Life Lately: Feelings and Such

It's been quite some time since I've posted anything on here.  I wish I could say I've been extremely busy with exploring and what not, but that's just not the truth.  Life in Korea has become--much like the current weather here--cold and gloomy.  Now, that's not to say I dislike it here, it simply means that the students have become restless, the teachers have lost all hope that they'll ever get their sanity back, and the weather just sucks.  All of the things combined make for not-so-interesting blog posts.  

The past month has been quite difficult, what with the holidays and such.  Being away from family does not get easier as the months go on.  A lot of negative thoughts have encompassed my thoughts and I found myself acting more like a grandma than a 24 year old.  I feel life slipping away, but it doesn't bother me.  I genuinely prefer sitting alone watching Friends episodes and making homemade popcorn (surprisingly that didn't happen tonight).  I guess the reason I'm writing this reflection is to formulate into words how I've been feeling and if I plan to do anything about these feelings.  As stated earlier, I am 24.  In the grand scheme of things, I am still young.  I surely don't want to look back on this experience or life with thoughts of negativity or regret.  Sometimes things happen that we can't control and sometimes things happen that we can.  My degree of happiness is 100% something that is in my control.  

Since Christmas and the New Year are quickly approaching, it would be appropriate to say thank you to all of the people who genuinely care for me and my happiness.  Your love and support have helped me in the past and I know will help me in the future.  Although this seems to have been a horribly sad post, I'd like to think of it as a wake up call.  Nothing nor no one has as much control over your situation or happiness as you may think.  I still have eight (or so) months left of this journey, I think I'd like to make it a good one.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Stay true, stay real.

H.

That Weekend We Went on a Hike

A few weekends back, some friends and I went on a hike in Juwangsan National Park.  

That night we camped on the beach and enjoyed every second of being away from the city.  

The Mountain.

Our album cover.

Hated this.

We made it to the top.
It was an amazing view.

Celebratory cheetos and beer! 

The beach.

Stay true, stay real.
H.

Life Through My Phone

This past week was super busy.

Thankfully, I have my phone to capture every moment.

 Our school went on a photo shoot "field trip" to an area painted and decorated to the nines.

 Time well spent with friends.

I was lucky enough to be given tickets from my co-teacher to watch some volleyball during the Asian Games being held in the city I live in.  

Kuwait vs. Pakistan
2014 Incheon Asian Games

              

Two girls that couldn't be any cuter.

Stay true, stay real.

H.

Wai'ao, Taiwan: Day Two

I wish I had a riveting anecdote for day two in Taiwan, but, honestly, all I did was soak up the glorious sun.  My body was burnt, my hair was ratchet from the salty sea, and I loved every minute of it.  Among the many hours I spent laying like a beached whale on the black sand, I managed to muster up the courage to take a surfing lesson.  So much water landed in my nose and mouth.  I was terribly thirsty and tired after, BUT it was such a fun part of the trip.  Did I accept the offers from many locals to surf again after the initial surfing experience?  NO, but I thought about it, so that has to count for something.  

(left): This was my burger--sorry it was half eaten before I remembered to take its picture-- and coffee.  All drinks in a cup came pre-packaged with a plastic covering.

(right):I enjoyed pineapple, mango, and grape beer while I was in Taiwan.  The locals don't consider it beer, but rather "juice."  Either way, it tasted good to me.  

I made a friend.
His name is crab.
He's elusive sometimes, but if you squint really hard you can see him.

Stay true, stay real.

H.