ode to 50cent, but an open love letter to Gmarket.

http://www.gmarket.co.kr/

Gmarket is a Korean website, similar to Ebay, where you can purchase items from various sellers and even bid. Although the stuff is pretty damn cheap as is.

Since moving to Korea, I have bought a sectional pleather sofa for about 300 bucks, Dolce&Gabbana perfume the large bottle for 60. Juicy Couture sweatsuit for 45. Marc Jacobs dress for 60. Theory trench coat for 50. Yeah, some of the stuff on there is knockoffs, but Korea believes in taking a lot of pictures to show the quality of an item so just take a look at it. Have I bought some crap. Yep. I bought a coat where the button was sewn on crooked. But hey, that one or two bad outweighs the oh so good Gmarket.

Delivery is free or cheap 2,500 won.

Did I mention they were fast? Usually my item will arrive that week!

Yes, there is an English page, where you can search for anything you want or need.

Want to send something to the USA? They ship internationally! Except the furniture of course!

You can pay with a foreign credit card, PayPal or if you have a Korean credit card go right ahead and shop! They will ask you to fax a copy of your foreign card and black out some of the numbers just to verify you have the card and it is you ordering. After that, you are free to shop away. At first I just let my card shopping expire for the 7 days before I faxed over anything. Once I realized the site was legit and pretty punctual, I have a few shopping payment options on there now.

I love gmarket cause I don't have to lug heavy things around like cat litter or water home on a subway or try to hail a taxi.

They offer fab knockoffs too for you fashionistas.

My bus stop in Gangnam where my Korean class is held is right in front of the Gmarket office building. It was a sign from the retail discounter gods.

G for life!

Economic Strategy 101: Gift Sets

2009-01-19T21:58:00.005-05:00

Gift set for 19,500 at Emart

I love Korea for understanding the value of a gift set. Every Christmas, I try and buy the sets of lotions, perfume, etc. Because it is always the better value.

There are gift sets from everything to toothbrushes to fish. Beef to laundry detergent. I love a deal packaged in neat boxes.

Since Lunar New Year is approaching, more sets are out at the local department stores and markets.

I bought a small Nivea set last night for 7500 won, the cost of one of these items in the states usually hovers around that price alone. Definitely a steal for two lotions, a creme and chapstick.

I plan on getting more this week to stock up and that way I won't need to buy and lug anymore lotion from the states and will restock again during Chuseok, when more sets become available. Plus, running out of stuff is never ideal because you will always end up paying more in the long run. For instance, a friend of mine ran out of lotion and had to pay 9,000 for one small bottle. Not cost-effective.

Save some won in 09 and buy yourself a gift set! :)

*** Update***

I went back and got the set above and another 7500 set, the girl gave me a free hand cream too. My friend bought the largest size for 28,900 won.

What a deal! I feel oh so soft and won't have to worry about buying anything else until next winter for sure!

Busy Bee

2009-01-19T06:48:00.002-05:00

My writing class is Wednesday.
My Korean class starts Feb. 4th.
Let the betterment begin!

Going to Hell

2009-01-18T06:15:00.003-05:00

Three pieces of pecan pie, two lattes, four pieces of Kalbi, 8 dumplings, numerous slices of Peking duck, four spring rolls, 8 pieces of sashimi, a strawberry mouse and some things I am probably digesting right now that I can't remember. Gluttony. Greed.
I began thinking about the seven vices, or seven deadly sins.
Realizing that I have been guilty of indulging in them one time or another in my life. Sometimes simultaneously, just to make life more interesting. Yep, I am going to hell.
Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride.

Lust: That never ends well now does it. Either they don't live up to your fantasized expectations or you find out they are complete utter a**holes. Just imagine whoever you desire being a complete idiot or having inadequate bedroom skills and funky foot odor. That will end that. I always imagine that David Beckham has a hairy butt. Works for me!
Gluttony: Now today I can't speak on this, forgive me for I have sinned. Being in Korea my calorie consumption is usually quite low cause I don't snack as much and the portions here aren't mega-super-quadrupled sized. Though, it can be kinda hard when you visit family, like I do and they constantly have you grazing on food all day. But just learn how to say when. I don't pig out often. But I tend to have a seasonal disorder of doing so. Shilla in the Spring anyone?
Greed: Moving to Korea made me realize how much crap I have back home that I didn't and don't need. I get by on fewer pairs of shoes, less clothes, less home furnishings, less of everything here. Guess what? I am still alive!
Sloth: I am not the best expert in this area. I believe in relaxation. Probably because from an early age I have always worked and I also dealt with a lot early in my life that I believe in taking time out. I think that I have had enough time "off" and it is time to get back to it. Also, it is believed that you can be a sloth if you fail to utilize your talent or gift. *crickets* . Guilty as charged. I am on parole though.
Wrath: Never been very vengeful and spiteful. I have been very angry with people though and if looks could kill...I don't wish bad things on people but I definitely can say to hell with someone. I think this is one sin that I don't indulge in often.
Envy: In America, I did that a lot. Everywhere you go...you are made to feel incomplete. Wanting this, that. Secretly being jealous of others and envious. Envy can cripple you are transpire into other sins. I really appreciate my life as is and what it is about to become. So no more envy for me.
Pride: Not a big problem here. I don't think I am better than people. I give credit where it is due. I am not vain or narcissistic. I am more embarassed than anything by compliments and stuff.

The seven virtues are:
chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, humility.

Chastity: Living in Korea is handling that. Enough said.
Temperance:Moderation, I don't drink as much here. I have to work on the seasonal eating binge fests though.
Charity: Let's see what happens at PSBFK on the 30th.
Diligence: Writing this blog regularly is one step. Starting this writing class on the 21st is another. Korean class in February and socializing more. Hmmm...I am on my way.
Patience: Every child has taught me that. My father has taught me too. Living in the South and Living here in Korea has taught me that.
Humility: I am humble.

Maybe I am not going to hell with gasoline draws (underwear) on after all.

Chronographically Speaking

2009-01-18T05:47:00.005-05:00

Time flies. This weekend was no exception. The only peace I have with this is that this upcoming week is the last one before our Lunar New Year break. I love Korea. Seriously we just came back from a three week hiatus and now we are off for another week!

Here is a recap:

Friday:
After work, I met up with my friend to eat at Outback Steakhouse. Discovered I am officially lactose intolerant. Damn. I love cheese too. Oh well.
Went to Hot Tracks and bought stationary...everything in Korea is insanely cute and artsy fartsy.
Everyone around me is getting or is sick...so I swabbed with a Zycam stick and took a shot of Nyquil...nighty night.

Saturday:
Lounged around and half-assed cleaned.
Met up with friends at Two Two chicken to gorge on fried chicken...very deelish.
Then I met some other friends in Apguejong and ate again, drank fusion soju and shared a fruit plate.
Left in somber mood of tales of woes. Soju made us sleepy too.

Sunday:
Met my cousin and his new girlfriend.
Friends and I engaged in a gorge fest at the Shilla Hotel for a birthday celebratory feast.
So full right now...it is absolutely ridiculous.

That's all folks.

Rebirth

2009-01-16T02:12:00.003-05:00

Snow on your birthday is good luck Ms. Howe, one of my students said.
I really hope so. I thought.

Today is my birthday.

I would like to thank:

1. My father, although you do not remember today is my birthday, I know you love me with all your might.
2. My mother, having you around is worth more than anything you could ever do for me.
3. Akosua, thank you for showing me that life is indeed worth some confetti.
4. Anthony, for being excited about e'ry and anythang.
5. Krissy, for holding me down!
6. Marci, you make everything an adventure!
7. Halona my fellow Cap, you showed me how to take risks!
8. Shannon, for being generous and kind and eases my soul.
9. Matt for making me believe in myself and the possibilities of yet to come.
10. My students of past and present, who have taught me patience.

Yayyy! 31 Here I come. 2009 Let's go!

Baby Steps

2009-01-14T05:51:00.003-05:00

One of many reasons why I moved to Korea was to volunteer and help biracial Korean children living here.

So many children are abandoned by their fathers and often their mothers (social stigma) that they are often placeless children in a society that is homogeneous. These children will face many prejudices, discrimination, psychological and emotional issues. Along with that the prospect of becoming a successful member of society is slim.

I also found out that 2012 Korea will end international adoptions. Leaving me to wonder, what will happen to these children. They won't let single people adopt, so I can't do that. Although I would. The only thing I can do is volunteer while I am living here. Which depends on the winter ahead if it will be two to four years. Brrr....

Anyways...I had to literally harass the Pearl S. Buck Foundation here to respond to me. Here is an excerpt of the email:

Generally, PSBFK is looking for volunteers into some categories and that are ;

Document Translation - My organization has lot's of document to translate from Korean to English.
Mentorship Volunteering - PSBFK is supporting for the bi-racial children to have a mentor who can speak English and give inspiration to them.
Etc - Please, let me know what you can.

Well, you can guess which one I chose. I will take door number 2!

Then I got this weird email:

I am sorry to say that I had to ask a question, "Can you speak Korean?" before.

Because almost of our children cannot speak English so every volunteer needs ability for speaking Korean.

Uhhh....I was like are you SERIOUS? My Korean is preschool if that. Elementary at best. I can read characters, but unless the words are familiar to me, I have no clue. I can say basic things and understand okay. That is it. (By the way, I am taking Korean classes in February)

I had the Korean language teacher, a friend of mine, email this lady and tell her that I really wanted to help out in some form or fashion, plus I would teach them English, which is a highly prized skill here...for FREE. I mean parents shell out tons of bucks to send them to afterschool programs called hagwons and oh yeah all these English "teachers" over here are because of that.

She finally got back to me and understood my passion. I had the Korean language teacher practiacally beg to give my free time and services. Geesh.

Anyways, I am meeting her over the Lunar New Year. The journey will be about 100 minutes according to the subway guide.

I wonder if they have like a Big Brother/Sister deal.

That'll be cool. Will keep you posted.

Have and Have Nots

2009-01-13T19:15:00.006-05:00

Life short. Just ask the author of "100 Things to Do Before You Die" who ironically died this past summer at 47 from a slip and fall.
See, you are never promised tomorrow. Watch the movie Bucket List.
I was thinking about how people make bucket lists and their goals, aspirations. etc. At the same time there is a saying about appreciate what you have. I know with the beginning of the new year people, including myself, think of a million and one things to do better, more or try for their future. Looking at other people's 43 things list(www.43things.com) or bucket lists, I realized I have done a lot of things that I don't give myself credit for. So, I decided to jot down the things I have done:

1. Learned how to sail a boat.
2. Learned how to windsurf.
3. Driven across country twice.
4. Traveled to South Africa.
5. Lived in Germany.
6. Traveled to Paris, Florence, Prague and many other European countries.
7. Participated in a large national beauty pageant. (Miss USA)
8. Been a published writer.
9. Been an extra in a movie.
10. Learned how to salsa dance.
11. Graduated from college, grad school.
12. Own a home.
13. Volunteer.
14. Heard Barack Obama speak in person.
15. Met Congressman John Lewis.
16. Met Randall Robinson.
17. Was a personal assistant for a Oscar nominated Actor. (before he was nominated)
18. Skinny dipped.
19. Planted a tree.
20. Snorkeled.
21. Ate conch...love it.
22. Been a bridesmaid twice.
23. Paid off my undergraduate loans.
24. Been camping.
25. Been skiing.
26. Witnessed a solar eclipse
27. Witnessed a lunar eclipse.
28.Fell deeply in love -- helplessly and unconditionally.
29.Drank beer at Oktoberfest in Munich.
30. Witnessed ChristKindlesMarkt in Nuremberg.
31. Been a mentor.
32. Been passionate about a cause and spend time helping it, instead of just thinking about it.
33.Made a fool of myself.
34. Have a tattoo (I have two and want more)
35. Gambled in Vegas
36. Celebrated NYE in NYC in Times Square. (2001)
37. Had a Grey's Papaya hot dog.
38. Ate Philly cheesesteaks at Gino's and Pat's.
39. Ice skated at Rockefeller
40. Been to a concert.
41. Living abroad...in Korea now
42. Been in a protest
43. Seen Mt. Fuji
44. Been to Tokyo
45. Adopted a pet (two cats)
46. Rode the shinkansen. Bullet Train.
I have more to follow, I have to really brainstorm. But hey, that is pretty impressive when I reread it.
You should think about your haves and not your have nots! It may inspire you!

Investments and Bailouts

2009-01-12T03:56:00.002-05:00

I was emailing back a friend today, who was pondering the direction of their life and they were discussing possible moves they wanted to take. What was hindering them? Then they stated, "but I am invested."
True. I began thinking about the current state of America's economy and also how people are invested in relationships with themselves and other people.

We all are invested in whatever place we are at now in our lives. Whatever we believe has been built from years of investing in those philosophies and rationales. Whoever we are personality wise, we created a pretty impressive portfolio.
Losing your investments can be scary. Right? But I am not talking about money here.

Think about the woman that won't leave her marriage, because she has been invested in it so long, despite the fact being abused, she will stay to ride that investment on out.
Look at that unhappy coworker who won't quit and try a new job, cause they are invested in it. They'd rather be miserable.
Consider the person who is known as the (insert personality trait here) guy/gal and won't change their behaviors, just because they have become invested in it.

What we need to realize in light of these news stories of economic turmoil....is that whatever you are invested in, will turn on you. You will be wondering why.

Examples:
That woman will stay in an unhappy marriage until he leaves her. Then what?
The coworker who gets laid off after 27 years at a job they never liked now won't get retirement and face it, will face age discrimination. Then what?
What about that mean, bitter woman who becomes old and has no one visiting her at the nursing home. Then what?
Why give power to other people?

Other people become invested in you too. Like shareholders. They expect you to be that so and so friend, wife, brother, boss, whatever and they don't understand when you begin to shift and change or when you don't associate with them anymore or when you develop new interests, beliefs or ideologies. When you run into people you knew many moons ago, but they are still invested in the past you ...may look confused and will not get the present you and they definitely won't understand the future you. Think about it, people you run into reminisce of how you used to be, never long is the conversation about what you are to become or who you are at the present.

Overall, No one is going to bail you out. But you. If you don't like your life, do something about it and don't hold on to poor investments. Trust me investments are not as faithful as you are love. That sorry man, your lame job, your attitude....bail yourself out.

Stimulate your mind in 09. Create a bailout package for yourself. Invest in the future.
You!

No Joke

2009-01-11T04:38:00.004-05:00

A Filipina woman and white guy walk onto a subway.
Then they proceeded to sit next to me.
I glanced up for a moment to notice an ajushi (older man) was swaying and staggering, although the train was not the cause of this movement. I noticed from the corner of my eye that he was gripping a green bottle. You already know where this is going...he was drunk on soju, the devilish potato liquor sold for about two bucks all around Korea and my own first encounter with it when I arrived in Korea made me swear off the stuff for my tenure here abroad. It is a sneaky little bastard. Cause you won't feel it until much later when you awake from stupor unaware of where you are. Soju is b-a-d news.
So, I tried to continue reading but through the melodic sounds coming from my headphones and the aura of funky drunkiness near me, my peaceful Sunday was disrupted as I noticed he began to harass the couple sitting next to me.
Get this, he was speaking English too! Soju makes you bilingual, you ain't know? Cause my uncle who doesn't speak a lick of English began telling me off his adventures, in English, one night when he was lit like a tiki torch.
Because I am who I am, I knew I would become the next victim of his English rants...also I knew it didn't help that these foreigners decided to sit next to me thus amplifying...

Three of these things just doesn't belong here...

Well, from what I gathered he kept repeating that he wasn't a liar. Made me wonder who called him one long time ago.
The white guy didn't do or say anything as the ajushi held his cigarette scented finger in his face.
Then he began to ask if that was his wife and he said yes.

Here we go,
then he came to me and asked the lady if I was with them and she said no.
I turned the page and pretended to read...thinking about if I had my emergency contacts from school just in case I would need to be bailed out of jail for fighting an old man.

I could see the Korean Herald headlines... American woman fights helpless old man on subway.

Who are you? Who are you?

I ignored his drunken ass and kept reading.

Then he pointed his finger in between the pages of my book and then turned the book to look at the cover, I just ignored him, but the Filipina lady waved his hand away from me.

I just ignored him and as he spilled soju on the subway floor, I thought about how he must be going through some shit to really be drunk at 1230 on a Sunday afternoon.

The couple devised a non-verbal plan to get off at the next stop. I just sat there as the drunken ajushi circled around in front of me.

The couple got off and others boarded and I guess the ajushi realized no one was going to pay attention to him and he staggered off.

No joke.

Kick Myself

2009-01-10T05:44:00.002-05:00

One of the first signs of becoming older, is that you wake up earlier for no reason. You also take a nap in the middle day. Herein lies my problem.
I had it all planned out, to clean before the cleaning lady arrived. (yeah, I know...but she wouldn't charge me so little if she saw the "before") I washed two loads of laundry and by 930, I was sipping a latte at Dunkin Donuts reading The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. I read several chapters for an hour and headed back to check on my clothes in the dryer. I even took my mound of clothes to the dry cleaner.
Productive.
That was until the cleaning ladies left and I basked in the glory of cleanliness and decided it was a great time to catch a quick snooze before I headed to my planned day of hanging at the bookstore and going to that free yoga class in Itaewon.
433pm. Damn. I just woke up and it is too late now to make the class. Everything takes so long to get to in Korea. If I had a car, I doubt it would be any quicker. Taking the subway takes about an hour and some and the bus can be thirty minutes or more.
I could just kick myself for sleeping my day away.
Granted it was 3 degrees celsius...or 37 degrees or something like that. So the television in the elevator says. Tonight it is -9 or about 16 degress. Regardless of conversion...it is mutha freaking freezing.
Well, there is always tomorrow.

Hamster On A Wheel

2009-01-08T23:51:00.003-05:00

Feeling motivated after eating a hearty school lunch of rice and veggies smothered in kochujang (red pepper paste for you English speakers). I was wondering how can I make some more moolah, duckets, cash, scrilla, dolla dolla bills ya'll. My brain was churning...wheels in motion

I have a work visa in a country that will not let foreigners have an arbeit (part time gig in German for you Eng..learn another language people!). Korea really needs to consider changing that because with the won doing so poorly, I doubt anybody will want to come over and teach English to kiddos for the same amount of money you can make at J.Crew. I say let us certified teachers have the option to work at a hagwon and make some extra dough. Not all of us will want to, but some would and then it would be less costly for all parties involved. I would think.

Now that the economy is tanking back home, I feel ever more inspired to rid myself of this debt and get back to basics by getting back to black. I make good money. Nothing is wrong with mo' money though.

What can I do? Umm...no...that is out of the question! Hmmm...I don't have anything to sell...plus Koreans don't buy used anything....I could...no...I know!!!!!!!

I started looking up some freelancing gigs online and figure that I can start looking into that. Even if it is a couple of bucks here and there, I am excited about the possibility of getting paid to write something as simple as entertainment articles or complex like researching new phone models.

I will let you know what I find out about that.

Freelance-working for yourself. Ha. What a concept.

Seven Reality Checks

2009-01-08T21:50:00.002-05:00

Korea is bitterly cold right now, so unless I want to watch Season 5 Cycle 1100 of America's Next Top Model again and again...I tend to peruse the internet a lot.

This year is all about self-growth for me, so it seemed fitting that I watch Oprah's Best Life series that was on.

Gotta love Oprah.

She had my favorite financial guru, Suze Orman and her sassy self was turning on the lights for many of us Americans. We are broke.

So, I began thinking about the times, I was debt-free. I have had that title a few times over my adult life. Then I plummeted back into that hole of have-not-a-dime.

Now, I think that Suze is cool, cause I like her upfront, no-holds barred approach. But sometimes, I think she is cuckoo too.

My other favorite money man is Dave Ramsey. He is a little bit more realistic for me. So I went on his website and was listening to his webcast about creating your 7.

He said that goals need to be written down and not stored in your brain. So if you have a list on http://www.43things.com/ that is great, I am starting mine too. But this one may be more manageable and in an organized fashion:

Make a list of these seven areas:

1. Career Goals- You should really plan for what you can do now, this year to reach that goal.

2. Financial Goals- First come career, then comes money right? Well, also think about small goals you can achieve this year and right now.

3. Spiritual Goals- Honestly, this should be numero uno. Cause that will you give the willpower to achieve all things.

4. Physical Goals- Yep, getting fit, but overall too. What does your long-term look like

5. Intellectual Goals- I thought this was a good one, cause hey you need to become smarter. Read a book!

6. Family Goals- What are your goals to improve your familial situation?

7. Social Goals- What about relationships with people in general?

Overall, they can be short-term and long-term like I did. Cause somethings will take more than '09 to do!

I made my list with what I can do now and the snowballs after it...wanna see it? Nosy.

Career Goals:

Write my memoir

Become a best-selling author
Win literary awards
Movie about my book
Humanitarian awards

Financial Goals:

Pay off debts again...and stay out of it.

Be able to give
Retire comfortably
Leave a trust for my children
Not worry about money ever

Spiritual Goals:

Find my inner peace

Heal from my past
Pray and meditate daily
Forgive myself and others
Become knowledgeable in all religions

Physical Goals:

Exercise regularly

Maintain a healthy weight
Quit unhealthy habits
Eat less meat…become veg...a something or another.
Take care of my body with regular doctor visits.

Intellectual Goals:

Read a book a month

Study something new a month
Go to a lecture yearly
Listen to podcasts or webcasts of intellectuals
Understand the news

Family Goals:

Meet a wonderful man

Get married and stay happily together
Have a child, adopt a child
Raise a good family
Become a strong familial unit

Social Goals:

Be more outgoing

Try something new
Explore new places monthly
Join a social club or group
Give people a chance

So print out your 7 list.......and get to work.

Have I done anything yet?

Since January 1....

I have yoga tomorrow, I start a NYC writing class for memoirs on the 21st, I started reading the bible and reading up on buddhism. I am currently reading Marley and Me. I started my snowball debt payment plan. Someone pissed me off today and I didn't say anything to them. I signed up for a meetup in Seoul to meet more people.

Will keep you posted!

Wind and Fences

2009-01-07T23:58:00.004-05:00

One thing I don't like, is wayward wind. You can't tell where that wind will blow...hot air.

Fence Rider-
Someone who will say anything to avoid rocking the boat. They will go against their own morals and standards to make statements to please others. They shouldn't be trusted and confiding in them isn't a good idea. They are liked by many due to the fact they always have good things to say, but are not trusted by the smart ones who have figured them out. Fence riders are phony butt kissers. We all know a few, most are politicians.

-from http://www.urbandictionary.com/

Stand for something in 09.

Energy

2009-01-06T19:22:00.002-05:00

When people are not happy with their lives, they tend to spew out things to others. Disguised sometimes as concern, it really is just plain dissatisfaction of self.

So with the ending of the conversation the transference of negative vibes is left on you. Making them feel a little satisfied in telling you what you aren't doing right in your life. Which really translates to "I failed at it, so will you or you are doing everything I wanted to do, but couldn't." This little emotional game is so....2008.

I used to let these ping-pong matches affect me. Wading through my own emotions and casting self-doubt upon myself after talking to certain people. Letting my sunny disposition be clouded by negative nonsense.

It is 2009 now. I learned that I am very happy with my life, although not perfect. It is a work in progress and I am determined to not anyone tell me otherwise.

Some people I will not be able to "let go" so to those who have to remain a constant in my life, I am chosing to just limit what I share about my life with them and just agree with whatever they have to say to pacify them. I will then hang up the phone or discard the email and read something funny or an inspirational quote...brush my shoulders off and keep on living.

Life is too short to be miserable. Even in death, I do not want to be miserable.

Live your life to your standard.

Recap: 08

2009-01-06T06:21:00.002-05:00

So, I have neglected this blog. Albeit, I have no real reason for it.

Since October, my last post, I have:

made new friends
let go of some old ones
graduated from grad school
visited home (Atlanta)
learned that life is great

Today is a new beginning. I like New Year's because it is time to be reflective.

I realized that I have to heal some old wounds, cause they were just scabs really and I have been picking at them...festering and never healing.

My journey into my thirties has just begun and I am loving every minute of it. This month I will be 31 and it is all about self-improvement in 09.

Here is a list of my goals for '09:

Find a more spiritual ground.
Write to heal.
Be positive 99.9 percent of the time (.01 is reserved for the asses we all encounter)
Learn to lose some control.
Become more sociable.

I hope that if you are out there and haven't given up on reading my posts, that you will watch me grow this year.

Until next time!

Live life and get off the computer!

Love.

2008-10-28T06:39:00.004-04:00

yes, i know that i have neglected this blog. but i was in love.
you know that feeling, you are so wrapped up in your new love... that you forget your tasks, hobbies and god forbid, friends.

well, i forgot about this blog. cause hey. i was in love.

Pictorial of my month:

Honoring my ancestors on Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving. Love you haraboji and halmoni. Peace be with you.

There is nothing like coming home to something furry and cute. For laying with me and making me laugh. For being my personal alarm clock every morning. And greeting me everyday when i come home. For following me around and just wanting to be next to me. My terrible twosome Lint (not pictured) and Lola. Love you for being such brave kitties when you got haircuts.

Ahh Lotte, you will be the death of my wallet. Thanks for the free samples and keeping my skin absolutely fab. My bedding will be my sanctuary in these cold months ahead!

For my family that never knew anything about me for 30 years but my name and country of residence. Who made sure I was well fed every hour on the hour. Thank you Sumo for the tub of kimchi, I will never finish it... because it is just me. For my cousin with limited English, who makes me laugh. To my uncle who reminds me of my mother. With each visit, I feel closer to her.

Korea, your resilience astounds me, your spirit to perserve and maintain your culture and heritage amidst Western influences and past Japanese rule. I love your oxymorons and contradictions.

MK who always leads the way and who has been my dearest friend for the longest time. I am so glad you're here. With you, I am at home.

This is Seoul Tower, where lovers scribble their names, their hopes and fears...through away the key and forever it is there.

There is so much love here and I too have been in love, with my life. Sorry I didn't write.

My Bad!

2008-09-23T02:10:00.003-04:00

I have been busy living life and have neglected to post. Please stay tuned for some more posts to begin October 1st. I have some papers due and what not.

I will be posting lots of pics from Chuseok, Seoul city tour etc. soon.

Goals

2008-09-04T18:53:00.003-04:00

1. Finish papers that are waaaay past due for my master's.
2. Write a chapter of my book for my well being.
3. Save money to go to China.
4. Save money to go to NYU this summer for a global affairs certificate.
5. Work out, i feel bloated.

Tryptophan

2008-09-02T05:31:00.005-04:00

It is cooling off a bit here in Korea, I can now wear a button down shirt without rolling up the sleeves.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. Although it is not fall yet, I am anxiously awaiting the cool breezes, scattered multicolored leaves and being able to wear fabulous fall clothes!

I looked at my school calendar and we are off for American Thanksgiving. It is truly the holiday I love the most because yes, it revolves around food. But it is the love that comes out of the food that makes this holiday more special to me than Christmas.

Christmas is so commercialized and encourages so much consumer spending, that the real meaning of Christmas is buried under tissue paper, I don't think that Jesus was born in the winter...I think he might be an Aries or Taurus. Anyway.

But food nourishes your body, helps regenerate new life in you, can create a mood within that no gift card can do at Christmas.

I love to cook. Because that is my way to show my love and it makes me happy that people enjoy the food that I make.

But this year, I won't be home for Thanksgiving. Turkeys are hard to come by here, but I wouldn't have no problem buying one off the black market but hey...I know I can't eat all that bird alone.

My point is I love to eat and sleep. Thanksgiving is all about that, so since I can't cook a traditional meal this year or visit countless houses and fall asleep watching some American football.... I am going to Tokyo!

Sleep also has restorative qualities. Ahhhh how I like to restore myself with food and sleep!

Tokyo Tryptophan-Plan 08. I just got my hotel and ticket reserved, hope I can sleep and eat well in Tokyo.

To Be or Not to Be...Korean

2008-08-28T07:48:00.003-04:00

I am on the Korean Blog List now.

www.koreanbloglist.com

Which is cool, because all those who are interested in Korean lifestyles can take sneak peeks into lives of those living here.

I wanted to post my blog to help those of the darker hue be able to get a perspective on life here. Plus, I wanted to battle all the majority white perspectives. People view life in different lenses, you know.

Here is the funny thing.

I am listed as a "Koreans living in Korea". My first attempt to register I was denied, because I wanted to be "Foreigners living in Korea".

Here we go.

All my life, I have dumbfounded those that are culturally unaware.

So I find it funny that yes, I was born in Korea, no I don't speak the language and I am an American citizen...I am still a Korean? Korean culture barely recognizes, mixed people who are part Korean. Only until Hines Ward won a Superbowl MVP, did they acknowledge his black Korean self. So, yeah I doubt that I am Korean unless I cure cancer or win a bunch of Olympic medals.

I am a foreigner in my birth country.

In the US, I am always asked, where am I from...No one wants to hear Seattle. Atlanta...or any continental US state.They want to know where am I reallllly from.

So, yeah. Makes no sense.

Busy Living

2008-08-28T06:23:00.006-04:00

What have I been up to this week?

Monday:
I finally got a cell phone with my friend/co-worker Diana, who speaks Korean, even though she says she is not that great...she is waaay better than me! I really appreciate her everyday! She waited for me as I picked out a phone which is ultra cool. Okay, so I got a free protective cover that was the lesser of three tacky evils. It was either the black glitterati one pictured with two country kitties wearing bandanas with random butterflies or the white one with some lonely looking Asian girl with phrases "I do" "Love You" all over the back or it could have been some other realllly tacky one that I can't remember. Then I got a free charger, adapter, protective screen and another charger for when I go to restaurants and stuff to charge my phone. Great deal for 120 and 55 activation, considering I paid more for a Blackberry back home.
I am learning my phone, but the cutesy quirkiness of ringtones and decorative text message screens screams to the inner 10 year old girl in me.

Tuesday:
I needed to make a wire transfer home and it took forever. I reckon, yep I said reckon, I will do it every couple of months instead.
Then Diana and I went discovering the area around Samsung Plaza. I have been there before but she had not, so we went to the stationary store, which is full of cutesy things. I bought a notebook that looks like my cat, Lint. Yeah he is a boy but isn't the notebook cute?
I will definitely be picking up some things for AK before I go home. She lives for all things cute and stationary.
Then, I went back to Face Shop, to buy some more 1 dollar masks. It is a simple treat for night time relaxing.
Went home and watched Prison Break. Seriously, I have a problem. I am so addicted to this show.

Wednesday:

Called my family that lives in Suwon to try and coordinate something for Chusok, sorta like Thanksgiving in Korea, that is in September.

After unsuccessfully trying to identify myself on the phone, I asked Diana to call my Samcheon, uncle in Korean, to translate.

She explained everything and they were going to call me back.

A few hours later, I received a call and didn't understand much of the conversation, I tried calling my Unye, older cousin/sister, in Arizona on Skype to help and she wasn't there. Then I tried calling my mom and she wasn't available either.

So with my broken Korean and limited English on my Emo, aunt in Korean, part....we decided to meet at 5 o'clock at my school.

I was so excited! I have never met them before, well let me restate that, I don't remember them. I was too young.

Today:

We met in the parking lot and they immediately showed me pictures of my aunt and cousin. I smiled a lot and Diana translated that they said I looked so much like my uncle. I wanted to hug them all but wasn't sure if that would be appropriate in public. I don't know.

We rode around looking for something to eat and decided to go to my neighborhood and park at my apartment building. We ate the most delicious kalbi, barbecued beef in Korean, and had a great time gesturing and utilizing Diana's dual language abilities.

Then my aunts and uncle came to my apartment and we finalized Chusok plans.

I am so happy to have met my family. It connects me to a part of my life that had long been lost.

As an American, I am always asked why did I choose to move to Korea....this is why.

A Little Clarfication

2008-08-23T23:43:00.002-04:00

Around here, it is important to distinguish yourself from:

A. The English teachers.
B. The U.S. military.

I vehemently let people know that I am neither. I teach at an international school. I am a certified teacher and I teach fifth grade with two math blocks, not English.

The few English teachers that have passed through the revolving doors of hagwons have undoubtedly tainted the image of English teachers and western people by acting like asses. Admittedly, you have to be a little weird to pack your bags and move half way around the world to teach...or you have to be lame in your native country, which I am an neither.
Wait, I am a little weird.
English teaching for some has become a quick fix for their problems in their own country, can't find a job there, let me teach English there. Can't score any hot girls here, let me teach English there. So on and so forth.
Now, I am going to have to say that Korea can't be all that mad about it, considering their applicant pool. You have to wonder about a person who can pack up and move to Korea in two weeks. Seriously, don't be surprised then if they are slackers, druggies or what not. `

Next, the good ol' Army. Now, don't get me wrong, I am a product of Korean citizen and military fraternization. But because I grew up around military installations, I know first hand that young, country, poor folk sign up for the Army. Also, they have a lack of couth and understanding of various cultures. I have seen obnoxious G.I.s and trust me, If I were Korean, I would raise an eyebrow or two.

People fail to realize, whether you like it or not, you are a representative.
Act accordingly.

c

KSL

2008-08-22T07:13:00.003-04:00

Korean as a Second Language:

Charades is an art form, which I have become the Picasso in Korea. With every wave of my hand, stroke of my finger and impressionist expression of my face, I am able to get by daily.

My Korean is limited, if we had to classify it, I would say that I was like a toddler in my vocabulary. My ability to read hangul characters gives me a minor advantage.

Pine-uh-ap-ul. Pineuhapul. Pineapple! Hooked on phonetically speaking.

My illiterate self pushes random buttons on my everyday appliances to do the most mundane such as washing my clothes. I peruse menus at restaurants looking for Korean words I recognize, such as mandu, bibimbap, kimbap, chicken etc. Going shopping at stores can be all about brand recognition and part risk taking.

I have looked doe-eyed at cashiers, waitresses, cab drivers, sales people when they spoke to me in Korean.

My students have helped me with pronounciation of words and were proud that I could at least read hangul.

My Korean coworkers have corrected me in a gentle manner, with no condecending tone, when I mispronounce a phrase.

I have said "ne" to things and "aneyo" to others. Having no clue what I was in agreement or disagreement of.

Then there is the universal language of numbers, in which calculators are whipped out or pieces of paper and pen that translates what it is I need to pay.

I can count to ten. Just like a three year old. But there are different numbers for different things, when I should be using Sino or Pure Korean numbers.

I prefer to hold up my hands.

In general, Koreans appreciate that I am trying.

When I arrived to Korea, I thought about how my mother must have felt, the day she immigrated to America. Not knowing the language, the culture, or a soul. I think about her everyday that I have to gesture for the simplicities. Which is every day.

Considering my limited vocabulary, I have not been yelled at in Korean as if I was deaf. For some reason Americans love to yell at foreign speakers. No laughter when I mispronounce something. There has been no frustration and tense expressions when I am not understood.

I have felt lost and bewildered. Frustrated at my own inability to speak, not to be confused with a frustration of Koreans inability to speak English. I don't expect them to. Which is something some expats over here need to get a grip on.

Instead of being met with hostility, I have been treated with kindness and patience. Something that Americans could learn.

We are the land of immigrants, we tout. Yet we shun the outsiders, creating a culture that contradicts our very existence by insisting that someone learn English when they come to the U.S. We complain about making concessions for foreign language speakers in our schools, hospitals and places of business. All because it is not convenience for us. English laden with accents are met with colorful insulting commentary unless it is of a European nature, then it is tres' chic. But if it is someone who says "pine uh ap ul", we concentrate on our own discomforts instead of focusing on how someone is doing their best to meet us where we are.

My mother told me once, that a dissatisfied customer told her to "Go back to China!" Which is highly inaccurate but also extremely offensive.

Is that who we are in America?

I guess people may worry about my safety or well being in Korea and I admit, I also had my own trepidations after reading all the "horror" stories in Korea.

As Americans, do we expect to be treated as we treat others? Maybe so and therefore explains the self-inflicted fears.

Being well aware of me being American, a foreigner, albeit in my birth country of Korea...I find it astonishing how many foreigners choose to live in their western bubbles. Only eating western food, gawking at Korean customs, being overly opinionated about the culture and overall negative and creating a self-imposed exile for themselves.

By no means do I suggest that we lose ourselves when we move to a foreign country but I do ponder why would anyone move to another country and not be willing to become a bit vulnerable to change. Or at the bare minimum, be respectful of a culture.

Yes there are enclaves in most major cities of ethnic neighborhoods catering to the lifestyles of the hopeful and foreign. I would also argue that most people who come to America do their best to assimilate out of desire and necessity to be woven into the American fabric.

Let's really think about how many Americans only know how to speak English. That's it and hell, we can't even speak that correctly at times. We are so self-absorbed. We discourage bilingual education, yet careers are in demand for bilingual speakers. And we wonder where all the jobs are going. People all over the world can speak more than just one language and I am amazed with anyone who can speak English as a second language and all it's complexities.

It is written in many guide books on Korea and websites, that some Koreans may know English but may be apprehensive to speak it due to the lack of fluency.

Probably because some westerner will make fun of them.

Case in point. My mother swears up and down that her English is "not so good", as she puts it.
After 29 years of living in the U.S. that of course is not true. What she is however, is self-conscious about her accent or how she is perceived by native English speakers, so I have had situations where she has all but become mute in unfamiliar settings.

My Korean translated today in the store:

Me: Hello
Shopkeeper: Hello, how can I help you?
Me: Cell phone. buy.
Shopkeeper: (This is where he said a bunch of stuff I had no idea)
Me: Do you speak English?
Shopkeeper: No, sorry.
Me: simple and cheap. (I pointed to my phrase book after butchering it)
Shopkeeper: (Again, saying a whole lot but I did understand that he wanted to know what kind of phone and service I wanted)
Me: Two. (I used Sino and Pure Korean numbers and held up two fingers trying to explain contract terms)
Shopkeeper: (A whole bunch of Korean...then he pointed me to the ones with English menus or something)

This conversation went on and on for awhile, with me leaving without a phone, not due to translation but just the prices.

My point is, I sounded ridiculous. This man did not get frustrated with me or treat me as an idiot. Nor did he try to rip me off, as some people in America would do to a confused foreigner. He was patient as I flipped through my rather worthless phrasebook and used the very limited English he had to help me out and didn't get mad when I didn't buy a phone.

Afterwards, I went to the Aveda section at Lotte and bought some much needed hair product and the sales girl was super friendly and spoke the English she knew and I spoke the Korean I knew.

It is about being open. Being willing to learn and meet people where they are. She gave me a few samples after I made my purchase and said to come back soon with a gracious smile and slight bow.

As time passes on here, I am understanding my mother's life more, although I think my situation is a whole hell of a lot less scarier as her experience has been in America.

A Week In Review...

2008-08-22T06:49:00.005-04:00

Sunday I went to church with some co-workers. It was nice to meet some friendly folks and get a little motivational inspiration.

The sermon was about God knows the end at the beginning and that your life is planned and not a random prediction.

I enjoyed the service, the pastor was quite humorous as well.

The only caveat is that it takes about an hour and a half to get there and church can last for 3 hours. Not to my liking.

I am not an avid religious enthusiast, nor do I proclaim to be of the Christian faith, but I do have faith in a higher power and sometimes you need a little inspiration in your life to proceed.

As for the week at school, it was busy and slowly but surely, I am adjusting to fit my student's needs.

Unlike when I taught in the inner city, these kids come well prepared with supplies and get additional assistance outside of school. Therefore, I am not trying to get them to know basic facts like multiplication. However, they lack comprehension skills and basic logic. Common sense just can't be taught. It is a new challenge for me to teach ESL kids and I will be working hard to get them to process information and devlop an understanding of what they are reading.

I also got my Alien Resident Card, so I am officially...an alien!!!
Cell phones are mad expensive to start off here for a foreigner, I am expected to shell out 150-200 for a cell. Yeah, no free phones for us. Even though the school is offering some, I am going to shop around.

Got paid this week and I am going to try and live off my won money only. I get paid a portion in won and the rest in US. I am going to transfer the US to my home account and pay off bills and invest in my retirement. I don't have any grandiose plans for saving like serious thousands here like some people. I just want to be able to rid myself of some debts and travel.

I am making the same amount as I did back home except I don't pay for a place to live or a car and the car expenses, which gives me a whole lot more money to handle business.

Finally found a pedicure place, which is very nice and has like every color you can imagine. It is about 30 bucks for a basic pedicure...with no scrub. Boo. Hey, I am not mad at the Koreans for charging more for this walking culture's peds. I have seen some rough heels out here. I chose a baby blue color.

Also, I went out to dinner with some Korean staff at the school and the guys were cool. We ate Korean food, of course and had dessert.

Actually, all week I have been eating ice cream or gelato or frozen yogurt after my meals. Korean food makes me crave something sweet and if you know me, I don't even like sweets.

I also found a DVD rental place and I am renting seasons of The Wire and Prison Break. Prison Break is fantastic, cute guys and thuggishness. Oh so sexy. HA! The Wire is alright so far, I am going to give it a chance but I am not interested so far.

For a down payment of 10 bucks you can rent 15 dollars worth of movies, considering that new releases are only 2 bucks and others are a dollar you can't beat that. Blockbuster can kiss my grits with that 5 dollar charge in the US.

Ever so steadily, I am getting settled here. I miss my family and friends and can't wait to see them this Christmas. I found a student at my school to cat sit for me while I am away so I am much more comfortable about leaving for three weeks. :)

Oh, I am the worst about taking pics. I keep forgeting to charge the camera or taking it with me. So I will make a vow to do better. :) Be patient with a girl.

Yesterday

2008-08-16T02:08:00.003-04:00

Pictured above: What a Bundang Burrito looks like.

Yesterday.

A co-worker of mine needed to head to Itaewon, the foreigner section of Seoul, to purchase some clothes. We headed out at 10am and when we got there we decided that day will be Western day and ate at Outback Steakhouse.

I had some cheese fries and chicken wings, she had the steak. It was very comforting to eat something that wasn't Korean.

So we walked around and visited some shops and she bought some clothes. The store owners pretty much buy a bunch of stuff from Marshalls, Macy's and what not and sell them here. So she got some stuff from INC, Talbots etc.

I was happy that she was able to find some clothes that would fit her.

Me on the other hand, really don't like shopping. Well, I am the type that the clothes need to be displayed out front on a mannequin or something, digging through racks and bins has never been fun for me.

I went into one store that sold designer labels, albeit cut out, and I bought a cute striped sweater cardigan dress. The store owner tried to sell me a bad ass Burberry coat, but I am not into advertising, it was in the traditional plaid pattern, but the shape and the fox fur collar was soooo cute.

The stuff is real. It seems that they may get it from China or Korea, cause hell most of that stuff is manufactured here in Asia. They cut out enough of the label so they don't get in trouble I guess, but leave enough of the label so you recognize who made it.

I saw Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenberg, Theory, Calvin Klein etc. just to name a few....

I LOVE THIS PLACE!

After getting doused in the rain, we headed back to Bundang to search for a mattress pad.

The mattresses here are hard as hell! We decided to go to Emart to search for the ever elusive mattress pad. It was rumored that a memory foam pad is sold there for about 200 bucks. Wowza..but hey when you are literally caught between a rock and a hard mattress, you suck it up.

So we searched the aisles and floors of the store and didn't find it. We think that us foreigners cleaned them out.

I did, however, buy a new comforter set. It is way cuter than the pink atrocity our school gave everyone, including the men.

I know I will only be living in Korea for two years maybe, but hey, this is home and I want it to look like home.

So I plopped 150 for a comforter and two pillowcases. Wow. I would have never done that back home. But I did find out it was a duvet cover and it is pretty good quality considering it is embroidered and thick, unlike the sheet like duvets we have in the States. So I guess it is a deal.

Anyways, we hopped in a cab and headed to HomeEver. Ever Ever..it was huge! Way better than Emart.

We couldn't find a mattress pad there either. But I did get a blow dryer and some scissors. I also bought a Korean version of the Ped-Egg. Trust me, it is needed here.

My co-worker got a wireless mouse and mousepad and a board game for her students.

On the way out, we saw a shop that sold mattress pads. Essentially, they are futons that Koreans sleep on the floor with. They are rather thin, but we were desperate beyond measure.

It was not as thick as we would have liked, but thicker than the futon we saw at Emart. Also, it was a double and we have queen beds. So for 55 bucks we went for it.

It was hilarious getting into the cab with two of those. We dropped them off in our apartments and headed out to get something to eat.

My co-worker wanted no Asian cuisine, no Indian either. So that made it tough.

We walked. And walked. Did I mention we walked?

Then after walking through a little park we saw the beckoning of flashing neon lights indicating more choices and the Samsung Plaza, a premier shopping center. Designer goods galore.

We first stopped in KFC, but I wasn't excited about that, since I didn't eat KFC back home. Now if that was a Popeye's or Chick Fil A, we would have been in business.

So we walked some more and found a...Mexican Restaurant? Yes!

We went into La M...something or another, I forget and it was decorated like a little hacienda pueblo deal with Mexican decor galore.

The menu was interesting. You could get tacos or spaghetti or fried rice. HA! I love this place.

So I got the burrito and she ordered the tacos and just for the hell of it we had cheesesticks.

It was very tasty and I will definitely eat there again!

After that we looked into a DVD store, cause we were disappointed that we didn't find a bootlegger in Itaewon, then again it rained hard and we weren't looking hard.

Nothing grabbed our attention, so we went into Face Shop...sorta like Body Shop. I got some masks and stuff, to beautify myself and so did my co-worker. We took the subway back, went the wrong way again and when we made it to our neighborhood, we stopped at Baskin Robbins for a small scoop.

What a great westernized 12 hour day.

Oh and I slept for the first time in bed and actually overslept....it was great!

SBF Files: Case #1

2008-08-12T08:07:00.007-04:00

In America, Asian men are not viewed as sexy or desirable. They are usually comedy relief or master kung fu artist who are masters at knocking your block off and not your socks off.

Since I have been to Korea, I have seen some fine looking Korean men and yes they are tall. Taller than me, I saw one dude in McDonalds, let's not talk about why the hell I was at McDonalds, who was about 6'5.

I don't know if dating wise, I will meet a guy over here to date. A friend of mine asked if I would date a Korean man and of course I would. That really is not the question, it is more like would he date me? The Korean women are equally beautiful and super skinny, managing to look fabulous in their feminine blouses and dresses while teetering on heels all day long and in 96 degrees, not dripping a sweat.

While I sweat profusely wearing the most comfortable t-shirt and flip flops. I also have a little bit of a booty, if I do say so myself. And yes, I get it from my mamma. So if I have a Korean booty....whatever.

The other day while walking into my building, two guys were walking by and in the reflection of the door as I entered, I saw them checking me out. Heyyyyy....

Well, they could have been shocked to see a black girl. Then again, I have been mistaken for a Korean person a lot suprisingly.

Koreans are insistent about not getting dark. Wearing super sun visors that block the sun, shielding their faces like the sun was the paparazzi or using an umbrella.

I think I am going to tell my students that my color is what happens when you stay out in the sun, just to freak them out. LOL.

So, I wonder if a hot guy out here will date me cause I am still a black chick from the A.

Who knows. Maybe for a green card? LOL.

Either way. I am not lonely. yet.

What am I eating anyways?

2008-08-12T07:46:00.004-04:00

My neighborhood has soooo many restaurants and it is reasonable to eat out for Korean food. I usually eat out, but today I was not in the mood to gesture and guess. Certain foods I recognize in the Korean language, others not so much. I hope to improve.

I went to the Lotte dept. store today, yes this Bloomingdale's type store has a grocery store in the basement. Cool huh?

Everything is so neat and organized. Lots of fresh and organic produce and fresh meats. I decided to make one of my favorite Korean soups. Dwen jang chigae.

I put in some soybean paste, called dwen jang. It is tangier than miso, like the soup you get from the sushi joint.

I used some clams as the meat and broth.

I used a half of a potato.

Some green onion.

Kochujang. A red pepper paste.

Sesame oil.

Splash of soy sauce.

Tofu.

Ta da!

First Day of School!

2008-08-11T09:46:00.004-04:00

Usually, kiddies are ultra quiet, super behaved and not that inquisitive on the first day. The kids I met today were not exactly that! They were a talkative bunch, justified since they haven't seen each other throughout the summer. Some of the boys are a bit rambunctious so I will have to lay down that hand tomorrow. Oh, in a discussion about the increased lunch price...we got to talking about gas prices, recession/depression and stock prices. Wow. These kids aren't afraid to ask questions. Which is awesome!

I would say that school procedures need to be tightened up, it was a whole lot of chaos and confusion surrounding lunch and dismissal. Then again, if we had clearer instructions before hand, it probably would have been avoided.

I guess I expect more discipline in terms of children, it is okay cause I will instill that in my class for sure in the weeks ahead.

People who don't teach don't understand the amount of energy teaching can suck out of you. I am beat. I just woke up from sleeping and will be headed back to bed soon.

Oh on a side note, one of the teachers came up to me and said,"Don't they all look alike?" referring to the fact that our kids are mostly Korean. Wow. I didn't respond the first time, the second time it was said, I said no.

It amazes me how culturally insensitive people can be put in positions or seek positions for themselves that are of a culturally sensitive nature.

Last week.

2008-08-07T10:28:00.003-04:00

Yeah, it was hell-acious trying to get on the blog since I had infrequent internet access. Now I am up and running so I will catch you up:

July 26th:

Lola did great on the plane. Had a row to myself until some old white dude wanted to sit in the aisle seat since he was stuck in the middle behind me. I told him that a cat will be seating in the middle so deal with it. He was cool.

So, one of my bags was missing and it took sometime to get help with that, language barrier and all.

Staff met me and they were nice, it was hot as hell and I just wanted to get to my new apt.

Unfortunately the bag missing contained kitty litter, food etc. I had to brave EMart immediately.

The taxi driver figured out what I meant to get home and gave me a round of applause when we pulled up front. lol.

I met MK in my neighborhood for dinner and we headed to Seoul so I could spend the night there because. Mr. Lint would be arriving the next afternoon.

After calling Delta, my bag was somehow left in Atlanta and would be arriving on Korean Air by 5. I called to verify five times, just cause I wanted to make sure the call center in India, Jamaica and midwestern US of A, had the same information. Don't you love outsourcing?

Long story short, got my bag and cat that Monday the 28th and all was well in the world.

28th- I pretty much stayed in the house and got acclimated to me being in Korea.

29th- Went to school met my coworkers. Random folks of strangely, different walks of life but similar.

School is nice and everyone is super friendly and laid back, different atmosphere than teaching in Atlanta for sure.

Went to eat and drink with colleagues.

30th-Now

Randoms

Shopping at Emart is exhausting.

Lotte Dept store is right outside my house. Half off food after about 6. Very nice grocery store in the basement too. Will post pics of neighborhood soon.

Drank Soju. It is a sneaky devil. Be warned.

Saw my first drag show in Itaewon. Itaewon is Korea's underbelly for foreigners near the Army base.

Laughed too much for my own good at work.

Walked more for the first time in life since I had no driver's license.

Discovered Dongdaemun...shopping, shopping, shopping paradise. You can shop until like 5am, although I didn't this time. :)

Bought three pairs of shoes for 50 bucks!

Received several foreigner discounts from meat to clothes!

Korean people have been so helpful and nice. Don't believe the hype!

More will be posted regularly I promise now that I have internet.

Yes, I'm Alive!

2008-07-30T20:59:00.002-04:00

I made it safely to Korea and at the moment I don't have internet service in my apartment, which is fabulous if I do say so myself...anyways. I will post something as soon as I get situated which should be sometime next week.

So many interesting stories so far and I haven't even been here a week.

Today

2008-07-26T01:53:00.003-04:00

It has been a lifelong dream. To find out more about myself and the elusive country that is Korea. Not much is known about the country I call my birthplace. Of course there are dozens of assumptions. I have been asked if I was going to North Korea for example. Yeah, like that is likely.

But everyone is like....Korean!

And that is different how? I lived in ATL for five years, where black people are the majority everywhere I go. I worked at a predominately black school. Two white kids, maybe handful Hispanic children and four white teachers. So on and so forth.

Your point?

But you will be an outsider!

I am mixed. I am perpetually an outsider. And?

Moving on....

Not many people put Korea on their to-see-and-do list. Which is fine by me. I decided to go to Korea for personal reasons and not leisurely ones. Although there are definitely sights to be seen!

At 30 years old, I felt that with all my experiences there was another part of me missing. Who am I? Of course I know that my blood is Korean and black, but what does it mean to be Korean?
What is it that I am at times and what is it that I am not.

And good God, why is my mother the way that she is. I always wrote it off as a cultural thing. So maybe I just want to verify it.

It is no coincidence to have reconnected with my Korean side of my family in the past couple of weeks. The timing was impeccable. For the first time in my life, I will meet my uncles and cousins who reside in Suwon one day in the years ahead.

I wonder how that will play out considering the language barriers that will divide us while simultaneously the familial bond that will draw us close.

There are so many things to discover and although I will be in awe of the new experiences to be had.

But...Forever I love Atlanta.

The good, bad and ugly of it all. It is home.

Can't wait to see you all this Christmas.

Today/Two-day(s)

2008-07-25T00:15:00.005-04:00

It has been an interesting couple of days so i will summarize:
1. Storage unit is supposed to be climate controlled..found it sweltering...not happy with response with desk clerk. Got to call corporate tomorrow to complain and get a discount. Really worried about my furniture.
2. Got accused of shoplifting at Marshalls. I had the receipt for the item and still got no apology. Got to call corporate tomorrow. Don't have time for lawsuits.
3. Worried about Lint's transportation. Now it is okay. Thank you Korean Air. Or should I save the thanks until he arrives on Monday alive and well?
4. My cell will be off while I am away and I have no charges...plus I get to keep my number and can turn my service back on when I am home. Awesome. Thanks AT&T.
5. Got my check ready for CarMax to sell my car tomorrow. I will miss you Camry. Thanks for being a great car.
6. Dad doesn't want dialysis again. At the same time he doesn't want to die. Throughout all the explanations, he isn't getting it. He will probably change his mind again.
7. I have awesome friends! Thanks to Jamilica for helping me really organize and get my stuff together. Thanks to Akosua for helping me return my work materials and stuff to storage. Also, I love my gift Akosua! It was a collage decorated picture frame, passport holder and luggage tag. :)
8. I feel like I am forgetting something.
9. Emailed all my friends. I will send out a mass text too with my information.
10. I can't believe I am leaving!!!!!

Yowza! Four Days!

2008-07-23T00:41:00.003-04:00

Yeah, I went through a wee bit of an emotional roller coaster the last few days.

You are so brave!

So adventuresome!

Oh, to be young!

Wish I could do that!

Sheesh. To be honest people... I am chickenshit. I am not that daring. I usually just take calculated risks. Considering that I have been thinking about this, researching it, weighing out the pros and cons for years. How daring can I be? Oh, the initial leap you say...

You ever see those cartoons, particulary Wil.E. Coyote running like mad and he is chasing the road runner only to find that he is no longer on land, but suspended in air...staring at you with those helpless big doey eyes as he momentarily pauses to hold up a sign reading "HELP" before he plummets face flat hundreds of feet below and you see that puff of a dust cloud. weeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwuuuuuuhhhhpuggghhh.

poof.

Ouch.

Good ol' Wil.E. was a planner, he organized and planned his attack, tactics and ordered some impressive stuff out of that ACME catalog, the Amway of Looney Tunes. It didn't matter though.

How much he planned.

Strategized.

Plotted.

He could never predict that inevitable feeling of Aww..shittt. Or in G-rated terms. Help!

He always got up and attempted again though and chased his dream of scrawny road runner basted legs.

While I had been reassuring all my friends and family that I will be home at Christmas and summer. I thought repeating that over and over had comforted me as well over the past few months, but the last few days had been incredibly rough.

I guess what I am saying is that fear can be crippling. I was literally sick with the idea of moving almost 8000 miles away from my family and friends. I didn't stop crying from Friday until Monday. For some reason, the movers came today and I was A-okay. Ready to roll. Just like our old relentless coyote above.

So, I have my guest room now established as my room in my own house. It is furnished with my guest bedroom furniture and my belongings for when I return home. So it will feel like I never left even if the rest of the house will have my new "roommate's" belongings.

A mini-rant for the day:

I went to take the kitties to the vet at 7am for a drop off. Appointment was at ten, but the movers were at the house so I had to drop of the duo...I went to pick them up at 7pm since no one called to tell me to and they close at that time. Yes, they usually call.

The vet tells me that I may need a USDA stamp. All the stuff I read on the internet did not specify that. I was not arguing with the man about the need for the stamp if he thought so. I was upset because he had my kitties all day and didn't pick up the phone and tell me this so I could figure it out. He said he didn't know I was traveling internationally. I told the ninny nurse that a few weeks ago at Lola's appt. I also said it again upon check in.

So I lost a whole day when I could have called today to beg for an appointmet. I also don't understand why the vet wouldn't know about these matters...I mean that is your job right? People come in for health certificates all the time. Should you have a list or database of what countries require what. I tell ya. As a teacher, if I had no idea what the standards were or what is required for someone to learn, I would be under so much scrutiny.

So I will be calling the USDA first thing in the morning to beg for an appointment ASAP to pay and additional twenty some odd bucks for a stamp. The office it seems is about 40 minutes away.

But....I am also supposed to be selling my car tomorrow. We'll see.

Wednesday here I come!

How life works...

2008-07-19T10:34:00.003-04:00

Even with my excitement of moving to Korea and travelling throughout Asia, I could not help but wonder if I really should be doing this.

My father was sick over the fourth, and had to be admitted to the hospital. At first I didn't visit him, because of previous times of uneventful emergency room visits, where nothing has been seriously wrong.

This time was different.

I received a call from his doctor asking me to come in. We wound up talking over the phone and I found out that my father will probably need dialysis much sooner than later. A few months prior his general physician said that it would probably be 2 years before he needs treatment, considering that his kidneys were functioning at 30 percent. But you can't predict these things. His kidneys were now performing at 5 percent. His blood pressure was through the roof. I had to make a decision whether to have him on dialysis or not. Although dialysis is not a lifesaving measure as the doctor kept repeating. Choosing not to though could be deadly according to the internet with a 2 day or 2 week death sentence.

At that previous doctor appointment, my father was told about the dialysis treatment in which he said he didn't want treatment. That he didn't want resuscitating measures. He wanted to go. I was devastated. But that is not my choice even though I am his power of attorney. He told me that he didn't want to live that way.

So now listening to this doctor on the phone, my father's request pressed again my heart along with the impeding departure day. What to do.

I went to visit him, with my friend and her mom driving me there, because at this point I was sobbing uncontrollably.

I wanted to ask him again, in front of the doctor, what the ultimate goal for his remaining years would be.

He agreed to go on dialysis if necessary. 3 times a week. 3-4 hours a day.

He turned to me and said I love you girl.

I sputtered the same sentiment and turned to walk out the room to cry.

My strength is what keeps him. He can't see me worried or devastated. What would that do to his blood pressure, his mind, if his daughter was weak with worry.

That is the story of me essentially. Always trying to remain strong. And sometimes in that process I come off as too hard my own damn good.

At times I feel that no one is strong for me. At that moment, I felt that my dad was being strong for me, the only way he knew how or could do. Stay alive. He asked me when I was getting married. The first time he asked me that in all my years. I told him that he would have to wait and see. He nodded and said that he will.

That made me realize...I am 30 and single. When I return I will be 32 and probably single. That is for a whole other blog in itself.

7 days!

2008-07-19T10:26:00.002-04:00

It was a busy week.

Monday, my mom came into town to say goodbye. We both had to visit the Korean consulate, she needed to get her Korean passport that she lost years back and I had my visa issuance number finally that needed to get stamped in my passport. We first had lunch at Han Il Kwan, our favorite Korean restaurant. It was great to see my mom and she informed me that she will be moving back to Savannah, Georgia. I was happy that she would not be far away from me when I came back home to visit.

While waiting for the consulate to reopen after lunch, she finally called her sister and niece that she had not spoken with since I was in 2nd grade. I was glad that they reconnected.

We said goodbye in the International Tower parking deck and I held back tears by reassuring myself that I will be back during Christmas.

I have to return to the consulate to pick up my passport Monday.

18 days, well let's say 17...today doesn't count

2008-07-09T13:53:00.003-04:00

Taking a break from packing up my kitchen.

Yesterday, I got a visit from my dad from Seattle. He is not my biological father, but he has been a father figure in my life since I was in 9th grade. He was passing through since he visits family in Alabama yearly. I talked to his wife on his cell and she gave me her brother's number to contact when I arrive in Korea. I have met him and his daughter several times over the course of the years for significant familial events and what not. He is a nice man, but I don't speak Korean so we rely on hand gestures and translations from his sister. His daughter speaks English though, so maybe she can show me around. I always feel weird about calling people out the blue, especially when we don't socialize on a regular basis or have some sort of bond. At this point though, I will need all the familiarity in an unfamiliar place.

Other than that short visit yesterday I didn't do too much.

I emailed about my visa issuance number and they said there is a delay for a few days. I am oh so glad I don't have to travel to the consulate! How inconvenient that would be if the consulate was not in my city.

Today my entertainment delight will be gone. I will be saying goodbye to my 50 inch Samsung plasma that I purchased at an awesome deal this past Christmas season. I have sold it to my dear friend G. I am glad that I didn't have to store this thing! I hope she enjoys it tonight as much as I did for these short months.

Well, off to eat some shin ramyeun and back to packing!

Day 19 is it?

2008-07-07T20:03:00.002-04:00

Today was a day of half ass packing. I decided to spend the night with my BFF since I was enticed by crab legs. I love seafood.

I woke up this morning and began to pack up my kitchen non-essentials. Like that Crock Pot, I use only at Thanksgiving, the rice cooker my mom gave me, the deep fryer and my bar glasses. So one more box complete!

Going to Target will be missed. Although after hearing about Emart and Lotte, I think I can acclimate nicely. I bought my Purpose face wash and some gallon bags to pack all my beauty products. I have sensitive skin so I have to pretty much use Aveeno or fragrance free products. I don't know much about the beauty products available abroad so I would rather be safe than sorry. Once my mom bought me some Laniage skin stuff, which I know they sell in Korea, but I found it too watery.

Who knows what tonight will bring, I might stay in and pack some more. I might go out with friends.

The movers are still coming on the 16th. I considered changing the date but decided not to because I want to be done with packing. Done.

20 days or so...

2008-07-06T12:56:00.002-04:00

So, I am sitting on my bed with a certain Siamese kitty sprawled out twitching in her sleep. She doesn't seem to mind the massive mountain range of clothes surrounding her. Matter of fact, I believe she prefers it as comfort due to the torrential rainstorm happening outside. My electricity went out and returned. DirecTV is not as responsive.

It is the perfect day to pack.

I have started to work through my closet and sort out the things I want to keep, the things I want to take and the ish that's gotta go. Not such an easy task. I have started having private debates with myself about shoes that are cute but I haven't worn in forever and don't want to give away. Same arguments about my clothes. How many hoodies do I really need? Really.
So, I am taking a break to blog about some exciting news.

Myspace is the 21st Century Sherlock Holmes. My cousin, who I have not seen or spoken to since I was maybe in 2nd grade found me on the social network yesterday. I talked to my 2nd cousin who is stationed with the Marines in California, my cousin and my aunt who live in Arizona. Who knows why my mother did not keep in touch with her only sister, but that is a responsibility I am leaving to her. I told them I would give their number to her to call, because my mother is quite peculiar in family matters.

Perfect Timing. I wish I could see them before I moved to Korea. I told them to let my uncles, who I found out live in Suwon, Korea, that I will be moving there and would love to meet them.

This is part of the reason why I am moving to Korea. I want to know my history. My people. Me.

Them finding me, prompted me to look on Myspace for my brother, who I think I found as well, but his profile is private and he has not checked his page since March. I emailed him on Myspace and Facebook in hopes to meet him before I go. Coincidentally, he lives right here in Atlanta. Life is the ultimate prankster.

I also found my other cousin on Myspace, who I hope contacts me. Living with his family was a period in my childhood that was most memorable and normal.

Oh, and although it was supposed to be a surprise, I am having a going away party the weekend of the 17-20. And my Best in the West, (friend from Cali) is coming! These are the times I feel so loved. I may not have many friends, but the ones I have are the best that love can find. Especially since my bestest friend is planning this shinding and is the best party planner. I can't wait for her supposedly secret...but I now know...business is a huge success! She will do great!

So, I am going to get of my tush and begin packing again. The last thing I want is to spend my last moments rushing to pack.

Day 24

2008-07-02T14:38:00.002-04:00

So I am sitting here now surrounded by boxes and clear tubs preparing to pack. I got my new camera in the mail yesterday! Yayyy. Love you Amazon! So pics will be up soon of my move to Korea.

I hate packing. However, I am quite the pro. If I had to be out of here tomorrow...I could move this whole house. I am also the type that doesn't throw out boxes. You never know when you will have to move. I did buy some new ones though because I want to stack them neatly in the storage unit. I am a professional mover due to my father being in the military and as I got older, I also changed residences and locales often.

I like new environments, because you can renew yourself.

So, my goal tonight is to really pack the office. Really. I have been saying that for a week or so and haven't gotten around to it. Since I no longer will be workng at home, I can easily pack up my work materials so that I can drop them off at the main office. That's a lot of damn books.

Ughh..

When it becomes a choice between packing and hanging with friends, I choose the latter. I hope someone invites me out for drinks tonight. :)

I packed three boxes so far, consisting of wall decor, pillows etc. I am taking a break from that labor intensive packing.

Ultimately the goal is to be packed by the 13th. I think I will make it.

27 days

2008-06-29T15:13:00.002-04:00

So, I was about to go the storage place to pick up some boxes to begin to pack.

Those boxes are not going to fit in a Camry. Hmmm.

I got someone to get them for me who owns a pick up truck. I hope he brings them by this week.

Other than that, I think I will begin sorting through my closet again for packing to Korea, packing to storage and Goodwill.

29 days

2008-06-27T19:00:00.002-04:00

I really need to pack or organize. I plan on doing that tomorrow. Today is for relaxing.

My friends keep reminding me how soon I will be leaving.
I'd rather forget that.

I wonder where is my Visa number so I can get on down the road to the consulate. I am glad that they are in Atlanta.

30 Days.

2008-06-27T18:25:00.002-04:00

It is official that I am moving to Bundang, South Korea in one month! I received my e-ticket a couple of days ago and as of July 26th, I will leave this place referred to as the dirty south and head to the "sparkling" soko. Southern comfort goes global.

My 30 day checklist has been slowly dwindling....

I have a renter for my house that I own here in Atlanta, she is a friend who will technically be my roommate, but I won't be there until Christmas and in the summer. Essentially I will live in the guest bedroom of my house when I return to the states and the house is all hers. Given this economic climate and the number of foreclosures and for sale homes in my complex, I feel very blessed to still keep my home and have someone helping with the cost...even though my taxes went up and has increased my payment by almost 30 percent. That "American Dream" is a fallacy. It ain't for everyone. I miss apartment living.

I hired a moving company. They are the same movers who moved me into my first home. I was so excited THEN! They were reasonable and didn't complain like my previous moving company about their job..Two Men and a Truck...you suck! I was excited to find out that their rates actually were less than before. Thank goodness. If you ever need a mover and want to support black business, call B & B movers in Decatur, GA.

My other dilemma was storage. It is freaking expensive! I realized that I don't really need my storage nearby...since I am over 7000 miles away anyway. So I picked a unit to hold my precious belongings for my tenure abroad that is out of the city. So instead of paying almost 150-200 bucks for an air-conditioned first floor unit, I got the same dimensions and features for 66 bucks. It is just a little further.

I scheduled a carpet cleaning for my new "roomie" so she can have a fresh and clean house to move in her stuff.

I got a quote from CarMax for my lovely Toyota Camry about a month ago. So I will be selling that to them in a week or so. I will miss that car! I won't miss car payments, insurance and gas though. 1 point SOKO for great public transportation.

Have I packed yet? Heck no. But I did...

order myself a military style duffel bag not exceeding the 62 inches as stated on Delta. Delta will tax your ass for some bags. Read this from their website:

You'll be charged an excess baggage fee each time you go over any one of the free allowances.

For example, if you have an extra piece of baggage that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, then you'll be charged 3 times:

once for the extra bag,
once for going over the size limit, and
once for going over the weight limit.

I was like hell no! I am mooooving to Korea. So I would rather pay for the extra bags and try to keep them under the size limit and weight limit. I can't rely on my flirting mechanisms to get me out of those extra fees.

Additionally, I am traveling with TWO meow mixes (cats for all you laymans). Lint and Lola. I believe that if you make a commitment to a pet, all measures should be taken to keep them if you can. I love those two.

Anyway, I have one who will have to travel cargo due to the embargo (nice rhyme) on the weather. So I can't check him in. I pray that the weather is not 85 degrees when i drop him off in the morning at the air cargo. I doubt it will be though. The PetFirst customer service rep stated that it just couldn't be over that temp when I dropped him off and I must drop off four hours in advance. So since Delta operates only one flight to SOKO and it leaves around 11am. Lint should be cool. His ticket will be about 220.

I bought Lola a ticket to fly under the seat with me in the cabin. Her ticket is 100 bucks. However, I guesstimated that she weighs ten pounds. I took her to the vet and I am off by a few. She is 14 lbs in her plastic carrier! I knew she was chubby but damn! I have her on a strict Atkins diet of chicken breast and lean meat. She has to help me out and lose some weight. I would hate to have someone deny her on the plane. She is small, but rotund. She is currently on a regular workout regimen. Let's cross our fingers she fits in the new cloth carrier I bought her on Amazon. It should be here next week.

My other friend has bought my 50 inch plasma tv. Thank goodness! I really did not want to store that thing.

I am excited! Wooohooooo!