leave me your stardust to remember you by

It's been quite a while since I updated so prepare for a bohemoth of an update full of eclectic goodness. You should be very excited at this point.

Mmk, I feel okay beginning. I'll go in according to how things passed. It only makes sense, right? First things first: I opened an ETSY shoppe for my photography. It was really only a matter of time. I'm going to give it a go for a few months to see if I can be prosperous at all. Right now I have mostly whimsical, fun photography. I think I'll add some of my travel photography in the coming weeks to see how they do. It's hard to decide how to price your items and whatnot so I'm playing with things a bit. In the meantime, check it out - please? ^^

Let's see...what happened next. Well, I suppose that'd be Christmas, right? David and I had 3 Christmas's - one at my parents, one at his parents and one with my extended family in Indianapolis. I cannot express how grateful I was to spend all the holidays in the states this year. I really enjoyed Korea but there's something that gives me warm and fuzzy feelings when I'm with my family lapping up good times. Proof:

My daddy. My mom's cat had kittens and they were so adorable. This is a photo of Dad holding one.


Are you dead yet?

and...

zee mama

Here are a few snaps from the big dinner with my extended family. It was a beautiful display of food, love and happiness (and I say that with utmost sincerity)! My family is wonderful. There were tears, laughs, annoyances and everything else you'd expect at a Christmas dinner!


The dinner table.


Mmm...the plates and silver anticipating salmon, ham and roast beef among other tasty side dishes!


A wintry wonderland outdoors made us feel warm and safe indoors.




Uncle, Sister and Grandma


Exchanging presents


Handsome brother on the right.

Mmk, so we all know what glorious holiday falls after Christmas, right? Why, it's New Years Eve/Day - and this year was a biggun:2010! Can you handle the fact that it's 2010? What were you doing 10 years ago? How has your life changed? Did you think you'd be here, now, doing what you're doing? I recall 2000 very well (I was in Phoenix, AZ preparing for the world to end) and a mere 14 years old.

So, the year 2010 deserves a more grandiose celebration. That's why I headed to the colorful and diverse New York City. It was actually the first time I'd ever been there and I had an absolute blast. Amy-roo has friends there and so we stayed with them (Urara and Koichi). Amy described them perfectly: little sprites. They're both from Japan and have lived here for 10 and 5 years, respectively. I think I fell in love with them both! We explored all parts of NYC, I caught up with Lauren O. met new and wonderful people and ate some wonderfully tasty food! In photos (of course):


Urara -- I love this photo of her! So happy.


I got off my plane, took a cab to Brooklyn and then we all ventured to Manhattan within an hour of my arrival! The first place we ventured to was Korea Town (how appropriate)!


It was so comforting to hear Korean/see Hangul all around me. I loved NYC for its impressive diversity.


A cute Korean grocery store where a kitty was roaming around. Can you find it?


We did venture to MOOD, the fabric store that all the designers go to on Project Runway! It was so bizarre!




Flashy Times Square




My favorite photo <3

Everyone knows it's Wendy.


Rockefeller Tree


Goofing off in Saks on 5th Avenue


A tasty German pub in Williamsburg district of Brooklyn. Yummy food!



Breakfast with Urara and Koichi in their apartment


A better view of their apartment (which was uber charming, btw).


Outside view of their apartment!


NYE night, preparing dinner. We had a group of people over and ate a traditional Japanese NYE meal. Very memorable evening. ^^*


Dinner is served:






Preparty fun:



Happy gang? I think so.

NEW YEARS DAY....

Traditional Japanese New Years Day meal! My tastebuds were very happy.


Magnolia Cupcake Bakery in Manhattan




Traditional Southern Meal cooked up by Amy (her family used to make it)! Everyone and their New years traditions...we didn't have any (except to take down the tree)!


Lauren and I. We ate at a tasty, trendy restaurant in the meatpacking district, had coffee and then I visited her apartment and chatted.


Pretty Central Park. I love seeing the city peeking through the bare trees.


Can you tell how cold it was? I got a pretzel and it turned into an icecube 3 minutes later!! :) haha

Mmk, now that I've overwhelmed you with photos I think I'll call it a night. G'night, dear!
Wendy City

The Sky is Overspread with Cloudy

Bonjour. There are two cats in our life these days. This past weekend I went back to Middlebury (my hometown) to pick up Lamia from David's parents house. His parents were watching Lamia while we were living abroad and it's high time we brought her back to our humble quarters. Goguma is about as pissed as can be and Lamia already peed outside of the litter box. I pray hope they turn into cheery chaps instead of maintaining the status of selfish, onery boogers. There is enough Wendy/David love to go around.

In other news, David and I went to get a Christmas tree today. I used that as a motivator to get my work done early! ^v^ It's a real live Christmas tree and the first one we ever purchased together. We played William Hung's "Hung for the Holidays" (well, David did...much to my chagrin) and had the song "Baby and Jesus Santa Claus" on repeat for a solid 15 minutes. Then we swtiched to Yo-Yo-Ma. I love Yo-Yo! We decided to do twinkly white lights with vintage, glittery gold bulbs I found at the flea market for .95c (totally circa 1960s). Atop that 6'5'' sucker is a silver, heavy angel from Global Gifts, a gift from my Grandma in 2006 (we get Christmas ornaments yearly). The end result:

Hmm...what else can I tell you? Well, I decided to start up "Wendy's Gems" again! It's just a site that features random goodies I find on the internet, usually from Etsy or something similar. It's just a side hobby that gives me an excuse to window shop. ^*^ Take a peeksy, if you feel so inclined.

Last, but definitely not least, I wanted to share some photos from our recent road trip. David, Amy and I drove a very long 12 hours to Kansas to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family. You see, my family typically does nothing for Thanksgiving (though on the year I decided to head to another state they threw a big shebang!). It was so much fun learning about and exploring Amy's hometown. She lives about 15 minutes away from Wichita so we spent a day there, as well! Photos from the festivities:

We hit St. Louis along the way. I didn't realize it was only 4 hours away from Indy.


Did I mention that Lilly--a big-hairy and lovable canine--came with us?

I loved the flat landscapes of Kansas. It seemed like the sky never ended.

In Wichita we visited a large antique store.


Ain't she purty?


We found all kinds of thrilling goodies.


Including a giant, stuffed elk!


Don't worry -- it was only $10,000!


We walked around the streets of OldTown, Wichita


And ate some delicious grub @ the brewery. Veggie burger for me!



We also went to Old Town theater to see A Christmas Carol (which, by the way, is totally not for children. But the movie did change Amy's life)! The theater was super rad because you pushed a button on your theater seat and then someone came to take your order. I had a Sex on the Beach + popcorn and David and Amy shared a pitcher of beer.

'Til then, penguin.
Wendy City

ebbing and flowing and pushed by a breeze

Today is a really lazy Saturday. That's to be expected. After all, it's Saturday, m'dears. I kind of just feel like writing about nonsense all day long. I should probably write about things that make sense though. I need to earn my paycheck, you see.

Anyhow, a lot has gone down since I last updated. David and I watched our 1 month anniversary of the wedding shenanigan come and go this week. Can you believe it? I can hardly comprehend it. Although the wedding was so much fun and I would do it again in a jiffypop, you better believe I am relieved to have all that planning out of the way! And the stress over the forecast was becoming too much to bare! We should have all the photos from the photographers, soon. I'll post more photos for those who have asked! I got so man kind messages from others planning their own weddings who decided to drop by and see the end result of mine and David's. So, utterly sweet!

But let's see...since this is primarily a photo blog, I suppose I should update you with some things that have happened. My handy dandy camera has been by my side (uh...der!) this whole time I haven't been updating. Lucky, you! Please forgive me for going back in time quite a ways. I have some fun pictures that I just have to share. Let's start with Halloween (only my most favorite holiday ever. EVER.)

I was a deviled egg.

Amy was Zorro/Zorra


David was Zombie Kerfoot

We went to Jayson with a Y's apartment for a snazzy dance party. Fun ensued:

The Robot made an appearance






Exhausted at 4:30 am

The following day we hit up the Irvington Halloween Festival for good times.

I met a real live party animal


And heard real live music


Twice!


And then I encountered a real live headless horseman


David took his mask off to reveal his real self: A crying baby


And I discovered the cutest costume(s) ever.

Let's fast forward a few weeks to LAST weekend. David's brother, Adam, came down to Indianapolis from Goshen to hang out. We went to the Casino on Friday (where I learned you cannot take pictures! darn!) and then hit Bloomington, Indiana to shop/eat on Saturday. That night I beat everyone in poker. I will brag about that for a very long time to come. Again: I beat everyone in poker. Thanks.

A cute cafe in Bloomington


Outside the cafe


Pretty accessories. Love.


The weather was obviously perfect.


We ate at the Irish Lion, established in the mid 1800s and very, very cool.


Beer was had by beer drinkers.


Junk food + poker. Look at all my poker chips!

CONCLUSION:

Mint chocolate baileys + skim milk over heart shaped ice cubes! Yum!

Later skater,
Wendy City

Keep me warm in your love

I can't believe that the wedding was a week ago already. I must say, my nerves are more calm and I'm basking in the glow of that newlywed feeling.

So many people have been emailing/calling/messaging about pictures and so I thought I'd give you all a little sneak peak. These are from the wonderful photographer's proof page. All brides, no matter where you're located, should consider hiring AMANDA FALES of AmandaFales.com. Her and her husband, Andy, make a remarkable (and professional) team. Amanda and I went to the same college and my freshmen year we lived across the hall from one another! I still own some of the things she gave away at the end of the year!! :) Crazy how time flies.

Here are a few photos. Enjoy! :)

We held the wedding at Indianapolis' historic Benton House. It was built in 1873 on a charming, wooded lot by Mr. Benton, the founder of Butler University. I loved it for its vintage, Victorian qualities. You'll see:












The rings

David and I decided to do all our wedding photos before the actual ceremony. I got ready at our apartment and he got ready at The Benton House. Here is the moment after our "first meeting." Aw.



We enjoyed some quiet moments to ourselves.




I just love my expression there!


Steamy!



You can see my bouquet a bit in that photo. I absolutely loved it. Miranda at Bloomz in Indianapolis did a fabulous job with my requests and had lots of great ideas. Here's a zoomer:




There were so many portraits Amanda did with me. I really like how this one turned out!


And look at those shoes! People flipped when I told them my shoes were purple, but they totally go, right?


The wedding party was fantastic!


So handsome!


And there we all are.


Let's move on to the actual ceremony, held at Shalom Mennonite Church.


Whoa stained glass!


My grandmother maid the pew decorations.


I designed the programs. Thank God for InDesign for brides on a budget! :)


Me getting ready to walk with Mommy and Daddy. I sobbed like a crazy fool!


Pretty church.


The crowd got a few shots, too! ^^


My cousin, a bridesmaid, read from Song of Songs.


My Aunt Grace sang "Caro Mio Ben."


My sister sang "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."

And then it was over! :D


A congratulatory hug from my dearest professor from college, Hank Nuwer!

A few details from the reception (I had another photographer shoot the reception and am waiting on those. We had a live string trio, wine and desserts)!




My grandmother (who used to be a florist) also designed the centerpieces. The eating took place in a tent outside of the Benton House.


Tent!

More later. :)
<3,>

if you'll be my star I'll be your sky, I live to let you shine

My dears, I apologize for the hiatus. America has turned me into a slacker. Well, not really. I've just been engrossed in wedding planning details, readjusting my life to the USA lifestyle and all that nonsense. But here I am, purple-clad with a mess of hair plopped on my head. Happy Monday. ^o^

Let's see, what's going on in my life these days. The most obvious answer to that question is: the wedding. I cannot believe it's encroaching so quickly. Saturday...Saturday, folks! Wow. I've checked the forecast rather compulsively over the past two weeks. There were a few days where I melted into a pitiful puddle of depression over "80% chance of rain and high of 44 degrees." But now, dearies, the forecast is only 5 days out and calls for a day full of sunshine with a high in the mid 50s. Still a bit chilly, but the sun will warm up the tent, me-thinks. And, if everything fails then I'll move things into The Benton House and we'll make due. I'd hate to put that $1400 tent to waste, though. Weddings are expensive, friends.

Well, instead of posting pictures of wedding details (let's wait until after the nuptials, mmk?), I thought it'd be nice to show you all my Indiana abode. We live in Irvington, an East-Side district of Indianapolis that can be described as quirky small town meets haunted historic neighborhood. David and I live on a quiet, cobblestone street in a duplex apartment/house. Hardwood floors, fire place, quaint and lovely. We've still got a bit of decorating to do (and have actually done some since the photos were taken).

In pictures:

What a pretty number


Autumn-blue sky


Our street


Across the street.


Furniture on our porch (which will be Halloween clad after the wedding)


We let Goguma play outside sometimes (with supervision, of course!)


She's made one friend already...a calico mix we call Bubbles


Goguma loves the windows


She is our spoiled little princess.

The living room. We had our first fire with Amy a few days after we moved in. S'Mores and Hot apple cider + rum.






The bedroom


Bedroom...!


I created these while in College. All you do is go to the local flea market or antique store and purchase some pretty sheet music. Buy a frame that will fit them (these frames push the picture all the way against the glass) and then hang 'em up. Simple!


Bedroom...reading nook.


Kitchen-times.


More kitchen. The painting on the top left is my first-ever color painting! A work of art (haha!).


Really long hallway. Goguma, David and I run back and forth at night. We just love all that space!! ^b^


Hallway closet houses cosmetics, toiletries, towels, blankets and a few clothing articles.


Bathroom...Where's Goguma?


"Office" this room is just awful. We need computer chairs and plan to put a high kitchen table up on the opposite side...perhaps a rug on the floor.


My car...David's is right behind it. It feels wonderful to drive again. It's like a pair of wings.


There she is. Her name is "Meow."

That's all. Wendy City signing out, from the Indy-City.

and this is all that's left, scraping paper to document, it's time to move on

Welp. Here we are. The night before David and I depart for good ol' America. It's a bittersweet feeling, but I think I'm ready ready ready to go.

Goguma, the sweet little thing, is totally weirded out. She's looking around the vacant apartment, sniffing the suitcases and looking at me half inquisitively, half-disapproving. This is her home. But I'm sure that she'll love Naptown. There's lots of handsome felines roaming the streets on our block. Aw, our pretty block with cobblestone roads and shady trees. I can't wait to tend to our little garden. I know it's getting cold but perhaps I can grow at least one thing? We'll see.

I can't wait to arrange all the furniture, gather some firewood and start a fire in the fireplace (which David and I haven't done yet in our apartment!). And the wedding is so soon -- I'm viewing it as more of a welcome home party. I think I'll put together a slideshow and some other things to reflect our travels together. David, that good looking bugger, and I have had a wild year.

Anyway, as I said, it's a bittersweet feeling leaving Korea. I know that I'm ready to head home now, but I will miss everything that Hanam and Seoul have had to offer. From late night trips to grab kimchi mandu to children screaming our names to the friends we've made who are (quite literally) from all over the globe. It's especially sad to say goodbye to those people because the likelihood of us all getting together in one place again is quite small. Still, though, David and I have dates planned for Canada, the UK and South Africa. And of course those folks living in the States. Sigh Sigh Sigh.

What a year...

I figured that it'd be more appropriate to post photos that related more to going away. So, here they are. Photos from our going away party and a few other things.

A few phoos from the apartment...

Our refrigerator, full of love from the US.


Check out that rad pink blanket!!


I have grown to love this kimchi-smelling place, but I am looking forward to a more spacious domain! :P


Goguma loves looking outside. :)

Mmk - so for our goodbye party we went to Chicken/Hof and then went to noraebang (karaoke). Afterward we hit Lenny's for what everyone in Hanam calls "Lenny-bang."


David, Dante and Lenny make some noise to kill dead air!


Sing it!


Two South African's and a South Korean (A new sitcom?)


David fell in with this lovable Brit named Lenny Leneghan!


See?




Bertus found a new use for his pants. Kate asked, "How does he push the buttons?" The answer? "That's what friends are for." True statement.




Check out what is in David's hand!


Aw

Off to Lenny's we go.


That is beer. In a bowl. No questions were asked about this.


Hey, it totally works.


Oh god, I'm such a lucky lady.


I just got luckier.


I'm not sure where the hats came from...


But they inspired some American-like yee-haws.


David wanted to punch him all night.


Again...


Nice glasses!


BFFFFF

Okey dokey -- next set of photos. These two are from a lunch David and I had with my co-teacher and adviser on Saturday afternoon. It was a traditional Korean meal with all the side dishes/sit on the floor/etc. The food was outstanding! I will miss Korean food, and my Korean colleagues, for sure.


Yeon Hee, my co-teacher, is on the left. Joy (Mrs. Heo) is on the right.



Last, last last thing! On Saturday night, David, Kate, Gemma and I went to a Korea Hwe (raw fish) restaurant. We ate the traditional Korean meal called "Sannakji," which literally translates into Live (San) Octopus (Nakji). All they do to prepare it is grab the octopus out of the tank, cut its tentacles off and cut it into smaller pieces. Then they place it on a plate with oil/sesame and serve it to you. The catch is that the tentacles are still alive/moving around. They suction onto the plate/your mouth and so you chew it really, really well and then swallow it. There really isn't much taste. You dip it in a red chili pepper paste (the same we used for Chogae Goo-ee, grilled shell fish) which is actually really delicious.

I didn't take photos of it because I figured there'd be more of an impact if there was a video. There are two very short videos. Enjoy!

Take 1


and...

Take 2


So, Korea. I'm out. USA - prepare yourself.
Love, Wendy City

You were blowing kisses and I was waiting in the car

Anyeong, dear hearts. Wow. I'm kind of in state of shock these days. David and I have less than a week left in Korea and I'm beside myself, lost in a chaotic, half-confetti drenched web of glee, fear, confusion, poignancy and obliviousness. I swear to God I can't picture my life back in the United States. I just can't do it...it's so, so strange. What a weird feeling I'm having...oh dear. I say to myself, "Well, maybe I need one more month, a few more weeks, blah blah." But then I know that if that were the case I'd yearn for the day to be closer. And then once it was, I'd have a repeat of this strange feeling. There should be a name for this feeling. I will coin one.

I'm not going to lie, I've been quite emotional recently. It's ridiculous, really. I mean, commercial's are bringing me to tears. And today I went to the teacher's conference, held every Monday, and started getting all weepy in front of all my colleages as a hearty thank you speech spilled from my lungs. Though less than 1/4 probably understood what I was saying, I think the lone tear that filled up the space between my eyelids demonstrated my love for Chunhyun. My school has been so, so good to me. I cannot express how blessed I was to have such a wonderful co-teacher, my friend, and an advisor, my friend and teacher, such great students. Sure, there are a few varments out there, but I love them just as much.

I didn't think I would get so attached to this country, to my students, to this lifestyle. I didn't realize I would break anyone's heart because I was leaving. I came into it all quite bad at teaching, heartbreakingly homesick, nervous, shy and scared. I surprised myself in Korea - I did something I never imagined I would do. And after a few months I did it with gusto and, I dare say, a bit of talent. It was strange to watch my anxiety melt into joy.

So here I am. 6 days away from my long anticipated departure.

Anyway, as promised, here are photos from the one and only Great Wall of China. It was an incredible trip and completely worth the spontaneous vacay to Beijing. I can tell you, after hobbling around the Pyramids on camels, camping out in the Amazon, cuddling next to Tigers in Thailand, hiking Mt. Sinai, seeing the Harajuku girls do their thing in Tokyo...the Great Wall of China surpasses them all in impressiveness. There are few things with such history and beauty that you have the opportunity to climb and walk all over. I'll never forget the long sweaty hike up all those stairs and the cool breeze (and kisses shared with David) in the watch towers of the Mighty Great Wall; the expansive landscape rustling around us. Remarkable. I hope that you can experience even an ounce of the energy we felt while roaming around the ancient landmark. Enjoy:

hola, it's me!


David + beer





















































Finishee, Wendy City

Far, far, there's this little girl

Bonjour. I'm going to keep the text brief in this update because I am so behind in posting photos! Oops. Yesterday David and I went to the Korean DMZ (demilitarized zone). I took photos wherever I was allowed to and I'll post those at a later date. The experience was really cool. We were, in fact, able to see North Korea which was pretty cool.

In other news, today marks exactly 2 weeks until we board the plane to Chicago. In other words, I'll be on American soil two weeks from now. Whoa! :)

Mmk - on to the photos. This next back is from China. I'm going to post a small sampling from The Forbidden City and the Lama Temple and then you can check out the rest at my flickr. Just click the pictures and it'll take you there. I want to post most of the photos I took of the Hutongs, though. I'll explain what they are when I get to the photos!

Anything else to say? Hm...I can't think of anything. Took care of some more wedding things, bought bridesmaid's gifts (so adorable!) and everything for the wedding favors. My card got charged twice for those, though...ugh! :x I have to call and amend that one. Okay, nothing else to say. :)

Photos!

This first batch is from Beijing's famous Forbidden City.

The moat outside of the Forbidden City. So cool! You can see how hazy/polluted it is in Beijing with this photo. Yuck!


Us standing outside of the FC.


Inside of the Forbidden City. So you know, the Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace that served as a city for royalty beginning in the Ming Dynasty and lasting to the end of the Qing Dynasty. If anyone else entered besides those of royal blood, off with their head! :D

*We had our names hand engraved into little stamps. It's kind of touristy but super cool! If you want to be pen pals I'll sign my letter with my chinese name stamp.







Like I said, if you want to see more (and there are plenty), click on one of the photos! :)

The next set is from the Lama Temple, also in Beijing. It was built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty and is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing.




Does David love me?!






This buddha (the Maitreya Buddha) is so rad! It's located in The Pavilion of Infinite Happiness and up until 10-15 years ago it was the biggest Buddha in the world at 26 meters tall (that's about 85 feet, folks)! Here's a photo with David in it to put the height into perspective.







Okay, I also want to include some photos from the Beijing Olympic area. There are only a few. It was actually really cool to see this modernly designed buildings. It was quite hazy the day we went, but what can you do? :)






This is the aquatic center, where Michael Phelps spent most of his time at the 2008 Summer Beijing Olympics. Rad!


This is me in front of the Bird's Nest. This is where the opening ceremony took place and other sports events.



Okay. And this last set of photos (for the blog) are of the Beijing hutongs. Hutong's are the name for Beijing's tiny alleys/streets and are part of what makes the city so unique. People live in these hutongs (and there is food, businesses etc. there, as well) and share a communal bathroom and whatnot. Very interesting place to wander and get a taste of "real Beijing." This hutong was located directly behind our hostel.























Mmk, that's all for now. The next update I'll post pictures from The Great Wall of China (so incredible!) and then after that photos from the DMZ. Until then, dearies.

Wendy City

Every day she writes words and more words

Happy September! I was filled with anticipation and a little bit of shock as I turned the page on (all 4 of) my calendar(s) last night! Two questions: 1- Where did summer go? and 2- Seriously?

It feels so bizarre to see that bright pink circle taking up 3/4 of the space on September 21st. I made that circle months and months and months ago. Seems insane that I'm going to stare at it every day for the next 20 days. AND, I only have 11 more days of teaching left. That's 2 more times teaching each of my classes. I don't know what to do with myself!

Anyway, yesterday I paid a bajillion dollars worth of things for the wedding. At first I was jumping with joy that I finally paid off those "lasts," and then I got sick to my stomach thinking about what else David and I could have done with that money. And then I got really excited again because we're getting married and it's gonna be a big happy coming home party! I finished paying for the tent/chairs/linens/tables/etc. and I put in the last payment for the reception string trio. Then I set aside money for all that wine (winos!), food, hair and makeup.

Really, folks, I think I'm kind of starting to like this whole planning thing. So much so that I may plan a birthday bash or something similar in the future. I love coordinating all the details, thinking about the decorations and outfits. Wee! :)

So far we have about 100 RSVP's and we're waiting to hear back from 90 more people. I'm assuming that a good handful of those folks won't be able to make it because they're out of town or are busy or hate me (just kidding), but I'd be really content with a number in the 110-140 ballpark range. That would be a little under what we were expecting and that'll cut a few costs, too.

***For those who still haven't RSVP'd (the date was Aug. 31), don't worry. Just shoot me or David an email or something to let us know if you are/aren't coming! ^o^

Mmk - onto some photos. I am going to take a quick break from China photos (even though I have so many more to post), and show a few from a few weeks ago. I taught English summer camp and my sweet little kiddos were the cutest things ever. I shot a few class photos and then some while they were playing a "reading game." Enjoy!

I'm getting really poignant placing this series of photos. While I may not know every one of my student's names, each of their faces have made an impact on me. Excuse the weepy captions.



The boy on the left (yellow) said to me, "Oh, teacher, you go home soon?" and I said, "Yes, I go home in September." He got all somber and then said, "Oh teacher. I am very sad. very very."

The student in pink shorts once brought me gotgam, like prunes but made from apricots. I was too afraid to try them and too sentimental to throw them away. They got moldy. :(

The boy in the middle (glasses) is so hyperactive that he puts me into cardiac arrest twice a day. And he is obsessed with the hippo song (like most of my students) and is one of my most enthusiastic dancers.







The boy in the red shirt (back, right) is so bright. He reads non stop (I've even had to confiscate books during my class!!) and knows every answer to my questions. Once David and I ran into him at the grocery store. He said, "Hi teacher!" and I said, "Hello! How are you?" He said, "Not so good." After I asked why he said, "I am very tired." Aw.

The girl hiding her face in the back left goes by the name, "Lisa." She hates having her picture taken most of the time. One time she asked me about lesbians just to get a shock reaction.

The girl in the orange shirt, front, loves to hold my hand and the first time I met her she reached up and felt my face/nose/ears. I believe that was my second week here in Korea.







This class is something else. I suggest clicking on the photo to get a close look. I snapped this right after I said, "Act crazy!!"

Clearly, the boy in the blue, front, is a handful. He's a good student, though. The boy second from the left in the front is one of my favorites (I know I shouldn't have 'em). He lives near David and I and always says, "Hello Wendy teacher!!" One time I walked when the light was red and he told me I was very bad. He and I also coined the term, "Chicken in the kitchen," - a motto used to help them distinguish which was the food, which was the place since they sound so similar.

One more of that class:





There's my little Chicken in the Kitchen!


This lady is full of attitude! But always happy.


This class was ridiculously shy! But once class was over, a group of girls would always stay after and we would listen to K-pop (Korean pop) and they would sing and dance all around the classroom. Pure happiness! They would scuffle out the door and scream, "WENDY I LOVE YOU!"

See? Kids like me! :)



Cheers, city folk.
This is Wendy City saying adieu.

wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Anyeong! Dear diary, things are super duper crazy these days. Not only are the season's changing (love love love), but my life is a changing, too! Twenty four (count 'em) days until I see my loved ones in the USA! This calls for a moment of reminiscing.

Okay this is way ridiculous and cheesy, but a few years ago someone was handing out superlatives about friends and I received the, "Most likely to live abroad," title. I laughed and my eyes did that whole eyebrow furrow that speaks a very loud, "uh, I don't think so, but whatever you say." A few years later and I'm sitting here at 11 months into residing in a foreign country. And I'm really all the better for it.

They say that you learn about yourself when you travel abroad... And while I think that's definitely true in some respects, I think you learn more about other people. At least in my situation that's how it's panned out. Or perhaps I'm just oblivious to any personal changes and I'm like this super shiny new woman now (dubious). But really, looking at my "old lifestyle" and "old friends" and "old problems" from the outside really puts things in perspective. You learn about the people who want to stay in contact and perhaps get a little sad about those who, just maybe, forget about you once your physical proximity has doubled in distance. You learn about just how different you and your country and your peers and elders are in relation to all these other people digging their feet into the soil around our pretty planet.

I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade this year for anything. Nothing. Okay well maybe a pair of Manolo's in every style and a--no. Nope. Nothing. I jumped into the decision to move to Korea way too fast, but it truly worked out for the best. With that said, I am quite eager to see my family and friends. I am looking forward to going to the bank without fretting about someone being able to speak English. I'm looking forward to a little more room in my living quarters. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my friends and family who I haven't seen in a year. I'm looking forward to hopping in my car and driving somewhere, anywhere. I'm looking forward to cheap fruit (and will never pay $5 for a peach). I'm looking forward to more diversity and acceptance of diversity. I'm looking forward to shopping for bra's that fit me. I'm looking forward to house parties with good friends. I'm looking forward to really starting my career. There are so many more!

Naturally, I need to list things I will miss about Korea:

I will miss walking down the street and seeing my students wave and shout "Wendy teacher" and "Wendy boy (aka David)." I will miss cheap sushi around the corner at all hours of the day. I will miss the ease of public transportation. I will miss seeing lots of people wandering the streets. I will miss feeling safe 24/7, even at 3:30am in a dark alley after I've had a little too much Soju (though I will not miss Soju). I will miss fresh, homemade tofu sold for pennies. I will miss not being able to understand people talking. I will miss my really big spacious office. I will miss my co-teacher and advisor who have become dear friends. I will miss free fruit, coffee and sweets from students and colleagues who make a habbit out of giving you things (I've received everything from a giant cake - no reason - to a cup of hot coffee to chocolate from another country to flowers to an apple). I will miss the ease of traveling to another country for super cheap.

Enough soggy nonsense. I'm going to switch gears here pretty drastically. Wedding talk. It's okay to click that "x" at the top.

Anyway, I did another draft of the wedding programs. They are quite different from the ones in the previous post. I decided to do something that matched with the programs more. This is phase 2 of the project so I still have a few more adjustments to make. Perhaps minor, not sure yet. I like the basic design of it though. And printed on a soft linen stock paper these'll be all classy and crap. Photo:

Thoughts?

Other weddings things:

• RSVP's are rolling in now. I've asked that everyone RSVP by the 31st of August, but I did so because I figured there'd be lots of stragglers. I'm still waiting to hear back from quite a few people, but enthralled with those who are coming (even some I didn't expect would be able to make it!)
• I'm still working out ideas for tent decor. If anyone has any ideas, please send me your thoughts. My grandmother (who was a florist and did many weddings) is putting together the centerpieces which are going to be so autumnal and lovely! As for the actual tent decor, I'm thinking of hanging paper lanterns and then making these pom-poms from the woman I worship (Props to Martha)!
• I've got so many appointments scheduled for the week after we return. That first week I have a dress fitting, florist meeting, cake meeting, harpist meeting, hair appointment/makeup run through and wedding shower. David's coming with me to some (aka not the dress fitting or hair) and picking up a bajillion bottles of wine from Oliver Winery.
  
• You don't care.

Mmk, last thing for this bohemoth update. Photos, as promised, from our recent vacation. These are from Beijing and just might be my favorite set. This particular set are shots from around the city, random captures of Beijing life and times.

Our hostel


Eating Chinese food! Mm!




Around the city

We stopped to get some coffee. Cute and delicious.




Then we happened upon this fellow near our hostel. He sold some pretty outrageous things...


Like scorpions on a stick


And larvae on a stick


And, well, you can see for yourself


Mm?



Chinglish?


Pretty building


My ugly Korean samseon slippers broke and David fixed it for me...it was an unfortunate situation.






One of my favorites.








Mao Tse Tung Memorial Hall


His body is still inside...




Guards pushing people back so they could lower the flag.

These next photos are from Wangfungjin Market where they sell the weirdest foods. The surrounding area is considered the heart of Beijing.




Yes, those are testicles. On a stick.


weird!






He screamed, "I love you," just as I took this picture.










Okay, that's all for now. This blog entry keeps growing and growing. I have a bunch more to post from around the city and then I want to do an update from both The Forbidden City, the Lama Temple and then another from THE Great Wall! Soon, soon.

Love, Wendy City