There are colors and shapes dazzling her eyes

Mmk, so after approximately one month since my last blog update, I felt it appropriate to literally force myself to sit down and write. It's not that I despise blogging, it's just that I've got so much on my plate these days that it's hard for my to keep my bunnies all lined up. And before I get all woe is me, dear readers, let me assure you that all these obligations and must-do's aren't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, there are a lot of positive things going on my life these days.

I like to compare my projects/goals/blah/blah as packages I'm sorting, filling and tying up with pretty satin bows. It seems like the majority of my current projects (which I'll get to in a bit) are in the "place the lid on the box" stage or the "slowly tying the ribbon around the box" stage. Confusing? Sooorry (as my Canadian friends would say).

Let's see, m'dears. Whuddami working on these days? Let's break it down, real easy-peasy.

1.) Vacation
So in T- two weeks (exactly from today's date), David and I will be at Incheon airport in Korea getting ready to embody the jet-setters life. We're heading to Japan-land on July 21st where we'll visit Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and perhaps Hiroshima (if only for a few hours to see the Peace Museum). Then on July 28th we're packing our bags again and heading to Beijing, China. Ultimate purpose: Great Wall. How can you live in Asia for a year and not visit the Great Wall of China? Seriously folks, it would be tragic if my short little legs didn't kick up a little dust on the one of the world's most renowned man-made structures.

I'm devistatingly behind on my background reading for both countries. I should probably sit down these next few evenings and figure things out.

2.) Wedding
Despite the proximity of all other major upcoming events in my life, wedding plans envelope me on a daily basis. I fear I am turning into one of those Bridezillas. At least a mini one. After changing the colors of our reception tablecloths for the third time (and apologizing profusely for my indecisiveness which is totally a Bride's prerogative, right? Right?!), the woman at the rental facility stated that it's okay to be a princess for one day. I pray hope that wasn't a sarcastic comment! :P

But yes, weddings this, weddings that, soaking up my free time. Honestly, though, the planning process is almost 100% a joy. Right now I'm working on the final touches of my wedding attire (purchasing a birdcage veil for the ceremony, looking at possible shoes, considering an outfit change for the after party), food at the reception and miscellaneous details like guest books, fun elements to provide at the reception and wedding programs. 3 months out! :D

4.) Moving back to the States
I can't believe I just typed that. Yes. I'm moving back to the United States in a little over 2 months. I'm honestly shocked that David and I have dwelled in South Korea for nearly 10 months. Time has flown by more quickly than I ever imagined it would. Despite that, I'm ready to see my friends and family. And I'm ready to drive. And I ready to go to the bank and not worry about language barriers. :) Who knows where David and I will venture off to after we return.

--

Anyway, those are the three main projects in my life right now. I'm also gearing up for the end of the school year (1.5 weeks left), English Camp and the Boryeong Mud Festival - a riot in the mud that will occur this weekend at the beach. Fun times! ^o^

Mmk. I always sign out with pictures and I definitely have a months supply to post. I'll pick and choose. Enjoy!

Korean women eye-shopping in frolick-worthy sundresses.


Super shades and leggings.


Taxi Queens in Seoul City

The next few are from a series of photos I took inside of a cute little clothing boutique around the corner (literally) from my apartment. Lalala

















More photos later. Perhaps it'll be a photo-only update when I see you next.
Cheers, Wendy City.

PS. Sorry for all the typos. I dare not re-read this post.

She was praying for something to happen to her.

Hello, hello! It's Saturday here and a peaceful one, at that. I've had the day to myself since David decided to hang out with his Canadian comrade. They went to "shoot some hoops" at Hanam city hall and then to Itaewon to watch a hockey game with some other Canadians. I can't believe how sporty he is today!

Anyhow, all this time to myself has given me adequate time to do something I've been meaning to do for a while now. I finally started a website/blog that features DIY goodies from all over the internet. I've decided to update it every 2-3 days (probably more at first to get it going) and I'm going to include interviews with DIY queens, essays/poems/etc. from the public and then themed updates. For example, my most recent update is called 'Bird of a Feather' and all the DIY goods are all bird-related. Please, please check it out and tell your friends. I'd like it to pick up sooner rather than later. I promise it will be something quite extraordinary!

The actual URL is http://www.hellowendysgems.com and there is a picture for linking on the right side of this blog as well as on the actual website.

I don't have a whole lot to say in this update. I wanted to include a video of my students from yesterday. Yesterday was our school's English Song/Chant/Skit/Speech contest and I recorded a few performances. The following is my favorite and is of my dear, dear 3rd graders! They are my pride and joy. Hope you like it!

Mmk, that's all for now. I know it's a short update. More later! :D

with that breathless charm

Oh my goodness! I have so much to say that I can't figure out where to start! After all, it's been nearly a month since I last took the time to type out my thoughts, feelings, lamentations and happenings! ~.^*

Let's see, Let's see. I'll start at the very beginning. I left off on mid-May and had just reported on my dreadful case of tonsillitis! I sounded like a heavy duty smoker, or at least someone who had been doing a lot of yelling. Perhaps all my attempts to shout over excited children finally caught up with me? Or maybe it was the Asian yellow dust that settled in my throat (and all my belongings ^^...). Who knows. At any rate, I sound healthy and happy again, so that's good.

Hrm, I also mentioned that we would be leaving South Korea in August, not September. Well, that too has changed, m'dears! We weighed our options and after much consideration decided that it would be best to stay in good old South Korea for one additional month. It was a matter of money and I'm glad we're doing it. It's going to be so strange living Stateside again. I fear that I won't know what to do with myself -- perhaps everything will be too easy? Perhaps I'll miss my kiddos? I wonder if they'll even remember me in a few years. I hope I made even a little impact. That makes me thing of a story:

About a week ago I was closing up a 5th grade class and sending all the students out the door. One student, who I'm sure is slightly off mentally, was upset because two boys were teasing her, taking her books and poking. As the adult figure I rushed to her rescue, of course. I gave her the biggest hug (because I really can't resist hugging all my students anymore - that's another story though) and turned to her and said (with my biggest smile), "How are you?" I watched her little teary face transform into the most genuine, happiest smile and she said, "Happy!" That, my friends, shows that even a hug and a "How are you?" can make a big difference in someone's day.

And about the hugging story, I finally decided that I can no longer hold back the unyielding urge to hug my students. At first I thought this may be interpreted as creepy or "yuk, girl germs," but everyone is happy all around when hugs take place! So if I see a cute little student walking the hallways I have no hesitations giving them a giant, happy hug! The rest of the world should follow suit, I think. *^^*

Anyway, in other news: Last week we had four visitors to South Korea. I hope they enjoyed their visit -- we put in a lot of effort and tried to be gracious hosts. Now they're off to Japan where I hope they are devouring lots of delicious sushi! Also, last weekend was a foreigner picnic in Olympic Park and they were able to join us. It was one of the best times I've had since being in Korea. Water guns, frisbee, picnic food and lots of laughing! I think it will become habit this summer. Olympic Park Picnic Time!

Lastly, before I post a gob of photos, I would just like to share that David and I decided to tag on four days in BEIJING to our summer holiday. We'll be in Tokyo for 4 days beginning July 21st, then 3 days in Osaka/Kyoto, then 4 days in Beijing. More details on that one to come.

On to photos:

Mmm...summer food!


Thea (from South Africa) and Nikki (from Canada) look so picnic-ready!




Dana bravely wondered over to the ajjumas who were looking for four-leaf clovers (cute)!






Clare (from Australia) means business.


I look like the plague struck me. Really it's just exhaustion!


summer.

Later that night....


Free hugs were offered in Gangnam


We partook


Then we went to Dr. Fish (where the fish eat your dead skin off your feet).



This warranted a few reactions







And last (but surely not the least), we took sticker pictures, too. This one was my favorite because it highlight Amanda (our recent Franklin College grad -- everyone who visited all went to FC--) and a strange headless creature who must have recently had a bowel movement.



Cheers, mates!
Wendy City

i wonder how often that happens

Anyeonghaseyo! ^^*

It's a rainy Saturday night here and I've crossed off so many things on my to-do list. "Update blog" is literally the last thing to put a line through so here I am, blogging. This past week has been pretty low key, aside from the fact that I managed to get tonsillitis which wasn't fun. I started feeling scratchy on Sunday and then by Tuesday I was feeling super sickly. Luckily, I didn't have classes on Wednesday so I just took it easy at my desk. Afterward my adviser took me to the doctor. A few things about that:

1.) First of all, they asked for my weight and I had no idea what my weight is in kilograms. So I needed to go weigh myself. Anyway, the scale was in the lobby (yes, in the lobby) where 20 people were waiting. And it wasn't one of those scales where you look down and see a number, it was the kind that displayed the number in big, red, digital clock letters toward everyone sitting down. Seriously, an lol moment. Koreans, Koreans, Koreans. At least I now know my kilogram weight (so do 20 others).

2.) Um, Korean health care is awesome. I have health insurance here, but even if I didn't the cost would be considerably less than USA prices. It's because Korea has a governmental health care program that everyone must contribute to if they work. It comes out of your paycheck (my school covers mine, but it's only 4 or 5%) and makes health care affordable for everyone. Anyway, my doctor visit was 3500 won (About $3) and I had a prescription for 36 pills (4 different kinds of pills to be taken after every meal for 3 days) and it cost 2700 won (About $2.25). My entire medical fees were under $6.

I think the US should adopt universal health care - can you imagine how much people would save if they didn't have such costly medical bills? I mean, for giving birth, for vaccinations, for a common cold.

Anyway, while my adviser and I were waiting at the doctor's office (they call them all "hospitals") we were talking. To make a long story short, she told me that David and I could go home 1 month early. I'll explain a bit: David and I were delayed in coming to Korea by 3 weeks because it took forever to get our visa's. As a result, I started 3 weeks after the new semester started. My school wants the new contract to begin at the beginning of the semester (September 1st). So, after we go to Japan from July 21-28, I have a week off and then begin summer camp which last for 2 weeks. Then I go home on or around August 21st.

Honestly, I'm very excited. Don't get me wrong - I love Korea so much and I will miss it dearly. But when you haven't seen your friends and family in 8 months, seeing them 1 month earlier makes a huge difference. It will also make things easier for last minute wedding plans.

So, we now have 3 short months left in Koreaville that I know will fly by. We're already beginning to talk in "We should do this before we leave" sentences. :D

Okay, enough verboseness. I have a bunch of random pictures that I haven't posted but want to share. They're from the past few months, so enjoy!

Delicious and cute cow cookie from Himond Bakery (the one I always rave about).


Whatsdis?




Bath time.

The rest of these photos are from about a month ago. It was a "house warning" party for Dante who just moved to Hanam! ;D It's always so fun to go to parties/events with foreigners because everyone is so diverse.

Literally, people from South Africa, Canada, Australia, Hawaii, California, England, London...all in one room. And the funniest part: These people from all across the world are the people who I feel are the most like me here in Korea.

The man of the hour is the one holding a Miller Lite.




Vodka is expensive to come by in Korea. Soju, the green bottle with Korean on it, is cheap and plentiful. Too bad it tastes like acetone! That bottle was about $2, though.


Alphabet fridge magnets = cheap entertainment.




Coveted fridge shot.

Okay, one more picture to complete my "random, outdated photos" post. This is a take-out Japanese dinner from a place down the street. Everything you see was less than $10 and very delicious. Yummmm!




Mmk. Peace!
Wendy

i'm wondering if you read that story too

For the past week or so I keep having these random bouts of what I like to call "whoa" moments. I don't know how to explain it, really. But for me, a "whoa" moment is when you're fully cognizant of what you're doing and making observations about what you're doing while you're doing your doings (ha!). For example, I'll be teaching or talking and all of a sudden I become fully aware of the fact that I'm talking. Does that confuse you?

Anyway... I always feel like saying "whoa" after one of those experiences. Especially when I realize that I live in South Korea. So weird. It's been nearly 8 months since we moved to "The Sparkling," but it still feels crazy to be here.

Eight months. That means we have a little over 4 months until we head home. I know 4 months may sounds like a lot, but the time is flying by so quickly and we have so much to look forward to while we're still here. For example, we have visitors at the beginning of June which will be exciting. And then in July we're going to Japan for a week which will be so much fun. We're also planning our wedding (going so well, by the way) and my summer vacation is fastly approaching.

Speaking of our July trip to Japan land, we've purchased airline tickets and will fly to Narita airport July 21 and get back to Seoul on July 28. We're staying in Tokyo for 4 days and then going to Osaka/Kyoto and possibly Hiroshima. We've already booked our hostel for Tokyo (Khao San Ninja - a winner!) and now we're thinking about a capsule hotel for Osaka. Like I said, so much to look forward to.

Oh, in the last few posts I've referred to a field trip that I went on with the 3rd graders. We went to a traditional Korean folk village that was tucked away from the city and so beautiful. It was a cold, rainy day but the clouds created a silvery light that made some of my pictures appear so soft and beautiful. I was very pleased with how they turned out, especially since I expected them to be a little murky. Let me share:

What a pretty smile.


Checking out the architecture.


Making straw baskets.


"Wendy teacher!"




One of my favorites. If you look at the large version you can see all the rain zooming to Earth.


Say, "Kimchi!"


Umbrellas


White sky, tiny children.


So cute!


Oh, spring.


Technology


Lunchtime. Everyone had gimbap!


Charm


Shoes off.


Pretty


Leaving.

Adieu!
Wendy City

i would have whispered all the things i can't tell you now

I cannot tell you how much my hiatus from blogging has overwhelmed me with guilt. Dear, dear readers - forgive?

The honest to goodness truth is that I've been very preoccupied. You see, now that it's warmer outside, I've found that I'm more inspired to walk about and explore. For example, yesterday David and I ventured into Seoul to have a Western-ized lunch (Wolfhound again, for David's late birthday meal) and then went to Myeong-Dong, a district that is renowned for its shopping.

Seriously, they have the biggest Forever 21 store my eyes have ever beheld. I turned the corner and all I saw was the beautiful serif-script accompanied by three very large stories of merchandise. Bliss! I bought a pretty pink bubble hem dress and a black and white, super long tank top. David bought a white shirt. :)

Told you so!

And some pictures from the street...

After Myeong-Dong we met up with Julia and Nathan to check out the Lotus Lantern Festival happenings at Jogyesa Temple near Jonggak Station. The festival took place in honor of Buddha's birthday (Saturday May 2nd, thus my 5-day-weekend vacay) and it was a really interesting event. Many Koreans were dressed in hanbok, the traditional Korean garb, and everyone was chanting a song, lighting incense and bowing to Buddha. The whole city is decked out in colorful lanterns. A very beautiful sight. ^^*

Later that evening, after some delicious bibimbap, we went to the cheongaechung (man made river, like the Indianapolis canal) to see the lit up lanterns there. There was live music and it was so beautiful!



I have quite a few more pictures from a few weeks ago (field trip with 3rd graders and a housewarming party, plus a few misc. shots). Hopefully I can get those up here soon! ^^* In the meantime, enjoy!

Wendy

It seemed like rainbows would appear; Whenever you came near the clouds would disappear

Hello! Happy Sunday, lass!

Not much to talk about, really. This weekend was really nice and I'm sad to see it's over. However, things should be pretty easy this week in terms of teaching and class load. Monday I'm going on a "picnic" (aka field trip) with all the third graders which should be a blast. It's supposed to rain but I'll make the most of it! ^^* I think I'll bring my video recorder.

Ooh, I've been reminiscing old music lately. I recall hours upon hours singing (and ahem...dancing) in the privacy of my own room to the best music. Get Up Kids, Saves the Day, Death Cab, Travis, and, of course, a little Garbage. Hence the inspiration behind the title of this blog. The song is about a mega-sexy cross dresser. Ooh lala!

Anyhow, I have a few pictures to post from yesterday. David and I hopped on the 30-5 bus from Hanam to Jamsil in order to check out world-famous Olympic Park, Seoul. The weather was ideal: A crisp 70s, wispy clouds dancing high above and lots of sunshine casting happy rays toward Earth. That's what you call weather-bliss. Many a photo op--and tasty dinner--later, we wrapped up our trip and headed back home. In pictures:

This guy is so friendly. He has bright yellow hair (obvious). I'm sure it's so that he matches the fruit that he sells. ^^*


Interesting style!


Pretty Seoul!




David.


Lovely color palette: Pink white and green


bzzzzzzz...


Thumbs up!


City life


Party at Olympic Park!


Olympic Park, Seoul


Ajuma's hard at work!


Such a busy day!




Cute couples!


We did enjoy some starbucks. It tastes (and smells) the same as home!




Giant Kimchi pot!


Dalki!

This girl was so cute!


!!!


Oh, hello!


Korean's have a strange fixation with all-things fecal.


My hair is so long!


David took my senior picture.




DDong bus, peace out!


I know it's disgusting but we couldn't help ourselves.

Okay. After all that fecal fun, we decided it was time to head back home. Along the way we came across Covent Garden. Needless to say, we were lured in by its laid back, colorful vibe. Plus it smelled delicious! We enjoyed the ambiance. It's one of those places that becomes your "regular go-to" place, I think. Sort of like Jockamo's in Irvington or Elbow Room on Pennsylvania Street in Indy.




The colors remind me of Thailand, but the food was very Italian!


The breeze was so, so lovely!


Really - how quaint? I think a review is in order for miseducated.


Dinner served! I had mare spaghetti in a tomato sauce. It had lots of seafood. David had an alfredo spaghetti that came with a side of caviar (the small plate with orange stuff) to mix in. Yum!

Aufiderzein, my friends!
Wendy City

I remember when the days were long and the nights when the living room was on the lawn.

Hi Hi Hi. Zoom Zoom Zoom. This week went by so fast!

I can hardly believe it's the end of the week already. I really don't even remember what happened over the last 5 days - it's pretty insane! I can say, however, that I've accomplished a lot which is always a good feeling.

Let's see...what did I accomplish. Well, I successfully planned my lessons for the next several weeks (hoorah!) and David and I made major strides in wedding stuff. We are nearly finished registering for gifts which was a fun process! It would have been nice to go to the actual store, but there was something pleasant about sitting at home, snacking on popcorn and hollering, "register for that thing!" whenever we saw something that caught our eye.

See for yourself: Target and Kohls. ^^*

Hrm. While I'm on the subject of wedding nonsense, I'll share a few other things:

Bridesmaid's dresses

Also, the favors are going to be oh-so-adorable! I'm putting them together myself and buying the individual items. Small gift boxes (sturdy boxes the color of a paper bag) with a dabble of paper grass. Resting neatly inside will be 2 organic tea bags -- rosehips and chai -- and 2 cinnamon sticks. (I'm still contemplating on whether or not I want to add tea cookies.)

I'll tie them up with sweet satin ribbon, some the color of the bridesmaids dresses, others a burnt orange. To top it off, I'm having thank-you labels made with the date.

Ooh, and I've begun to work on the ceremony details and programs now. My sister will sing a piece (click here to hear some of her great work) and so will my Aunt Grace, who has a voice more like my own (classical). We'll have both a harpist and pianist. Really, it's so exciting! ^^

Anyway, in other news, I've decided that after I return to Indiana (in 5 months), I will begin a freelance journalism career. Over the past 4 months or so I've researched clients and applied for freelancing gigs at various places. Some are great, some are okay, some nothing to brag about.

However, I was recently hired by an organization that offers freelance writing assignments on a variety of topics. It pays quite well for the amount of time I would spend writing. Honestly, it's enough dinero to be considered part-time and will allow me to work on my book as well as other writing assignments. It's nice to know that I have a dependable source of income and it gives me a lot of flexibility, as well. I'm very excited to see where things go over the next year. Who knows!

Mmk, enough jabber. I have some photographs from last week. I took them on my day off -- the weather was perfect!

Where's the kitty?




my favorite


Hi David!




A student happy to see me!


Flower shop!






oh spring!


another favorite.


street food. yum!


these little trucks drive around with fruit in the back. people love fruit from trucks!


!!

Later!
Wendy City

PS. I changed the banner at the top. You like it?

Powerful moments aren't necessarily somber ones

Hello, hello!

Quick update from this little Wendy Bird. First things, first: New articles up on Miseducated.net. Check them out, darling:

Peruse, freely. ^^

Secondly, I like to watch my "live feed" on here to see where my visitors come from and how often they drop by! It's been cool to watch my audience grow, and I noticed something the other day: 57% of my visitors are from the USA. The other 43% are from outside of the US. How cool! :)

Anywho, it's currently Wednesday, 73 degrees Fahrenheit and oh-so-sunny! Today's a holiday so I get a little time to myself which I've already taken full advantage of. Highlighted my hair, painted on some baby pink shadow and now I think I'll visit the coffee shop down the street. Isn't it lovely how a nice day improves ones mood?

I want to post a few pictures from this past weekend before I head out. Enjoy!

Glad to meet you, spring!


Goguma!


Gecko Garden in Itaewon, Seoul


Try a new angle!


The Coffee Bean! One of my favorites. Right above it is the hair salon I go to.


Bootleggers setting up shop.


Cute friends! ^^*


Fashionista's in the city!

Mmk, finished. Have a snazzy day!
Wendy City

everybody wants to be in love for real

Bonjour! Happy Sunday, to you!

Things are wonderful in SK land. The weekend felt a bit longer than it has over the past month, giving me more opportunities to indulge in responsibility-free time. Friday night David and I met up with a new Hanam foreigner named Dante who hails from Milwaukee. We enjoyed Japanese cuisine down the street and then made ourselves comfortable at a local bar called "Livebench." We were serenaded by an friendly Asian man who referred to himself as the Korean Eric Clapton on a regular basis. Before his picture was taken he insisted on washing his face. It also must be noted that his English was spectacular. According to him it's a result of all the English songs he knows by heart (approximately 2-3000)!

Saturday I ventured to Yangjae district in Seoul for voice lessons, got my hair cut at Green Turtle Salon in Itaewon -- picture below -- and then David and I had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant called "Gecko Garden." We devoured calamari appetizers and then I worked through a spicy seafood spaghetti dish (where I reluctantly encountered nameless sea creatures that, by the way, did not enter my oral cavity).

New hair. David hates my frilly thing. So does Amy.

Spring is so nice! There are so many more options for weekend fun! We've got some plans to go to Seoul Spring festival and a big Mud festival among other things! Oh, and we've begun planning our trip to Japanese territory! We're thinking about at least 4 days in Tokyo and then venturing out into more rural, historic areas. David and I are also expecting guests in June which will yield good times, too! So much to look forward to!

Anyway, before they get too outdated, I want to share some pictures from last weekend. To recapitulate, we perused the streets of Gangnam district in Seoul with Julia and Nathan. We ate yummy Indian food, enjoyed a hookah and then did a little norebong (Korean karaoke).

Pretty chairs at Bindya Indian restaurant (Gangnam)




My handsome prince (사랑해)!




The Norebong we went to (big white/gold building)


Flashing neon lights inside our little nore bubble.


A really awful picture of David and me. But it provides proof of our participation. David even sang a line of music: "Come on Barbie, let's go party."


Nathan giving it his all. I believe this was the Spice Girls. Oh wait, that's wrong.


After nore last weekend, David and I decided to (attempted/mission failed) take a bus home instead of the subway and happened upon these crazy "digital picture" booths. They are right on the street and you push a button, it counts down and takes your photo. Then you add pictures/text/whatever and email it to yourself!


Our finished product.

Those are all the words I choose to expel for now.
<3, Wendy City