Four Months Down

As I'm sitting here watching Caddy Shack in my apartment by myself on my laptop through a website online, I started thinking about what I would be doing if I were back in America.  I'd probably be watching this movie on a real television.  I'd probably be eating better-than-the-movies pop corn that my mother taught me how to make.  I'd probably be content and well rested.  I'd probably go to the same bars on the weekends.  I'd probably be paying way too much for gas.  I'd probably take hanging out with my family for granted.  I'd probably be watching TV shows the night they come on.  And I'd probably be eating food that my soul has been craving for the past few weeks.  

It's true, I could be doing things that have always made me happy.  Things that I don't have to question.  Things that are familiar and comforting.  Instead, I'm doing things that will forever leave a mark of pure exhilaration on my heart.  I'm meeting new people every weekend.  I'm making friendships that'll last a lifetime.  I'm eating strange and delicious food on a daily basis.  I'm being loved by some adorable children.  And most importantly, I'm living my dream.  Yes, I could be back in Oklahoma.  The place I've always lived, surrounded by the people I've always known, and driving down the same roads I've always driven on.  But this feeling of uncertainty and adventure outweighs any feeling of homesickness or longings for just one more hug from my family.  I couldn't imagine my next eight months looking any different than the gimbap, Noraebong rendezvous, Hongdae nights, Liquor Burger shenanigans filled life I'll be living.  It's already been a memorable four months and I can't wait to make the next eight even more spectacular. 

 Here's to memories! 

                             

Stay true, stay real.
H.

Things Korean Kids Say 8

"Angela no shit."

"Nooo, Ben no shit."

"Teacher, Angela no shit." 

"Nooooo, you no shit."

Translation: shit equals sit.

I see some pronunciation lessons coming in the near future. 

Stay true, stay real.
H.

Things Korean Kids Say 7

"I don't like math.....and math doesn't like me."

Wise words from this nut today. 

Have I mentioned I love these kids yet?

Stay true, stay real. 

H.

Life Through My Phone

It's been a while since I've posted anything, and I thought the best way to catch everyone up on life in Korea would be to show you.  Without further ado.

Fish Alley in Busan, Korea.

Lucy and I playing balloon darts in Busan.

With some new friends, Chase and Robert, at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Celebrating the Chuseok holiday at school wearing Hanbok.

FAVORITE PICTURE OF THE DAY

Until next time.

Stay true, stay real.

H.

Three Months Down

In honor of my three months in Korea, here are pics of some of my favorite past times thus far. 

Two things I've learned: don't fall asleep on a bus, train, plane, boat, camel ride, or taxi ride and I wear my gray shirt way too much. 

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

To the person snoring above me

You suck. 

You kept everyone up with your loud nasal problems.  Next time, pick up a pack of Breath Right strips and use it.  Also, if you hear multiple people coughing in order to wake you up so you'll stop snoring, take the hint.  If that doesn't make you aware, make sure you feel the person under you shaking the bunk bed incessantly, they want you to stop snoring.  And lastly, don't stay in a hostel if you know you snore.  Not cool, guy above me snoring, not cool. 

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

That Time I Bought a Git-Box

Here she stands in all her glory.  She needs a little TLC, and I'm just the gal to give it.  I'm sure most of you have never seen me holding a guitar, which is funny 'cause I've never seen myself holding a guitar either.  It's a new challenge I'm presenting to my life, because what better way to learn to play the guitar when you're living in an apartment by yourself?  Answer: there is no better way.  

Now, I need some help from you guys.  As you can read, I've been calling her she.  It's like that movie The Face on the Milk Carton.  The one where the girl gets kidnapped and doesn't know her real name, so she's forced to use the name Janie, even thought she's totally a Jennifer.  Well, "she" needs a name!  Leave your ideas as a comment and I'll pick the one I like best in the next few days and reveal it to you!  It's like a fun little audience participation thing.  I can't wait to read all of your ideas.  

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

P.S. No, I will not post videos of myself through the process of learning to play. 

P.P.S Yes, I will post a video as soon as I'm a bad ass guitar playin' girl! Don't hold your breath.