The Random Mandatory Health Check

I should have failed my health check, point blank. Basically, it was me and my new coworker and we were pointed in the direction of each random check point by the director of our school.

First, was the chest x-ray. We were told to change into robes which of course couldn't be normal, easy robes. They looked harmless, but in actuality they had criss-cross ties that took all I had at 9 in the morning to figure out. Then, I was basically told to hug this wall looking thing and stand still. Easy enough.

After changing back into my clothes, I followed Julie to the next room where we were directed to stand on a platform and wait for a metal plate to bop us on the head. Then, it was the sound test...which after the non-English speaking lady sets a pair of headphones on my head, I nod when I hear the noise. It was only later that I was informed that I was supposed to raise the arm that corresponded to the ear the noise was coming from. Whatever. That's not common knowledge, despite what you say.

This room also consisted of the same lady measuring my chest (I didn't even ask why...) and her taking my blood pressure. Then, the eye exam. It was at this point that I realized I should probably have just gone home and came back another day. It's no surprise I'm pretty blind, but first, I held the little metal thing up to the wrong eye. Next, instead of numbers.... I started naming letters. Back home, the eye chart consists of letters. Not in Korea. The whole thing was numbers. Z and 2 look the same, right?

Now that I was utterly convinced I was going to fail, I was sent to take a pee test and give blood. Luckily, I grabbed the stall in the bahroom that actually had a toilet. I also got to walk into a room full of people holding a dixie cup of pee and my director reaches out to grab it from me to give to the lady. No, thank you.. I'll take it to her myself. Oh, and I almost passed out giving blood. Imagine how thankful I was to find out the last room consisted of talking to the doctor.

I wasn't very good at understanding the doctor. I'm not even entirely sure what I told him, since I just guessed what some of his questions were. No wonder I was called back 2 days later...

My liver enzymes were high. Whatever that means. I met my supervisor who walked me to the place I needed to go... arm in arm. I'll never get used to that Korean ritual. Girls locking arms to walk somewhere together. Awkward.

Basically, this time was even worse. My supervisor and the doctor talk the whole time in Korean except for one sentence from her to ask me if it hurts when I pee. No, but even if it did I would probably lie to you. Awkward moment number 2. Even more awkward is when the doctor asks me if my back hurts and when I answer no, he proceeds to get up out of his chair, come over to me, bend me over, and practically karate chop my back. Thank goodness it wasn't hurting. Sheesh.

Then, I was told I needed an ultrasound (which my supervisor kept calling something crazy... and scared me at first until I realized what she was actually talking about). I got dirty looks for having a belly button ring. Then, this is how the interaction went between me and the doctor:

Doctor: You take any (something I couldn't understand).

Me: Do I take any what?

Doctor: (mumble jumble)... h... e.. l... b.

Me: Do I take any h...e...l...b? Helb? Help?

Doctor: Yes. Do you take any help?

Me: Help? Do I take any help? Um. No...?

2 minutes pass by.

Me: Herb! Did you mean herb? H...e...r...b? No, I don't take anyof those either.

Doctor: H...e...r...b. Yes. Your liver looks abnormal.

Then she snarled a bit and sent me on my way. Like it's my fault Koreans like to mix up the letters "r" and "l." Then I was told to yet again give blood. Oh joy. Oh, and I was also told that my mom would be back in a minute if I just sat and waited. Because, obviously, that's who the Korean lady with me must be.

In the end... my health check came back fine. I guess I was just fighting off something the first day. Thank goodness. I like it here... but I don't even like doctors back home, let alone ones who can't understand me. Knock on wood I can last a year without catching any major illnesses... or breaking a bone... or anything that would require me to go through the torturous process of seeking medical help.

"Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time, to figure out whether you like it or not." —Virgil Garnett Thomson

It waited 70 years until I got here.

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 Almost two weeks ago, it  started snowing here. Not only did it end up snowing a lot, but it was the "heaviest snow recorded in Seoul's modern history." It was awful. Not only do I dislike snow, but having to walk to the subway, then wait for the bus in it, was torture. I happened to be 45 minutes late to work (luckily I ran into two of my coworkers and the director of the school while waiting for the extremely late bus) due to how slow the traffic was and how crowded the subway became. Regardless of how much I hated that Monday, I was extremely amused by the people sweeping off the sidewalks with brooms and the mass usage of umbrellas that day. I decided to do as the Korean's do and use my umbrella as well. I also fell in the middle of the road while running to catch a green light, which was probably karma seeing as I once said I would never run for a green light. I guess that's what I get. I guess that's also what I get for running on ice.

Today it snowed a little, but luckily it stopped before I left for lunch this afternoon.

"Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says, 'I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway.'” --Maya Angelou

Things change. People change. Shit happens. Make Lemonade.... or something like that.

Even people with an amazing path in front of them fall flat on their faces sometimes.  Put yourself out there and get nothing in return. The heart can be my least favorite organ.

How to get over it? Book a trip to Taiwan for later this month and apply for a visa to go to China in May.

It may not help completely, but it sounds like a pretty damn good start. I can't wait.
 
 
 

"You're going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it's always their actions you should judge them by. It's actions, not words, that matter."

Fukuoka, Japan

I had to make a visa run to Japan, and despite having a couple obstacles along the way, I ended up having a really good time. My coworker, Julie, and I left on December 28th at 5:45 a.m. to head to the Incheon airport for an 8 a.m. flight. We caught the bus and made it exactly 2 hours before our flight was supposed to take off. Luckily, the Incheon airport is really fast, so we got checked in and through security with enough time to grab a McDonald's breakfast.

At this point, I still didn't have my visa number required to apply for my visa since my superviser forgot to give it to me the prior week. I kept checking my e-mail on my iPod Touch to see if I had gotten any word from my her, but nothing. We boarded the plane, and I kept my fingers crossed that I would have an e-mail by the time we landed. I knew my phone wasn't going to work in Japan.

The Korean Consulate

Well... basically, here's the things that ended up going wrong for us:
1. I still didn't get my visa number by the time we arrived at the Korean Consulate.
2. My iPod Touch didn't work in the consulate to check and see if she had gotten it to me.
3. I didn't know how to make a phone call from the stupid pay phone.
4. We found out that the consulate was going to be closed the following day (the 29th) through January 4th. Which means the trip was a big waste of time because we wouldn't be able to pick up our visas the following day as planned.
5. I still didn't have my visa number by the time we convinced the lady to do them in one day for us.

Eventually, the super nice lady agreed to have them done before the consulate closed that day and looked up my visa number for me. In the end, everything worked out and we had all day Tuesday to explore Japan until our flight left at 8:50 p.m.

My favorite things about Japan:
1. The vending machines on every corner, which included things like Coke, cigarettes, and beer.
2. How polite and calm everyone is compared to here. Not once did I see anyone run to catch the subway or crosswalk.
3. The ladies behind the counter at Family Mart who laughed and handed me a fork with my cup of Ramen noodles.
4. The toilets in the airport that made a waterfall noise when you started peeing. Awesome idea.
5. Ease of getting around and seeing everything possble in one day (shrine, temples, mall, dome, etc. etc.) And the fact that we got to the airport, checked in, then decided we wanted to go to McDonalds which was like 8 subway stops away... and still made it back to the airport with 45 minutes left to spare. It's so easy getting from place to place.

6. The awesome shrimp tempura lunch we ate, delicious!

7. 100 Yen stores.

8. Clothing with completely random English phrases written on it.

9. Japanese sticker booths, and trying to figure out how to work them with no English in sight.
10. The mountains, ocean, cool houses, trees and beauty of the city.

Yes, I want to go back. There's actually a 311 concert in April which I think would be tons of fun, so if I can pull off the weekend trip I may do that. Why not?

"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

Korean War National Museum

It was cold outside, and I wasn't feeling particularly well, but it was a nice little trip to the War Memorial and Museum. Off the Samgajki station only a few minute walk leads to this large museum that costs only 3,000 won. Not only is there a lot to see inside, but outside there are statues, tanks, and airplanes to play around in and look at. Too bad I was freezing, otherwise I would have loved to go explore the airplanes. We didn't make it that far.

Supposedly, you can rent headphones and listen to information about every display in the museum, but we decided to just look around and read whatever signs were translated into English (which luckily, most were). It wasn't overly exciting, but it was cool nonetheless.

We went about about an hour before the museum closed, so we didn’t get to spend too much time there. Considering I didn’t feel too good, one hour was enough for me.

My New Favorite Food: Thai

My Thai in Itaewon was delicious. The chicken phat tai... a glass of white wine, so good. I will definitely be going back.

Christmas in Korea

Yes, I know... I've been a blog slacker. Luckily, I have lots of interesting (and a couple not so interesting) things to share. In the time since I last wrote, I've made it through Christmas Eve, Christmas and a Japan trip. This post will be dedicated to Christmas in Korea since I believe it's important for one to realize that although acknowledged, it doesn't seem like it's as big a deal here as back home. For example, I worked on Christmas Eve. Yuck.

We had our birthday/Christmas party on Thursday, so really the morning was all fun, aside from the fact that I was unknowingly thrown into the position of party MC since Naomi decided not to go to work that day (thanks Naomi!). We celebrated all the kids who had birthdays in the month of December... and then we switched to the Christmas party where we had a carol contest and Santa came.

The kids wait for Santa to call them up one at a time, then show off all their presents.

Santa was pretty funny. He was this nervous Korean guy from another school, and he basically just repeated himself like 30 times to each  the kids. "Were you good this year? Will you  be good next year? Merry Christmas." The kids loved it though, so it was all good. They all mostly got huge gifts so they were happy.

Doesn't my homeroom class and I look thrilled? Hehe.

Gerstungkinder 2009

Then, we got our buffett. The kid's moms brought food for the school to eat, so we had all sorts of goodies including pizza with sweet potato (which was interesting), lots of fruits, kimbap, chicken wings, sandwiches, and a bunch of other little random foods. It was pretty good though. One of my students told me I was being unhealthy when I poured myself a Coke... haha, I told her it was Christmas so I was allowed. Whatever, I just love Coke.

The afternoon classes were a bunch of BS because I actually had to teach, no fun party for the older kids. Luckily, after my last student left at 5:25 I went to the teacher's room to see if there was a meeting and she said everyone else was leaving early so there wasn't one. I asked if I could leave early and thank goodness... she said yes! Off to Brigid's...

I spent about an hour and a half getting to Banghak station where I met Brigid and Sarah at "the Galbi place" or so it is known as. They already had quite a bit of soju and Cass... so it was my turn to finally try Soju. It wasn't too bad... would have been better if I hadn't recieved a half cup full of only soju, but it wasn't as terrible as I thought. Would be good mixed with something.

Anyway, from there we went to Camp Red Cloud, where we met Mark... hung out for a bit. Acted slightly ridiculous and then ended up at the Veteran's Club, where supposedly the officer party was supposed to be. Well...definitely no "party" but a bunch of guys older than my parents and for a brief moment the cute MP who we met on our way to the bunker earlier in the night. He was married and only 20, but he was cute enough toat with and look at for the 15 minutes he was there. Then... a rum and Coke, 4 beers and a shot later, I ended up fast asleep on Brigid's floor mattress, which was actually quite comfortable. Overall, and despite being at work for 8 hours, it was a pretty fun Chrimstas Eve.

 

Pictures: My Christmas Eve dinner... a shrimp cocktail. Me trying on Mark's gear and realizing how heavy it is. Brigid being slightly intoxicated.

I spent Christmas day with Brenna and her family, which was really nice. I bought a cute cake from Paris Baguette. They had really delicious looking cakes with chocolate and fruit and little characters, so I just had to buy one for them! They invited some other friends over too, so I basically spent my day eating delicious American foods (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, salads, bread, pies… etc. etc. etc.) Then, we watched Elf and played all sorts of different games on the Wii. I totally kicked butt in bowling… and that’s about it. It was a nice relaxing day though.

Brenna was even kind enough to get me some cool gifts, Victoria’s Secret body wash, sprays, lotions, etc. She kept my tradition of getting goodies from VS! I was so excited!


Overall, Christmas was real enjoyable and a lot better than I expected. I was being a bit of a Scrooge this year, but really there was no need. I have made some really great friends who made the holidays really awesome!

 I have lots more pictures on Facebook so add me on there if you want to see more.

“I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite.” –Buddy the Elf.

Well, Korea, here it is...

…the list of things I want to do while I’m here. By November 1st of next year, I want to have all of these things completed. For a year’s worth of things, this really isn’t that much… but it’s a goal list and that’s all that matters.

In alphabetical order since I'm just like that, I want to:

• Go hiking at least once (like actually make a day of it...)
• Go on the DMZ tour through the USO
• Go to an art gallery
• Go to at least 15 new restaurants (7/15)
• Go to a museum
• Go to a performing arts show 
• Go to a sporting event (I'm hoping a baseball game...hehe)
• Learn one new Korean word each week (0/42)
• Make Pancakes (Mainly because I've had a craving since I got here)
• Put at least half my paycheck into my savings account each month
• Read at least one book a month (1/11)
• Sing at a Norebang karoke room  
• Take at least one interesting picture a week with the Nikon (0/42)
• Take at least one picture a week with the Sony (0/42)
• Try as many new foods as I can (10)
• Try soju
• Visit another country
• Visit at least one noteworthy place a month (0/11)
• Write at least one article every two weeks for either an online site or a local magazine/newspaper/whatever I can find (0/21)
• Write at least one blog post a week (0/42)
• Watch the sun rise or set

I'm sure there's more than this and the numbers might be off because I did them quickly... but this is it for now. So, what do I want to take away from Korea?

• A new sense of independence-- being able to do everything alone without thinking twice
• An appreciation for everything I take for granted back home including ease of communication and the convenience of being able to get around easily, as well as a ton of other, more eye opening things
• A new understanding and compassion for children that I never had before
• A new understanding of the world, experience of travel 
• Courage to do what I want with life
• Money to start doing what I want and to find my place

Gwanghwamun and Myeong dong

I love bookstores. I love books. I love that I finally bought Gone with the Wind today, and I can't wait to read it. I also can't wait to read The Predictioneer's Game. Both will be amazing.

The Kyobo bookstore in Gwanghwamun (Line 5, exit 3) was really cool because there's a big "Foreign Books" area. It's also easy to get to. It literally took me about 15 minutes to get in, find my book, and get out. It probably would have been less but the number of people in the bookstore alone was insane. The number of people in this city and at certain places at particular times never fails to shock me.

After the bookstore, I went to Forever 21 in Myeong dong (Line 4, exit 5). That place will make me go broke if I go there too often. I love it! Too bad it's more expensive here... but there's 4 or 5 floors of clothe, shoes and accessories, it's HUGE.

The store had Christmas music playing and Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song came on. I couldn't help but laugh. It's so funny when some music comes on and hardly anyone knows what the lyrics are saying. Heh.

Anyway, I now have 6 new shirts, a new necklace and hat, and because I’m a dedicated shopper (haha) I got a free planner! I’m excited about that, I’ve been wanting one and it’s in English. Perk.

I'm not a pillow.

Three people on the subway decided I looked comfortable enough to lean on while they slept. Ok, so they weren’t literally laying on me… but they were a little too close for comfort. I was also a human tissue yesterday when one of my students got hit with the door because she was playing right by it. I side hugged her while she cried, then she took the bottom of my shirt and wiped her face on it. Needless to say, it was disgusting, and I highly dislike snot.

My students have the ability to make me laugh. I really do like them most of the time.


Case in point… this is what one of my students wrote on his test. The directions said, “combine the following groups of sentences to make one sentence.” These were the sentences:

-The stream was pretty.
-The stream was little.
-The stream was fast-moving.
-The stream was safe to drink from.

Instead of getting the correct answer, which would involve using commas between the adjectives to make one sentence, this is what I got:

“I go to mountain. The stream was pretty, and fast-moving. I drink it because stream was safe to drink from. I drink a lot so stream was little.”

This makes me smile and chuckle every time I read it. I really want to give him points for creativity and think I will. I mean, he at least knew what the sentences meant, bonus points.

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." — Bessie Anderson Stanley