...the universe is unfolding as it should

http://www.readymix160.wordpress.com/

Yesterday the coolest thing happened. The mayor of Seoul was given tickets to a playoff soccer game at World Cup Stadium for Saturday's match. He couldn't go, so he gave them to his secretary. His secretary couldn't go, so he gave them to his brother. His brother couldn't go, so he brought them to work and gave them to ME. I promptly texted my friends and nine of them are all ready to go! So there...apparently the seats are next to the VIP section. Pretty, pretty nice (and free). Gotta love free swag. Is it called "swag" if it's not really all that glamourous? I'm not sure.


Eliza is finally coming to Seoul. I'm meeting her at Seoul Station on Saturday afternoon, then we're headed to the game. After that, we're off to the Korean traditional performance, Miso. To tell the truth, I'm not thrilled about going to this show: it's not really my cup of tea (haaaha...I live in Asia and I just made a tea reference. Hilarious). But Eliza and others say it's good, so we're going. And then who knows what the night will hold.

http://www.global.seoul.go.kr/

I'm so happy that my old friend is coming to visit. We haven't spent much time together since university, or even talked, but she's the kind of old soul that is easy to be around, easy to talk to, easy to become reacquainted with. She lives about three hours away by train, so seeing her often isn't really in the cards. Nonetheless, I'll make the trek out there someday.

Details to follow after the weekend's over.

I've been doing some research about teaching in Italy (mainly I've googled "teaching in Italy"...big effort, I know) and haven't come up with much. Does anyone know any contacts or recruiters that can help with this process? I'm stumped. And not really giving much of a concentrated effort currently, and was really hoping someone else could pick up my slack.

Argh...Leanne suggested I come home forever (well, you've ALL suggested it, she just has a pressing date now prompting her to say it louder than the rest of you). I'm so tempted. I could just wrap up here and then come home and start my wicked teaching career. In Toronto. But then, what's one more year abroad? I'll never be able to do it again...maybe now's the time. Decisions, decisions.



"Fate" by Jeffrey Hayes (http://jeffhayesfinearts.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html)

Lastly, to answer a question recently posed, yes, I do believe that most things in my life are pre-ordained. Since I'm such a planner by nature, this is difficult to admit, but I do think that in the grand scheme of things, I have very little control over what happens to me. Life this far has been somewhat expected: even being here. I was SURE that my ghost of Relationship Past becoming my Ghost of Relationship Present was always going to happen. Some people think that him becoming my Ghost of Relationship Past Revisited was also written in the stars. Try as I may to change the course of things, things unfold just as they are supposed to, for the most part.

I recently read, "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann for the first time. It floored me. It was kind and simple, but shockingly modern and relevant. I'll share. It's long but well worth the read...

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career,

however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.