The Smell of Smoke and the Feel of Sunshine

Is it weird that my apartment smells like smoke and I like it? James was over and smoked at the window and there is just a nice wiff of smoke in here right now. I also like the smell of smoke when I go to bars - I don't actually think that smoking bans make bars/pubs/clubs better. For me, that smell is just part of the experience. And while I don't love the smell lingering on my clothes, it doesn't take that long for them to air out. Granted, I have to admit that I do smoke the odd cig myself. Not often (like maybe once a month?) and not many, but there it is. And that idea that kissing a smoker is like licking an ashtray is silly too. It isn't unpleasant at all.

Anyway, it's been a good weekend. Pedro's party last night was really fun. I think I attempted to salsa. I really wish I knew how and I love the music. I was amused to see that YunJin and I were the only non-military at the party at the beginning and that the tequila was being shot with salt substitute. And I have never seen such a large amount of Vanilla Rum. Pedro is well stocked, should anyone have a vanilla rum shortage. Speaking of drink, there is a $3 bottle of gin in HomePlus. It can't possibly be any good!

Then, James came over today. We went to Outback and had steak. Which is weird for me, because I have never been a fan of steak. I was a vegetarian largely because I didn't really like meat for a long time. I certainly can't claim that now!

Fall is here in Korea, thank god. The hot weather has broken - it's now a tiny bit chilly sometimes and the nights are definitely cold. This is my favourite kind of weather - sunny and warm enough to walk around in a skirt and t-shirt, but not so hot as to be uncomfortable.

Sun is wonderful. I think after three years in Scotland and a year in Vancouver, I appreciate it more than most. It is remarkable how much of an affect it has on my mood. People seem to think I am crazy for not putting up any curtains/blinds, but I actually love waking up with the sun in my face. Always have, actually. I always used to open my blinds at night before I fell asleep. Besides, how would I ever manage to put up curtains??? The walls are cement, I don't own any tools (though chopsticks can be very multipurpose items, I have discovered), and really, I am far too lazy to try and figure it all out. Especially since no one can particularly see in and I like having the sun pouring in the room at all times anyway.

I am eating real Cheetos. With proper cheesy taste. James is amazing.

Reading

How Fast Can You Read?

You read between 400 - 450 words per minute. Well above average reading level. (The average rate is between 200 - 250 words per minute.) It is assumed that you did not skim the words nor fail to understand the meaning of what was read.

Interestingly, I probably read a lot of stuff even faster than that, cause I skim read a lot. Even when reading for pleasure. Which I realise is odd, but is just naturally how I read. There are some books that I really like to read slowly and take in, but most often I don't.

I am eating $5 worth of cheese RIGHT NOW

So, the stress of the email takeover did get to me a bit yesterday. It sucks cause I had a lot of saved emails on there. I have contacted yahoo to try and recover the account but I can't seem to match my registration info. It has been over 10 years since I set the account up, so I guess that isn't that surprising.

Anyway, that sort of eclipsed my last HomePlus trip, but it was fun. Laura showed up at my door around midnight/1am and asked if I wanted to go along with her for some grocery shopping. Random, yes. It was fun though. Not the slightest busy and we found real mozzarella. The kind they package in water. Yum. Which I why I am now eating a caprese salad, thus eating $5 worth of cheese in one meal.

I didn't get a lot of sleeping Thursday night, so I was slightly hyper, crazy teacher all Friday. Nothing like exhaustion to make you a bit weird. But I actually had a great teaching day. Good lessons and had a great time with the kids. And of course, I got my big paycheque with all the camp pay, which was fun too :)

There is a new building across the intersection from us, with a Mr. Pizza, Dunkin' Donuts and a rooftop bar/restaurant called Ivy. It is really nice. I skipped out on the dinner part, but joined the gang for a beer. Then when the others went in, Laura and I moved to a Hoff for some pineapple soju and fried chicken. And a few cigs too. Then, since we weren't ready for the night to end, we headed into Hongdae at 3 in the morning. Yes, weird, I know. But fun. We bumped into Julie's brothers in 66, so joined them for a drink. Then we danced for maybe an hour in a very empty Halaboogies. The music was good. Had a long chat with Dongchun, who is a cutie. Then a quick trip into Bricxx, inspired by my need to pee, but let us finish the evening with a lovely peach marjarhita. So, after starting off Friday night not even wanting to go out, I ended up coming home at 5am after having a really great night.

Have been tidying up the apartment, as James is coming over tomorrow. I still have the floor and the bathroom to do, my least fav part of cleaning. Might call James to put it off, though I do have to get it done soon, cause I am off to a party at Pedros' tonight. That's right, a party in someone's place in Seoul. Doesn't happen often!

Hijacked

So, I got back from a 1 a.m. grocery shopping extravegenze with Laura to find that I am having some technical difficulties. Someone has hacked my yahoo email account and changed the password. And my myspace profile had the same thing happen, with the profile being deleted.

If the yahoo was the only part affected, I would figure it was random and I was unfortunate. The weirdness of the myspace being involved, especially as a certain someone was always complaining about what I said on my profile, makes me wonder. It still could be random, I don't know.

If you didn't get an email from my hotmail account about all this, you can assume I have lost your contact details. Please drop me an email with them.

I had a weird dream...

A scientist told me that ladybugs now have square and triangular spots in addition to circles. It was all very stressful, though I have no idea why.

Not much else has been going on today. It was just one more busy day at work. Without a break, I have to be more efficient. I managed to prep, do a class worth of report cards, and do all my homework lists. I'm quite pleased. And I taught a particularly good lesson to my newest class, which felt great.

I was thinking today just how important contact from home is. And email is brilliant, cause it's fast and more people actually make the effort to email, but mail is just on a whole other plain. All the people who have mailed me chocolate and sent postcards, and of course, Jenny's remarkable 28 page letter, have really made such a difference on how i feel living overseas. I love being here, it is the right thing for me. But that doesn't mean that I don't hate missing everything that is going on back home, both in my Scottish home and my Canadian one. And it is the little emails and packages of chocolate and peanut butter (esp notable that Louise sent me some since it is hard to find in Edinburgh) and letters and all that make me feel still a part of what is going on in my absence. And I certainly am not great with correspondence myself. I have been lazy with emailing, cause I know that people can read the blog. I haven't so much as bought a pack of postcards since I arrived, with the exception of the trip to thailand. It is the sort of thing that easily slips by the wayside when I get busy, but it really shouldn't. I can't really think of anything more important. Cause I miss you all, so much. And I hope everyone is doing well. I promise to try and email you all soon.

Only in Korea

T-shirt sayings:

"Love is... wearing matching t-shirts" (and, yes, I will get a pic)

"Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest one of all?"

Disappointment is harsh

What exactly is the point of Cheetos that taste of anything but cheese??? Barbeque is NOT what my Cheetos are supposed to taste like.

Also, I had no idea that Labour Day weekend just passed, until I got a text message asking what I was doing yesterday evening. When I replied that I was sitting around in my pjs rather than drinking, I was called boring. Which confused me, cause normally drinking on a Monday evening would not be a good sign. Unless, of course, you are an American soldier stationed in Korea with a four day weekend. Bastards!

It won't work!

Trying to stir a packet of Lipton lemon ice tea into a glass of water with a chopstick does not work. You really do need to get off your lazy ass and wash a spoon.

Now, I am sure you are thinking to yourself, as you grab your jacket and head out the door to buy some Lipton ice tea to try it yourself (and some chopsticks too, if you are like many North Americans), this silly Amanda just has poor stiring technique.

But, you'd be wrong. And that is why my dirty dishes have now been done. And why I really should buy a couple more spoons.

Overly Prolific

I sure am blogging a lot today. But, in case I am somehow better informed that those of you in the English speaking world (and that does seem pretty doubtful), I thought it important to mention that Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, died today.

There are two weird things about that:
1. He wasn't killed by a crocodile, but by a stingray.
2. Julie apparently had a big crush on him.

Hahaha

Another amusing student notebook:

Foster a desire. Nothing is more precious than each day and the truth, freedom, and peace that it brings.

Now, I am sure those of you playing along at home will be thinking "But, Amanda, where is the funny English useage there?"

The amusing part is that the notebook is covered in pictures of wine corks. Foster a desire, indeed.

It's a Fake, they tell me

So, there I was, innocently telling a class of 4th-6th graders about how we would be reading one real, non-fiction story about space and one pretend, fiction story about space, when I learned that I believe something that makes my students think that perhaps Teacher is a wee bit stupid.

They don't believe that Neil Armstrong really walked on the moon. I couldn't have been more astounded if they had tried to convince me that I had purple polka dots all over my face. Apparently, they agree with the nutters who think it was faked by the American government. This is apparently because the flag appears to be fluttering in the wind, something to do with shadows and angles of light, and the mysterious deaths of the three astronausts (are they all even dead? i thought neil armstrong lived to be an old man?). This left me a bit speechless and unsure of what to say next, beyond that while I understand that that there are people out there who believe that the moon landing was faked, they are in the minority and I am not one of them. Which means that my students are still pretty unimpressed with my historical savvy.

Sometimes, teaching is a really weird job.

Why my boss is a moron, part 1

So, today the joo-ster held a staff meeting. As someone without a break and a series of tests to rewrite after their mysterious disappearance, I was generally unpleased by the time wasting. However, he made a silly statement that caught my attenntion. He is unsure as to why Heritage is a very popular school for the 1.whatever books but not popular for the 2.whatever books. Now, I have pointed out in similar bullshit meetings that it is very, very obvious that the change in level between the 1.6 and 2.1 books is too drastic. Basically, it's too hard. The kids don't understand the stories and the schedule doesn't allow us enough time to explain them to the kids. Especially the Tuesday-Thursday kids, because in a moment of pure scheduling genius at some point in the past, it was decided to make up schedules for Monday-Wednesday-Friday kids and just teach the same schedule to the Tuesday-Thursday kids, who have one less class per week (or in some particularly fun cases, to make up a schedule of a five day a week class and just apply that to the Tuesday-Thursday kids too). So, one would think that a) soo yong would think that perhaps it might be an idea to find some textbooks to bridge the levels in such a way that we might actually teach the kids in a way that they have a chance of understanding rather than continuing on with the present "trimming the herd" technique we presently have going on, where some kids manage to make the transition and the others drop out (survival of the fittest, education style!!!) and b) that once this has been pointed out to you by the same teacher on more than one occassion, it is pointless to pretend you don't understand the problem. Because if you don't? Bascially, you are an idiot. And that isn't good.

I can't recall how long it's been

since I made a boiled egg.

I was cleaning out the fridge at work today because it smelled like something died in there. This involved two boiled eggs of indeterminate age that belonged to Laura. And it gave me quite a craving for an egg salad sandwhich. In retrospect, that is quite the most distusting inspiration for an evening meal ever.

However, while peeling my freshly boiled eggs (just making it clear I didn't snafu Laura's scary eggs for my evening repast), I suddenly wondered how long it had been since I had last peeled a boiled egg. The last time I can recall doing it, particularly, was when I lived in Edinburgh and worked at the bank. I used to make myself egg salad sandwiches to take to work at least once a week. This is because I refuse to eat egg salad sandwiches made by other people because the slightest bit of crunch that indicates eggshell in the sandwich makes me want to throw up. It was in Scotland I learned that there are people who hate the smell of egg sandwiches even more than the smell of tuna ones to the extent to which it was implied that i wasn't very community-minded for bringing such a smelly lunch. I don't recall Canadians thinking this way, but perhaps I just missed out on hearing it, seeing as I ate lunch at home all the way through elementary and high schoool.

Now, I am sure I must have made at least one boiled egg in the intervening 3 years, but I can't recall doing so. And now all my readers know all my thoughts on boiled eggs. I am sure you are all feeling fascinated, enlightened and terribly entertained.

The difference between men and women

As illustrated by the following text message conversation:

Me: I just bought a new pair of glasses.
James: Why did you buy new glasses?
Me: Because they are really cute.
James: But why? Did you break the other pair?

Tiny Ikea

I totally forgot to mention the tiny Ikea we found yesterday. See, in most Korean stores, there are entire floors of independently run stalls/stores. And in the Carrefour there is a tiny corner of Ikea. I now own a breakfast tray, which means I can eat on my bed more easily. I do have a kitchen table, but it is a dedicated home to Chester, so I prefer not to eat at the table.

It was a bizarre little corner of home away from home.

Emily

Is she not the cutest kid ever? And she looks so much like her mom!!!

Bell Hooks is the Bomb

I just finished reading "Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center". She is amazing. She says a lot of things I think, but articulately and intelligently. I loved, loved, loved it. Everyone should read it. It is that good!

I am 10 pages away from the end of "The House Gun" by Nadine Gordimer (and 40 pages into "The Food of Love" by Anthony Capella because I somehow forgot that I hadn't quite finished "The House Gun" before going out last night!). It took me a good 200 pages to actually start to like this book, which isn't great, cause the book is only 300 pages long. That said, I really enjoyed it once I got into it.

I think it is something about the style. I have noticed lately that some books just take me ages to get into. I find the plot interesting, even provoking, but I just can't dig the style. And then after a while, I get used to it. When I first noticed this trend, I thought it was the result of changing styles drastically between one book and the next. I'm coming to think that I have a very distinct style preference, one which I can't quite put my finger on, that makes me like some books from the beginning. And yet, cause I CAN NOT leave a book unfinished, I give myself the time to adjust to things that don't appeal immediately, and generally like a lot of things in the end. I have a ton of potential good reads stacked up next to me right now, which makes me very happy.

And I am glad I started "The Food of Love" after last night's great dinner at La Tavola, or I'd be craving good Italian food right now intensely. As it is, this book makes me hungry for the kind of food I am just not going to get here in Korea. And reminds me so much of my fantastic trip to Italy and how absolutely amazing the food was there. I can't wait to go back one day. And eat a lot. A lot.

Blowpops and Rectangular Frames

I had a great night out on Saturday. YunJin and I started out by going to La Tavola. We split a starter and then I had a main course, dessert, red wine, and a cappicino, which set me back $60. Which seems hideously expensive for a meal for one, but it was so.damn.good! I had pasta with scallops in cream sauce and it was yum. We then wandered over to Bricxx 1, in Itaewon, which I haven't been to since I was in Korea on my last contract. I do like the Bricxx in Hongdae better, but it is still nice and particularly cozy. And the peach marjaritas are still to die for. We then wandered over to Geckos, just missing Amber and John, but hanging out with Mel, Derek and some of his friends, and of course, bumping into assorted others (Sesh, Yuri, Patricia, etc). I chatted briefly to one girl who I'm sure i either recognize from being at Geckos or 66 or the Loft often or from photos on someone else's myspace. Once curfew was about to hit, we headed to Hongdae to meet up with Julie and brother, Amber, John, and Sean, Natasha and Kelly, and who knows who else. From there we went dancing at Halaboogie's, which involved a shared blowpop (i did not get the gum, dammit!) and lots of pole dancing, and possibly some fun pics, though i've yet to see them. Then we headed to Tin Pans, both 1 and 2, and finally home. We arrived in time to catch the early hours of the morn, after wandering around the neighbourhood to buy water. So much easier before the Paris Baguette replaced the little Mart (though I love the garlic bread access.)

Today Laura and I headed over to the newly built Dunkin' Donuts and were distracted by the Mr. Pizza in the same building. After a lovely pizza, we decided to finally walk down to Carrefour to see what all the fuss is about. I ended up with a pair of white flats, some Lipton lemon ice tea packs, two white peaches, and another pair of glasses. Laura calls them my funky pair and for me they are quite the digression from my usual round shape and non-descript colours. They are rectangular and purple. I am curious to see what the kids make of them. James has already stated a preference for my other new pair after a glimpse on webcam. Interestingly, they cost $10 less than my dinner last night at La Tavolas. That's right folks, my new glasses were $50. I love Korea and its cheap glasses. Thank Bob for the bad sight of the population here. So, I now own 4 pairs. One pair I actively dislike, but they have the coating that darkens them into sunglasses. One pair I did like, but they are old and the frames are not what they were and who knows if the free repair job will hold. Then I have my two lovely new Korean pairs. I think I might keep on collecting...

If you don't want feminine detail (dad, you are going to want to skip this paragraph!), stop reading now. I have nasty, nasty cramps. I made a bizarre decision to try taking the pill again. Now, chosing one's pill brand based on the cheapest of three you've never heard of in a Korean pharmacy is probably not the brightest move. It has made my skin worse, made me PMSy like you wouldn't believe, and now that i stopped taking it 4 days before the end of a pack, I seem to be paying for it! I never should have gone back on. I just kinda forgot how much better I felt the last time I stopped taking it. So, the acne (out, damn spots!) may have to be dealt with using more serious methods - perhaps another round of Accutane. Some people have horrible experiences with this drug. For me, it isn't fun but I can stand the side effects I get. What has been holding me back is the connection to pregnancy. Basically, you have to wait. The latest doctor's advice I got said wait three years. Now, at this stage in my life, I am in no position, nor do I even want, to be popping out a kid. But... Three years... I'd be 31. I haven't a clue what I may be doing in three years or what I may want. It just seems such a big decision. I am not even sure I ever want to have a kid, and especially unsure as to if I ever want to go through pregnancy. And yet... But then, there are the zits. And the bastards have GOT to go. I have been toying with the options for awhile now and have yet to make up my mind. I keep waiting to wake up one morning feeling decisive. I hope soon!

There is something personal I keep toying with posting. I have written the post twice, only to delete it. Sometimes I write it mentally in my head. Once again, I don't feel ready to send it out to the world. But I have been pretty introspective the last year of my life. Can't believe that a year ago I was leaving Korea after my first contract ended. I can't believe what has happened over those 12 months. It has been a rollercoaster, certainly. And yet, I think that it was all just meant to be. In hindsight, there were 20,000 ways I could have done things better, easier, differently. But, regardless of the smarter things I should have done, it's been 12 months that at the very least I am glad to have gotten through. And not just gotten through either, but come out on the other side happier with myself and more content with my life, as lacking in direction as it presently is. I can think of a million possible things I could be doing and places I could be living in another years time. All that possibility is wonderful. Life without that sense of being alive to possibility is too sad. I am glad it is back in my life.

Huh

Korean t-shirts: Do unto others before they do unto you.

Interesting. They are everywhere.

I am downloading French Rap right now

Yesterday started off annoying - my boss pissed me off. He is so annoyingly inconsistent.

However, it got much better. Laura, Hannah, and I went out to try and eat middle eastern food, and after some incompetance on my part, ended up eating at geckos. it was yum. We then met up with YunJin at 66, visited Condomania, went to a norae bang where I did not sing, and then went dancing at Stompers. I love hip hop, I love dancing, and I love the music they play at Stompers. I had a great time. Got home at 5.30am to collapse into bed and sleep.

Consequently, haven't done much with my Saturday. Slept in and have been padding about the house ever since. I love lazy days. Sent a series of silly texts to James, which is always fun, as he is stuck working this weekend. Chatted with Jenny on MSN. Has been nice.

Amusingly, the other day one of my students told me that sometimes I am a Snape teacher (mean? diabolical?) and sometimes a Hagrid teacher (jolly and fat?).

There are drums playing outside my building. This happens most weekends actually, but I can't for the life of me figure out where it is coming from. It sounds cool, so that is too bad.