September 30, 2011

NOM NOM NOM



You should let go of that idea you had where the person writing this blog was ever going to be able to explain to you what she was eating.

noodles, rice, vegetables, seafood, kimchi
YEP.

September 29, 2011

MISS HANDSOME

All the kids call me Miss Handsome because they think they are cute. (And well, they are right.)

Now that we have established all the boring stuff (Yes, I’m from America. I’m 180 cm tall. No, I’m not 16. I’m 23.), all the girls want to know if I have a life partner.

“Teacher! Boyfriend?!”
“No, no boyfriend.”
“REALLY?! Handsome?!”
“No, I said I DON'T have a boyfriend.”
“TEACHER?! WHY?!”
“Because teacher does not have a boyfriend.”
“TEACHER?! HUSBAND?! IS HE CUTE?!”
“No, no husband either.”
“TEACHER?! TEACHER?! … WHYYYYYYYY?!"
"Because I don't."
"Teacher! What about in America? Boyfriend?!"
"... okay, lesson 6!"
"Teacher!! CUTE?! IS HE BIG?" (meaning, "is he tall?")

And then they prance around the room singing “here comes the bride…”

This happens about every third day, because YOU NEVER KNOW, I might find a random boy on the street and FORGET to update them on my relationship status. I don’t even know my blood type. There is no way I can get a Korean boyfriend.

(Your blood type in Korea determines your dating compatibility (similar to the horoscope). In fact, the second I changed my “location status” on facebook to South Korea, it immediately asked me my blood type.)

The newest question is,

“Teacher, why do you look like a man?”
“Because I have short hair.”
“Teacher! You’re so pretty! And man!”
“What?!”
“I don’t know. Teacher, do you have a baby?”
“A baby?! No, no baby.”
“Teacher! Belly! Baby!”
"Yeah, rice baby."
"Teacher?! Rice baby?! Teacher!"
"What?"
"Do you have a boyfriend?!"

WE GET A LOT DONE. I SWEAR.

September 26, 2011

A B C D F

You guys, I had such intentions of writing you this nice little post about my recent adventures, but 70 report cards got dropped in my lap this afternoon. Five written, 65 more to go. SUCH IS LIFE.

September 22, 2011

CHEESE BALLS

Korea and I are celebrating our one month anniversary tonight. What should I wear? I need to shave my legs!

I tried to prepare myself for the serious talk that would probably ensue over dinner. Namely, at one month, there's really no telling if the relationship is headed in the right direction. Korea and I are still in the honeymoon faze. We just met. It's skin is still new. It's breath is still igniting. I am still refreshed every time I catch a glimpse, taste it's flavor, smell it's smells.

The truth is, Korea is a well kept secret, a gem. I'm happy and comfortable to have my hand gripping it's bicep.

Korea,
The first thirty days have been great. I'm falling in love, and I would not have it any other way. I can see myself building my life with you (insofar as we consider the next 11 months "my life"). I hope we continue to surprise each other in the most magnificent ways.

Yours,
mh

NOM NOM NOM



Here's a good example of what WILL happen when you randomly point to a menu item in Korean.
Yes, a whole octopus will arrive. Actually, octopi.
All I can think right now is:
"Listen! Write in your notebooks! one octopusss, many ock-toe-pie!"
(Shit, I really am a teacher.)

September 19, 2011

LEGAL BABY



Korea's version of a Green Card
P.S. PLEASE be jealous of my wall paper.

September 16, 2011

525,600 MINUTES

Everyone I meet asks the same question: How do you like Korea so far?

And I honestly don’t know how to answer. Everything is different, everything is new. My body thinks we are on vacation because my mind has still not fully adapted to the fact that it’s staying here for a year. How do you measure a year?

I’m going to hold off on answering that question for at least another month.

September 15, 2011

OKAY. OKAY. I'M HERE.

I have arrived.

And despite all my wishes, no, Sheila was not on my flight. However, I’ll trade her any day for an easy maneuver through customs, regularly sized toes and my luggage.

I actually don’t have any humiliatingly hilarious stories about my travel. I did not lose my sanity, curse at anyone, cry due to pure exhaustion, or get anywhere close to passing out. I arrived in the exact same state that I departed: calm and loved.

My seatmates from the US to South Korea were very welcoming. A Korean-American couple living in Chicago, they reminded me to work hard, stay positive, celebrate often and love myself. Once they discovered my birthday was a mere five days away, they also reminded me when my drink was empty and I realized very quickly that what I’ve heard about the huge drinking culture here might be true. They awoke me from my slumber right before the plane landed to convince me to buy a $50 bottle of whiskey (duty free) because “in the store, this $80” and more importantly, “to keep you calm and happy.”

Calm and Happy. Just tell me where to sign.

Lots of updates coming soon. Thanks for your patience and warm thoughts. Sending love from South Korea.