Chocolate Chip Cookies and Red Vines

These are the things I want most at the moment. I think I might have to ask my parents to send me some. Can you send baked goods through the mail?

My nose feels like it's burning a little. I guess I used a little too much bleach when cleaning the bathroom. Whoops. I wish I had a maid so I never had to look at a mess ever again. I'm trying to clean, but I can't bring myself to finish the job. It's like, never-ending. The third grade teachers went to see New Moon today and one of them tried talking to me in Korean. I understood (I think) what she was saying, but the last bit was unclear. She said a bunch of things I didn't know, so I guessed and said something, and then she said something I really didn't know and just said, yes. Then she went to the bathroom so I was relieved.

I'm trying to put together a Christmas package for my niece and nephew, but I'm running out of things to send after candy. I found these cute little manicure toe separaters, but they actually might be too big for her little feet. I think I need to make a trip to Insadong or some souvenir shops to complete this quest.

Next weekend we have to make another quickie trip to Japan. We're just going for one day this time, since I don't have any extra time before Jake's visa expires, so it's not going to be too extravagant or exciting.

Our favorite soup place totally dissed us this week. We went there, as usual, for dinner. I ordered a rice dish and Jake got the soup. They brought my dish right away, but then proceeded to serve everyone else except my Jacob. We waited for a bit, and then I asked the waitress. She looked at our bill and then left, but didn't return for a few minutes so we left. I wonder if they just forgot about his order, or if we were victims of racism. I've only heard about people being mean to the whities here and they were never rude to us before, so I'd like to think it was merely laziness but you never know.

Next week is my last week with the 4th graders. I need to take more pictures of the kids because despite their occasional douchiness they're actually pretty cute and fun to be around. I'm a little sad to be leaving them, but then again I'll get a whole new batch at my new school.

Boys are Dumb

I happened to glance outside today after lunch only to be mesmerized by four third grade boys throwing rocks at each other. It's nice to know boys are dumb in any culture.

My Thanksgiving dinner consisted of pizza and potato chips, with a side of candy and soda pop. I became a motionless lump soon after.

Two somewhat strange things happened these past couple days. First, an old-ish man on a rascal was toolin' around outside the school yesterday and kept making kissing noises at me when I was walking home. It was strange. I thought maybe he would try to follow me home, but I guess he didn't want to power up the huge hill I conquer every day. The second happening was this morning. As I walked into school a couple boys were congregated and yelling while another boy chased them growling like a dinosaur.

Only 3 weeks left until break!!!!!!

You Sly Devil

For some reason, as a child, I was under the impression that Peppermint Patty was a boy. After watching the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special it seems weird that I would think this because PP is always trying to make it with CBrowns.

Thanksgiving is but a turds throw away and I have yet to make up my mind about my plans. There is a Thanksgiving buffet at this hotel downtown, but I'm not sure if it will be worth it. They promise treasures such as mashed potatoes and gravy and pumpkin pie, but it is Korea so I'm wary of whether it will be as enjoyable as, say, eating barbecue for a quarter of the price I would spend stuffing myself with pie.

I need to make reservations for Christmas in Japan also. My other co-teacher, the one who left for Australia, made these plans for me in the past, so I'm not sure how to do it, but I'm giving it a go by myself. Christmas this year will be interesting away from all the family and friends and spending it at a hotel turning Japanese.

Facebook status of the day: If you don't love Lopez Tonight I'm not your friend anymore.
Why do I stay in contact with these people?

Anyway, I've been entertaining myself with the first season of Strangers With Candy. I forgot how incredible it was. Although, everything has been making me crave Cheetos lately. Right now I'm watching the one with Ellen Pompeo...you can see her nips annnnd I'm not impressed.

I'm debating whether or not to go on a little teacher trip on Wednesday. My co-teacher will not be along which means I'd have to fend for myself. My heart wants to say no, but my brain also tells me no. Whenever I go on these trips they make me take shots. Me no likey.

Pepero Day

November 11. The day of the pepero. A new holiday for me to celebrate. On November 11 Koreans give Pepero to each other. I wasn't aware of this tradition so I was sans pepero, but I got two packages from a couple young boys and a homemade one from a girl. Pepero is a cookie biscuit dipped in chocolate, similar to Pocky. One of the teachers told me that if you eat pepero your figure will be thin like the cookie. I'm not sure where that logic comes from.

I got two, count 'em, TWO! mosquito bites on my face. Very distressing. I'm considering buying a big jar of olives tomorrow or maybe this weekend. This I am excited about.

There ain't nothing like a freshly boiled egg. Piping hot from the stove, I almost burned my little nubbins in anticipation. I don't know much about eggs, but in this country they're all brown. The only brown eggs I saw back home were at the co-op. Anyway, Jake went out with his friend tonight so my dinner consisted of aforementioned eggs, a fistful of cocoa pebbles, and lemonade. Soooo delicious.

I found this great writer, Edith Zimmerman, thanks to McSweeneys Recommends. I was reading it this afternoon and this, plus watching an episode of It's Always Sunny where the gang drinks wine out of pop cans, makes me wish I could enjoy a nice bottle of wine without feeling deathly ill. For some reason wine looks so elegant to me. Especially on paper. I imagine myself basking in the sun and guzzling down glass after glass of the sweet stuff. I saw some Boone's Farm at Homeplus the last time I was there so I keep contemplating getting some since it has such a low alcohol content I could reasonably have a glass or two without vomiting.

I have been enjoying many a pleasurable afternoon this week due to my coteacher leaving early to tend to her sick child. I sit and watch various videos on the internet and sip coffee or hot water. The weekend is so close I can feel it's hot breath on my neck. I look forward to nesting under the blankets all day or reading my book at the coffee shop. I was thinking about making a video of me dancing. I have some sweet moves that I like to do only in the privacy of my own home, but I think they would bring joy to the world. I'd like to make a version of this 2 of Hearts dance scene from Hot Rod (minus the pushing.)

A Taste of Home

An inventory of the items sent to me by my beloved parents and various possibilities as to why these things were sent to me.

A multitude of GermX antibacterial wipes.

Korea is a dirty place. Let's wipe it clean!

Homeopathic medicine

The government is trying to control our minds with vaccines and modern medicine. And Obama.

Native American tea bags

Jake is part Native American and Kari likes tea.

Glamour mags!

Keeping up the tradition of my mother sending me magazines that she has gone through and highlighted for me so I don't miss the "important" parts.

Some ziplock bags and pens

I'm really not sure why these were sent. Just for fun?

A small Korean flag

Patriotism, yay!

Two babysized books and a ribbon bookmark (The bookmark reads: When they'll do anything to get close you're...Almost Famous)

I need help with my finances, but I shouldn't let that affect my self esteem.

Two toothbrushes

Take care of your gums.

Vitamins Vitamins Vitamins!

I can't even begin to explain my mother's obsession with vitamin supplements. Let's just say, this is about the third batch she's sent me since I've been here.

A variety of pamphlets, articles, and devotionals from church or church-based organizations.

My parent's attempts at saving my soul.

I'm thankful I get packages because I've always enjoyed getting mail, but it would be nice to get candy or baked goods or something like that every now and then. After a fistful of peanut butter I think I might take my book and sit at the coffeeshop for awhile since Jacob is sleeping. Or I'll continue watching Home Movies in the dark.

Enjoy

I never got around to making a Halloween outfit this year so instead I give you this: the new sweater I bought today.





This is an action shot of me dancing.

DISASTER!

Everyday I think, "This is it. This is the day. I will beat my computer solitaire game today." But inevitably I'm bested, day after day. BUT NOT TODAY MY FRIEND!!! I won thrice times.

My coteacher didn't show up today meaning no class. They didn't even send a sub. So here I sit, cold and alone. I can hardly believe I'm getting paid for this.

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UPDATE
Of course I spoke too soon. A class actually showed up the last period before lunch. I was all flustered. I tried to teach the lesson, but that quickly dissolved into trying to play tic-tac-toe --> 7up --> listening to music and doing a hidden pictures worksheet. All in all, I panicked and they learned nothing. That's my teaching style. Mumble this and that and then throw worksheets at them. I don't know how I'm going to do this for another year. Now I must play solitaire and listen to Jon Stewarts sultry voice to soothe my shattered nerves.