WELCOME To My WORLD!

Longboard boy. Filmed by my cutie

2011-09-05T11:32:00.001-07:00

Shamu Show - Part 3

2011-09-04T11:21:00.001-07:00

Shamu Show- Part 2

2011-09-04T11:18:00.001-07:00

Sea World -Shamu Show- Part 1

2011-09-04T11:17:00.002-07:00

Finalmente verão... Boating first day

2011-08-03T19:57:00.001-07:00

VANCOUVER PRIDE PARADE 2011

2011-08-03T19:54:00.001-07:00

Help me help them...

2011-05-06T09:40:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm participating in the 2011 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5k. The money we are raising is to fund the Youth Programs that I work in, so, you are helping me out as well! :)

You can help support me by making a secure online donation using your credit card. Click on the link below:

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2985901&Lang=en-CA

For more information on how YOU can participate in the 2011 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5k, please visit us at http://www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm/index.htm.

Help me help them...

Thanks for your support!

Anthropology Museum at UBC

2011-03-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-10T18:22:00.001-08:00

Are you happy with who you are?

2011-01-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

Ted Williams. The golden voice

2011-01-08T22:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T19:31:00.001-08:00

Bright Nights 2010

2010-12-17T06:49:00.001-08:00

Mic giveaway annoucement

2010-12-03T18:03:00.001-08:00

Desenho Aquarela do Brasil

2010-12-01T17:16:00.001-08:00

Style of Flirting

2010-12-01T16:56:00.001-08:00

Brazil is such a Magic Place

2010-11-17T18:41:00.001-08:00

Some Fun and Love at Horseshoe Bay! :)

2010-10-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

ONE WEEK TIL BRAZIL!!!!!!! :D

2010-10-04T17:02:00.005-07:00

Seriously?! I can barley contain myself! Actually it is 8 days, but because we are leaving early Tuesday morning of the 12th, it is pretty much a week. See, even here I seem excited and babbling! I am filled with sooo many mixed emotions; excited, eager, terrified, happy, scared, curious BUT mostly ridiculously, deliriously ecstatic! I get to meet the love of my life's family and get to finally see his "World" and where he grew up! We hope to even look into some opportunities there for work for both of us as we are planning on moving there in a few years. There is so much to do see and find out on this trip! I can't wait for it to get here!!!! Beijos! (Brazilian kisses)

"Hooves or Paws"?

2010-10-01T08:44:00.001-07:00

Vlogging at Whitecliff

2010-09-12T17:07:00.002-07:00

Well Ricardo and I are really trying to squeeze out the last little bit of summer before it is gone here in Vancouver. He is really doing a lot with his new Vlogging hobby and I am having a lot of fun helping him with it as his director and camera women!

1 Month to BRAZIL!!!!!

2010-09-12T17:04:00.011-07:00

It is only ONE month now until we leave for BRAZIL!!!! We are both incredibly excited! I can't wait to meet everyone and see such a beautiful country! I also can't wait to get away with my boy!

We have started to plan out itinerary. We will be heading to Rio De Janeiro first for a week or so then to Sao Paulo to see his sister, brothers, nieces and nephews and lastly, to the interior to visit his parents and to attend a friend's wedding.

That is all for now! I will try to continue my countdown to Brazil! Beijos!

Countdown to BRAZIL!!!

2010-08-25T18:12:00.001-07:00

... Basically that is where my focus is as I feel like I am burning out lately. I miss my fiery, energetic self and I feel like this trip will rejuvenate my spirit! 47 days to go...I hope that I will make it! I can't wait to meet Ricardo's family and see his World! I know that my Portuguese is still crap but I am trying, I am just not a fast learner of languages. For now I just try to get through the days and rest after work. Three years is too long to go without a holiday longer than a few days...

I will write more when I am more inspired! As for now the focus lies with Brazil and getting my Portuguese to a respectable level of understanding!

Nice Picture! ;D

2010-06-19T15:49:00.001-07:00

... I know it is silly to just put up a picture... BUT I am! I love this picture of Ricardo and I as we look calm, happy and content... Just want to remember this moment more... I love this man!

Capoeira MALES Batizado 2010

2010-06-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

Sunny Day

2010-06-13T20:52:00.001-07:00

Rocky Mountaineer-Concierge Party

2010-06-02T17:27:00.001-07:00

New Asia Film Festival 2010

2010-06-01T07:45:00.001-07:00

Random thoughts...

2010-05-29T18:56:00.002-07:00

In one year, in one life
What has become, what has begun
The journey is so strange
that sometimes I feel my walk is different from the rest
I can't seem to be past their tests
To follow in line
To some expectation
To some timeline
My life is not something I am trying to define
Something that I am trying analyze in every moment
I want to just enjoy my moments
Love and be loved and feel free to express myself in all of my randomness
I feel so confined sometime to this lifestyle
To this society in which I have squished myself into believing was satisfactory for me
But now I know and maybe always have
That I don't want the same, I want simplicity
I can complicate everything if I want to
I can think and analyze every moment, movement and thought
But I am tired, completely exhausted by this and finally feeling like I can let go and just BE...

Portland Easter Weekend Getaway!

2010-04-11T09:14:00.018-07:00

So, somehow with both of our crazy and opposite schedules we managed to get 4 days off together for the Easter weekend! How fabulous!? We could not just stay home, despite the cold, rainy, windy weather, so we decided to be brave and head for Portland, Oregon. Ricardo had never been there before and I only once as a child with my family. The drive was a bit treacherous with the wind and crazy rain, but we made it one piece thanks to R's ability to drive well and keep me calm! Here are a few pictures from the short but very sweet and fun holiday!

Us on the harbour enjoying the city but freezing a tad!

So one of my favorite place in Portland was Powell Books. It was an amazingly big new and used bookstore that was organized by color coded floors! Wow! It was like heaven to me!

Here I am with a few purchases!

So we took some time to explore the city but we did not get out as much as we would of liked because of the cold, wet and windy weather. We did get out and about in downtown though in the Pearl and City districts because of the awesome FREE street car!

Here is Ricardo in front of beautiful, cozy cafe/house where we warmed ourselves.

Here is me in front of some graffiti trying to look hard core...lol!

So, despite the weather we had an amazing time together exploring parts of the city and bonding in the cozy hotel. I really fell in love with Portland for its cozy coffee shops, excellent, tax free shopping, nice scenery,old buildings and friendly people! We will be for sure planning on taking another trip back there in the summer!

Here is one last picture of us being cute and snuggling as always! :)

Olympic Chaos Continues... and now its... Over?!?!!

2010-03-01T20:24:00.019-08:00

Some more pictures of ALL the fun and adventures. It was a beautiful time for Canada and a great time to share with others!
It IS OUR Game BABY!!! Nice to re-claim our sport again!
You gotta LOVE this, we WISH!!!! All us taxpaying Canadians!
Nathan, Steph, Ricardo and I after fun on Granville island
Yes, it is a work of art, but also a playground.... WEEEE!
Hockey baby! Vancouver 2010
After the BIG win!!!! SOOO proud to be Canadian!
Being patriotic! We ARE Canadian and we DID DO IT!!!!

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Chaos!

2010-02-19T17:04:00.014-08:00

So I will be the first to admit that I have a love/ hate relationship with the Olympics in Vancouver. I work in the non-profit industry so in my opinion the money could of been better spent helping ALOT of people that REALLY need in our city, but alas, they are here and so I will go with it! I do have to admit to the city having a friendly, upbeat, energized and united feeling like never before, which is in fact rather refreshing!
So, again, I have decided to succumb to the chaos and frenzy of the Olympic spirit! Enjoy a few pics if you would like that my beautiful boy and I took together! :)

Tiny Olympic flame burning in the rain behind me!

Oh Happy Day! :)

2010-02-12T15:54:00.013-08:00

So I am trying to recommit myself to the blogging World! And I guess what I can say at this point is that my World is going pretty damn fabulous!!! I have a great job working with immigrant and refugee youth new to Canada in an amazing program (check it out worldbeat4you.ca), I have my great friends, I am still living 2 blocks from the beach and the BEST part of all is a I have wonderful, amazing and very sweet man in my life!! Please see pic! ;)

Please comment and leave suggestions if anyone is reading this again!

Hey World, I AM alive... I am just a terrible blogger...

2010-02-08T22:09:00.001-08:00

That is it, that is all, til another day...

I am really diggin' my life!!! :)

2009-07-02T18:04:00.005-07:00

So I am terrible blogger because I am too busy and having way too much fun to blog. So there! My new job is crazy busy, but so challenging, interesting, intriguing, and purposeful! My social life has picked up nicely. I am making new friends, dating and meeting wonderful new people everyday. The sun is out in Vancouver, I live 2 blocks from the beach and I have loads of energy! Hmmm, what else... dunno...Thats all you get...

Here is a pic of my best friend Steph and I from Canada day. The latest fun that I had! :)

A Little Nori Bung, shall we?

2009-04-15T21:48:00.010-07:00

This is what happens when you miss Korean karaoke bars...
Pictures are fairly self explanatory...

Does this not look like a ridiculous amount of fun people!?!

Oh yeah, they are REALLY feeling it! (Cody- haa, haa!!)

And we can't forget to ROCK OUT! Well maybe me a little too much...

Sing it Sally! How cute and little and soulful you are...

Singing makes us happy! And so then we smile...

Thanks to ALL of you for a wonderful night. Funny to think this was just the START of that evening...hee, hee...

Please Become a Follower... :)

2009-04-14T11:21:00.002-07:00

So I added this feature (right hand side of my blog) to my blog and no one has become a follower yet. Not even the people who I follow. Do I suck this much people!?!

Haircut!

2009-04-13T21:46:00.003-07:00

I got a haircut. I like it...

I gave the hairdresser total creative control and this is what I got...

Lost...

2009-03-23T22:09:00.002-07:00

Show me the path and I will walk it willingly with you
I just would like you to hold my hand a while
I can start to see you slowly stray
I can see you walking far ahead now
I want to go along but for some reason you are stopping me
from following along this path with you
I think I am finally getting it now
I think I may understand
But I am not sure that if I get lost here
that I will be able to find your hand again...

A New Year... New Thoughts...

2009-02-10T10:20:00.005-08:00

My dreams have changed and so have I
I am not sure at this point where that leaves me in this current life
Swallowed by the city in which I live
Where the damp cold seeps far deeper than the surface
in which the people here converse
I am no longer striving to obtain the materialistic pleasures
that this society has made me crave
I am willing to walk away from all of this
to find a new place
A place where my mind can rest
And where the anxiety of this city life can
Melt away...

(written on January, 30, 2009)

Dominican!

2009-01-31T08:38:00.012-08:00

Yes, I am completely aware that I am possibly the worst blogger ever! I think that Facebook has robbed me of my ability to blog, as all my efforts seem to go to that as opposed to this... Anyways, i will try to put it a little more effort here, but everyone out there needs to leave me some comments to at least let me know that someone, anyone actually reads this thing anymore...

So now, the Dominican. The first week of January I went to the Dominican Republic with my mama for my sister, Kimberley's wedding. It was amazing. The wedding was simple, beautiful and so absolutely fun! I got to bond with three of my favorite people in the world, my sister, my mother and my nephew in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Yeah, it was nice.

Here are a few of some of my favorite pics from the trip.

My beautiful sister, Kimberley and her new husband, Stuart.

My sister and I before the wedding, after getting ready...

My mama and me, after the wedding, just chillin on the beach...

My nephew Isaac and me practicing our "fish face" (he has been trying to master this, since I showed it to him when he was one)

The group of us, all together lounging at the pool!

Hope you enjoyed! ;)

Mini Me!

2008-10-31T13:39:00.008-07:00

Well, I am going to some chessy 80's themed party at my work in a few weeks, so I asked my mama to send me some pictures from me at that time and she sent some great ones of myself and with my sister, Kimmy. I just thought I would share a few...

I love this one with my sister. It really made me miss her...

Typical me when I was little, oh wait, I still pout, but I was much cuter then... And check out that belly, yikes!

Some More Random Thoughts...

2008-09-26T13:50:00.010-07:00

I don't know why I always feel the need to question everything in my life lately. I mean if it makes me happy and I am content, why should I question it, right? I guess with my 30th birthday around the corner I am constantly evaluating my life; past, present and future.

I guess I believe that I have done alright so far. I mean I have traveled, paid off my student loans, have a great job, live in a beautiful city in a nice apartment near the beach, have a great boyfriend, I am making new friends,and I just bought a new car. Sounds pretty great right? And it is! I feel so lucky and truly blessed, but sometimes I crave more. Maybe I still have the travel bug? Maybe I want to settle down and pop out a few kids? I am not really sure.

I guess for the past year or so I have had a significant amount of time to myself. I live alone and have been now for almost two years. no roommates, partners or friends there, just me. I come home to the company of myself with no one to talk to, so I guess I think a lot. I guess with all the thinking comes the constant evaluation.

I am not unhappy. The would be inaccurate. I am just not sure. I think I just want more. I want to be more. I want to truly make a difference in people lives. I really want to help the youth and the babies I work with. I want to love big and feel it back in all areas of my life. I am just thinking a lot about everything, but I am not unhappy. I think I am actually pretty happy. Maybe this questioning and thought is not bad at all. I am just not sure.

La la la... Update!?!

2008-09-20T08:20:00.009-07:00

I have a cold right now, BUT I love my new position at work. Richmond rocks! I even get to go to a conference in Victoria next month...oooh, exciting. I like learning. I guess it is good I work in a school. Hmmm...

My parents visited last week, that was fun... My mom and I both just bought new cars that we always wanted. She got a Mini Cooper and me a VW Golf. We had fun looking over each other and comparing and giggling... We never did get a chance to race though.

It was Keith's b-day on Monday, so he, his bro and I all went for some awesome Korean BBQ and nori bung. It was super fun. Nori bungs are actually really nice when you have less people and you actually sing. We sang alot!

Well thats is. I sorta suck at this now, but don't actually believe anyone really checks this anymore anyways...

A NEW Car!

2008-08-16T17:34:00.011-07:00

Yes I did it. I bought myself a brand, spanking, new VW. I got a new position at my work which requires me to transport clients as well as their children and my old car was just not up for the task. I did consider buying another used car, but changed my min once I started to look at new ones!
There are many things that I said to justify my new extravagant purchase, such as work, a 30th birthday present to myself etc, but in the end I just decided that I deserve it! So here are a few pictures of my new baby! Driving is now a beautiful experience for me!

Flashback to the Past

2008-06-05T18:38:00.002-07:00

Well yesterday was pretty fun because I got to catch up with a group of friends that I have not seen all together since over a year ago in Korea. Nara, Kirsta, Chris and myself were all able to meet up briefly for some food and a little wine at my house. It was great to see everyone after all this time and travel. Here is to friends that stay in contact after the travels! :)

Some Thoughts...

2008-05-18T16:00:00.002-07:00

When the world won't let go I guess all we can do is surrender to it and hope it doesn't take hold of us forever. I guess in all times of transition, changes and challenges I have had to learn that the world never throws you something you can't handle and in these times you have to embrace what is coming in order to see what the result is. I am learning to almost like these struggles because I am not bored and I am forced out of my comfort zone. As unnerving and frightening the unknown is, how exciting it can be to be open to it.

To Blog or not to Blog

2008-01-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Well, since I have returned from Korea I have been a terrible blogger. I guess now that I have settled into a nice life here in Vancouver there seems to be less exciting things to write about, well maybe not as exciting. I am content and a happy here but have not felt inspiration to blog. So, I guess now I am thinking of getting rid of my blog. I'm not sure if am willing to delete this blog though...
Anyway, if you have any feedback on my dilemma please leave a comment. I'm going to see if people even bother reading this anymore and let the feedback decided. I guess for now the choice is up to everyone out there that may read this... :)

New Friends and a Kick Ass Car!

2007-09-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am the worst blogger since coming home , I know. It is just so much more exciting living in another country. I guess living in a new city has been awesome too, but it has come with so many new challenges that I was not expecting. The job market is far more competitive than Calgary and making friends at this age is just not that easy. However, things have been looking up. I am waiting to hear back from more exciting new jobs, I have made some new friends and I just bought a new awesome car.

Last night I went to my friends Lindsay's house for a birthday party. I currently work at the YMCA with her and chase cute kindergarten kids around with her during the day. The party was a blast and I got to meet a bunch of new people. Ohhh, how nice to have friends again!

Here is one of Chelsea, Lindsay and myself after having a few drinks in us. It is funny because they are both younger than me, but married. Huh? Yeah, I've been learning that most people here my age are actually married. Scary!

I loved this picture of Chelsea and Lindsay. Such a happy and fun group of people! I think that there will be more fun times ahead.

And now for the car! Yes, the car. I am so damn excited about this. I can't believe how much I missed driving the past few years. And trust me I tried to survive here without a car for the past few months. I guess since I started doing youth work again at night at some of the rough sides of Burnaby having a car is essential now. I realized how interesting the Skytrain can be already and I don't want to chance it here at night. Anyways, back to the CAR. Yes, I bought a beautiful BMW 325. What? A BMW? That is what I thought. Granted it is an 1988, but it is beautiful! I lucked out having an uncle here that is a BIG police officer. It happened to be his mechanics, so it is amazing shape and I got a great deal. So here is to driving around in style.

My Korean Kiddies!

2007-06-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

I guess after almost a month in Vancouver I am finally settling into a life here. I a moving into my own place in a few weeks, making new friends and finally working again... The best part about being here is being able to work with Korean kids again. One of my main reasons for moving to Van was the opportunity to be able to work for the same company I worked for in Korea and being able to continue to teach ESL to Korean children.

For the past few weeks I have been working some long hours on the weekends taking the children on exciting field trips all over the city. I even got reacquainted with some of my old students that I taught in Korea, which was an emotional and exciting surprise. It is a lot of fun and an opportunity for all of us to get to know the city. I am looking forward to teaching full-time again in July. Until then I am continuing my fun weekend work and helping with the new curriculum for the summer semester.

Vancouver...hmmm....

2007-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have been in Vancouver for over a week now and it has been interesting. I have had a great time catching up with family here and even went out the other night for a junior high school reunion with some friends. It was a blast! However, this time has come with its share of challenges like finding and job and a cheap and decent place to live. Oh, well, I guess it will be all worth it in the end once I am settled in this beautiful city. Damn, I love the beach and ocean...

Check out a few of the pictures...

Here is Amber, Jamie and myself reunited after about 13 years. So fun!

Keith and I enjoying the warm weather and the patio near the beach.

It is nice to be with my buddy of 16 yrs again. Some things never change!

Wow, my best friend and boyfriend get along well... Maybe too well?.. Haa!

Isaac Jonah James

2007-04-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would do a blog entry solely dedicated to my cutie of a nephew, Isaac. I have been spending the past week playing and having fun with him. He is so laid back and smart, that it is easy to pass the time here with him. Here is just a few of the pictures I have taken so far...

I love this picture so much. It was such a challenge to get him sitting still finally. I think the Micky Mouse hoodie is what does the trick!

Here are Isaac and I being silly and having some fun with my camera. The first on is pretty normal, but the next one, well, we had to have some fun (there is actually about 10 more like this one, but I thought I would just post one...)

This last one, Isaac is trying to look cool in my sunglasses. I just think he looks so cute.

I am having such a great time catching up with him and my sister. He is such a joy to be around and a great cardio workout. I'm glad I have had the opportunity to come out here. It will be sad when I have to get back to Calgary, but I will just have to come out more and visit!

The Simple Life in Cranbrook

2007-04-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Mom, Fred and myself left this past Saturday to go and visit my sister Kim and her son Isaac in Cranbrook. It was a beautiful drive to get there from Calgary through the Crowsnest Pass. I kept my eyes glued to the window and took lots of pictures.

The clouds seems so different than the ones in Korea. I am not sure how, but I couldn't stop watching them move around the sky. I loved all the crazy shapes they made. It made me wish I could paint.

I forgot how stunning the rockies are. It was amazing to get closer to them as we got further into BC. Canada is such a beautiful country! I truly forgot how lucky we are when I was away in Korea.

Fred, mom and myself decided to pullover on the highway for a quick stop. I decided to take a quick picture of all of us and it turned out great!

After a long drive and some catching up mom and Fred left the following morning for Calgary, while I stayed behind for a longer visit. So after breakfast Kim, Stu, Isaac, Opheila and myself decided to go to the forest for some mountain biking and walking.

Here is the happy family all riding together in the forest. It was such a nice peaceful day and I even got to tear around on a mountain bike for a while.

I am really enjoying myself. It is really great to catch up with my sister and my nephew Isaac and get to know Stu.

I will post some super-cute pictures of Isaac soon!

Amber and Me!

2007-04-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I finally met up with my best buddy Amber. We have been friends since we were 12 years old and used to dance together. It was a short, yet a sweet visit as we met before she had to get to work. It was so nice to catch up with her and to see a familiar face from back in the day. We are both looking forward to driving out to Vancouver together on May 4th. She was planning the trip for her grandparent's wedding anniversary, so we thought it was a great opportunity for a road trip. I can't wait to see the beautiful countryside...

Here is a happy picture of our reunion. We are all smiles!

Easter Fun and ETC...

2007-04-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

The past weekend was Easter and I had a wonderful time with all of my family. Fred's brother Bill, his wife Ruby and their two daughters, Katherine and Lauren came to visit us from Vancouver. It was soooo fun playing with them and just acting silly all weekend. We feasted, played, colored, ran and read stories.

The best part about the entire weekend though was honoring Fred's parent's at their grave site. It was an amazing and touching experience for me to be a part of the ceremony. We had to bow three times, lite incense, leave flowers and do a food offering. I was touched to be a part of the experience.

It was also so fun to meet and get to know a huge part of my Chinese family. It reminded me of Korea being around all the chaos and food with them all. I fit right
in, except for the part about me speaking Korean and not Chinese. Oh well, it was still a great weekend in so many ways.

Here are some pictures of what the past weekend was like...

This is my cousin Katherine and myself. We became great buddies!

Here is a picture of her sister, Lauren. They are both so damn sweet!

Here is Fred's parents grave site with the food offerings...

This is a picture of all my cute Chinese cousins while we were all playing Easter games for chocolate and candy. FUN!

This last picture is of my Easter meal. It is kind of mean to post, especially to all of my friends back in Korea, but is was sooo yummy...

I hope you enjoyed the little update. I will keep trying to post when I can!

Some Canada Pics...

2007-04-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here is just a few. I found some random Internet connection downtown in a dodgy, little food court, so enjoy the few I have posted and I will post more soon!

The first picture is from the airplane window from the flight from Seattle to Calgary. I thought the mountains were so stunning. I forgot how spectacular they are here.

This is my parent's backyard the day after I arrived. I was just in Thailand two days before, so this is rather shocking to me. BRRRR!

The last pic is my parent's very cute and very spoiled cat, Teddy. She is a little scared of me and jealous of the competition for attention. I am still trying to charm my way into her heart...

Back in CANADA!

2007-04-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

After an adventurous and relaxing time in Thailand I am home. I was hoping to spend more time in SE Asia, but with the combination of being robbed in Bangkok (I am fine) and being really homesick, I decided to come back early. Yes, I am back in Calgary and damn it is cold and snowy. I arrived on March 28th after a 31 hour trip to get home. Ironically enough I had an 8 hour layover in Seoul on my way home from Thailand, which I spend keeping a 18 year old, new traveler from Calgary company. I wished that I slept on the journey, but my excitement and the offer of exciting, new, English movies kept me quite awake.

Now that I am back in Canada, I am adjusting to my life here again. I have not had too much jet lag and have been sleeping on a normal schedule since the night I arrived. I have experienced a little culture shock, but I have been hibernating mostly in my parent's house. I guess I have been spending time mostly with family, but will be meeting up with some friend next week. It has been difficult to to e-mail and update my blog, as my parents have no computer or Internet and I can't seem to get a free, wireless connection on my MAC here. So sorry to everyone I have been terrible at staying in contact with, but I am going to try to updates as much as possible.

As for today, I have been applying for jobs in Vancouver hoping to find something soon, so I can move where it is warm and beautiful. Calgary is too damn cold for me now. However, I am looking forward to Easter weekend and stuffing my face with more Western food. Yum, I have been eating like crazy, but going to Yoga with my mom to balance it all out. I will try to post some Calgary pictures when I get a chance. I will be off to visit my sister Kim in Cranbrook soon, so there should be some great, new pics then.

Take care everyone! :)

The Beauty and Peace of Ko Phangan

2007-03-22T01:42:00.000-07:00

Well, just like I said in the last post, I have seriously been taking it easy and enjoying myself. An average day consists of me waking up fully refreshed at about 9am, washing my face and going to the resort restaurant for a breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs and toast. The in the afternoons, I read on the beach, stretch, walk and sunbath, while again venturing into the restaurant for usually some amazingly good Thai food and a fruit shake. Then by the time the evening comes, usually a group of us staying here sit around and talk, drink beer or go for walks. I am usually in bed by 11pm and sleeping the best that I have in years. I am relaxing and spending a lot of time to myself. I am eating food that nourishes my body. I feel stronger and more calm than I have in years.

Take a look at some of the many pictures that I have taken here so far.

This first pic is the "typical" sunset picture. However, it feels like home to me now...

Keith and I on the beach enjoying the warm sun, white sand and bath water temperature ocean.

Here is a picture of a beautiful, young, Thai girl that I played with one day.

Our bungalow at Phangan Rainbow Resort. It is sooo nice and damn cheap!

Here is a cute lizard that we see everywhere around here. We love them because they are friendly and eat all the bugs that drive us crazy!

I will try to post again soon, if I get more time and a computer with a faster connection... ;)

Staying in Thailand

2007-03-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

I guess after some real budgeting and hard thinking, I have decided just to stay a month in Thailand relaxing and rejuvenating. I really wanted to see Cambodia and Vietnam, but with budget constraints and feeling very homesick, I have decided to leave at the end of the month and just stay in Thailand. I had no idea how exhausting backpacking can be. I guess the last time I did it I was younger and full of energy. Right now I am feeling like a real vacation on the beach is what will really be the best way to chill before heading home to Canada. I know that I will be back to Asia very soon and will see the rest of this beautiful end of the world when I have the energy and the budget for it.

As for now, I am staying in an amazing place with incredible food, good, clean accommodation and a breathtaking beach. I'm relaxing, getting a tan and really enjoying myself. Check out the link for yourselves www.rainbowbungalows.com.

After a few more days in Ko Phangan, we are off to Ko Lanta (I think) to take it I in another beautiful part of Thailand.

Ahhh, I don't think I have ever felt more relaxed in my life...:)

Bangkok to Ko Phangan

2007-03-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of our journey in the past few days...

Keith and I on a sleeper train heading south to the beaches

Elephant bathing! I'm riding bareback and solo!

Elephant trekking in the jungle

Sacred cave site in Kantanebury

Getting Out of BANGKOK!

2007-03-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

I have been in Bangkok now for about 5 days just relaxing and chilling. I thought that I was going to head up north to Chang Mai, but I had no idea how burnt out I was until I got here and was able to relax. So far I have done some touring around Bangkok, seen some temples, road in some Tuk Tuks, done some shopping and eaten some amazing street food. I have already met some amazing people and have a good idea of where and when I am going to places now...AND NOW I AM READY FOR THE BEACHES!

Keith is coming later today which is such a relief, as he was in a car accident the day I left, but he is still coming. After he arrives here in Bangkok, Kevin, him and I are going on a 2 day 1 night elephant trek. It will include temples, waterfalls, elephants and possible an opportunity to hang out with some tigers. We are all looking forward to that and the we will head down south to the islands. First, we are going to Koh Phangan for 4 days and relaxing on the beach and I will attempt to get a tan. Then Kevin is going to give Keith and I some time alone to meet a friend and Keith and I are then going further south to near Krabi. We are looking into to staying on either the island of Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, whatever is cheapest and easiest to get to. That is usually how I have been making decisions on this trip so far.

I guess the long-term plan now is (still subject to change) to spend a few weeks down south on the beautiful beaches of Thailand. Then return to Bangkok for a few days to get organized and say good-bye to Keith. Next, off to Cambodia with Kevin for a few weeks and then possible a few days in Vietnam. I am still determining right now what is best as flights out of Cambodia are extremely expensive, so it maybe cheaper for me to fly out of Vietnam and have a cultural experience in another country at the same time. I guess this is what happens when you only book a one way ticket somewhere...LOL... For the first time in a long time I wanted to be spontaneous again in my life and not plan, so hopefully this all works out and I am back in Canada around the 2nd or 3rd week in April.

I am really looking forward to the rest of my trip, but also to seeing my own country again filled with my beautiful family and friends that I miss terribly. The past few years have been an amazing journey and I have lots more to come, but I am keeping myself grounded with the idea of returning home.

I will try to post pictures if I can, but it is difficult process here, so it may have to wait until I am home in Canada. I will continue to post on here as much as I can about what I am doing and any thoughts or feelings I have to keep you all up-to-date at home in Canada, Korea or anywhere else I may know you from. For now I am going to keep traveling with an open heart and mind and relax and enjoy the adventures ahead of me!

I never took this picture, but rather borrowed it from a Bangkok site. This is a picture of Khoa San Road, not far from where our guest house is. As you can see it is full of tourist, restaurants, food carts, shopping and lots of fun!

Goodbye Korea, Hello SE Asia!

2007-02-26T17:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I am closing the chapter on my 2 year life in Korea to go off to travel. I have finished my job, moved out of my apartment, shipped everything home and I am now living out of a backpack. It is exciting, strange, fun and a little sad. I am so sad to leave my life here, but ready to move on to something different new. The orginal plan was to see Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Loas, but with some finaicial restrictions and being homesick, I have decided to shave some time off my trip. I may come home the middle of April now and only see Thailand and Camobodia. The plan may change again, but I will keep everyone updated on here. I am looking forward to the traveling, but mostly catching up with everyone in Canada...

It's Hard to Say Goodbye...

2007-02-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

I guess with a little over a week away, I am already realizing how hard it is going to be to say goodbye to this beautiful country and all the wonderful people I have met here. Last week it was especially hard for me when I had to say goodbye to the Korean family that I have been working with for over a year. They were not only my students, but also my family. They are such a loving, kind and generous family that I felt privileged to know.

Here is a picture of the youngest daughter Grace and her two friends Lucy and Danny. Lessons with then are never dull as you can see from the silly picture.

This is a pic of Grace and I being silly again, with bubbles and pink, fuzzy princess crowns.

Even though I am leaving soon, I know these people will continue to be a part of my life. I look forward to the day that I will come back to visit and see them again. I might even see the son, Kenny sooner, if all goes well he could be going to Vancouver to study. Regardless of what happens I will miss them greatly...

Dondaemun Market and Seoul Tower

2007-02-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

I guess now that I am getting in to my last few weeks in Korea, I am trying to squeeze in everything I possibly can before I go. I have been here for two years exactly now and I wish that I had done more. I guess no matter what I have seen and where I have been, I always wish for more right before I have to leave...

Last weekend my friends Tim, Shawn, Molly, Christina, Serena, Kevin and Keith all had a full day checking out Seoul. We started out at Dondaemun Market for a little shopping. I believe that everyone that was with was prepared for the amount of shopping that I had planned, except for maybe Shawn who out shopped me in an hour. I went to the market with the goal of bargaining and gift shopping for friends and family at home, and maybe a little for myself. We all ended up leaving the market a little exhausted with huge bags filled with goodies. But wait, it is not over yet!

Here is a pic of the market from above. This is not a parking lot, but rather it is slow moving traffic in Seoul. Yikes! I am never complaining about traffic in Canada again.

Next, we were off to Seoul Tower. The sun had started to set, so I though it would be the perfect time to go up the tower. We all hiked up the hills leading up to the tower. We were all tired, but as soon as we got to the fun Gondola, we were all smiling again.

Here is a pic right before we got on the Gondola

The view from the top was so amazing and beautiful. I wish I had a better camera to capture all of the lights, colors and just the idea of being completely surrounded be people. I did my best, see for yourselves.

We all ran around the circular part of the tower looking at all the different views. We saw how far away we were to various places all over the world. We even had fun in the bathrooms. They were the nicest bathrooms I have ever seen in Korea and had the best view.

I actually got a picture of Keith and I at the top of the tower. It is difficult to get this guy into a picture, but finally I have. It's actually kind of funny how we are both dressed in black.

All in all it was an exciting, fun and exhausting day. I was happy to share it with my friend Kevin from home and all of my friends here. Damn, the closer I get to leaving the harder it truly is. I fell in love with this country and I am going to miss it like crazy!

Kevina in Korea!

2007-02-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

Finally, I have someone come to visit me in Korea! Last week my friend Kevin arrived from Calgary to visit me here in Korea and accompany me on the travels to SE Asia. We used to do youth work together back home with immigrants and refugee children. We shared a lot of fun, strange and scary times at the youth centre together. We are now looking forward to catching up after not seeing each other for a few years and the adventures that will follow in our travels together...

Here is a pic of him his second day here eating traditional Korean food.

The Adventures of Jenny's Birthday

2007-01-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well, like any night with Jenny, it was full of lots of adventures. We had a nice, quiet champagne toast at her house and then had a fabulous Italian dinner with good food and great wine. Then it was off to Seoul. We started out at a Moroccan styled bar with pineapple infused soju. It was so yummy. That was the indication that it was going to be an eventful night, when we started to play drinking games.

Then it was off to a new place in Hongdae. Sub-Zero aka Ice Bar. There has been quite the hype about this new bar completely made of ice, where you get big parkas to where, so we had to go check it out for ourselves...

When we first arrived we all got suited up with these silver, warm parkas with huge fuzzy hoods. They were so cozy. We all picked our drinks and then proceeded to enter a huge type freezer area (remember the tours you took as a child with school when you have a field trip of the local grocery store? OK, maybe it was only me, but I remember the highlight of the trip was seeing the huge refrigeration area...this brought back some of that old excitement).

Here is Tim and I at ironically the fake fire...

Anyways, EVERYTHING was made of ice! The chairs, tables, bar, cups, EVERYTHING! And it was damn cold. We had a blast sliding around, drinking our super cold drinks out of blocks of ice, dancing around like fools and freezing our butts off.

Hmmm, freezing blocks of ice full of alcohol. It was a bad combo, many drinks were so slippery and dropped and shattered.

Ahh,it was like a big, freezing cold hug from a Calgary winter...

Jenny and Orla at the ice table and chairs. Thank goodness for the fur on the chairs.

After that we went dancing at an awesome club called M2. It is kind of electronica and dance music, but was such a fun and positive atmosphere. Jenny, Christina, Molly and myself ended up on stage with the DJ's and had a great time dancing. I believe we were the only foreigners there, so we made a bit of a scene too. Come on, who doesn't like to be centre of attention once in a while?

Other than, the coat-check losing Molly's bag it was a fun, adventure filled night with great friends, food and lots of dancing. That seems to be consistent with my blogs. I'm going to miss all of the people here who keep my life so fun and interesting.

More pics will be added as I receive them from everyone!

A Little Attitude and a LOT of FUN!!!

2007-01-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Let's just say I love my girls here. Thanks to Nara, Christina and Kirsta for a night full of good food, company and a little ass shakin'. Here is an "attitude" pic (aka Blurry Bitches). More to follow when I have the time...
Here are some pictures of all of us last weekend...

It was the regular Thai dinner, bedbar, and dancin'@ TinPan in Hongdae...

Here I am enjoying a wonderful Chang beer. More to come once I am back in Thailand!

I love this pic of Kirsta. This drink was damn tasty and they always fill it right up to the top at the BedBar (we really need to learn the name of it)

Here we are having a blast and dancing. It was soo funny because there is always some lame ass guy that wants to dance with you and Kirsta and Nara's strategy for getting rid of them was effective. Don't move! That's it when they come up behind you just stop dancing and they look like a complete ass. LOL. Kind of mean, kind of funny...

Here is a big smiley pic of me and Kirsta. This truly shows how much fun we had.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been an interesting holiday season to say the least. I guess this is the first real Christmas and New Years away from friends and family at home since I was 19 years old. Let's just say I was on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean at the time, so it seemed a little easier. I guess working my ass off in Korea while having Bronchitis doesn't really scream the holidays to me. Not that I don't love this amazing country, but it just isn't like home when it comes to this time of the year. And damn it, I miss all the Christmas fixings, especially the food...I guess on a less bitter note, it all turned out to be pretty good thanks to some of the amazing friends I have found here.

Here is a great pic that Joe took of the boys laughing and having a good time.

Christmas I guess all started last weekend with two good, but very different parties. The Saturday night was spent at Alex's drinking, laughing and I believe at one point the guys were even arm wrestling. All in all, lots of good times and interesting memories.

The following night was a little more mellow, but involved a lot more food. Thanks to Jenny being the best hostess I know, we had wine and an amazing Mexican style dinner. Who says a Mexican style Christmas is weird in Korea? We don't. Ahh, anything goes.

Hmmm, yummy food and wonderful decor. Merry Christmas!

Tim and Shaun's little romantic dinner for two. How sweet!

At about this time, my body decided to shut down for a good week, giving me the gift of Bronchitis for Christmas. My New Years was spent a lot more mellow. I gave myself the chance to get better, but still got to spend some quality time with some good people. New Years Eve, we went over to Jenny's again and ate some more great food, did a champaign toast and the rest went off to Seoul to bring in the New Year.

Here's the group of us cheering to the New Year! (A little off centre...lol)

Christina and I kept it more low-key here in Ilsan. We had some chai tea at a little coffee shop and chated while observing all of the families filling up on hot chocolate and cheese cake...

Here we are looking ready to party...lol..

Then went off to our local bar, Torrors to bring in the New Year. We tried being troopers by dancing and even having a glass of wine, but by about 12:30am, our sicknesses still had the best of us and we had to call it an early night.

Here are some of the more partying people...

Overall it was still a memoriable and interesting holiday. I missed my family and friends at home greatly, but will definitely be with them next year. Thanks to all my friends/family here who made this past year an amazing one. Hopefully 2007 will be as memorable and adventurous as this past one. For now, I look forward to enjoying my next few months in Korea and then off to SE Asia...

P.S And a special spot on my blog goes to Tarek...Happy New Year and I will always remember to blog you...

Here he is with a yummy, gooey spoon of cheesy goodness...haa, haa!

Christmas Party and Puppy Love

2006-12-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

The weekend started off a bit crazy like they have been lately. After we all finished work on Friday night we decided to go to a Christmas Costume Party that our friend Ed was putting on at a bar we often go to. But, we sort of didn't make it til much later. Ohhh, the nights where we start off at Jenny's house drinking wine first before going out, always make for long nights or rather early mornings...Here are a few pics (sorry a little blue, I played with the settings and I forgot to fix it...must have been the wine).

We stopped by at the party for a bit and had a drink or two and caught up with some friends. Here are some pics from the party. At least one person dressed up.

I also had to give the mustache a try. I think it makes me look more intelligent.

After stopping in briefly to the party and seeing some friends we realized we should all go to another bar and drink some more...Yeah why not it is the holiday season. I tried to get everyone in the festive mood, by passing around my festive Santa hat. Looking good Alex!

Well, let's just say that night was enough for me. I took it easy for the rest of the weekend and had some good old "me" time. It was perfect. I couple of my friends were going away over night for the weekend and they just got a puppy. I immediately volunteered to puppy sit for the night. You can't use a little puppy love? And boy I got it. I played, snuggled, growled, snorted and had a great time with "Jinjoo". I even made a video, but it is too long to post. Here are so cute pics instead.

Here she is passed out on me after a good hour of playing, she is feisty!

She is sooo damn cute when she is not chewing on me.

Louvre in Seoul?!

2006-12-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed it was and boy was it a great day...
It all started with the pizza. Ahhh the amazing pizza that my friend Nara claims deserves singing to and I agree and I believe a small dance as well...We were on our way to The National Museum of Korea when Nara, Dante and myself were struck with terrible hunger pains. After wandering aimlessly around for a while we settled on Dominios. We constructed a restaurant with plastic chairs and took a risk on "cheese ball pizza". Oh, I good risk we took. It was heavenly. Maybe our faces will do it more justice...

After stuffing our happy tummys we headed off back to the Louvre exhibit at the National Museum of Korea. It is a very architecturally beautiful building. See for yourself...

The Louvre exhibit was simply amazing and breath taking. I had no idea what "real" art can do. It was a great dynamic between Nara, Dante and myself of discussion and interaction over the works of art. We spent over 2 hours looking at 119 pieces. Europe here I come!

We ended up missing Tim and Shaun for most of the day, but met up with them toward the end for a little catch up.

Dante and I then went off to look at the rest of the museum. I had been here before, but it was great to see new works of art everywhere.

And look at this amazingly detailed carving. I don't think the picture does it real justice, but I tired...

Later that night we decided a good Monopoly match was in order. The night started out nice, friendly, but quickly progressed into a much more competitive match. Yikes! I guess it really isn't "Rainbow Candyland". I'll know that for next time guys...Here is a pic of before it got ugly. Nara has an excellent pic/story on her blog (scarynara.blogspot.com)

Female: Friend or Foe???

2006-12-09T00:02:00.001-08:00

Females have the tendency to support, understand and nourish each other in a way no man can and ever will be able to, but women all have the power to intimidate, humiliate and utterly destroy each other. How can we be so capable of being both at the same time? And how can we possibly be able to do this to this to a person with whom we consider our friend?

This is a question I ask myself time and time again, since the early ages of pre-school up to now. Every time I allow myself to become close, intimate and trusting with another women, I end up disappointed in them. Am I unable to form meaningful, lasting friendships with them? Maybe? But when I question other women about this issue, I find that I am really not alone. Many other women that I know have voiced the same concerns to me. So do why to we continue to hurt each other when we should be supporting our friends?

I guess after what happened a while ago at work, I finally understand why we hurt and have the ability to hurt so deep. This wasn’t the first time an incident at my work occurred similar to this, but it is the first time I finally began to understand it…

The truth is many women are just jealous and insecure. For example, the girl at my work a few weeks ago brought something up in front of others only to bring a painful reaction. She did this under the disguise of “being my friend”. However, the information she revealed to me was only given with the intension of hurting and humiliating me and she truly would of, if I let her, but I did not.

Women who do this are insecure and jealous and generally of women who aren’t necessarily more beautiful than them, but more confident and intelligent. This is an insecure woman’s method of defense to protect themselves from their own humiliation because face it, they feel that bad about themselves. Women who are strong, secure and intelligent need to recognize these inferior bitches, by calling them on it honestly to their faces. We need to be open and honest and tell them that they are acting on their own insecurities and that they are immature. We in fact are the stronger ones and we should start letting them all know.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2006-12-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

It was my birthday on Saturday, so the entire weekend was full of adventures and a little too much drinking and dancing. Yes, it is possible to dance to much! I had a lot of fun and don't even feel a day older.

On Friday we went to Torro's where our friend Ed DJ's and that was quite fun. Then it was off to a Korean Bookings Night Club to shake with our friends (There is a longer version of that story). After that we went to sing our hearts out in a nori bung. I had to break out the Madonna and Gwen again.

Saturday was just as fun. Christina, Jenny, Shaun, Tim, Nara, Dante and myself all had cake and champagne at my house. Then to Hongdae for Thai food and the Bed Bar with 15 other people. We needed 2 beds! After that Jenny, Christina, Tim, Shaun and I went to the clubs in Itewon. A friend of ours Brenden shares this birthday with me, so we definitely had to see each other. We danced again until 5am. It was a wonderful birthday surrounded by truly great friends!

Yeah, a yummy cake. Nara captured the candles in this pic so well. Thanks girl!

Jenny found a new friend! He is a little old, but still kind of cute! Haa, Haa!

Oh my gosh, did they just make me suck up a shot that was on fire with a straw!!! You should have seen my face after...

Nara and I at the bed bar after stuffing ourselves with some great Thai food.

Adam, Catherine, Christina and Dante looking cozy and comfortable in bed.

Everyone in bed together. I love this bar/bed. It is sooo damn cozy!

I put the "28" candles in my hair. Thanks god, we never lite them. I had a lot of hairspray!

The bed bar even had an indoor, heated waiting pool. Ahhh, nice...

I'll post a few more pics as I recieve them from everyone...I think at one point I was wearing red angle wings. I still have to get that pic from Christina...lol..

Here is the rest of some more fun pics. Enjoy!

Inspiration From Books

2006-11-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

For the past year or so of my life I have been completely mesmerized by the author Paulo Coelho. When I was sixteen years old I read The Alchemist and it instantly became one of my ultimate favorite books. Today, I have read almost every other book he has written since. With each one I continue to feel blown away by the writing, not only because it is inspirational, but because it always seems to provide me with the wisdom I need to get through what I am going through at the time. I have certain morals, beliefs and life philosophies that I choose to live my life by and these always seem to come up in his books. One of my major life philosophies is to never lose our inner child. With this I always try to do something childlike each day I'm alive. I read something the other day in his book, "By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept". It is simple, but really goes along with my life philosophy that I would like to share...

"Sometimes an uncontrollable feeling of sadness grips us. We recognize that the magic moment of the day has passed and that we've done nothing about it. Life begins to conceal its magic and its art.

We have to listen to the child we once were, the child who still exsist inside us. That child understands magic moments. We can stifle its cries, but we cannot silence its voice.

The child we once were is still there. Blessed are the children, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

If we are not reborn-if we cannot learn to look at life with the innocence and the enthusiasm of childhood- it makes no sense to go on living...

We have to pay attention to what the child in our hearts tells us. We should not be embarrassed by this child. We must not allow this child to be scared because the child is alone and is almost never heard.

We must allows ourselves to take the rein of our lives. The child knows that each day is different from every other day.

We have to allow it to feel loved again. We must please the child- even if this means that we act in ways we are not used to, in ways that may seem foolish to others.

Remember that human wisdom is madness in the eyes of God. but if we listen to the child who lives in our soul, our eyes will grow bright. If we do not lose contact with that child, we will not lose contact with life."

PS Today, for my child activity, I ran and danced through a pile of leaves in the park. The Koreans thought I was crazy, but it was damn fun! :)

Rockin' Weekend!

2006-11-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

I had a very good weekend catching up with the guys and the girls. We ate, drank hot chocolate and Baileys and then Nori Bunged (singing room) out hearts out on Saturday night. It was a blast. It was a cold weekend but we stayed bundled up and kept in each others warm company. Check out all the new, brillant pics. They rock!

Chris, Alex and myself in La Festa after purchasing new, cozy, warm hats

Some great pics of Tim and me. One at the Nori Bung and the other out drinking. What a cutie!

Alex and me with our loving eyes pic...haa ,haa...I couldn't stop laughing so we could take it. Priceless!

The Crew (Tim, Me, Alex, Kirsta, Dante, Nara) at the Nori Bung

The rockin, stripe twins singing thier hearts out and shaking their booties.

Kirsta and I doing our awesome version of Vogue, we truly are the Madonna sisters

Thanks for a great weekend to all involved. You are all truly great friends and a damn blast to be around!

Cool Night, Warm Conversation

2006-11-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that yesterday night was one of coldest nights so far in a while I had one of the warmest nights with the company of my great friend Jenny... After we devoured some yummy ribs, we decided we were in the mood to drink some wine in a warm environment. We decided to venture off to Three Queens Jazz Bar. We actually used to go quite often before it closed for renovations, so it was nice to be back in the dark, moody, luxurious atmosphere again. We sat at the bar and ordered a bottle of red wine. We had some more great conversations. We talked about life, friends, family, spirituality and how damn lucky we are to have each other and to be so close to obtaining our dreams. We were also nicely accompanied by a very cute Korea bartender. Ironically enough, as we were discussing our dreams of Africa we learned that Hans (cute bartender) had actually lived in Kenya for 2 years. So crazy! It was another great night bonding with Jenny.

Fun in Insadong

2006-11-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent the day in Insadong (the artsy, funky, touristy area in Seoul). I went in alone to spent some real, quiet, quality time with myself. My good friend Myong had a photo exhibition there and I was excited to see his work. There was a bunch of different pictures there taken on a specific Leica camera. All of the pictures were really good. His picture was amazing and beautiful. I am so proud of him. I then went off with my newly purchased books to read at a roof top cafe with a tasty chai tea.

Before long, my friend Jenny called me to also see the exhibition. We looked at a bunch of other art shows and talked. We walked around and then shopped a bit. It was fun. We also ran into a bunch of our friends from Ilsan. The we went for a fabulous dinner at a tiny Italian Restaurant I adore. We fested and caught up once again. We even ran into our freind Myong there. Korea is so big and so small in so many ways!

We walked around Cheong Ga Chong and took some pics and had a wonderful evening. It was a great day and a wonderful night. I'm glad I decided to have a mellow weekend this week. I feel like my body needed it. Here's to good movies, great books, fabulous food, chai tea and amazing freinds.

Coffee with the Ex...

2006-11-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Doesn't that sound like fun. Yeah, it actually wasn't that bad, it was going really well. It got less awkward and we were catching up just fine. But when you both start talking about how you have been on dates, that is where it is gonna go downhill...Well, I nice attempt was made. I guess more time is needed. This is truly the first big "dump" of my life and it's gonna take a while to get over it. I was doing super well and I guess now, I feel a little bitter again. Oh well, here is to the attempt. I hope the next time is better and we can be on our way to friends again...

Damn, We're Just too Cute!

2006-11-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Hey, I am actually gonna post it. I just received these pictures of Nara and I from Halloween and I absolutely love them. I guess they capture both sides of us: our fun/sweet side and our naughty/sassy side. Anyway, I hope you all like them too. Did I say how much I dig this girl? Yeah, she is the bomb baby!

Halloween!? In Korea?

2006-10-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

Even though it is not a holiday celebrated in Korea, all of us foreigners decided we could not live wthout our Halloween. Alex threw a fun and interested party...There is no real grabbing going on in these pictures. We were acting out the characters...Haa, haa!

The costumes were hilarious. We had a Sexy beast (Alex), Emo (Nara), Old Korean women (Chris-had to be here), IPOD (Josh), Rocky Horror Picture Show girl (Vanessa), loser guy (Caylea), old couple (Clay and Cat), Chinese dude (Tim) and me the trashy school girl.

There were a few other people there as well, but I have yet to define their costumes. It was a very interesting, strange and fun evening. I wish I had more pictures...

The Korean people who saw us will never be the same...
See Nara's post for the really great pictures. Mine are limited
http://scarynara.blogspot.com/

The Fun Never Ends...

2006-10-26T18:25:00.003-07:00

Well, last weekend was another great weekend. I am still having a blast meeting new people and really putting myself out there for the first time in a while... A huge group of us started out a "Bed Bar". Yes, you heard me. A bar with a bed that you and all of your friends can get into and drink together. It was a blast. The bar also had a waiting pool and a huge shower in the bathroom? Don't ask we all aren't too sure. Here is a pic of Clay and I in bed...Haa, haa...

After lots of fun and drinks there we decided to go to the cheap "Ho Bar" and down a few more drinks. We then headed off to "Tin Pan 2" a place where the tequila is $2 a shot and you can request your own music and dance without paying a $20 cover. It is a weekend paradise to me. I love to dance. So that is what we did...

Vanessa and I also had a blast making friends with these silly Korea guys. They kept wanting to take our pictures, so we took theirs too. I think we also drank a little too much tequila. You decide...
Here is my new friend. Yikes! Is my mouth really THAT big. I guess I must be having fun!

Kindergarten Kraze

2006-10-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I actually went back to teach kindergarten briefly. It was only for a few weeks, but man I'm exhasted. They were cute, so damn cute, but so excitied! Nine 20 minute classes back to back for nearly 3 hours and that was before going to my regular job for another 6 hours. I never want to read the three stories I had to reread over and over again. I never want to play "Duck, Duck, Goose" or sing "Hokey Pokey" or "Mr. Sun" as long as I am on this earth. Yes they were all sooooo cute, but man, never again! To my friend Jenny who usually does this. You have offically become a superhero in my books!

Weekend Excitment

2006-10-08T17:47:00.001-07:00

Well, this was a great long weekend for me...

Thursday my new friend Vanessa ventured up to Ilsan for a night in LaFesta with Nara and myself. We ate ribs and drank too many cocktails and vented about "breakups". It was a lot of fun! Check out the pics where we implale small puffy balls in frusteration...guess you had to be there!
On Friday, Nara, Vanessa, Rachel, Catherine and Clayton (new work buddies) went out for a night in Hongik (the funky University district full of bars and excitment). The evening started out pretty slow, but became more interesting as the night went on. We ended up making some friends that were University students from all over the World. They were funny and interesting. It was a blast and I got to shake my bootie all night!
Saturday night I went out with my Korean friends, Jenny, Jackie, Young and some of thier friends. I kept it pretty low key, as I was still recovering a bit from the night before. However, it was great catching up with them and meeting some more new people. Their baby is sooo cute...

It was a wonderful 4 days off and I am a little sad I gotta go back to work now. I am happy to say I am making new friends and trying to start a "new independence" in my life. I was able to meet people from Cambodia and Vietnam this weekend that wll help assist me in my travels there in a few months. Life is strange, but seems to be unfolding now in the right way for me, despite a little pain I had to go through...

Pillow Josh

2006-10-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

Relationships never seem to be easy and break ups only get more challenging. Ironically enough, I think I just went through the most healthy, respectful and adult break up I have ever had in my short experiences with men. However, as healthy and normal as the actual break up was, I think my actual subconscious maybe still be suffering more than I would like to acknowledge.

Why do we feel the need to put on a show that we are ok, when inside it feels like we are coming unraveled? Why do we repress the emotions (sadness, angry, hurt, frustration, loneliness) only to have them spring up in our subconscious?

I guess that is where “Pillow Josh’s” existence came into the world. Here I am thinking I am fine, I am independent, I don’t need a man, I am not lonely….No, was I wrong….

One morning I awoke from the usual swollenness from the tear shed of the night before to a row of pillows accompanying my bedside. What was disturbing and somewhat pathetic was the fact that they were slightly resembling my once past boyfriend. Feeling somewhat groggy, I slowly realized that I actually sacrificed my own potential head injury (I can move a lot when I sleep) and had even taken the pillow from under my head to contribute the birth of “Pillow Josh”. To my own amazement, anger, and frustration I realized that I had some how managed to create him completely subconsciously while I was sleeping. Now, not only is it difficult to try to learn to sleep alone again, but it is even more frustrating to realize that I miss it so much that I have to sleep-create him and wake up with no memory of even doing so. Going back to the morning…As soon as I realized what I had created the moment of feeling “sorry and lonely” for myself quickly climaxed to anger and complete frustration. Not only was I really lonely, but now I was pathetic. God damn breakups. “Pillow Josh” was rudely discarded over the side my loft. As quickly as he was created, he must be destroyed!

Well now, I try to sleep with less pillows. The creation of “Pillow Josh” was frustrating, yet strangely comforting, but I realized it is definitely not the same thing. I have now opted for sleeping with less pillows so the re-birth of “Pillow Josh” is not possible now. Sometimes I still manage to position a torso but at least now he can’t be created in full. And yes, I am now sleeping through the night ALONE.

Making New Friends

2006-10-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Well, the new single life can be a lonely one, so I have been trying to put myself out there and make new friends. A few weeks ago a met a girl in a bathroom of a resturant. We instantly hit it off, she being a fellow Canadian and all and she revealed to me how she and her boyfriend had recently broke up. After hearing this we were bonded. Yesterday afternoon we decided to meet up for the first time in Insadong. She also brought a new friends with her as well. We walked around Insadong and then went for an amazing dinner. My new friend Vanessa took us to a wonderful, beautiful and amazing Italian restaurant. The interior was dim, romantic and warm. There were candles, bottles of nice wines and elegant wire furniture. We decided to sit on the roof top patio under the stars to feast on great food, drink wine and talk about our lives. It was wonderful. We have all had some similar experiences and are all going through something right now that we all could relate too. It was theraputic and refreshing to talk and listen to two wonderful women. We are going to try to make this a regular thing now. Ahhh, Korea, it is always full of new adventures and new friends.

The Bitter Bitch I Am

2006-09-28T19:26:00.001-07:00

Well, yesterday started out to become of those "great days". You know, you wake up in the morning and it is cloudy outside, you fall down your stairs waking up from your loft, you pour milk into your cereal and realize it is already starting to form chunks. Yeah, we all have those mornings... Anyway, it only gets better when I am reminded about how in my higher level english course I am teaching today I get to discuss the "Traditions and Trends of Marriage". Now this is a topic I REALLY (huge sarcasim) love to discuss seeing how I just recently broke up with the ONLY guy I ever considered marrying in ALL my years of dating. Yes, I was one of thoughs girls who never would allow myself the idea of "one man forever" and for one short time I let my guard down and let it be a slight consideration, it BIT me in the ass in a HUGE way. Ahhh, yes, the bitter bitch has returned. More bitter than ever and ready to post it on the internet for all to see...

The Hellish First Entry

2006-09-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I have to start this sometime. The first post always sucks, so here we go...

Welcome To My World! I guess this blog will keep whoever is interested up to date about my life and anything that seems to be on my mind. As of now my life has been changing considerably and I am hoping to use this for pictures, writing and to just generally vent about my life. I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think...