http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/nation_view.asp?newsIdx=19021&categoryCode=117

So yesterday Eddie and I had fun walking around Itaewon and we got him a nice backpack for a reasonable price then we headed to Shinchon where we met up with Kenny and his friend for dinner. Later we watched Jumper and that was my exciting day!

Today worked out then had lunch and then I taught at the cafe and now I am home again. Eddie went out with Kenny and some friends so I finished my book and I am rereading parts (most of it) seeing as it is so informational and complex but very interesting!

Tomorrow I am meeting with Yeon Jae hopefully for some Korean lessons but we'll see if that actually happens... Other than that I'm just relaxing at home...

Eric Clapton heading for NK?

I thought it was funny they had a political cartoon about Ralph Nader
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/02/123_19642.html

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_19661.html


So Eric Clapton may be preforming in North Korea next year to promote cultural exchanges between the US and NK... http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/116_19667.html

Woke up this morning to a nice snow covering. Its beautiful from the inside but slippery to walk through. I've had some close slips but I haven't made it all the way to the road yet... I was walking with Stephanie and she was in heels so she had to cling on to me for life after spilling onto the sidewalk. Its dangerous! I guess I'm lucky I haven't found any fancy shoes yet cause I would probably slip!

Our gym is back up and running and they really didn't change much (not 3 weeks worth of work) they just moved a couple things around... I'm just happy to be back! But I feel like I am starting all over again seeing as my body is aching from lack of muscle use!!

Monday my lesson canceled so I didn't get to meet a possible new student either but I worked out then Stephanie and I met up and she took me to a hair shop and we got our hair straightened! I'm pretty excited to finally have a straight perm because my hair is always so wavy and frizzy! Anyways I have really really straight hair now and I feel like I fit in better because no one ever has wavy fluffy hair like I did before so I'm excited! It is a little strange looking so I am having to get used to it... Oh and I can't shower for 2 days so I'm looking a little greasy but tomorrow is only a day away! (quoting Annie) Tuesday we worked out again then I worked in Sangdo with Sery and it went really well. We made some cards to play memory with so two cards with the word strawberry and then a picture of a strawberry then two cards with apples.... etc. then we put them face down and try to find matches. It actually took up a good amount of time and I had her read the words as she was picking up the cards so I think she is learning! Actually making the cards the best part because she was learning how to spell each thing then find the word in the book then match the word to the picture (I got her a picture dictionary which I recommend for foreign language learning!) then draw the picture. Overall I think it was a great process and we have a nice little product we can use now.

So my student Jane can't have lessons at 5 anymore and wanted to switch to 3:30 but I was teaching Sean at 3:30 so I had Danny make some calls for me. (I am so grateful to have his help even if there are large consequences it seems helpful) So Sean's parents said it was okay for Eddie to teach Sean alone from now on so I wont be going to Sean's anymore but now Eddie and I both teach at 3:30 then we have from 4:30 to 7pm off then we both work in Cheolsan so we're planning on spending that time learning Korean in a coffee shop! I'm kind'a excited about the whole thing because its easier to study at a coffee shop because there are less distractions (sometimes).

Today however neither of us have to teach at 7pm so we may be going shopping for a new backpack for Eddie. His only has one strap so his back is bothering him. And I really want to find some boots in my size but it still hasn't happened!! At this point all I have are my Chuck Taylor Converse that I were with everything! I was wearing my boots up until Monday but then it finally got warm enough to snow and I felt like I was walking in a pool with socks on because there were so many holes and when I got home I saw how bad the holes were!! It looked pretty ugly to have the bottom flap flapping and the sock showing in the back! AHH!! Oh the plus size the new running shoes I bought for working out are very comfortable so I'm happy to have something to work out in but I can't use them outside because the gym doesn't want outside shoes inside! I wish I had size 6 feet like most of the people here!

Also that scary subway guy that was calling and texting me all the time started again and this morning I got a "Good Morning Baby" with hearts on my phone!! AHH! I'm still ignoring him but its so annoying! He sent me a text at like 1am a few days ago just saying to have a good night. He never says anything scary or threatening just acts like he's my boyfriend or something. Monday he called 4 times! All I can say is after 5 months he's pretty persistent! No worries though I have no plan of leaving Eddie for him.... Even though he told me he had a lot of money... (so strange)

So the big K-1 fight we wanted to see starts at 4pm today and I'll be in Sangdo teaching so we wont be able to go!!! But I'm sure there will be more opportunities! I'm off to teach!

...

Enzongcha gave me some pears so I had to take a picture because it looks like a huge apple!!


Yesterday we found a new Thai restaurant in Edae (near Ewha Women's univerisity). If you go to Shinchon and walk past the McDonalds then past Outback then keep going for a while there it is on the left! Its called "Thai N Blue" and its the best Thai food I have had in Korea so far!! We ate Phad Thai as usual and it was delicious! The prices are cheaper than anywhere else so its a great bargain! After eating we had some time to kill before the movie so we went to Baskin Robins and got a fondue plate for Kenny, Eddie and me! It was delicious!!I added a picture of Eddie looking creepy and so you can see all the different fruits and ice cream balls! After BR we walked around for a while then went to the Megabox and saw "Across the Universe" which was a really great movie!
We also stopped to peek at the really cute puppies in the window at a pet shop so I added a picture of that.Then we headed home.




Today I taught at the cafe then we had lunch at Pho Hoa!! My favorite! Then I took the subway to Cheolsan where I taught Melody and Emily. Melody hid her book from me so I wouldn't give her any homework so Emily found another book and I wrote out what her homework would be then Melody came back and said "So its okay, a little homework" and I showed her the other paper I had prepared for her and she instantly started crying! I felt bad but Emily just started laughing and said she was just putting on a show then Emily called her mom and explained and they both stood there laughing at Melody while she cried! It was a strange situation but her mom took her out of the room and I finished my lesson with Emily. Overall Melody is kind'a spoiled by her dad but her mom doesn't really put up with it. It really seems like her mom just ignores her a lot which doesn't seem to work because she throws a bigger fit and then Danny over nurtures her... Its an interesting family. I am amazed to watch Emily because she is so helpful and the complete opposite of Melody I often worry she may be acting more grown up then she needs to be...

I'm still hoping to get tickets for the big fight tomorrow but I'm not sure if I can or not so I'm waiting for my friend Yeon Jae to help me figure out the website!

And last but not least I took a picture of my frig to show some of the great cards I have gotten since I have been here! There's more on the side! Its great to look at it whenever I get homesick and see all the people that care about me back home!

QUEEN!

So the show was really great last night! It was fun to see a bunch of Korean's rocking out to Queen music! They all sang along to the famous songs and I was impressed with their rocking out ability! It was funny to see older Korean men is suits standing up and having the rock on hand signal! Here's the official site for the show! http://wewillrockyou.queenonline.com/
It was a fun performance it took place in the future and rock and roll music didn't exist because American Idol had ruined it. There were of course a few people who stil believed music existed and so they went in search of it while The Queen of the biggest company in the world tried to stop them. They changed the words around a little so when they were yelling out rock stars they said "Rain" who is famous in Korea. And then they spoke a few Korean words too which the audience loved. It was very entertaining with costumes and great singing and fun dances. It took us about 2 hours to get to the Seongnam Arts Center and another hour and a half home so we didn't get home until 12:30!! It was down on the yellow line as far south as you can go in Seoul then we had to take a bus! But it was a fun experience. The tickets she got us were VIP seats so we were really close to the front and had a great view. The theater went up 2 more floors so we were happy to be so close!!! The tickets said 150,000won so thats like $160!! So we got some nice seats!!

I've almost finished my book and still kind'a confused but Helena sent me a very informational email all about Daoism or Taoism which kind'a cleared things up a bit!


So I was curious about my Chinese Calender year so I looked it up on this site...
http://www.holymtn.com/astrology/year.htm

I thought it was strange that parents tried not to have kids during the tiger year because it might be a girl and "It will be a stormy life full of dangers"



"The Tiger
The Tiger, the living symbol of strength and power, generally inspires fear and respect. Tigers' compelling dynamism, intense activity, independence and curiosity about others make them irresistible, persons of multiple charms; Tigers attract followers and admirers. The Tiger has a regal quality and is courageous, active and self-assured; he makes an excellent leader and protector. Known for determination and charisma, the Tiger aims high and pursues goals with vigor, passion and daring. However liberal-minded Tigers may be, they are rash and resist the authority of others. Although they are selfish in the little things, they are capable of great generosity, even of altruism, in the larger. Tigers are men and women of action, thrust by destiny into the spotlight.
Tigers are fearless creatures in as much as they blind themselves to dangers and impetuously rush in where more cautious individuals would fear to tred. Outspoken in the face of injustice, their strong humanitarian instincts will not allow them to pass by if they see a wrong perpetrated upon another. They have a disdain for security and make a religion of change.
Tigers tend to renounce confining traditional roles, opting for a more unfettered life. With a wide ranging mind, they can adopt any number of careers. Their many experiences serve to enrich their life and add depth to their nature. Material benefits matter little to them.
Tigers have an inborn magnetic personality that attracts people to them like bees to honey. Warm-hearted, sociable and friendly, they are characterised by their frank, honest and open approach. Their immense kindness and generosity will always shine through except when crossed or backed into a corner, for then they can become vehement and ferocious.
Solitude is often the price Tigers pay for their position of authority, but they become accustomed to it. Better still, they draw on the experience, gaining new energies and great strength. However, this loner attitude and pride can sometimes prevent the Tiger from seeking other people's assistance when faced with an endeavor that calls for someone else's resources and talents.
Chinese say the life of a Tiger born at night will be less hectic than that of Tigers born after dawn and above all, those born around midday. It will be a stormy life full of dangers, but the Tiger will never be bored. Neither Night Tiger nor Day Tiger will have an easy life. The Western term for a particularly fierce woman is "dragon lady," but the Chinese call her an "old tiger lady." She has many expectations of her partners which can cause difficulties; she wants to dominate relationships because of her independent nature and desire to rule. A female Tiger won't submit willingly to the Confucian ideal of womanhood, which dictates that a daughter obey her father, a wife obey her husband, and an older woman obey her eldest son. For this reason some Chinese avoid having children in the Tiger Year -- for fear of having a daughter.
The lucky Tiger represents the greatest power on earth, and is the emblem of protection for human life. A Tiger in the house minimizes the Three Great Risks -- thieves, fire, and evil spirits. If there are two Tigers in the house, however, one of them has to go!"

and Eddie's is...

The Ox
The Powerful Ox The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought. These people enjoy helping others. Behind this tenacious, laboring, and self- sacrificing exterior lies an active mind. While their balance and strength inspire confidence, Oxen can seem rigid, obstinate, and slow. They impress others as leaders, fearing neither responsibility nor risk. However, sometimes they must labor long hours to accomplish little. As a result, the Ox can find life's journey laborious and the rewards uncertain.
The Chinese say the time of year and day an Ox is born is important in determining lifestyle. One woman in Hong Kong bragged that she would always be financially provided for with minimal effort on her part because she was born on a winter night. Oxen have little to do during the winter months, she explained, because the sweat of summer and fall harvesting is over and it is up to the farmer to feed and keep the oxen warm so they'll have strength for spring planting. Oxen born during agricultural months, however, are sentenced to a life of hard labor.
People born under the influence of the Ox are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground. Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families. Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who doen't take kindly to being told what to do. If you have a friend born in an Ox year, don't be defensive when he bluntly points out your flaws. The Ox is not afraid to speak candidly and won't soften criticism to spare your feelings. It's his way of expressing that he cares.
Although Ox people don't ask to be put in the limelight, they do like to be boss, for these quietly dominant types enjoy being in positions of power. Oxen try to instill in those around them the rigor, determination and power of work which they themselves possess. Respecting others, they are always open to a dialogue. Even though they may not broadcast their virtues to the world, nevertheless it is that steady, conscientious attitude that will deservedly see them to the top. And although they appear peaceful and at ease most of the time, anger Ox at your own risk and face the wrath of a wild bull!
The Oxen's childhood and youth will generally be without incident. It is in the second part of their lives that they will encounter difficulties to do with their marriage. Their partners may well take offense at their apparent indifference and seek consolation elsewhere in an attempt to find the romance so conspicuously absent at home. If this happens and the Ox cannot put things right by the exercise of intelligence, the ruin of the entire family may be risked as Oxen have no time for a deviation they are unable to understand. During the third part of life, Oxen may suffer enormous difficulties but if they can manage to smooth them out, their old age will be peaceful.

The Affectionate Ox
Oxen make solid, steady, reliable partners and good providers. It is better for them to be pursued than to be the hunter in selecting a mate. They can be tender, devoted, sensual even -- but they are never romantic. Very affectionate to those close to their hearts, they are cool and distant to anyone outside their emotional circle. Getting close to an Ox is a very difficult thing to do, for they hold all but their chosen few at arm's length. However, once they have committed themselves, they make loyal, steadfast lovers and are the least likely of all the signs to possess a roving eye. Casual love affairs are definitely not the Ox's style. Although they may not show it, their emotions are deep and passionate. If their love is spurned or if they should suffer a broken heart, they will retreat inside themselves and channel all their emotions into their work. Generally, they make no mistakes in their judgment of others, successfully merging their romantic and family lives. Happily settled in a contented relationship, an Ox will make a supportive and faithful partner, someone whose love grows stronger by the year and whose sterling qualities are worth his or her weight in gold.
The Rooster, Rat and Serpent get on very well with Oxen. There are struggles and problems with the Monkey, and a lack of understanding with the Ram and the Boar. The Dog and Ox share similar qualities of loyalty and faithfulness but some compromise may be necessary for a good relationship. The Ox and the Rabbit could make a solid team if the Ox can pamper and indulge his partner and avoid direct criticism.
Popular belief is adamant that the Ox should under no circumstances set up house with the Tiger. Such a partnership would inevitably end in a battle that could terminate only with the departure or disappearance of the Tiger. The Ox, the stronger of the two, would keep on charging until the Tiger was destroyed. An Ox mother could never get on with a Tiger child -- better for the latter to leave home!
February is the month of the Ox. The time of the Ox is from 1:00 a.m. to 2:59 a.m.; their direction of orientation is north-northeast. The Ox's color is violet.


I find it hilarious that it says an Ox should never be with a tiger! Anyways it was fun to look up all this stuff it seems people used to take this stuff pretty seriously.

I looked up my parents too and it seems my dad should be wary of those born in the Year of the Tiger! haha!

Today Eddie is starting back up with his soccer team then when he gets home we're gonna go out and look for some shoes in my size (again!) and get him a new backpack!

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/02/123_19389.html

We Will Rock You!

So my friend Yeon Jae got Eddie, Kenny and I tickets so see "We Will Rock You" tomorrow!! I am very excited!!! Here's an article about it! http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/02/145_17201.html


Today I went to Jane's house at 3:30 instead of 5 and sent Eddie to teach Sean. Jane can't have lessons at 5 on Wednesdays anymore so I have to change my whole Wednesday schedule!! ARG!

I got to Emily's house about 20 minutes early and they were in the middle of dinner and her mom got all embarrassed and brought out a big slice of cake and gave it to me so I'd have something to eat!! It was very sweet! Anica is really sick right now but she is still working overtime as a mother and of course Melody is constantly asking her to get her stuff so as soon as she would sit down to eat Melody would ask for more water or a fork or rice and Anica would pop back up to get it!! I really don't understand that because she has to do so much more work. I remember if we needed something at the table my mom would say "go get it" instead of jumping up at our every need! Emily is doing great I really can't believe how far she has come.. and Melody is Melody.

On my way home I stopped in at the small store down the street from my house where the older man works that always talks to me. Today he had a friend with him and they were both drunk! It was hilarious! I can't imagine working some place where it would be okay to be drunk with friends while on the clock. He is there all hours of the day so I am pretty sure he owns the place but it was still funny to see him all red faced and smiling. He asked me in Korean where my boyfriend was and I understood enough to tell him he was at home! I was excited that I understood him especially since I had a small audience!

I also heard back from Helena and she said I don't need to come back in June to do evals for Evergreen so it looks like I'll be staying for part of the summer I am thinking about enrolling in Yonsei to get some more Korean under my belt. Even if its just Korean 1 thats better than nothing! We'll see how everything plays out financially!

I'm excited for tomorrow!

Buddhism, Psychology, Meditation and Philosophy

So yesterday proved to be a disappointment. After my lesson we just stayed home all day. I wanted to go out but decided I should try to get my foot to heal up. I am half way through my book Buddhism, Psychology, Meditation and Philosophy by Jack Kornfield now so thats a relief. Later Eddie and I were watching a Korean movie when we realized it didn't have subtitles... It was funny because I understood the first little bit then I got really confused and I said "Hey it doesn't have subtitles" and Eddie said "Oh yeah I didn't even notice" so I ended up going to bed at 10 which is early for me. We'll get the version with subtitles later! I was excited that I understood the opening parts though...

Also some graduation rituals that are stirring up some publicity. I thought this was an interesting article because it shows the continued resistance to the Japanese. People throw flour and egg on people's graduation uniforms because they were originally forced to wear these by the Japanese but I think it is more of a custom now but it did originated during the Japanese colonial rule. Also middle schoolers running naked! Anyways interesting article...
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_19145.html

Political...
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/116_19178.html

And a picture from the Koreatimes newspaper
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/02/115_19155.html


"Consolation: A shaman conducts a ritual in front of Sungnyemun gate in downtown Seoul, Monday, to console its spirits and ask for a better future. A pig was slaughtered as a sacrificial offering for the destroyed historical heritage."

I find it strange that they are still sacrificing offerings.

Also first married woman to graduate from Ewha Women's University
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/02/178_19139.html

I also received my Valentines Day package from my friend Jennie today! I was so happy and sad at the same time cause I miss everyone! But now I have heart candy so I'll be fine!

News

Lots of interesting stuff in the news today...

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/116_19053.html

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_19068.html

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_19069.html

*Talking about euthanasia
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_19063.html
It seems that if people say they do not want to be resuscitated and are only going to die after a lot of pain they should be allowed to go.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/116_19104.html

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_19079.html

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2008/02/202_19062.html

February

So I worked yesterday for a while then came home and then Eddie and I went to Hongdae and got some Pho and Baskin Robins. It is starting to get a little warmer which I am very thankful for. We watched Sympathy for Mr Vengeance last night which is another one of Chan-wook Park's films. It was very intense and disturbing like his other movies but we enjoyed it. It shows a part of Sinchon in the movie that we have walked buy so it was kind'a fun to see a place we recognize. We got an other one of his movies Sympathy for Lady Vengeance so hopefully we'll watch that soon!

Today I taught Enzongcha in Yeouido then she made me a special New Years soup for lunch which I ate then asked how to make it and she told me to boil cow bones for a long time!!! AHHH! So my struggle to stay a vegetarian in Korea losing! She also dished me up some squid so I ate that too!! YIKES! It was chewing and really gross!! Other than that I figured out a bus that runs from my house to the subway so I took that today. The back heel of my right foot is bruised and it hurts to walk to I was thankful to have a bus to take me to the subway!

Eddie passed all his tests last week so we are both excited about that! Today is sunny and beautiful out but still chilly! Our Gym is still closed for remodeling so we aren't working out this week which is frustrating!! Other than that just moving along... I miss home a lot but I know once I reach March it will be closer than ever (literally) and mostly a downhill road ... to Taiwan and Thailand, then my family will be here, then maybe a visit from friends, then maybe China and finally HOME! I miss so many things and so many people! I am pretty content all day but once night falls I get all sad and homesick! I called a couple friends today which was nice. Everyone is moving on with their lives and it feels so strange. I worry when I get back it will be completely different but I hope for the best!

Night with Eddie's class

Korean Times report on free trade agreements with US and Korea http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/116_19006.html




I added a picture of a warm sweet rice water soup (dessert) that Sery's grandma made me since it was "Chew why yo" or cold. And I guess Eddie had some trouble finding flowers for Valentines day but he managed to surprise me with some lilies so we made a vase out of a water bottle that I cut the top off of!

So Friday night Eddie and I went out with his class to dinner at an all you can eat meat bar. I stocked up on chicken while everyone else eat every kind of meat they had and then we went to a Nori Bong. It was a fun night. Eddie and I sang a couple duets which was hilarious because he is tone deaf but fun! Then the Chinese guys sang about 15 songs for us. This sounds bad but, I swear they kept singing the same song over and over again because they all sounded exactly the same!! They all have the same background music and the singers must sound really similar so Eddie and I couldn't tell the difference from one song to the next. One Japanese boy drank a little too much Soju and managed to vomit all over the floor in the Nori bong room but I think it must happen a lot because the floors are tiled and toilet paper and cleaning supplies were close by. So we all pitched in to clean it up so as not to anger the Korean woman running the place then the guy fell asleep so they called his mom to pick him up. Apparently the kid was only 17 years old which was surprising because he looks at least 22 and he is going to college! Eddie and I headed home around 11 since I was going to work the next morning... I put up a few pictures and someone else is gonna send us more later so if I ever get those I'll add them. On a side note... I'm trying to get used to wearing stockings over here since everyone seems to take the professional fashion route but its tough seeing as I am more of a jeans girl and I'm not used to wearing those things! So Friday night I ripped a huge hole down the leg so when we walked home my legs were frozen!! I've decided to pack an extra pair of stockings for emergencies!

Today I was supposed to work at 11 but my student canceled for the 4th time in a row!! But I did teach Emily and Melody. Emily and I are reading Stuart Little which is fun. We go through and circle words she doesn't know and then thats her vocab for the week but she is progressing really really well. Melody and I play games and work on 2 or 3 new words each time I see her but she is much better than before because when I first met her she didn't speak any English but now she can understand most small conversations! After work I made my way home and had dinner with Eddie before he had to go out with some other friends to an other dinner... so tonight I'm staying in and catching up on emails and stuff!



AND!!!

Here are lyrics to the most popular song in Korea right now Tell me Tell me by Wonder Girls with English pronunciation and translation!

Wonder girls - Tell me
..
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너도 날 좋아할 줄은 몰랐어
neomu nal johahal jureun mollasseo
어쩌면 좋아 너무나 좋아
eojjeomyeon joha neomuna joha
꿈만 같아서 나 내 자신을 자꾸 꼬집어 봐
ggoomman kataseo na nae jashineul jaggu ggojipeo bwa
너무나 좋아
neomuna joha

니가 날 혹시 안 좋아할까봐
niga nal hokshi an johahalggabwa
혼자 얼마나 애태운지 몰라
honja eolmana etae-unji molla

그런데 니가 날 사랑한다니
geureonde niga nal saranghandani

어머나 다시 한 번 말해봐
uhmuna dashi han beon malhaebwa

chorus
tell me [x5]
나를 사랑한다고 날 기다려왔다고
nareul saranghandago nal gidaryeowatdago
내가 필요하다 말해 말해줘요
naega piryohada malhae malhaejweo-yo
자꾸만 듣고 싶어 계속 내게 말해줘
jagguman deudgo shipeo gyesok naege malhaejweo
꿈이 아니라고 말해 말해줘요
ggoomi anirago malhae malhaejweo-yo

어쩜 내 가슴이 이렇게 뛰니
eojjeom nae gaseumi ireohge ddwini
가슴이 정말 터질 것 같아
gaseumi jeongmal teojil keot gata
니가 날 볼 때면 전기에 감전된 사람처럼
niga nal bol ddaemyeon jeongi-e kamjeondoen saramcheoreom
전기가 올라
jeongiga olla

얼마나 오래 기다린지 몰라
eolmana orae gidarinji molla
얼마나 오래 꿈 꿨는지 몰라
eolmana orae ggoom ggweotneun ji molla
그런데 니가 날 사랑한다니
geureonde niga nal saranghandani
어머나 다시 한 번 말해봐
uhmuna dashi han beon malhaebwa


I didn’t know you would like me,
What do I do? It makes me so happy.
Because it feels like I dream I consistently pinch myself
I’m so happy.

Just in case you wouldn’t like me,
I don’t know how much I had to worry,
But since you say you love me,
Oh my. Say it once more

Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
That you love me, that you’ve waited for me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
Tell me that you need me, tell me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
I want to continously hear it, please continue to tell me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
Please tell me this isn’t a dream

How come my heart beats like this?
It feels as if, my heart will explode.
When you look at me, if feels as if I’m getting electrocuted,

I don’t know how much I’ve waiting,
I don’t know how long I’ve dreamt for this,
But since you say you love me,
Oh my. Say it once more

Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
That you love me, that you’ve waited for me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
Tell me that you need me, tell me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
I want to continoulsy hear it, please continue to tell me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
Please tell me this isn’t a dream

Tell me tell me tell me you
want me want me want me too
Tell me tell me tell me you
love me too love me too

I don’t know how much I’ve waiting,
I don’t know how long I’ve dreamt for this,
But since you say you love me,
Oh my. Say it once more

Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
That you love me, that you’ve waited for me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
Tell me that you need me, tell me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
I want to continously hear it, please continue to tell me
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
Please tell me this isn’t a dream

The rap part:
Hit me one time baby, one more time,
Ok, I know what you did just now, but once more,
Ye, keep telling me, even if I hear, even if I heard, I wanna hear it again,
Sometimes I wonder if this is a dream
Ohmy! What do I do?

So we are hoping to head over to Bangkok
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan

♥♥♥Valentines Day♥♥♥

So yesterday was Valentines Day in Korea so Eddie and I went out to have some fun. We first went to a really cute LITTLE Thai restaurant in Noksapyeong called Buddha's Belly. I got a business card if anyone is ever in the area.
***To get there take the subway to Noksapyeong (629) then take exit 2. Then walk straight until you come to an underpass. Go into the underpass turn right and exit on the left-hand side on the opposite side. Once up above you will see Buddha's Belly!!!

Buddha's Belly Restaurant, Seoul
Address: 673 Itaewon 2 Dong, Seoul, Korea
Phone: 793-2173

It was a really small shop with 5 two person tables next to each other. So, the loud man on the other side of the room on his cell phone was actually about 3 feet away but it was still a good spot. The waitress was very friendly and since we came just at the right time we didn't need any reservations!! We were offered the Couples Special with red wine and some other perks but since neither of us are really into wine (yet, maybe I'll acquire a taste for it someday) we both just ordered the Phad Thai! We did get to see what was on the menu for the Couples Special since the two next to us seemed to be having a romantic evening out. Since Eddie and I are past the stage of holding hands while trying to eat and staring into each others eyes constantly we just focused on the meal a little more than the two next to us (literally like sitting right next to them at a long table)... It was actually really delicious... As Eddie said it "had a lot of potential" The only disappointment I really had was the lack of spiciness! I love spicy food and when I order Phad Thai they usually ask how spicy or they bring pepper flakes to the table. They didn't do either! So we were both a little disappointed but overall it was a great meal! It was fun to dress up and Eddie had on a nice shirt and slacks so we looked like we actually belonged in Korea for the few hours we were out of our jeans and sweatshirts.

After our dinner we walked around in search of something.... and found only food in the area... It all looked delicious but we could convince ourselves we needed a second meal after spending about $23 on the last one... (keep in mind our budget is small!!!) So we made our way back to the subway and headed to Itaewon (one stop away on the brown line). I also wanted to point out that the station in Noksapyeong was huge and very beautiful as only few of the subway stations are. It had so much room with a big beautiful skylight to top it off. It had obviously had been built (like so much of Korea) for the Olympics and now seemed almost abandoned. It was still kept up of course and there were people in the subway but not as many as their could have been. Its so strange that Korea is so small and crowded yet they have huge places like this and the COEX that seem to have so much empty space... So we made it to Itaewon and looked for a theater... We couldn't find one so we settled on ice cream... We found a ColdStone creamery and went it. The employees were friendly and happy to help... they even had an English menu... Eddie and I tried some interesting ice creams... I think mine was better but I'm sure he will disagree. His was pieces of fudge brownies and cherries in a chocolate ice cream and mine was peanut butter and oreos and whip cream in a coffee ice cream! YUM! It was fun to be in Itaewon because all the merchants speak English and there are more foreigners then Koreans there but we were glad to leave when we did and get back to "real KOREA". But before we could do that we had to look around for a while. I was in need of some shoes seeing as "I lost my last pair." (Really I was sick for a week and they threw them away!!!ARG!) So I found some crappy knock off shoes for $35 and bought them because they fit! I have had a hard time finding shoes that fit! In Korea the biggest size is 250 (which I think is about a size 8) everywhere I look so I have to take what I can find! We looked around a little more in hopes of finding a new backpack for Eddie (his one strap pack hurts his back) but only found luggage and leather bags. The main shop in Itaewon that we wanted to check out was closed so we took the subway to Sinchon and walked to the Megabox. We were hoping to see Across the Universe but the next showing wasn't until 11:2o which would make for a three hour wait so we settled on seeing the Spiderwick Chronicles that played an hour later. Since we had some time to kill we did some "eye shopping" and walked through the men's section for a while (luckily the man said Eddie was handsome and I was beautiful so we got free lollipops for Valentines Day which was nice of him) then we checked out the women's section but after finding nothing cheap enough for me we went up to food court and trinket area and found cell phone chains for each of us. (Everyone has a cellphone chain in Korea) Eddie found one with Bruce Lee (his idol) and I found one that reminded me of Eddie so I had to get it. With our new treasures hanging from our phones we were ready to watch the movie... But we had another 20 minutes to kill so we sat and waited for a while. After getting the worlds smallest tub of popcorn and nachos for Eddie we were ready for our movie! The movie wasn't too bad, not amazing but not bad... its more of a kids movie but it was a cute story it reminded me of Narnia movies so we enjoyed it and when it ended we were ready to set off for home. We decided to take a taxi and paid the $1.90 to get home faster and with all of our phalanges unfrozen!!!


In other good news!!!!
Danny is helping us get tickets to Thailand and there is a layover in Taiwan and I think we will stay there for two days as part of our trip!! More culture is always better!! I'm really excited and the tickets are cheaper if we have a layover!! YAY! I talked to Stephanie and she said its fine if we go this route because she didn't want us to spend so much money! I just felt bad since she helped me so much!!


http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18955.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18956.html more on the fire

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2008/02/133_18963.html animal cloning!!!

WHEW! relief!

So I sighed a big sigh of relief last night after Danny and I talked. Apparently he is getting ready to launch is product and is really really busy getting ready to send it to the factory so he was just really busy!! He was kind and helpful and things are back to normal he seems to have forgotten about the whole book money thing and even offered to help get tickets to Thailand after I already told him I found some. He found some for $300 so I may be going that route I have to talk to Stephanie because she helped with getting the other ones. Anyways.. I am very relieved because that was a big stress in my life!! Today is Valentines Day Eddie hid some flowers and my favorite snack in my bottom dresser drawer and we are off to dinner and a movie later!

COLD

TODAY WAS THE COLDEST DAY I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED!!! I was only gone for a couple hours but it was so intense my fingers and toes ached they were so cold!! I didn't know it could be this cold anywhere!! On top of the cold its windy!!! Very intense weather I'm glad I have a warm coat!!

Also I bought tickets for Thailand today $431 round trip we're leaving the 21st and coming home the 27th!

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18767.html more news about the fire! I guess it was arson after all.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_18673.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18668.html
A big fire!!!

This weekend we tried a new Thai restaurant called Khaosan... It wasn't very good at all! It was in Hongdae near Hongik University. We ordered our usual Phad Thai but weren't very pleased with what came back. It was very plain white noodle with 2 shrimps and some oil! After dinner Stephanie and I hung out for a while and walked around Hongdae. Sunday I worked with Sery and Amy and then today I was supposed to teach this morning but Enzongcha canceled again because she was sick. Thursday is valentines day so I wont work then either because my students have plans. So its just Tuesday and Wednesday then Saturday I start up again with a normal week hopefully! I finally finished my book! We are continuing to work on our Thailand trip and getting excited!

Also Seoul is adding a new subway line that will be opening up next year only this line will have no workers at any of the stations to cut back in costs! http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18616.html


Also I've been reading this guys blog on his trip to Korea and he has some good information so if anyone is interested.. http://fatman-seoul.blogspot.com/2004_04_01_archive.html

Kkul Tarea

This candy is called "KKUL TAREA". The package says "KKUL TAREA (honey skein) is a court cake made of ripened honey and malt, which was once presented to the king and valuable guests. It is brewed with the artisan spirit to make 16,000 strands suggesting the prayer for longevity, health, good fortune and wish-fulfillment."


They took a clump of hard boiled honey then poked a hole in the middle then stretched it and then folded and pulled the lump of honey into half and folded it into half again, and continued repeating it. After he repeated that 14 times, the honey was 16,000 threads. Inside there is sesame seeds and almonds crushed together! YUM! The men knew just enough English to say funny things like "WOW" and "I love Jessica Alba" but overall they were very nice and it was hilarious so I had to buy a box of the honey candy since they gave us a good show! I didn't take any pictures but I found some online so I will add those here so you can see what I am talking about.



Also here's the website www.sejongfood.co.kr

Today I met up with Yeon Jae and we had coffee then she took me to a Dok boky restaurant and I tried a new Korean dish!! It was interesting. It was rice cake noodles, ramen noodles, hard boiled eggs, Meedo, and fish skin stuff... scary but it ended up tasting okay. I can't wait to bring my family to all these strange places and show them all the weird things I can eat! We talked for a while. I guess she is having trouble with an American guy who is just using her and then ignoring her. Its so strange how badly they let guys treat them over here!! She brought me a bunch of homemade food so Eddie and I will have a traditional Korean dinner tonight with Kimchi and everything!! I will take pictures of it all! She is so sweet I am lucky to have met her!


I got a new site for learning Korean and I went through the Korean for Fun section and I know all of it! YAY!!
http://www.learnkorean.com/home/index.asp

or

www.italki.com

We went to two different places but the buildings look almost the same... You can see a little difference in the structure but the art and coloring is all the same!



So yesterday we ventured off to Anguk and saw the Palace and a really neat temple. We mostly walked around the traditional town and bought a couple little trinkets.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Seoul-Insadong-Korean.Traditional.Porcelains.jpg

little shops are everywhere... Half of them are closed of course for the holiday but the ones that are open are making good money I'm sure because the streets were crowded!


"If the palace walls of Changdeokgung could talk, visitors would probably listen in on tales of court intrigue, plotting eunuchs, and feuding royalty.

The buildings have remained largely intact over six centuries and served as a backdrop for the last chapters of the Joseon period (1392-1910). Korea’s last emperor Sunjong passed away on these grounds in 1926, and it’s commonly known that members of royal descendants lived in Nakseonjae, a cluster of unpainted palace buildings well into the late ‘80s. The entry gate to the grounds, Donhwamun, is a two-story structure dating back to the 15th century.

Meanwhile, the Eochago or the Royal Garage carries a precarious display of automobiles used to transport the royal family in the era of Henry Ford. Although your English-speaking guide will give details on major palace buildings, the Injeongjeon remains a focal point of tour interest. It’s the second largest wooden building in Korea and features Daehanjeguk-period chandeliers with golden silk fringes as well as four-meter long silk window curtains. The pristine Biwon preserves the finer aesthetics of the Korean garden."

After that we went to a DVD room and watched "Its okay if I'm a cyborg" which is a really famous movie in Korea right now. Its a very crazy story about a woman in a insane asylum who thinks she is a cyborg so she wont eat. Its made by the same guy who did "Old Boy" (Park Chan Wook) so its a strange movie but easily one of my favorites!

We also ate some Dacalbi (chicken and cabbage and cheese and noodles) and then walked around for a while. After our day out in the freezing air we were ready to head home around 6:30 so we did! Today I'm meeting Yeon Jae for coffee then my friend Stephanie is supposed to be coming back from NY so we might meet tonight too.

I'm ashamed to say I haven't read more then a few pages from my book so I haven't finished it yet but I'll finish it by the weekend! I really enjoy Cathy Boa Bean's writing!

more...

So Sunday I worked for 3 hours (really 5 hours if you count travel) then Eddie and I went to dinner and ice cream then we saw the movie Sweeny Todd... its very strange but I really like Tim Burton's work so I enjoyed it... Monday we worked out then went to Samseong (COEX) and hung out with Kenny's friends for a while and I looked for some new shoes since "I lost my shoes" (really they threw them away because I was sick for a week). But I couldn't find any good ones that were in my price range... (cheap!) After our long subway ride home from the COEX we walked around Sinchon and found a Pasta12 restaurant and had a delicious meal! Tuesday I had one lesson at 6pm but before that we worked out and went to a chicken restaurant then I headed for Sangdo. Then I got home at 8pm and realized the grocery store may be closed for the holiday and that it was closing at 9pm so we dashed over to the store and did some intensive shopping! We have enough food for about a month... With Eddie and I though it will be gone in about a week... I've been contacting friends trying to find out the best places to visit in Thailand so I can start booking our trip. I wanted Danny's help but I think he's still mad at me.

I called him yesterday to see if he made it back safely and he said his trip was horrible and he just sounded angry. I was sitting with Kenny when I called and Kenny said "tell him I say hi" so I said Kenny wanted to say thanks for all your help and then Danny got all mad and say "Beth you are not in charge of what Kenny says you should not say that to me it is his job." and seemed really upset... but Kenny had already told me he was going to call Danny later I just called him first but I guess I wont say anything about anyone any more... but I think the fact that I called to make sure he got home okay was a good thing. He seemed to be a little nicer at the end of the conversation so we'll see. I don't think I have done anything wrong but maybe he is just stressed out about work or something... Overall frustrating!!

Yesterday after our big shopping trip we cleaned the house!! That was intense! Its a small house but wood floors get dirty easily so I scrubbed the floors and everything! It looks much better now so I'm happy about that! Today we've just been relaxing so far I made a big stir fry chicken that was delicious and I read my book. I am really close to finishing it!! I really admire the writer Cathy Boa Bean she is such a strong woman! She is Chinese but moved to the US with her family at a young age. She isn't really excepted in China because she was raised in America and only speaks the Chinese she learned before she was 8 years old. But in America she looks Chinese so she doesn't really fit in their either. I can relate so much in Korea because the American's here are so different from the people I know and love back home and the Korean's don't really except me because I am a foreigner... So I'm just here.. in the middle.. luckily Eddie is in a similar situation so I'm not totally alone...

It looks like I may be getting some more students in the near future but I'll have to meet with them first. Living is so expensive over here!! Our electric bill was about $100 and we don't do anything and we never turn on the heater!! In my apartment (3 times as big as this) in Olympia I payed about $13-$16 each month. I had one crazy month when Tara was living with me that I think it got up to $30 but that was with extensive energy use! So its kind'a a good chunk of money each month for no reason but oh well...


As for the news... Same old scandals every day about someone cheating the stock market or bribes being paid off... But its media so who knows whats true and whats not...

I thought this was a funny article... It says men should start supporting the women since they have to cook and clean and take care of the children for the holiday

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18566.html

Also school tuition fees are going up about %10!!! http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18562.html


http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_18536.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_18537.html

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/117_18569.html

Weekend

So Wednesday between lessons I had some extra time so I wandered around Cheolsan for a while and found a little trail so I walked up it and explored. I took some pictures... I added a picture of Melody on her "horse" before the lesson...


Thursday I met up with Yeon Jae and her friend Yura in Anguk which is the traditional old Korea area. The streets only have Korean writing even Starbucks was writing out in Korean! It was a really cool area. We had lunch at a traditional restaurant. I had a shrimp rice dish and some spicy bean paste soup and then some burnt rice in warm water was left over which they said is like a dessert. I tried it.. it was gross! After lunch we walked around and chatted for a while then we found a coffee shop and talk some more. The three of us got along really well. Yura has traveled all over and was very interesting to talk to but she is the kind of person who tells it exactly how it is and she is about a quarter my size! It was a little stressful. She was telling me how she has been trying to lose weight and how she is so fat... which was just annoying because she is half the size of a toothpick. But she had lots of interesting stories to tell so it was entertaining. Yeon Jae was quiet while Yura talked but I like YJ a lot more. She is very sweet and caring and easy to get along with! After lunch we walked around and they bought be some traditional honey candy that was amazing... not so much in taste but we watched it being made and it was very interesting they pulled the honey like taffy until it was in thin strings and then wrapped it around sesame seeds and peanut butter. Tasted pretty good but it was really expensive. I also tried a corn roll with sweet brown sugar inside that is also a famous food in Korea. We walked around then we found a gallery and went in... after that they made me try to pound the rice dough together... it was tough... then we found a toy shop and I took some more pictures.... after all our fun I headed home to teach my students at the cafe.

After my lesson I headed for Itaewon to meet my friend Stephanie. When I got there she told me she was supposed to hang out with her boyfriend but he told her he was too sick so he wanted to stay home. Then we ran into him at a bar and he was upset with her for hanging out with me. He was really drunk and angry and seemed like a terrible human but I tried to be nice. Stephanie and I were hanging out chatting most of the night and her boyfriend seemed to keep getting angrier every hour. He was off with his friends but he would come over and be all territorial then go back to his friends. After a while he came up to me and started yelling that I was a "fat ugly lesbian bitch" that was trying to take his girlfriend so I apologized to Stephanie and took a cab home because I didn't need to be around that. He was 29 years old and acting like a dog who pees on the wall to show other dogs thats his wall... very immature.. Stephanie called the next day to apologize and say that he said he was sorry but I kind'a doubt it was really from him. Anyways it was a fun night until he got all in my face for no reason and then it turned bad pretty fast.

I've decided Stephanie is a good person so I plan on hanging out with her again but i don't want to see her boyfriend ever again even if he was drunk no one has ever talked to me as rudely as he did and no one should ever talk to anyone like that!! Oh and I forgot to mention he is half Korean from America so thats why he spoke English...

Other than that drama things really aren't usually so soap opera-ie but it was interesting and now I know who to stay away from in Korea...

Friday I spent the day at home then today I worked most of the day. Tomorrow is Sunday and possibly my last day of work for about a week because the Korean New Year is this Tuesday so everyone is going to the country side to visit their families and give gifts and money and eat lots of food for a week! So Eddie and I are planning some day trips around Korea. I want to at least visit a Castle and a Palace before the week is over...

Other than that life is the same as always. Eddie is doing great in school and just the most amazing human I have ever met I am so happy to have such a great guy to lean on when times get hard. I've had a couple stressful days of homesickness but I'm surviving and excited to have some new friends to spend time with. I think Tomorrow I will hang out with Stephanie again because she is heading for New York for a week for work so I wont be able to see her until next weekend unless we hang out tomorrow. She wants to go shopping but I am very poor right now so I think we may see a movie instead...