Gettin' Chiggae With It

Residual Effects

2011-05-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

Jet Lag. Reverse Culture Shock. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's been a little over a week since I've returned stateside and all these conditions are slowly abating. I came home to Texas a little shell shocked and fell into a metaphorical black hole. Laying in bed at 4 am wondering why the heck I came back to my parents' house. Did I leave too soon? Was the party just getting started? Why am I so masochistic to walk away from so many good things?

I've slowly returned to the world of the living. Left the pity party I gave myself, allowing only one week to celebrate/be miserable, and now am trying to move onward and upward.

My last few months in Seoul were INCREDIBLE and if EVERY single month could be like that, then absolutely, I would stay in Seoul forever. But I know that wherever I am, I will not have an incredible month all the time. As long as the incredible people who have been in my life for the past 2 years stay in my life, then it won't matter where I am or where they are. This magical period of my life will stay that way. I got so much more out of this round than I did the first. Of course, I was a little more wiser, a little more experienced. But I also had more of an appreciation for what the city had to offer me.

Dear Reader, I'm not sure what direction this new road is taking me but I'm excited for the next journey. I've still got a few more things to blog about regarding Korea/Seoul/etc, so I'm not putting this blog to rest quite yet. Just want you to know that if you still have any questions about teaching or living in Korea, I'm still more than happy to offer my own two cents!

It's been amazing. Truly amazing.

Umbrella-ella

2011-04-30T02:48:00.000-05:00

Weird thing...

It's Rainageddon and last night we were caught in a torrential downpour, arriving home last night I left my open umbrella outside in the hall to dry out. I remembered it just now and went out to retrieve it but found it on the door handle of my across the hall neighbor. On my door handle was a dry purple polka dot umbrella.

Was I supposed to trade umbrellas? No matter, I took my wet umbrella of his door and left his much more girly one on mine.

What's the umbrella etiquette on this?

Pension Party

2011-04-30T00:53:00.000-05:00

A last hoorah at Suncoast Pension happened a few weeks ago. I had my pension family in tow and we had delicious food, beautiful sunsets, a rockstar hot tub, a Wii Bowling Championship Game, and another Big Chill-esque weekend.

Our pension family has gotten smaller and bigger throughout the year but the one thing I really enjoy is the escape from the city and the inevitable fond memories and laughs that come out of these trips.

A new Bro-mance is forged

Ignore the boys, check out the view!

Grampa took a walk after lunch and fell asleep sunbathing next to hot tub

Liz relaxes by doing work

Loser of Wii Bowling (Haglin) has to give a pony ride to the Champ (Usher)

Family Breakfast

My favorite thing about my past two years here in Seoul were these weekend getaways. I regret not having done a pension my first year here and if I talk to any newbies coming to Seoul I would recommend planning as much of these as possible. They aren't expensive (probably the same amount as a weekend of partying in Hongdae or Gangam on Friday and Saturday) and if you are with the right group of people it really is a blast.

You may have noticed a long delay between my last post and this. I've been putting off the inevitable fact that I have less than two weeks left here in Korea. I'm going to leave my coup de grâce until the last possible second but will try to put more posts up before my departure.

It's a rainy Saturday (after an AWESOME 3am thunderstorm) so I've been spending the morning packing and organizing as much as possible as I know I won't get the time to do it during my last frantic days here.

However I had to take a break and wanted to continue my productivity. We're almost to the light in the tunnel, readers. Will keep you updated on the progress of our journey soon!

Mistress Mindy (a Fake Eulogy)

2011-03-06T19:44:00.000-06:00

I've been back in Korea for two years, and something I hadn't needed to deal with during my return was "the Goodbye." My first year was a revolving door of people. By contrast, it seems my second stint has held a more constant presence of all my friends. Maybe because we all realized that as much as the n00bies might complain, it really isn't bad here in Korea, especially when you have wonderful people to share it with.

Thanksgiving Calzones @ Jamie's

Pizza night @ Jamie's with Eurohot

Mindy was one of the new people that I met when I came back. She was at a disadvantage because I thought (incorrectly) that I had ENOUGH friends in my life and no room for one more. Somehow, though, she managed to wrestle in and nest squarely in my heart! Not only that but she even helped to expand my circle by bringing ME into HER Anyang Gang. Now I have almost two years worth of wonderful memories attached to her name. From Sunday night dinners to our catastrophic Taiwan Trip, signing from our classes whether we wanted to shoot ourselves or the administration, teaching English lingo or sweet dance moves to our kindergarteners, we did these things together and it wouldn't have been the same with anyone else.

Let's Have S'more Fun Together

She's talented in so many ways but this woman is truly a lyrical gangsta. She can articulate feelings and thoughts so right on, it's uncanny. Sometimes, all she has to do is look at the expression on my face and then can proceed to verbalize it. Whatever expression I had quickly turns into a look of awe and wonderment.

I love to laugh with her. Especially when she starts to cry when she's laughing. When the tears start to roll down her face, you know you hit a jackpot. She shares my love of horrible television and I'm never ashamed to tell her about the latest episode of the Bachelor or Gossip Girl. We're on the same internet meme level and can spend hours (at work) finding the most useless/entertaining things. A Sporcle partner is leaving me and I'm truly disheartened.

Mindy, you are a wonderful spirit and an amazing friend. This is not goodbye but just a delay until we're on the same side of the world again.

Last Graduation Post Ever!!

2011-03-03T19:01:00.000-06:00

I made it my mission to have this song sung at Graduation... if only I could have found a banjo for the instrumentals...

Today is the first day of our new school year. Because I'm T - 2 months, they have switched me up to the afternoon classes. I'm more happy than sad about it, but the best part is I'll be getting most of my Orange Owls in the afternoon!!!! Yippeee!

Dog Days are Over....

2011-02-26T21:32:00.000-06:00

Graduation has come and gone for the kindergarten Superkids... Tears were shed but I was so pleased with every single student's accomplishments and growth. I hope they won't forget Ms. Casey, just as much as I won't be able to forget each one of them.

I'll probably get banned from YouTube but I couldn't help using "Dog Days are Over" by Florence + the Machine...

I will miss...

2011-02-19T06:25:00.000-06:00

these perfect little gems of photo opps. This pic was taken by my Seoulmate in an alleyway in Insadong as we were looking for a place to get some good kimchi chiggae. While Andrew was looking up the restaurant on his iPhone, the girls (Mindy, Liz and I) at once all looked at this little scene and collectively let out an, "Ooooh let's take our picture here!"

I was having a discussion with a friend a few weeks ago and he said that Seoul, while not known for its great architectural style and aesthetic beauty from a bird's eye view, actually flourishes in "micro design." Now I'm not sure if this is the correct or designated term (I just Googled it and got zilch) but the idea is that while Seoul's broadstroke landscape is gray shoebox apartments and boring buildings, there are corners and small scenes close up that offer an aesthetic "breath of fresh air."

Seoul does have its sense of humor in that regard. Areas around Hongdae are a given with an abundance of murals and street art. But it's those unexpected places (around a business district or in a historical place) where it really is refreshing to catch these charming tableaus.

While Austin does have its fair share of, if you don't look twice you'll miss it, I will truly miss all of the small surprises you get when you just take a peek into an alley. Unless you accidentally peek at a guy pissing in an alley. That's just gross.

SkinFood Beer Conditioner

2011-01-24T07:53:00.000-06:00

My dear blog readers,

I am back after suffering what I've now discovered was a two month death defying bout of bronchitis. I went two weeks without my senses of taste and smell which is why it took so long for me to blog about my latest Skin Food find. I bought it during my sickness but couldn't fully appreciate or even critique this latest product. After a nice shot in the tush and a cycle of antibiotics I'm almost back at 100% (I'd say 96%) but have I been loving this conditioner!

Small bottle packs a wollop

So, I purchased this on a whim while out in Hongdae because I was plum out of conditioner and didn't want to cart around one of the huge bottles of Mise En Scene (another Korean hair brand).

"Avocado? Or Beer?" I asked Liz at the Skin Food. I'm not really a huge fan of either in its pure state but I remember Mindy raving about the Beer Shampoo and Conditioner from our trip back in Taiwan.

"Go with the beer." My Seoulmate replied. Either way, I knew I would at least score some Gold Caviar Serum in the brown baggie of free samples. So I took my loot home and showered up.

As I mentioned, my whole upper body was doing battle with Bronchitis and its cohorts so I wasn't even able to notice the smell of the conditioner. But while I was in the final rinse I was surprised that I was able to run my fingers through my hair without even having to comb it! Unbelievable! My hair felt soft and luscious even 3 minutes in! There was noticeably less frizz when my hair was dry.

A week of recuperation, I can smell (and taste, Hallelujah!) again, and while I wasn't a fan of the scent at first, I've really come to like it. It's not the fruity scent that evokes Herbal Essence or even the chemical sweetness of Pantene and the like. It smells like, well, hoppy beer.

Clearly I am not a hand model

So my verdict: I'm definitely going to stock up and send some home. I love the pump bottle, even though it's a bit small. I'm also going to try the shampoo (when my gallon of Mise En Scene shampoo runs out).

Unlike actual beer, I can tolerate this and even enjoy it.

Caution: Steer clear of me when I whip my hair back and forth as unsuspecting peers might get a buzz.

Fun-due is very (n)ice!

2011-01-09T04:22:00.000-06:00

January is cold. The snow has stuck now for about 2 weeks. So what's the best thing to do to stay all warm and toasty? Why ICE CREAM of course!! Koreans are impervious to the thought that one should not eat ice cream in the winter. They frankly are right.

Mindy's friend from Seattle, Sara, came in for New Years and got to be a Korean tourist for a week. We met up on Sunday at Central City Sinsegae and after some shopping decided to go to La Boca for lunch. After meeting with Jamie and munching on good Italian nosh, we decided to go elsewhere to satisfy our sweet tooth. In half truth, half jest I noted that Baskin Robin's ice cream fondue was still on my Korean Bucket List.

For those of you outside of Korea, Baskin Robin Ice Cream may conjure up pictures of a shop filled with hot sweaty kids in the summer. Here, you'll find a few gaggle of school girls or couples on a date. The basic ice cream flavors are here but you also have a few "Koreanized" flavors as well. And then you have their ice cream fondue.

I was pleasantly surprised when both Mindy and Sara said, "Sounds good! Let's go!" So we bundled up into our winter coats and headed the three blocks down to BR 31. We arrived and were (surprisingly) the only patrons in the shop. We made a beeline to their display case and pointed at their plastic fondue model. The ice cream scooper guy went to work. In a few minutes he brought out the most glorious and beautiful display of chilled confectionery delight. Not only did we get an assortment of 12 flavors in adorable little balls, but we got fruit (bananas, kiwis), and bite sized morsels of cakes (choco, vanilla, cheese).

One nice little "ah!" moment? You dip the ice cream into the fondue and it forms a nice crunchy chocolate shell!!

Posing before devouring

Too pretty to eat? Ha!

Let the fun(due!) begin!

The Aqworium

2010-12-31T23:15:00.001-06:00

My desire to have children of my own is not very great. That is until I go with my students to a museum or an aquarium. If I had my own bebes, we would be doing something like this all the time. I just love how their minds and curiosity go into overdrive at these places. Mentally stimulated cutie patooties! I actually did pretend that Joy and Lauren were my own little twins.

Looking for clams, Harry?

First touch pool

Annie and Alex

Joy and Lauren

Fish!

Second Touch Pool

A shark ate Joy!

My "chirren"

Happy Tol!

2010-12-30T22:54:00.000-06:00

The day after Christmas, I tracked back down to Anyang for Baby J's Tol. Rick and Joo's beautiful baby girl just celebrated her first birthday.

The adorable family

The super sweet spread

Such a proud Papa!

Lighting the birthday cake candle

A baby's first birthday in Korea is very significant. If a baby reached one, it survived possibly the hardest year.

Here's a clip of Baby J's Toljabee. (Click on the link to get Wiki-schooled on what a Toljabee is)

The reason why I'm cheering is because the guests take part in a pool to predict what Baby J will grab and I chose the money!

Anyang We Have Heard on High!

2010-12-30T09:02:00.000-06:00

our Xmas Eve spread: bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp cocktail, eggplant tapanade, nuts, olives, and cookies!

Trying to pull of Kris Kringle but coming off as Zeus

Wake Up!! Santa came!!

Mindy played the role of Santa

Justin played the role of spastic younger brother

Jamie wondering where the mistletoe is at

Santa or Hugh Hefner? You decide.

We really got dolled up for Christmas portraits

What did Santa bring me this year?

tights
leggings
chocolate
a book about animals as unlucky in love as i
the most traditional christmas one can have whilst living abroad

Merry (Late) Christmas!!

2010-12-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas Concert went off without a hitch (almost). Our cheap Casio tape decks weren't working properly and our CD began to skip. My Orange Owls, being the seasoned professionals they are, looked nervously at me like, "what the @#^! do we do?!!?" They did their cover of "All I Want for Christmas" acapella and dammit, Mariah Carey herself would have been proud.

Here's their version of Silver Bells

I really am so proud, they worked their tushes off and never complained. This Grinch's heart definitely grew three sizes more seeing them do their song and play.

Hope you guys had a good Noel! More to come before the year's end!

Orange Class Elves

2010-12-21T07:13:00.000-06:00

Will post the Christmas concert after Christmas. Joyeux Noel everybody!

A Tale of Two Thanksgivings

2010-11-30T06:49:00.000-06:00

Friday night was spent with the Pension Gang (aka Angelique, J.O., Charlie, James, Neville, James, Charlotte) at Angelique's home near Itaewon. Angelique slaved over the stove all day and prepared an amazing spread (even the delicious sweet potato/marshmallow casserole!). It was a cozy, familial occasion that would warm the heart. And although I lost Family Feud I still had a wonderful time.

Angelique's Feast

Saturday was spent in Anyang at Jamie's, this time with Jamie, Mindy, Justin, Laura and about 20 other people. The food again was mahvelous and we had a fierce round of Trivial Pursuit going for a few hours. Not to mention we capped off the evening with some good ol' noraebang.

Pulling off meat from a turkey carcass

Happy Slapsgiving!

The surviving bunch of the night

I know I may be a little late in saying this, but I am thankful for my life, my friends, my family, my health (although my damn lingering cough is going absolutely nowhere), and the experiences that I've had these past 27 years. You can't and shouldn't know exactly where life will lead you. If life's surprises stop coming, you'd eventually run out of things to be thankful for.

it's da bomb?

2010-11-30T06:06:00.000-06:00

Last week, those cray cray NKers shelled Yeonpyeong Island resulting in 2 casualties and about 20 injured. Not cool, guys. Not cool.

The world was all:

But we were like:

As you can see, it ain't nothin' but an SK thang.

Letter to the President

2010-11-11T05:56:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr. President,

Under normal circumstances I would be totally psyched for your visit to South Korea. Like last time, when you came to Korea and I told my students that the great thing about being American was that if you were in a foreign country at the same time as the President, you would get together with all of us expats and we would have an awesome pizza party (Yellow Class is STILL jealous). However, you could not have chosen a most inopportune time.

I have unsuccessfully (thrice!) attempted to get a replacement phone for the one that fell out of my bag. The first time, the "nice" folks at LG laughed in my face when I tried to get them to hook up Liz's old SK phone. The second time, I went to Yongsan, starving and cold (remember the ol' Teal line?) I walked away with my head in my hands crying in a cab. Now tonight. I was all set with a fierce determination to "get 'er done."

As I headed out of the YBM building, a portentous sky over head, rain pouring down and lightning flashing mere feet ahead of me, I braved the rain and wind to get onto the 730 bus to transfer to the 405. I would go to the cat shelter first and then head to Yongsan after. My Ugg boots have soaked through and I've got soggy socks.

However, we get to Seobingo and there is a hemorrhage of cars and police blockades everywhere. Seobingo is impossible to penetrate, our bus driver makes a u-turn into the other direction. Somehow I make it into Itaewon and after a nourishing meal of nachos supreme, I look out the window and see a stream of Korean police, in their riot gear and bright neon yellow outfits. W.T.F. I go to a cab and try to hail one to Yongsan and he tells me to get on the subway. I go to the subway and there are policemen blocking the exits. Defeated I get into a cab and head back home to Seocho.

Luckily I had an awesome cab driver who lifted my spirits. God bless these cab drivers. Honestly. We converse about the G-20 summit, the reunification of Korea. Kimchi chiggae, noraebangs, Peperro Day. How Korea is the best (out of China and Japan). Texas Rangers.

Back to the point, Obama. If it weren't for your dang Veteran's Day speech to the troops on base at Yongsan, I might be home with a replacement phone that has been more trouble to get than it should be. Korea is the land of KONVENIENCE! So why the heck is this so impossible? Because of YOU, Obama. Because of you.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. Tell you what, if you want, I can still show you the most awesome place to get spicy bulgogi and then we can go get some Vinyl tomorrow night ok? Just play hooky with those boring old foggies and we'll call it even. Oh wait. You can't call me cuz I don't have a phone. Guess you'll have to email me like EVERYONE ELSE.

Pe-pe-pepero!

2010-11-10T06:51:00.001-06:00

Happy Pepero Day,

Our friend, Wikipedia, says that Pepero Day " is an observance in South Korea similar to Valentine's Day."

So in addition to Valentine's Day (adopted by most young ROKers) and White Day, there's another holiday added to the roster where cutesy presents and gifts can come out in full force. Not that I'm bitter though, because I know all my students are gonna get me all hopped up on chocolate. See, that's the great thing about being a teacher. I get 10 dates instead of one... :-p

Tick. Tick. Tick.

2010-11-09T07:10:00.000-06:00

Dear Korea,

So I guess we'd eventually come to this point, but I just wanna give you a big, huge, monumental middle finger right now. I think I'm getting sick. I don't have a phone. And I cried in a cab today. Are you happy?! I cried in a cab!

I don't think this Southern girl is going to ever get used to the lightening speed temperature changes you have. And lord knows I'm not getting any younger so you need to be a little kinder to this body right here. I do not appreciate freezing my red butt off at Ichon Station to get to Yongsan (I'm looking at YOU friggin slow TEAL line. Teal line. ha. what a joke). I especially do not appreciate freezing my red butt off when said trek to Yongsan is fruitless.

I know it was my fault for losing my phone. Well honestly, it was the cute messenger bag's fault that I bought at YOUR store, Accessorize. Who knew that zippers are more function than form? I've been trying super duper hard to get a replacement phone but you are making it more than impossible for me to do this. Cut. me. some. slack.

My poor cab driver thought I was crazy. Would he think that correcting me on how to properly say, "Turn right after the subway stop" would set waterworks off on his fare? Doubt it, otherwise he wouldn't have. But he did. And it set this girl here, the one who has been madly in love with you, off like a bomb. Then he tries not to look disgusted as I give him soggy money that I used to wipe my nose.

Is this just the delayed crest of my prolonged honeymoon period? Or is it a signal that it's (finally) time to go home?

Better Daughter

2010-11-07T07:48:00.000-06:00

Sometimes in the morning I am petrified and can't move
Awake but cannot open my eyes
And the weight is crushing down on my lungs
I know I can't breathe
And hope someone will save me this time
And your mother's still callin you insane and high
Swearin it's different this time
And you tell her to give in to the demons that possess her
That god never blessed her insides
Then you hang up the phone and feel badly for upsetting things
Crawl back into bed to dream of a time
When your heart was open wide and you love things just because
Like the sick and dying

And sometimes when you're on
You're really fuckin on
And your friends they sing along
And they love you
But the lows are so extreme
That the good seems fuckin cheap
And it teases you for weeks in its absence
But you'll fight and you'll make it through
You'll fake it if you have to
And you'll show up for work with a smile
You'll be better
And You'll be smarter
And More grown up and a better daughter or son
And a real good friend
And you'll be awake
You'll be alert
You'll be positive though it hurts
And you'll laugh and embrace all your friends
And you'll be a real good listener
You'll be honest
You'll be brave
You'll be handsome and you'll be beautiful
You'll be happy

Your ship may be comin in
You're weak but not givin in
To the cries and the wails of the valley below
And your ship may be comin in
You're weak but not givin in
And you'll fight it you'll go out fightin all of em

A Haunted Crackhouse

2010-11-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

Usually you think of a crackhouse when you think of a house filled with about a hundred garbage bags, shredded toilet paper, and blood (red paint) everywhere, amright? But no, these were the materials we had, as Tim Gunn would say, to "make it work."

And make it work we did. We spent many hours erecting a maze using trashbags as the walls. We used lots of poster board and red paint. We were clever enough to use the shredded toilet paper from the Mummy Wrap activity an hour before. And behold, YBM's House of Horrors was born!!!

WATCH IF YOU DARE....

Happy Halloween from Orange Class!

2010-10-28T08:14:00.000-05:00

So. cute. right?!

Alex was not having this. The only kid who asked for a spoon. denied.

Zombie Orange Class

Thanks I carved this myself

Ms. Casey battles the Pink Robots

2010-10-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

Ba-Donk-a-donk Bonnie: I wish Ms. Casey was my mom.

Casey: Bonnie! Why? I would just give you homework ALL the time!

Ba-Donk-a-donk Bonnie: .... I don't care I like English homework.

Ah, I've programmed them just fine.

Speaking of robots

Walking into Spider Webs

2010-09-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

We checked into the Zebra Apartments on Monday night and our host was the lovely, Cindy Crawford. Yes ladies and gentlemen, Cindy Crawford.

After having a much deserved rest after two days of straight travel, I woke up on Tuesday feeling slightly more optimistic about my stay in Taiwan. This won't be too bad I thought.

As I rolled over to turn on the light, I saw something creeping along the stark white wall underneath the top bunk about 2 feet away from my head. What. the. hell. is. this.

I had a staring contest with a spider. And I know we were staring at each other because I could see ITS EYES!! I COULD SEE ITS EYES!!!

Now we were both still enough for me to think, "do not panic and freak Mindy out" because I knew should there be a huge commotion, it would give Aragog a chance to scatter away. I leapt out of bed and began to whisper, "Mindy. Mindy. Spider. Spider."

Mindy promptly leapt out of bed and said, "OOOOH SHIT!"

We grabbed each other as I pointed to the wall where that arrogant arachnid just smiled defiantly and said, "Whatchoo goin' do bout it?"

The only logical thing I could think of was:

a) grab a camera
b) proceed to document the following events

Do you see that little reflective spot? That's right, those are the EYES! I tried to get some scale into this picture, it had the span of the palm of my hand.


All cute and dead now.

So a few days later, Ms. Crawford comes strolling in and was all, "So sorry, I hear about spider. So sad!"

Mindy and I look at each other quizzically and Cindy continues, "Yeah, I see her in there a few days ago so I just scoop her out and put her on tree outside."

I hate nature.

Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda

2010-09-28T07:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2010-09-27T08:04:00.000-05:00

"Thirty years have flown right past
Her daughters' starin' at all the photographs

Of her mother, and she wishes she could be like that"

Love you so much!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!

Trials and Tribulations in Taiwan Pt. 1

2010-09-27T04:05:00.001-05:00

So, remember how I said I would be off to frolic in Taiwan for Chuseok? Yeah, that never really happened. Instead, Mindy and I battled a typhoon, a gigantic arachnid, trains, cab drivers, strange night markets, and Cindy Crawford. All in all it was an interesting trip, though not what we had in mind. Lessons were learned along the way, friendly faces were met, and an assortment of memories were created. I'll be blogging in detail further along but here's just a smattering of what's to come.

Happy Chuseok

2010-09-17T23:39:00.000-05:00

You've terrorized me enough little ones... I'm off to frolic in Taiwan for a few days!

A Chocolate Love Story

2010-09-13T08:22:00.005-05:00

"An amusing and sweet love story with chocolate."

Yes, you could say this is just a typical love story. I ran into the unexpected love of my life at a 7-11 stop in the subway. I saw you instantly and couldn't take my eyes off of you. You had everything I could ever ask for. Some would call you rich and smooth, others would be drawn to your effervescence and bubbly attitude. I was drawn to both aspects of you.

My first taste caught me off gaurd. It brought waves of nostalgia and the excitement of the unknown simultaneously. But I wanted- nay, needed- more. My friends just wrote you off as a fling. A one time affair. But I knew it was different.

Then, I had to leave you. And what a long 5 weeks it was. I capriciously flirted with Cherry Coke and Cream Soda. Carelessly going through each one. But in my mind, I just thought of you. Only you, baby, and of that rush I would get once I had my hands on you again. How you would taste when I would get back.

I came back to Korea and you were patiently waiting for me. And since I've been back, Chocolate Flavor Sparkling, it's only been getting better and better.

What I Taught Myself

2010-09-06T07:31:00.000-05:00

We Now Return to Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

2010-09-03T16:44:00.004-05:00

After a month of R&R, I came back to Seoul refreshed, revitalized, re-energized.

The first day back was swell. I wasn't terribly jet lagged, my students were absolute angels and they missed me, I enjoyed my first wing night back with Mikey teacher. And then I went to my apartment.

I opened my purse. I could not find my key. I called Stephanie teacher (who at this moment was still cat sitting for me) and told her she'll need to board two Caseys that night.

The next day and 70,000 won later, I have a new key along with a brand new lock on my door. Yay. Welcome back.

The day after that, Typhoon Kompasu decides to shake things up. I wake to shrieking wind, and as I look out my window, roof tiles spin by and the satellite dish next to my window is knocked over. I take a minute to breathe a sigh of relief that these thick steel bars over my window will prevent anything from crashing in and shattering glass everywhere. Although, these same steel bars would seal my fate should I have a fire preventing my only exit out of my apartment. Back to apocalypse:

At 7:30 receive a txt from the boss lady: " u can come to school today at 11 because of typhoon"
Score. Meet Mindy and Steph at Coffee Bean in Gangnam to celebrate because, coincidentally, as soon as boss lady sends txt, the skies clear, the winds die, and the typhoon just makes an abrupt and quiet exit.

So this has been my first week back.... it's like I never really left.

My Texas cat, Bosie, thanks you for your time.

I just CANNOT get over my pants!!

2010-08-05T22:58:00.002-05:00

Home

2010-07-25T17:23:00.001-05:00

In my first 24 hours back in Texas:

I had Japanese for lunch and then we went to a huge Korean grocery store... yes being back is like I never left.

You Stay Klassy, Korea

2010-07-23T09:35:00.002-05:00

Korea,

Before I go. I just wanted to thank you for a few things. Thank you for:

adorable little children who, despite being terrors at times, amaze me with their innocence, intelligence, and ability to always see the bright side.
your amazing public transportation. I know I've missed my car, and I'll be able to drive to my heart's content, but I'm sure that after a month of having to fight road rage and pay for a month's worth of gas I'll come back to the buses and subways of Seoul Metropolitan Transportation with open arms. Consider this a preemptive gracias.
being able to justify my copious amounts of Starbucks and Coffee Bean by presenting us with both at every street corner.
embracing Western culture so that I (hopefully) won't fully gorge myself on things like fast food and junk food. I can get my fix of that right here, already!
the adjussis and adjummas that huddle in groups at bus stops and in front of family marts, they share their laughter and chuckles unknowingly with a quiet observer.
the friends who have come, gone, and come back again.
the friends who have stayed.
the friends who I've only met this time around.
alright, also thanks for not completely sucking during World Cup.
keeping the mosquitoes at bay for this long. You can take care of this situation while I'm gone.

Hitler Has to Desk Warm

2010-07-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

can't sleep

2010-07-06T15:20:00.003-05:00

It's 5:20 am... I've been up for a little over an hour.

I didn't have any trouble falling asleep but as soon as my eyes opened (while it was still dark) they wouldn't shut. I'm pretty tired but Casey the Cat and I seem to be wide awake. I had a lot of thoughts going through my head but I mostly thought about being back in Texas for a whole month.

The thoughts running through my mind in no particular order:
Will I have to use my mom's (my old) blackberry as a cell phone? would it be possible to only communicate via facebook chat?What am I gonna eat first? Shall I plan all subsequent meals?
I'm gonna get to drive my car! Barnes and Noble! I can go to Sunstone Yoga whenever I want.
I need to look up the price for a month membership at Sunstone Yoga. What will I do with the people I'll see? Will Bosie remember me? Aw Bentley. Will I feel really old when I get back to Dallas? Food Network, Big Brother, VH1, E!, Bravo... What do I need to pack? How should I combat jetlag (I can't even have a good night's sleep here!)? I am seriously getting excite with all the Tostino pizza I'm going to eat. Braums. Good/Real Tex Mex. Seeing my mom and dad. Am I gonna cry at the airport? NEW ORLEANS! Getting to see family and finally meeting my cousin's sons! Getting down to Austin to see the girls. Shopping malls! Oooh Cinnabun.

I have a feeling I am going to have a few more nights like this... Unfortunately, this won't be all too entertaining for you, dear reader.

What do you look forward to when going home?

Knot in a Good Mood

2010-06-30T08:08:00.002-05:00

"I think I'm just gonna duck in and get my neck and shoulders rubbed..." I told my colleagues after leaving dinner.

An hour and a half later...

Leaving the massagey, I called Mindy and said, "I've just been back raped..."

Finger Lickin' Good

2010-06-27T00:23:00.004-05:00

To celebrate Andrew's birthday we went to Hey-Wha dong and had a delicious galbi dinner with a delicious ice cream cake from Baskin Robins.

But we still were not satiated. So to continue his tradition, Andrew took us all to an octopus (squid?) place where we all tried one of Korea's delicacies. I personally did not want any part of it, but ended up putting one of the sucky crawlers in my mouth (I will NOT be doing this again).

Antics ensued:

Do you ever think you would see so many foreigners stuffing their faces with live octopus?

Andrew also liked chomping on snails. I like mine with lots of garlic butter.

Liz takes the plunge.

All Good Things

2010-06-26T20:46:00.002-05:00

must come to an end. World Cup fever, you were fun while it lasted... I won't ever have to hear or say the word vuvuzela again.

Happy Birthday Papa Bear!

2010-06-17T05:00:00.005-05:00

My father is the most impossible person to shop for. I've done gag gifts (golf toilet paper), serious gifts (sweaters), music (about 5 motown CDs and 3 live concert DVDs), books... being halfway around the world, you have to get a little creative.

So Daddy, Happy Birthday/Father's Day!! You always did get gypped by having these two so close together! :)

Bacon Overdose

2010-06-13T07:33:00.004-05:00

I entered Grandma Lucy's Bacon and Brown Sugar Spaghetti into the Pasta Sauce Contest benefiting Little Travelers today. I didn't know how stiff my competition was going to be, but I thought, "c'mon everybody loves bacon."

I woke up bright and early and with the help of Mindy, my sous chef, we cooked up 4 pounds of bacon and whipped up G-ma Lucy's famous sauce. Cooking is fun, but not when you're doing it for a solid 2 hours and getting splatter burns on your arms.

Needless to say, this was a full on labor of love and I was ready to pimp out my sauce hardcore.

I freaked at the last moment and maybe overcompensated with the brown sugar but hopefully people weren't just being polite when they ate it.

Here we go!

The sauce is so thick the spoon stands on its own.

Bacon carnage.

Welcome to Korea by Liz

2010-06-09T06:49:00.004-05:00

My Seoulmate, Liz, has a video up in the 10 Magazine "Korea Awaits" Video Contest and it's awesomazing!

Please vote for her!! She's #33 and she managed to capture my enthrallment over a big ass piece of kimchi over samgyeopsal. Which is reason enough to vote for her!

Confused Casey

2010-05-28T18:58:00.002-05:00

Being a fan of Stumble I came across this website. As soon as I started to play around with it, my foster cat, Casey came up to investigate. She didn't know what was really going on (Make sure you turn the volume down because there are a few screechers):

My Girl Wants to Pension All the Time

2010-05-27T18:02:00.006-05:00

Last weekend, for Buddha's B-day (Happy Birthday, Big B!), I made it to Deok-Jo Do for my first stay at a pension. The throngs of foreigners at this tiny island made it seem like some weird purgatory (this doesn't feel like Korea, but this doesn't feel like home). We went to also celebrate Angelique's birthday and so there was a mish-mash of Speakeasy folks (me, Liz, Charlie, Gina, and Andrew) and "Non" Speakeasy folks (Neville, James, Kate, Charlotte, J.O., Marc, Cailyn). I was kind of hoping for a Sharks vs. Jets rumble the first night but we just ended up making s'mores. We all got along just dandy and we dined like kings for every meal.

For those not in the know, a "pension" is a type of house similar to a villa. They sprout up in tourist destinations and allow westerners to get out of their city boxes and pile into rooms with no beds. It's like camping inside a big room. Our pension also had a mart/restaurant attached to it.

We took an hour ferry to the island and arrived on Friday afternoon. The sun was out and we were able to enjoy the beach for the afternoon. And then the rain came. It kept on coming until we boarded the ferry to go back to Seoul on Sunday evening. Regardless, it was an epic weekend.

These kiddies came with the pension. They look sweet and cute but they are REALLY good at dishes, cleaning toilets, and making beds.

Despite what it appears, these patio chairs are actually coated with 24k gold lacquer.
After 6 hours of Trivial Pursuit I did not end up on the winning team. DAMN YOU SOPHIA LOREN!!!!!
The Groeschen Cream Cheese Olive Family Dip is like heroin. I felt like I was back home in Plano. Aw. Liz's last name is not Groeschen Cream Cheese Olive, fyi...
No weekend getaway is complete without an airplane ride from Liz. Note Angelique's jealousy from afar.

Oh yes. I also witnessed some chickens get slaughtered.

On the Bus

2010-05-11T07:43:00.002-05:00

After a chilly field trip today at Yongsan Family Park, I decided to bus it home after work. I was sitting next to the window, zoning out, listening to my iPod when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked over my shoulder and saw a Korean man gesturing. I assumed he wanted me to press the button to let the driver know to stop. Then I realized he was pointing out that I had something in my hair. We were outside, it was windy, and I thought I got most of the floating seeds and flowers out of my hair earlier.

I then let a total stranger groom me. He wasn't creepy or anything. He plucked out a few seeds, laid them in my hand and we continued on our way.

At my stop, I got up, beeped my transit card and as the doors opened, I turned back and bowed, "Kamsahamnida!"

Men vs. Women: Ramen

2010-05-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

No subtitles for this but you'll get the gist. This is from a show that I watch on TV sometimes, pretty funny stuff, I really want to find the Men vs. Women: iPhone because that pretty much sums it up perfectly. Still I saw this one a few months ago and thought it was spot on as well...

[HD] The Treme Song - John Boutté (Treme's intro song)

2010-05-10T07:37:00.000-05:00

RIP iPod

2010-05-10T05:25:00.004-05:00

3 continents, 10 countries, 3 years of daily use... it was a good run.

O hai iTouch!!!!!!!!

1 Down, 1 to Go

2010-05-03T06:58:00.003-05:00

Those who have the security of knowing where you will be in the following year may not understand the feeling I had when my director asked me what my thoughts on re-signing for another year were.

This past year has come and gone, and I've now marked my year stint back in Seoul. I had a lot of factors to consider in making the decision to sign away one more year of my life to Korea. Family, friends, and the comforts of home are very tempting to have just gone and called it a day. However, I know that the reality and state of affairs back home are not the most ideal conditions in which to come back. So, with mixed feelings, I have signed on for just one more and final round.

I am happy here. I am secure here. Knowing friends and loved ones are just a Skype call away has made it so much easier than the first time around. Being able to download my favorite shows hours after having aired in the states and seeing a movie released the very same week as back home has made the lag of being halfway around the world hardly noticeable.

I'm spoiled living in Korea in the 21st century. I still can't imagine my father (who lived in Seoul while training for the Peace Corps) having to trek into the city for his McDonald's hamburger (a rare luxury for him back in the 70s) once a month. Heck, I bought a bag of Doritos at the Super Mart next to my school!

So to my readers, your humble blogger wants you to know she will STILL be Getting Chiggae Wit' It for another year!

Although, to my great anticipation, I will be coming back to Texas in August for a sweet stint so mark your calendars, and send me some suggestions on places to see and things to do.

Cleaning out the Closet

2010-04-26T04:48:00.003-05:00

My style usually consists of one top and one bottom. That's it. I marvel at my friends here because they have mastered the art of layering. They've deduced it's because they are in cold areas and they can peel off layers as they get warmer.

I'm from Texas. I suck at layering.

Enter Gina Hessburg, stylist and chic closet organizer extraordinaire.

Without having to pay a cent, I was given a wardrobe facelift that made me marvel at all the options I didn't even know I had. It was like I had gone to Uniqlo and walked out with brand spanking new pieces!
I told Gina my clothing conundrums (I feel like I have just "outfits" and I don't know how to mix and match) and Gina whipped up vestment variations like the pro she is.

Treme: Instrument Promo

2010-04-20T06:06:00.000-05:00

New culture of bacteria found in my fridge!

2010-04-12T07:05:00.002-05:00

I did it guys. I took the plunge and excavated my fridge because I bought GROWN UP GROCERIES!!

That's right, Casey is turning a new leaf (is this still considered the New Year???). I spent 2 hours at Kim's Club and bought:

Beef
Chicken
Lemon juice AND lime juice, soy sauce, black pepper, basil, pine nuts
Cranberries
pesto
yogurt
spaghetti
HEINZ FRIGGIN 57!!!!! I literally jumped for joy when I saw this
spinach. That's right. I bought spinach!

Notice there is an absence of cereal, ramen noodles, or any kind of junk food. I don't think this has ever occurred in a purchase before... (actually I'm omitting the beef jerky bites purchase because it was economical, 1 plus 1 (as they like to call the 2 for 1 deal in Konglish)).

Now here's the challenge that I'm giving you. Look at these ingredients and tell me what kind of meal I can make with all this stuff. The winner will receive my eternal respect and adulation.

With all of my new found treasures, I had to make space in my fridge for my food. Which meant that after all these months of growing fur that would make PETA proud, it was finally time to chuck:

The freezer burned strawberries and onion skin I kept in the freezer to prevent from getting more moldy than they already were
The grayish fuzzy salami that I hid away in my vegetable crisper (because, well, if you know me, I would never USE a crisper for its actual intended use)
the two packages of green and black (once orange!) blocks of cheddar I stuffed behind my bucket of bacon grease
My can of Philadelphia green/cream cheese
milk (won't even tell you what came outta that carton)

Piano stairs

2010-04-11T08:46:00.001-05:00

I knew my piano lessons would come in handy one day... Now where in SEOUL are they doing this?

SkinFood Pineapple Peeling Gel

2010-04-07T07:37:00.005-05:00

My first entry in what may become a series heralding my love for Skin Food. Korea is the home of wacky stuff but this is something that the country got right. Koreans are OBSESSED with their skin. You can find a square mile anywhere in the city with about 5 different stores aimed at vain Korean women and girls who will splurge on anything claiming to make your skin whiter and brighter.

I scoff at most of these stores and stalls in the subway, but ain't no one getting between me and Skin Food. I saw Skin Food commercials during my first round in the ROK and couldn't tell if they were advertising actual food or not. This store puts both Bath & Body Works and the Body Shop to shame (though the Body Shop is stiff competition for Skin Food here in Seoul).

Skin Food offers the following and more: Cappuccino body scrub, celery gel wax, Gold Caviar collagen cream, broccoli sunscreen, papaya yogurt mask, black sugar face scrub, goat milk and lavender sunscreen (for babies), and, of coursem tomato whitening cream.

I've sampled a few of their products (which merit future reviews) but I'm excited about this product:

Recommended to me by my friend, Gina, SkinFood's Pineapple Peeling Gel sounds whack but pineapples contain AHA (alpha-hydroxy-acids) which aid in removing dead skin (increasing cell turnover = bright shiny new skin). When we think of peels we usually think of this:

Samantha after an unfortunate session with a skin peel.

But after I emerged from the shower my face was silky smooth.

The surprising part: There are no microbeads or exfoliating balls in the gel, unless they are microscopic. But after rubbing the gel on my face I noticed that it was actually taking off the dead skin!! Those of you who have gone to the jimjilbang for a scrub down will know what dead skin looks like, and I definitely had it when I was rinsing off my hands and face after a few minutes of massaging the gel.

Those of you lucky to be in Korea, I highly recommend this product!!!

Happy Easter Everyone!

2010-04-03T19:32:00.002-05:00

On Friday we had our first field trip of the school year. Easter egg hunting at Yangjae Park. I had a blast with my Orange Owls and from the pics and videos, I think they did, too! Enjoy!!!

Harry and Minjae, the newest additions to Orange Class

Lauren and Joy, fraternal twins. This pic pretty much sums it all up

Minjae is the youngest ajossi (old Korean man) I've ever met!

Hearing Harry say, "Oh NO!!" Is just the cutest thing in the entire world!

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!!

With Deepest Sympathy

2010-03-30T06:03:00.003-05:00

After my crazy mornings in Superkids, I head upstairs to teach the afternoon children. We have a different system this year where one teacher is in charge of a block of kids, so on Monday/Wednesday/Fridays I have my Clueless Crew.

Sophia as Tai, Anna as Dionne, Sally as Amber, and Annie as Cher. Annie is just a cute sweetheart. She'll bring sweets for everyone to much on between classes and yesterday she brought me a package for no particular reason.

"Annie!!! Thank you that is sooo sweet!" Her package included an envelope of origami that she had made, a pack of shrimp sandwiches (mmmm?), and a card. I opened the bright and cheery yellow envelope and found this inside:

Once again, it's the thought that counts, right? But what is the thought here?

Olympians do Brown Eyed Girl

2010-03-17T05:07:00.002-05:00

So the Olympics are old but I just saw what the Korean 5,000 meter relay did when they received their medal and I think this was the best acceptance of an Olympic medal ever. Good on you Korea!!

FYI: Just watch the first :30 of each video... No need to watch them both in their entirety... Unless you're just cool like that.

Life's Mysteries

2010-03-12T20:15:00.002-06:00

So now that I'm getting into the mode of nesting in my apartment here in Seoul, I've been meaning to make a little mini-tour of my apartment. But I'll only do it when it is actually presentable. Unfortunately, I feel like here in Seoul it is so much harder to have a clean apartment as it was back in Texas at the Venue. Maybe because my Venue apartment was so much bigger so I had more places to hide my junk.

Every time I try to clean up this apartment it seems to get more and more dirty. Why is this?? Perhaps by confessing this, my proclamation to show you my apartment (which in reality, I do sort of love), it will give me the onus to actually do it (see my kitchen entries as past reference). I have found that shaming myself is a pretty good technique in gathering up willpower to DO something about it.

Here's to hoping that you'll get a peek at my place a la Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous (although my tour will take all of 10 seconds) soon enough.

Bosie and Bentley: The Bandits

2010-03-05T20:48:00.005-06:00

So my Mom and Dad used to be OBSESSED with their only daughter. We're talking 22 years of the spotlight on Casey (which she likes to an extent). Then came Bentley, their black lab. Bentley was the son my father never had. Devoted, sporty, an all around good dog.

Then I decided to come to Korea and was faced with a dilemma. What do I do with Bosie, my cat? My mother, a newly converted cat lover thanks to the book, "Dewey," had no qualms about taking in my newly stray but my dad is not and never had been a fan of felines. However, in the 10 months since taking up residency at Casa de Switzer, I think Bosie has definitely grown on my dad. He's much more entertaining.

So although I miss Bosie dearly, I know that my parents are taking good care of him. And most importantly, I'm glad that Bentley now has a partner in crime who doesn't mind doing the dirty work and doesn't care at all about having the blood on his hands.

Laser Eyes

2010-03-04T06:50:00.002-06:00

So my good friends at work, Mindy Teacher and Stephanie Teacher, are lucky enough to work with yours truly. We have lots of laughs and giggles at work. But SOMETIMES, they'll say something worthy of receiving what has now been dubbed my "laser eyes."

Stephanie might start singing, "Astronaut Boy" or "I Will" in the middle of our break time and she will receive my Laser Eyes. Mindy might start taunting me or trash talking the Bachelor. Laser Eyes. After viewing a website with Cat (or was it Squirrel??) Laser Eyes they spent several hours coming up with this.

They were worried I would be upset but... it's SHEER. GENIUS.

Thanks Stephanie and Mindy, I hope you get LOTS more Laser Eyes in the future.

We Got the Beat

2010-03-01T03:24:00.001-06:00

Yes, our life really is THIS awesome! Thanks Liz for putting this gem together!

Farewell Mikey Teacher

2010-02-15T06:02:00.003-06:00

1/3 of the Seoul Posse will be leaving in a few weeks. Goin back to Texas. It was fun while it lasted and he will truly be missed.

Shoulda Been a Soju Bottle

2010-02-14T20:05:00.003-06:00

So, the Winter Olympics are underway in Vancouver. I have never been one of those people who said, "The Winter Olympics! Woo hoo! Awesome! I'm so excited!" Actually I've never been one of those people ever when it comes to sporting events (I only like the Superbowl cuz I get to eat copious amounts of wings).

However, this year, while not really psyched about any event in particular, I have been keeping up with it more than usual. By this, I mean, I'll have the TV on in the background while I'm on the internet, and I watched half of the procession of Olympians.

As an expat, you are faced with a significant dilemma: Who should you root for in the Olympics? Well, my vote is for South Korea. I would be prouder (more proud?) to see SK win the gold over America. Why?
2 reasons:

1) Kim, Yuna (or Yuna Kim for everyone outside of the Peninsula) because she is Korea's darling right now.
2) Because the South Koreans are feisty and they say, "Homey don't play that" to other countries by throwing water bottles at their coaches. Lucky the Olympics aren't in Seoul, otherwise you'd be ducking from a flying green soju bottle

Koreans love ice skating and they love Lady Gaga... so they might be rooting for flamboyant Johnny Weir....

Baby J

2010-02-13T20:13:00.003-06:00

This weekend is Lunar New Year. This means I get a 4 day vacation (yay!!!) and most Koreans flock to the country to be with their ancestors so it's less crowded (yay!!) but banks -including atms- and other establishments are closed (boo!)

After a good night in Hongdae, we woke up on Saturday to go visit the newest family, Rick, Joo, and Baby J.

Baby J aka Julianna was born last month, the day after all the crazy snow. She's precious, y'all. I couldn't believe that Rick is a daddy! You could tell that he loves every second of it and I couldn't be happier for him and Joo! I was a little scared when they asked me if I wanted to feed Baby J, and I still did it wrong, I literally had the bottle perpendicular to her... but I guess practice makes perfect.I look really gross in the picture but the baby makes up for it.

Who Dat Dog

2010-02-08T05:54:00.001-06:00

Super Bowl Champs of MMX!!!!!!!!

I stayed away from all things internet today and drove myself crazy but it was sooo worth it when I was at Phillies watching the game "live."

Mosquito Poop

2010-02-05T06:32:00.002-06:00

Yesterday morning I was grading homework and trying not to let my 4 hours of sleep get the best of me... I had already reprimanded my kids for not following directions (wait until AFTER I'm done grading papers to nag me about finishing your Circle Time work!!!) and the atmosphere of Yellow Class was a little on the tense side.

I called up Jasmin to get her homework and stickers when I saw her come up with a bit of trepidation. "OK, Jasmin, I'm not going to throw you out the window. Why are you so scared?" And she said, "Teacher. Blood."

Winter is a very dry time here in Korea. Students come in with cracked and bloody knuckles, peeling and scabby lips, the skin under their nose is flaky and dry. So when any of my kids say bloody I immediately point to Sophia's room where they get lotioned/Vaselined/moisturized up. I nodded my head towards the door and said, "Go." But I then followed Jasmin's eyes to the floor.

There on the white tiled floor was a small pool of blood. Pool is actually an overstatement. It was about the size of a dime (or a 50 won) but it was the unmistakable bright red of blood.

"Ewwww!" I scanned my students. "Everyone, check your nose!!" No culprit. "Everyone check your hands!" Silence.

"Who has an ouch?" I self consciously checked my own nose. Although I can say the only time I've ever had a nosebleed in my 26 years was when I went on Accutane.

"If no one is bleeding, where did this come from?"

Jack raised his hand. "Casey!! I know! Mosquito poop!"

Huh. Makes perfect sense.

Why I Need a Dish Washer

2010-01-27T06:39:00.003-06:00

I'm so lazy, I haven't done my dishes in forever... I make sure mold doesn't accumulate by at least running fresh water over my dishes everyday. However, I always think, I'll do it "tomorrow" because I know I'll use another cup/dish/spoon/chopstick and it would suck to just have to wash one cup/dish/spoon/chopstick by itself.

Oh and I'm cheap too. I don't want to use dish soap on just one cup/dish/spoon chopstick.

Today, I wiped the Spam grease out of my frying pan with kleenex (I'm also too cheap and lazy to go buy paper towels at the 7-11 down the street) so that I could make ddokbokki. Now I have a caked frying pan with ddokbokki sauce.

I miss having my dishwasher in the Venue... at least I could hide the dirty dishes from sight.

Nabiya

2010-01-25T03:24:00.004-06:00

Since I've been in Korea, I have been volunteering at Nabiya Cat Shelter a few hours a week. It really is a nice way to clear my head of work stress and also as I've mentioned before, I'm sure it helps to rack up some good karma points.

I'm doing some early spring cleaning on my hard drive and I took these pics before I left for Christmas Vacation.

Sunshine will literally give you a bear hug when you walk in.

This is Mong. He's still pretty feral but I really like how it looks like he is wearing a toupee.

Tagun is the Boss Man and puts the other kitties into their place when needed.

This sweet man is Donggri. He's blind in both eyes but is so patient and friendly. I always make sure to pay a few extra minutes to this guy!

Walking on a Dream

2010-01-21T06:54:00.003-06:00

After taking an overnight bus from Bangkok to Surathani, I got onto this local bus that transported us to a pier. On that pier, we waited for about 2 hours before taking us to Koh Samui aka Paradise Found...

The bungalow that Jamie and I stayed in at the Smile House Resort. Koh Samui was the perfect island for my travels. Our beach was quiet, gorgeous water, nice sand, and was a 2 minute walk from our bungalow.
New Years Eve coincidentally landed on the Full Moon Party in Koh Phagnan a quick boat ride from Koh Samui. To witness the magic I had here, watch the video below!

Further Down the River

2010-01-15T06:56:00.002-06:00

I'm going out of order, but I've been working on these videos now and by golly, I'm gonna put this one up:

Bangkok, Grand Palace, Jim Thompson's House

A Very Brady Palace

2010-01-09T21:04:00.005-06:00

Reunification Palace in Saigon. Or as I like to call it, "The Very Brady White House"

Cu Chi Cu Chi Coo!

2010-01-09T20:53:00.008-06:00

After spending a few days in Saigon, I wanted to venture out into the country to find some water buffalo and also to check out the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Cao De Temples. I didn't know too much about either but hoped to become culturally enlightened by the end of the day.

Liz mentioned these in her travels through Vietnam. She had likened the Cu Chi Tunnel segment as a Viet Cong Disneyland. Wasn't quite sure what she meant until I arrived in the village. We walked through a big white tunnel and on the other side we saw a few grass huts scattered around the grounds. I followed the crowd to a hut on the left and carefully walked down the dirt steps into a very primal ditch. The walls were dirt, the roof was thatched and sitting in the front was a very modern, hi-tech flat screen. We sat down and watched a propagandist video of the Cu Chi Tunnels history.

"The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.

The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. The role of the tunnel systems should not be underestimated in its importance to the Viet Cong in resisting American operations and protracting the war, eventually culminating in an American withdrawal." -wikipedia

I had spoken to some of the people on the tour during lunch and had come to the realization that I was the only American in the group. So as we were watching the video, I looked around and realized everyone had begun to slowly inch away from me. I was sitting by myself and it felt like I either had really B.O. (impossible!) or they were afraid any left over guerillas would single me out and they didn't want to get in the crossfire. The movie went on to showcase several child soldiers who won prestigious awards of killing the most Americans in their battalion. A little girl no more than 12 had shot down 32 American GIs in her village. Moving on.

We left the hut and walked onto the rest of the tour. We saw booty traps (you mean booby traps? that's what I said! booby traps!) like the one below. I would not like a pleasant stroll through the bamboo forests to end quite suddenly in this pit below.

Then our guide demonstrated his skinny-ness by hopping into this hole completely. No way the fat Americans could do this. But there were a few Italians who gave it a whirl. Note to Italian girl in the white skirt who jumped in to try to get some cute facebook profile pictures: what were you thinking?!

Notice, despite ideological differences, the similar taste in footwear.

Please disregard the copious amounts of perspiration. I made it through the first segment of the tunnels.

My new friends. We decide to let's just call it a day.

And here's a lil video of our guy playing Peek-A-Boo!

Pho, Pho, Pho! Merry Xmas!

2010-01-09T20:21:00.003-06:00

After a restful sleep, I woke up at around 7 ready to begin my day of exploring Saigon. The honks and motors outside got me out of bed. Wandering aimlessly through the streets near my hotel I searched for anything resembling the cafes that Brandon mentioned. He wrote in an email about lounging outside a cafe, drinking coffee and eating a chocolate pastry. That's what I wanted. Unfortunately I found nothing of the sort and was bombarded by men in rickshaws or on motorbikes asking me where I wanted to go. To escape this, I ducked into this little side street.

I looked around and found a street vendor with stout plastic chairs and tables. I looked at the two men smoking and drinking their morning coffee. Next to them, a young boy was slurping down a bowl of pho. The lady approached me and I pointed to the coffee. Pleased with my find I sat down and waited for my coffee to drip.

I love this stuff!! After enjoying my first cup of Vietnamese coffee, contemplating if I should have another, I relished this feeling of being in a new place, having no idea what to do or where to go. For the better part of my travels, I had been in the mindset of knowing as much as I could about my destination, carrying a guide book in hand. Vietnam has been the first place where I was a true nomad. I knew what I should check out, but I'm so glad I chose to aimlessly wander the city versus "touring" it. I do feel that these two types of exploration will give you two very different impressions of a city.

Biting at the bit, I started to trek the streets. Saigon reminded me of the French Quarter, especially in the old district. Strolling the streets, I noticed these banners lining the sidewalks. I had to keep reminding myself that Vietnam was communist, or as Mikey likes to say, "Mini-Communist." Nothing says Holiday Cheer like the Hammer and Sickle.

Lunch time! I liked the spring rolls but not the dipping sauce (too fishy) and then came the time to eat my first bowl of pho. I had high expectations because friends have basically given me the impression that I would love it. Stephanie likened it to galbi-tang (which I looooove). Liz compared it to a beef chicken noodle soup.

The waiter brought it out, ok well it looks delicious. So I grabbed my spoon and took a big mouthful. At first, I didn't taste anything. Then I tasted beef. Then I tasted.... cilantro. Blech. Some people love cilantro. I am not those people. I can tolerate moderate sprinkles of cilantro in salsa or whatever but a mouthful of cilantro made my gag reflexes start to act up. Discounting the cilantro, the aftertaste of the pho was not too pleasant either. A little too salty? Personally, I was disappointed that I didn't like pho.

It was like, "Hey! Vietnam! You're awesome! I like you a lot! But. listen. I really can't stomach your food. Really, I wanted this to work out, but I don't think it will."

So coffee: + 10
spring rolls: + 5
dipping sauce: - 5
pho: -15

Castaway on the Moon

2010-01-09T08:03:00.003-06:00

It's been awhile since I've seen a Korean movie that I've LOVED. Today, this came into my life:

So cute. I think I will turn into a weepy mess the next time I eat jja-jjang-myun.

Guidette in Training

2010-01-08T18:33:00.002-06:00

Fellow readers,

My sincerest apologies for not putting up any recent updates, including my travels. Unfortunately, my life has been consumed by juiced, tan, guidos that like to fist pump to house music.

But I've caught up on the Jersey Shore episodes, so we should get back to our regular blogging this weekend!!

A Tardy Christmas Carol

2010-01-04T05:26:00.002-06:00

My blog posts will be a little behind as I put all these crap together. After months of whipping my kids into shape, we finally had our performance. I'm such a proud little stage mother. If you ever watched those pre-school pageant documentaries you no doubt witnessed the stage mother with the crazy eyes. The camera zooms in on her in the back of the room. She gestures wildly like someone having a seizure, a smile plastered on her face, singing along with so much energy you would think she's strung out on something made in a trailer park meth lab. That was me on Dec. 23.

You will watch these videos. And you will think they are adorable.

Now I know how my parents felt when they made everyone they know watch me in Little Shop.

White Christmas in Saigon

2009-12-29T04:15:00.006-06:00

I arrived in Saigon early afternoon. As I stepped off the plane and into the airport, I looked out and saw lush greenery, I inhaled floral scents (jasmine? orchid) and looked around at the very modern airport. Hmm... doesn't LOOK communist. After going through immigration and customs, I stepped out and hopped into a cab.

My first impression of Saigon/Vietnam: It reminds of New Orleans! Albeit with a massive amount of motorbikes. Y'all, this be crazy. I have never in my 26 years seen anything this frenetic. Think of a river choking with salmon swimming upstream to spawn. Hopefully you get the point. And if you still don't watch this video:

So after arriving at my hotel, Nhat Tien, I decided to venture out into the city and explore. My first stop was the Ben Thanh market, an assault of the senses. There were vibrant flowers, glitzy necklaces and bracelets, nose clogging scents, basically sensory overdrive. I wandered through the stalls looking at the knick-knacks and souvenirs made in China. I walked through the food stalls and tried to figure out what was what.

Done with wandering, I tried to make my way over to the "backpacker district" but had absolutely no luck finding it. I was starving and really wanted to find a good pho restaurant (apparently there are a ton beside the market) but came short. Now, for those familiar with Vietnam/HCMC I know what you're thinking, "you can find a bowl of pho ANYWHERE." Yes, there are hundreds of stools outside of buildings with an old lady sitting over a stove on every street. These street stall getups are probably the best place to have a steaming bowl of pho. But remember, kind readers, this is my first solo sojourn and I still need a smidgen of modern comfort.

Turning up short on pho, I walked over to a restaurant that had a big neon pho bowl on its side and walked in. Unfortunately, I did not see anything resembling pho on the menu. FORTUNATELY, I DID choose a dish that was delectably right! It was like a Vietnamese version of pad thai. Vermicelli noodles, pork, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, onion, peppers, carrots. Deliciousness when I needed it the most. Plus a refreshing Lipton iced tea loaded with lime and sugar! I was indeed satiated and quite pleased with this discovery.

This gave me the energy to brave the steamy Saigon evening. As I walked along a park, watching the procession of motorbikes, it hit me that tonight is Christmas Eve. Despite the twinkling lights, and the little kids all dressed up like Santa, it did not feel like Christmas. Who eats ice cream on Christmas Eve? I did! I spotted Fanny's (a joint I read up on in the Lonely Planet book) and thought a chili chocolate ice cream with candied oranges might put me in a holiday mood. It didn't, but it was still an interesting taste. I did manage to play peek a boo with a little Vietnamese Santa Claus. He was a cutie.

Jet lagged and stuffed with good eats, I went back to my hotel where I promptly had the best sleep I've had in a very long time. I woke up the next day refreshed and revitalized. Yes, Saigon was doing good for me and my bones....

A Word of Caution Brought to you by my Parents

2009-12-29T04:08:00.002-06:00

After a very long procession of emails back and forth, I was finally about to Skype with my parents this morning in Bangkok. As planned, I am going down to Koh Samui to meet up with Jamie but instead of taking the overnight train, I'll be taking a bus. (I'm in a PC cafe waiting out the next 30 minutes).

Anyways, after updating them on my itinerary my parents wanted to give me a piece of advice:

Mom: Casey, your father and I watched a show about the tsunami that happened in Phuket 5 years ago. Be very careful. I want you to notice anything that does not look right with the water. Watch the water.

Dad: Yeah, but watch out, 'cuz those things happen really fast.

Mom: That's right. So if you see anything strange- RUN! Run very fast!

Dad: Go where the animals go. No animal has ever died in a tsunami. They know things. We don't. But they do.

So instead of relaxing on the beach, working on my tan and sipping a fruity cocktail with an umbrella in it, I'm going to have to spend the next few days checking on tidal discrepancies and monitoring irregular bird migrating patterns... in case I need to save the people on Koh Samui and ensure that we will all be here to see 2010 (which is ONLY 2 years away from 2012...).

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-23T04:52:00.002-06:00

The Christmas Concert went fabulously! I am so proud of Yellow Class... I hate to brag but we were the best (duh.). I'll be putting videos up when I return from my trip.

But I wanted to leave you all with a few videos spreading some good holiday cheer, brought to you by Fruit By the Foot.

Despite the fact that I'm on the other side of the world from much of my family and friends, I must say that I feel the warmth and love that you all have given me from many miles away! I'm thankful for so many things in my life, who would have thought a year ago (just 12 months ago I was one of the many unemployed during the holidays) that I would be blessed with so many things. I don't take these blessings for granted and am so appreciative of the love that I have from so many people.

Mom and Pop, above all, you are truly wonderful for EVERYTHING you have done. From sending my birth certificate after I lost my passport, to my kickass Christmas Care Package (despite my efforts, it has shrunk considerably), to letting my bank know I'll be spending copious (hopefully not TOO copious) amounts on my travels for me, to just letting me BE here to experience this all. I sincerely wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

OK folks, signing out from Seoul... see you (maybe?) in Saigon... and if I don't, as they say in Ho Ho Ho Chi Minh,

"Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh!!"

Packing with Lil C

2009-12-21T06:45:00.004-06:00

I will be plane bound in a few days and yesterday I started to pack. Yes, I feel like the night before the first day of school and I have my looseleaf paper in my Lisa Frank binder, along with 5 mechanical pencils, 2 blue pens, and 2 red.

I think Little C (aka Casey aka the Cat) knows something is up. She's been observing me cleaning the apartment, opening my closets and putting clothes in. Taking clothes out and putting them back into the closet. Giving me the side eye fueled with suspicion. I'm taking her to Nabiya tomorrow after work, the apartment will definitely be quiet without her. I'm hoping my neighbors will appreciate the silence from my apartment for the next few weeks.

"Oh. I see what you're doing here."

"Iz nots happy and Iz wants to go with yous."

Has anyone tried to go backpacking with a feline before??

The Beach- a Back Packer's Cautionary Tale

2009-12-18T08:30:00.003-06:00

I watched The Beach tonight... I probably shouldn't have.

Sure the island shots are gorgeous and yes, I think this certain beach is what every tourist has in mind when they think of Thailand... but the grungy, disgusting shots of Bangkok and Koh Phangan just... don't make me too excited. And apparently they CGI the hell out of that imaginary beach.

Perhaps this does work in lowering my expectations as they might have been a little too high.

Gettin' Antsy With It

2009-12-15T06:34:00.002-06:00

So, today is December 15. On December 24 I will be en route to Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon.

Still waiting for my Visa for Vietnam along with my new E2 Visa to go along with my new passport because I lost my previous passport. Hope there won't be any complications...

Itinerary:
Dec. 24- Arrive in Saigon
Dec. 25- Celebrate Christmas with a steaming bowl of pho. I have yet to try pho and am a little nervous about it, but have been assured it's like beef chicken noodle soup.
Dec. 27- Fly from Saigon to Bangkok
Dec. 29- Take an overnight train down to Koh Samui to meet Jamie
Dec 31-1 Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan hopefully??
Jan. 1- Take overnight train back to Bangkok
Jan. 2- Fly out of Bangkok
Jan. 3- Fly back to Incheon/ Recover in Seoul
Jan. 4- Teach class.

Is this crazy? Will my body be able to take this? Will I psyche myself out once, twice, every day? Yes, yes, yes. We'll see...

Not ready for American Idol yet

2009-12-11T07:54:00.002-06:00

Bananas + Rehearsal = FAIL!!!!

Lots of what?!?!?!?

2009-12-10T07:34:00.004-06:00

What would you do if....

Jack: I won't be here Monday. I go to trip.

Me: Where are you going Jack? Can I come too?

Jack: I don't know where I will go. Bangkok!

Me: Ooooh! Well I will go there for Christmas, too! Why are you going to Bangkok?

Jack: I don't know why I go to Bangkok. We go..... *thoughtful pause* There is lots of Banks! And lots of Cocks!!

*horrified pause* What do I say? What do I do? How do I react? Meanwhile...

Jack: Yes! Banks and cocks. cocks and cocks and cocks and cocks! In Bangkok! Bangkok has many banks and cocks. Is right, yes?

David: Yes! Cock cock cock cock! Like chicken say.

Jack in the background: We go see lots of banks and cocks in BANGKOK!

Honestly, how am I supposed to act? Do I just pretend not to hear anything? Do I chastise him or tell him not to say that, thereby letting him know he is saying something he shouldn't be saying? Do I laugh? I just do the next best thing and drag Mindy into my classroom so Jack can tell her where he is going this weekend...

Adult Education

2009-12-07T07:27:00.003-06:00

Waiting for my kids to line up for Library Class (yes this is a class where kids check out a book, read it, and then take a quiz on it) I eavesdropped on a conversation:

Jasmin: You cannot kiss when you are married in a church.

Louis: Yes you can! My parents marry in church and then they kiss.

Jasmin: No, you cannot kiss.

Sera: No, Louis is right. You can kiss when you marry.

Jack: No no. You get marry and then you go to love motel and kiss. Right, Casey?

I just look at them dumbstruck.

How do kindergarten students know what a love motel is?? For those outside of Asia, love motels serve several different purposes, emphasis on LOVE and not so much the "motel" part. Although I do know plenty of new teachers who have had to shack up in these places for the first part of their stay in Korea. Apparently you get a choice selection of "movies," "toys," and contraceptives.

Like I said, my kids are too smart for their own good...

A Big Fat Korean Wedding

2009-12-06T01:42:00.003-06:00

This morning, I dragged my sleepy heiny outside and braved the cold for Sunny's wedding. Sunny is one of the accountants at our school and a COMPLETE sweetheart. Had the wedding been for someone else, I probably wouldn't have gone. But I'm happy I did! We boarded a yellow bus and headed to Happy Suwon. At the wedding hall, slyly named Hotel Ritz (the Ritz was not so ritzy but still very elegant) we witnessed a Korean wedding similar to the ones going on simultaneously on the 8 floors below it.

The Korean wedding is a head scratcher for most foreigners. From the oddly outfitted ushers who more or less resemble Korean Air flight attendants, to the nonstop chatter from the wedding guests throughout the ceremony. Yes, we even saw the father of the bride on his cell phone during the ceremony smack dab in the front! Everything is more or less for show, with the western traditions (cutting the cake and vows) practically empty with significance. These are just photo ops to go into their wedding album. Is that so bad? Might they actually have a point? Doesn't a wedding equal one big photo-op?

However you may feel about Korean weddings you have to go if only for the GREAT food. The buffet was delicious. I filled myself up on salmon, chicken, ox tail soup, chap-jae, crab legs, ribs, and yummy dessert before piling back onto the bus with Mike, Michael, Mindy, and our Korean supervisors to head back to Seocho by 4:00. Oh yes, did I tell you the whole affair only lasts about 1-2 hours? It's bada bing bada boom because, of course, there's another wedding at 2:00.

Mom's March, don't ask why the lighting effects are green...

You should see these girls with nunchucks.

Korean cast of Glee

Nothin says classy elegance like a fake champagne tower. Is that Cristal?

Mika in Korea

2009-12-01T06:43:00.003-06:00

Thankfully the music industry has taken note that Korean fans are hardcore... I was lucky enough to catch Lady Gaga in her second trip to Seoul and while I thought her concert was amazing I will not be so enthusiastic to go to a concert if I'll be in the mosh pit again. Beyonce was here a couple of months ago and the Killers are coming in February.

I was simultaneously elated and heartbroken, however, when I saw this. Man I would have loved to have seen Mika in a hanbok!!

It's Turkey Lurkey Time!

2009-11-28T21:49:00.004-06:00

On Friday, my parents sent me an email displaying the tablespread of a Thanksgiving for 2. I salivated over the juicy turkey (prepared the Grandma Lucy way in a brown paper grocery bag), the scrumptious cranberry salad, the buttery rolls, and the delectable green bean casserole. More importantly, I couldn't help but feel a little sad that I couldn't be there to enjoy it with them.

I've always loved Thanksgiving Day. The slowness of it. Thanksgiving has always been a small affair with just my parents and I. It was never a hectic day with 20 people coming over, the kitchen exploding with activity or family politics. Instead, it was just a day to truly relish. The three of us would come in and out of the kitchen helping with whatever dish was on the stove or assisting Mom with the turkey in the oven. I know Thanksgiving means something different to everyone but to me it meant preparation for the holiday season and reflection on the past year.

When you're abroad over the holidays, it's a little weird. Your body is wired to be ready to celebrate an occasion but you look around and your mind isn't able to compute the disconnect. Even looking around my classroom, with handprint turkeys, cornucopias, little pilgrim and Native American coloring sheets. Something was lacking.

That something was still lacking when our supervisor bought a pumpkin pie and fried chicken for the teachers on Thursday. While it was a nice gesture it still didn't feel like Thanksgiving. I just told myself that Saturday would be the day of feasting... and boy was it ever!

The Seoul kids trekked down to Anyang to Rick and Joo's apartment. Despite the fact that Baby J is going to pop out any day, they were gracious enough to host a bevy of hungry teachers and even decorated their already gorgeous apartment in a festive fashion.

We had a traditional Thanksgiving meal (brought to you by Costco). All the trimmings were there: mashed potatos and gravy, stuffing, delicious turkey with cranberry sauce, pie, and family.

I never had an "I forgot I'm in Korea" moment, but that's ok. While my parents are on the other side of the world, I still felt the love you feel for people you care for around the Thanksgiving table. We've become our own family and this is something for which I am truly thankful.

Babies aka Eggies

2009-11-28T20:11:00.005-06:00

Just saw this trailer and I think it could be the cutest movie ever made (behind Look Who's Talking)

Despite the fact that there is no denying babies in general are cute I'm going to have to take a stand and say Korean babies are possibly the cutest of all-well black babies are also adorable and can sometimes jump ahead in the lead but-

c'mon is this not the cutest baby ever?? Wait I take this back... HALF korean babies are the cutest ones ever! ;) Since I was a prototype in this new hybrid of cuteness many others have since followed in the footsteps of my pioneer parents. Cousins and friends have been pleasantly surprised with my cuteness outcome and have decided to have a hybrid baby of their own!

Ding Dong the Mogi's Dead?

2009-11-18T06:48:00.003-06:00

Korean Mosquitoes should be considered a Weapon of Mass Destruction. They can render a strong man into a weepy puddle of puny. Foreigners will tell you that these X-Men mutant-like bloodsuckers are the bane of their existence and while these pesks are alive, I assure you this is no land of morning calm.

I didn't mind the bites so much as the high pitched buzzing that would flit past my ears and wake me from a much needed slumber. Just hearing their "bbbbbzzzzzz" can make me sit right up and go on the offensive. Thankfully, I invested in one of those mosquito killer contraptions. You place a blue tab on something that heats up and either kills off the pests are makes them really sleepy. This is the best solution by far and I think out of the entire mosquito season, I've only been disturbed maybe twice? Which is far less than my other associates.

Hopefully this chill will knock out the stronger ones once and for all. But just to be safe, I'm going to keep lighting the blue tabs until some snow sticks to the ground.

A subway snapshot

2009-11-16T04:05:00.003-06:00

Since the weather has turned to freezing my cheeks off I've begun using buses and subways to get to school. Tonight I was waiting for the subway praying I wouldn't be crammed into a crowded car bursting at the seams. As my car approached I let out a sigh of relief as I saw it was only moderately full.
I stepped into the car and looked to the left where the part of the car was reserved for handicap, pregnant, or elderly people. Many times if you are none of the above and you are taking up space in the section you get dirty looks and a couple of harumphs thrown in your general direction. It's the equivalent of parking in a handicap spot in the parking lot or even using the handicap bathroom stall in the restroom (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference here).
As I was settling into my little area I looked over and thought, "Uh oh, it looks like this kid has had too much to drink and doesn't know any better." A few elderly people were encircling him and I could see them talking to this guy, early 20s maybe, who seemed to be rocking back and forth, his eyes partially closed. It was at this point that I thought to myself, "Man, Koreans can't even wait an hour after work to get piss drunk?" As I was turning myself away to not stare at any imminent throwdown, I heard the lady next to me cluck and say in Korean, "So cute!"
Upon further inspection I looked back and saw two big, beautiful, calm yellow labs with Eye Dog vests lying on the floor next to the seats. I looked back at what I had previously assumed was an intoxicated fellow and realized he was actually blind. The people who had been encircling him actually had been making room for the canines afoot and were conversing with the blind man.
I've seen a lot of blind people in Seoul. Walking to work every morning there are at least 2-3 Koreans with walking sticks and a human guide in my school's neighborhood. But coming upon seeing/guide dogs has been a much more rare occurence. Back home in Texas, it was a normal occurence but seeing guide dogs (no pun intended) here in Seoul usually perks my attention.
My stop approached too suddenly and I was a little saddened to have to get off so soon. There was this very peaceful feeling at the back of this car. An elderly woman seated next to a blind woman with one of the dogs extended her gloved hand and gingerly rubbed the dog's chin. A content smile spread across her face and made its way over to mine.

What's Up Doc?

2009-11-11T05:21:00.003-06:00

* warning, this might make those with weak stomaches a little queasy so read with caution*

A few weeks ago during a "meeting" one of our supervisors said that we would all have to have another round of health checks. Raised eyebrows waved through the teachers. "Does it matter that I had mine two months ago?" No it did not.

Many things that happen in the workplace here in Korea have rarely been met with as much skepticism and reticence than this mysterious health check. What, pray tell, are they checking for? Swine flu? Herpes? Questions regarding this medical visit were met with vague responses. The only information given to us was that we wouldn't have to pay for anything, our blood would be taken, we weren't allowed to eat anything after 8 am, and there would be a van that would come to the school.

Yesterday during lunch the van pulled up and the teachers all piled into an elevator to take us down to who knows what. A line of employees led to a small white van (no bigger than the yellow school vans that transport our students) with white coats spilling out carrying scales, coolers, and other medical paraphanalia. "That's where they're going to put our kidneys!" Mindy pointed to the red and white coolers being carted up to the 5th floor. The foreign teachers all let out awkward and uncomfortable chuckles. Little did we know that for the next 90 minutes we would continue standing in line, trying to assuage our uneasiness with humor.

Outside, they took our chest x-rays in the van, apparently checking for tuberculosis. The van door remains open and you walk up to it while the technician tells you in Korean to step up to the xray and stay still. As I made my way out of the van doors I pretend to collapse and clutch my heart while exclaiming, "It hurts! It hurts!" No one finds this funny besides Stephanie and Mindy.

Cut to the 5th floor. No classes going on but the hallway is crowded with Korean teachers from Appletree (the preschool downstairs), bus drivers, and the foreign teachers lined up holding dixie cups filled with pee. I can say that there have been a few times in my life where I have truly felt. Weird. And standing in front of a bunch of accquaintenances holding cups of their urine has to be up there in the Top 3. Mindy, Stephanie, and I refused to stand there with our pee until the absolute last minute. Some female teachers were a little discreet and placed a paper towel on the top while others let it all hang out. Ahem.

As we drew closer to the front we could peer into the classroom turned examination room and could see multiple stations resembling the same tests we had for our first health check arriving in Korea.

I stepped up to the first station. Weight and pee check. The doctor spoke English but only the funny kind. He asked me to get on the scale and as I tried to make my posture give me an extra inch, the height measurer bopped me on top of the head. "Ouch!' He laughed as I sat back down and said, "Ooooh, I take 2 kilo off for your clothes. Ok? You look." He pointed to the electronic number that was my weight (yay! I can't convert kilos into pounds so I don't know if the number was good or bad). "2 kilos. Ok?" he grinned at me. I said, "Sure." "2 kilos. I take off. Your clothes 2 kilos." "Yeah I got that." "Yes! I take off because I'm so nice." I look at him. We stare at each other and then I realize my reaction and then playfully say, "Yes!! Yes! So good! Woo hoo!!"

This elation allows him to move along and stick a pH test strip into my cup. I thought back to those 2 cups of coffee I had downed after 8 am to spite the powers that be and hoped it didn't throw anything off. We (me, the Doc, and the people standing in line behind me) watched as he placed the strip over the cup and watched it change color. "Gee, you know I'm really leaning towards the coral for the master bedroom but this sunflower yellow just would really brighten up the room, you know?" Nothin! What a tough crowd. He waves me over to the classroom and I go grab an eye cover from the Korean optometrist. I sit down and go through the numbers, letters, and then go to the lady sitting holding the headphones.

"Hey! Let's trade iPods!" She smiles and flips switches as I raise my right hand, then left, and then for the hell of it I wave em both in the air like I just don't care! I get a giggle out of her. Me= 1 Docs= 1. Then she hands me a syringe and points to the sadist at the next table with about 15 vials of blood. I hate needles. My fear has subsided substantially but shots still suck. Since I had to get my blood taken regularly back in Texas I braced myself. I offered my right arm, rolled up my sleeve, and then did the Plano Clap (for those that don't know, Plano used to be the heroin capital of the world or something). But I did it and looked at the guy while saying, "like this, ok? tap tap tap!" and he smiled, nodded, and said, "tap tap tap."

"No, don't say it. Do it!"
"Tap, tap, tap. Ok." After a couple seconds of psyching myself up he says, "No good, other arm."
"What?? Aw man!" So I offer my left arm and told him, "Find a big one, buddy." Truthfully it wasn't that bad, I think Stephanie didn't fare as well.

I walked out, promptly went down to the Family Mart, and bought myself a coke and a hotdog. I was starving... So I'm hoping I don't hear anything concerning results from the health check. No news is good news, right?

Carol Challenge

2009-11-10T17:21:00.001-06:00

Alright, I have to pick two songs to have Yellow Class sing at our Christmas concert... any suggestions?

I wanted to do Last Christmas by Wham and All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey. But thought these might be a little too complicated. Then I thought maybe David Bowie/Bing Crosby's duet of "Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" but STILL thought I might be shooting too high. I just don't want to do Jingle Bells or We Wish You A Merry Christmas... ideas???

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-11-06T05:43:00.004-06:00

I've tipped over the quarter century mark as of yesterday... but the great thing about time changes is that I actually was celebrating my birthday over a 3 day span as some wishes spilled over and a few sent pre-emptive birthday wishes the night before (which would be 2 days before in Texas).

Anyways, my 26th definitely topped my 25th. It started with:
* An awesomely decorated desk courtesy of Mindy and Stephanie filled with goodies from our local Family Mart. All the delicacies were there: Pringles, Corn Chips, Snickers, Kisses, and a Coke.
* Adorable birthday cards made by Yellow Class during Circle Time. Louis even wrote, "Casey Teacher. I love you many much. You can be me teacher every day. Monday, Tusday, Wendsday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You are my favorite."
* A birthday serenade from all of the Super Kids classes plus afternoon teachers and a way too rich cake from Tous Les Jours (bien sur!)
*Copious well wishings on my FB profile. NOW I understand why we have Facebook. The self validation you get from seeing so many people who you know (and who you kind of/sort of know) seeing the reminder on the right screen telling them it's your birthday. It's the equivalent of having your name in the phone book... you're SOMEBODY!
*An awesome dinner at On The Border with my teachers treating me to dinner and yes half a margarita, because we all know, that's the limit. I think my alcohol tolerance has gone down considerably since turning 21...
*But what truly was the icing on the cake was this. And honestly this was the best thing I could have gotten....

Halloweeeen

2009-11-04T04:33:00.006-06:00

Hope everyone had a good Halloween. As my favorite holiday (behind Mardi Gras) I like to go all out in everything I do. This year I had not 1- not 2- but 3 costume changes.

1) A Doll

2) Bloody Mary

3) A Voodoo Doll

We also had our kids trick or treat throughout the building, carved jack-o-lanterns and did a creepy haunted house. Each classroom also had a little activity that the students would do. Yellow Class had the Donut Dangle. Donuts were hung on a string and the students had to eat the donut without using their hand. VERY VERY entertaining!

The Planet Song

2009-10-23T06:22:00.002-05:00

To my few loyal readers:

Much apologies for the long hiatus. This month has been stressful/busy/draining as we have had to deal with a field trip, report cards, the usual lesson plans/weekly reviews, Open Class (more on this later), and now I find I am in charge of setting up the Haunted House for our Halloween Activity Day.

When I come home all I want to do is just veg to Ninja Video. However it is finally Friday and I have most of the above crossed off my to do list.

Yesterday was Open Class and it was a big pain in the booty. Twice a year our school opens the classrooms to the mothers so they can see how well rehearsed- I mean intellectually stimulated- their children are and how well they have improved with their English. We create an elaborate lesson plan to showcase their kids. Moms come in with cameras and camcorders so they can show their friends how much better their children are doing at XYZ hagwon and why their kids are doing so much better than their friends' kids who go to ABC hagwon.

My previous Open Class in July was a big success, I did a lesson on life cycles and felt pretty confident going into this next Open Class. And I have to say I did a pretty good job. But the icing on the cake was the musical number, "I Know the Planets."

Pretty cute, eh?

The kids liked their head pieces so much they wore them for the rest of the day. For lunch today, David (still wearing his head piece) was eating lunch and stuffed his face with mandoo (meat dumplings). He looked so cute that I had to take this video:

P.S. Just to cover my own hiney, there is no underlying racist tones in this video whatsoever... he had a mouthful of mandoo and the thing with his ears was entirely HIS doing!!!

Welcome Back Charlie!

2009-10-11T02:15:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, we welcomed back a familiar face, Charlie.

Charlie was editor of the magazine Liz and I worked at, SpeakEasy. Charlie, like the rest of us, cast out his line far away from Korea but found himself pulled back in. We had a big reunion last night in Hongdae. It was Vivian, Anton, Andrew, Liz, Charlie, and myself. First order of business- food.

Once we arrived at the galbi restaurant, we were ushered upstairs at the galbi restaurant..like red headed stepchildren and were tucked away in a corner by ourselves. The reason why we were denied dining al fresco? Personally I think they just wanted to save their street cred and hide the foreigners from street view. But THEIR excuse was that apparently, you can't cook pork outside.

Now can someone tell me the difference between cooking beef and cooking pork outside? There was absolutely no tell tale difference when we were cooking beef and pork upstairs on the "terrace". I'll just chalk it up to another Korean idiosynchratic pile of silly... like not flushing toilet paper down the toilet but instead throwing it into a wastebasket atop a bunch of other wads of used toilet paper... mmm toilets and galbi!

After a very enteraining dinner (conversation = A+, Food= D -) we headed to Diggins for a brief taste of Funk Music and then to Nomad for some Jenga, Captain Cocks (that's their insane version of Jack and Coke), darts and Liz dragging an unsuspecting Korean man to the dancefloor for a quick K-Pop dance lesson. After hearing numerous songs from Mariah and Janet, I simply was not content to just singing along at a table... I wanted a mic.

Next stop was the Candy Shop Noraebang. You would think with (what Westerners would deem) an excess of noraebangs in Hongdae, it wouldn't be a problem to get a room. Wrong. Even for it being rather early (around 12?) we had to stoop into several establishments before even getting someone to tell us we'd have to wait 10 minutes for the next available room. Well we certainly weren't going to let that room go after all that trouble so we rocked out for a good 3 solid hours. Songs ranged in styles and tempos. There was some Boyz II Men, Hall & Oates, Kim Carnes, Ricky Martin, Jamiraquai, Beyonce, Meatloaf, Stevie Wonder, Queen, Mr. Big..

However I am going to get on my soapbox and say that my Fleetwood Mac AND Kelly Clarkson selections were prematurely aborted! Noraebang etiquette states that should someone hit the cancel button on someone else's song, said offender should either let victim choose another song or at least fill up the victim's Buy the Way dixie paper cup with an acceptable liquid apology.

Now I don't REALLY know if there is any sort of Noraebang etiquette but there should be... maybe that will be a future blog post.

Bow Wow Bauhaus

2009-10-03T23:28:00.005-05:00

In an attempt to distract Liz from the departure of a good friend, I took her and Eva to Bauhaus Dog Cafe in Hongdae.

I'm going to stay away from the whole "dog as food" controversy and just say that Koreans LOVE their pets. They love dogs and now cats are slowly winning over a few Koreans (Cat cafe post soon to come!). However it can be a challenge keeping a pet in Seoul. So what does the animal lover who can't realistically keep a pet in the city do? Well, go to a dog or cat cafe of course!!

Bauhaus is a cafe where dogs run the establishment. You've got the big dogs (Great Pyrenese to Labs to Golden Retreivers to a giant Malamute) all the way down to the toy breeds (or as Liz likes to say, the ones you can drop kick). Honestly, it's Cesar Milan's wet dream (Cesar is the Dog Whisperer, dont'chaknow) as it's just one huge pack of dogs running around. You think the humans are the pack leader? No no, the employees just walk around mopping up messes and puddles. They do a great job, always on top of a "situation."

From outside you can already hear barkings of all ranges- yip yip yips to woof woof woofs to mong mong mongs (that's the Korean equivalent to "woof"). You walk up to the 3rd floor, hop over a small gate and enter into the cafe.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes come over to greet/ smell you. The human employees take you to a booth and drop off a menu consisting of teas, coffees, shakes, and alcohol. As I wait for my oreo milkshake a couple of friendly pooches come over to say, "Hi!" Some sit and stay, others decide we aren't that interesting and walk on over to the next booth.

Bauhaus is a wonderful place to visit if you're feeling down. It's scientifically proven that playing with a pooch raises your blood pressure and gets the warm and fuzzies going in full production. What could be better in picking you up than a warm lick on the face or a cold wet nose pressing against your hand?

Kid Cartography

2009-10-02T19:41:00.002-05:00

While doing a science unit on keeping Earth beautiful, I had my students draw a picture of Earth. Kids' perceptions are the darndest things!!

Note:

Busan is an island.

Japan is approx. the same length and size as South America

USA, America, and North America are all different continents

Size of China

Ch-ch-chuseok!

2009-10-02T02:23:00.006-05:00

It's going to be a quiet R&R Filled vacation for me. While the rest of the city floods out to the smaller towns in the countryside, I'm hibernating in my apartment, preparing for winter.

Chuseok is Korea's equivalent to Thanksgiving. We had an activity day for the kindy students on Tuesday. The students arrived wearing hanboks, the traditional Korean folk dress. These kids look so adorable and I must say, they have certainly upped the fashion factor of hanboks since I wore one when I was younger.Each classroom was assigned a certain activity. Stephanie taught them how to bow, Mike and Michael played games, Mindy made lanterns, and I taught the kids how to make songpyeong.

We had balls of rice cake (ttok) and a mixture of brown sugar and seasame seeds (kkeh). The kids would roll small balls of ttok and flatten them out. Next they would put a small spoonful of the kkeh and seal up the ttok to make the songpyong. Basically they're just sugar dumplings. This would seem rather simple but the ttok would get super duper sticky and I had a plaster of rice cake on my hands by the end of 5 classes coming through.

For the first few classes I tried to do my best in making authentic songpyeong. But by the end, I just threw the rules out the window and basically took off little chunks of ttok and dipped them into the kkeh mixture. One of the younger 6 year olds one upped me and just started eating the brown sugar/seasame seed mixture like it was cereal... I would let Stephanie handle his sugar frenzy later.

Our director also got presents for the teachers. These gift sets are pretty hilarious. They can range from Spam, to Shampoo/Bodywash, to tuna (says Mikey who received a nice tuna gift set from his school).

What could mine possibly be?

Are they trying to tell us something?