Hair Update

http://ayearofyoga.files.wordpress.com/

I came to work today and, in response to my new 'do, the women gasped. The men, on the other hand, looked at me sadly and asked, "What's wrong?", "What happened?", "Are you okay?"

I was a bit sore...um, yeah I'm okay. I just cut my hair. So I was stewing a little bit here in my newly warmed seat (thanks to the supersized heater a mere 8 inches from my shins), which is NOT the ideal thing to be doing on New Year's Eve, even if it is only 8:30 am. Then another co-worker came over and, smiling ear to ear, asked me why I cut my hair. Ahh...my mother says never to ask why. I was perplexed and looked at him inquisitively. He finally explained, "In Korea, women only cut their hair when they've suffered a loss like after a breakup or losing their job. So we are asking if you are okay because we are worried because you wouldn't cut your hair unless something was wrong."

Ahh...strangest place on earth. I love it when someone actually explains things to me though instead of just asking why why why.

I'm packing up my desk in preparation for our move to the new school. This might just be my last post of 2009. Oh, talked to Joelle last night...she got possession of the house yesterday. Again, I'm SO proud of her (she never reads The Blog, but you do, so you can congratulate her when you see her!).

Enjoy a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

Second Korean Haircut

Well, it's still a little Koreanized, but I'm LOVING it. I have to style it myself to get rid of the slight bowl-cut-ness of it. And I'm also loving my entirely cheesy apartment photographs...eek.

New Year, new hair ;)

Who, What, How, When...just NEVER Why

I borrowed this quote from my friend Ryan's blog. I quite like it...

"A friend suggested I include this quote from Across the Universe, a fun-loving ode to the Beatles. It seems pretty fitting, for right now anyway:

Max: Why is it always about “what will you do”? Do, do, do, do, do. Why isn’t the issue here who I am?

Uncle Teddy: Because, Maxwell, what you do defines who you are.

Max: No, Uncle Teddy. Who you are defines what you do..."

This on the eve of New Year's Eve...I think it's appropriate.

I also heard this little January gem and loved it:

"Don't resolve to do. Just do."

I'm off to chop my hair off. Enough of this fence sitting. We need a festive due to ring in the next decade. Wow...do you remember where you were ten years ago? Can someone remind me where I was? Neat how much things have changed, isn't it?

NOTE: I just talked to Marcy for an hour and a half. It was lovely. She told me that my Uncle Gary, her husband, my father's brother, is an avid reader of The Blog. I'm blown away, honestly. I love The Blog...didn't know anyone other than Mom and Leanne love The Blog too. I'm tickled pink. So as promised, hello, Uncle Gary!

soooooooooooooooo bored

You know when everyone else is working and you don't have to, but you DO have to BE THERE, so you just SIT? No? They don't do that back home in a workplace? Welcome to Korea. Welcome to SITTING. I have a heater under my desk now, so at least I'm warm (for the first time in this godforsaken room).

Here's the extensive research I did today. I think Starbucks has a pretty good thing going on here: free celebrity endorsement.

Miley (gross) Cyrus

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz

Katie Holmes

Further, we leave for The Big Thai in 9 days. Leanne wrote me an email telling me she'd type up our itinerary and send it to me. I love how entirely on the ball she is.

Oh, and I might cut my hair. Like this (tonight)...

Worst post ever: this one. Sorry, sportsfans.

"You get cold really fast"

Don't tell me I get cold really fast. If a) the heater in the staff room worked, raising the temperature from where it's been at 13 degrees for the last WEEK (oh, it SAYS 30 degrees, but I'm here to tell you I know 30 degrees and this is DEFINITELY not it) and b) the damn kids shut the doorway to purgatory when they filed in and out of here quicker than bandits in a bank and more often than I can mutter scathingly, "shut the DOOR!", then perhaps I would STAY warm.

My apartment is kept at 17 degrees when I'm IN it. When I leave my apartment in the morning, I'm super warm. By the time I trudge up the huge hill to school, I'm downright toasty. Don't tell me I'm the one with the problem: I'm NOT. If I had known winter in Korea was like this (read: "if I had known that the heating system in Korea is non-existent and complaining about it makes me a FREAK"), I would have thought long and hard about coming. It's THAT serious.

New Years Plans

http://riceteacher.blogspot.com

I don't know what YOU'RE doing, but here's where we'll be on New Years Eve. It's Asian Times Square. What am I getting myself into??? I'm so excited! Whoot whoot...this is Seoul, baby.

http://teslinkorea.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-new-year-2009.html

Reading My Fortune

http://www.toddtibbetts.com/

According to Bazooka Joe, my fortune is as follows:

Every "dog" has its day. You will too!

Score. Thanks for sending good fortune, Jackie!

Oh oh oh! And my dad also sent a package (to be said in a French accent)...thank you so very much! He sent enough deoderant to last me a lifetime, candy (!), coffee and the much-missed, highly-coveted orange pekoe tea. I'm so excited.

Finally...Proof of Winter

This was the scene outside my window last night. The snow was falling softly on the rooftops...so serene. And looking up, I couldn't even see my school from my window, the snow was getting so heavy.

But this morning was bright and the colours popped along our street on our walk to school.

I couldn't help but giggle at this 7-11 employee. I guess they don't get enough snow in Korea to warrant buying shovels, so they use brooms or pieces of cardboard to clear the steps. Oh, and yes, this is the actual size of ALL brooms in Korea. We aren't sure why they don't have ADULT sized brooms....they all seem to be made for pygmies. Strange little country.

Our local park. I have no idea what those signs say. You may be able to see the steel workout equipment that adorns all the public parks in Korea. Free workouts anytime of year...what a place!

Same park, different view. Check out all our snow!

And there's Matt: a Texan in the snow (for the first time? I don't know). Poor guy: I thought he was going to freeze to death.

As mentioned to some of you, the heater at school broke today and I only had one class to teach. This is relevant because when I'm teaching, I'm in a warm (heated) classroom and I'm doing my best to entertain the kids, keeping even warmer. But today, I sat in the office, coat, scarf, hat AND gloves on, doing pretty much nothing all day. Sigh. Only a few more days until vacay starts...and only 11 more until The Big Thai. CAN'T wait!

What my camera missed...

Katie made homemade perogies for Christmas dinner. They were too good. Ryan and I put our "we don't eat bacon for entirely different reasons" convictions on hold for the night and mowed down. Charming.

Some of my friends in Korea...Matt, Nikita, Nicole, Katie, and Tommy.

Christmas Eve Pics

Yours truly, decked out in her best sweats and the oddest scarf we'd all ever seen. Details can't be seen from where you are, but it looked like Kleenex was woven into it. Hilarious.

Ahhh...Christmas Eve. It was a night wrought with too many cookies, too much icing (as if there could EVER be too much icing!), and faaaar to many braids in my hair.
That's right...ghetto styles.

Post Christmas Wrap Up

I think we all awoke grimacing on Boxing Day, thinking we had to go back to school the next day. It was thrilling to realize it was only Saturday and we still had plenty of time to relax. We headed to Erin's for lunch to consume pretty much all the leftovers she had from the night before. We ate far too much pasta (and I ate far too much meat over the last few days...quite enough of that) and then sort of flopped about, talking about the night before. The boys headed to Seoul for some electronic shopping and I went back to Katie's with her to catch a catnap before dinner. Just what I need: more eating ;)

We had a great time not sleeping: laughing and carrying on in her apartment, cuddled up under blankets on the bed and futon. It was nice to spend time with a gal pal, carrying on in that typical girl fashion, talking about clothes and boys and shoes and hair. Sometimes age melts away here...

I went to dinner with My Man's friend from church. More religious fanaticism...it's almost a challenge to talk to her and get the conversation steered any way other than towards religion or the bible. There is so much danger associate with such literal translations guided by select people...I mean, these people don't just interpret the bible themselves, they are "taught" how to do it "properly". It's creepy. But she's a nice person and I like to spend time in Korea doing things I wouldn't normally do, so I was glad to see her again. We went to Instanbul, a Turkish restaurant in Pyeongchon. Some pretty shady Korean meat there, but it was a pretty good meal anyway.

She did tell me something rather interesting and I'm curious to hear what you have to say about this. The Born Again Christians believe that when it "is time" (I didn't listen to the details about when that'll be), they will experience rapture: they will ascend to heaven immediately without dying first. Um, okay. I want to make it abundantly clear that I do not think this is a) possible nor b) plausible. I've always been taught that death is a part of life: we can't cut that part out. Voila done. Apparently one of the Born Again Christians at the church, who is a pilot himself, says that if there is a Christian pilot in a cockpit, the other pilot must be a non-Christian because in the event that "the time comes", the first pilot would immediately be catapulted to heaven, and there has to be someone to fly the plane. Can you imagine?

Is this legal? Imagine being asked a question about your religion in Canada? And being asked about it in direct relation to your immediate ejection into heaven (without first dying of course) and their fear of leaving and desire not to leave a plane full of humans to fend for themselves? I can't fully wrap my head around this without finding it more than a little ridiculous. I needed a glass of wine after that so I met with Ramiro, Mike and Brooke for a nightcap.

Today I had a late start, spent a few hours talking to my dad, and then watched the snow fall. It is really remarkable that the cover of snow looks the same no matter where you are. I came to realize today as I lazily attempted to write in my journal, that there is nothing private for me anymore. Well, very little anyway. There are still some things I do that I don't share with others, but this blog (and you know I love the blog) has really become my outlet to share how I'm progressing, healing, moving, and changing during my Asian journey. It's all remarkable and all worth sharing, I think.

http://www.johnmayer.shop.musictoday.com/

Thanks to Jamie's suggestion, I'm listening to the new John Mayer album, Battle Studies. It really is a great piece of work. My favourite song so far has been "Assassin"...You get in, you get done, and then you get gone/You never leave a trace and show your face/You get gone."

Here's "Edge of Desire"...I'm loving it too.

Young and full of running

Tell me where's that taking me?

Just a great figure 8 or a tiny infinity

Love is really nothing

But a dream that keeps waking me

For all of my trying

We still end up dying

How can it be?

Don't say a word, just come over and lie here with me

'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see

I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe

There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me

So young and full of running, all the way to the edge of desire

Steady my breathing, silently screaming,"I have to have you now"

Wired and I'm tired

Think I'll sleep in my clothes on the floor

Maybe this mattress will spin on its axis and find me on yours

Don't say a word just come over and lie here with me

'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see

I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe

There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me

Don't say a word just come over and lie here with me

'Cause I'm just about to set fire to everything I see

I want you so bad I'll go back on the things I believe

There I just said it, I'm scared you'll forget about me

I finished "Sweetness in the Belly" yesterday. What a remarkable book. Though I recorded no quotes that really spoke to me, the book as a body of work was really a fascinating account of Ethiopia and the plight of her Islamic people. It could have been way longer, but it was succinct and poignant in very few pages. I finished it in about four days. I'm onto Burning Bright now.

Forecasting the Future...

Here was the site at Happidus on Christmas Night. Only 12 more days to go!

It's Christmastime in the City

Well, it was Christmas in Korea this weekend and it was fabulous. School ended at 3 on Christmas Eve and I RAN home to revel in the half-day off. Matt and I headed over to Katie's after a stop at Subway for our Pajama Pizza Party that turned into a sandwich party where we put Elf on, but talked too much to hear it. It was so nice just to sit around and enjoy each other's company, eating homemade cookies and talking about holidays past. We had a good old fashioned sleepover once everyone went home. I was paranoid that I would miss my alarm and miss my chance to talk to the fam on their Christmas Eve, so I hardly slept a wink. When I emerged from Katie's at 8:30 on Christmas Day, the city was silent. Few cars drove by slowly, the air was crisp, Korea was quiet for once. I thought I would have to walk home, pillow in hand, but thankfully a taxi eventually drove up.

I had precious little time to get in, throw my stuff down, and turn on my computer before Dad and my grandparents started yapping away. I'm really amazed with them. Everyone else tells me that their grandparents can't really fathom the whole concept of Skype: they think that this must be a previously recorded image they are viewing, but my Nonna and Nonno have just accepted that this is a talking telephone and it's free. They're really beyond their time.

They were at Sandra's house with her two daughters, enjoying a huge seafood feast. I was a little jealous, being that my last meal was a submarine sandwich. Mmmm (eye roll). It was so wonderful to see that my family was being well taken care of and surrounded by loving people. Heart. After two hours of seeing them, filling the air with Christmas wishes as I prepped my cream of mushroom soup for later that day, we said good night.

It was then onto Mum. I talked to her for another two hours, both of us laughing quite a bit about my nearly failed Thai spring rolls. I barely had enough time to shower, dry my hair, and gather all my stuff together to get to Erin's for Christmas dinner before 3 pm. That's what happens when you yak all day to folks from home: you're late. The party at Erin's was incredibly festive and full of food and drink. It really felt like Christmas, surprisingly, despite the fact that we are all so far from home. I guess the holidays are really just being around people who make you feel special, people who make you feel like home, even when you can't be there.

We had a gift exchange were stealing gifts that had previously been selected was allowed, so there was the typical family squabbling (well, not my family, but everyone else said it reminded them of home) about who got what. Then the requisite pouting when so-and-so didn't get what they wanted came next...it was cute.

Katie and I, soaking in the Christmas cheer...

Whoot whoot UWO alum! Ryan and I, serious...

...not so serious...kind of like Western ;)

We stayed late enough to digest a bit before taking the chilly, snowy, almost romantic walk to Happidus for a little night cap. It hardly ever snows in Korea, so this was not only a Kodak moment, but was entirely delightful to be in.

The walk to Beomgye...beautiful city lights, little traffic, twilight snowfall.

I love this time of year.

Tommy and I, bracing ourselves against the cold:

My friends at the local watering hole...

Deep in thought...a Christmas reflection, perhaps. This is Katie and Matt.

From me to you, from East to West, near to far, Merry Christmas. I miss you all terribly...I hope you had a happy holiday like I did, surrounded by special people who remind you that it's not where you are, but WHO you are that really matters.

The snow has been falling steadily today, coating the ground in a blanket of cold. It's magical.

Stop It...But Don't....

Well, it's Christmas Eve morning here in the Korea (insert mistletoe here, please) and the CBC got me started off right today by playing Boney M. LOVE Boney M. Reminds me of my childhood...Christmas in Florida, opening pressies with mom then dad...it was a great way to wake up (early, I might add: I was actually on time when Matt came to get me this morning).

http://images.2dayfm.com.au/

So Lainey Gossip, my official source of all things gossip related, has given me my Christmas gift: the Sex and the City 2 trailer is officially UP! I'm happy to share with you because you need to see it. And correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this when the first movie came out? Spring? I think so. This one is due May 28. Maybe Leanne will remember. We had fabulous sangria and salad and then watched it together. Mmmm...sangria...I saw it twice then, and I assume I'll see this one as much too. Though the words of the narrative trailer leave a bit to be desired (repetition is too much), the music is amazing (whoot whoot Jay-Z and Alicia Keys) and the hype is even better. I've watched this trailer about ten times, unabashedly. I hope you like it just as much as I did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQ5yRFkBnE

It's Pizza Pajama Party tonight at Katie's. We're all bringing our own pie. Can't wait to gorge (isn't that gross?).

How Very (In)Appropriate

Just like 1000 Awesome Things before it (or perhaps after it, who knows), this is one of those sites you can't tire of simply because there is truth oozing from it, down the monitor, right onto your keyboard. It's sticky and wonderful and makes me feel good. It's Stuff White People Like. I'm giggling nearly uncontrollably. Somewhat because I've just been sitting here for the last three hours and somewhat because I can't decide if this is totally funny or totally offensive. You be the judge.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/

Top things white people like?

1. Coffee

2. Religions their parents don't belong to

3. Film festivals (oh my god, I so fit into this)

4. Assists (?)

5. Farmers Markets

6. Organic Food (I'm a walking cliche and never knew it)

7. Diversity

8. Barack Obama (I once spelled his name wrong in my class in London. I was so embarrassed when a kid in the 9th grade corrected me. Duh.)

Anyway, I'm off for the day. Enjoy yours.

MORE MUSIC!

We know I'm a blog stalker. I find 'em, I read 'em, I love 'em. I think the Blog is the most amazing new invention of the 21st century. Where did I get my celebrity gossip, new music, general information, and random fun facts before the advent of the blog? I can't recall: it was a dark time before the blog came along.


So for the Blog, I am eternally grateful.


I found another one and the author said to check this out: The Most Serene Republic (band) – "Heavens to Purgatory" (song). So I did. Love love love (god, I'm starving. Running makes me hungry). Turns out they're from Milton. Sa-weet.

Have a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTdO4VwhtHw

I'm now listening to the same artist sing, "The Men Who Live Upstairs". Swoon.

When you're done with that, listen to this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_msiXnRGaKs It might be even better.

I have to note how glad I am that someone else compiled a list of wonderful music so that I don't have to do anything but listen to his suggestions. Good day all around.




Second random thought of the day: my cousin JJ and his lovely wife, Joanna, who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting YET, are on their way to my Aunt Erika and Uncle Charlie's house for the Christmas holidays. They all must be so thrilled to all be together. Sigh...I wish I was there.


I'm not clear: is there snow in the Toronto area or not? My mom mentioned there was a faint "dusting" this morning. I thought you got a huge storm a little while back? Anyway, I'm sure you will all have a swimmingly good time. Knock back a little eggnog for yours truly :)

Merry Christmas to us!

We only have morning classes today and tomorrow, in preparation for Christmas. Holla!

I'm currently reveling in the audacity and absurdity of religious fanaticism and waiting to hear if Nathan will let me post his most recent email to me on this subject. Until I hear back, here's a little cartoon to keep you abreast of how I'm spending the next two afternoons (I love that the fly has more common sense than the stooped-over man)...

www.secularhumanism.org

I'm all for expression of religious belief. I love that we are so moved differently by what we have been taught, what we choose to accept, and, perhaps more importantly, what we choose to ignore in each of our faiths. I love my own religion because it allows for the possibility that other religions have merit and that those faithful in those religions are just as destined for greatness, ascension into some heavenly place upon death, or whatever it is that we believe.

What I can't stand, what I can't accept is when fanatics believe that the ONLY way you are going to be "saved" is if you accept this religion. I mean, come on. If we ALL thought that way, we'd all be doomed for, what? Hell? Book me a ticket on the Midnight Express...I figure I've done enough to warrant it. But wait a second: if I don't believe in that, does that mean it's not so? I'd like to think so.

I still can't forget a conversation (fight, really) that one of my friends here in Korea had with a really bitchy gal. She claimed that this was it: this life was the start and the end and that there was nothing else "out there" after we die. He was flabergasted. If that was true, didn't that mean he would never see those who had passed away? Those he had loved and lost? The belief in an afterlife is personal...I think it's wrong to impart our opinion on others. For him, perhaps there's a "better place". For her, this is as good as it gets. Maybe she'll be more present, while he'll search for meaning in the future. Maybe she'll be miserable forever, while he'll find joy all the time. Who knows. What I do know is that it takes all kinds to make this world the colourful cornucopia it is, and convincing ourselves that "they" are less worthy than "us" is bigotry in its grossest form.

Lost and FOUND!

http://www.tiffanyrings4u.com/

I had a ring that looked like this. I looked far and wide for it when Leanne and I visited her grandparents in Texas last February simply because it resembled this ring. And I found it. The price was right and I was so happy, and then, it was mine.

I wore the ring so proudly loving how its size dwarfed my rather elongated fingers. Then, while doing dishes at the bank after our communal lunch, I put the ring down. The next day, upon realizing it was missing, I was dismayed that someone from my office, one of my trusted peers, STOLE my adored ring. I was most sore about this because I bought it in Progresso, Mexico (ole!), and would clearly never be returning there in this lifetime. It was irreplaceable. Sad face.

Imagine my surprise AND delight when I shoved my hands in my suit jacket pocket, searching, as is my daily quest, for warmth, and I FOUND THE RING. I put it on, felt its enormous weight and size, delighted in the fact that it had been returned to me so close to the dawn of my next trip with Leanne.

So on this, our "we only have 17 days left before The Big Thai" anniversary, I want to sincerely apologizing for thinking that someone stole The Ring. What an arse I was. Now that it's firmly back on my finger, awaiting its travel to Thailand, I am SURE this is going to be the trip of a lifetime!

Smarty Pants

https://s3.amazonaws.com/

I realized recently that I really miss meaningful, intellectual conversation. You know when you blurt out something profound, you talk about it in a group or between yourself and another person, and you really disect it? A "dumboff", as Tammy Lucas says...but more than that, just ordinary conversation is really lacking here in Korea. I think I can confidently attribute it to two factors: the obvious language barrier and the less obvious lack of thinking in that "western way". You see, from what I've encountered here, there are few Koreans who engage in conversation about things that are very "deep", according to my standards. Perhaps talking about the discrepancy between generations, respecting your elders, and the production of report cards is meaningful and deep here: that isn't for me to judge. But what I miss are conversations about religion, politics, rules of society: that nitty gritty that you have to be very comfortable with yourself to be able to discuss. I miss it. Sure, on the weekends, when some of my select foreigner friends gather, we often will talk this talk. But regularily, and on a daily basis, I'm devoid of this conversation. I'm starting to really miss its presence.

I guess I need to investigate this as well: are issues westerners think are taboo but still discussable just off the table for Koreans? Is broaching these subjects just beyond the scope of reasonable, respectful conversation, or do they just not talk about this stuff as a nation? I'll do some probing. And in the interim, it's back to talking about food we ate for lunch, how to cook western food using Korean ingredients, and how "bright" I looked with a full face of make up. Sigh.

The Bonnie Wreath

Let it be known that the Bonnie Wreath has made it, at least photographically, to South Korea. Thanks for sending me the pictures of your decked out for Christmas houses and apartments...I really appreciate it. I'm still giggling that the very festive, very loud, very matte and shiny gold metal wreath is still bringing holiday joy to Leanne's house. I think mine is working it's Christmas magic at Shalaina's, even though it's still packed away.

One of my neighbours moved out today, LaTanya (seriously), and left me a crock pot, soup pot, and a small wooden wall unit, so that's my new Christmas decor!

Check out Leanne and Mark's First Engaged Christmas stockings :)

when is a door not a door?

http://i.telegraph.co.uk

I have NEVER said, "Close the door" more often than I have in the last three weeks. I think I'll get it tattooed somewhere so that they have only to look at me to know what they have to do. The staff room is barely heated, and when the door to the completely UNheated hallway is left wide open, every bit of hard-earned, precious heat leaks out, leaving us colder than before. I can't STAND it.

Running the heater all day must be pretty cheap here in Korea...I wonder what the folks in Copenhagen would say about all this waste?

Coldest Weekend of my Life

Because my camera is still MIA, I am borrowing yet another blog's worth of photographs from the Internet. I have been assured it is ever closer (the camera, that is), so I should have it soon. Remarkable that I'm getting it back at all, really, so I'm pretty satisfied.

This weekend was a long one...started with the coldest run in recorded history on Thursday afternoon and ended with a Korean wedding. Hmmm...much to tell.
I have amazing running apparel that ensures I am warm from head to toe whilst running. However, the clothes do not afford the luxury of stopping or walking...it's just far too cold for that. I can walk for about 60 seconds before I'm freezing, so I have to be careful. I went too far on Thursday and because I was on the river with no house or business in sight, I had to just keep running, push on past the pain, because the pain of freezing to death was all to real at the time. I took a very hot, very long shower to compensate for the abundance of frigidity, but I think I'm still cold from that. Since Thursday was payday, I went out for the first time in a long time and was overserved at Happidius. Sigh. Friday was my work Christmas getaway and sleeping in to recover was not an option.

We left school at around 12:30 on Friday, after the kids were done their exams. Something else I don't understand: Koreans don't use the heat in their cars. And you know that slight draft you get at your feet when it's minus 100 outside? That is magnified when you are freezing cold to begin with (this blog has a definite cold theme. As I write it, I sit at my desk with three shirts, a huge sweater, tights, pants, socks, my scarf as a blanket on my lap, and my winter coat on. Note that if it was this cold at home, the children would not be allowed in the building. I heart Canada right now). After about an hour of driving to the east coast, we stopped for homemade noodles. I was warm for the first time in days. We checked in to our nearby accommodation, a beautiful hotel over looking the sea. We got there at 3 and had nothing planned until dinner, so the men retired to their room (common room where everyone slept on the floor, Korean styles) and the women to theirs. Then we chatted. In Korean. On the floor. For three hours. Enough said. We did take a walk to see the sights and even skipped stones on the beach. But we only lasted about a half hour, since it was frigid, especially beside the sea.

Winter Sea by LJ Powers http://fineartamerica.com/

Dinner was delicious, but (obviously) freezing. We went to an adjoining tent where a barrel acting as a wood-burning stove placed in the centre of the room kept us "warm". Right. We had fresh shellfish (or as they call it, "seashells") for dinner...it was amazing. And just like we had at Mudfest, the shells came out of a cooler, and were placed on a grill in the centre of the table. Once the mollusks opened up, we could eat 'em. It was delicious.

Norebang followed. You know, Korean karaoke. It lasted two hours? Three hours? I have no idea...I lost track of time. I was delusional due to exhaustion and just had to retire at around 10:30. We were all woken up at 4 am when the late shift of singers came to the room. They turned on all the overhead lights and were having quite the party. Alright, yes, that was annoying. But more annoying, almost unbelievable was that everyone was UP at 6 am. I woke up to the sound of, "Alexis, you have to get up, it's seven o'clock already." Already? Why are we awake at this god-awful hour? Turns out they were supposed to be at school (on Saturday) at 8:20. They didn't quite make it, but we weren't far off.

I took a nap as soon as I got home in my efforts to warm up again after a ferociously cold ride home in a van. I had agreed to meet my friends for lunch before heading to the Museum of Contemporary Art, so off into the cold again I went. Man, even getting to the bus stop is a chore in this weather. Lunch was amazing and only cost a dollar (ha-what? Loving the tofu), then we hopped on the subway (platform unheated. Note I'm still writing wearing the winter coat. I'm thrilled) to Seoul Grand Park. I don't really get it...you get off the subway and then have to essentially walk through the entire park just to get to the museum. There are no "it's freezing outside during half the year here so we're going to construct this place appropriately so patrons don't have to suffer just to get here" concessions made. I think the farthest I've walked is at the mall at Christmas (4 minutes, tops) and at the Royal Botanical Gardens (when you have to park really far in the back and the front door looks miles away). But then, you get out of your hot car, take a short, cold walk, and are greeted by the warm inside. Korea hasn't mastered all this indoor heat yet. I wonder if they'll ever get it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/

The museum was wonderful. We toured around for hours since it was actually too hot in there (thank GOD). The permanent exhibit is plastered on the walls, four floors up of a spiral walkway. It was tiles painted differently, sporadically interspersed with trinkets collected, supposedly from the artist's life here in Korea. I had to wonder if perhaps some of the enchambies came from North America though (like the McDonaldland characters). There was a multimedia children's gallery as well, equipped with a video entitled, "Farting". You should have seen the kids: they were completely mesmerized by this video. It was pretty damn funny.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/

After the museum, we hopped back on the subway and headed to City Hall for the Handel's Messiah performance at Chung Dong Church. Trying to catch a cab near City Hall is honestly trying to accomplish the impossible. Again, FROZEN. Sigh.

www.bl.uk

The performance itself was remarkable. The audience, choir, orchestra, and soloists was comprised mainly of foreigners. The pastor said that a Korean person told him he felt like a foreigner there that night. It was so nice to see so many people dragged out into the cold just to experience this time-honoured Christmas tradition. It was three hours of quiet, peaceful choir...I must admit I was a little teary-eyed at parts, but far less than I anticipated being.

We headed back to town after the show was over, hungry and a little cranky, being that we hadn't eaten since noon. We went back to Happidus for some french fries and Kahlua and milk. Nothing warms the bod quite like Kahlua. Mmm...I could go for a hot toddy right now. Too bad it's only 1:30 and midday drinking (at least at school for a woman) is a little frowned upon.

Sunday was my first Korean wedding. Oh my. I thought it was going to be VASTLY different, after fair warning from my friends and co-workers, but was surprised when it was really quite similar to our weddings. To put into words the decoration of this hall would be tough, but I'll try. The sheer opulence was close to over the top without actually getting there. An isle down the centre of the room seemed more like a stage than anything else. It was flanked with reconstructed birch trees, from which hung various sizes of mirrors, decorative balls, and those little acrylic bubbles that look like water drops. To the outside of the room, white table-clothed tables and white chair-covered chairs filled the spaces to the walls. But these were no ordinary walls: they had picture boxes inside them, filled with tiny pink bricks, layered and stacked nearly to the ceiling. The walls were all painted a very soft pink, as the day, much like at home, revolves around the bride. As we approached this room, the groom, his family, and the bride's family welcomed us. But before we could find a seat, we first had to give our bousta (the direct English translation of the Korean expression is "congratulatory money"), whose amount was openly recorded in large ledgers by a team of four men. In exchange, we were given a ticket for dinner. A ticket. THEN we went to view the bride. There she sat in a room off to the side of the main hall, on a chaise, decked out in a very traditional white wedding dress, flanked by flowers and other "wedding decoration". It was hilarious. This tiny "beautiful room" offered her some privacy when a large red curtain (think curtains at the Globe Theatre circa William Shakespeare's time) was drawn across the small space. It was quite regal actually: reeked of olde royalty...I was quite smitten with the beautiful room.

The mothers of the bride and groom walked down the isle first and rested at the end of the LIT stage...ahem...aisle in large lounge chairs. Niiice. Following them, the groom proceeded. The crowd hooted and hollered. I was appalled. The bride was escorted by her father, and nothing strange happened during her walk. Thank God.

Our principal officiated the marriage, though this was not made clear to me at first. There is no formality with this part of the ceremony, if you ask me. The officiate (who, note, is not a pastor or minister: is simply a person of prominence in the community, selected by the bride and groom) asked the groom if he promises to love the bride forever. To which the groom must reply, "Yes" in the most booming voice he can muster. The bride is asked the same question, but is expected to simply say yes, not scream it. During the 30-minute ceremony, the crowd that gathered in the back of the hall talked the entire time, making it hard to hear (not that it really mattered: I couldn't understand them anyway). When it was all over, we clapped, took pictures with them at the "alter", and then they finally kissed. More accurately, pecked. I guess outward expressions of affection are only appropriate when on the subway, not at your own wedding. Oh Korea, you got me again.

Dinner was splendid. It was described as a fusion meal (western and Asian mixed), so there was plenty of fresh seafood, fruit, and vegetables. There was an abundance of meat though...I was tempted to consume all the duck, but held myself back. There were also sushi, salad, and soup bars. It was great. One of the teachers brought his daughter (and wife). Every time the kid looked at me, mesmerized (first foreigner? I think so), she'd burst into tears. I've never felt so rejected :( I tried to assure the table that kids never react this way, but they didn't much care.

And that was that...the wedding that I prepared to experience every Korean culture had a shockingly large amount of western traditions too. Oh, the bride and groom changed into hanboks (traditional Korean outfits) right after the ceremony was done, came upstairs, and wandered around to talk to all the guests at dinner. It was just like our weddings, but condensed into a mere two hours. Pretty efficient if you ask me.

Good news: Leanne has booked the barn for sure. So we are having a wedding in September, folks, and yours truly will be home until then. A whole summer with my friends and family. Good thing you bought that house, Joelle...I don't think Alicia and Dave could tolerate me for two and a half months :)

Staff Christmas Event

So today after exams are over, the first grade teachers and I (first grade in Korea means the first year of high school) are going to the east coast for some seafood and a sleepover. We're sleeping on the floor, Korean styles. Oh, and we're off. NOW. They're so funny.

I Heart National Radio

www.kcsb.org

I've been listening to CBC radio 2 recently. I leave it on when I leave my apartment along with my reading light so when I come back, it looks and feels like a home. Though I'm wasting electricity and probably confusing my knocking neighbours, I just love doing it. My favourite show is called The Signal. The quality of programming is phenomenal. I'm really impressed with Canada's broadcasting standards. And I love radio stations that let you tune in from anywhere in the world. Thank you, Canada.

www.pastemagazine.com

Speaking of music, I found Ingrid Michaelson. I'm totally in love with this girl's voice. Her song, "Sort Of" pairs her soft, melodic voice with a violin. It doesn't get much better than that. If you feel like a lovely song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_4utiBscIE

www.zizzoclimate.com

I took this excerpt from my favourite environmental activist and lawyer, Laura. Her blog on zizzoclimate.com is intoxicatingly emotional to read. As you may recall, she's in Copenhagen for the COP 15. News from Denmark is that though "the" deal is most likely not going to be made, smaller deals that have significance and power are. News on Canada, the oft-chastised nation for its lack of commitment to any change:

"Apparently, Canada has agreed to go forward with a 1990 base year in the Kyoto Protocol track of the negotiations, which is a HUGE shift from its usual stance of insisting 2005 or 2006 as the base year. This is fairly significant for Canadian trackers as it means that Canada has conceded a major policy position, hopefully more concessions are coming from a lot more countries. They are also trying to find some sort of acceptable language on the transfer of technology from developed to developing countries (to facilitate mitigation and adaptation technology use around the world) while dealing with Intellectual Property Rights. Although there have been some positive steps taken today, there is a long way to go before a fair, ambitious and binding treaty is agreed upon. It cannot happen in one day. We are all looking forward to the next COP (hopefully in 6 months in Mexico) where more details can be ironed out. We must keep this momentum going."

My favourite blog to date though is entitled, "Obama Cometh". Great job, Laur...

"President Obama comes tomorrow morning and hopefully that will breath some further life into the negotiators. Many groups are calling on him to “earn” his Nobel Price here.
Incidentally, his arrival makes mine a bit more tricky as when the President comes to town the bridge between Sweden (where I am staying) and Denmark (where I need to go) will be shut down. I hope that is not a metaphor for what is to come."

Thanks for keeping us lay folk abreast of the enormity of this conference.

Bring on the Christmas!

I was so blessed this week to have not one but TWO packages arrive from Canada. Jackie sent me four, count 'em four!, books along with SCADS of candy (chocolate really...so incredible). I am completely unashamed to say I've consumed almost all of it in about three days. I'm pretty sure chocolate is non-vegan, but my body isn't complaining, so neither am I. Thank you thank you thank you.

http://cdn.sheknows.com

Then my mother sent this completely fabulous Audrey Hepburn calendar. She wrote the funniest note, "Hi, it's me...Mom". What a ham. Anyway, the calendar is hanging, looking fabulous, 22 days marked down until The Big Thai. Oh, I can't wait for the sunshine...it has been COLD here for the past two days: CANADA cold! The runs are NOT fun in this weather. The good news is that the Koreans who are out are super nice to me...we are kindred spirits who worship the gods of elevated heart rate and sweat. We beat to a different drum.

My mom also sent me this entirely homey video of her condo all decked out for the holidays and a holiday party she had for her counsellors. I must say, my mother puts on quite the spread for company. I'll have to start eating meat again so I can enjoy the smorgasbords she often thinks are necessary for few people. The thing is, we just eat...eat what is in front of us. You think it'll be too much, then everyone just cleans it up. Go figure. She said bread was all that was left over. I'm groaning...I'd LOVE some of that bread.

I also finished, at extremely long last, One Hundred Years of Solitude. The thing is, I started to know the characters inside and out, despite the fact that they almost all had the same, or at least very similar names. It was annoying at first, always checking the family tree, but really, is that so hard? The end of the book was phenomenal...mind you, I'm pretty sure not many GET to the end, but it was well worth it. I'll give it a 4 only because 350 pages of it were almost intolerable and it took an excruciatingly long time to read.

"What did you expect?" he murmured. "Time passes." Swoon.

"Amarantha herself felt freed of a reef..." a reef...isn't that perfect? What a burden!

"Cease, cows, life is short." It sure is...it sure is.

"Although he did not date them, the order in which he had written the letters was obvious...with the passage of days, however, the reality of life on board mattered less and less to him, and even the most recent and trivial happenings seemed worthy of nostalgia, because as the ship got further away, his memory began to grow sad."

"It had never occurred to him until then to think that literature was the best plaything that had ever been invented to make fun of people..."

And it's that last quote that really did me in. I mean, I think the author is really making fun of us suckers who actually finished his book! I love it.

Overall, I must admit his verbiage is powerful; descriptions of love, passion, and lament are done eloquently and vividly, such that you can actually feel something from the book that gives very little. It was a struggle, but I'm glad I perservered.