Sawatdeekah

Phonetically, that is hello in Thai. Haven't mastered much else other than thank you. Life is great...rode an elephant for my birthday this morning. 27 (!!!) is going to rock.

This is my view while blogging:

Dream big people! And thanks for all the birthday love! Kapoohnkah!

Adventure Time!

More good days!

Friday Mom Teacher got to visit Cherry Class and it was such a good time! They all sang for her and drew her pictures and loved her! We had such a good time! I also got more birthday surprises which was so lovely. My class made me a card and sang me happy birthday, the school also sang me happy birthday and I got a moon pie and a Starbucks gift card. I also got an amazing package in the mail from New York! I got to wear lots of my new things from the States and I was looking like a million bucks. Everyone at school was super nice to my mom and the principal even gave her a gift. So nice!

That night we went to Korean BBQ, which was, as always, soooo delicious. I love it so much. It was incredibly hot in the restaurant and we all got the meat sweats pretty bad, plus I got meat juice on my birthday dress, but it was well worth it. And, my friends bought me a cake! They sang me happy birthday and then the whole restaurant clapped for me! Yay, thanks random Koreans! Then I took my mom to Daiso,  and of course I found at least 10 things to buy, and she did as well.

And now it's almost time to fly to Thailand!!!! This is turning out to be the best birthday month ever!!! I love vacations, I love birthdays, I love my mom, so great!!! I love Korea and I have a feeling I'm going to love Thailand as well. So excited!!!!

Dream big people!

A Good Day

Today was amazing!

First off, Happy Birthday Dad!!! I hope you got my email and have a great day! :)

And since it's almost my birthday, I got a birthday present at school from my precious little Joshua...he gave me a pack of very fancy pens. Much appreciated. Usually, for teacher's birthdays, the school gets you a cake..but the kids don't really do anything. But, today we had our monthly birthday party for the kids and the moms included me!!! I felt so special..it was awesome. My name was on the sign and everything! I felt kind of bad because they didn't do anything like this for my co-teacher last month, but she also didn't tell the kids every day in June that her birthday was coming up....like I've done all of July. Whoops. But I love birthdays!

I did not get an awesome Sesame Street hat, but I did get lots of cupcakes, some tissues, some churros and a bunch other random treats..as well as a card from another teacher. It is a good start to the birthday celebrations! Sadly though, the cupcakes, like most Korean baked goods, looked a lot better than they tasted...they were super cute Cookie Monster and Elmo themed, but tasted pretty blah. But whatever, what Korea lacks in sweets, they make for with BEEF! Birthday celebration continues tomorrow with Korean BBQ!!! Soooo yummy, definitely my favorite thing to eat here!

In addition to great birthday treats, my mom came today!!!!! HOOORAAAAYYYY!!!! I had sent her a Korean phone in the mail to use when she got here, but for whatever reason it didn't work when she arrived. So I figured I would just go wait at the bus stop for her..it's just down the street from my school. I got held up at school so I left later than I wanted (was getting information about my stupid electric bill...ugh, SO ANGRY about that thing), and I was walking with my friend, saying, haha, wouldn't it be funny if we walked up and she was just standing there? And guess what...she was! Luckily she had only been there for a few minutes, but she said she did have a mini moment of panic when she realized she didn't have a way to get in touch. But it's all good one...we had yummy dinner and now she's passed out (it's 8:30). She also brought me tons of stuff from home...she's like Santa Clause! It's awesome...I have a whole new wardrobe. Love it so much. Oh, and my awesome new glittery Toms that I am totally in love with. She also brought me mail that included a postcard from Finland, which I think is pretty awesome. Thanks, former CSL student! 

The only blip in the day was the electric bill. Mine DOUBLED this month and my friend at school called them for me and they said it was because I ran the AC all the time. It just doesn't make any sense to me though because I ran it the same amount as last month. They said last month I used 69 kw and this month I used 387. I'm sorry, but I'm calling bullshit on that mess.  Also, apparently I cannot go over 300 kw of electricity per month and then I have to pay a shit ton more. Which makes me sooooooo freaking angry because WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME THIS? Then I was like, how would I even keep track of that? Oh, because there is a freaking meter right outside my door, that I have never even noticed until today. Ugh, so pissed. The whole thing is total nonsense and I'm angry. But whatever, I am not going to pay it until after vacation and then I'm never turning on my AC or lights ever again. I will get candles and now I have a fan, so fuck you Korean electric company.

Whew, now that is done with. I am excited for my kids to meet Mom Teacher tomorrow and then Korean BBQ and THEN THAILAND! OH MY GOODNESS. So much excitement in the next few days.

Dream big people!

Good Times

Well, here I am again, it's midnight and I am wide awake. I wasn't super tired today but there was definitely a time in the afternoon when I could have used a nap. And now it's time for bed and I have thought of a million different things I could be doing. I finally got a book on Thailand, so I have all that to peruse through, I have Pinterest  I could be looking at for more things in my apartment I should probably be cleaning, I have facebook, clothes to put away, birthday cards to make, the list goes on. But I'm updating this blog instead so all 5 of my readers won't be worried about me.

Things have been really great lately. I know I talk about it constantly but I just really really REALLY love my kids and my job. They make me so happy every day and I am legitimately sad I won't get to see them for 10 days. I am going to have to watch videos and look at pictures to have my Cherry class fix. I recently made a video of them singing (see fb) and it fills me with so much happiness every time I watch it...which is a lot. Ugh, they are just TOO DAMN PRECIOUS. I can't stand...I really can't.

Oh, and we had Parent/Teacher conferences last week and everything went fine. It was pretty awkward talking, getting translated and then sitting through 5-10 minutes of Korean but nothing terrible. The whole thing was just kind of weird, but whatever. I feel terrible I can't speak any Korean but that is what happens when you're lazy. Most of the moms were so cute and concerned about their kids. I found it harder to say bad things about their child in front of them though. I mean, I only have one kid who is sooooo frustrating and annoying and I was all ready to tell his mom, but she looked so nervous and was trying to speak English so I just kept my mouth shut. Plus she was totally weird so now I get why her kid is as well. I also got to meet Ray's mom (my precious devil child) and she just looked tired, haha. I can't even imagine what Hurricane Ray is like at home. Yesterday he came to school and was just crying and crying...he didn't want to come to school and his mom had to bring him upstairs (usually he's dropped at the curb) and I had to go calm him down in the hallway. I'm like the Ray whisperer. I finally got him to calm down, but it was quite a task. I guess he had a good day though because today at the drop off he jumped out of the car and into my arms, which made me feel super special. Oooh, he is so terrible but I just love him. The other frustrating kid is not as cute so it's harder for me to overlook his annoying-ness.

Tonight I had a little girls night and it was just so lovely. I miss just hanging out with girl friends, chilling and doing whatever. I realize this usually stops around college, but still. College was the best. I'll take a little slice of it back if I can.

And I am also SO EXCITED BECAUSE MY MOM GETS HERE IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS!!!! Woooo, I seriously cannot wait! MY MOM IS COMING!!!! I still can't even believe it. I am just so happy because I really had prepped myself for a year with no family. I knew it would be hard and somewhat depressing, but I had convinced myself it was possible. But now I don't have to! Hooray! And who knows, maybe someone else will come for my other breaks. The invitation is there! Come on over!! Um, also, we are going to THAILAND. Which is going to be amazing. Even though I've been freaking out over planning and all that, I just know it's going to be awesome. We are going to the really touristy part (I'm not even sure why..I didn't really decide that part) and there has been some terrible stuff about it online, but most people I talk to in person have good things to say. So it's been a little stressful (I know, champagne problems), but still really pumped about the whole thing.

There was tons of other stuff to talk about, but I for real need to go to bed. Gotta rest up for Mom Teacher's visit!!! We have a countdown in our classroom for her. I know, too precious.

Dream big people!

Being an Adult Sucks Part II

I think I've figured out what I dislike most about being an adult. Well, kind of life in general, I guess. Repetition. Man, things get so boring. I guess I am easily bored because I know there are people that do the same thing every single day and have done so for years and years, but I'm going on five months and I'm already like, well this is lame.

I am not talking about school...everyday is an adventure there and it's kind of hard to be bored when every minute of your day is occupied. I love school, but it's the other parts of life that are getting repetitive and boring. And maybe not so much boring, but more like, uuuugghhhhh, I feel like I was JUST DOING THIS.

For instance, the gym. I am NOT and never have been a gym person. You can probably tell this by looking at me. I reallllly wish I liked it though. For one, I paid to be a member, I should enjoy going. I wish it was a once a month..or even every few months type of deal. Like a cleanse..or a doctor's check up or something. That makes more sense, since I've never done a cleanse. I like eating and food way too much and dislike exercise too much for it to be compatible with the body I would like to have. I know this is not a unique problem, but I know there are people out there that like going to the gym. I feel that way about sleeping. I love sleeping. Too bad that doesn't help you lose weight. And the whole thing is just such a process...I feel like it takes up my entire afternoon. But maybe that is only because if I go to a class, it's not until 7:30 and then I don't get home until 9ish. I will usually hang around school until 6, go to the gym, go to the class and then get home at 9. So it kind of is my whole day. Whatever, I really should stop complaining, huh?

I should...buuuut, I won't . Same thing with cleaning. I am not the cleanest person in the world, but I'm not super dirty either. I get a little messy, I guess. I don't know. Either way, I feel like I am cleaning ALL THE TIME. Again, I guess it's part of being an adult and having an apartment or whatever but ugh, every time I have to do dishes/sweep/wipe/scrub/wash, I'm like, I just fucking did this! It's getting old. I need a maid. Or a boyfriend. Or a robot. Anything that can cook and clean so I don't have to.

And, also, healthy eating. I know that is stupid but making a lifestyle change to eat healthy is really difficult. I haven't decided to be a vegan or anything ridiculous, but making a conscious effort to not eat junk is difficult. Because junk is soooo delicious. Anyone that ever said nothing tastes as good as skinny feels is a complete idiot. Good thought, but you are so wrong. There are probably a lot of things that person has never eaten. Like galbi. Or ice cream. Or popcorn. Or Jelly Belly. Or a million other things. Also, if it's put in front of me, I will eat it. I have zero self control...so terrible.

But, for some good news! I haven't felt like a total sloth the past few days. I don't really know what I'm doing differently and/or better, but maybe it's because I've made an effort to go bed before 12. Which is extremely difficult for me. I've always been a night person and even if I'm super tired during the day, I usually get a second wind at like, 11:00 pm. Also, I manage to find a million different activities to occupy myself at night. Painting, cleaning, Pinterest, blogging, reading, it goes on and on. OR PLANNING MY TRIP TO THAILAND!!! Oh man, so excited and soooo worried I'm going to pick the wrong hotel. I just want everything to be perfect...is that too much to ask for?! Deep breath, need to calm down.

And for some more good news, my walls have not been talking to me lately. Last week a man started speaking through the intercom system in my room and it scared the mess out of me. Apparently it means nothing, but it still startled me and made me a little nervous. There was no mass evacuation of the building so I guess everything was fine but I am really interested in what he was talking about. I should learn Korean. Another thing to occupy my time.

Anyway, now it's almost bed time and tomorrow I have to be alert. It is parent/teacher conference day so no kids, but moms alllll day long. I'm not nervous, but I am interested to see what the parents have to say...especially the mom that claims her son is a genius but he never does any work and it takes him 20 minutes to go to the bathroom. Can't wait for that.

Dream big people!

Being an Adult Sucks

It really does. I feel like I am finding that out more and more in Korea. I am really not sure how I managed to bypass all these pitfalls for maintaining an apartment/house before, but it seems like every time I turn around, I have something new I have to figure out how to fix/clean. Which is especially bizarre to me because this one room studio is definitely the smallest place I have ever lived. Maybe before I just didn't notice the problems/dirt or, now that I am older and wiser, it actually bothers me and I have to do something about it. Not sure...but anyway, the latest problem is the freezer. It has a ton of ice build up and I got to thinking, this doesn't seem right. Also, it's been growing since I moved in. A little internet research confirms my suspicions  and in I go with a spatula to clean it out. This did some good, but there is still a lot left in there. Most websites say to do an overall clean...this starts by unplugging the fridge. And here is where Korea specific problems come in.

Most places I've lived, I've had fridge problems...I didn't solve them all alone, but I at least knew where the plug was to start the solution process. Here, I don't even know where the plug is. The fridge is like, built into the cabinet. I can't move it to get to the back, nor do I see any plugs coming out of it. I checked under the sink, and there are quite a few cords, but who knows what they all belong too. I am afraid of unplugging anything under there, for fear of blowing up/burning down/melting/shutting down the entire building. So, my new plan is to eat all the food in my fridge/freezer (won't take long, there is hardly anything in there), let everything melt, clean it and start from there. Apparently this is a waste of energy but I really don't know how else to get the ice out. One site suggested using a blow dryer (with caution), but of course, I don't have one of those either. Hooray for being useless!

It's been a frustrating few days. Lots of reasons.  As I mentioned yesterday, my attempt at grilling for July 4th was a total fail. It was very sad. It's also kind of sad when you are pretty much the only person that cares about a holiday. And when there are no fireworks...very depressing. I love Korea but it (obviously) does not give a shit about the Fourth of July. Anyway, I am no grilling expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I have started a few fires in my day. Most of them were on purpose and I have done some grilling as well. But this new grill I bought was having none of that. I'm guessing it was the charcoal...and maybe it was my lack of lighter fluid, but I have started at least 3 charcoal grills with no lighter fluid so I really don't know what the problem was. I ended up grilling one kebab (so the night gets counted as a success) and then had to put the rest in the toaster oven. Second lamest Fourth ever. First was spent on a plane in Europe, where they also don't give a shit about the Fourth, but that time I didn't have sparklers...or friends...so it's the lamest.

Also, today we went on a field trip to the aquarium...which had potential to be cool but was a total mess instead. The aquarium here is pretty small and we were one of like, one hundred school groups that decided to go today. It was soooo crowded and terrible and we were so rushed. Instead of letting us eat there, the school makes us go back for lunch which means the kids were allowed to look at each exhibit for about 2.5 seconds. And that is if they could even get close enough to see anything. Also, the fun police (my co-teacher) struck again and we had to skip right over the "touch a starfish" portion of the tour, which, in my opinion, would be pretty cool for the kids. Whatever. I guess the kids thought it was cool, even though they definitely seemed to be more into play time when we got back. Also, aquariums and zoos always depress me a little bit because the poor animals go from the whole ocean or whatever habitat, to this teeny tiny space with people staring at them all the time. Oh, and I'm pretty sure the beaver there was dead. We watched it for at least 5 minutes and it didn't move at all. Unless they sleep in the water? Do they? I don't know, the only experience I have with beavers is from Lady and the Tramp.

Field trips make me exhausted (again, getting old) and something in the bizarre mix I had for lunch did not sit well with me, so I came home after school and took a nap. Not terrible, since it's nice and rainy outside but I always feel guilty for not going to the gym. Not only do I want to lose weight, but I mainly feel like I'm wasting my money every day I don't go. Tuesday I had the option of getting ice cream or going to the gym...and guess what I did. But, I guess I technically have that option every day and Tuesday was the only day I've done it, so maybe I'm not so bad after all.

So that's my life. Now I'm tired again and going to try to get 8 hours of sleep. I did go to bed early last night but I lost some time waking up at 3 and not falling back asleep for awhile. Going to bed early is really hard for me though! I'm such a night owl. But now that monsoon season has started, maybe the rain will put me to sleep earlier? That makes zero sense, but you never know. Trying to look at the positive side of the downpour that hasn't stopped since this afternoon. Another thing I wonder about...how did I live in the rainy South for so long without ever owning a pair of rainboots? I would like to remember because I need to figure out how to do it here as well. Oh, and my raincoat is falling apart so I need a new one of those as well. Boo.

Dream big people!

My Country Tis of Thee

....that is the song I played for my kids this morning. I, per usual, just randomly picked a YouTube song, thinking it would be fine and didn't listen to it before I played it for them. So when the full chorus (like, Catholic church style), my kids were giving me some weird looks.

Anyway, I was just doing some research, trying to figure out if my constant fatigue is caused by a thyroid problem. I don't have any of the other symptoms, but they said most people's problem is not getting a full 8 hours of sleep. So I'm cutting this post short and going to bed...hopefully that will help because tomorrow we are going to the aquarium and I need to be 100%. Fingers crossed!

More about my epic fail at a 4th of July bbq later.

Dream big people!