Chutnoon, Birthdays and Turkeys...

So sorry that it has been so long since I have posted. My past two weekends were spent in Seoul celebrating birthdays, so I haven't had a chance to sit down and get something written. This month we have had 6 staff birthdays, so it seems there has always been a party to attend. The weekend of the 25th, I went to Lotte World with Gail and Jennifer to celebrate their birthdays (the 20th and 14th respectively). Koreans are so funny about being in the sun, or being cold that I am not at all surprised that they have an indoor theme park. There are 4 floors inside, the bottom floor being an ice rink. Inside there are a few rides and restaurants and arcades. There is another section "Magic Island", which is outside and houses the 5 or 6 bigger rides. We spent most of the day there and then headed to On the Border mexican restaurant for dinner. It is always such a treat to have cuisine other than Korean. Not that I dislike Korean food, but having it all week long for lunch really makes you long for something else. We came back and spent Sunday recovering.

This past week we had what is called in Korean "chutnoon". It means the first snow. Last week it was quite cold and was -5C a few mornings. On Thursday the 20th, it was quite cold all day and had that "pre-snow" sky. It was only forecast as a slight chance, so I wasn't really thinking it would come. But it did! On and off for the rest of the afternoon. Just a dusting on the ground, since it was already wet, but it was snow! Supposedly, we will have quite a lot here in the mountains in the next few months. There are quite a few ski resorts in this area. I am roughly at the same latitude as Washington DC, so the weather here is quite similar. It has warmed up a bit this week, but still is down to freezing at night. Most of you know, I am happiest when it is 90F outside, so the months of cold ahead will be rough (especially without my bathtub!!)

This Saturday, we went into Seoul to celebrate Sarah's 30th bday. It was lots of fun going out for Indian food, singing Karaoke and hanging out. Gail and I went to Costcos the next day to find some Thanksgiving food. I found the frozen, imported USA turkeys....for $70!! Needless to say, it will be the first Thanksgiving of my life that I will not be having turkey. Turkey is not available here at all, not even in deli slices. So, I may be roasting a chicken on Saturday. (sniff) Oh well...just let me take this opportunity to say to you all that I hope this Thanksgiving you remember how truly blessed we all are. Not to say that I am not blessed here in Korea...I have a job, friends, food, shelter, and only 3 months to go!! But I do hope that most of you are with family or loved ones on Thursday. Remember that we all live in the greatest nation on Earth. I am thankful for each and everyone of you. God Bless.

Nose to the Grindstone...

Hi Everyone! Hope you are all recovered from all the election hoopla this week. It is what is is, so let's all move forward together. I was watching the race closely while I was teaching, and the results came in at lunchtime here. It is interesting to note that the middle school boys here at camp last week were quite interested in the results. Obama is quite the international celebrity. I was impressed by both the speeches and was able to limit my exposure to only that. (thank goodness I haven't had to watch the breaking down of every vote that I am sure CNN is still working on!!)
The countdown is at 7 weeks until Christmas and 10 teaching weeks. I am not exactly sure when I will be able to come home. Officially, my contract ends on March 1, but I am hoping to have a little bit of vacation left over to cash in. We had a teacher leave abruptly 2 weeks ago (without notice) so we are short staffed again. All of us are just so worn out and resigned to the fact that we have to do what we have to do....just keeping our nose to the grindstone and our eye on the countdown.
The past 2 weekends have been quiet for me. Lots of rest, which I need. This Friday night, we went to see the new James Bond, which surprisingly opened here a week before it opened at home! It was good...typical Bond. No award winner of course, but great entertainment. This month is FULL of birthdays. Friday was my friend (and program coordinator) Alice's birthday. This next Friday is Jennifer's. The following Thursday is Gail's and the Sunday after that is Sarah's. Next weekend, we will be spending the day Saturday at Lotte World, a theme park in Seoul for Jenn and Gail's celebration. The following Saturday we will be heading back to Seoul for dinner and dancing for Sarah. Hopefully, I can keep up.
The teaching is going OK. We have had middle school boys for the past 2 weeks, and have them again next week. They are challenging, but can be quite fun sometimes. The kids all become such a blur week after week. I am teaching Library, Broadcasting and Korean Culture this rotation, none of which I am passionate about. But, like I said, I am just focused on the countdown.
I know this is not the most exciting post. I hope I will have more to write next time. (with pics) Please don't count my lack of news against me and not send me emails with your news. Even the smallest of occurrences is fun for me to hear about. I miss you all...