Last entry for 2005!!

Hey folks! I've returned--to the wonderful land of the morning calm. Korea never looked better and I'm really glad to be back! I've missed teaching--but who would have thought since I was pretty stressed when I left for my vacation. Ah! Now I'm refreshed and ready to tackle it all over again :)

I've definitely missed the kids, that's for sure. But hey, that's not what this entry is about. It's my last entry for 2005 before the New Year rings in--and I thought I'd just say a few words and publicize my resolutions... basically get my last few of 2005 out there!!

It's really been a great year, and it seemed to flow by so quickly. After 5 months in Korea, I've realized just a few things about myself, what I want to change and what I want to do differently in the new year.

What have I learned through all my mishaps and good times thus far? Patience. It takes patience; one lovely asset I've learned from just a few important people that raised me, and those wonderful experiences I've learned on my own. Hitting the brick wall truly does help to rationalize and realize whether the direction you're heading in is the right one--or whether it's time to turn around and head in another direction.

Ah, 'tis one of the best things in life; to be able to assess your surroundings and make that choice to change or let things stay the same. Isn't it great?

So in the New Year, I want to accomplish 5 things. And if I fail, then at least I tried; but for now, the whole world will know this:

1) I plan on finally writing a book of all my travels (tentatively titled "The Swiss Experience") and at least send it to a few publishers. It'll probably be a mild fiction focusing on my experience working as an Au Pair in Switzerland and progressing from there.

2) I plan on getting into the best shape of my life and by summer, running at least a 10K (I figure there must be some running/swimming or Triathalon races in Seoul by then!!)

3) Pass the DELF/DALF French exam with flying colors to add to my teaching/translation credentials.

4) Take the necessary steps to get working on my Master's, and finally earning my Teaching Certificate.

5) Last, learn the art of patience, balance and self-reflection. The greatest thing in life is not the end result, but the progress. I want to really reflect on myself and put everything into perspective. This goes with finding a balance between work and play, friendships and relationships~ sort of a branch from the yin-yang theory.

There you go. The last words (almost) of 2005. So there's just 3 and 1/2 hours to go~ and to everyone at home, far away, and even close, may you ALL have a Happy New Year!!

~ Chelsea

Life Happens: A trip back to my old church, nostalgia, and growing pains

It's Monday, already, and it snowed beautifully last night when my mom and I took a midnight walk outside. I've spent quite a bit of time with my friend Stephanie, doing miscellaneous errands and mutually helping one another doing this and that. It's been a little exhausting at times, but nonetheless, I felt like I was helping out. Now on Sunday, there was a Christmas pageant at my old church, Emmanuel Lutheran, and we spent the good part of the morning there. It was good times filled with nostaligia.

It was also going to be my official last Sunday of church there before I left for Korea. I enjoyed however, seeing all the old faces I remember so well from childhood (faces, but not always names, mind you!) We had a breakfast afterwards, put on by the Altar Guild ladies, and it was yummy (well, I thought the egg casserole thingy was strange, but the muffins were good!)

Steph and her husband Jay were Mary and Joseph, and it brought back memories thinking of just a year prior, we were all sitting together watching Juan standing up as one of the Wisemen during the story of Jesus born in Bethlehem. That seems like so long ago, now... it's funny how time flies.





I caught a photo of Rachel (the church Treasurer and my personal life-saver, as she helped me on many occasions when I was working last spring as church secretary~ before Korea, of course). Her daughter has the most beautiful eyes, and I snapped right when she looked up at me. Neat moment, indeed.





Today was just one of those days I needed to sit at home, my folks' home, and do nothing. Every other day, I've either done errands, went to buy stuff, gone to visit someone, or... whatever else I find I don't remember. Nah, I just needed to slow down. And I did. But I felt aggitated, like I needed to do something constructive. You see, I've got an 'equal work/equal play' work ethic (or I try to, at least). I have to find a balance, and sometimes having just too much of one or another, I realize I don't feel right. Rather strange, but then maybe that's just me.

I think moreover I realize now that my vacation is winding down, too. Perhaps it hasn't helped that I've come down with a snag of a cold, and I'm feeling it now; or maybe I don't feel as in control as I'd like to be. That could be my problem, come to think of it. I've always needed to be in control, to have the freedom to do as I please, and it should be that way seeing as I'm 27. But, as you can imagine, going home and staying with the folks (because of sheer nostalgia, the feeling of 'living at home again') maybe has brought me down, or reliving some of my childhood memories, among other possibilities (although I have to admit, they've let me do pretty much what I wanted, and they've bent over backwards for me, I know). It could be having the freedom to get in the car and go; then of course, there's car rentals, silly me!

But the truth of the matter is, I think in the midst of this near month-long vacation, trying to free these demons that have built up inside me (health issues, the nostalgia of being back at home and seeing all of my friends and family again, in particular my ex-boyfriend~ whilst placing myself in time and realizing my 'here-and-now' in Korea) I've come to the conclusion that I think I'm right in the middle of a little growing up crisis.

It seems odd, I know, but it's a fact. I feel that strange clock ticking, being around my since-childhood friend, Stephanie, her husband and child. Then there was the 'Bon voyage back to Korea' family party we had on Dec 10th my Grandmother's, visiting the Brown family once again, and seeing my cousin Amber at 6 months pregnant with her second boy. And Jennifer, my Junior High friend, who I'll see this week; she's got 2 boys already and they're growing like weeds!

Alright, alright, so I happen to be focusing on the baby/children part, but that's not necessarily what I'm concentrating on. It's the life happens part. It's not just the geography; my bro and his wife are in Alabama. My dad and step-ma Debbie are in Louisiana. My pop and mom are here in Washington. I've got family all over, so I can't just say I'm 'missing out' because I'm 6,000 miles away in Korea, or just out of the country, for that matter... or can I? Does geography have anything to do with it, or is there something more...?

I used to think it was not being near my friends, or family, or simply in the same country as the people I know that I thought was the root problem. The life happens part will happen, whether your close geographically or not. The unfortunate part is that many families-including my own-live so close to one another, yet they hardly visit. They hardly pick up the phone. They hardly email.

I'm guilty of this too. And I realize, as I'm sure I'm not the only one, that we let too many things get in the way of what is really important; sometimes I think this American (Westernized, if you will) culture molds us into thinking that life is made up the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'. It's become an issue of materialism---how many homes you have, if your 'dialed in' to 'what's going on' (how many of you got that one?), where to get the best prices, and saving for retirement (among so many others, folks). Yeah, I compare myself. I want to be apart of the 'haves' more than the 'have-nots'. But you know what? Life isn't about that. We're fueled by tv, the media, this secret underlying connected cortex we associate with, we depend upon, we're fed by. It's pathetic, and sometimes I think it's the only way we can survive, because it's almost ingrained in us. It's a cruel world out there (no cliche intended), and with fierce competition, you gotta know when to 'run with the bulls,' as they say. I wonder if that's a law school slogan? Would be interesting, anyway.

In the end, it's all boils down to how you live your life, right? I mean, we preach about what's really important in life, we talk about how money is meaningless, we listen to self-help books and watch shows and movies about improving our lives, our productivity, about being happy and fruitful, and 'balanced'.. HA! Yet we don't even heed our own advice!!

And we watch National Geographic, the special on Ethiopia and the starving children, with hyperextended stomaches from malnutrition; we cry with them, maybe talk to someone else about the show we just saw. But do we do anything about it? No. We move on to the next gossip, or the next errand, or the next hour to get ready for work or school.

I mean, how much fun would God have if he had created perfect human beings, anyway? That's precisely why we are the way we are.

And so there's turmoil. And suffering. And the educated. And the poor. And people struggling to be the better of the 'haves' whilst the 'have-nots' just struggle to make ends meet. And in the middle, there's Tyra and Opera tv shows, giving away such wonderful, unreal, expensive Christmas gifts to a select audience who live like Kings and Queens for a day. Or an episode.

Which is probably all given back after the show, but is made to look like the audience is lucky, making all the normal folks at home wish we were in the audience.

But wait! These tv show hosts really do change peoples lives, don't they? I mean, it's all about believing. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? Believing there will be lots of good food to eat, Christmas presents to exchange, family and friends to meet... it's the chaos of Christmas and guess what? It's the Money, with a capital 'M', that drives the season through. Alas, we have come to the truth.

After the holidays, credit card companies are happy, and people are sapped, zapped and monkey slapped with no money and debt up to their ears because they wanted to be apart of the 'haves'. Or, at least, rememembered that way. Afterall, you'll always be remembered for the Christmas gift you gave, right? What did you give last year, and do the people remember? What about 5 years ago??

Let me get back to the point I was trying to make: we shouldn't use Christmas or Thanksgiving, or the Holidays as an excuse to get in touch with our family, friends or loved ones. It's truly how you stay in touch with your family, your friends, or the people you know that is the most important, without the influence of the media-fueled holidays to rectify the call or the visit that enables you to recount the entire last year in a single conversation.

Emails are incredible tools, and likewise, the telephone (or the other way around); but nowadays, it seems that emails are replacing the telephone, which originally replaced the one-on-one, the face to face communication that many of us desperately needed~ and still need 'til this day. Eventually, there may no longer be such types of communication needed; but hey, that's way, way, way down yonder to think about.

(sigh)

Nostalgia, growing pains, the lack of communication, and misaligned meanings of Christmas and holidays... these are all what I call 'relative clauses' in the story of life. And the deal is, there is no such 'instructions to life' (if there is one, please enlighten me!). We are all essentially a product of our parents and our surroundings; and though we don't necessarily have to be like them or what influenced us from day one, we still have the choice to write our own story and instructions to life.

Sometimes just one phone call, a knock at the door, or--an email, could make all the difference. So put down that newspaper, throw away that magazine, turn off the t.v. and maybe, just maybe you might be inspired to bash in that computer screen (wait, if that's the case, you wouldn't be able to read my entry... now I'm caught in my own entanglement! How about you put that 'ol screen on standby, then.) Indeed, it's about staying in touch, and it's about finding that right balance. That's life, naturally, one day at a time.

~ Chelsea

On the homefront: A trip to Seattle

Just a few photo postings of my stay back home. This particular sequence is from a recent trip to Seattle, with Juan, his roommie Richard, and their friend Mike (besides myself, of course!) We went to reek havoc in Seattle, among other things, checking out the scenary, look at the Art Institute of Seattle for Mike, and together see a backetball game at Key Arena. The photos say it all~ what a bea-uuute of a day, indeed! ENJOY!

More photos coming soon. Check out some recent additions to my Flickr photos!

Prolonged vacation: Communcation and Foreign Environments

My vacation is going to be prolonged. Sorry folks, but it had to be done. I know you were just waiting for more Korean adventures!

As of today, I moved my ticket up a full 2 weeks. Now, on one hand, I should be thrilled to stay longer: my folks are here, I get to visit with my friends and family longer, and I'd be here to finalize moving my stuff and turning in the keys to my old apartment, among other things (say--health check-ups, for example: there's nothing like being able to communicate with your doctor about important things without having to translate sensitive topics between you and your school director, due to the language barrier!) But alas, I feel a little guilty, for more than once reason.

I've been missing the kids at school: driving me mad, begging me to buy them Odang and taking the first part of class trying to persuade me to play, whereas the phrase, "Chelsea ssem (meaning, teacher), let's play game!" has become all too common.

I miss to some degree, the co-workers who choose to speak in Korean all the time, leaving me often in my own little world~ yeah, I sort of miss them too. Perhaps it's their way of speaking English a wee bit broken. Or the frivalous blah blahs they chat about, petty stories I imagine they gossip about since I often have but a 2% understanding of their conversations anway (thanks to Konglish).

And then there's my boss, Susan, who'll somehow have to collaborate another 2 weeks of chaos, figuring out how to keep the kids we've got and praying I'll really come back before the parents start wondering. I'm sure I'll have some feet tapping when I return: but after they've tasted my delectable, American snacks; given my quasi-Christmas, quasi-"thank you for putting up with a whole month of knowing what my days at work feel like without a break or a moment to breath" just-because gifts; and begun to work my butt off again in the usual manner~ I'm sure all will be forgiven.

Last, I miss the familiar landscapes that were once foreign to me. I've had a bit of time to think about how much just being in Korea, geographically, has changed me. I've become more independent and self-sufficient, and among other things, have taken a sort of pride and ownership for my little town-- it's petite, distinct culture that took me so long to adjust to, for example, along with the funky food, the quirks I've come in contact with, and the manner and way things were done~ which was so far from the normal, westernized style I had known all my life.

But speaking in terms of guiltiness in prolonging my vacation: the simple, rudimentary and obvious reason boils down to an issue of health. The fact of the matter is, I've realized there is no quarreling or compromising with one's health. It's either good or bad, not somewhere in-between. And I didn't want to go back to Korea in a stae of bad or in-betweeness concerning my health. Period.

So for the curious audience, I'll just say a bladder infection is no fun in a foreign country (including--and ladies, you know what I mean when I talk about--the infection that ensues because of the pills you take to cure the bladder infection!) Funny, I already dealt with the like in Switzerland, some years ago; but at least then I was able to communicate in French without a translator! Let me tell you, it's another story when you can't find the help you need (or the pills!) because you lack the necessary language skills.

Ahhh.. now, all I need is for everything to go as planned, and my fairytale vacation stay, to end blissfully. So all you women considering moving to another country to teach, consider ALL the possibilities. I'm not saying you should base whether moving to another country outside of your own is worth it, based upon whether you're able to communicate to health professionals or emergency services in that foreign country should the occasion arise; the point is, being knowledgeable ABOUT them~ who to talk to, connecting to translation services, and knowing heads from tails are essential to getting around and feeling comfortable in the foreign environment. How you feel in that foreign environment is the key, and knowing where to look for help....

(Commercial Break) And now that I'm on a rampage, and you know practically the whole story, let me talk to you about some necessities when you consider going to another country (for work, for teaching, or anything of a nature where you'll stay longer than a few weeks, that is).

I mentioned knowing how you feel in a foreign environment, knowing where to look for help and who to talk to when a crisis or anything health-related is concerned.

Once that's covered, you need to think about having a proper support system; something that is crucial when your outside of your 'comfortable environment'--a.k.a. your country of origin. That is, people you can depend upon to help you out. And no, I don't just mean when there's a crisis. Every woman, particularly, needs to have girl friends to talk to. You need to ask yourself: Who can I turn to when I need help, and not just in an emergency? Do I have friends or acquaintences I can rely on, simply communicate or hang out with? When you have a comfortable circle--a list of numbers to dial when you need to, you become less on the 'offensive' and more resilient to the environment you're residing in. You essentially feel comfortable, more in-tune, more 'one' in where you are (a bit philosophical, I know, but I'm trying hard to stay clear of that!)

One brick wall I hit when I arrived in Korea was being able to simply ask where the bathroom was, where I could buy bread, or how to take a taxi to downtown. Language barriers are just the tip of the iceberg, too, in terms of how you feel in that foreign environment. It's not just about being able to communicate in the case of health emergencies, when you're at the bank, or in everyday circumstances. I'm talking about simple, good-'ol human talk.

Everyone needs to nurture themselves through social contact and relationships. I suffered a bit from isolation when I first arrived in Korea. I subconsciously believed that to truly immerse myself and learn the language in this country, I had to limit myself to the locals. Not entirely so (but this is subjective: in Switzerland, I intentially spoke only French because it was the only way I could essentially become fluent in the language!)

Back to Korea, within a few months, I realized the isolation was taking it's tole on me, and what I really needed was confirmation from other English speakers. What I longed for were people who were in my same position, going through exactly what I was going through, with mutually shared experiences on which I could base my own. This was part of the experience I was missing.

In terms of communication, you don't get the same affect speaking English to non-native speakers; eventually, you end up speaking slower than normal, watching your grammar and what you say, and either party can easily misconstrue what is communicated. I've also found, when speaking to non-native speakers, there's two things that could happen, which essentially changes the way you speak: You can sometimes break down that fluency and begin communicating like the foreigners with whom you speak with (when, in actuality, you're the foreigner in their country!) or you enable your fluency skills and build upon them. You figure out the meaning of the language you speak, simply by dissecting it, breaking it down, and teaching it to others. You become in-tune to your language, and that is the moment when you realize the true meaning of communication, and just how important it is.

With a native-english speaker, you brush past those language barriers you intially needed to overcome in the first place; you abate those uncertainties, feelings of lonliness or isolation, embellishing those experiences with people you feel comfortable with, building upon your independence and certitude in that foreign environment. Eventually, that environment becomes less and less foreign, until one day, you consider that environment your home.

It's an awesome phenomenon that teachers, such as my self, stumble upon in their ESL teaching experiences. But who knows; I am but one of many in this little country called Korea. Once I tackled the initial fears~ learning and memorizing basic phrases needed to get me around and feel independent, gathering a support circle of friends and must-have contact infos, I essentially realized how self-empowering it could be to live in Korea, and doing just what I was doing!

So there you go. My vacation is prolonged, and here I am talking about not being able to communicate to others in a foreign country! Perhaps I'm going through withdrawals from not being surrounded 24/7 with people I can't communicate with...or better yet, maybe the place I've called home for more than 27 years has now become foreign to me? I almost find it easier now to speak in English to non-native speakers. It's a curious thought, indeed.

I find it interesting how being in a foreign place can change you. I saw myself changing in Korea, and maybe now, I'm finding myself changed being home again. 'Til then, I'll just enjoy speaking regular English for awhile.

~ Chelsea

The Perils of Phone Communication

Story: The perils of a telecommunications company.

Once upon a time, there was this company called Teletech. And there was this guy named Juan that worked for this company. And there was also this girl named Chelsea--the guy's ex-turned-quasi-friend (coz there's alot of junk going on and miscellaneous blah-blah)--who wanted to get a hold of him at said Teletech company because he didn't give her his apartment keys after brunch, though she wanted to move some of her stuff out while he was at work, but was unable to do so without keys to the apartment. She was moving her stuff out of the apartment and preparing to go back to Korea after a near two-week vacation in her hometown.

Anyhow, as you can imagine, he worked as a 'tech-by-telephone' for this company: answering phone calls, problem solving and possibly dealing with irrate customers. Irrate is probably an understatement for the day Chelsea tried contacting Juan at this Teletech company..

So this particular day, Chelsea called Teletech to get a hold of Juan to try and get the apartment keys that he had forgotten to give her. A recorded operator started speaking: If this is a family emergency, push 1. If not, and this is not of an emergency nature, we will not message an employee.. blah blah blah. Chelsea pushed one. Then an operater answered, asked where to direct the call, and without further adieu, Chelsea thought about what she wanted to say to Juan. Another operator- this time superviser - picked up the line and asked if this was a family emergency. Yes, it is. I must get a hold of Juan Morey. The superviser confessed he didn't know who that was. Why? Can't you just transfer me, Chelsea wondered. No, you called an employee sick line. Well, yeah, I'm calling to talk to Juan and I need to talk to him. Let me transfer you, the superviser says, to Human Resources. They should be able to connect you to Juan. Ok, maybe I'll get to talking to him, finally, Chelsea thought.

Moments later, another operator answered the line: Teletech Human Resources, how can I help you? Can I speak to Juan Morey, please? Who?, the person on the other end of the line replied. Juan Morey, M-O-R-E-Y. I just dropped him off at work an hour ago. How could you not know him? Well, this place is big, there are alot of employees, and besides, I'm not able to transfer the call to employees. We can only take messages. What?! How do family members get through if there's an emergency, and they must speak to one of the employees there? So this isn't a family emergency, the Human Resources person said to Chelsea. Well, of course, for crying out loud! I just want to know how in the world I'm able to just speak to Juan Morey. I've spend more than 20 minutes on the line trying to talk with him. Now can you put me through or not?? Well, let me transfer you. I'm sure you'll be able to talk to him.

5 seconds later and cotton mouth forming from speaking in an exassperated tone, Chelsea heard, once again, the initial recorded operator that she heard when she first made the call to Teletech. The last part of the recorded message said, please leave a message after the tone.

And with that, Chelsea left a major complaint about such telecommunications company not being able to connect her to a Teletech employee.

Ah... the perils of phone communication. I guess this is how people respond to emergencies in a company where people are too used to communicating on the phone.

Time Flies: Must I leave so soon?

Here it is, already the 8th of December (+15 hours difference between Washington and Korea), and I'm already near packing, buying gifts for the boss, kids and co-workers, and thinking about last-minute things to accomplish before my flight out on Sunday. That's right, back to Korea. And it's just 3 days from now. Amazing how time flies.

So while I'm packing the last tid-bits of my belongings in my apartment with Juan (who's leaving back to the DR on Christmas day, of all days!), I'm constantly reminded of my life here in little Bremerton. Just driving in my Pop's Nissan truck, feeling free, going over the Manette or Warren Avenue Bridge; looking at the cloudless, blue sky and snowy mountain peaks of the Olympics; or visiting with old friends that were crucial to my prior-Louisiana school days, and after... I'm seriously surrounded by so such nostalgia, it's almost irritating!

Tonight I'm off with my old friend and former Home Depot co-worker, Troy, to check out the show, "Mama Mia" at the Paramount in Seattle. We hears it's a real knee jerker. I'll tell you all about it, promise! I'm looking forward to the crisp, Seattle air again. Should be fun :)

And after all this, I wonder: Must I leave so soon? I could do for another week. Or two. I've got plenty of things to keep me here longer, including some medical check-ups to make sure this Yankee is still doing fine. But we'll see~ there's still a possibility to change my ticket for later. The only problem is, the earliest flight after my Dec 11th scheduled flight is the 21st: nearly 10 full days later, and almost a month since I took off on Nov 29th to Washington. I have a feeling though there'd be a few grudges built at home. 'Til then, I'll just have fun while I'm here!

~ Chelsea

Bremerton: It's snowflakes falling on rooftops...not cedar.

What a beautiful day it was. the northwest has great things to offer, and though I've only been away in Korea just a few short months~ it's really taken just this short time to realize how good home really is!

I woke up to another cold, cloudy day. But the unusual part was that it started snowing just about 11am. I had crashed over at Juan's after a pretty fun day hanging out in Seattle with Juan and his roommate, Richard, and one of their Teletech co-workers, Mike. We had a blast over in Seattle, yesterday~ but I'll get back to that later. Juan and I decided to go down to our old hang-out, Cafe Destino's where my old friend, Jennifer, used to work. They made pretty good coffee~ 2 muffins and a chai tea and caramel latte 10 minutes later, and we went walking to the bus stop: he off to work, and I walking gingerly home to freshen' up and see the folks.

We walked past Evergreen park, after visiting a local all organic food store that recently opened up (it had been closed for some years when I left for Korea) and suddenly realized that the small drizzle had turned into light snow flakes. We looked at each other rather surprisingly, both stopping at the same time, racking our brains realizing that it was actually snowing and not raining! We then continued walking with a smile and giggled at the funny moment we shared. It was cold; he had the umbrella and I with my wet running shoes. We walked frozen in the cold, commenting on the luck we had that we left right at the exact time that it started snowing. I recalled how it had been years since I saw the snow like that tumble so gently in my hometown. The last time I remember, I was young and had made a snowman or two in my parents' front yard. What a memory; now I get to relive them during this blink-of-an-eye vacation!

Yesterday was a blast event too. I woke up half-awake and groggy from going to bed late Tuesday night (go figure; my body was still adjusting to the new time). Indeed, I went over to Juan and Richard's apartment about a quarter to 10 for plans we had to hang out in Seattle (just a clarification: me and Juan's old apartment for those who don't know but might care; and yes, Juan is my ex-turned-dear-friend. Richard is Juan's current roommate who'll take over the apartment when I return back to Korea, and Juan moves back home to the Dominican Republic. In a nutshell, this apartment change was one of the reasons I took this interlude and vacation back home!) So, back to the story~ Juan and I showed up after getting some groceries at the local Safeway. $12 bucks later, we met up with Richard who was just starting the German pancakes (more like cornbread!) that he promised to make us for breakfast; Mike was just about on his way to join up in the pre-Seattle breakfast.

It's rather funny~ the dynamic between the four of us folks and how the day played out in Seattle yesterday. Picture this: Me, 27, visiting from Korea, still adjusting to speaking English, just getting to know Juan's roommate Richard and their friend Mike; Juan, 24, Dominican, mutual friend and ex, the talkative one of the crew; Richard, 57, Juan's roommate and young, spirited soul bound to be full of fun and laughs; and Mike, 19, looking as if he's recovering from a night's drink out, thoughtful and playing the role of a wannabe graffiti artist.

Oh, don't worry! You'll get to see pictures of us soon and our trip pto Seattle; however, I need to finish the current CD on my Mavica camera before I upload them here. I've forgotten my USB cable back in Korea~ so I won't be able to upload often. We'll see :)

Anyway, in summary, we walked around, quarelled about taking the bus vs. walking to the Seattle center; we ate some awesome Thai food near the Seattle Art Institute near the eastern quarter of the Seattle waterfront; and last, accompanied Mike on his trip to check out the Seattle Art Institute to see if the graphic artist $70,000 program was right for him (that's a heck of a lot more than I remember when I was looking into AIS!!) We met some interesting people along the way, and basically enjoyed the evening.

For the day's closer, we decided to check out a Seattle SUPERSONICS GAME at the KEY ARENA at 7pm. The Sonics were playing the Charlotte Bobcats (unheard of by me, at least); nevertheless, the basketball game was a blast, except the moments I was nearly falling asleep... (Which, by the way, I'm not sure why; maybe it was the annoying highschoolers sitting behind us yelling, or the cheer of the crowd incidently heard during the half-time Sonics junior wheelchair basketball team play, or maybe, on last thought, the Sonics lady cheerleaderss shaking their blessings during the 20 second time-outs. Hmmm, I dunno. There could be any number of reasons!)

We enjoyed some expensive beer at the game, and later, while waiting for the 11 something ferry to come home, I enjoyed some wine at a ferry terminal restaurant while Richard bought Mike some tap beer that turned out yucky. I chose the wine because I figured it's harder to find bad wine than good beer. Interesting times.

Well, folks, it late here. Friday comes quickly, and I'm already heading into my 4th day back in Washington. I think the plan for tomorrow so far, is to call up my friend Stephanie and my grandma and see what their up to. Tomorrow night, Juan and his Teletech buddies are supposed to go out to Red Robin for chow in Silverdale, maybe afterwards going bowling. This is another 'we shall see' event. I've got a big checklist of this to do while I'm here.. and I'm just getting started! Oh, that includes maybe some 'cannot find in Korea but you can find in the States' shopping...

Night 'all! Maybe there'll be more lovely, flakey, so-like-home snow flakes in the mornin' :)
~ Chelsea

The playground..and lessons on teaching.

Today was like any other day at work~ only a LOT more fun and interesting. I find that if I implement some sort of game, or activity into my daily lesson with the kids I teach, everyone seems to have more fun and concentrate better. Including myself! So for example, I start off the class saying "If we work for 10 or 15 minutes, we'll play Bingo! Or Hangman! Or make Origami and play games!" That usually sets them off to listen-to-the-teacher mode.

For the past few months, I've felt a bit lost and overwhelmed~ everyday, becoming more and more arduous in keeping track of what we did during class; trying to keep track of the students progress; and constantly trying new ways to teach the material to make it interesting to the students, and less boring for myself.

SO I changed from 'teacher' to 'fellow student' and took my first class students to the playground right next to the school. It was probably the most fun I've had in a very long time! The kids saw that I took my other first-class students yesterday to the playground, and they were jealous. The next thing I knew, I enter my students' class today and they're all ready to head outside and go to the playground! The kids walked in a line, one after the another, even without my yelling for them to stay together and watch out for cars. They're a good group of kids~ I think they're trained well!

We played on this spinning thing with bars and a platform. One of my kids yelled for me to get in the middle, and before I could say 'hang on', my head went spinning as I gulped for my kids who were half-hazardly hanging on to the bars, letting their feet fly, laughing like uncontrollable jumping beans (that's a strange picture!) This made me more concerned about the possiblity of them flying off and finding one of them with a broken arm or a bleeding head. In the end, it turned out alright, and everyone had fun, laughing and chattering away as we headed back to school.

These kind of days make me reflect about the kids I teach, and that occasionally letting your guard down and having fun isn't such a bad thing, afterall!

Saturday night at DaVinci, thoughts of Seattle and a few (hopefully) wise conclusions

1 week, 2 days, 12 hours and counting: Seattle here I come!

Tonight looks like it will be another fun Saturday night. Last weekend, I met up with a Canadian friend, Brenda, whom I met at my YMCA class some months ago. She invited me over for a pre-club hors-d'ouvres party with some of her fellow Canadian friends, and we all ended up having a blast. I not only felt welcomed among these Canadian folk, but I learned quite a bit about their early mishaps and difficulties in Korea~ which much like my own, were experienced first-hand and met with uncertainty. It felt genuinely good to speak English fluently, without having to define what I've said or speak slowly (which normally is the case among my co-workers, boss, the students I teach or other Korean acquaintences). And as a matter of fact, this is exactly what I've been missing here in Korea: like-minded friends with whom to travel and share experiences with. Bingo! As if I didn't realize what the missing piece of the equation was all along.

You see, I came to Korea with the intention to not only earn a decent wage~like most teachers coming here probably do: I came here learn a bit of culture, language and perhaps a bit about myself in the meantime. Even at 27, I still have yet so much to learn; and I don't see myself settling down like many of my peers do and have done at my age. They've gotten married, settled with probably a half-dozen kids, and their careers have already come and gone. Nevertheless, I've always been a bit gung-ho about the decisions I make; and I believed that to really immerse myself in this culture, right here, right now, I had to isolate myself from other foreigners. So this isolation was not like a punishment, of course, nor was it intended per se; the first month I was here, I just felt jaded after meeting so many other foreigners like myself, who spent many-a-nights drinking, spending alot of money in clubs, feeling like they were wasting their time, and miserable in various Hagwon-teaching situations. I didn't want to hear it, and it felt repeticious. I didn't want to end up in some miserable cycle just because everyone else was doing it.

Until, of course, I finally woke up and realized how much time I had wasted. What was I doing? Where have I been? Why does everything seem out of control, out of my hands? My outlook and my purpose here had changed, and much of my life felt out of control. So I dusted off the ashes from my clothes and my eyelids, and persuaded myself to move onward and upward from the blast. I didn't realize that I had been, metaphorically, living in my own little time-bomb of sorts; until the very day it went off, and I finally saw what was really happening to me.

It's rather strange when you finally see what's going on around you--objectively, instead of narrow-mindedly, like many of us all do without thinking. We go through our days, making choices either consciously or subconsciously, and without further ado, everything chaotic becomes so clear to us. This is precisely what happened to me. I was living in a dream world, and that dream world had to end. I had to take responsibility for my actions, and make the most logical decisions I thought possible. This must be apart of growing up; this must be apart of what it finally means to be an adult~ when you make choices and you must live with those decisions. Whether good or bad, the outcome, hopefully, produces desired results; moreover, it's the actual progress that I've always believed, is the most important of all.

So I sit here at DaVinci, right at the North gate of KyungPook Nat'l University, killing time before I meet Brenda and her gang of Canadian friends again. I really feel like I've made progress here~ and after nearly 5 months of being here in Korea, you'd think I would have already. But I have to admit that I feel pretty good overall: recent happenings, I believe, have brought my boss and I closer together; my co-workers and I are getting along ALOT better, since recently letting our guards down and talking about work-related problems and general 'abrasive' feelings that made us feel uncomfortable in one-another's presence; and last, my trip to Seattle, I think, will give me just the right amount of down-time and family spending to feel good about myself, and essentially rejuvenate, recharge and re-oil the rig (ah! me!) to head full-charge and on-course... being a teacher, once again, in little Daegu :)

Welcome Back...

To start, here's a few of my favorite quotes:
1) "Here's looking at you, kid." - CASABLANCA, 1942
2) "After all, tomorrow is another day!" - Gone With the Wind, 1939
and last...
3) "It's alive! It's alive!" - Frankenstein, 1931

Could there be any better way to start off an entry after a month's absence? So here's looking at me~it's another day and I'm still alive!

Well, today marks a near month since I haven't written (except for some additions to Peppero day on the 11th). But time has definitely flown.

I have to admit my absence was not without reason, however. I've learned alot in this one, long, head-to-brick thumping month that I'd rather not repeat. But I've come to a few more conclusions about myself, my real purpose in being her in Korea, and where I want to be heading. I think I've come out stronger, and purpose driven. And I think I've realized also that nothing can slow me down: bumps in the road, or otherwise. So lets just say in summation that I've learned first hand the function (or lack thereof) concerning Domestic Violence in Korea. So we'll just say ADIEU to that one and move along with the story (unless you are just dying to know, in which case, you can email me personally and I'll tell you about it).

This morning I bought my ticket home ~ so before you gulp, this will just be a vacation break, not a for-good leaving! I really wanted a complete month to fly home to Seattle, visit with the folks and friends, wrap up my apartment and put my belongings in storage; then fly to Louisiana and visit my other folks there too. Unfortunately, I've had to compromise with my boss at JungChul and settle for a near two-week trip (which was pushing it, actually, but I begged her to give me the time off to go home for awhile~ to 'rejuvenate' myself and get motivated again, which in my book is a necessity after this past month's doings!)

It feels good to be back~ and I'm really looking forward to writing more; I'm especially excited to head home for my mini between-Thanksgiving-and-Christmas vacation. The ticket was an astounding $968-which for round-trip is almost unheard of. Luckily I happened to look at the fair prices just 2 weeks before departure. So check back often for some updates on my life here and my trip home; there's bound to be several pages worth of new content :)

Later all! ;) Chelsea

PS. Is anyone in need of a travel partner? I'm looking at traveling a bit more, and I'm all up for checking out some new places here in the land of the morning calm :) Just email me!

"빼빼로데이" Peppero Day: Valentine's Day equivalent

In celebration of Peppero day: Chelsea's slowly coming back after a month of absence!

Details to follow.

So today is peppero day, and I received so many little chocolate dipped sticks from my students and fellow teachers that I seriously think I'll be set for the upcoming year. Interesting enough, though, I learned that many of these little peppero sticks are normally just given as a 'symbol' ~ of love, appreciation or kindness ~ and not to be eaten. Supposedly, you learn the good brands to eat and which ones to stay away from because they only look nice. Nevertheless, Peppero Day is much like the States' Valentine's day: the more hearts, cards and chocolates you get for Valentine's day, the more you're loved. You give a box of chocolates to your crush or your significant other. One of my students recieved a huge box of peppero sticks from her boyfriend. Wow~ this reminds me of Christmas! I remember thinking as a kid that more is better~ all of the wonderful, colorful presents to open seemed more appealing than what you actually recieved. Well, it's likewise with these peppero sticks.

Of course, I think Peppero day is just like any other media-filled celebration or holiday~ overexcitement and hype for the upcoming day (which purposefully increases the expected cash flow for the local merchants who cell these sticks that ressemble the 11th day of the 11th month of the year) It's a strange mess of giving and recieving, and at the end of the day, you're left bloated and sweet-toothed out from chomping down of so many of these poor peppero sticks. I sure did, and I still have a huge bag left on my apartment floor; just waiting to be eaten, or chucked in the garbage, or maybe even taped to the wall. I haven't decided yet.

In any event, what a wondrous, fantastic day ~ even though it was just any like any ordinary teaching day here in Seobyundong. Good news though: I had a relaxing, fun day because of this little Korean holiday known as Peppero day ~ and any excuse I could find to just have fun with the kids, teach them American folk songs and spend the day dancing and laughing away ~ well, you bet Chelsea would jump right on that chance!!

Actually, a little peppero stick sounds good right about now...

Pohang trip..

Saturday morning, early.

I stayed up late working on Website changes--did you notice? :)--however, there's still so much to learn about html writing/tinkering, and I'm not yet satisfied.

It's funny~ I've read in so many other blogs how people, foreign teachers, spend alot of time (probably more so than posting about their teaching or day to day experiences) playing with their website format, editing html, and the ever-popular constantly "editing-saving-publishing" your template phenomenon. Amazing~ I'm exactly in the same boat; frankly because I spend alot of time learning about writing webpages...when I should really be writing more about what my life is like in the land of the morning calm (or, as some may say because of 'blog-readership', "Welcome to the Marmot's Hole!!")

In any event, I'm still a bit delerious from staying up until nearly 4:45 because of my blogging sickness (just joking!).. that, and preparing to move my bones to take my Korean language class at the YMCA in downtown Daegu. This will be my 3rd class--and I'm excited. I've already learned so much~~well, let's just say, a bit beyond my own Korean self-studies.

Today I'll head out to Pohang with one of my Korean friends, Myunghee, and her 9 year old son. This should be fun~ I've heard alot about the place. Unfortunately, my camera batter needs charging, and wonderful me forgot to plug it in~ so alas, I'll be pictureless. But the ride's cheap to get there, and Seungbo supposedly grew up there... so there'll be another chance for picture taking. Less of course, I decide to splurge a bit and buy the mini Nikon camera I have my eyes on~ it would travel so much better than my MONOLITH Mavica cd-writer. Hehe. We'll see. The camera I want costs roughly $400 USD. So I may have to wait a bit on that.

Anyhow~ wish me luck! I'll be back Sunday with updates. Have a good weekend everybody!!

:O) Chelsea

Cheese + Wine = One big Rant

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More blah blah about work irritations.

Just when you think you've got teaching down pat.

Someone always, always has to bust your bubble.

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Then again, cheese and wine do go together, as long as you play the cards right!

Audioblog Update: .. still in sleep mode.

A three minute update, still thick-tongued and waking up: teeth whitening, a crown, and work..turning into another fantastic hagwan?

Sometimes I think I have a hang of working as an English teacher here.Then again, there are days when I have no clue what to expect.

Welcome to the world of teaching...in Korea.

Finding what I've been looking for.. or maybe not?

I really liked Busan. It's a beautiful place, actually. The 덩헤 (Dong-Hae) Sea sprinkling it's refreshing wind throughout the streets-- makes the Eastern coast city a place to go visit often, if not, to live there. I think what I miss the most is being near water. Living in Bremerton, where the Navy town has always been surrounded by water--inlets, small straits, and mini gulfs; or back in Louisiana, where I spent the greater part of the last 3 years, where just down the road from my folks' bar stood the muddy yet relaxing Red river...this, combined with swimming competitively for nearly 5 or 6 years, makes me long to be near water. I guess you could call me Watergirl (And no, I'm not referring to the movie, Waterboy with Adam Sandler!)

Being here in Daegu, I'm surrounded by mountains--or what one would call, miniature mountains. I like the idea of being able to take a bus to Keoung Ju and visit Monasteries, or go hiking at Mt. Gatbawi--but I have to admit I miss driving to the nearest inlet (like back home) and watching the waves pile into the shore.

I wonder also if I've really found what I've been looking for. I've always been one for an adventure--changing my life competely by moving to another country, and being forced to learn their language, culture, foods and way of life~ is something I'm not stranger to. In fact, I think I thrive in these types of environments. However, since my birthay (Oct 2), and the thought of physically turning 27 has made me think conscientiously about my pilgrim behavior, my endless wanderings, traveling the planet.. but in search for what?

Perhaps why I've raised this question is because I found out my cousin, Amber, is pregnant with child number 2 (I just found this out recently...) And 21 weeks along, too! I'm so very excited for her, but I'm also saddened that I will be spending yet another year apart from seeing her belly grow, witness how her mood changes, or simply to get to know her again---perhaps as when we were younger and very close---but alas, I am here in Korea, and I'll miss again seeing her give birth to her second boy. Heck, I've already missed for the most part, the last few years she concieved and gave birth to her first boy, as he's already 2 (or so?). Time flies, and I sometimes feel I'm on this endless search for something greater, something better, something more interesting..

When all it boils down to is the experience, right? I'll always have memories of Switzerland. Of my past relationships. Of my school days. Perhaps they'll fade. But the point is, this is a part of life. Those memories may fade, and dwindle---so is the present more important than those memories we hold onto? What about what the future will hold?

I've always hung onto those memories, sometimes living vicariously through them on a near day-to-day basis. So I think about my past, quite often. And what I do, where I live, is always aiming for the future. I'm living for the future, preparing for the future... meanwhile, thinking about my past, living through my past. So, where does the present play in all of this?

Can you see how confusing all of this could be?

I don't want to miss another marriage or pregnancy because I'm off in some distant-country, stuck thinking about my past and living/preparing for the future. I want to live in the present, once and for all!

And sometimes, what we're all searching for---happiness, something greater, something different or better... is sometimes, sometimes, right at home.

Gold teeth ?

Benjamin Franklin's gold crown may have looked good back in the day, but today's crown doesn't look quite the same--nor does it have the same esthetic value.

After visiting the dentist today, I found out a few things.
(1) I don't need cleaning--or scaling as they call it--because luckily I don't have any plaque, or any calcium deposit. Whew!
(2) I can whiten my teeth. But the cost is a bit greater than I was told by a Korean friend: basically 300 Won for the entire upper clean, 300 Won for the lower teeth. Doable, but still more expensive than I thought. Nevertheless, the entire operation would be cheaper than in the US (which, while looking online recently, costs nearly $1,000 for the full set.)
(3) As far as one of my canine's being restored--because the bonding is coming off--the doctor recommended and basically said that my only option was a C-R-O-W-N. Not exactly the answer I was looking for.

I cannot imagine grinding my tooth down, getting a root canal, and putting a fake tooth on these chops.

So I'll get a second or third, or fourth opinion if I had to. I asked the doctor whether I could just bond it again, or put a veneer on my tooth, and he said it was a 'no-go' (in Chelsea terms, that is.) That means I'm still on the hunt for a solution~~because GOLD teeth just ain't my style!

Going to the Dentist...

Since standard medicine is so cheap here (ie. "I'm sick with a cold/flu, cure me"--result is a doctor's visit, possibly a shot, and medicine from the pharmacy..) I've decided to check out the dentist around here, and see what the cost is for...

1. A cleaning
2. Restoring one of my canines that I broke long ago: the bonding is wearing off
3. Possibly whitening my teeth (I'm starting to see the result of my coffee drinking again!)

Wish me luck. I'll update with the result later!

:) ~ Chelsea

English is WHACK!

Why English is Whack.

Google Definition: whack (general verb, action)

1. the sound made by a sharp swift blow
2. knock: the act of hitting vigorously; "he gave the table a whack"
3. hit hard; "The teacher whacked the boy"

Slang Definition (more appropriate), provided by Urban Dictionary: whack
1. adjective; appalling in nature, unconventional.2. verb; to strike one with the hand or fist.3. verb; to assassinate. 4. adjective: crazy, ridiculous

Examples:1. yo, that's whack.2. if your mother heard that she'd whack you upside the head.3. you want we should whack a dog?

My name is...

Introductions are the funniest. What's your name? This is just one of my classes whose kids are very talkative: that is, FB Class. The picture at left are two of my favorite students: Gloria and Judy. Then there's me. Nevertheless, here's the opportunity to hear, "What's your name? Tell me in Korean.."

Fractabulous!

Thanks everybody for your well-wishes. I did end up having a great birthday. It started out a bit slow, but it picked up. Just a nice, relaxing day, really. Check out the next Audio post for a little post-birthday run-down. It was truly Fractabulous!

I'm thinking of starting up another webblog on writing about Cultures. I've noticed so many cultural differences between the US and South Korea, for one---but oh, so many other places that I've traveled: Switzerland, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, France, etc.. the list goes on. I'm thinking of calling it, The Cultural Kink. Any input?

Last night we had a mini-after birthday party for me here at work. It was fun and expected. Susan, my director, bought me a delicious cheesecake, and the girls (Ellen and Anna) bought me a crystal earring/necklace set. They're beautiful, and I was gushing with enthusiasm. Our newest employee, Cindy (a Korean native who was hired to possibly teach Chinese classes), felt guilty for not buying me a present, let alone not knowing it was my birthday on Sunday; so she surprised me with mint-smelling pink lipstick. It was nice, really pretty; yet another element that added to my 'girly presents'.

Later on, during the cheesecake eating frenzy, Susan gave me a present. I thought at first it was a pillow or a sheet set (both of which I really need, in fact!).. but the container read Lovcat, Paris. The girls thought it was imported. When I opened it, as it came with a little jersey fabric cloth bag, I was stunned to find a gorgeous, purple, leather bag. The touch so soft like velvet and bright, sparkley purple--my favorite color, too. "Wow, must be expensive!" Anna said. Susan replied with a smile on her face, "It was on sale!" Lol. All the better. It was definitely over the top, and I felt like a real girl, too!

Today should flow rather smoothly. Even though Wednesday is officially one of my hectic days with no break between classes from beginning to end, I've got all of my classes prepped.. now I just hope to have enough energy to make it to this evening.

I went to downtown this morning with Seungbo on a mission to finally remedy my lack of properly hooking up my internet phone to my computer. We ate Chinese dumplings at this little restaurant called Zaozz. Rather interesting, but delicious.

I can't believe it's been nearly a month and a half since I first recieved my internet phone from ESL Bank, with the intention on doing phone tutoring with kids from Seoul--but since the beginning, I haven't been able to find the right connector to set the phone up. It's rather insane, I tell you: either the connector is a 9 pin, not a 15 pin, or the computer store is closed, the only one that possibly sells the right connector that I need, chooses to close the exact day I decide to finally make it downtown. Is this an omen or something? Am I taking on more than I can handle with phone tutoring? I dunno. But we'll see. I've finally picked up the right connector--fingers are crossed, and I promised myself that if the connector doesn't work, to my very modem that I presently have, I'm just going to drop the idea of phone tutoring.

Although, it's rather tempting to think I can make FREE PHONE CALLS to the US with this phone.

Hmm. I'm stuck in a rut. But alas, my determination will not let me stop with just a few tries. I've got to search all the possibilities. More update on that later when I see what becomes of this connector.

Onward, to a day of teaching. Hopefully it'll be as Fractabulous as my birthday. Well.. maybe not.

It's official..

Wow, I'm 27 for sure now. Thanks for giving birth to me, Mom! My official birthday song for today..

Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve



Webjay page (link)


(EDIT: The link works now.. how come no one told me it didn't work?! ;)

For Nostaligia's sake: Ah, another year older...

"Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me.." oh, wait. On second thought, I shouldn't sing this to myself. That's ridiculous! I guess I should be prepared to be sung to in Korean when I return to work on Tuesday, though...

In any event, I'm 27 everybody (I went blog-hopping and found this pretty funny website on a 27 year old guy who, typically, went partying for his birthday 3 years ago: check out the link!) So, around noon-30 my mother tells me, I was taken out of the womb...and it never ceases to amaze me how time really does fly. Literally.

I mean, I look in the mirror and I'm astounded at the grey hair that streaks my once naturally-golden highlights. The all-nighters I used to frequent in college or the more recent, 'I-partied-at-the-Nor-Rae-Bong last night' under-eye circles--can now be plainly seen upon my face unless I pull at least a 6 or 8 hour sleep session. Now I'm full of nostalgia, thinking of birthdays' past.. so what did I do the last couple of years on my birthday? I realize that I've spent nearly EVERY birthday over the course of the last 5 years in a different location. Where exactly...?

Perhaps a little time travel will do the trick:

26th Birthday.
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana.
Setting: Then-boyfriend Juan and I were living with my folks, and I had just graduated LSU a few months prior, thereafter spending 3 months traveling Europe before moving from Baton Rouge to Alexandria, Louisiana for work.
What happened: I worked at Books-A-Million on my special day, coming home to a little birthday party put together by Juan and my step-mother, Debbie. Sunflower cake, bouquet of flowers that Juan had picked outside, and a mixture of good smelling bath and lotion assortment that Debbie bought me. I remember I was angry that evening, for some reason, but the night was cut short, we all went to bed--I however feeling upset about everyone's lack of enthusiasm to go out to my parent's bar to party. Hmm.. strange day, indeed.

25th Birthday.
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Setting: I had a cute little apartment, right on the outskirts of the LSU campus. My buddy Johnny just moved back from spending a year in Belgium, and had moved in with me one month prior. I had spent August in the Dominican Republic, visiting Juan to try and rescue our relationship--as he had gone home the prior December because his father was sick with cancer. My mother was visiting me for the 2nd time since I moved down to Louisiana for school.
What happened: My mother and I spent the day hanging out, eating a good meal, drinking wine, partying it up--Lousiana style. It was a great adventure, though I remember very few details. I remember a new laptop, too, that Roger had sent my mother to exchange for my old one. I think it's about time I pop in that old CD of photos and check out what we did--primarily because I think we drank so much wine, I've forgotten what we did!

24th Birthday.
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Ok, so not so geographically different...)
Setting: Just moved into my cute little apartment. Juan had just moved out to his own apartment--we were having troubles, plus my mother wanted me all to herself--since she was visiting me, and hadn't seen me in over a year (since I had left to go down to LA for school).
What happened: My folks, Dad and Debbie, came down from Alexandria; Juan and my mother were there also, and we all went out to eat and play putt-putt golf. It was a blast, I remember that. Not only that, but to see my parents--who are both divorced and remarried--together again. I think we ALL had a little too much fun (major details omitted for privacy's sake!)

23rd Birthday.
Location: Bremerton, Washington.
Setting: It was 2001, and I had just come back from spending an entire year living and working as an au pair (nanny) in Miex, Switzerland. Living with my folks, and actually en-route to drive my Mercedes down to Lousiana to finish up college.
What happened: Of course, since I was living with my folks again, my mother woke me up with singing, if I remember correctly. I had an awesome lunch with my Mom and step-Dad, Roger (Roger's always been an excellent cook!) and then.. well, I guess it's time to bust out those photos again. I haven't a clue what else I did! Oh, wait.. memory serves me well: I went out on the evening of my birthday with my ex-fiancé, Jack. Yes, and we ate dinner at Azteca (which used to be our favorite, come to think of it..) and watched some live music afterward. Then, well, nothing extraordinary. Maybe there was a kiss shared somewhere in there for old time's sake!

22nd Birthday.
Location: Miex, Switzerland.
Setting: I was living and working as an au pair for the Peiry family in Switzerland, taking care of 2 very cute French-speaking girls. Traveled a bit, took French classes, enjoyed a romance with a Swiss guy. Basically, taking a year off of school--or, more appropriately, a gap-year to
What happened: My mother was visiting me from the states, and the entire Peiry family prepared a great meal, with 2 rich, Swiss-style cakes, and a few presents (which I still have today!) It was definitely a memorable birthday!

21st Birthday.
Location: My hometown, Bremerton--mostly in Seattle, WA., though.
Setting: I was living with my then-fiancé, Jack; he had his music, and I had my studies, but somehow, we'd find ourselves splitting up 8 months later, and myself--off to explore Western Europe, aka Switzerland.
What happened: I won't ever forget my 21st birthday. Why? Jack took me to Seattle: we stayed at a beautiful hotel, ate a wonderful dinner (at a French restaurant), and later, went out to something like 5 different bars, drinking along the way. The last bar, I remember, a big, black woman who sang a few blues numbers, sand a song to me and wished me a happy birthday. It was awesome! Ah, nostalgia...

20th Birthday.
Location: Still, my hometown, Bremerton, WA.
Setting: Just 2 years out of highschool, I was going to Olympic College (Junior College), full-time, working part-time at a juice bar in my local mall, living with 3 roommate (one party-animal, one highschool friend who was about to do something stupid and get married) and I.. just met Jack and wanted to high-tail it outta there!
What happened: My 20th was oh-so-memorable. A clan of friends, including my female roommate, best-friend Devon, and a few others, played a joke on Devon's boyfriend. We borrowed a friends' van, acted like CIA agents, toilet papered his house, and went on a laughing spree, raiding Wal-Mart and watching "A Werewolf in Paris" in the guy's decked-out van. That was the evening. The daytime, I'm sure we had a party at my folks' house (dinner, that is), and a few other surprises. The day was nevertheless, memorable!

There we go, lots and lots of nostalgia. It does seem odd, however, that I'm in Korea celebrating my 27th: I never imagined that I would be here, actually, celebrating in the most far-removed foreign country I could ever imagine visiting: People are speaking this funky language, men are spitting leisurely in the street, old women gossiping on the corner about whatever, strange and spicy foods SO unlike home...and myself--a Hakwon teacher, playing it cool, trying to learn a thing or two about this delicately-balanced country. hmmph. I kind of like it here, though. And I'm sure to remember this 27th birthday.

Today's/Tonight's plan: Head over to Keong Ju to visit historical sites with buddy, Seungbo; eat a fantistic meal and discuss the years' past; topping the evening off with a few drinks, maybe the Nor-Rae-Bong (singing Karyoke hall) and maybe go dancing downtown; last, and if I can find one, an itty-bitty-cake to demolish, all by myself!

Cheers!

First Audio Post

Hey all--it's my first Audio post. Want to hear my voice? Check it out! :)

Updated: The Korean Public Bath.. a.k.a. the Roman Spa equivalent

EDIT: Recently Updated! (new material added + CAUTION!! section)

(Photo Credit: Suzon Fuks. Scroll over the photo for more photos and cite information.)

Sunday was just one of those days that had to be spent relaxing. Although I had yet to finish more than -"Oh, it's that time again"-85 progress reports for the end of September, I wanted to pamper myself and finally check out what the Korean public bath was all about.I woke up early thinking I would get a good head-start on my day. Near 6:30 I woke up, feeling the sun shining on my face, making me feel a bit dehydrated: so I grabbed a liter of water and chugged it, thereafter laying down for a quick rest.

Around 8 I came to again, which was still rather early for my sleepy eyes, and headed over anyway to the GoongJeoungLavander public bath close to 경북 (KyongPook) University. From what I had heard, it's a good place and one of the largest here in Daegu.

What a haven it was indeed! I felt a little out of place, walking up to the information window and paying my 4,000 Won to go take a bath---amid other naked Korean ladies, people I didn't know, doing what I had always believed to be a very private affair: that is, washing oneself, taking a bath, and cleansing the body in a fashion us Westerners are accustomed to doing (however, I'm still getting used to not being able to take a bath here, just the shower I have in my apartment, where everything gets wet within a foot radius.)

*** Read Carefully if you plan on going to a KOREAN PUBLIC BATH!! ***

When I entered the Women's section, I found the usual: entryway and place to lock your shoes, then the usual path to the women's locker room. Alas, I hadn't even entered the women's bathing area and I already found women walking naked everywhere. Strange.

I noticed a little convenience stand just across my line of site, so I bought a pumice stone, bathing body scrubber, a mango face mask and apricot body scrub: all for a whopping 8,000 Won. Ouch! But I felt like having a pampering session, so it was well-deserved. Next, it was off to my locker to remove my clothes, and gather my belongings to finally check out the baths.

Maybe it's just my Westerner frame of mine, but it was definitely a strange site to see Korean women and children so comfortable in their birthday suits; they showering, scrubbing themselves, laying around in the baths, conversing, laughing and simply, pampering themselves! I felt at ease, in my own skin that is, but I expected some wondering eyes looking my way---and there was, indeed. How could they not miss me? I'm the only foreigner with blinding white skin!

The baths were amazing, and there were so many, too. I didn't find out until later (since I can only read Hangul at this point, having absolutely no idea what they mean in English), I just pounced around, going from one bath to another, having an honestly good time and feeling very relaxed. There were even a few Korean girls that asked me in English what my name was, if I was a teacher and whether I spoke Korean or not.

There were several hot baths (about 40 degrees Celcius), a salt bath, a negative and postive ion bath section, a cold water pool, massage jets with varying degrees of strenth (boy did they feel SO good!), a steam room and a sauna room as well. There was even a little padio with heat lamps, where women could just lay down and feel the warmth of the heat lamp on their skin. When I visited the massage jets to give my myself a back rub, an older Korean lady asked me in Korean, "너무좋아?" ("Namu-jowa?" which means, does it feel good?) and I agreed, "내!" (yes!). She asked me in broken English if there were Saunas like this one in "Mee-guk"--America, and I said there wasn't like this one. There are Spas, but they're expensive.

The last and final bath I visited--AND LET ME CAUTION YOU HERE!--is the replication of the Dead Sea bath (Check out the link, it's got great info about the Dead Sea). It's blue, beautiful actually, and loaded with several minerals (like calcium, bromine, magnesium, etc) that is supposedly very similar to the Dead Sea. But here's the cautionary: you're ONLY supposed to stay in this bath for NO MORE THAN 10 MINUTES! If you stay longer, your skin may become sensitive, or there many be adverse effects. Let me explain.

I stayed in the bath approximately 15 minutes, and it was NOT until after I left the bath, that I half-hazardly read the sign at the entrance to the bath, to not stay longer than 10 minutes immersed in the "Dead Sea Bath." I did however, and by only a few minutes--so I thought it wouldn't make much of a difference: Well, I was wrong. Sorely-wrong.

After the Dead Sea bath, I went into the Sauna, then the cold-water pool once again, revisiting the hot bath at 40 degrees celcius, only afterward, heading over to the bathing section to exfoliate my skin, wash myself, and essentially, take a shower to clean up from the bathing.

GRAPHIC CAUTION: The next paragraph is GRAPHIC. So if you don't want to know the details of my anatomical mishaps, move along and don't read any further!

A few days later, I noticed that I was VERY sensitive in the pubic region: whether bathing, going to the bathroom, or simply wearing underwear. I was rather red and swollen nearly everywhere (and I mean, everywhere, folks.. the whole kitten caboodle.) My poor 질 (vagina) felt like I had been riding on a horse for 3 days straight, trying to cross a desert in the hot, blazing sun: my labia was cracked from top to bottom, and I could barely go to the bathroom without almost immediately dousing myself with cold water to relieve the pain. To say I was a parched horse is an understatement. What a vision.

So I just couldn't understand why it felt like the entire lower part of my body was about to fall apart-- until of course it dawned on me, like an instantaneous smack to my skull: could it be that Dead Sea Bath? No wonder. And I had felt dehydrated for days following my Korean Bath adventure. Let me tell you, I might just think twice about that Dead Sea Bath again... however, when Sunday rolls around, you bet you'll find me soaking in a local Korean bath near you! (And might I add, one should take it EASY in the salt bath, too. That might have added to the iritation, come to think of it.)

So cheers for the soothing, non-irritating Korean baths--and a word to the wise for those who choose to check out the Dead Sea Bath at your local Sauna: immerse your feet, folks, ONLY your feet. Seriously, don't immerse anything else, or else you might wind up replicating my anatomical mishap. You'll be thanking me afterward, I promise you!

New make-up: A new person?

Women are crazy. And I'm one of them.

We spend so much money on our appearances: from plastic surgery to breast implants, expensive cosmetics to clothing accessories, the list is seriously endless... to try and look good, to make-up our character, our personalities, ourselves---simply because we believe that if we figure out and make good of ourselves on the outside, we'll automatically transform and make better what's on the inside. Maybe we'll be more liked. Maybe we'll feel better about ourselves. Maybe, we'll even like ourselves better!

Boy, oh, boy--here we go, more pills again.

Perhaps that's why there's birth control and psychiatric medicine: the pill cleans the surface of your skin (while of course, helping to decrease a woman's chance of pregnancy--but that's not the issue here) and the psyciatric medicine helps those ATP cells go to where they need to go; hence righting the wrong happening in our minds, making us feel and appear like we're sane, normal, in control, real---not imaginary! Oh, my! Let's face it, folks, we're screwed up, and the cosmetic industry is making us women more and more fallible to these weak tendencies!!

Why, you ask?

Because as women, we simply cannot help ourselves at the very sight of a good deal when we see one, when passing by for example, a clothing store or a shoe store. Eureka! Even a grocery store or convenience store... or, hey better yet, a cosmetic store with real Korean cosmetics--not imported stuff--that, for a limited time, cost half the price than they usually do, because we are like dogs on a trail to a meaty-bone: We are destined to fall for the historically infallible, the most well-known of all customer attractors ever invented in the Capitalist system--that, my friends, is the SALE!!

And....like the weakling that I am, I walked into my neighborhood cosmetic shop, because, low-and-behold, the words S A L E eased out rather boldly through the window, lewering passers-by---Yes, EVEN ME!---for a quick peek for curiosity's sake, if none other than to buy simply because there is a sale.

Thinking I was a thrifty shopper, I was esctatic to find such cheap cosmetics.. when just downtown recently, I went searching for mascara, ONLY to find the cheapest, most unknown imported brand that I could find at a mere (drum-roll, please): 17,000 Won. Absolutely, positively crazy! Holy cow.

So I got sparkly purple eye shadow. And, sparkly pink lip stick. Plus more sparkles with sparkly mascara. Wow. Then, followed by a rose lip liner, and a stick of black and brown eye-liners--one doubling as an eye-brow pencil. What a thrill! And the lady gave me a free little rosey cosmetic bag, and a 500 Won discount! What a delight! And it was all on S-A-L-E!

The Sale, alas, is simply the opportune to not only attract customers (perhaps business is slow), but to finally give those well-deserved breaks to the common lad: so finally, we see, prices dropping down to semi-doable and closer to 'what-they-should-be' prices, especially for the average, middle-class customer walking by. Nevermind whether they're Korean or American, or what have you. I'm talking about reasonable prices for goodness sakes!

So I captured it on camera, my find of cosmetics... And made up my face with these precious-girly-on-sale-Korean-made items...

...then, going to bed with a ridiculous smile on my face, and all the while, laughing for falling for this sale trap. How much did it cost me? About 20,000 W that I could have spent nearly half on back in the US. I guess it's the price you pay for wanting to feel good on the outside!

All the more, I add to my feeling stupid for sharing these crazy, girl-like photos of myself. I am indeed, nuthin' but a knucklehead.

So, thank you Korean Cosmetics! You've changed my life!! (And another Jerry Springer show loses it's ratings, once again...)

Landscapes from Andong...

And me wishing I could see this view out my window every morning.

A real Korean cold

Pills, pills, and more pills: Korean-style.

This past weekend I went to Andong--enjoying a fairly relaxed Chuseok with Seungbo's family, checking out the famous Hanhoe folk village and eating some great Korean food. Of course, the weekend wasn't spent without a price; I got a bonafiedKorean cold. Now my pasttime has become sneezing, blowing my stuffy nose, and crunching wads of toilet paper in my pockets. Nice.

So yesterday I went to the doctor's to get checked out. The price was amazing--I got in, got out, AND got my antiobiotics in LESS than 20 minutes. Fast you say? Indeed. And it only cost me 15,000W. Now, to an American, that's absurdly cheap. Back in the states, I couldn't get INTO see the doctor for less than $100 in my present situation without insurance, and no less than 30 minutes just for waiting. I could safely say that Americans don't even THINK of visiting the doctor's WITHOUT health insurance unless they're on their near-death bed.

Seungbo tells me that when I get my insurance card from my boss, I'll be reimbursed 10,000 W for my doctor's visit. That means my doctor's visit would only cost me 3,000W verses 10,000, and my medicine merely 3,000W verses 5,000. I couldn't believe it, I was in awe!

But here in Korea, medicine is CHEAP! In fact, I'm told that Korea is number in the use and popularity of antiobiotics: what they call, the other once shot! (memories of one shot with Dong-Dong Ju is coming back to me now..) The other day, Seungbo tells me he went to the doctor's to get a shot because he wasn't feeling too well. I thought, What do they put in those shots? And where can *I* get one?

I seriously thought that I would get a shot when I visited the doctor's. However, the Doc said that I probably don't need one, even after asking me my surgery history, any alergies that I may have, and inquiring into my general health background. Supposedly Koreans think Americans are 'alergic to everything' so it was safer to just give me antiobiotics instead of risking giving me a shot and there being a possibility that I would be allergic to something in it. But I'm not allergic to anything!! So what is IN these shots anyway?? Antiobiotics. Alright, so I'm taking them in pill forms, 3 times a day for 3 days. But isn't it faster to just get the shot? I could really do for a little pain in the bum for feeling better a little quicker.

The answer is Yes and No. If I have a cold, or the flu (symptoms of both), it's no doubt a viral infection. The deal is, you can only get rid of a bacterial infection through antiobiotics. So why take antiobiotics for a viral infection if it won't work?? I have no clue; they just take the medicine here and don't ask. That's a question I still have left to answer.

In the meantime, I'll be drinking lots of water, struggling with a horse voice teaching my classes while my students think I've undergone a sex-change, and yes---popping my new Korean pills. I've got to get over this Korean cold!

Chuseok Weekend..

It's 추석(Thanksgiving) weekend here in Korea, and supposedly the most important of the holidays--even more so than Christmas (which is not really celebrated, I am told.) Last night, I gave Susan, my director, a Chuseock gift--a crystal necklace and earring set that I found in downtown while running errands Friday morning. She adored it! The teachers gave her a cosmetic gift of some sort---and in turn, Susan gave us each a big box of Paris Baguette sweet rolls and 50 Won to play with. It's sort of like Christmas, I like it!

I realize my last post was really dreary--who can blame a teacher wanting to make sense of everything when everyone is speaking in Korean? I've settled a bit on my feelings, and decided to spend my last work day (before the holidays) REALLY trying to listen and interact in Korean.. well, sure enough, it didn't work too well. But I talked quite a bit to my co-workers in English, and everyone seemed rather giddy because of the holidays.. and perhaps too because I was interacting with them consistantly between my class teachings.

I realize also that I've had to make a change in the way I see these people. They speak Korean because they're used to it. I'm the foreigner, so I'm the odd man out--but if I speak to them consistantly in English, will they not be forced to practice it? Right. Like you can't tell your significant other they have to lose weight by telling them. You have to go out and exercize with them. Likewise, I can't just tell my co-workers to speak in English. I have to take their hands and speak English to them. It's the only way they'll practice it, and the only way I'm going to stop feeling lonely and pitiful from listening to nothing but Korean all day.

Good remedy? I think so. Thank goodness I can think clearly occasionally. I'm off to Andong this weekend to visit with Seungbo's family---I surely don't want to be home alone on this Thanksgiving weekend! So we're sure to eat lots of good Korean food--hopefully I won't make a fool of myself trying to speak Korean either. Later everybody!! ;)

The problem with a little venting...

Pulling my hair out with problems.

This is a big topic for me. I've thought greatly about this, and I knew that I would eventually have to confront my problems. I believe it's human nature to want to run away from one's problems; to think the grass is always greener away from home, in another pasture, or in a new environment. By separating ourselves from the known, changing geographically appears to be the quick and easy fix to curing the problems in our lives. I sure did; that's why I feel I fled to Korea.

I left a relationship back home because it was failing. I left my troubles working two and three jobs when I moved back to Washington, because I failed in finding just one that fed my appetite, and gave me everything that I was looking for. I left my friends, because I neglected to realize the reality that friends change, they grow up, and friendships no longer remain the same--I wanted to look at my hometown and live my life where I grew up through rose colored glasses: but in retrospect, I failed the friends I once knew.

How do we find the remedy? I wonder whether I should have stayed home. I wonder whether I shouldn't have been selfish, to leave everything behind and seek a new life, a clean slate, a better beginning.

The truth is, the problems do remain. I've hurt many people in the process, because I wanted to run away from my problems; problems in relationships, in communication, in truth and honesty. The list goes on. Everyone and everything is the culprit; unless we confront them fully.

Now these problems have come back to haunt me. So for one, I feel friction at work. I think because I work at an English Hagwon, that everyone--namely the teachers, should be speaking English. But that's certainly not the case. Everyone speaks Korean--who would blame them, it's their native language and they feel the most comfortable speaking their mother tongue? Plus, I'm the minority; the only foreigner. So they joke, they mingle, they discuss--even gossip about one another-- in Korean. Meanwhile, I'm left feeling lonely, pitiful, like a real 파 보 (stupid) American, going about my day, pounding at my work and my teaching, growing more and more angry at them because of this language barrier.

And they have the gaul to ask me about correct English grammar and phrases, in their broken English, because they refuse to speak English consistantly and practice like they should. Why the hell am I practicing my Korean EVERYDAY--it's certainly NOT to keep speaking English only (believe me, I would be speaking in French or German, if someone else there would understand me!) But alas, I gripe to myself--and my co-worker Seungbo, who's really the only other person who speaks to me in English besides my boss, Susan, occasionally. But it's infrequent. A kid does something funny or says a cute little comment, and everyone laughs. I stare, having no idea what transpired; then it's back to work. It gets dull. And no one translates. So I sow these bouts of anger and dispise by studying Korean--thinking that if I transcend this anger into something useful, it will finally get me somewhere.

Yesterday, I made a few comments to Seungbo in French. He had no idea what I was talking about; I just said how nice the day was, that everything was calm and relaxed, even the kids were behaving. But he had no clue what I was talking about, even though I sure did because I was speaking in a language that I understood; so his reaction was to flip me off, because he didn't understand me, and he thought I was making fun of him.

I said, "T'as l'audacité de me faire comme ça, de me donner le doigt, hein?? Maintentant, tu me comprends? Je me sens mal comme ça tout le temps, tout les jours, car c'est toujours le Corée parlé ici, et moi, je ne comprends rien... et que tu n'as auqune idéa de ce que je te dise, tu me fais comme ça? Vraiment.. maintentant, tu marches dans mes chaussures. Now at least someone understands how I feel here." (English: "You have the audacity to do me like that, to flip me off huh? Now you understand me, don't you? I feel bad like that all the time, everyday, because it's always Korean that's spoken here, and I understand nothing...and since you have not the faintest idea of what I'm telling you, you flip me off? Truly...now you get to walk in my shoes...")

Touché!

So Seungbo wasn't at all pleased that I gave him the third degree about everyone speaking Korean. It's not their fault that I don't understand Korean. But it's also my fault for not relaying to them that I think they ought to speak English everyday--otherwise they won't improve. And right now, their English sucks. Period. Seungbo speaks English to me everyday because he's forced to practice it. In turn, I try to speak Korean, but I'm very limited.

This language barrier is alot harder to deal with than I thought.

Like Mondays--this past Monday, when we usually have our 20 minute 'Teacher Meeting' (Right, more like Korean teacher meeting, while I listen to blah blah as I prepare my day's classes). And my boss, Susan, asks me if I have anything to say to the other English teachers, as I blankly stare at her, thinking...

Oh, excuse me, do you want me to ADD anything to your conversation? I didn't know I was invited. Or should I just vent and say that I think these meetings are a waste of my time because they're always in Korean... you expect me to improve my teaching? How? Where's the training I was promised? You pay me more, so I'm supposed to do more, right? No, I didn't know we actually had CASSETTES or VIDEOS other than in Korean that I could use to teach in my classes. No one ever told me. So I'm sorry if I actually care about my classes and the kids that I teach---I'd rather instruct them on English they should know rather than using these hypothetical situation books that use outdated and badly translated English. You want me to monitor their learning, how, by playing games all the time, especially when I get to see the kids but just an hour and a half a week? And you think MY presence is going to help their English, especially when it takes WEEKS for them to understand me teaching them a single lesson, when the Korean teachers instruct in KOREAN they learn a bit faster, no? So why not coordinate BOTH NATIVE AND KOREAN TEACHERS CLASSES ALREADY?????? Why do I have to do teach a class when the students don't even do their homework, and they don't learn a sliver of what I've taught them, because I see them few and far between?

I want to be logical and sane about this, but I think enough is enough. The pay is not worth this headache. In fact, I would be happier if the workload were a bit lighter, if I had a 30 minute lunch evereyday perhaps, and if I were able to coordinate my classes with the Korean teachers. Why put so much stress on the kids? And parents think because our school has a native English speaker, they're automatically going to improve their English? Good grief.

So for this week, (sigh) it's already Friday and the weekend brings the Korean Thanksgiving Holiday--I won't have much room to speak to my boss about what I think of the meetings and of the teaching. But for crying out loud, the kids I teach will not learn well by this method, and not all students are like the mere 10% I have that DO actually understand me beyond, "Hello, how are you? Fine, thank you" as memorized from the textbook we use.

These are but a few of the problems I have faced here. I can't keep letting them slide--by not communicating, by not being honest and truthful, by thinking they'll just go away or get better in time. I have to confront them, whether I like it or not. And where is starts is sometimes, just a call back home...that, and maybe a little hair-pulling too!