bunkblab

A Sad Day in Korea!

2009-05-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day for South Korea.

Today they are putting to rest a man that many admired. Their former president.
My thoughts and prayers go out the friends and family, and all my Korean friends who are mourning his passing.

To stay....or not to stay......that is the question....

2009-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

My contract will be up in June......

I know that if I stay another year...that is another year of money I can send home...then come back to Canada in a much better position than I am in now....
Jobs may not be as easy to find in Canada right now.....

but

I miss my family...
I miss my friends....

so much is happening around me that I am wondering if being this are away is worth it.

One of my best friends is having a baby...
I miss my sister....
My grandfather and my aunt are going about their days without me....

I know in the grand scheme of things a year is not really a long time....

but tonight....it feels like FOREVER.

I miss you guys....more than you can possibly know.

xoxo

My puppy dilemma.....

2009-02-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

I want a puppy.....I have wanted one for such a long time.

IS there ever a right time to get a puppy?

I will always be busy
I will always be working

Will I seriously wake up one day and say...yes ok..NOW is a perfect time for me to get a friendly companion.....

I dont know....I do know that I keep torturing myself by going into pet stores, holding these puppies and falling in love.

I don't think there is ever a right time...I know I will love it and take care of it.....

maybe the decision shouldnt be this hard....

2009-02-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

I am seriously sitting here...staring at this blank screen scratching my head.
I want to write something....I want to connect with everyone who actually read this.....butI have no idea what to say.

I have been out of school since December 24th. Its been great. So much time to relax....yet....things seem to be a little high strung.
I taught and online program for the month of January which was fantastic and I am hoping that it turns into something I can bring back home to Canada with me.

Now....its February and I find I have so much time that I end up doing nothing....its sad really....I am a person who likes schedules....I like to be busy....I feel like if I am busy and always doing something then I am happy......

I dunno..I love this lifestyle but I am finding lately that I am searching for ways to come home again!

Part of me wants to come home in June....part of me wants to say....and the way that the dollar is right now I dont know if it makes sense for me to stay.....
so many decisions ....:)

Snowy Nights....

2009-01-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

it is the perfect end to a long week......dinner with friends, drinks with more friends and a cab ride home through the snowy streets.

As I walked back to my apartment I realized how little I stop to appreciate the beauty of winter. Usually I am always too busy being cold....quickly walking with my head down...trying to get to the next warm place.

Tonight, I put my boots on, wrapped my warm pink scarf around my neck and took a stroll down our new path. Tonight is a beautiful night.......

nights like tonight......i can't open that box just yet.....

tonight was beautiful......

I FOUND THEM A HOME!!!!!!

2008-12-23T03:02:00.000-08:00

Well, the kittens officially have a new home. We will take them to Dave's house in Busan this weekend. Its tearing my heart in two to have to give them away. Now that it's a reality and its happening soon I am realizing how much I love them. I have never had such good cats before. They are amazing, which makes me really question what I am doing by giving them away. I hope they will forgive me....I hope they will know that I love them and that I am not trying to abandon them. I hope they will remember that we rescued them from the streets and gave them a warm place to stay and food to eat.....I hope they remember me....because I will never forget them.

Be Thankful for Every Moment.....

2008-12-13T23:06:00.000-08:00

There has been a terrible tragedy here in Mokpo. About two weeks ago an English teacher was caught in an apartment fire. I am not sure of all the details but she was badly hurt. This morning we were notified via the facebook group that she has died. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

I don't want this post to be negative but there is something that must be said. The fire in the apartment she was in started because of a careless man. A man who was smoking.... and so thoughtlessly tossed his cigarette down the staircase, where it landed on a piece of furniture and caught fire. For those of you who know me, you know that I think smoking is THE nastiest habit.
If you make the choice to kill yourself slowly, Fine....but be aware of those around you because the rest of us should not have to suffer because of your stupidity. Regardless of whether its breathing the smoke around you, seeing finished cigarettes lying all over the ground, or forgetting to put it out before you toss it away. Think before you act so situations like these don't happen, and innocent people don't get hurt.

Life is so short and the choices that we make determine which paths will follow. Every outcome is different. Make sure you are happy, living the life you want.....have no regrets.

To my friends and family....I love you all, I miss you so much, and know that you are always with me in my heart.

xoxoxo

Kittens in Need of a Good Home......

2008-12-13T01:27:00.000-08:00

Last night Mathew and I went golfing in Mokpo. We played 18 holes......now I can imagine what you may be thinking....Korea has this amazing indoor golf....you get your own private room, a huge projector screen and you can play 18 holes of golf for 20 bucks.....Awesome. Its super hard but lot's of fun....

Our night was full of adventure....

We walked home at about 12:30am and on our way down the path came upon two small kittens scrounging for food in a take out box. They were licking the sauce of some chicken...it was a sad site. We caught them both and brought them back to our apartment.

I think I may have explained the situation for animals here in Korea before ....but if not...let me tell you about it briefly...IT SUCKS.

Animals are not treated with respect here at all. Dogs are chained up with no where to go, fed the most disgusting crap I have ever seen, seriously...it looks like someone barfed then gave it to the dog, some dogs are beaten and then eaten.....it is a horrible situation.

Cats on the other hand are seen as pests, left to roam the streets alone. If they have been caught usually an elastic band is wrapped around their tail to make the end die and fall off ( WHY? I have yet to find a reason). I also read today that some cats are boiled alive so that their cat juice can be used as a treatment for rheumatism???? again...TERRIBLE situation.

Mathew and I both love animals, and as hard as it is we realize that we cannot save every animal here in Korea....this is a difficult challenge for so many foreigners here in Korea. Most of us end up with an animal of some sort before leaving here. We feel that as decent human beings we cannot walk by daily and see an animal suffering or in pain.

So with no one around, no houses in site, Mathew and I scooped up the two babies and made our way home.

We discovered that one had a small kids bracelet around her neck which tells us that they must have been someone's pet at some point and deserted on the street...Unwanted.

So at this point we have no idea what we are going to do. I have posted messages on our Foreigner web pages to see if anyone is interested in taking the kittens.

Here they are...adorable as ever.

Mom, Dad....If you are reading this I know what your thinking....I know what you are REALLY saying out loud right now....take a breath....lol....I don't know whats going to happen....but things have a way of working themselves out...I would just like to comment on how much they resemble Bailey and Milo.....:)

I've Seen the Error of my ways.....and it ain't pretty

2008-12-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

Oops....so having some blogging issues....to say the least.....so please bear with me. Not that I have been a very good blogger so the odds of people reading this I would say is slim.....

Anyway for now until I can figure some stuff out... This is the new site....

The Hills are alive.....but there ain't no music!!!!

2008-12-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

And so I'd say it has just begun but that would be a lie....it began a while ago...when the cold showed up. I began to hibernate....I am a sun person, a warm weathered person....this terrible thing called "cold" just doesn't mesh well with me. I am coping....but not very well.

Lately I have been thinking....while sitting in my icebox of an office, what it is that I am really doing with my life. I try so hard to think of the now, what am I doing today and how can I make it the best day....but I think we are all creatures who are programmed to want or need to be doing more. Are we happy with what today is...what we are doing in this moment. The answer for me is yes....today I am happy...but...!

That "but" is always thrown in there...lurking at the end of every sentence....."but" what about the future...what will I do when this year is over? and that thought is scary.

I miss my family, I miss my friends....but the thought of going back to life in Canada is also scary. A job where I work 9-5, maybe get 2 weeks vacation, feel the need to do well to move up the chain, then what????

I wish I could have this world that I have created for myself here in Korea but with my family nearby. I think then I would be happy, complete. But...haha there it is again.....it is not possible.

I have a lot of thinking to do....re-sign my contract and stay for another year...which I would love to do....NEED to do....or go back home and be lost and stressed out in the hoopla?? uggg....I swear sometimes our brains never shut off... :)

This Winter vacation I have taken an online teaching position...4 weeks....I am excited. Teaching from home will be tons of fun.....only have to look pretty from the shoulder up ....lol teaching in PJ's....what fun ( just kidding)

This winter vacation I am also puppy sitting for a couple who is going home for the holidays. This is a picture of Sadie.

She is adorable. We are going to have lots of fun.

Holiday Season.....Eeeekkk!

2008-12-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

This is my favourite time of year....I love Christmas.

I love the music, the movies
the decorations everywhere.....
I love my christmas tree.

Mathew and I found some pink and silver decorations at HomePlus here in Mokpo. I was so exctited. Its beautiful.

I miss you all especially around this time of year.

Natalie is baking cookies
my family will be having dinners and playing games
the snow in Canada during the Holiady season ( is the only appropriate time to have snow).

*sigh*

Sending Holiday cheer your way......!!!!!

2008-11-21T00:06:00.001-08:00

Love...

isn't always like the movies...

it's not always like the books we read...

it doesn't always happen or

2008-11-21T00:06:00.000-08:00

Love...

isn't always like the movies...

it's not always like the books we read...

it doesn't always happen or exist as we want it to...

what then...

Surround Me
by ben Taylor
Love surround me with all your reach
Now while we're here alone
Now our bodies are ocean and beach
Blessings of waves and stones

Floating a lonely sound
You found me
And now that the tide is finally down
Surround me
Surround me
Surround me

And love move for me
Roll beneath the sky
Shadows and silver cross your face
Pools a moonlit night
Weak from standing on sandy ground
You found me
And now that I'm finally falling down
Surround me
Surround me
Surround me

Love surround me while you can
Till these waves grow cold
I've gone too deep, I cannot stand
I burned before I froze
Running to save my life
And leaving you
And now in the heat of this dreadful dry
I'm needing you
Surround me
Surround me
Surround me
Surround me
Surround me

I say...for now
do with it what you will

The 6 month Hump....

2008-11-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite sure what it is.....today I am in a funk. Today I am questioning everything. Today I am sad.

Maybe it's the weather...
Maybe it's missing my family...
Maybe it's the uncertain future...
Maybe it's... well maybe it's a lot of things...too many things...

Today I wish I was at home..( my parents home) curled up next to the fire, watching a movie or having a chat with my mom and dad, getting ready to put up christmas decorations....
I wish I could go to my old gym, see the people who became my family.
I feel this year has gone by so fast.
I feel lost...

Maybe it's just the snowy days.....

Winter is upon us.....

2008-11-17T02:28:00.000-08:00

As much as I hate it....I can feel winter coming. Today was beautiful. I was up walking to the gym at 6:30 a.m. The air was crisp and clean. It was wonderful. The beauty evaporated as I was standing at the traffic light waiting for it to turn green so I could cross. The cold bit right through me...I was even wearing two pairs of pants....not nonetheless the season that I despise is still coming.
I hate being cold.

Gone with everything else......

2008-11-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

**** Pictures have been updated***

lately, that's how I have felt about my writing. Its gone, along with my motivation, my energy, my ideas about what will come next for me.....its all gone. I am not sure how I really feel about this.

Yesterday I bought a new writing book. Its not that I don't already have about 12 empty books just waiting for me to open them....crisp, white lined pages where I could potentially write all my thoughts.....the sad part is...lately I haven't been thinking anything....it's all blank. In buying this new book I am determined to find my writing, find my thoughts and feelings again and stop wandering around aimlessly. If I have lost my motivation....well I am bound and bent to just create more....I have it in me....so here goes.

My apologies at not having posted on here for such a long time. There has been a lot of stuff going on. Although the fault is not completely mine. My computer at work will not allow me to log onto this website and as that is when I feel most compelled to write...well...I didn't feel "pushed" enough to write at home. So this will be a long post while I catch you up on what the "happenings" are.

My Birthday Weekend

was a strange one....full of surprises. The Friday night we left late for Gwangju on the bus. We arrived at about 10:30-11pm and went off in search of a hotel that we had both remembered. We walked down a few ally ways and finally found one that was cheap ...25$ for the night...to good to be true....lol an understatement.

We settled in, fell asleep thinking that all would be well for the next morning.

I was restless, tired and waking every half hour to scratch my arms and legs. Finally at about 2am Mathew and I realized that we were both awake, itchy and wondering what was going on. We turned the lights on and to our surprise found that we were sleeping in this motel room with a bunch of mosquitoes. Mathew went about killing them and each time he hit them blood from either Mathew or I went spraying across the wall. They had obviously been hungry.

So we packed up our stuff and left the motel, to wander around Gwangju looking for another motel. 3Am we finally found a nice room, ordered some pizza, rented a movie and settled in. By 5am we were asleep.

The next morning we woke up at 10am and started off to the bus station. We were on our way to Beosong Tea fields. Mathew had yet to see them and I knew it would be beautiful this time of year. After walking, taking a taxi, then a bus we finally made it to Beosong at 3pm - we waited for the shuttle and then made our way to the fields.

This is Mathew taking a picture of the fields.

We had arrived at the perfect time. The sun was perfect, there were few people and we were able to walk around and relax.We had an early dinner of Green Tea Donkas and Green Tea Bibimbap and decided to head back to Mokpo to chill out.

The Marathon Weekend

Mathew and I had signed up to run a 10k marathon. I can guess you are probably thinking that we had practiced long and hard to this...but alas we both ran 5k one time leading up to this event and that was it. Mathew was excited...my goal was to NOT DIE. I had never in my life ran 10k. I was nervous to the say the least.

The days leading up to this were fantastic. Mathew and I headed to Gwangju on Friday found an awesome hotel and relaxed. The next day we woke up late hit The Outback Steakhouse for lunch and made sure to load up on energy that would last us for the race. We then hopped on the train headed for Suncheon. A three hour train ride but we were equipped with drinks, snacks and games. We arrived, found a hotel and went to sleep.

The next morning we got ready and headed to the stadium to meet up with our group. Sloane, Darrin, Jaclyn and Jaimin. Darren and Jaimin were running the Half Marathon, the rest of us were in the 10k. We started at 9:30am.

The energy in the stadium was awesome, so many people all wearing their numbers, stretching and talking to each other. The buzz was amazing. Then our race was called, we all lined up, put our headphones in, wished each other good luck and started on our journey. This is Mathew finishing the race. He ran it in an amazing 00:47:08 ( 47minutes 08 seconds). For never having run before this is excellent. I was so proud of him.

The race started out challenging for me. There were so many people and trying to navigate through the crowd to make a space for yourself was difficult but at the 2k mark ( which I had run without stopping I might add) there was room for all of us. I ran a full 4k straight before I stopped to grab some water and walked for about 200m I then began my run. Since there were many turns we often passed each other heading in different directions depending on which point of the race we were at, Mathew passed me and blew me a kiss, Sloane and I waved to each other.....it was a grueling last 4k for me. I was determined to finish the race even if I was crawling. Before I hit the 1km mark a van drove by with a time clock on the top. I thought I was at 01:20:00 ( 1 hour 20 minutes) I was a little disheartened at that since I had hoped to do better but I ran fast anyway.The last km was the toughest but the most inspiring. As I ran into the stadium i began to pick up speed and use what little reserve I had left. I ran and crossed the finish line with Mathew, Sloane and Jaclyn all waiting for me. It was amazing. I thought I had finished the race at 01:12:54 but I later found out and as you will see in the picture i actually finished at 01:04:54 ( its the second clock from the bottom)

I was amazed and shocked. For my first run...and I didn't die.LOL
We had an awesome time. There have been a few races since then but since Mathew and I have caught a bug ( cold) and can't seem to get rid of it we have put our racing days on hold.

Miss you all lots. I promise to write more often.

xoxoxo

The Korean Fighting Match

2008-09-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

We had quite an adventure the other night which resulted in one of the funniest conversations I have had here in Korea.

It was a quiet evening at our house. Mathew was sitting outside on his computer and I was inside reading. All of the sudden Mathew comes running into the house and says " Do you want to see a fight? , I am going downstairs"
I was confused but of course threw my shoes on and went running out the door. I went to our balcony to look over. (Mathew was on his way downstairs)
What I saw when I looked over was ....astonishing. There were 3 women and about 6 men fighting. Women screaming,slapping and pulling their husbands to the ground, men trying to throw punches, wives holding their husbands back and children running around crying probably in shock. ( or maybe not as fighting in Korea seems to be somewhat normal)

I watched for a while from the 6th floor, Mathew watched from....well...the middle of the fight. At the beginning he was trying to figure out who was fighting who....it was a mess of faces and arms and sometimes legs...hahaha

I know I am painting this picture as if Mathew were also in the fight but he was an innocent bystander who was making sure that the women were not getting hurt as they were screaming quite loudly.
All of the sudden Mathew looked up to the 6th floor and gestured for me to call the police.
First thought " Oh my god ....this should be fun"
Second thought " I hope they speak English"

Here is how the conversation went.
Kara: ahhhh 왜구긴 입니다! ( waegukin imnida ) - Hey its me! A Foreigner
Police: ㅇ렁니러냘내럴닐ㄴㄷㄱ -( I have no idea what they said )
Kara: 십자 빌딩 ( Ship Ja Building) - Hey I live at Ship Ja Building
Kara: 도 명 남자 밖에 싸음 ( du myoung namja bakkeh saum) - two people men outside fighting

( let me interject here in the middle of this conversation and tell you that I am sitting on my couch dictionary in hand, arms making gestures as if it will help him understand me any better)

Police: ( in Korean) You are Kara and Mathew?
Kara: 네 (yes) - yes
Kara : 도 명 남자 밖에 싸음 ( du myoung namja bakkeh saum) - two people men outside fighting
Police : 십자 빌딩, 6? ( Ship Ja Building 6th ) -
Kara: 네, 밖에 (neh bakkeh) - Yes outside
Kara: 도 명 남자 밖에 싸음 ( du myoung namja bakkeh saum) - two people men outside fighting
Police: 네 (neh) - Yes
Kara: 컵나함니다 ( komsahamnida) - Thank you

And I hung up...ran back outside to await the arrival of the police....ahhhh..

5 minutes goes by and I start wondering....mmmm are they coming? everything else comes quickly in Korea.....where are they?

So while the Gong show is going on downstairs, women are screaming, men are yelling, Mathew standing in the middle holding people away from others....I am upstairs trying to figure out what to do next.....

Eventually the police show up, two men are pushed into the police car by their wives and all order is restored to our tiny neighbourhood. An hour later the cool night wind is blowing, there is peace in the air and Mathew and I sit outside wondering if what we had just witness was a dream....Then we remembered....it was Tuesday night.....lol

Side note: Tuesday nights in Korea are like our Wednesday ( hump day) it seems that every Tuesday tons of men are out drinking, laughing, carrying on and walking arm in arm with their buddies from bar to bar....this was just another one of those Tuesdays.

Borderline Insanity.....

2008-09-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

Ok so the title of this blog may be a slight exaggeration but not too far off.....today I am exhausted. Since moving into this new apartment I feel like I haven't slowed down at all.
We have been moving, rearranging, unpacking, repacking, cleaning, without hot water for 5 days, without gas and the ability to cook on our gas range ( thank god for the portable one), teaching from 9-5 and then running around trying to finish all the lose ends.....all I can say is this 5 day holiday we have coming up is NEEDED.

For the last week and a half I have been teaching the classes by myself. My co teacher and I agreed that she would help the kids who were further behind at the back of the class while I taught the rest of the lesson. I have enjoyed teaching ( other than that fact that the book is terrible, wrong more often than not, and quite boring) so trying to use the book but come up with supplemental material has been a challenge. On top of that....my voice and throat have been taking a beating so today I am off to the hospital to make sure that Strep Throat doesn't creep its way into my life. The last time I was in Korea I full out lost my voice 3 times in one year.....terrible!

Other than that....I have a new phone number. I have registered my own number based in the USA so anyone can call me. I also have voicemail so please feel free to call anytime if I am around, at home, or at school and not teaching we can have a good chat. I miss you all
The number is 1-910-247-4680.

I do realize that this blog is boring, and I apologize for that...my creativity has seemed to vanish but I promise...it's probably just lost in one of my suitcases and I have yet to unpack it....

I do have a mold story to tell you and I promise it is riveting LOL

I have not abandoned you!!!!

2008-08-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone....please accept my apolgies for not writing sooner things have been so crazy these last couple of weeks. Mathew arrived, we were moving apartments and trying to get settled. We are almost there but not quite in terms of unpacking.

We both start school tomorrow and I am very excited. Having a month off was fantastic but I am looking forward to getting back into a routine and seeing the kids again.

We have filled most of our days ( other than the settling in part) Playing Badminton with friends, walking around Mokpo, relaxing and watching some movies.

Here is a picture of Mathew, Smokey and I in our new apartment.

This is going to be a fantastic year. We will be running in our first Marathon on October 5th, school events will be fun and then there is the anticipation of Witner vacation in 4 months and our trip to Thailand to look forward to.

I promise I will write more soon...I know this blog is kinda "blah" right now.

Has anyone seen my motivation.....I have misplaced it!

2008-08-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

What is motivation exactly?
Well I looked it up and this is what I found

Motivation:
1. the act or an instance of motivating.
2. the state or condition of being motivated.
3. something that motivates; inducement; incentive.

what a horrible definition....I mean can you really use the word yo are trying to describe..IN the actual definition? doesn't that defeat the purpose? Thank you dictionary. com for explaining to me that being motivated means " the state or condition of being motivated" WOW what an epiphany. Ok maybe I am the slow one here....but is this word any more clear to you?

I guess I shouldn't become frustrated with the dictionary when really it is myself that I am frustrated....no....angry with. I can make all the excuses I want....but what happened to me.
I realize that I shouldn't compare myself and my behaviour of when I was training for the fitness show to now....wait...why shouldn't I?....I was so motivated....so calculated....I was happy...( mind you miserable at times given the circumstances) but I was energetic...I was busy and confident..driven...I was motivated...and well now....since that show...It has been all i can do to get my ass to the gym...and well....prepare my meals??? really?
It is like all that I have learned....everything I was for those 4 months has just vanished and now...I feel like a sloth....whose journey across the jungle could take weeks....ok so a slight exaggeration but regardless....

I feel like I don't know where I am, who I am or how to be healthy...its like I dont know who I am in my own body anymore.

I am not asking myself to train for 3 hours a day and be ridiculously meticulous in terms of what I eat....but I am asking myself to get out of bed every morning...do some cardio...lift some weights and lose 10 lbs....operation 5kg has been a major failure up until this point.
I have even tried to set small goals...and as a goal setter and someone who ALWAYS accomplishes what she has set out to do...I appear to be failing......badly.

I know that some of you will sympathize with me.....will think that I am being too hard on myself....but really I have given myself enough time to snap out of this hole I have dug for myself. WHAT IS GOING ON? I have been searching for the answer? what am I afraid of?... if anything.....why is this such a challenge that I cannot seem to overcome? I know in my head that I am the type of person who can make a choice and just do it....but with this...I am failing miserably...I cannot even journal properly....I am tired of making excuses....tired of failing......tired of looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person staring back ( and that's not just in a physical way)
I don't like the person I have become....I think I had somehow deluded myself into thinking I was starting to know who I was becoming...but tonight.....lately....i feel more lost than ever.

KOREA vs CANADA ------> KOREA 1pt * New Pictures Posted*

2008-08-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

Today Samuel and I decided to go on an adventure....in search of the place where Hamel and his men were forced to live in Korea. I won't go into detail about the story but they were ship wrecked on Jeju island and were made to stay in Korea. They were here for 13 years.
The site we were looking for is in a small town called Gangjin.....at first it seemed like it was going to be a nice cloudy, cool day...but half way there it started to pour. lol neither Sam nor I bothered to look at the weather....but whats a little bit of rain?

As we got off the bus in the pouring rain we decided to try and wait it out in the bus shelter...looking around there were a few buildings in site....a gas station within walking distance...and only fields for miles. My great idea of the day.....".lets walk to the gas station and see if they have umbrellas we could buy" ....so out we went. By the time we reached the gas station we were soaking wet....and no umbrellas ....lol.....just three Korean men with no idea how to help us lol. So we walked back to the office buildings in search of shelter. As we walked in the men standing out front welcomed us. They gave us a dry towel, a few drinks and a nice room to sit in and dry off. They didn't speak English...and we barely speak Korea...so our game of charades was about to begin.

We conveyed to them where we were headed and once they understood they told us that one of them was going to drive us around to see the museum. ( 1st WOW of the day)
We drove around the old fortress then on to the museum where we met a man working there who spoke some English. He told us that the man driving us would take us where we wanted to go and then drive us back to the Gangjin bus station ( a 25 min drive ) ( 2nd WOW of the day).

He spoke no English but we were able to understand a few things that he was teaching us about the small village and the site we had seen. He drove us back to the bus station and we tried to offer him some money and my banana bread but he would not take it. He handed me his umbrella shook our hand, gave us his business card and told us to call him if we came back. We shook hands, bowed and walked into the bus station.

When these things happen I am so amazed ( which I guess if you think about it is really sad....) but this man took time out of his day, left work to drive two foreigners around in the rain. Unable to communicate through words as to what our plans were we managed to see everything that we wanted to. My thoughts about this event as he was pulling away was " would that ever happen in Canada?". If I was walking somewhere and I was lost, or it was raining...would someone offer to drive me around or at least take me where I wanted to go? ( friends and family not included ) I can honestly say that it has only happened to me ONCE in Canada....yet here in Korea it happens over and over again. Maybe its because I am Canadian...and in Canada people figure we can help ourselves....maybe they don't want to get involved....maybe its fear....don't pick up or talk to strangers...I don't know...but whatever it is...its SAD!

The rest of the day was just as good. We got back to Mokpo, had some lunch and decided to go and check out the Mokpo University Campus. As we got off the bus an old woman waved us over to her shop, invited us in and offered us some cold noodle soup. We sat there with her and her husband and ate the food they had offered. ( 3rd WOW of the day) When we were finished, we said our thank-you's and went in search of the University.

Now do not get me wrong...I am not so naive as to believe that Korea is a land full of helpfulness and happiness.....I am not sure if a Korean would do the same for another Korean and as a foreigner I understand that with that comes some sympathy from others because we are so far from home. But in Canada....would you pick up a foreigner who couldn't speak English and drive them around the city of Ridgetown so they could see some of the historical sites in the area?? and when you honestly answer the question....the question to follow is....WHY NOT????

These were the things I missed....the angels that come into your life.....help you...make you smile....shake your hand and then walk away....expecting nothing in return.

Thank you Korea!!!!

Tea Fields and Tibetian Temples.....

2008-07-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day!

We left early this morning for a relaxing day in the country. We took a bus to Boseong where we would then catch another bus to the temple. We found that we had time to spare so we headed to the Tea Fields to take a nice walk through the fields and indulge in some green tea ice cream....mmmm yummy!
We headed back and caught our bus to Daewon-Sa, the Tibetan Temple. Riding through the countryside in Korea is beautiful. Everywhere you look its green, and every once in a while you will see the farmers in their field working the crops... families helping to fertilize, water and care for the food that they are growing. It is so unlike Canada, where farmers use enormous machines in order to get as much product that they can squeeze out of the ground. Here watching the farmers work...there is an elegance...a grace about it.

As we turned down the road that would lead us to the temple I was amazed at the beauty of it. It was as if we were driving in a tunnel of trees. The sun almost completely blocked out by the branches which hugged each other above the bus...I can only imagine the beauty in the spring when the cherry blossoms are out.....

We arrived at the temple and decided to grab some food....we walked into a tiny family owned restaurant and ordered some bibimbap. The owner immediately went out into his field to get our food....talk about fresh....this is what he came back with.

As Jess and I were talking she told me a story about the last time she ate this. The girl that she was with saw this and said...

"This is what Angel's eat..." and I think she is right. How beautiful....and delicious!

We headed up to the temple and lazily walked around the grounds....it was so quiet and peaceful...with only the sounds of the waterfall in the distance and the crackling of sticks under our feet. We came upon a little pond with a waterfall and a small hut where we decided to take a rest. As we were relaxing in this hut we began to hear thunder and hoped that it would start to rain while we were in this amazing place.

After an hour we headed to the Tibetan Museum where we saw many artifacts.....the history of the country and its people....is phenomenal.....Tibet is definitely on my list of countries to visit.

So after a long day we got back on the bus to endure our 3 hour trip home....I finally arrived home at 9pm...it was a long day but well worth it.

I have posted all of the pictures on the "My space" website I used the last time I was in Korea. Please remember to check the date....they will be posted accordingly. There is also a link on the side that will take you there.

HAHAHA.....Funniest thing I have seen in a LONG time...

2008-07-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Check this out on You Tube ----> Retarded Policeman

So summer vacation has officially started....whew....that month and a half of teaching was...well...lets just say I am ready for a vacation....hahahah.....just kidding!

So this month most of my time will be full of relaxing, yoga, Taekwondo, going to the gym, having coffee with friends....taking some small trips here and there....

I really can't imagine being anywhere else right now.....ok well....maybe in mexico laying on the beach....or in Thailand...but thats soon enough.....

Miss you all!

Questions to Ponder....

2008-07-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

So given my new goals as stated in the last blog....I have started doing some research on a topic that came up in part of the many discussions I had with a friend the other day.
The Divine Command Theory and from what I have been reading so far...it connects to discussions I have had with my dad numerous times.....

Would we still have morals if there was no God?

I have always been inclined to believe that God is not the only reason why most of us strive to be good people. I think that religion has put fear into our minds and our heats, and I believe that a lot of people now do things based on that fear. I do not believe that people by nature are selfish, I believe that people are genuinely good....but there are always choices to be made. I do not feel that I choose to be a good person because of what may happen to me after I die....I am not even sure I know what will happen....but regardless according to some beliefs your good works, and kind actions won't get you to eternity anyway....

The Divine Command Theory states that an action is declared morally good only because God said it was. So the question is...
"Is an action morally good because God commands it, or does God command it because it
is morally good?"

If this theory is true then our morality is based on the whim of a God we know so little about. In doing a little reading on this topic I found some interesting things to think about....

"Is torture wrong because God prohibits it, or does God prohibit torture because it is already wrong?"

Take a look at our world today....some people would say that torture is OK/necessary in order to protect their country.....who decides? What if God changes his mind? What if tomorrow God changed his mind and now declared that stealing was OK.....in fact...in order to be a good person you must steal from those around you? would you do it to follow your God's will?

I realize that for some of you...that the idea stated above will force you to think outside of the box and require you to put your thoughts about what you believe is real and what God really is aside for just a moment.

For those of you who are family reading this blog...please don't start praying for my lost soul just yet ( LOL ). At this point I am not sure where I stand on anything. I don't really know what I believe. I have been searching for a very long time....I guess some people would say there are some drawbacks to thinking for yourself....but I am searching.....and I know the answers are out there.....somewhere.

Confusing Times.....

2008-07-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

Things have been great this past week...its been hot...I don't seem to have a lot of energy but everything is good.
Saturday met with a friend for coffee and ended up spending the day drinking coffee, eating good food, sitting in the park and having great conversation. It has been a while since I have had a good conversation...

Our conversations came around to the subject of...." What would be your ideal job...and what do you want to do after this...what are your goals?"

I was silent.....I mean I have goals....I always have goals....but they always seem to be short term ones...but for the long term I have no idea what I am passionate about....When I think about the things that I know how to do...or things that I love....I am not like that person who lives and breathes music or art....I don't think I am naturally gifted at anything...and to be honest I think I know a little bit about a lot of things....but not enough for it to matter!

I mean....I will have my personal trainers certificate, I am licenced to sell mutual funds, I want to get a yoga certification, and finish my nutrition diploma...but am I really passionate about any of those things? Do I have the drive to pursue any of that? and the fact that I have to ask myself those questions....shouldn't that tell me something?

I am interested in religion, and faith, and why people believe. I am interested in Philosophy and morals and ethics, I want to be a yoga teacher, I want to be fit and healthy and a more peaceful person....so I guess that fits in with all of the courses I am taking....but in terms of a career?

UGG I hate that word...career.....do I even want one of those?...

My Goals for this year.
1. learn Korean - take the Korean beginner proficiency test in October
2. become stronger and more flexible
3. lose 10 lbs.... ( this goal is VERY short term as in 1-2 months from now)
3. Continue with my nutrition courses
4. write a few articles for the local foreigners magazine
5. Study a few different religions - start a study group
6. Continue with my yoga practice
7. Learn Taekwondo
8. Start a boot camp in Mokpo

OK so those are my short term goals.......my long term goals are not as clear.....

I think my end goal is to still open my own health food store...I want to be able to teach people about health and their bodies and how to live a healthier lifestyle....but I need to get myself on track before that's possible....

Oh I don't know.......I wish I did.....I really wish I knew what I wanted.....

A peaceful message....

2008-07-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all it takes is a peaceful message....to know that others are thinking about you in your time of need, sometimes that's all it takes to give you the strength to go on.
My Principal's wife is very sick and although I am not quite sure exactly what is wrong it is enough to make him emotional when speaking about her. My heart went out to him. I wanted to give him some words of encouragement and to let him know that my family's thoughts and prayers were with him. Often times I think, regardless of culture, we don't always know what to say....but something is always better than nothing. Please keep my principal and his family in your thoughts.

On a lighter note...the weather is insane here...I woke up this morning at 6am and it was 80F outside....SERIOUSLY.....so you can just imagine how hot it was when I had to walk to school at 8:30...I am a walking puddle.

Exhaustion.......

2008-07-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

I am not quite sure if its the heat or the HEAT....but I am feeling as though some alien force is slowly sucking the energy out of my body. As I sit here in my office today I am having a difficult time keeping my eyes open to write this blog. This morning I got up at 5am..but that's no different than any other Monday....headed to yoga.... then went to the gym.....then ended up at school where....well...this is how I feel now. Pooped!
I love the heat here don't get my wrong...and when summer vacation hits...in about 11 days...I will be lovin' it even more...but for now when you have to be at school trying to teach kids who are also dying....let's just say it's not an ideal situation.

Other than the heat....things are going really well. Sloan ( my long lost sister ) is leaving this Friday to go back to Canada for the vacation. I am going to miss her as we have practically been inseparable since I got here.....she is amazing...and it has been so awesome to have someone to connect with here this time around. Sloan and I do Yoga three days a week, workout often together, spinning classes on Friday's, Coffee..... many times a week and we are both suckers for Heim Pizza.....the list goes on.....I will miss her!

But this month is going to be great..I have a ton of stuff planned. Yoga, working out, Taekwondo, do some travelling around Korea and visit some people I haven't seen in a while. I will post pictures soon but for some reason this past month I haven't really taken any pictures...strange.....

I find that I am constantly walking the streets of Korea with a huge smile on my face. The kids who run up to me, saying all of the English words they know in one run on sentence, the smells....even the "wall of ass" brings a cringe..then a smile to my face. I am definitely glad to be back.

This past Saturday we had a book exchange at Dunkin Donuts. A bunch of foreigners get together and they exchange their books. Its awesome. Good conversation, new books, coffee and a snack.....this Saturday me and some girls stayed and talked for a few hours.

Its definitely a new experience since the last time in Korea Mathew and I were on our own. We hadn't met many foreigners that we connected with. This time things are different. I have met so many good people.

I miss you all. Hope your enjoying your summer!

Lots of love.

When the Daydreams take over......

2008-07-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

From morning until night....my mind is somewhere else....maybe its because I have tuned out reality with my music...while I am walking....riding my bike....cooking, cleaning....
Maybe its the choice of songs....
Maybe its my hearts hopes....
whatever the reason, my mind is beginning to make reality out of this fiction, my heart is starting to believe in these possibilities.
I have never really understood the expression " lost time" before now.....but I am losing hours at a time caught in this daydream of mine. Images and situations that are so vivid, so real. I don't even have to close my eyes and I can be somewhere else, in another place....with voices, with feeling, emotions....
I wish it would stop.....I wish it would go away....

RULES FOR BEING HUMAN (Quote)

2008-07-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.
2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works".
4. A lesson is repeated until it is learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.
5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive there are lessons to be learned.
6. "There" is no better than "here". When your "there" has become a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here".
7. Others are merely a mirror of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.
8. What you make of life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
9. Your answers lie inside you. The answers to life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen, trust.
10. You will forget all this
(anonymous)

Songs that make you hurt.... love....wish...and dream...

2008-07-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

Glen Hansard - Falling Slowly Lyrics

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got timeRaise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

My Apologies....

2008-07-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

I am sorry it has been so long since I have written....life has been full of..well life. Just when you think you have sorted out our schedule....something else comes along to mess with it. Things are going so well here. I know I have said this before but it is such a good feeling to finally feel you are where you belong.

My days are pretty full...Monday Wednesday Friday its 6 am Yoga.
730 am workouts every morning
I will be starting my Korean language lessons soon which i am so excited for. I have been studying so hard.....often frustrated but also rewarded as well.

Life here seems to pass by so quickly. It is so hard to believe that I have been here for a month as of tomorrow. This past week has been a strange yet enjoyable one for so many reasons. The weather has been dreary, rainy and cool which makes it difficult for walking and doing everyday things...but yet its somehow peaceful....beautiful...and bright.

I woke up and headed out to yoga at 5:30am....and ended up finding my favourite part of Korea. The early morning sky, the mist, the cool breeze and the peacefulness....the quiet. There were few cars....barely any people and as I rode my bike through the streets with a smile on my face I felt peace. Close your eyes....picture complete silence....feel the sticky yet cool breeze on your skin and listen to this song http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=CoSL_qayMCc&feature=related
I felt as though I was riding along on the set of my own personal movie....I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life.

I have been moved by a few different songs lately...http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=hOPYKQPZi6k they have reminded me about love, about truth, about deep...aching feeling that moves you to your core. Walking along the streets.....full of so many people....yet somehow alone.....I often times walk with tears in my eyes....thinking about my life....I know I am capable of more feeling.... my hearts reality is only written in ink....or in the heat that courses through my veins.... in the rapid beating of my heat....its in my soul.....its in my dreams....

and every morning...i wake up....rested....peaceful...but still searching....

I couldn't really say it any better that this......

Marketa Irglova - The Hill

Looking up the hill tonight
When you have closed your eyes
I wish I didn't have to make all those mistakes and be wise
Please try to be patient and know that I'm still learning
I'm sorry that you have to see the strength inside me burning

Where are you now, angel now
Don't you see me crying
And I know that you can't do it all
But you can't say your not trying
I'm on my knees in front of him
But he doesn't seem to see me
But all his troubles on his mind is looking right through me
And I'm letting myself down deciding is falling you
And I wished that you could see I have my troubles too

Lookin' at you sleepingI'm with a man I know
I'm sitting here weeping while the hours pass so slow
And I know that in the mornin' I have to let you go
And you'll be just a man once I use to know
For these past few days someone I don't recognize
This isn't all my fault
When will you realize
Lookin' at you leavin'
'I'm looking for a sign

Wonderful Weekend!

2008-06-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

WOW!....it has been a fabulous weekend. The weather has been great for the adventures we have had. On Saturday we decided ( we being, Sloan, Jess and I ) to go to Kwangju for a day of shopping. It was fantastic. Hopped on the KTX at 11:10 - pulled into Kwangju at 11:35 and were ready to hit the road.
I was disappointed by one thing that day. There was a cute little bead store that Mathew and I had been to a few times....actually Mathew surprised me and took me there for my birthday, well...I am either blind or it is no longer there....and although my eyes are sometimes not the greatest I think they were working just fine that day! Oh well!
Next we hit STARBUCKS....that's right.....and I swear an Americano never tasted so good. I wish we had Starbucks in Mokpo.....mmmmmm I think I would set up a tent and never leave.
Coffee in Korea is not really all that good...and on top of it they tend to water it down...so....EKKK!
After about 45 min of drinking, talking and people watching we were on our way. We hit the Body Shop ( OMG - good face wash) then hit the grocery store...mmmm chick peas....lol
Its funny the things you get excited about....!!!

We had lunch in TGI Fridays and .....well as they brought out Sloan's and Jess's meal...ugggg...we realized they had forgot to make mine...LOL...so lets just say it wasn't the best meal ever. And 17,000 won later....lol

Last but not least we hit the best place you can imagine...Its the underground market. It is a little store underground..near the subway and the bus station that sells western food...SERIOUSLY...western food....there is cheese and oatmeal, all kids of meat, frozen vegetables, peanut butter, crackers.....mmmm I was in heaven and it was obvious to the Korean working at the cash because he said "mmm I think this is your first time in this store" LOL

All in all it was an awesome trip...but by they end...We were all just so glad to be home!

Where do you belong??

2008-06-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of weeks I have had a few discussions in relation to where people decide to live and settle down. The majority of people settle in or close to their hometowns. Our discussions led to why our group of people here in Korea have chosen a slightly different life path. Now, some of us have moved here for good...finding a partner, a good job and have settled in quite nicely. Others, know they are only here for a time and enjoy exploring. For me, I am enjoying my time here in Korea...I think as most of you know I am more comfortable now than I have been in a really long time, and with that comes a little bit of guilt. How is it possible for me to feel more comfortable away from my friends and family and in a foreign country? How is it possible to feel more at home in a place that is so different, a place where I am so different, where I do not even speak the language?
It is a question that has been with me for a while....where is my home? will I ever find it?

People say "home is where the heart is" and maybe that's just it. Maybe I don't know where my heart is.....maybe I never will. Maybe I am suppose to lead a wandering life, an "unsettled" life.

Regardless, I am happy in this moment. I am not sure about the next but as someone close to me has said recently..."this moment is the one that gets you to the next". If I am happy in this one....well...thats a good sign at least!

There is a family that was once close to mine and right now they are suffering. One of them is dying, and this reaffirms to me, as so many other events that have occurred in my life have, that life is short. Putting off things that you can do today, decisions and choices that you are not making because you are afraid of the "what if's", can only bring regret and confusion. You have this one extraordinary life to live....I encourage you to live it with an open heart.

So I say to you...no no ...I challenge you.... make the choices that you are afraid to make, CHOOSE the life you are going to live and live it the fullest. If you are reading this and you can relate to the suffocating feeling that I have felt, if you have at one time stood looking out over the edge wishing you had the strength to leap or even just step into the unknown, decide today, from this moment that you will be open, free from fear, and listen to your heart.

There will be hard times, you will question the choices you have made - they may take you far from family and friends - comfort and familiarity - but I can guarantee that the satisfaction and fulfillment you will find is incomparable.

CHOOSE TO LIVE FREELY AND WITHOUT FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN!!

I am Finally settled....

2008-06-10T00:43:00.000-07:00

AHH...a huge sigh of relief. I have been in Korea for 7 days now...one full week. It is a crazy and amazing feeling to be back all the way across the world and feel so at home somehow. The first two days were a little rough because I was so tired and without a telephone or the internet. It sucked not to be able to talk to my family, but thankfully I knew where Emart was so I could use the public telephone.

I find now that I am sleeping a little better but the time change is still difficult. So some nights I wake up at 3am and cannot fall back to sleep. But that will change in time.

My school is fantastic. My co-teacher and the health teacher met me at the airport and this last week I have hung out with them. No Su Kyung is my co teacher and we get along great. She has helped me with so many things. She has really made the transition much easier for me.

I have met up with some old friends and I am about to meet up with some new ones. This time I am trying to get involved in different activities to keep myself busy. Tonight I am starting Tae Kwon Do, I have signed up again at my old Fitness club, Yoga is three nights a week and I will also have Korean classes a few times a week. I am so excited to be back here. I have already had Heim Pizza. ( which is the best pizza I have ever had....I think Mathew is jealous) I have had gimbap, and have eaten at the log house, which is a fantastic vegetarian restaurant here in Mokpo.
I miss all of my friends and especially my family but this journey that I am on will hopefully lead to awesome adventures and more insight to who I am as a person and what my purpose here is.

I know that we all struggle with the question of " what are we suppose to do with this one life?"
some more than others...i hope that I will find those answers but I am willing to be patient.
I can honestly say that my last experience in Korea was not as good as I would have hoped...but after a year and coming back to Canada..it made me realize how good my life here really was. I love Canada. I love the people, the beauty that exists, with the mountains and the lakes, I love my family and friends...but the lifestyle I had succumbed to was not something I could do for the rest of my life. When I left B.C. I had interviewed for a job that would have taken care of me for the rest of my life. Good Pay, Good benefits, nice vacation, room for advancement....but all I could see was...the end of my road. Once you take a job like that it is very difficult to walk away from it. Your life becomes a pattern of events. You get up, go to the gym, go to work, come home, hang out for a few hours, go to bed....then do it all over again...at least 5 days a week. I would go insane.

So here in Korea my life is more relaxed. I get up, go to the gym, teach from 9-12, then have the afternoons off. I stay at school and study Korean or other courses that I am taking, then go home and do whatever I want..Tae Kwon Do, Yoga..etc. with 2 months vacation....its an awesome life..I get to travel and meet others and have experiences I would not have if I stayed in one place...in Canada.

I truly miss you all. Thank you for your love and support.

Arrival In Korea

2008-06-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

I am here....finally here. It was a LONG flight. 13 Hours on the plane, then a 45 minute bus ride only to wait another two hours to get onto a 50 minute plane ride. I arrived in Gwangju, met by two co-teachers from my school. They are fantastic. No Soo has been so amazing and we get along great. AHHH more to come later. I am at school right now and will have lots of time to post and keep everyone updated....I am so excited.

Yesterday morning while wandering around Mokpo I felt as though I may have made a mistake in coming here, I was tired, I missed my family and Mathew and I was unable to contact them as I did not have a phone in my apartment. Yesterday afternoon though after resting, my feelings of regret soon changed to excitement and today....I KNOW that I made the right choice in coming back to Korea....to Mokpo.

It is going to be a great year!

14 Days and counting....

2008-05-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

14 days....seems like such a long time away when you are losing your patience...yet such a short time to try and get everything done....see the people you want to see, talk to the people you want to see, PACK....the list goes on and on and on!

I can't believe its finally here...and so far everything has gone smoothly....lets keep our fingers crossed.

And so it begins

2008-05-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am preparing for the next big adventure in my life. It is literally 25 days away....and although it is a journey I have travelled before this time things will be different. New choices will be made, new places will be seen, who I am will change yet again. I am anxious, nervous, but so excited for this journey....Korea. After reading some of my other blogs I did not think I would ever end up back here...but I have learned from the last trip. I have seen things here in my present life and location that I have a difficult time accepting and fitting into. A mold that struggles to force me to conform to...I cannot do it...I will not do it.

There is peace in and amongst the chaos of being in a foreign country...there are things that I will surely miss her in North America....my family and friends, flavours, good smells, food options, green grass, space, lakes.... but then there are many things I will not miss; driving a car everywhere, the need for "more stuff", working 9-5 (if not more) and still not being able to survive, the idea of knowing that everyday I wake up will be the same as the one that came before it.....

I am not sure what it is that I am seeking exactly, and I am not even sure if I will find it....maybe its me I am searching for.....maybe who I am is out there somewhere....but if I stay here I will never find out....

Wish me luck....!