Well all, on Saturday, September 27th at 9:33am (Sept. 26th @ 8:33pm EST), I had a complete meltdown. I computer randomly shut down while I was talking to my mom, I had only had about three hours of sleep, I was sick, lonley, no one seemed to be available when I needed to talk, Kory and I seemed to be not seeing eye to eye, I was frustrated and my computer was "the straw that broke the camal's back." I'm sure my neighbors thought a mad woman lived in their building. I balled up in a corner and scremaed and cried. I just completely shut down and was ready to head for the airport.
I am now hoping that that was my "trough" as it's known in economics. The lowest point or level of output/production. The good thing about a trough is that there is no where to go but up... "peak." Now I can't go directly from trough to peak...I need an "expansion," and that is what I'm going through right now (that macroeconomics class paid off. I'm putting my Hampton education to work! lol). So my expansion is looking pretty good right now. I went out last night with Andrea (one of my co-workers), Christina, one of her co-workers, Sam, someone who trainedwith else, and a host of other people. But I think I would have had a better time if I wasn't so fresh out of my trough. After we went to the COEX, had dinner, and sat and talked at this really nice bar, some people decided to go a club and others headed home. I didn't really feel up to it and didn't have my "club" attire on, but I was talked into going to the club. When we got there, the guy at the door said 20,000 won. What?? I've gotten into clubs for less and got a couple of drinks but at this particular place, the 20,000 got you into 2 clubs and A free drink. Now you know I like to shake my booty, but unfortunately, I had to pass this go-round. And since I haven't gotten paid yet, and probably going to need to go grocery shopping again, I figured I would wait to try it out when I'm in the right mind to party and can pay for a drink. Maybe Kory and I will go if he comes to visit. Speaking of, Kory and I have worked out our misunderstandings. I was upset with him but it was really my computer's fault.
I've been reading my Bible (I kind of skipped from Leviticus to Psalms, but don't worry. I'm gonna backtrack. But I felt as though Psalms and Proverbs is where I need to be right now).
I had some McDonald's and a milkshake (what I was craving for a while) and that also made my day.
I've prepped my lessons for Monday-Wednesday and a little of Friday's and now I'm heating up some chicken (I'm about to turn into a chicken at the rate I'm going with all of my consumption of chicken. I feel like I'm back in Hampton with its 33 different ways to make it) and jammin on my Gospel play list.
Oh, did I tell you I have to work on Christmas and New Years!!!!! I'm so hot. I knew I didn't get holidays off, but I thought that meant we had those days off and would just make up the missed hours. NOT!! So while all of you are gathered around the tree with family, and bringing in the New Year at church, a party, or watching fireworks, I'll be in class. Well, not at midnight, but you know what I mean. No one to kiss under the mistletoe this year. And ain't that a B**** cause I have a boyfriend.
Anywayz, have I told you about my Tuesday/Thursday Memory Mega class?? Well they're 7-9th graders and I just wanna slap the s*** out of them. OMG! All I do is mostly yell. Then my head instructor Janice (who I found out isn't actually the head instructor so I have no idea what her position is) comes in and yells at them and hits some of them. That's right, in Korea, teachers can hit their students (if I did, them little heathens would have black eyes. I wouldn't hit them...I'd fight them). Before I knew this, one of my students was telling me how his teacher hits them. I was thinking "should I report this?? Call child protective services?? But then they all started talking about it, so I figured it must have been the norm, which I later confirmed. But back to the heathen class... they are horrible. I told one of them to go home. I was tired of looking at him and what did he do??? That little monster had the nerve to show up to class on Thursday! UGH!! And the thing is, this is one of my lower level classes. My 2-3rd graders are at a higher level but they are so cute and adorable and well behaved... all but a couple, who cannot be compared to "Satan's seeds" on Tues/Thurs. Go figure...
I've also learned that my kids want to blow up Japan... that's right. They're obviously upset about the Korean War but when they started talking about what they wanted to do to the Japanese, my mouth hit the floor. I had to quickly move on to another topic which wasn't much better. They started to call the kids that they didn't like "North Koreans." Yea... they don't care for North Koreans either. They all want to kill Lee Myung-bak, South Korea's President. Clearly my kids have some built up resentment. And number three on their sniper list... you guessed it... George W Bush! They told me how Bush for some reason wants to personally take out South Korea. I don't blame them. I'd have a pool in that pot as well. And they all love Obama!!! They tell me "Teacher, Obama good, McCain bad!" I wonder if they know about Palin.
Speaking of that pitbull, have you seen her interview with Katie Couric?? Geesh, she is truly a dumb pile of rocks! How do you not now where your running mate stands on some issues. I think she took pieces of her speech and put them together and came out with that BS. I actually feel bad for the republicans... it's not too late to change parties, but if Palin is ever sworn in as President, I don't want to hear how she spent all your money to go drill for oil in Alaska and you are reduced to Section 8. I'll be chillin in someplace other than the U S of A.
And what in the world is going on on Wall Street?? All I know is America is in some deep doodoo. Maybe I'll just have my family pack up and join me in South Korea until the US gets its ISH together.
Well I should be going. My chicken is calling me.
Until Next Time!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Random
So, its 5:30 Saturday morning and I know I should be sleeping because I have to be at school today at 2pm, but I find myself waking up every night, and really not getting a full nights sleep. So I figured I could right. Maybe if I get some things off my chest, I will be able to fall back asleep. So here goes...
Have you ever heard of the movie "Never Been Kissed?" I know I have seen it, but I don't remember the entire plot. It was something about a 30 something year old never being kissed. Well, that's kind of how I feel right now but a little different. Instead of "Never Been Kissed," how I'm feeling is more like "Never Been Hugged." Do you understand? If not, let me explain...
The girl in the movie never knew what is was like to be kissed so she really didn't know what she was missing. However, I know what it feels like to be hugged. Being protected and loved is how I feel when someone I love gives me a hug. Well I haven't been hugged and I dunno, maybe its just all in my head, but I really feel as though something is missing. I haven't given a hug or been hugged since September 5th. Today is the 27th. That's 22 days without feeling the warmth and love of another.
I guess I took it for granted before because there was always someone there to hug or sit under or cuddle with. I'm a person that loves company (only of those who I care for) and doesn't like to be alone for too long, so this experience is very different from what I'm use to. Although I go and hang out with people regularly, when I come home, there's no one here. No one to talk to. No one to ask how my day is, and most importantly, no one to give a hug to when I need one most. Maybe I should have thought about that before I came here. But like I said, I just took them for granted and never thought about what the lack of a hug could do to a person.
I remember being in church one New Year's and someone was up talking and said that people didn't know how much they affected her. When she came to church every week, and she would get hugs from her church members, it would make her not just her day but her week. To know that someone was there if she needed them and cared about her. Now I know that I have people who care for and love me, but not being able to embrace them is kind of affecting me. I talked to a friend earlier in the week about feeling alone and not knowing if this was the right place for me to be. He gave me some Bible verses to read and I must say it did help, and I talked to my mom earlier and she "sent" me a hug. I loved the thought but her cyber hug and reading isn't filling that void that I have.
Am I making sense? I dunno. Maybe because its 5:53 in the morning and I'm still sick (I lost my voice yesterday) and a little groggy so I'm rambling. Maybe you understand. Maybe you don't. But I just know I could really use a hug right about now.
I guess I should try to go back to sleep. Only about four more hours until I have to get up.
Until Next Time...
Have you ever heard of the movie "Never Been Kissed?" I know I have seen it, but I don't remember the entire plot. It was something about a 30 something year old never being kissed. Well, that's kind of how I feel right now but a little different. Instead of "Never Been Kissed," how I'm feeling is more like "Never Been Hugged." Do you understand? If not, let me explain...
The girl in the movie never knew what is was like to be kissed so she really didn't know what she was missing. However, I know what it feels like to be hugged. Being protected and loved is how I feel when someone I love gives me a hug. Well I haven't been hugged and I dunno, maybe its just all in my head, but I really feel as though something is missing. I haven't given a hug or been hugged since September 5th. Today is the 27th. That's 22 days without feeling the warmth and love of another.
I guess I took it for granted before because there was always someone there to hug or sit under or cuddle with. I'm a person that loves company (only of those who I care for) and doesn't like to be alone for too long, so this experience is very different from what I'm use to. Although I go and hang out with people regularly, when I come home, there's no one here. No one to talk to. No one to ask how my day is, and most importantly, no one to give a hug to when I need one most. Maybe I should have thought about that before I came here. But like I said, I just took them for granted and never thought about what the lack of a hug could do to a person.
I remember being in church one New Year's and someone was up talking and said that people didn't know how much they affected her. When she came to church every week, and she would get hugs from her church members, it would make her not just her day but her week. To know that someone was there if she needed them and cared about her. Now I know that I have people who care for and love me, but not being able to embrace them is kind of affecting me. I talked to a friend earlier in the week about feeling alone and not knowing if this was the right place for me to be. He gave me some Bible verses to read and I must say it did help, and I talked to my mom earlier and she "sent" me a hug. I loved the thought but her cyber hug and reading isn't filling that void that I have.
Am I making sense? I dunno. Maybe because its 5:53 in the morning and I'm still sick (I lost my voice yesterday) and a little groggy so I'm rambling. Maybe you understand. Maybe you don't. But I just know I could really use a hug right about now.
I guess I should try to go back to sleep. Only about four more hours until I have to get up.
Until Next Time...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Two Steps Forward and One Step Back
Hello Everyone!! If you didn't know I'll be more than happy to inform you...I HAVE INTERNET!!! That's right. I finally got an ethernet cord on Thursday and have been on the internet ever since. I know I shoukd have posted an entry sooner but I've been trying to get back on track with everything that I've missed.
Anyway, do you remember the last entry I posted when I was going home to toast up some chicken? Well it didn't really go as I had planned. I put the toaster oven's cord in the convertor and plugged the convertor into the wall. All the sudden I was hearing popping and cracking noises... the darn convertor was smoking!!! All I thought was "The roof! The roof! The roof is on FIRE! We don't need no water let that M*****F***** Burn! Burn! Burn Muther Burn!" ::OK. Back to reality:: So I hurried up and unplugged it and let the smoke die down. I thought everytime I'm up, here comes something to smack me down. But I don't want to be negative. I tried to look at the bright side. At least it wasn't worse. At least I was able to fix the situation. I had planned on running to the curb to take the trash out (yup...I have to take my trash out. No one to do it for me :( ) but I decided to wait. Good thing I did or I could have came back to something a lot worse than some smoke.
Soo... After I unplugged the convertor and took the chicken out I was still hungry. I couldn't eat cold chicken. So I put it in a pot and turned on my "stove top." The chicken cracked and popped but it made some grease and actually got crispy! I also had some bread, an orange, and some chocolate cake for dinner. While I was enjoying my feast, I watched "Why Did I Get Married?" until my computer died. Since I was reduced to one charger and am using a second monitor as my screen, I couldn't finish the entire movie. I needed another convertor. BAD!
*DINNER*
Anyway, do you remember the last entry I posted when I was going home to toast up some chicken? Well it didn't really go as I had planned. I put the toaster oven's cord in the convertor and plugged the convertor into the wall. All the sudden I was hearing popping and cracking noises... the darn convertor was smoking!!! All I thought was "The roof! The roof! The roof is on FIRE! We don't need no water let that M*****F***** Burn! Burn! Burn Muther Burn!" ::OK. Back to reality:: So I hurried up and unplugged it and let the smoke die down. I thought everytime I'm up, here comes something to smack me down. But I don't want to be negative. I tried to look at the bright side. At least it wasn't worse. At least I was able to fix the situation. I had planned on running to the curb to take the trash out (yup...I have to take my trash out. No one to do it for me :( ) but I decided to wait. Good thing I did or I could have came back to something a lot worse than some smoke.
Soo... After I unplugged the convertor and took the chicken out I was still hungry. I couldn't eat cold chicken. So I put it in a pot and turned on my "stove top." The chicken cracked and popped but it made some grease and actually got crispy! I also had some bread, an orange, and some chocolate cake for dinner. While I was enjoying my feast, I watched "Why Did I Get Married?" until my computer died. Since I was reduced to one charger and am using a second monitor as my screen, I couldn't finish the entire movie. I needed another convertor. BAD!
*DINNER* I went to school the next day feeling a little down because I only had one convertor, no internet, and no information as to when I was supposed to be getting my Alien Registration Card or opening up my bank account. I spoke to Janice and she told me I probably had the wrong cord and had someone talk to me about what I needed for my internet. Someone who had lived in my building before knoew exactly what I needed and told me he would bring me a cord the next day. Janice also gave me a list of things I needed to get my ARCard. On it said 3 passport sized pictures. I didn't have anymore so I would have to find somewhere to get some done.I only had a half a day of classes on Wednesday (4-7pm and will be the case every Wednesday for this term), so I decided to go to the mall that was by the Dragon Hill Spa... you remember...Saddam and Gomorrah. Well in the mall there is a HUGE electronics store. I mean levels and levels of anything and everything you can think of. I had to go there because I figured I could another convertor for a reasonable price. I had to catch three trains to get there and when I transferred to the second train, I got on in the wrong direction. So I had to get off and turn around. By the time I got there, it had already closed. I wasn't too upset. I had killed some time, and I atleast knew how to get there. I found out that they opened at 10:30am and decided to go back in the morning.
I went home and started to make dinner (the same exact thing I had the night before), make a video of my "apartment," and finish watching "Why Did I Get Married?" Anyway... What you all have been waiting for... MY APARTMENT!! Here it is. ENJOY! (Click on the link)
So what did you think? Was it everything you expected and more?? Yea... I didn't think so either. Anywho... after I finished my movie, I went to bed.
I got up Thursday morning because I had a lot I wanted to do. I had to go the electronics mall, go to the immigration office, and open a bank account. I headed out and made it back to Youngsan Station (where the mall is). I walked in and was amazed. The third floor (where I walked in) was nothing but cameras. Any and every brand, type, color, and style you could think of. I asked around for a convertor and was told to go to the fifth floor. I went up two levels and was surrounded by nothing but computers. Tons and tons and tons of them. Just like the cameras, every brand, color, model, anything you could think of it was there. and for a really great price. Cheaper than what you would pay back in the states. That is definately where I will be purchasing my new Apple MacBook from :)
I asked around and finally someone understood what I was talking about. He pulled out this little compact convertor that was perfect but he only had one. I asked how much and he told me 2,000 won!! What!? I paid 15,00 a piece for the other two I had. I jumped on it and ran before he realized what he had just did. Amazed at the great price I had just bought my convertor for, I decided to look around to see if anyone had anymore. I wnet to another man and showed him what I just bought. he pulled out a whole pack of them and told me they were 500 wom each. I was floored. I thought I had gotten over on the other man, but clearly he got over on me! I could have bought four for what I paid for one. But it was ok. I was glad I found them and at a good price. So I bought 2 from him and left the mall happy with my purchases. Although I could have saved money, I saved a bundle compared to what I bought the first two convertors for. I will definately be back there.
After I left the mall, I got back on the train and headed for the Seoul immigration office. I finally got there. Filled out my application and took a number. about 20 minutes later my number was called and it turned out that I didn't have the correct paperwork. So I left and went to school highly upset. I didn't even go open my bank account. I went to my head instructor and she told me blah blah blah but she gave me the paper that they told me I needed.
After that I got ready for my class. One of the teachers brought me the ethernet cord i needed to connect to the internet. I was so excited I couldn't wait for school to be over. My first class went well, but that second one... I wanted to use some choice words on those little... (fill in your own words here)...
So after class I just about ran home hooked up the eternet cord. plugged in my laptop and monitor and WAH-LAH!!! INTERNET!!
I was so happy I was on it all night. I finally went to bed around 4am. I wanted to watch "The Family That Preys."
I woke up Friday morning back on the internet. I had lots to do. Catch up on the presidential campaigns...let's not even get into it..., catch up on my facebook, emails, aim, the whole nine. Then, I left to go open my bank account and to go back to the immigration office. I opened my account (I have a debit card and everything), got my bankbook, and put a couple dollars in it. Then, I left for the immigration office. When I got there, I filled out another application and pulled a number...188. I looked up and I saw 142! WTF! I did not have time to be waiting there all day. An hour later, they were only on 154...155...156 came and no one got up so you know I did. I saw an opportunity and I took it. It's not like they were checking numbers anyway. And I got out about two hours before I would have.
So after I left I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to get a large Coolatta... Their large here is a small at home. But anyway, it was delicious on such a hot day.
I headed for school because it made no sense to go home for a couple minutes then leave again. So I got to school, surfed the internet a little then it was time for class. Both classes went well and I went home to eat the last of my chicken. Then I went to bed because I had class Saturday at 2.
I woke up Saturday and went to school (only had one class) then I went to dinner with Christina. Since neither of us could read Korean, we settled for another meal at Outback. After Outback, we parted ways but plannned to meet up the next day for the Korean International Art Fair.
So Sunday came around and I got up and left to meet Christina. We went with one of her co workers. We had lunch at the Coex, met up with some other people and went to the Art Fair, did a little shopping (them not me) had dinner and went home. I must say, taing those Humanities classes definately opened my eyes to art and helped me interpret the meaning of different pieces in ways that I would have never done before. So thank you Hampton. Not just for the Caberets, Holland Jams, The Legion and house parties (you know...shake ya booty 101 to 404. Yup, I mastered every level), but for Ogden Hall, Humanities 201 and 202, the University Museum, Harvey Library and so much more. I guess my "bourgeois" (what some people like to refer to it as) education got me more than what some people think. ;-) Below were some paintings that I really liked...
After we left for the evening, we headed for the subway and all took the same train. Their station was first on the subway then I got off to take the bus that stops right in front of my apt. Well...I 15 minute bus ride turned into an hour plus bus ride and I was back where I started. I know what you're thinking...I missed my stop. NO! He never turned down my street. I know exactly what my building and street look like and he never went past it. I try to explain to him but he's speaking to me in Korean like I'm fluent. I just said never mind and got back on the train, and took the long way home. However, this time the darn bus was the long way home. I had to run to make the train and the connection because the train stops running at midnight and it was close to 11:30. I finally made it home and I don't think I will ever take the bus again. I'm more of a subway girl anyway.
I went out last night with my co workers. We went to two bars and I got home around 3am.I was inebriated, but my face was a little numb.
So nothing spectacular has happened these past couple of days, except for me catching a bad cold, but now that I have you caught up on my "Happenings," my next entries should be a little more detailed.
Hope this fed your fancy! Until Next Time!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Breast, Legs and Thighs (and I'm not talking about a bucket of chicken)!!
So, since this past weekend was extra long and the city was a little empty, a friend and I went out to explore more of the city on Sunday. We found this spa (Dragon Hill Spa) on the internet and it looked really nice and it was only 12,000 won (about 11 USD). Not only that, but it was open 24/7. Since the site was in Korean, we couldn't learn much about the spa so we decided after lunch we would check it out. I thought if it was nice, I would take mommie and grandma when they came to visit.
After eating at TGIFriday's, we caught three subway trains and made it to the station. The station is also a mall and a IMAX Theater so you know I'll be back. Anyway, we walked out the station and was a little lost. Everything was in Korean (duh!). So we found some police and asked them where this spa was, we'll they pointed across the street. It was right in front of us! If it was in Korean we would have found it just fine.
So we walked in, paid our 12,000 won and they gave us some clothes to change into. No, not a nice plush robe, but a shirt and some shorts. It was kinda like a uniform (bells should have went off then). But anyway, a lady who spoke English was showing us where to go and what to do. First, we had to take a shoes off and put them in our first locker (that's right, everywhere we went, we had to be barefoot). Then, we had to take the elevator downstairs in order to get to the women's changing room, sauna, acuapressure and mud baths and some other stuff. Well, when those elevator doors opened OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! All I saw was Korean vagina's and tatas!!! Old ones, young ones, middle ages ones, teenage ones you name it and it was on display! I was floored. Koreans have no problem with nudity...CLEARLY! And that was just in the changing room! I know I have never wanted to see any vagina or tatas other than mine. Here, they don't care whose they see or who sees theirs. Call me a prude, but I wasn't giving anyone a show of Miss Twyla and her sisters.
So we hurried up and changed our clothes to go to the other parts of the spa. We didn't even wait for the elevator up, we just took the stairs. First, we went to look at the pool. Now let me tell you it was very nice. But you had to have on a bathing suit and swimming cap. They didn't have to tell me twice. I be D***** if I let me $$$ perm be washed away by chlorine. And there were too many kids there anyway. Next, we went to the hot room. It was ok. I sweat a little bit, and you know... my perm... so I wasn't going to be in there long. Next we went to the ice room. Now don't ask me why my Anemic A** decided to try the ice room. Two minutes in there and I was done. I needed to warm up, so we went into the charcoal hot room. That wasn't too bad.
Next, we went to the rooftop and they had a little restaurant up there. We realized we could have ate there (but since the entire website is in Korean...). After we explored the rooftop, we went in to the women's aroma therapy sleeping room. It was a room...with mats on the floor...no aroma... and you could hear the brats at the pool yelling and screaming... waste of time! So we decided to go see how much a message was. 105,000 won plus. Now I don't know exactly how much it cost because again, it was written in Korean... but $105 plus is about how much it cost in the States. Aren't things supposed to be cheaper here?? Especially since pedicures, manicures and messages are what they do in the States, they should be offering it to their own people for free!
We finally decided to bring an end to our spa day. We went to the changing room again ::cringe:: but Christina wanted to see what exactly the mud, green tea, and body scrubbing baths looked like so we made a little detour. Well why we did that I don't know because it was worse than before. Naked women lounging in tubs, scrubbing each other, taking showers (with no shower curtains!), and just conversing like there wasn't a D*** thing wrong! It reminded me of Saddam and Gomorrah! A porno. An orgy! UGH!! It was horrible. When walking out, I tried to look down but all I saw was little Va-jay-jays. I looked up and would run into naked women. So I had to look forward...and what did I??? COW NIPPLES!! This woman's nipples were HUGE!! I mean good-googa-mugga!! We hurried to our lockers, changed clothes, picked up our shoes and ran out. Never to return (so I guess I won't be taking mommie and grandma there come February)!!!
On the way home, I thought if the men's changing room and baths were the same. Men scrubbing men... now that's something to see. Or maybe not... there's probably nothing there to see (LOL). And you know how when you leave a spa you're relaxed and just feeling good all over? Well not this time. I actually left with a headache. So I went to Baskin Robbins to get some ice cream. Ice cream makes everything feel better. Yup, it sure does.
I forgot to tell you what happened when I signed my contract. So I was called into the room and there was a woman (not my recruiter) and she's reading my health form (from when we had health checks the first day of training). All of the sudden she blurts out "YOU HAVE DISEASE!!" I was floored! #1... it's "you have A disease" #2 NO THE H*** I DON'T!! Then she says "you have blood disease." I told her I was anemic and she looked at me like I was crazy. Then I said ANEMIA!! She replies "Oh yea. But it's OK. You still get Alien Registration Card." NO S***!!! I truly apologize for the profanity, but how can someone just shout something like that??! Like I'm a leper??!! Anyways, I figured I'd inform you on the lack of discretion held by Koreans...
So I had my second day of classes today. I went to school all confident. My lesson plans for Memory English Mega and Tera were all prepared... and BOOM (I said before, you can be up, but then something slaps you back down)!! My head instructor informs me that she has changed my schedule and instead of teaching Memory English Tera, I'll be teaching English Chip 3...TODAY!! So that class went horrible. I wasn't prepared or anything, but on the other hand, My Memory English Mega went perfectly. Except for these three terrors. Three boys who are about 12-13. I had to move all of their seats. But besides that, things went pretty well.
I also got my monitor today!! YAY!! But of coarse I can't work the internet in my room. But as soon as I figure it out, it will be bye bye for internet cafe's for me. I also want to thank everyone who sent me emails full of encouragement. You don't know how much it means. thank you so much!!
I need to be going now. I'm going to go home, toast up some chicken, and watch a movie.
Until Next Time!
After eating at TGIFriday's, we caught three subway trains and made it to the station. The station is also a mall and a IMAX Theater so you know I'll be back. Anyway, we walked out the station and was a little lost. Everything was in Korean (duh!). So we found some police and asked them where this spa was, we'll they pointed across the street. It was right in front of us! If it was in Korean we would have found it just fine.
So we walked in, paid our 12,000 won and they gave us some clothes to change into. No, not a nice plush robe, but a shirt and some shorts. It was kinda like a uniform (bells should have went off then). But anyway, a lady who spoke English was showing us where to go and what to do. First, we had to take a shoes off and put them in our first locker (that's right, everywhere we went, we had to be barefoot). Then, we had to take the elevator downstairs in order to get to the women's changing room, sauna, acuapressure and mud baths and some other stuff. Well, when those elevator doors opened OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! All I saw was Korean vagina's and tatas!!! Old ones, young ones, middle ages ones, teenage ones you name it and it was on display! I was floored. Koreans have no problem with nudity...CLEARLY! And that was just in the changing room! I know I have never wanted to see any vagina or tatas other than mine. Here, they don't care whose they see or who sees theirs. Call me a prude, but I wasn't giving anyone a show of Miss Twyla and her sisters.
So we hurried up and changed our clothes to go to the other parts of the spa. We didn't even wait for the elevator up, we just took the stairs. First, we went to look at the pool. Now let me tell you it was very nice. But you had to have on a bathing suit and swimming cap. They didn't have to tell me twice. I be D***** if I let me $$$ perm be washed away by chlorine. And there were too many kids there anyway. Next, we went to the hot room. It was ok. I sweat a little bit, and you know... my perm... so I wasn't going to be in there long. Next we went to the ice room. Now don't ask me why my Anemic A** decided to try the ice room. Two minutes in there and I was done. I needed to warm up, so we went into the charcoal hot room. That wasn't too bad.
Next, we went to the rooftop and they had a little restaurant up there. We realized we could have ate there (but since the entire website is in Korean...). After we explored the rooftop, we went in to the women's aroma therapy sleeping room. It was a room...with mats on the floor...no aroma... and you could hear the brats at the pool yelling and screaming... waste of time! So we decided to go see how much a message was. 105,000 won plus. Now I don't know exactly how much it cost because again, it was written in Korean... but $105 plus is about how much it cost in the States. Aren't things supposed to be cheaper here?? Especially since pedicures, manicures and messages are what they do in the States, they should be offering it to their own people for free!
We finally decided to bring an end to our spa day. We went to the changing room again ::cringe:: but Christina wanted to see what exactly the mud, green tea, and body scrubbing baths looked like so we made a little detour. Well why we did that I don't know because it was worse than before. Naked women lounging in tubs, scrubbing each other, taking showers (with no shower curtains!), and just conversing like there wasn't a D*** thing wrong! It reminded me of Saddam and Gomorrah! A porno. An orgy! UGH!! It was horrible. When walking out, I tried to look down but all I saw was little Va-jay-jays. I looked up and would run into naked women. So I had to look forward...and what did I??? COW NIPPLES!! This woman's nipples were HUGE!! I mean good-googa-mugga!! We hurried to our lockers, changed clothes, picked up our shoes and ran out. Never to return (so I guess I won't be taking mommie and grandma there come February)!!!
On the way home, I thought if the men's changing room and baths were the same. Men scrubbing men... now that's something to see. Or maybe not... there's probably nothing there to see (LOL). And you know how when you leave a spa you're relaxed and just feeling good all over? Well not this time. I actually left with a headache. So I went to Baskin Robbins to get some ice cream. Ice cream makes everything feel better. Yup, it sure does.
I forgot to tell you what happened when I signed my contract. So I was called into the room and there was a woman (not my recruiter) and she's reading my health form (from when we had health checks the first day of training). All of the sudden she blurts out "YOU HAVE DISEASE!!" I was floored! #1... it's "you have A disease" #2 NO THE H*** I DON'T!! Then she says "you have blood disease." I told her I was anemic and she looked at me like I was crazy. Then I said ANEMIA!! She replies "Oh yea. But it's OK. You still get Alien Registration Card." NO S***!!! I truly apologize for the profanity, but how can someone just shout something like that??! Like I'm a leper??!! Anyways, I figured I'd inform you on the lack of discretion held by Koreans...
So I had my second day of classes today. I went to school all confident. My lesson plans for Memory English Mega and Tera were all prepared... and BOOM (I said before, you can be up, but then something slaps you back down)!! My head instructor informs me that she has changed my schedule and instead of teaching Memory English Tera, I'll be teaching English Chip 3...TODAY!! So that class went horrible. I wasn't prepared or anything, but on the other hand, My Memory English Mega went perfectly. Except for these three terrors. Three boys who are about 12-13. I had to move all of their seats. But besides that, things went pretty well.
I also got my monitor today!! YAY!! But of coarse I can't work the internet in my room. But as soon as I figure it out, it will be bye bye for internet cafe's for me. I also want to thank everyone who sent me emails full of encouragement. You don't know how much it means. thank you so much!!
I need to be going now. I'm going to go home, toast up some chicken, and watch a movie.
Until Next Time!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Out and About in Seoul
So this weekend is Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and the city of Seoul is almost deserted because everyone goes to the countryside to visit relatives. Everything is deserted except for Iteawon, the biggest tourist section of Seoul. Me and a girl I trained with, Christina, don't live too far away from each other, so we met up and headed for Iteawon. It took us three trains to get there and when we walked out of the station, I thought I was in NYC. Have you ever been to Chinatown in New York? Well that's what it reminded me of. Lots of American restaurants and stores, and then you had the Korean people selling their bootleg merchandise. That's right... "Coach," "Dolce and Gabana," "Doney and Burke." You name it, they've got it. They even sell bootleg clothes.
So anyway, we went exploring. Saw the Seoul Tower (we plan on going there another time), ate at Outback (mind you, there is one down the street from me. But I had to go all the way to Iteawon to eat there. Don't ask), had some Coldstone, and just had a really good time. Did I mention all the Black people? There were a lot.
But anyway, this entry is short because I have to catch the subway to meet up with Christina. We're gonna go explore Seoul some more while its kinda empty.
I have pictures and videos of my apt, but I can't upload them until I get my monitor, but when I do, prepare for a visual overload... LOL.
Until Next Time!
So anyway, we went exploring. Saw the Seoul Tower (we plan on going there another time), ate at Outback (mind you, there is one down the street from me. But I had to go all the way to Iteawon to eat there. Don't ask), had some Coldstone, and just had a really good time. Did I mention all the Black people? There were a lot.
But anyway, this entry is short because I have to catch the subway to meet up with Christina. We're gonna go explore Seoul some more while its kinda empty.
I have pictures and videos of my apt, but I can't upload them until I get my monitor, but when I do, prepare for a visual overload... LOL.
Until Next Time!
Friday, September 12, 2008
What You've Been Waiting For... That's Right. I'm In South Korea!!
Well, longtime no blog. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the internet in my "dungeon" (what I so affectionately call my studio apt), so I'm at an internet cafe. I figured I couldn't keep you waiting any longer.
Because I haven't blogged in a week and so much has happened, this entry will be broken up by days.
If you don't have time, I suggest you not read this now. Wait until you have a couple of free hours to dive into my "Seoul Happenings."
For those with plenty of time to spare, grab some popcorn and your favorite drink...don't worry. I'll wait...waiting...still waiting...OK. Done? Good. Here we go!
Day 1 - 09/05 (EST): What the F***?
So I woke up Friday morning and thought "OMG! I'm going to Korea!" The excitement that flowed through my body just about kept me up the night before. But anyway, I got up. Got dressed lugged my five suitcases down the steps and into the car. Said "I'll see you later" to my dad and brother, and then, my mother and I were off to the airport. Now my mother can't see at night when she drives (how she does it? don't ask), and we left home around 3:30am. So what does that mean?...It's dark! So we're driving around the airport and seeing as though she can't see, I'm trying to read the signs for short term parking. After circling the airport a couple times, we finally found the sign and instead of going were I tell her, she screams "It's right there!" Really mom? Right there??... WRONG! If you can't see how you gonna tell me where something is?? Just drive and stop trying to navigate. YOU CAN'T SEE! But anyway, what can you say, I love her.
Anyway, we find a parking spot and make our way to the ticket counter and the little machine says "Documents needed. Please ask for assistance." Well, I asked the wrong person because he tells me "You HAVE to have a round-trip ticket when leaving the country. Even if you have a year long visa." Really Icabob?? You're a foreigner yourself! How are you gonna tell me I can't leave my country whenever I get good and well pleased. I don't know how they do it in "West Bubblefu**" or where ever you're from, but this is America. Move out my way! So I ask a competent person and they just needed to see my visa to see the duration of my stay. So after my tickets printed out, it was time to check my bags. First bag on the scale: 66.8lbs. Second bag: 62.7lbs. Third bag: 51.2. That's right! All of them over weight! Luckily, The man only charged me for two bags. So after I checked my bags, here comes Icabob. "How did you did you print her ticket? It's one way." The other gentleman explained that my visa is for one year and I'm going to teach. So Icabob, get out my face and go somewhere!
Next comes my moms gate pass. "ID please" says the man behind the counter. My mother looks through her purse and says "I can't find it." WHAT!!?? You're going to tell me that after all that "finangleing" to get a gate pass and you can't find your licence? You wait until September 5, 2008 at 4:19am to loose your license??! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??! So with that said, no mommy at the gate. Where were we stuck sitting? That's right... at security! And of coarse my plane was delayed. Geez mommie. Of all the times...
About 45 minutes before my flight, I talked to my grandma on the phone, gave my mom a long hug and kiss "I'll see you later," shed some tears and went through security. It was hard walking away. God works in mysterious ways, because I think if she was at the gate, I wouldn't have got on the plane. I talked to Kory and called mommie on my cell before the plane left and then I was off! I actually flew over my house and my neighborhood. Don't ask me how I know. I just do. I've taken planes enough and there are visible signs from the air to tell where you are if you know the area.
So my flight wasn't too full so I had the row to myself. I stretched out across the seats, took my pillow and ipod and went to sleep. I woke up three hours into the flight, had my shot glass full of orange juice, (because that's how big the cup is) and we were landing in San Fransisco.
I had about a two hour layover, so while I was there I changed some US money into Korean won, talked to mommie, Kory, Mr William and my big sister from Hampton on the phone, charged my cell, and it was time to board the plane. Flight from US to Korea: 200 Koreans, 20 Caucasians, and 3 African Americans (myself included). That was awkward, but I guess it was going to be a test run of the next year. So we took off and had our first meal of the flight. Chicken/Beef, rice with veggies, roll brownie, and the shot glass full of water or whatever. After we eat, I noticed that it was kinda dark on the plane. Well everyone closed their windows. Why? I don't know? But since this is my first real over seas flight (I've flown to San Juan but that doesn't count) I wanted too look out of the window. So what its only water and clouds... Well the Korean flight attendant (yes mommie, their were some Korean flight attendants) comes and tells me to close my window because everyone can see the light (DUH! Its only 2:30pm. What do they need to sleep for??). But she doesn't ask in a friendly way. It was kinda like, "If you don't close it, me and my gang will show you how to close it." Well, "when in Rome, do as the Romans." So I closed my window. I had a little personal TV, so I watched 'Desperate Housewives' and listened to the "Air radio." Next on the flight was our snack. Chinese noodles and our last meal was lasagna and forgive me but I don't remember what else.
About 11 hours and 20 minutes later, I arrived at Incheon International Airport. I went through customs, got my passport stamped, and went to gather my luggage. After putting 4 bags on their carts made for 2, I had to find the charter bus ticket booth (remember, I had no welcome to Korea welcome wagon pick me up from the airport) and make my way to the City Air Terminal, about 50 minutes away. After being harassed by some Korean taxi drivers, I finally got my ticket and was able to make it to the bus. After about a 10 minute wait I was off to downtown Seoul. Mommie called me while I was on the bus and I told her my phone was dying and to call me after I spoke to my recruiter and made it to my apt (little did I know that my apt was going to be a closet. But I'll talk about that later).
So I made it to the City Air Terminal in downtown Seoul and my school director and lead teacher met me there. After telling me I bought the most bags out of anyone and rearranging everything so it all fit in the car as well as us, we were off to my apt. After some conversation and a 30 min ride we pull up to a pretty modern looking building at about 8pm Saturday evening Korean time. OOooo I thought. This is going to be nice. So lead teacher shows me this little credit card looking thing and shows me how to use it to get into the front door of my building. While we're taking my luggage to the building, i notice that they are walking DOWN the stairs. "Why down?" I think. Would you like to know why? Not because the elevator is downstairs, not because it leads to a special passage but because I live UNDER THE BUILDING! That's right. Not the first floor. More like a negative 1 floor. OMG!
So we walk to the last door and there's a hidden keypad where I need to enter a code. So I think, OK, I live downstairs but this is really nice. Very modern. Surely my apt will be fantastic. Well... she pushed some buttons, open the door and I think, "WHERE THE H*** IS THE REST OF IT?" That's right. My "Studio apartment" more resembles my freshmen year dorm room... but half the size! Granted, I have a kitchen "area," a bathroom (mind you, I have no shower. Just a shower head next to the sink), and they gave me an 8 pack of toilet paper, a big bottle of water and orange juice, and some chocolate cake looking thing. After they show me how to use a couple of things they leave me in my room and tell me that Janice (the lead teacher) will be there tomorrow around 2pm to show me how to get around, get to school, and catch the subway.
So I'm trying to look at the bright side and I start unpacking and go to call my recruiter... "This number is not in the directory." Are you kidding me?!! I try another number and I get the same automated message. I think maybe there's a country code that I'm not dialing. I'll call mommie. THE SAME MESSAGE! Then I try adding the country code... I get an automated message in Korean then it says "Calls from this phone have been temporarily suspended." I try it again and again. Calling different people. But nothing worked! OMG!!!! I can't call ANYONE! And to top it off... MY PHONE DIES and US plugs don't fit into Korean sockets! I'm screwed! All I can do is lay in my bed and cry... all night. I can't call anyone. I can't let anyone know I'm OK. I'm in this dungeon of a room. My phone is dead. It was such a depressing feeling.
So 5 hours into my endless crying and I try to turn on my phone. It comes on and stays on for a little while and what happens. I get a text message! Its from Kory (I know that was no one but God working because of all the prayers many of you have sent my way. If that was any other time, my phone would not have come on). I texted him back, tell him what's going, tell him to call my mom, and that I'm scared and want to come home. NOW. And as my phone is receiving his next message, my phone died again! That made me cry even harder. So that went on for a little less than an hour until my phone completely shuts down and doesn't come back on. All I can do is cry even more. I just wanted to find the airport and go back home. I had no idea where I was and there is no phone in my room. Just the phone intercom. I finally fell asleep around 8am Sunday morning and woke up at 1pm Sunday afternoon (Korean time).
Day 2 - 09/07 (Korean Time): Tears of Joy...Or Are They?
(There is no 09/06 because I arrived in Korea Saturday night. 13 hours ahead of EST)
So around 2:30 pm, Janice come to my apt and tells me that my mom has been calling my recruiter because she's worried and can't find me. Thank goodness. I know at least 2 people are worried now. Mommie and Kory. After showing me around some of my neighborhood and showing me how to catch the subway, she takes me to my school introduces me to the American teachers (this weekend is Korean Thanksgiving so they had class last Sunday since there will be no class this next Monday) and then has me call my recruiter. When I speak to him, I tell him about my phone and it not working and he tells me that he has spoken to my mom numerous times and is about to call the American Embassy to report me missing! He tells me to call her right away but after I hang up with him, I find out that my school does not have international calling! Well one of the teachers lent me her calling card and after 15 minutes of trying to figure out how to use the card on Janice's Korean cell phone, we finally got it to work and I heard my mom's voice. I started crying right then because it felt as though I wouldn't be able to talk to her again.
After a very short phone call, I got to email her, Kory, and grandma on one of the school's computers. I told them what all was going on and to relay the message to everyone else. I also informed them to get some money together because I wanted to come home. The entire time I was typing I had to try my best not to cry, although there were a steady stream of tears running down my face. After I sent the email, I was talking to one of the American teachers who told me she could pick up a converter (something I can plug my American cords into and then plug it into the Korean socket) for me. I have her pick up two, but she can't get them until tomorrow. I gave her the money and told her that I'd be back the next day to pick them up.
Afterward, I sat it on two English memory classes taught by one of the American teachers. He is from Florida and is African American. So at least 6 days a week, I will see someone who looks like me. I felt a little better after that. And having someone there that I can relate to will hopefully be a little less intimidating. After classes, Janice gave me this little card, which looks like one of the discount cards you get at the supermarket and tells me to put money on it because it is my subway card. Really? Did I not just get here. How the H*** am I supposed to do that. Well, one of the American teachers took me to a convenience store and put 5,300 won on it. That was my "Welcome to Korea" gift. So after I received the directions on how to get to the training building the next morning, I left and made my way to my building. As I was walking I thought things were getting better and would be great when I got the converter so I could charge my phone and computer and have a link to everyone at home.
Well, when I got home, my feelings of calmness came to a screaming halt. Why? Well, because when I got to my building, MY KEY CARD DIDN'T WORK!! My eyes started to water again and all I could think was how fast I could get on the next plane back to the States. I thought maybe my phone deactivated my key card. I hurried back to my school to see if I could catch someone before they left. I thought would if no one was there? I decided that if I couldn't find anyone, I'd asked "American Embassy?" Surely someone could point me in the right direction. Thankfully when I got back to my school, not only was Janice there but so was the director. I tried to explain the problem and they kept telling me it worked and to do it again. They weren't listening to what I was saying. So I left, and cried the entire walk back home. I really wanted to find out where the US Embassy was.
So I get back to my building and keep trying to open the door with the card and NOTHING! So being the cry baby that this experience has turned me into, I did what I knew best...cried. As I was crying, I glanced to the left and noticed a very similar building to the one I was standing in front of. I could have slapped the S*** out of myself. I WAS TRYING TO GET INTO THE WRONG BUILDING!! My building is the second one. In my defence, everything is written in Korean. How was I supposed to tell the difference?? So after I finally made it into my apt, I dressed for bed, said my prayers as usual, and went to sleep in my empty quiet room. By that time, my ipod also died so it was completely silent. I cried. Again (do you notice a pattern going on here?). I think it was more mental than anything. For the past 22 years there was always someone either in person or over the phone to say goodnight and good morning to no matter where I was and someone to hug; but that wasn't the case. I went to bed alone in room with no one other than myself and woke up the same way. It's very depressing. One of the many lessons that I have learned so far since I've been in Korea... Don't take for granted your family and the people who love you the most. It's the simple things that make you feel complete.
Day 3 - 09/08: With the Good Comes the Bad
I woke up the next morning got dressed and headed out for training. I followed the directions exactly as I was told and took the subway. Have you ever seen the commercials where there are Asian people dressed in uniforms pushing and cramming people onto a train? Well, that is how its like in Korea. Not all the time, not for every subway line and not for every station. Why? Because people cram themselves onto the train. There is literally people on top of people. It's so packed that there is no need to hold on to anything because the people hold up each other. Seeing as though I'm not a big people person and I'm all about my personal space (6 feet on all sides please unless I know you). I felt so uncomfortable. People rubbing up against me, the stares, because clearly, I stand out, and the BO (body odor for those of you who are shorthand challenged). Now I'm not trying to be mean or anything because I'm sure every country has its own smell as well as their people. But have you ever been up close to an Asian person and their breath has a funny smell? Maybe garlicky I guess? Well...the whole train smelled like that. Maybe it's the tooth paste and/or soap they use but it was bad. Thank goodness the train was air conditioned because that could have been a lot worse.
Sixteen stops later (the crowd finally did die down some so it wasn't a tight) and I was at my destination. I'm thankful that the train stops were announced in English as well as Korean because I probably would have missed my stop. So I got off the subway and had to leave the station at exit 2 (each station has different entrances and exits. If you get out the station at the wrong exit, you could be a block up to 4 blocks away from your intended destination). When I got above ground I was completely lost. The actual map I was given had no street signs. Just some arrows, a McDonald's and the building I was to go to. I guess the complete confusion I felt was written all over my face because a woman pulled over and asked if I needed help (I have found out that many Koreans are friendly and are willing to go out of their way to give help). The woman spoke English which was a plus but was not familiar with where I needed to go but did point in the direction of the McDonald's (at least she thought so).
So I started walking in the direction she told me. After about five minutes and no sign of a McDonald's, I started to get upset. But then walking in my direction was a man with red hair. Now you and I both know there are no naturally red headed Koreans, so I said excuse me... He's an American (again, no one but God sent him in my direction. "He's an on time God. Yes He Is"... I'm about to have Church in here. lol)! He's a student in Korea from Los Angeles and offered to walk me to where I needed to go. As we were walking, he gave me some tips on being an American living in Kore and before I knew it, I was in front of where I need to be. I gave him my heartfelt thanks and went inside. I was about five minutes late so I hurried to the 4Th floor and found the room and orientation had already begun. The trainer welcomed me, gave me my binder and I sat in the back. As I looked around, I saw that I was the only African American there. I am getting use to it so it wasn't too bothering. After orientation was over, we had to go to the hospital to get a health check. Height, weight, vision, BP, chest x-ray, blood, and pee in a cup. The usual, but I hate giving blood, and I knew if I had a panic attack they would have thought I was crazy and shipped me back to the States on the first thing smoking (if you're from HU you get it. lol). So I took a breath, she took my blood, and it was done. After I went number 1 in the cup I was told to just sit it on a cart... uncovered, out in the open. Ill... Obviously Koreans aren't that big on things like that covered up.
After the health check, all the trainees went to the COEX Mall for an early dinner (I don't think I mentioned before that I hadn't eaten anything since the plane ride. That's right. My nerves were so jumpy that I had no appetite and wasn't really sleeping). I got chicken with fried rice and kimchi (like spicy cabbage). It was really good and I had a good time talking to the other trainees. The majority of them are from the west coast (boo!! lol. East Coast!!!)
After dinner, I took the subway home but made at stop at my school. I had to pick up my converters! YAY!
After I got them, I practically ran home to plug in and charge my phone. When I walked in my building (the right one this time), I threw everything onto my bed and started charging right away. The first thing I did was text mommie and Kory. "Phone is charging!! PLEASE CALL!!!" That was the message they got. I waited and waited and the first to call was mommie. Soon as I answered, I broke down in tears. Just hearing her voice after so long felt so good. We talked for almost an hour. Right after we hung up, I talked to Kory and the tears just came coming. It was Monday night and I hadn't spoken to them since Friday and Saturday. I was so so thankful that I could finally talk to them and hear them say they loved me and to tell them I loved them. Kory told me he had a passing in his family and I just wished I could be with him. Times like that are really hard to deal with. I'm praying for you and your family everyday Kory and remember, each day is a little better than the last. If I could have called and talked to everyone I would have, but hopefully you've heard from someone that I'm ok.
After talking to them, my heart and mind were at ease but I was still a little depressed. I wanted to go home. But I was also able to charge my ipod and went to sleep in a not so quiet space. But before I went to sleep, my toilet clogged up. It seemed as though as soon as I had an up, something slapped me back down.
Day 4 - 09/09: Hooters in Korea
I woke up Tuesday morning a little down. I called Kory and had another break down. Where I am isn't home and I just wanted to be in my comfort zone. After talking to both Kory and mommie, they reassured me that everything would be ok and I needed to get out and explore my new surroundings. We also set up a little calling schedule. They both call me in the morning (early evening EST), around noon (bedtime EST), and in the evening (morning EST) with text messages all inbetween.
After the phone calls, I got dressed and headed for the subway. While I was on the train, grandma called. Another voice that was good to hear. As I was talking to her I found myself tearing up again. Just knowing that these voices coming out of my phone are on the other side of the world and I can't put a face with these voices until I get my monitor working and use my webcam and can't hug them for about 4 months when they come to visit.
I made my way to training and found out that I would be teaching "English Chip" and "Memory English." Both are two different levels of English speaking at my school. The first being the lower level but both classes containing a mixture of elementary and middles school students. Each level has sublevels. "English Chip" having 4 and "Memory English" only 3. So we had our training from 9:30 - 3:30 with a 1 hour break inbetween.
We also had to take a grammar test and if you know me, you know that me and English grammar do not get along. I failed the test, but retook it on Thursday.
During training, I found out that one of the trainees who is also a Korean but lived in NYC for a couple years lives down the street from me. Literally. We are at the same subway stop and exit. We decided to meet the next morning and take the train together. At lunch we went to a Korean restaurant and I had some authentic food again. It was ok. I could get use to it.
After class was finished some of us (trainees) went to Hooters close to downtown Seoul to clebrate one of the trainee's birthday. We got there around 5 and me and two other trainees left around 9. It was dark and I wasn't that familar with the area (plus I had to take the subway then transfer to another subway to get home).
I got home and felt much better than how I felt that morning. I did my homework (boy did I have a lot of homework throughout training. I though I was back at HU) and had my goodnight calls to mommie and Kory, turned on my ipod and went to sleep.
BTW... My toilet is still clogged.
Day 5 - 09/10: E-MART!
Nothing much on Wednesday. Just my usual phone calls and text messages to mommie and Kory.
After Juile (the girl that lives down the street from me) and I caught the subway home after training, her and her mother took me to E-Mart. It's like the Korean version of Walmart. I got a plunger for that stopped up toilet of mine, some food and juice (I'm eating now!), and after seeing the price of pots, plates cups and a microwave (things that should have been in my apt but weren't), Julie and her mother offered to give me somethings from their home, but not little things. They gave me some pots so I could cook, a plate set and silverware, a toasterover (from the States!) which was great because I perfer a toasteroven over a microwave anyday, food containers, hangers, and a couple other things (I said before Korean people are very nice and friendly and God is sending me the best of them. Thanks for your prayers!). They also helped me figure out my address. Wednesday was a really great day... besides all of my homework.
Day 6 - 05/11: A Night On The Town and Fried Chicken In Korea
After training and my make up grammar test, we all went back to downtown Seoul and went to a chicken and beer place (fried chicken as well as other types). They ordered three huge pitchers of beer (don't worry. Everyone knows that I hate beer) and lots of chicken. A Korean custom is the youngest person sitting at a table has to serve his/her elders. Since I was the youngest at the table, I poured everyone a mug of beer and then someone poured my glass of water (I'll go more into Korean customs when I have time but another is usually the oldest person has to pay for everything). Now everyone knows that I hate serving other people (food and drink wise) because people are to D*** picky but I had no problem pouring drinks... lol... but I didn't mind. I didn't have to do it, but I figured whiule I was here, I mind as well embrace the culture. After our night out, I went home, did my homework, had my phone calls to mommie and Kory, and went to bed.
Day 7 - 09/12: End Of Trainning At Last!
So today was our last day of training! I passed my grammar test (yay!) and my mock teaching with flying colors! I signed my official contract and surprisingly, I teach my first class tomorrow!! I have been writing this entry for the past 4 1/2 hours now in an internet cafe (waiting for my computer monitor in my apt/room). It's called "Let's Play! The Internet cafe that resemble like nature." That's right. There's no "s" at the end of "resemble." Its Korea. What can I say. But my 5 hours are almost up. Its 11:37 pm Friday night and I still have to walk home. Sorry about the grammar and spelling errors in this but I should be going. There's a lot more to talk about but I have to go home and prep for my class tomorrow. After class, I'll be back to finish telling you about my "Seoul Happenings."
Told you this would be long!
Until Next Time!
Sarangheh ("I Love You" in Korean)
And Please Continue to Pray for me!
Because I haven't blogged in a week and so much has happened, this entry will be broken up by days.
If you don't have time, I suggest you not read this now. Wait until you have a couple of free hours to dive into my "Seoul Happenings."
For those with plenty of time to spare, grab some popcorn and your favorite drink...don't worry. I'll wait...waiting...still waiting...OK. Done? Good. Here we go!
Day 1 - 09/05 (EST): What the F***?
So I woke up Friday morning and thought "OMG! I'm going to Korea!" The excitement that flowed through my body just about kept me up the night before. But anyway, I got up. Got dressed lugged my five suitcases down the steps and into the car. Said "I'll see you later" to my dad and brother, and then, my mother and I were off to the airport. Now my mother can't see at night when she drives (how she does it? don't ask), and we left home around 3:30am. So what does that mean?...It's dark! So we're driving around the airport and seeing as though she can't see, I'm trying to read the signs for short term parking. After circling the airport a couple times, we finally found the sign and instead of going were I tell her, she screams "It's right there!" Really mom? Right there??... WRONG! If you can't see how you gonna tell me where something is?? Just drive and stop trying to navigate. YOU CAN'T SEE! But anyway, what can you say, I love her.
Anyway, we find a parking spot and make our way to the ticket counter and the little machine says "Documents needed. Please ask for assistance." Well, I asked the wrong person because he tells me "You HAVE to have a round-trip ticket when leaving the country. Even if you have a year long visa." Really Icabob?? You're a foreigner yourself! How are you gonna tell me I can't leave my country whenever I get good and well pleased. I don't know how they do it in "West Bubblefu**" or where ever you're from, but this is America. Move out my way! So I ask a competent person and they just needed to see my visa to see the duration of my stay. So after my tickets printed out, it was time to check my bags. First bag on the scale: 66.8lbs. Second bag: 62.7lbs. Third bag: 51.2. That's right! All of them over weight! Luckily, The man only charged me for two bags. So after I checked my bags, here comes Icabob. "How did you did you print her ticket? It's one way." The other gentleman explained that my visa is for one year and I'm going to teach. So Icabob, get out my face and go somewhere!
Next comes my moms gate pass. "ID please" says the man behind the counter. My mother looks through her purse and says "I can't find it." WHAT!!?? You're going to tell me that after all that "finangleing" to get a gate pass and you can't find your licence? You wait until September 5, 2008 at 4:19am to loose your license??! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??! So with that said, no mommy at the gate. Where were we stuck sitting? That's right... at security! And of coarse my plane was delayed. Geez mommie. Of all the times...
About 45 minutes before my flight, I talked to my grandma on the phone, gave my mom a long hug and kiss "I'll see you later," shed some tears and went through security. It was hard walking away. God works in mysterious ways, because I think if she was at the gate, I wouldn't have got on the plane. I talked to Kory and called mommie on my cell before the plane left and then I was off! I actually flew over my house and my neighborhood. Don't ask me how I know. I just do. I've taken planes enough and there are visible signs from the air to tell where you are if you know the area.
So my flight wasn't too full so I had the row to myself. I stretched out across the seats, took my pillow and ipod and went to sleep. I woke up three hours into the flight, had my shot glass full of orange juice, (because that's how big the cup is) and we were landing in San Fransisco.
I had about a two hour layover, so while I was there I changed some US money into Korean won, talked to mommie, Kory, Mr William and my big sister from Hampton on the phone, charged my cell, and it was time to board the plane. Flight from US to Korea: 200 Koreans, 20 Caucasians, and 3 African Americans (myself included). That was awkward, but I guess it was going to be a test run of the next year. So we took off and had our first meal of the flight. Chicken/Beef, rice with veggies, roll brownie, and the shot glass full of water or whatever. After we eat, I noticed that it was kinda dark on the plane. Well everyone closed their windows. Why? I don't know? But since this is my first real over seas flight (I've flown to San Juan but that doesn't count) I wanted too look out of the window. So what its only water and clouds... Well the Korean flight attendant (yes mommie, their were some Korean flight attendants) comes and tells me to close my window because everyone can see the light (DUH! Its only 2:30pm. What do they need to sleep for??). But she doesn't ask in a friendly way. It was kinda like, "If you don't close it, me and my gang will show you how to close it." Well, "when in Rome, do as the Romans." So I closed my window. I had a little personal TV, so I watched 'Desperate Housewives' and listened to the "Air radio." Next on the flight was our snack. Chinese noodles and our last meal was lasagna and forgive me but I don't remember what else.
About 11 hours and 20 minutes later, I arrived at Incheon International Airport. I went through customs, got my passport stamped, and went to gather my luggage. After putting 4 bags on their carts made for 2, I had to find the charter bus ticket booth (remember, I had no welcome to Korea welcome wagon pick me up from the airport) and make my way to the City Air Terminal, about 50 minutes away. After being harassed by some Korean taxi drivers, I finally got my ticket and was able to make it to the bus. After about a 10 minute wait I was off to downtown Seoul. Mommie called me while I was on the bus and I told her my phone was dying and to call me after I spoke to my recruiter and made it to my apt (little did I know that my apt was going to be a closet. But I'll talk about that later).
So I made it to the City Air Terminal in downtown Seoul and my school director and lead teacher met me there. After telling me I bought the most bags out of anyone and rearranging everything so it all fit in the car as well as us, we were off to my apt. After some conversation and a 30 min ride we pull up to a pretty modern looking building at about 8pm Saturday evening Korean time. OOooo I thought. This is going to be nice. So lead teacher shows me this little credit card looking thing and shows me how to use it to get into the front door of my building. While we're taking my luggage to the building, i notice that they are walking DOWN the stairs. "Why down?" I think. Would you like to know why? Not because the elevator is downstairs, not because it leads to a special passage but because I live UNDER THE BUILDING! That's right. Not the first floor. More like a negative 1 floor. OMG!
So we walk to the last door and there's a hidden keypad where I need to enter a code. So I think, OK, I live downstairs but this is really nice. Very modern. Surely my apt will be fantastic. Well... she pushed some buttons, open the door and I think, "WHERE THE H*** IS THE REST OF IT?" That's right. My "Studio apartment" more resembles my freshmen year dorm room... but half the size! Granted, I have a kitchen "area," a bathroom (mind you, I have no shower. Just a shower head next to the sink), and they gave me an 8 pack of toilet paper, a big bottle of water and orange juice, and some chocolate cake looking thing. After they show me how to use a couple of things they leave me in my room and tell me that Janice (the lead teacher) will be there tomorrow around 2pm to show me how to get around, get to school, and catch the subway.
So I'm trying to look at the bright side and I start unpacking and go to call my recruiter... "This number is not in the directory." Are you kidding me?!! I try another number and I get the same automated message. I think maybe there's a country code that I'm not dialing. I'll call mommie. THE SAME MESSAGE! Then I try adding the country code... I get an automated message in Korean then it says "Calls from this phone have been temporarily suspended." I try it again and again. Calling different people. But nothing worked! OMG!!!! I can't call ANYONE! And to top it off... MY PHONE DIES and US plugs don't fit into Korean sockets! I'm screwed! All I can do is lay in my bed and cry... all night. I can't call anyone. I can't let anyone know I'm OK. I'm in this dungeon of a room. My phone is dead. It was such a depressing feeling.
So 5 hours into my endless crying and I try to turn on my phone. It comes on and stays on for a little while and what happens. I get a text message! Its from Kory (I know that was no one but God working because of all the prayers many of you have sent my way. If that was any other time, my phone would not have come on). I texted him back, tell him what's going, tell him to call my mom, and that I'm scared and want to come home. NOW. And as my phone is receiving his next message, my phone died again! That made me cry even harder. So that went on for a little less than an hour until my phone completely shuts down and doesn't come back on. All I can do is cry even more. I just wanted to find the airport and go back home. I had no idea where I was and there is no phone in my room. Just the phone intercom. I finally fell asleep around 8am Sunday morning and woke up at 1pm Sunday afternoon (Korean time).
Day 2 - 09/07 (Korean Time): Tears of Joy...Or Are They?
(There is no 09/06 because I arrived in Korea Saturday night. 13 hours ahead of EST)
So around 2:30 pm, Janice come to my apt and tells me that my mom has been calling my recruiter because she's worried and can't find me. Thank goodness. I know at least 2 people are worried now. Mommie and Kory. After showing me around some of my neighborhood and showing me how to catch the subway, she takes me to my school introduces me to the American teachers (this weekend is Korean Thanksgiving so they had class last Sunday since there will be no class this next Monday) and then has me call my recruiter. When I speak to him, I tell him about my phone and it not working and he tells me that he has spoken to my mom numerous times and is about to call the American Embassy to report me missing! He tells me to call her right away but after I hang up with him, I find out that my school does not have international calling! Well one of the teachers lent me her calling card and after 15 minutes of trying to figure out how to use the card on Janice's Korean cell phone, we finally got it to work and I heard my mom's voice. I started crying right then because it felt as though I wouldn't be able to talk to her again.
After a very short phone call, I got to email her, Kory, and grandma on one of the school's computers. I told them what all was going on and to relay the message to everyone else. I also informed them to get some money together because I wanted to come home. The entire time I was typing I had to try my best not to cry, although there were a steady stream of tears running down my face. After I sent the email, I was talking to one of the American teachers who told me she could pick up a converter (something I can plug my American cords into and then plug it into the Korean socket) for me. I have her pick up two, but she can't get them until tomorrow. I gave her the money and told her that I'd be back the next day to pick them up.
Afterward, I sat it on two English memory classes taught by one of the American teachers. He is from Florida and is African American. So at least 6 days a week, I will see someone who looks like me. I felt a little better after that. And having someone there that I can relate to will hopefully be a little less intimidating. After classes, Janice gave me this little card, which looks like one of the discount cards you get at the supermarket and tells me to put money on it because it is my subway card. Really? Did I not just get here. How the H*** am I supposed to do that. Well, one of the American teachers took me to a convenience store and put 5,300 won on it. That was my "Welcome to Korea" gift. So after I received the directions on how to get to the training building the next morning, I left and made my way to my building. As I was walking I thought things were getting better and would be great when I got the converter so I could charge my phone and computer and have a link to everyone at home.
Well, when I got home, my feelings of calmness came to a screaming halt. Why? Well, because when I got to my building, MY KEY CARD DIDN'T WORK!! My eyes started to water again and all I could think was how fast I could get on the next plane back to the States. I thought maybe my phone deactivated my key card. I hurried back to my school to see if I could catch someone before they left. I thought would if no one was there? I decided that if I couldn't find anyone, I'd asked "American Embassy?" Surely someone could point me in the right direction. Thankfully when I got back to my school, not only was Janice there but so was the director. I tried to explain the problem and they kept telling me it worked and to do it again. They weren't listening to what I was saying. So I left, and cried the entire walk back home. I really wanted to find out where the US Embassy was.
So I get back to my building and keep trying to open the door with the card and NOTHING! So being the cry baby that this experience has turned me into, I did what I knew best...cried. As I was crying, I glanced to the left and noticed a very similar building to the one I was standing in front of. I could have slapped the S*** out of myself. I WAS TRYING TO GET INTO THE WRONG BUILDING!! My building is the second one. In my defence, everything is written in Korean. How was I supposed to tell the difference?? So after I finally made it into my apt, I dressed for bed, said my prayers as usual, and went to sleep in my empty quiet room. By that time, my ipod also died so it was completely silent. I cried. Again (do you notice a pattern going on here?). I think it was more mental than anything. For the past 22 years there was always someone either in person or over the phone to say goodnight and good morning to no matter where I was and someone to hug; but that wasn't the case. I went to bed alone in room with no one other than myself and woke up the same way. It's very depressing. One of the many lessons that I have learned so far since I've been in Korea... Don't take for granted your family and the people who love you the most. It's the simple things that make you feel complete.
Day 3 - 09/08: With the Good Comes the Bad
I woke up the next morning got dressed and headed out for training. I followed the directions exactly as I was told and took the subway. Have you ever seen the commercials where there are Asian people dressed in uniforms pushing and cramming people onto a train? Well, that is how its like in Korea. Not all the time, not for every subway line and not for every station. Why? Because people cram themselves onto the train. There is literally people on top of people. It's so packed that there is no need to hold on to anything because the people hold up each other. Seeing as though I'm not a big people person and I'm all about my personal space (6 feet on all sides please unless I know you). I felt so uncomfortable. People rubbing up against me, the stares, because clearly, I stand out, and the BO (body odor for those of you who are shorthand challenged). Now I'm not trying to be mean or anything because I'm sure every country has its own smell as well as their people. But have you ever been up close to an Asian person and their breath has a funny smell? Maybe garlicky I guess? Well...the whole train smelled like that. Maybe it's the tooth paste and/or soap they use but it was bad. Thank goodness the train was air conditioned because that could have been a lot worse.
Sixteen stops later (the crowd finally did die down some so it wasn't a tight) and I was at my destination. I'm thankful that the train stops were announced in English as well as Korean because I probably would have missed my stop. So I got off the subway and had to leave the station at exit 2 (each station has different entrances and exits. If you get out the station at the wrong exit, you could be a block up to 4 blocks away from your intended destination). When I got above ground I was completely lost. The actual map I was given had no street signs. Just some arrows, a McDonald's and the building I was to go to. I guess the complete confusion I felt was written all over my face because a woman pulled over and asked if I needed help (I have found out that many Koreans are friendly and are willing to go out of their way to give help). The woman spoke English which was a plus but was not familiar with where I needed to go but did point in the direction of the McDonald's (at least she thought so).
So I started walking in the direction she told me. After about five minutes and no sign of a McDonald's, I started to get upset. But then walking in my direction was a man with red hair. Now you and I both know there are no naturally red headed Koreans, so I said excuse me... He's an American (again, no one but God sent him in my direction. "He's an on time God. Yes He Is"... I'm about to have Church in here. lol)! He's a student in Korea from Los Angeles and offered to walk me to where I needed to go. As we were walking, he gave me some tips on being an American living in Kore and before I knew it, I was in front of where I need to be. I gave him my heartfelt thanks and went inside. I was about five minutes late so I hurried to the 4Th floor and found the room and orientation had already begun. The trainer welcomed me, gave me my binder and I sat in the back. As I looked around, I saw that I was the only African American there. I am getting use to it so it wasn't too bothering. After orientation was over, we had to go to the hospital to get a health check. Height, weight, vision, BP, chest x-ray, blood, and pee in a cup. The usual, but I hate giving blood, and I knew if I had a panic attack they would have thought I was crazy and shipped me back to the States on the first thing smoking (if you're from HU you get it. lol). So I took a breath, she took my blood, and it was done. After I went number 1 in the cup I was told to just sit it on a cart... uncovered, out in the open. Ill... Obviously Koreans aren't that big on things like that covered up.
After the health check, all the trainees went to the COEX Mall for an early dinner (I don't think I mentioned before that I hadn't eaten anything since the plane ride. That's right. My nerves were so jumpy that I had no appetite and wasn't really sleeping). I got chicken with fried rice and kimchi (like spicy cabbage). It was really good and I had a good time talking to the other trainees. The majority of them are from the west coast (boo!! lol. East Coast!!!)
After dinner, I took the subway home but made at stop at my school. I had to pick up my converters! YAY!
After I got them, I practically ran home to plug in and charge my phone. When I walked in my building (the right one this time), I threw everything onto my bed and started charging right away. The first thing I did was text mommie and Kory. "Phone is charging!! PLEASE CALL!!!" That was the message they got. I waited and waited and the first to call was mommie. Soon as I answered, I broke down in tears. Just hearing her voice after so long felt so good. We talked for almost an hour. Right after we hung up, I talked to Kory and the tears just came coming. It was Monday night and I hadn't spoken to them since Friday and Saturday. I was so so thankful that I could finally talk to them and hear them say they loved me and to tell them I loved them. Kory told me he had a passing in his family and I just wished I could be with him. Times like that are really hard to deal with. I'm praying for you and your family everyday Kory and remember, each day is a little better than the last. If I could have called and talked to everyone I would have, but hopefully you've heard from someone that I'm ok.
After talking to them, my heart and mind were at ease but I was still a little depressed. I wanted to go home. But I was also able to charge my ipod and went to sleep in a not so quiet space. But before I went to sleep, my toilet clogged up. It seemed as though as soon as I had an up, something slapped me back down.
Day 4 - 09/09: Hooters in Korea
I woke up Tuesday morning a little down. I called Kory and had another break down. Where I am isn't home and I just wanted to be in my comfort zone. After talking to both Kory and mommie, they reassured me that everything would be ok and I needed to get out and explore my new surroundings. We also set up a little calling schedule. They both call me in the morning (early evening EST), around noon (bedtime EST), and in the evening (morning EST) with text messages all inbetween.
After the phone calls, I got dressed and headed for the subway. While I was on the train, grandma called. Another voice that was good to hear. As I was talking to her I found myself tearing up again. Just knowing that these voices coming out of my phone are on the other side of the world and I can't put a face with these voices until I get my monitor working and use my webcam and can't hug them for about 4 months when they come to visit.
I made my way to training and found out that I would be teaching "English Chip" and "Memory English." Both are two different levels of English speaking at my school. The first being the lower level but both classes containing a mixture of elementary and middles school students. Each level has sublevels. "English Chip" having 4 and "Memory English" only 3. So we had our training from 9:30 - 3:30 with a 1 hour break inbetween.
We also had to take a grammar test and if you know me, you know that me and English grammar do not get along. I failed the test, but retook it on Thursday.
During training, I found out that one of the trainees who is also a Korean but lived in NYC for a couple years lives down the street from me. Literally. We are at the same subway stop and exit. We decided to meet the next morning and take the train together. At lunch we went to a Korean restaurant and I had some authentic food again. It was ok. I could get use to it.
After class was finished some of us (trainees) went to Hooters close to downtown Seoul to clebrate one of the trainee's birthday. We got there around 5 and me and two other trainees left around 9. It was dark and I wasn't that familar with the area (plus I had to take the subway then transfer to another subway to get home).
I got home and felt much better than how I felt that morning. I did my homework (boy did I have a lot of homework throughout training. I though I was back at HU) and had my goodnight calls to mommie and Kory, turned on my ipod and went to sleep.
BTW... My toilet is still clogged.
Day 5 - 09/10: E-MART!
Nothing much on Wednesday. Just my usual phone calls and text messages to mommie and Kory.
After Juile (the girl that lives down the street from me) and I caught the subway home after training, her and her mother took me to E-Mart. It's like the Korean version of Walmart. I got a plunger for that stopped up toilet of mine, some food and juice (I'm eating now!), and after seeing the price of pots, plates cups and a microwave (things that should have been in my apt but weren't), Julie and her mother offered to give me somethings from their home, but not little things. They gave me some pots so I could cook, a plate set and silverware, a toasterover (from the States!) which was great because I perfer a toasteroven over a microwave anyday, food containers, hangers, and a couple other things (I said before Korean people are very nice and friendly and God is sending me the best of them. Thanks for your prayers!). They also helped me figure out my address. Wednesday was a really great day... besides all of my homework.
Day 6 - 05/11: A Night On The Town and Fried Chicken In Korea
After training and my make up grammar test, we all went back to downtown Seoul and went to a chicken and beer place (fried chicken as well as other types). They ordered three huge pitchers of beer (don't worry. Everyone knows that I hate beer) and lots of chicken. A Korean custom is the youngest person sitting at a table has to serve his/her elders. Since I was the youngest at the table, I poured everyone a mug of beer and then someone poured my glass of water (I'll go more into Korean customs when I have time but another is usually the oldest person has to pay for everything). Now everyone knows that I hate serving other people (food and drink wise) because people are to D*** picky but I had no problem pouring drinks... lol... but I didn't mind. I didn't have to do it, but I figured whiule I was here, I mind as well embrace the culture. After our night out, I went home, did my homework, had my phone calls to mommie and Kory, and went to bed.
Day 7 - 09/12: End Of Trainning At Last!
So today was our last day of training! I passed my grammar test (yay!) and my mock teaching with flying colors! I signed my official contract and surprisingly, I teach my first class tomorrow!! I have been writing this entry for the past 4 1/2 hours now in an internet cafe (waiting for my computer monitor in my apt/room). It's called "Let's Play! The Internet cafe that resemble like nature." That's right. There's no "s" at the end of "resemble." Its Korea. What can I say. But my 5 hours are almost up. Its 11:37 pm Friday night and I still have to walk home. Sorry about the grammar and spelling errors in this but I should be going. There's a lot more to talk about but I have to go home and prep for my class tomorrow. After class, I'll be back to finish telling you about my "Seoul Happenings."
Told you this would be long!
Until Next Time!
Sarangheh ("I Love You" in Korean)
And Please Continue to Pray for me!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Up, Up and Away!!
So its official! I am leaving Philadelphia International Airport tomorrow at 7am! I have a 21 hour trip with one layover which isn't so bad. I got the call a couple nights ago and my recruiter gave me the go ahead to buy my ticket. I finished my last little bit of packing a little while ago and the total number of bags I have...FIVE! I actually don't think that's too bad. Two carry-ons and I'm checking three. My dad gave me a water jug full of change, and with that money I'll check my third bag. That was definitely great. Did you know that it cost $130 to check a third bag in addition to the arm and two legs this one way flight cost?? When I called the airline the lady told me "Pack light and you'll pack right!" Is she serious? How light can you pack when you're moving overseas for a year. I wanted to smack the you know what out of her... *Woosahh*. And with all the money spent on this flight I'm getting TWO meals!! I'll be in the air a total of 18 hours and they're only feeding me twice! Are they crazy?! Do they not know that people like to eat?? Particularly American people. So I've stocked up on some snacks and things (but of coarse no drinks. I might try to take the plane down with my bottle of white tea Snapple). But let me see a flight attendant getting her grub on anytime other then our TWO meals...
So mommie is taking me to the airport at 3am tomorrow morning. Well, I don't believe it ( but it's my mom I'm talking about so maybe I should), my mother has found a way to make it to the gate. Not the security check where the non holding ticket people have to stop, but the actual gate. That's right... she has managed to talk United into giving her a gate pass. How you ask? Well, she called United pretending to be a distressed daughter that had to leave her mom for a year and demands that her mother gets a gate pass to see her off. Leave it to my mom. She finds a way and if she can't find one...she will make her own.
On a more disturbing note, I found out that I have to get from Incheon International Airport (Seoul) to downtown Seoul (where my school director will be picking me up) on my own! That's right... no one would be there to say "Hi Welcome to CDI," "Can I take your bags?," or "This is our car." Instead, me and my 5 bags will be getting on a charter bus to downtown Seoul. Please pray that I don't end up on the wrong side of town. Maybe there will be someone on the flight that will be working for CDI too...or maybe not.
Anyway... did you see the Meac Swac Challenge on Sunday? Did you see Hampton send Jackson State home with their tiger tails between their legs? Now I'm not saying that Hampton played their butts off (some things could have been better), but Jackson State wrote some checks that their offense nor defense could cash.
And what is up with your Senator McCain and his VP Palin?? Does she really think that bashing Obama is making her look great?? But I won't get into that. That will start up some heated discussion and I want this to be fun.
I got my hair and eyebrows done this morning. I can't be going into another country with beads in my kitchen and a uni brow. I realize I'm representing Americans, and I know if I saw someone in my country looking a hot mess, it must be because the whole country looks a hot mess (and with that hot mess of a RNC going on I gotta show them we're all not "pit bulls").
I had dinner with my mom, brother, grandma, Kasey, Ms Battiste and Ms Ernie (part of my extended family) last night. We always have a ball when we get together.
My brother had his back to school night tonight. He goes to a private Christian academy, but if they knew the conversation my mother and I were having during the opening gathering, my brother would be asked to leave the school due to the inappropriateness of his mother and sister. Due to the potential children that could be reading this, I won't be able to disclose our conversation, but if you know about my mother's bluntness and and her ability to speak without censorship, you have an idea about the topics. What can I say? She may be inappropriate but that makes her Carla...the HEAD DIVA.
I'm going to miss everyone so much. What am I going to do without my family dinners at my Pop Pop's house, talking about church going-ons at Ms Battiste's, shopping with mommie, late night talks to Kory, HU randomness and the list goes on. I guess I'll figure something out, but it won't be as good as it is here.
I contacted everyone in one way or another to tell them "I'll see you later." That was a long list of people but I wouldn't have done it any other way. For those of you who didn't answer their phones this evening, check their facebook or text messages. I am saying "I'll see you later." I love you all. Please keep me in your prayers as you will be in mine.
My next entry will be from SOUTH KOREA!!
Until Next Time :)
So mommie is taking me to the airport at 3am tomorrow morning. Well, I don't believe it ( but it's my mom I'm talking about so maybe I should), my mother has found a way to make it to the gate. Not the security check where the non holding ticket people have to stop, but the actual gate. That's right... she has managed to talk United into giving her a gate pass. How you ask? Well, she called United pretending to be a distressed daughter that had to leave her mom for a year and demands that her mother gets a gate pass to see her off. Leave it to my mom. She finds a way and if she can't find one...she will make her own.
On a more disturbing note, I found out that I have to get from Incheon International Airport (Seoul) to downtown Seoul (where my school director will be picking me up) on my own! That's right... no one would be there to say "Hi Welcome to CDI," "Can I take your bags?," or "This is our car." Instead, me and my 5 bags will be getting on a charter bus to downtown Seoul. Please pray that I don't end up on the wrong side of town. Maybe there will be someone on the flight that will be working for CDI too...or maybe not.
Anyway... did you see the Meac Swac Challenge on Sunday? Did you see Hampton send Jackson State home with their tiger tails between their legs? Now I'm not saying that Hampton played their butts off (some things could have been better), but Jackson State wrote some checks that their offense nor defense could cash.
And what is up with your Senator McCain and his VP Palin?? Does she really think that bashing Obama is making her look great?? But I won't get into that. That will start up some heated discussion and I want this to be fun.
I got my hair and eyebrows done this morning. I can't be going into another country with beads in my kitchen and a uni brow. I realize I'm representing Americans, and I know if I saw someone in my country looking a hot mess, it must be because the whole country looks a hot mess (and with that hot mess of a RNC going on I gotta show them we're all not "pit bulls").
I had dinner with my mom, brother, grandma, Kasey, Ms Battiste and Ms Ernie (part of my extended family) last night. We always have a ball when we get together.
My brother had his back to school night tonight. He goes to a private Christian academy, but if they knew the conversation my mother and I were having during the opening gathering, my brother would be asked to leave the school due to the inappropriateness of his mother and sister. Due to the potential children that could be reading this, I won't be able to disclose our conversation, but if you know about my mother's bluntness and and her ability to speak without censorship, you have an idea about the topics. What can I say? She may be inappropriate but that makes her Carla...the HEAD DIVA.
I'm going to miss everyone so much. What am I going to do without my family dinners at my Pop Pop's house, talking about church going-ons at Ms Battiste's, shopping with mommie, late night talks to Kory, HU randomness and the list goes on. I guess I'll figure something out, but it won't be as good as it is here.
I contacted everyone in one way or another to tell them "I'll see you later." That was a long list of people but I wouldn't have done it any other way. For those of you who didn't answer their phones this evening, check their facebook or text messages. I am saying "I'll see you later." I love you all. Please keep me in your prayers as you will be in mine.
My next entry will be from SOUTH KOREA!!
Until Next Time :)
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