Turns out...

www.wordboner.com

So as it turns out, applying for international jobs is not an easy task. I keep preaching to myself:

a little hard work,
a lot of positive energy,
and it will happen.

I just want to have a lie-down now though.

Instead, I'll run it off. I'm in desperate need of some SELF now.

Just give me a few minutes to mope first :)

Coolest car wash ever

I forgot to mention that while I was walking around the neighbourhood of Embassies, I stumbled upon this car wash. Leave it to the Koreans to make car washes take up even less space. Plus, with all the dignitaries around in cars, this allows them to make a quick getaway in case they ever have to. The car stays stationary while the car wash moves. Cool, eh?

This is pretty hysterical though: as soon as I started taking pictures (of what? A diplomat? Who the hell knows who is in this car), an employee rushed towards me, waving his hands dramatically to get me to stop. I thought at first that I was in the way, but when I raised the camera up again to get a third action shot of the car wash, he freaked out. I left the scene abruptly.

I wonder who was in that car??

Farewell old friend

My computer chose this of all days, the day I'm working tenaciously on my Italian school applications, to punk out and die. The thing that plugs into the back of the computer, linking the electronic to a power source, is ineffective and I've had to jimmy the cord for about two years now. Today? It quit. I found that if I tilt the comp up on its rear and plug in the cord so it's facing UP, it charges the last-for-twenty-minutes-then-die battery. So it's hanging out, upside-down, charging as I type (on an alternate computer, mind you). Matt says I have to bring it to a Korean Computer Man who will undoubtedly charge me $3 to put some sort of fixing mechanism in it. Yes, I'm that technical. Where does one find such a Computer Man? Who knows.

This reminds me of the time the Ghost asked a friend of his to fix my computer. When I got it back, it had two non-symmetrical holes drilled in it's front, where my wrists lie when I type. I called to ask about said holes. The man told me this:

"I'm 99 percent sure I didn't drill holes in your computer."

Only 99% eh? Seems strange, to this day, that he couldn't account for that last percent of consciousness. Makes me giggle that I associated with such odd human beings for as long as I did. As for now, I'm borrowing a computer, attempting to make the most of this gorgeous day...procrastinating as you might have noticed.

Back to it, A-Lex. Back to it.

Difficult...but not impossible

I awoke early this morning, excited to find out exactly what I had to do to become a teacher in Italy. I needed to find out from the Source, so I headed to the Italian Embassy. Located on "The Hill" between Hannam and Itaewon Stations in Seoul, it's nestled between just about every country's embassy you could think of (is Angola really it's own country?!). It was so cool to be there, walking among all those diplomats...though many weren't out at that time. On my way to Seoul, I had to call the Mother Hen to ask her exactly what I was asking this consular, since I'd forgotten. Oh the Mother: it will be so nice to see her again!

I learned today that when you are unsure as to where you are going, follow the labels you know. Nothing good comes from going away from Nina Ricci, so, by default, going towards will yield the best results.



I passed the U.N. Village, where, as I later found out, diplomats live when they stay here in Korea. It was the only building on the street that was, well, pretty.

And, as always, Seoul surprises me with her culinary delights. Those pretty pink flowers are an edible cake. Pretty, pretty good.

I was a little lost, wandering all along The Hill, so I ended up going into the Nina Ricci building (the Italian consulate could be there, right?). I guess they're building a store? Who knows...it was gorgeous anyway. No luck finding the embassy (are the embassy and the consulate the same place?).



I finally arrived at the Italian Embassy, mere steps (and an hour and a half) from where I started. The trick is to find someone who can give you directions and understand what you're asking for. That aside, it was a pretty impressive building and boy! was I glad to see that flag waving!

The inside was just as majestic as the outside, if not more so. Though there were other offices in the building, my office was the only one that mattered. The transparent staircase? Awesome...

Here's what the consular told me (he was the Big Cheese and I got to sit with him for about ten minutes with no appointment! I had to wait an hour or so, but it was SO worth it!): I have two legal choices:

1. I can apply for Italian citizenship as a regular Joe(lle). I will write a letter requesting citizenship to be granted, explaining how my father, grandparents, and great-grandparents all relinquished their Italian citizenship when they became Canadians and see if Italy will bestow upon me their highest honour. The letter is being written in my head as we speak. They like that I still have family in the country and that I've always wanted to return as a citizen, though my family can't (or won't).

2. I score a contract with a great school for whom I want to work (read: an international school. They pay well and I would get to teach my subjects). Once I get the contract, I return to the embassy in Korea or Canada and apply for a work visa. The consular told me that in order to get these jobs, they have to prove that there is no Italian who could fill the position and then no EU passport holder who can fill the position. Le sigh. BUT I was just talking to Nathan (the eternal optimist), who said, "you just have to find the right school. Once they want you, they say that there was no one else who could do the job." Ohhhh...right. Sounds great to me!

After the meeting, (before talking to Nathan), I was a little overwhelmed at what loomed ahead of me. Trying to remain ever positive, I thought about all the ways I could impress them with my teaching ability. I am, after all, a biology, science, and math teacher. That's pretty impressive, right? Right!

I walked around the city for over an hour. I wound up walking across the Han River, which I didn't even know you could do. My view certainly did make me feel a little more grounded and in awe of what was around me. I guess anything is possible...

The walking path alongside the river is so much more majestic than mine along Anyang's river. Oh well...I like mine juuuust fine!

This was my favourite picture of them all though. At the end of the bridge, looking back...it was really a gorgeous sight.

Then after an hour on the subway, THIS is what I came up to. Just LOOK at that blue sky! It was about 15 degrees today in the sunshine. I just LOVE the weather!

I took it as a sign:
with a little hard work
and a lot of positive energy,
this is going to happen.
Just watch!

Talk about PROUD!

I talked to my friend, Shalaina today on the phone. No matter how good Skype is at making you feel close to the person to whom you are speaking (you know, because you can see them as well as hear them), there is nothing quite like a phone call to remind you of your regular old life back home. Because we don't Skype at home...we call. And we love it.

Anyway, Shalaina is all geared up for the Run Ottawa race (image from and info at www.ncm.ca). She's doing the 10km on Saturday, May 29, and is starting her remarkable 12-week training schedule on Monday. Shalaina has two children, a full time job, and is going it alone. She's remarkable. I think what is most remarkable is that she stays so happy, it's infectious, and will always pick up on the subtle hints people give that let her know they need a Big Cookie from Starbucks.

So here is my challenge:
if she can do it, YOU can do it.

And I'm taking the challenge.

Matt and I have planned a month at the gym: Monday through Friday, from 6 until 7 every morning. I'll still run in the evening until the 40 days have expired, and then...I'll keep it going. I'll run as if I'm training. That means not everyday (phew!) and on a varying schedule (that, for me, will be very flexible): some days will be hill runs; others short runs; and on Sundays, a long run to teach my body to be ready for a long one come "race day". And I'll race with her...transcontinentally.

To feel close to those from whom I'm far away, I have to talk to them, hear what they're going through, let them know that I support them as much as possible, doing what little I can from here. They are amazing to me: they are supportive and encouraging and constantly happy for me despite my being too far away. So what I can give back to help lend the same support, I will. In SELF, I'm pretty sure this falls into the Love category :)

I'm with you, sister.

It's Not Gossip if There's No Judgement Passed

Here's the box of chocolates I received today...what a lovely treat :)



And inside. Yes, I ate three. Then after the picture was taken I had one more (the pink one, obviously!). You would have done the same thing...they were delicious! So about that gossip...

My Man quit his job today. He's leaving the school and going to work at the church. His aim is to become a missionary. I'm not sure exactly how one does that...if there's training involved, if he moves to another country, or if he spends all his days at the church. I think a lot of the message was lost in translation. Plus, he was very overwhelmed today as it was time for the administration to announce the news to the staff. I think that the most he could muster was, "I'm leaving to become a missionary." I asked him if it would take him to another country and he said, "Yes, I hope so as soon as possible." Whoa.

So there. My Man is now officially gone from the school. I told him that without him I would have been lost here in Korea, which is so true. He wanted me to promise to listen to all the Bible seminars. There was something so pure, so wholesome in his face as he said it: he really believes this with all his heart. We have different beliefs and I sure do respect the fact that he sticks to his guns. There's something to be said about being really, really sure about something.

I knew something was up: he was taking a lot of phone calls outside, being elusive, not talking to me ever since we were back from vacation. It was strange, but I assumed he was just gearing up for the new school year. Most of the teachers in the office are pretty much on edge about meeting the new kids and getting their lessons prepared. Sounds like any school, doesn't it?

In the spirit that all change is good, I bid him farewell and know that he will bring the same serenity, humour, and calm goodness to anyone he meets that he brought to me. Life at the school is sure going to be strange without him. He remarked that it was too bad I never got to meet his baby...that is too bad.

It was fitting that the day was a little gloomy today. Though not wet, my running effort was halfhearted (I was really hungry and not entirely responsible with my blood sugar)...maybe, though, I'm just a little sad.

Though nothing is for sure,
there sure is one constant:
change.

Aldo: Cool Again

Remember when we were in high school and the coolest shoe store (and oft-unaffordable) was Aldo? The times have changed since then though, and what we thought was a cool place sort of nose-dived into an overpriced, underqualitied (yeah, I made up a word) shoe emporium. Le sigh. Yesterday as I combed my favourite websites attempting to find The Perfect Wedge for Leanne for her Big Day, Aldo fell short.

Lo and behold...www.becauseimaddicted.net posted some AMAZING new pictures of the newest Aldo Spring Campaign. The drought is over, friends. The GORGE is back at Aldo. Swoon. Images from www.aldoshoes.com

These black ones look just like the ones that graced the runways for Fall/Winter 2010. And for $80?! It's a steal!

These "ice" boot, peep-toe sandals? Ridiculous. $110?! Perfect!

Listen, I've got to get Italy-ready.

Might have some shopping to do.

SELF: Day Nine

Last night's run was sponsored by the feeling Exhaustion and by the expression, "Don't Wanna". I went anyway and blasted out 6 whopping kilometres. Booya! I knew the rain was coming because the sky got mighty dark at around 6, so waking up this morning to light rain that has now progressed to a downpour was not a surprise. Once I'm safely inside, I love the rain. Everyone hunkers down and cozies up, even though it's a remarkable 15 degrees outside. I love the spring in Korea.

Not only is spring wonderful, but Valentine's Day sales are too. This morning I was greeted by a small box of chocolates from Paris Baguette from the manager of the First Grade teachers. What a sweetheart. Box says, "Be My Love" on it. I am really loving today.

An amazing thing is happening during my runs: I'm watching the moon as it changes day to day. I've gotten to see it waxing and look forward to seeing it reach a full moon, at which point I will get to see it waning. I didn't think much of this aside from the feeling of oneness with nature I felt while running. However, the Lunar New Year just passed and this weekend marks one of the most important celebrations in Asian culture: the full moon 15 days after the holiday. Not only have I been compelled to watch the moon in all her glory day in and day out, but I'm watching it at the most important time of year. Wow...what timing! This is what the moon looked like last week and the images progress to what it looked like last night:

images from www.calculatorcat.com/moon_phases/moon_phases.phtml

I heard some gossip today from a reliable source. I was tempted to listen and react appropriately. But I held off, and will continue to do so until the person involved tells me the news him- or herself. I'm living up to my own standards of abating the gossip and waiting to hear it from the Source.

While reading my blog list today, someone posted a quote from Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" that I thought was mighty poignant. Though it's a little unrelated, I do believe it is important.

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they
come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave."

Is this true? It's really just a new definition: it's as true as I want it to be. I like how it takes the pressure off --a soul mate is simply someone who helps me experience a new awakening. How refreshing. Looks like I've got quite a few soul mates! What a lucky gal I am!

Lastly, administration is attempting now to work out some bugs in the announcement system. In order to test if the sound can be heard in all classrooms, they are playing the most beautiful piece of classical music. Over the sound of a child getting slapped with a ruler on the back of the calves (I'll never get used to that), these delectable notes are somehow lulling me into a state of near nirvana. Sounds like happiness to me.

Take Pride in your Pace

ny-image2.etsy.com

When I first started running daily again a week ago, I went at it in typical Alexis fashion: turned it up to 11 and gave 'er. I was shocked when I couldn't keep up with my old tempo, you know, the speed at which I used to train when I was training for a 30 kilometre race. I'm rolling my eyes at myself as I type. I realized very soon after my second run (and after excruciating calf pain) that I couldn't keep this up. I slowed down. Relief flooded my exercise routine: I could go farther and keep from exhaustion at the 3 km mark.

As the week progressed and my endurance increased, I realized that this slooow tempo wasn't really doing it for me anymore. I was breathing through my nose (never panting. I love panting), looking around at the sights, taking 'er a little too easy, I must admit. I was no longer proud of my pace. So I sped up. I ran faster, took longer strides, and I found my new groove. As the days go by, I'm sure I will have to change my tempo to coincide with how I feel, the weather, and my lung condition and ability. I'll adjust, I'll change, I'll adapt until I feel the pride again.

I think The Run taught me a life lesson: I have to be proud of my pace. The speed at which I do things is my own decision, my own right, under my own control. It can't be governed, it can't be affected, it can't be changed by anyone other than me. Sure, I can let myself be influenced, but ultimately, the pace at which I run in my life is solely of my doing. Wow.

Whether it's longer strides you want to take, faster sprints, better mornings, or simply doing it on your own, the SPEED at which you do these things is YOUR choice. Some of us crawl through life, afraid to make changes, choices; frightened always that we'll fail. Others whip through the days, never stopping to cook a good meal or hug a friend until she lets go. Speed up, slow down...do what you need to do to feel proud of the pace at which you are taking life.

It's not a race. But if we're not moving, we're not living.

gentle breezes

it's so warm outside, I've got the windows open

to air the place out.

isn't life wonderful?

Freaky Site...

http://icanhascheezburger.com

I saw a scruffy orange tabby kitten last night on my run who looked just like Sasso. Sigh. I miss the little man.

And the Crying Continues...

I thought American Idol was bad. Now I'm watching So You Think You Can Dance. I can hardly stop that ugly cry face. You know the one...we all do it.

Yes, I'm watching tv at work. I'm also preparing an English vocabulary game. Sort of. More tv than vocabulary...

SELF: Day Eight

Well well well. Here we are at the start of a new week of SELF for myself. I must say, I'm a little on the exhausted side today, having stayed out at ShabuShabu last night past my bedtime. But it was worth it...enjoying good food with friends is one of my favourite past times.

I read a blog about a girl from some far away land. She was with one guy in April last year, met a new one in June, and got engaged this Christmas. Me? These days I much prefer the slow lane.

My friends get back from Thailand just in time for the long weekend. And I'll have to wait until March to go shopping with Hipster Ryan again. In the meantime, I was spotted sporting the teal ruffled shirt he detests. I quite like it. Snow hit Ontario recently and the Grelliotts just celebrated their second wedding anniversary. I hope you are all enjoying the peace and quiet that comes wtih days like this. Get happy: you are loved.

SELF: Day Seven

I went running last night with my camera. I've never done this in all my time here in Kooorea, but after seeing this scenery as it starts to change with the coming of spring, I thought I had to capture it.

There are many regular bridges allowing safe passage from one side of the river to the other, but it is these rocky paths that are my favourites. The stairs lead up steep embankments and lead to parks and roads. I just love the colour of this...it looks dead, but I know that under all that brown cover, life is springing up like mad. I just love this time of year.

Here I am on one of the rocks, mid river. Amazing isn't it? Like walking on water.



And from that same spot, the view looking back towards home. When I'm here, I always remark to myself, "I live here." Asia might be strange and it still might be hard to adjust to my surroundings, but I can walk across a river and watch the sun set on it. I'm pretty lucky.

Said sunset :)

The pussy willows are just starting to come out. They're magnificent. They litter the entire river with their startling colour. Actually, they are the only thing along the path aside from the path itself, that is not brown. Gorge.



Needless to say, I had another remarkable day. I had umpteen hours of sleep the night before, so I was rested and feeling amazing. Plus, coming home to a care package (with Sour Patch Kids in it!) always makes me feel warm and loved. I rounded out week one of SELF with 33 kilometres on the pedometer and an amazing dinner at ShabuShabu with friends. I always feel very nutritionally satisfied after eating beef. Something about the Red Meat sits very, very well with me. I met a new gal named Heather who is also a Western Alumnus (whoot whoot, Western, Western, Western U!). She's dating Tom, the man who brought you such clever vernacular additions as, "staycation".

Nothing else new to report, really. Life is good, pictures tell the story, and I'm set to have yet another great day! I guess THAT'S what I'm doing here :)

Reliving July with the Perfect Man

The school year is officially over tomorrow. Today the new second grade students are taking the day to meet their new homeroom teachers (I guess they get quite acquainted here), so yesterday was our last "real day" of school. We went back to the restaurant we visited in my first week. I think that lunch was to welcome me to Korea. And here we are, nearly 8 months later, saying goodbye to a school year. Sweet, non? Here's the crew, now split up and moved into departments (I'm pretty sure I'm still in the Research and Development Department, though I have no idea why I'm here or what that means. Maybe I'll never know).

The difference in their attitudes towards me was like night and day: they are warm and welcoming now, uninhibited when it comes to speaking what little English they know, and quick to ask me questions and tell me their own news. It's great. We still all work in the same (huge) office, so we'll see each other, but we certainly won't be as physically close as we were. Le sigh...maybe I'm getting a bit nostalgic for my first few weeks in Korea? Now that would be funny.

When I got home from school, ready to run, I was greeted by this package placed carefully atop my mailbox. FINALLY my wedding invite to Jamie and Mike's wedding has arrived! I thought I wasn't ever going to get one! The invite is BEAUTIFUL and I would so love to whisk myself away to the Bahamas for a weekend to celebrate with them on St. Paddy's Day. Alas, I am married to my work ;) and must stay in SK.

She also sent me a perfect man. "He's sweet and rich. Just how a man ought to be." Oh Jamie, you are a funny lady. THANK YOU for thinking of me! Much love!

Baby Fever

This is big.

Alicia just emailed me to tell me that maternity leave in Canada (Ontario?) has just been increased to 18 months. She's surrounded by pregnant women, so she's now the expert on all things related to The Leave.

I'm wrong: this is HUGE.


Ohhhhh Canada, I You!
http://mizwrite.files.wordpress.com

The Wind Beneath My Wings

The English text book they're introducing this year to the students makes a corny references to "the wind beneath my wings". Not only is this an unknown quote here in Korea, but so is the song and the movie behind the song. I got to show my Korean Mother a part of (swoon) Beaches today and print off these song lyrics. Isn't it interesting that such a simple, often-mocked allusion can be wrought with so much history?

Good thing I'm here to teach these Koreans all about Bette Midler :)

The Debate Continues...

In response to my question about how it's possible for bread to be better than Starbucks (I scoff even as I say it), here is what the Mother Hen had to say...

Ode to bread…

(smoking jacket on and fireplace burning)

If it were not for bread we would all be dead
How would we “break bread” with someone?
Bread pudding could hardly become coffee pudding
Peanut butter on coffee cups?
Nutella on coffee?
Let’s face it, bread is the best!

To which I have prepared

An ode to Starbucks...

(khaki Burberry trench on and James Taylor playing gently in the background)

Oh your chocolate powder my lips does border

and your menu oft boasts drinks too long to order.

Your logo is snobby, your prices outrageous,

But a steaming cut of Pike Place in my hand? Life makes sense.

You're even here when I need some semblance of home

and the noise is rich as milk's whipped into foam.

I've pulled up chairs, I've studied, I've read,

ordered a few lattes and cleared my head.

"I'll buy you a Venti", "I'll meet you for coffee"

Pulled up with matching cups to tell you I'm sorry.

Though bread might be dandy, it's uses abound,

a mid afternoon cuppa 'Bucks? Happiness found.

I hope you find your happiness today.

SELF: Day Six

Turns out all I need is to sweat a bit

to make the cruddy feeling of the day

disappear...

When school was finished yesterday, I could think of nothing I would rather do than curl up in my sunny room, wrap my freezing cold self in plush blankets, and have the kind of nap that easily turns into that night's sleep. But but BUT, after a peanut butter and jam sandwich (my running fuel of choice for the past six years), I forced myself outside, where the air was shockingly warmer than inside my house. Hmmm.

I vowed to run only my regular 6 km because of the Exhaustion Factor, but then I ran into two friends. Though they were walking, the competitive spirit awoke inside me and I was overcome with an urge to have them say to themselves, "wow, that girl really is an athlete. Look at her go", with simultaneous looks of adoration and admiration. I realize I sound a tad bit ego-driven, but that was my inspiration. I ran 7 km and felt amazing. It was really nice outside: nice enough to take my winter hat off and feel the breeze in my adorably pony-tailed hair (if I do say so myself).

Last year when I was training for the ATB, the love-hate relationship with running from which no one is exempt, leaned more toward the side of hate. Yesterday at 5 pm, I was feeling that same way, but by the time I got home, sweaty and invigorated, I remembered what it felt like to love the sport. Relief flooded me and I knew that tomorrow would be a great day.

I made the most vile combination for dinner: mashed sweet potatoes (it's all I have in the fridge with vitamins other than the broccoli I ate as well) with tofu. WHAT was I thinking? I thought it could be interesting. It wasn't. However, belly full, body recharged, and mind completely at ease, I watched Up in the Air starring George Clooney (WHAT a great film!) and hit the sack at 9:30. Heaven! I woke up today at 5 am, after 7 hours of sleep my body thought it was high time to wakey wakey. Yuck. I managed to get back to sleep for an hour or so before treating myself to some hot, thick coffee.

A rested and challenged body,

a looong night's rest,

a good movie,

and trying a new recipe?

Sounds like happy to me!

Because I Must

I'm feeling a wee bit sorry for myself today. I'm tired...all this physical exertion is wearing me down. When I get enough sleep, I can maintain equilibrium, but when I go 48 hours on twelve hours of sleep, I'm just not tip-top. Which leads me to a desire to count my blessings (thanks, Mom) to compensate for feeling, for lack of a better expression, blah. Without further ado, here's ten things I thank my lucky stars for more than you could ever know...

• My country: where maternity leave is a year long; religious education comes without tuition; and lakes are clean enough to drink from


• That I flew out of this country ten times before my tenth birthday


• Being witness for the birth of Our Baby

• That I was taught to cook by three extraordinary women


• My command of the English language


• That I have loving, intelligent, funny, and worldly parents who supported my moving to Asia for a year, even when they thought they couldn't


• My body bouncing back everytime I misuse it


• The Ghost, for teaching me how to spot truth


• Inspiration: how it comes in all forms now that I'm looking for it
• The girls. If I don't tell you aloud everyday, know that I yell it all the time in my heart, "I LOVE YOU."

Try As I May...

...I couldn't have said it better myself ;)

Love can touch us one time

and last for a litetime

And naver let go till we'r gone.

Classic. (Jamie, Celine Dion reference just for you)

SELF: Day Five

I practiced quite a bit of self love today. Got up late, ate my now famous lemon pasta, and watched The Hangover (4.5/5), Leap Year (2/5...I can't stand romantic comedies), and Project Runway (100/5...love Heidi Klum). Learned some Italian so I could at least say I did something, and attempted early slumber. Mom called though, so I got to talk to her instead.

Sometimes you just need a rest. I know, I know...I've been resting for two months. But sinceI've gotten started on this SELF regimen, I knew it would require some restin' of the bod. And that's just what I gave myself.

I feel like this bunch of balloons in a tree:

having a quick rest before I start to fly again.

What type are you?

Who doesn't like being psychoanalyzed by a computer? Click on this link and get your own personal analysis by this personality-explaining faceless man. It's a real hoot.

http://pentagram.com/what%2Dtype%2Dare%2Dyou/

Definitions from the Mother Hen

My Mom sent me her definition of peace. I've extrapolated and think it can be used to describe serenity as well (the S in SELF). So in case you were having trouble understanding exactly what serenity is, here you go...

peace

It does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.

It means to be in the midst of those things

and still be calm in your heart

Love love love

You were my past, my oh-so-romantic past
and you will be my future, my beloved.
But today, today you are my present:
my here, my now, my gift.

Happy Anniversary

What I Missed...

My friend Nicole took this picture of Lotte World, the indoor Korean theme park I didn't go to yesterday. Thank God for last minute decisions and sticking to my guns.

Not having been here...makes me happy:

The Runs

Since I've started running everyday as part of my commitment to SELF, I feel amazing. When I was training for the Around the Bay last year, I was running, at most, 50 kilometres a week. Well, that's not entirely true...

I was supposed to be running that much, but I was enamored with Someone New, so I was rarely doing long runs of the 25 kilometre variety. Anyway, my point is, I was running quite a few kms every week, with my long runs (the longest one I ever did was 18 kms...way to train! That's why I know all about the importance of training) occurring on Sundays.

But here's something really neat: my regular run is and always has been 6 kilometres long. Anything less than that feels like I'm not doing enough (plus, I never really get warm enough in winter); anything more and I have to go to bed by 9. At this rate, I'm running 42 kms a week!

Obeying doctor's orders and running daily,
hitting 42 kms of pavement a week,
AND feeling flexible, agile, and rested?
Happiness abounds :)

You know how that makes me feel? Like this!

SELF: Day Four

WHAT a phenomenal day!

Before he left for his Big Thai, Matt gave me tickets to Lotte World, an indoor Korean theme park. I was all planned to go with two other gals when it hit me...I didn't want to spend my precious Saturday in a theme park surrounded by children who may or may not bother me a lot. So I asked the girls if they wanted to take the tickets sans moi, and I went to Myeongdong instead. I love love love this part of Seoul. It's lively and fun and full of incredible deals. Best Saturday plans ever? I think so.

I read 100 pages of My Sister's Keeper on the subway. Even standing on the subway in Korea is wonderful when you're feeling happy like this. When I arrived at the station, I made the obligatory first stop at Starbucks and dove into a soy latte. I haven't had one since before Christmas, so it was definitely happiness-bringer.

First, I found the hat that I'll ship to my mother. She requested something Korean because of the pictures I posted of the repetition of Myeongdong a few weeks back. I found her something I hope she loves that will go with her navy coat. She'll have to take a picture of herself so I can post it. Then I found a scarf to match...heavenly. I was so fortunate to have some English-speaking, fashionable gals beside me. They helped decide between the two scarves I was holding. Awesome!

I then moved on to the watch stand. Paid the price of a latte for this great silver number: it's oversized in every way and though it's not a Michael Kors watch, it certainly does do the trick!

Then I headed to Forever 21 and picked up this military-inspired short jacket. It was a steal! Paired with a woven brown belt from the belt shack, jeans and a white t-shirt, it looked fab last night.

Last, but certainly not least, I was off to Lotte Department store to pick up some much-needed Clinique. I could not believe the amount of whitening product they have at their booths here. Nearly half of the product they carry is designed to whiten the face or skin in some capacity. It's disgusting. The oddest part is that the women at the counter are gorgeous but they continue to subscribe to western standards of beauty: white faces, long, straight noses, and increased height. Podiatrists should come here by the boatload: eventually all these women are going to need foot surgery to correct years of wearing 5-inch heels all day long. Sigh.

After a quick run, I got acquainted with my new curling iron. Playing a little Jay-Z in the background, sipping on some Cabernet Sauvignon, rocking the curled hair: radical. I'm feeling the love today! Erin, Jeffrey, Tommy, and I went for Vietnamese in Beomgye before watching our friend Barry perform live with his band at Happidus.

All in all, I felt incredibly happy about my day...
pressies for Mom,
shopping on the cheap for myself,
a belly full of good coffee,
and a great new outfit.
Doesn't get much better than that :)

New Attitude

Even though I'm not working all that much lately, I decided to take more of a keen interest in what I wear to school. Since the arrival of the sweaters and warm clothing from my mother, I have been dressing for warmth over dressing for style. And I started to look a bit...shall we just say, "casual" to keep it positive? AND, now that we have this new, improved, and with regards to temperature, comfortable staff room, now is the time to start with the nicer clothes.

(This is my desk. The girls are front and centre, as is the Cancer Water Bottle I vowed to get rid of. It's not going to happen. Note the bouquet at the top right of the picture. This was a gift from a graduating student to Mrs. Lim. She gave it to me to brighten my desk.
It's made of straws and lollipops. It's crazy Korean.)

Plus, Spring has started to poke her little head out of the ground and stretch her legs. This was taken on my walk home...I love how the colours jump out when the temperature is low. Luckily, it got much warmer the next day.



Yesterday it was downright warm, compared to the frigidity we faced this week. Running was easy and I could leave my winter jacket at home when I went on the hunt for Things for My Mother.

So on Monday, my first official day back from holidays, I donned my black bell skirt, white blouse, and brown jacket, topped off with a black belt around my waist. And yes, here I am posing with said outfit on. With a pen. I'm so teacher-y right now. And it's okay...we can laugh together :)