Until we meet again...

Tomorrow morning I am off. It finally hit me today that I will not be home again for a year.  That's a long while.  But then I think about what I was doing this time last year... and it seems like mere weeks ago.  So I'll be fine.  

Today was spent mostly packing.  I did some very precise scale readings consisting of me getting on the scale, then me getting on the scale holding my suitcase.  According to these measurements, I am at exactly fifty pounds with each suitcase.  But I am all too ready to scramble around at the airport throwing clothes, books, and shoes at my parents before checking my luggage.  It wouldn't be the first time.  

I have the cutest pictures of my two packing buddies, Melvin and Nelly, but sadly my camera cord is already packed.  I will share the pictures in a few days.

I have to give a big shout out to my parents.  They are saints.  They housed me and fed me and put up with my piles of stuff around their house for the last two months.  Thanks so much Mom and Dad.  Love you two.  

Ok, random post.  I will update again as soon as I am able in Korea.  Cheers.

Fabulous Fair Fun=Some Pretty Sweet Alliteration

I love Minnesota.  It's true.  I'm not afraid to admit it.  One of the reasons I love Minnesota is the State Fair.  (Fun fact:  Minnesota has the second largest state fair.  Texas is the first.  I'm quoting this statistic second hand, so don't necessarily take my word for it, but it's a fun fact nevertheless.)  Before I leave my beloved Minnesota for a year, I had to go to the state fair.  I went on Monday with my good friends Melissa, Kelly, and Ashley.  

There's truly a different breed of people at the state fair that you don't see in everyday life.  Suddenly fanny packs, tight shorts, cut-off t-shirts, and cowboy hats are the must-have fashion accessories.  

The DFL booth is a must-visit.  I enjoy the displays they have up each year.  And since I'm never above making fun of Senator Norm Coleman, I especially appreciated this year's display:

Some of my favorite answers:

This one is hard to read.  It says: "Because he could barely conceal his glee when Sen. Wellstone was killed in a plane crash."

My personal favorite:

Some other pictures from the fair:

It's rare to see Ashley with a beer.

That's the four of us going down the slide.

We sat in the empty hot tub for awhile.

With our buddy Barack.

It's just stuff

My mom has been harassing me all summer to get rid of some of my clothes.  (By the way, if you ever want to do something but are putting it off, you should consider hiring my mom to come nag you every day until you actually do it.  She's very effective.  Love you Mom!)  What can I say, I own a lot of clothes.  Now, you're probably thinking, sure every woman says that.  But no, I REALLY own a lot of clothes.  One might even say I have an addiction to shopping.  One I've been trying to quit over the last year.  A lot of these clothes I've just been carting from apartment to apartment over the years.  When I moved back in with my parents for two months this summer, my clothing accumulation came to a head.  I filled up my old closet with shoes, clothes, and jewelry.  I then filled up my sister's two closets with clothes, had clothes strewn about the floor of my room, and clean clothes piling up in the laundry room.  

Now obviously I could not bring all of these clothes to South Korea.  I still shudder when I think of the two suitcases I'm allowed to bring.  So the clothes sat in three rooms of my parents' house for two months (my poor parents).  I had an epiphany while helping my sister move back to college on Saturday.  Moving her was so much easier than it's ever been for me, because she has about half the stuff I do.  I realized when I come back from Korea I will probably buy new clothes anyway because a lot of my clothes will be "out of style" anyway... at least they would be for me.  So yesterday I went through my closet, my sister's two closets, my bedroom floor, and the laundry room and got rid of almost all of my clothes.  The only clothes I have left are some nostalgic items (college sweatshirts), things I will be taking to Korea, and some favorite dresses and shoes.  The clothes will be going to the Epilepsy Foundation, so at least they are going to a good cause, and not just in the garbage.  (I'm not that wasteful.)  I feel free.  I recommend getting rid of anything that you haven't used in the last year.  It's quite the proverbial weight off my shoulders.   Also, it makes a nice parting gift for my parents.

A picture of most of the clothes I gave away.

My sister is a legend (in her own mind)

My sister was first in line when Barack Obama came to St. Paul to announce his candidacy in May.  She was on many news broadcasts in Minnesota and throughout the country.  She even made it to MTV.  Here is Kate and her friend Bonni filmed by an MTV crew:

Here is the link  to see more information.  I'm such a proud big sister.

That Shel Silverstein knew what he was talking about.

Maybe I'll just start reciting this poem to people who ask me what made me decide to move to South Korea.  Shel Silverstein summed it up nicely:

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' bout the things
They woulda-coulda-shoulda done...
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little did.

I know more information.

This whole South Korean teaching process has kind of been shrouded in mystery for me. Normally I'm a pretty laid back person, but when accepting a new job and traveling to a new country, I like to know what is happening.  For awhile I didn't know if I would get my visa in time, then I didn't have my flight booked until Wednesday, and up until today I wasn't exactly sure what age I would be teaching.  I've heard that South Korea is much more laid back about time frames, people are often late to meetings, contracts are just a jumping off point, etc., but it's nice to now have a bit more information about my actual teaching assignment.

I just learned I will be teaching at a newer all boys tenth grade high school.  I am the first native English-speaking teacher they've had at the school.  I'm glad to be working with high school students because that's what I've done the last three years.  The more I know, the more excited I get.

How do I say good bye to my grandparents?

Go gambling, obviously. Yesterday my parents, Grandpa Len, Grandpa Mel, Grandma Jo, and I trekked to Jackpot Junction via a coach bus for a day of losing money. I won five dollars at bingo on the bus and that was the best I did all day. No one else fared much better. It's fun hanging with my grandparents at the casino.

Grandma Jo and me on the bus with our bingo cards.

Grandpa Mel and Grandpa Len on the bus

What's in a name?

My sis just pointed out this hi-larious infomercial to me.  Probably not the best name for the product...

I'm all set.

Ffffwwwwoooooooooo.  That's me breathing a sigh of relief.  The final step in the process is now complete.  My flight is booked.  I leave at 8:25 a.m. on August 30th from Minneapolis.  I have a layover in Chicago and from there head directly to South Korea.  My flight from Chicago to South Korea is 13 hours 50 minutes.  I arrive on August 31st at 4:50 p.m.  Now it's real.  All I have to do is pack.  *Gulp*

I'm a joiner!

Expat Women asked me to join their blog directory.  Their website is:

Expat Women Blog Directory

I like to join things.

Leaving the country makes me more popular.

Apparently I should move to South Korea every couple years because my social calendar has filled up quite nicely.  I have been hanging out with family and friends almost every day for the last few weeks up until I leave next week.  It's been nice to  see some friends I haven't seen in years.  This past weekend my fabulous friends threw me a very fun going away party (thanks Kelly M.!).  All this socializing makes me realize how fortunate I am to have such great friends and family.  I may be biased but I think they're the best in the world.  

Here are some choice pics from my going away party:

My sis and me at Acme Comedy Club.

Candid crowded elevator picture.

Brian, Melissa, and me

I really like this photo.  Tammy looks like a B.A.

At Acme Comedy Club.  Funny stuff.

Thanks for rubbing it in, VH1

I am currently watching VH1 and they keep playing an ad for New Kids on the Block's newest greatest hits album.  Seeing this, I am reminded of all I will be missing while I am in Korea this year.  New Kids on the Block is coming to St. Paul on October 21st, and sadly I will not be able to attend the show.  I am afraid this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see my favorite "band" from first grade.  I have been waiting nineteen years for this concert.  

New Kids on the Block's "Hangin' Tough" was my first real cassette (not including kids' sing along tapes).  This tape was my gateway drug to other great pop artists of the late 80s and early 90s including: Paula Abdul, Amy Grant, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, and Ace of Base.  Man, was there some quality music made back then.  

So far, NKOTB has not scheduled an Asian tour, but if they do I will be the first in line to get tickets to their South Korean concert.

Check out the fancy footwork in this "Step by Step" video.  (I also really enjoy Jordan's overalls.)

So many books, so little time...

I came across this list on "Marc and Angel Hack Life".  I'm big into making book lists.  This is a good list.  Sadly, I've only read six of these, which means I've got 24 to go in five years... along with the many other lists of books I have to get through.  Must get reading.

It's time to leave

I think the technological gods are sending me a sign it's time to leave the country.  The cell phone I've had for a year and a half that has survived many drops, an unfortunate Italian dressing incident, and multiple scratches has unexpectedly decided to stop working.  All of my phone numbers are gone and I don't want to go to the hassle of getting a new phone.  I guess it's almost time to get a Korean phone.  

I (will) have visitors!

In the spirit of jumping the gun, my sister has booked a ticket to come visit me from December 26th through January 8th.  She has her plane ticket to Korea booked before I do!  I am excited that she is able to visit and I hope we can do a bit of traveling together.  

I have a couple other friends and family members who have expressed serious interest in visiting me in Korea.  This means I could have a good month of friends and family in my life in Korea.  This is exciting.  

I welcome any and all visitors.  Allow me to be the hostess with the mostest.

Pictures!

For those of you who don't have Facebook, but desperately want to see pictures I take, you are in luck!  Here are photos I have uploaded to Flickr.  Check back frequently for updates and fun:

Flickr Photo Albums

Viva la Ecuador

I was lucky enough to go to Ecuador from July 1st-July 10th with my sis and sadly I didn't blog about it.  Here are links to my photo albums on Facebook so you can check out my photos:

Ecuador Photo Album #1

Ecuador Photo Album #2

A big thanks to Christine and Cristian for being fabulous hosts and tour guides.  Some highlights from the trip include:

1.  Partying in the streets of Quito after Ecuador won a huge soccer game against Brazil.

2.  Singing karaoke in a karaoke bar.

3.  Experiencing the jungle and realizing I can actually rough it way more than I thought I could.

4.  Seeing animals in their natural habitat that I've only previously seen in zoos.  Some include: caimans, anacondas, boa constrictors, spider monkeys, fresh-water dolphins, stick bugs, leaf frogs, some other type of monkey, blue butterflies, toucans, etc.  

5.  Eating some ants in the jungle that tasted like lemons.  I know, I know, I momentarily forgot my vegetarian ways.  But, when in Rome...

6.  Riding the gondola to the top of a mountain in Quito.

Welcome and why would I do such a thing?

Welcome to my blog.  The reasons I started this blog are threefold:

1.  Keep my friends and family (mainly my mom) updated on my forays into South Korean culture and other various travels.

2.  To help anyone who is planning on teaching in South Korea.  It's been very helpful for me to read other peoples' blogs who are currently living and teaching in South Korea.

3.  A record of my experiences and travels for myself.

Since deciding to teach in Korea I've delighted in answering the same questions posed by interested parties about teaching in Korea.  Now for the first time, I will be able to answer all (most?) of your questions in one fell swoop.  

Who?

ME going to teach in South Korea...  Also, I used the recruiters Canadian Connection to help me with the whole process.  I definitely recommend them to anyone, even people who are not Canadian, as obviously I am not.  

What?  

Yes, that's right, me going to teach in South Korea.

When?  

I leave August 30th.  I just finished most of my paperwork and have sent everything in to get my visa.  Last thing on the list is booking a flight which I should (hopefully) be doing in the next couple weeks.

Where?

I will be teaching English to South Koreans in Incheon, South Korea.  Incheon is a city of about 2.5 million people located outside of Seoul.  Basically, it's like a suburb of Seoul.  It is also where the international airport is located.  I will have my own (very small) apartment.

WHY?

This is probably the most important and most asked question.  Let me attempt to explain.

Around January of this past year I decided that I needed a change.  I LOVED teaching at Red Wing High School for three years, but with the looming gas prices, I could not continue to drive from St. Paul to Red Wing each day.  I realized I needed to find a new job.  At first I was considering looking for an English position in the Twin Cities area.  Then I thought a bit more about it.  I realized that if I was going to make a change, I might as well go all out.  I'm not getting any younger and realized this is probably the last time I can live somewhere else before I need to start settling down.  

After deciding to look for a job abroad, I seriously considered somewhere in the U.K. because my love for London knows no end.  But, sadly, the U.K. is so expensive and it can be difficult to find a job.  So I looked at places where I would like to live, that pay teachers well, and where it's fairly easy for foreigners to find jobs.  My search led me to South Korea.  The school district will pay for my flight, pay for my apartment, and will give me extra money when I finish a year of teaching.  I have never been to Asia before and look forward to experiencing life not only in South Korea, but traveling around other Asian countries as well.

Overall, I am very excited for this adventure to begin.