Advice

I have yet another cold.  I think this is my 5th or 6th one since getting back at the end of February.  You know that you are sick though when even the students gasp with wide eyes at you, come stand in front of you with those concerned eyes, and give you advice.

"Teacher, you should drink lots of warm water."

"Teacher, don't go to the cafe.  It is crowded with visitors.  Go home and eat some good food."

"Teacher, you will be fine.  Fighting!"

Garden Plans

Teacher JayWa had at one time approached me about gardening.  One of the school administrators had planted over 200 plants out off to the side of the sports field.  It is a very beautiful place and teachers could rent some of the space that had plants they liked growing to tend to and harvest.  Teacher JayWa had rented a plot of the garden for his dorm.  He invited me to help him with that.

I like gardens.  Though I am not very knowledgeable in how to start one, when grandma gave me instructions concerning her flowerbeds and grandpa showed me what to do in his gardens, I could follow through.  So the idea of caring for one was inviting.  I agreed to help out.

Teacher JayWa and I were sitting at breakfast when he told the teacher next to me of my interest in gardening.  He looked surprised and pleased, then offered to help me set up a garden of my own closer to my apartment.  He has one between the cafe and our apartments.  Mine could go next to his.  I was eager, but suddenly unsure.  How do you start a garden?  The dirt is packed and old.  I explained that my grandpa had readied the soil for me in the past, and I didn't know what to do there.  He said he would loan me the tools and teach me how.

So now I am compiling a list of what things I wish to grow.  It is a month or two late to be starting.  However I am determined.  The soil looks poor, but I think I might get my nerve up to go buy a fish in the marketplace, cut it into pieces, and when I put my plants and seeds into the ground, put a piece of fish with each one.  I heard that fish works miracles somehow.  I'll think about it... not fond of fish.

Something I am grateful for is that it is all dirt and no grass.  There are ticks here in Korea after all.  I wouldn't have known except that they have been in the news.  There is a tick virus that has killed people in other Asian countries.  Now a third person in Korea, down in Busan, has died of this.  I want to have a garden, but I rather not have to deal with ticks.  It shouldn't be a problem.  I will wear bugspray full of deet.  It is my favorite method of avoiding bugs.

I mentioned it to Janelle a few minutes ago.  Her eyes got so wide when I said I was going to have a garden beside our apartments.  Seeing her expression, I asked if she wanted to help me.  Never have I received such an excited yes from her.  That makes me happy.  So for her, I added tomatoes to my list.  I originally wanted just want I needed for a simple salad: cucumbers, lettuce and carrots.  But then I thought if there was even a remote chance of finding okra here, I should grow some.  Then I added potatoes and then watermelon.  With her advice I added roma and cherry tomatoes as well as cilantro.  We will see if they have those at the plant store.  Lastly, I remembered her cooking skills and my desire for zucchini bread.  Yeah.  We might not get all these things as some of them might not be here.  But we will be happy with what we get.  It is inspiring.

BBQ

Last night when I was at Camp Walker, I had acquired some boca burgers and chick patties.  Armed with those as well as condiments, linkettes, chips, drinks, chili, greenbeans, and the comforts of a picnic... I went to a BBQ at Daegu University that a friend was hosting.  Maybe I invested a little more into it than I should have, but the newbie teachers weren't really able to help out so I was helping to cover for them as well.

Got there a bit late but we were still the first to arrive.  Michael helped show me how to set up his grills and then we got everything arranged.  When he got a phonecall that his friends where there, he went to show them where we were.  As he came into view to return, a lady (who was kinda mad at us for using the only western styled picnic tables) came over with campus security who was upset over us having the grills.  It didn't matter that the professor with us had grilled many times before... the lady was upset so he was upset.  It almost got physical but we found a way to ease everyone down.

Then we made food, put out the coals, and gathered.  When everyone was together, we hung out and ate while talking and kept talking after we were full.  Finally it was over, but it was the relaxation that was needed.  Everyone went their separate ways and I had some time to talk to Michael about some stuff that I needed a guiding hand with.  He had the advice and the words that helped with those issues and I will try to be a better person.

Overall a great day.  The people who came have regular access to American food at Camp Henry so they brought some normal salsa, pam, and other amazing things that I have missed.  It was great to see those food items.  Funny what a person ends up missing.  Learned which SDA church they all go to.  Hoping to go ourselves sometime.  Maybe this next weekend.

Camp Walker - USA Army Base

Today I got to go to Camp Walker for the first time.  The closest and easiest of the US army bases to go to. A friend escorted me on base and showed me around.  To see so many Americans was a shock and took me a bit to adjust to.  Then we got Taco Bell and Subway.  That crunchwrap was so amazing.  I have never eaten one so slowly before.  Enjoyed my 6 inch sub several hours later on the way back home.  The wife of my friend served me watermelon too and it was delicious.  I was blessed and it really boosted my morale.

Save A Life

A random story for you.  Today I have spent the whole day watching the live streaming for a news station in Oklahoma as well as going through all the pictures and footage I could.  Just keeping up to date you know.  It was heartrending and though I know I could do little beyond help staff a recovery area or supply area... I felt like I should be back home and volunteering somehow.  It drove me crazy to be here safe and sound from any possibility of a tornado while people back in the states obviously needed assistance.

At lunch as I walked down the sidewalk, my feelings must have seeped into my face.  Because several boys said hi and kept looking at me with those concerned looks.

Then after my last class, I was walking up the stairs towards where my office is when a freshman boy stopped me.  He said, "Good job teacher."  I looked at him curiously and asked why.  He said, "Teacher, you saved one person's life.  Good job."

That had to be the most encouraging thing anyone has said to me at this school.

I have no idea what I did or why he said that, but evidently I did something or represent something worthwhile to him and for that I am honored.

Food

I have a most amusing story to tell.  I was sitting with some teachers at lunch in the cafe.  As we sat there, one teacher said, "Well that wasn't as bad as I was expecting."  I looked over and commented, "Liked it did you?"  He responded, "I see you took some spicy food and then ate it too."  I smiled.  He exclaimed, "Oh no!  My girl is all grown up!"  I laughed.  It was fun even if it was true.  I'm not adapted completely to spicy food but now I can eat some of the basic ones and enjoy them too.  Man alive though I went home and enjoyed a banana to get the spice out of my mouth.   I might be able to eat it a little now, but I can't handle it staying there long.

Happy Sabbath

I have my Christmas Lights on, candles lit, and the incense drifting around me apartment.  Granted the incense can be a bit overwhelming in such a small space.  However that is when I open a window ;)

It is now Sabbath.  Went to vespers and listened to Teacher JayWa's testimony.  My apartment is cleaned and organized thanks to God.  It wouldn't have been if it hadn't been for Him.

I wish you all the best.  God bless.

Between Holidays

While the rest of the country is relaxing from the celebrations of Teacher's Day and getting ready for the heavier partying tomorrow for Buddha's Birthday, this expat is doing something completely different.  I was on the track at 5:50am and got four miles in before breakfast, then another mile after.  I know that this tendency to walk will pass, but until it does I intend to take full advantage of it.

Happy Teacher's Day!

Today I hit the track and put in 3 miles before staff worship.  Then we went to the auditorium for the Teacher Day ceremonies.  This holiday is given a lot more attention than in the states.  Our students wrote notes and such.  We were escorted into the auditorium, to the stage where we posed, and then on to our seats.  It was an enjoyable moment and no one teaches class today.  Needless to say, the kids are rather energized.  It is okay, so are we.

Gentleman

Hit the track today after breakfast and again after lunch getting two miles there.  Then today after supper I added another three miles to the track.  So I walked a total of five miles.  Figured I needed to find a way to lose weight and better do something than nothing at all.

Was chilling in my apartment afterwards and saw a new video on youtube.  Many of you might have heard about Psy the South Korean singer who is becoming famous for his songs "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman."

In Daegu, down in downtown where my beloved Krispy Kreme store is located, there is a stage.  It is famous and anyone who has been there recognizes it easily.  The police of Daegu did their own rendition of the song "Gentleman" and I am placing it here for you to see.  Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day

South Korea doesn't celebrate the holiday like we do.  They had Parent's Day last week.  I just want to give a shout out to all the lovely people who have fulfilled the roles that mother's have in my life ^_^

I want to say Happy Mother's Day to Connie, my mom who has raised me.  I remember numerous times when I was sick for one reason or another when she would try to comfort me even though she was tired.  The night before my first root canal when my mouth hurt so much, she rocked me back and forth to distract me from the pain.  When I got my wisdom teeth taken out and was crying for fear of the pain that would come when the medicine wore off, how she kept wiping away my tears and encouraging me that all would be well.  When I sliced my knee open out on a running track and freaked out upon learning I needed stitches, she calmed me down and pointed out why the cut was more interesting than scary... and the cute guy at the hospital :)  When I was scared, Connie was always there.  Thank you mom.

I want to say Happy Mother's Day to Linda, my step-mom who has been a constant source of encouragement since we met when I was in college.  So many times I became frustrated with how people acted or with my own failures.  She would offer advice and encouragement willing me to not give up.  That I could do it and make something of myself.  I remember the first time we met, I was so shy until I saw my dad and her.  I bounced straight into their arms and even though she really didn't know me, she accepted me.  Has always been accepting and that means so much to me.  Thank you mom.

I want to say Happy Mother's Day to Debbie, my second mother who helped me get through those frustrating high school years and college.  I don't know how you put up with me!  Yet you always were there with hugs, a shoulder to cry on, and promises that it would all get better.  You reminded me that God was there giving me the strength I otherwise didn't have.  Summer camp was a blast too, making Sabbath that much more special when you came.  Thank you my second mom :)

I want to say Happy Mother's Day to my Grandma, Juanita.  I don't know what I would have done without you.  When I was a little girl, you made the world an okay place.  Things made sense.  Even when I was certain it shouldn't.  Like when the baby lamb died for the first time for me.  That was something that wasn't supposed to happen but it did and you explained to me why.  Or you patiently taught me which green things were weeds and which green things most definitely weren't and I would spend the later afternoons with you playing in the flowerbeds.  Or our few summers watching the reality TV Survivor together.  Or how you always could beat the contestants at guessing the answers to Wheel of Fortune.  That wasn't all.  You found ways to make cleaning house seem like a game.  Taught me how to cook, how to piece quilts, how to fiddle with the piano.  Whenever I had a problem, you had good and reliable advice.  Whenever I needed to vent, you had a listening ear.  Whenever I messed up, you didn't judge me but accepted that I had and helped me to surpass that weakness.  Even though at potluck you made most of the food, you gave me the credit and like the little kid I was I proudly nodded my head.  We played board games when I was younger and visited with family when I was older.  You have been an inspiration and I truly hope to mirror you more and more for, Grandma, you have that beautiful spirit I believe Jesus wants His followers to cultivate.  Thank you Grandma *hugs*

Chibis

Spending my Sunday drawing chibis.  So much fun to make the cute little guys.  Not much else happening.

Day After

So after that lovely self defense class... I tried to get up yesterday.

Getting out of bed wasn't easy, but I shrugged it off and stretched out before going to school.  Sat at school from 9am to 4pm and then tried to get out of my desk.  Was ten times harder than getting out of bed.  Took a few moments to stand, then to start walking.  Everything was stiff and sore.

So I decided to do something about it.

I've not exercised like I said I would and had planned.  But the class I took on Sunday opened my eyes to how easily I can be killed.  So last night I hit the track and put in at least three miles.  This morning, I stopped by the track on my way to the office and put in another mile.

Hoping that next time I go practice TKD and Jiu Jitsu, I am ready for it more than I was.

Self Defense

Sunday morning, Janelle and I left the school at 7:50am and walked to Namsan where we caught the 8:05am bus.  Reaching the train station, we chilled until 9:15 when our train to Busan arrived.  Getting to Busan Train Station at 10:35am, we then proceeded to get on the subway in Busan and work out way to Kyungsung University subway stop where the gym that we were heading to was located.  The floor above Pizza Hut (no, we resisted the temptation and didn't get pizza) was the DongChunBaekSan Jiujitsu gym where Vince and Josh were waiting for us and ten other girls.

It was a self defense class for girls to feel safe learning self defense with a garuantee of no men making crude jokes or saying things that could possibly mess with the training.  Aka, no boyfriends, husbands, brothers, etc allowed.  Afterwards, Janelle made the very enlightened comment that they had used a lot of positive reinforcement, and it worked.

We got together, hung out, learned each others' names (or tried to) and went over what we would be doing. Basically half the girls would work with one guy and the other half would work with the other guy, then we would switch.  After that, another friend would come and do a clinic with us.  So we did a warm up workout that had me pretty sure I was gonna die of a heart attack or asthma or both before we even started.

It was good though and each of the exercises we did were all in an attempt to improve our ability at running away.  Yes, there was a lot of running involved.  In fact we spent a long time just learning how to go from laying on the ground to on our feet and then how to run... all which we had to learn.  There is a better way (safest way) to do everything that I thought I knew how to do.

Then after that, we split into the two groups.  I went with Josh's group first.  He taught us TaeKwonDo stuff aimed at giving you an advantage.  First we learned how to stand.  Then we learned how to pivot.  How to block.  How to punch.  How to do all those things simultaneously.  Then we sparred with padded gloves.  One thing that really caught my attention was the repeated comment by Josh that I had a lot of power.  I've always assumed I was rather weak so being told I had something there that was useful made my day.

After that we learned to kick and sparred that way too.  It was just as fun, but I realized I had a lot of work to do to understand my partner.  I'm not very understanding of another's feelings and often how to be told bluntly how one feels or what they need.  So I learned some teamwork stuff there.

After that, Josh taught us something he called swimming.  Reaching a hand high into the air and bringing it back down close to you.  We soon learned that this was really helpful in getting the edge on someone you are wrestling, and from there wrestling commenced.  I was proud to win the sparring right away, but soon was getting beaten.  Afterwards, Josh said he had figured out our styles and that everyone had one.  Mine is evidently just pushing ahead full power.  That actually describes many aspects of my life and I was surprised by how he hit it on the nail.

Switching groups, I went to Vince's and learned Jiu Jitsui.  At least some basics for self defense.  He had us all lay down and practice how to get out of a hold if someone has pinned us to the ground by our side.  That took some work to get down.  Then we learned how to pull them in our guard and how to control them.  Then we learned how to get out of a hold if someone is sitting on our waist.  Quite frankly, that was scary position to be in and I am glad I know how to get out of it.  Then we learned to pull them in our guard again. From there we learned how to block.  If someone has you pinned, there is a good chance they are going to try to punch you.  Learned how to lessen the damage they do.  Vince had me try to punch him while he simply blocked, and I was told by him that I had a lot of power and to use it.  So this girl is stronger than she thought she was.

Then we learned some basic stuff we could do to them to either immobilize them or just completely hurt them.  Vince explained that if we are ever at that point in our lives... we are fighting for our lives.  Fighting to live.  Screw worries about the law or jail, better to be behind bars and alive than ... well... dead.  So I have no problem, with that thought in mind, ripping off noses, ears, or digging into eyes.  Among a number of other... techniques.  At least I hope I don't have a problem with it.

After all the various ground work there, Daniel (at least I think that was his name) showed up to teach us a clinic.  It was Philipino stick/knife fighting??  Whatever it is called, it is very cool.  Even a 90 year old could do it.  Basically how to swing a stick (or anything else) around in an easy and relaxed way that keeps bad people from getting to close.  If they do, thump them.  That is the simple version of it, it was a lot more than that.

While he taught us in small groups, Vince talked to us about how to use everyday objects to protect ourselves with, how to act, and what to not do.  I can use a chapstick to knock a guy unconscious ^_^ He told us stories about his friends and the stuff they had gotten into.  He warned us about what to say and not say.  Just so many things.

I grew up wondering if everyone in life was just complacent.  If something bad happened, would they sit back and watch and say how horrible it was... or act to help.  I have no doubts that those three men would act and act with all swift harshness against anyone that was a criminal, especially towards women.

We ended with laughter, tears, well-wishing, and a final dogpile on Vince.  The goal was to hold him down for ten seconds.  With ten girls... he was winning.  But we prevailed at last :)

Got back to the train station just after 5pm.  Grabbed a light supper and boarded by 6pm.  Was back at school after 8pm.  The taxi driver was nice ^_^  Got permission to use the high school girl's dorm shower so I could have a longer hot shower than I can get at my place.  Try to loosen up those muscles so that hopefully come tomorrow I won't be as sore as I would be otherwise.  It was a 4 hour class.  Worth every moment of my time and every cent I spent to get there.  Glad Janelle came with me.

Kind Koreans

About to go to sleep when I realized there was something I wanted to share.  So pardon the extra dim picture please.

This evening I ran into town to pick up my dry cleaning.  On the way there, I stopped by Pizza School for supper.  Now you have to understand, in Korea you just don't eat by yourself.  Yet here I was waltzing into the place by myself.  I've been there before so they know who I am and that I usually come alone.  The lady working there was super extra kind.  The guy knew what I wanted before I even ordered.  And they left me to my book while I waited.  It was the extra big smile they gave me and the sense of trying to convey "I'm glad you are here" that came through.

Then I went to E Mart to pick up the dry cleaning.  I had gone in last Thursday after waiting 5 days and my clothes weren't ready much to my shock.  However this coming weekend has the holiday Children's Day.  All the parents are buying toys for their toddler and large flowering plants for their elder kids.  It is a big event here.  So that means getting your nicest clothes cleaned professionally I guess.  Anyrate, went in tonight.  It's been 7 days and the max that you are allowed to leave you clothes there.  They had all but the shirt that goes with the business suit done.  The main lady (who also knows me on sight now) bowed her apologies and suggested I return Tuesday for the shirt.  She meant the best and I could see she worried for not having it done.

Took a bus back to Jain and went to grab a taxi.  It was late so I didn't want to wait for another to come.  The guy motioned me to his car and as I reached my door, I saw a lady from the bus I had been on looking for a taxi too.  I asked her, "Namsan?"  She looked at me and then the driver.  The driver knew where I was going with that and asked where she wanted to go.  Turns out there is a small community west of Namsan called Sawol... and so she climbed in with me and we went.  She was super sweet and reminded me a lot of Aunt Carolyn.  Her mannerisms and voice... Anyrate, when we dropped her off, she patted my knee and I waved goodbye.

The people here, though they may not understand people from other cultures, do try their darnest to get along.  To understand.  It can be hard.  The students we have at school who have been abroad behave drastically more different than those who haven't.  Us expats can pick them out easily.  That is how much seeing another country for yourself can change you.  So even though it is hard for the locals to all understand us, it isn't for lack of caring.  They care and are very good people.  It is just that there are barriers that exist that take a lot of effort on both sides to overcome.

Paris Baguette - Chicken Foods

After school today I stopped by Paris B. to see what they had besides the dinner rolls that I was getting for breakfast Saturday morning.  Discovered that they have both caesar salad and chicken sandwiches... no pork!  YES!  So picked them up for supper ^_^  I'm going to salad!  A normal salad ^_^  Oh this is a glorious way to spend my evening.  Going to definitely enjoy it, though man alive it was expensive.

Deskwarming.

There is no other way to say this.  Deskwarming is boring.  I mean I like the time off and all, but I don't like the time off.  I feel like something is wrong with my day.  I can't relax but am forced to relax.  I can't do anything I want but I have time to do anything I want.  Confused?   So am I.