Cake On My Ass

When do I NOT have cake on my ass???? Probably everyday except last Saturday. My wonderful friend Lee had a birthday last week and we decided to take a weekend trip to celebrate. Lee is the first Korean friend I made and I am sooooo thankful we met. He knows so much about Seoul and places to visit...he's like a Lonely Planet, but bigger, and drinks whiskey.

We headed to Gangwha-do, an island only a couple hours out of Seoul. A group of us met and hopped on a bus. With birthday presents, an old boombox, and to-go drinks in hand, we talked our way all the way to the island.

Korean's call lake houses "penseons". Our penseon was pretty awesome. In the middle of farm town, surrounded by neighborhood dogs, a small lake, and a giant pirate ship motel. The air was fresh and the company was pleasant. I forgot to mention that there were 16 of us, in a penseon with two small bedrooms. I should also mention that penseons don't have any furniture. We had a folding table, a noraebang (karaoke) machine, and a big TV. That means we all slept on the floor on mats and fought over blankets. Bruises are fun.





We all made a big dinner, including kimchi, bbq, and fresh veggies. To even out that healthy meal, we drank way too much and ate/sat in a big chocolate cake. Lee really enjoyed himself and it was nice to meet a bunch of new people and sing our hearts out.











We all woke up way too early and fought over the one bathroom. The hot water ran out after the first 2 people, so I was lookin a wee rough and tumble. We hauled our stanky butts into the cars and took a trip to the sea side. It's been unseasonably cold this winter in Korea, so it was chilly, but beautiful.







The tide was out when we came and at first I didn't understand what I was looking at. The fishing boats were just stranded far out in the sand. We went for sea food and noodles for about an hour. When we came back outside, the tide was back in and the boats were afloat. There are actually islands you can walk to, from other islands, when the tide is out. I'm excited to take that next trip.

We took a bus back to Seoul. Ps- it sucked. It was standing only and we were all hung over. Somehow we made it back alive, with a few less worries, and many more friends.

A successful weekend to say the least. Looking forward to the Cherry Blossom Fest next weekend! Trying to see as much of SoKo as I can. Can't believe I've already been here for 9 months. July is going to come faster than I know~

C

My first vomit.

Ok so we all know it happens. Everyone has a great story about another student in class or maybe even themselves, throwing up during class. Well, let's just say I can add one to the books.

During one of my life changing lectures about literature, pronouns, and how hitting the person next to you will result in harsh consequences, my attention was directed to a red faced girl in the corner desk. The little girl in said desk was actually not even in said class. She chose not to do her homework that day, and as school rule, she had to stay after class and finish it. Hence, being in my classroom.

Back to the barf. I notice her face is red and she's got this look on her face like the girl from Jurassic Park that saw the T-Rex coming first. And boy, was it coming. I had barely noticed the rice dribbling down her chin before I could reach for a bucket. I know, I know, why am I going into detail. Why does anyone tell a barf story? Because it's fun to gross people out.

Anyways, I run for the receptionist, grab a garbage can, and head back to my class to hopefully prevent an all-class barf reaction. I get to her just in time, and seconds in to our pilgrimage to the bathroom, I realize I should have grabbed a bigger can.

The puke is on my arm, I'm dodging it with my shoes, and I'm pretty sure she's smiling at me??? She wins. No more stay back classes.

So anyways, if you ever want to know what rice, seaweed, and kimchi look like the second time around, I've got a couple kids with camera phones that can enlighten you.

Happy Day!

C

Dear Mom,

Today is my mother's 50th birthday!!!!! I'm sure she's glad I've told the whole inter-verse now :) I wish I could be in the US to celebrate, but clearly as the blog states, I'm not. However, I would like to put in writing, the amazing being that is my mother.

My mother is somewhat of a mystery. I've watched CSI and the X-Files, but to no avail. I can't quite figure her out. If I could go back in time, I would like to meet her as a teenager. When I ask her what she was like then, she just says nerdy with bad hair. I think she also mentioned Donny Osmond (I forgive her).

Whether she was abducted by aliens or the government implanted a micro chip into her brain, I'll never be sure. But what I do know, is that she has the unremarkable ability to put up with all of my shit (sorry mom, I said shit) (twice). I never had realistic dreams as a child. Figure skater, Spice Girl, Drink-Vodka-And-Play-Scrabble'r (not a real job?).... No matter where the path seems to take me, or if I'm trail blazing a path of my own, the only person to completely question my judgement and still see me off to God knows where, has been my mother.

You might say, aren't mother's supposed to do that? And I might tell you to go back to la la land. Because the truth is, as rosy as we can paint the picture, family is never perfect. I'm lucky to have a mother who has trusted me to make my own decisions and has never held me back. She accepted the person I am (a nut) and even when she knew I was wrong, she let me make my own mistakes. For that, I'm forever grateful.

She did things that one day I'll do for my children. Like pull me out of kindergarten at lunchtime to go dress shopping. And throw the best birthday parties, scavenger hunt and potato sack race included. She also did things that she's probably forgotten she did. Like putting all of my sisters and I into the "tornado cabinet" first, then running around to find the cat, putting the cat inside, then going for the birdcage, whilst the sirens blaring. And she had the best tasting Coca-Cola. If I poured a glass for myself and a glass for my mom, hers always tasted better. She also has a heart. A heart that doesn't care if you're gay, straight, or a McCain supporter. She welcomed my gays into our house with a plate full of food and a smile.

I can't tell her much about getting older, or growing up, or whatever you're supposed to say on a birthday. But I can tell her that everyday, I try to take steps in the right direction to make her proud. I've made some big shoes for myself to fill and I know I tell her all the time, but I will.

So Mom, this past year has been a turning point in your life and I'm really happy with who you've become. That's weird to say, being your daughter, but we're always evolving. A marriage, a move, a new job, and a few weddings in the works. I'd say you've done a pretty good job.

Happy Birthday Mom :)

Love,

Cassie Jean

Dear Nature, Wtf.

So I wrote a few posts back about how excited I was to see a blade of grass pop out of the sidewalk. Have I not learned? I should've stomped on that piece of grass for being so naive. Clearly was not it's time to shine.

I took these photos with only a mere 3 hours inbetween.



1pm


4pm.

So, so cruel. Forecast says mid 50's by this weekend at least. Headed to Gangwha Island for a couple birthdays. 18 people in one house? Bring on the noraebang!

-C

Love Handles Bell Grande

Who woulda thunk there'd be so much excitement over a lump of sour cream and soggy tortilla chips? Taco Bell coming soon to Seoul. God save us all.

~St. Patty's Day Celebration~

This past weekend, a festival was held for all us foreigners missing their St. Patty's Day binge-drink-during-the-day celebrations. Last year I went to the South Side Parade in Chicago with my girlfriends, which is notorious for being the biggest celebration in the city. The Korean fest wasn't nearly close to that madness, which I'm pretty thankful actually.

There was a parade, live music, free beer, korean's on stilts, and a whole lotta scantily clad foreigners. The weather was not so hot. It was windy and the sky was turning yellow/green (thanks to yellow dust season, which I'll talk about in a bit). We stayed to watch the parade, get a free t-shirt, take some pics, but then we headed to Itaewon to go to a pub called The Wolfhoud.







Our coworker Jon played the bagpipes in the parade, kilt and all.


The Wolfhound is pretty much a foreigner bar. It was packed. With green beers for $2 and green jello-shots, not to mention really good food, I wasn't surprised it was standing room only. Thankfully we had a table and many new friends to enjoy our day with. We drank...a lot. But alas, I'm alive!






After bar hopping, spilling drinks, and eating a piece of candy off the floor (by force), I decided it would be in better health to head home. A half day of drinking and another half day to sleep it off. Nice-uh!

YES!

Saw my first real signs of spring this morning on my walk to work. Buds on the trees, some flowers peeking out, even some old ajumas in the hills picking herbs (then conveniently stuffing them into their knock off Louis bags). So wise. Can't wait for warm weather to come around. It's been flirting with Seoul for the past couple weeks. Make yourself an honest woman, spring!

30 minutes till my first class. Joy?

C

Weekend Update*

Well, the weekend was great. Up until Sunday night... I went shopping for my mom's birthday present and started feeling sick. When I came back home, B and I went for dinner. I ate chinese noodles. And let's just say I will never be eating those again. I was up all night with throbbing stomach pains and barfed my brains out for awhile. So today is Monday, and after 9 months, I'm using my first sick day. Yeah, not feeling so hot.

However, even when I'm feeling sick, I have a hard time being unproductive. So, thought this would be a good time to do some bloggin'.

Saturday morning, B and I headed out to meet a group of strangers for a Korean cooking class. Waking up at 8:30am on a Saturday isn't exactly ideal, but it was well worth it. The tour started with a visit to an indoor market. Korean markets are great. The food is fresh and made right in front of you. I bought a big block of handmade tofu. So good :) I learned a lot and it was probably the best part of the day.








Then we split into cabs and headed to the kitchen. I have never been a genius in the kitchen. Back home I would just stock up in frozen meals from Trader Joes (miss it) but in Korea, having no oven or microwave, we're forced to actually cook. So I guess it's high time I learned.

The menu consisted of: spinach salad, cooked bean sprout salad, kimchi salad, and a spicy braised chicken stew. I haven't the slightest how to type the Korean. The kimchi salad was probably my favorite and the chicken was really good, too. Yay, learning.





Next we headed to Insadong to hunt for antiques. It's a really cultural part of Seoul and my favorite neighborhood by far. It's littered with souvenier shops and all that, but the side streets are where the magic happens. Picked up a really great print from an old man who I believe was drunk (It was 3pm). I love it and it only cost me a couple bucks. I have been collecting so much art work over the past year or so..I don't think I'm going to have anymore room.

We hit up the Tea Cafe...love this place. It's beautiful inside and the menu is endless. All sorts of teas to remedy and to just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. I went for the citron tea (super super sweet but good) and B had something that was just a cup of flowers with hot water. Soooooo good. Can't wait to go back.





Sunday morning I woke up early to get to Myeongdong, a heaven for shopping, a hell for your checkbook. However I didn't do much damage, just got some gifts. My sickness didn't start calling until later that night. So today, I'm just watching reruns of America's Funniest Videos and drifting in and out of sleep. I did manage to knock over my bottle of Chanel perfume, and it broke all over the floor. I was/am so mad. It was a gift, cost too much, and it supposed to make me smell wonderful, not my apartment floor.

Hoping this flu bug goes away soon. I can't afford anymore mishaps. Until next time~

C

Cassie Teacher is scary

If the title doesn't say it all, then I don't know what will. Some days I wonder if my teaching job in Korea is remotely like those back in the States. I feel overworked and underpaid, so I'm guessing yes.

I work straight days with no break 3 out of 5 days a week. Those other 2 days I get one 50 minute break at the end of the day to work on report cards, call students, and prep for lessons. My boss expects so much from all of us, it's a bit overwhelming. We also have video cameras in class to give you that big brother feel. Micromanagment anyone? Alas, I've become an angry worker. Some days I want to just pull my hair out, and other days aren't so bad. It kinda sucks that my job is really bringing down the whole Korean experience for me. I know, I know. It's a job, not a picnic...but if you know me at all, it's a life long goal to beat the 9 to 5 and do something I love. What that thing is? I'm not quite sure. But I'm pretty sure (110%) it's not teaching.

My co-teachers are pretty much awesome. Foreigners and Koreans alike, they're funny, understand my humor, and want to hang out a lot. Most of the Korean teachers have lived in an English speaking country at some point in their lives, so their English is good.

We're always getting new students and sometimes classes can feel overcrowded. We also shove so much homework at these kids I kinda feel bad. I'm pretty hard on my students as far as behavior goes, but because of this I feel a lot more respected from students than some other teachers. Some students might say I'm scary, but I'm also the one they go to when some kid is picking on them. And boy do I love to watch the bullies get theirs (via me). Plus I'm the teacher with candy and stickers. Psh, they love me.

The older middle school girls love to gossip and talk about Korean celebs. A couple girls always send me emails with the newest k-pop songs or "who has a boyfriend" drama.

I'm not sure where I fit in as far as my role goes, but I hope "scary teacher" isn't it. I mean, come on, don't I strike everyone as pleasant, maybe spiritually uplifting?.......cricket, cricket...............

Goodnight all~

Hitchin a Ride

Gotta love my route to work every morning via the subway. I have to hand it to Korea. The subway system here is beautiful in every sense of the word. Any public transian from Chicago knows the trials and tribulations of the subway. In Chicago, the subway is a freakin mess. I hate it. It's dirty, smells like piss n' pennies, and we pay way too much to arrive way too late to work. I hope one day Chicago takes the next step into the 21st century with its transportation.

The Korail, or the Korean subway, is quite the opposite. There is never any litter on the ground, the seats aren't wet with God knows what, and it's remarkably cheap to ride (about 80 cents each way). Not only that but there is a schedule telling you when the train arrives, even on holidays.

Anyone that has sat for eons at a time waiting for the blue line to roll through or realize that the brown line is still under construction for the 10th consecutive year should be wiping a single tear from their eye right about now.

Folk Village : Suwon

It's been super crazy at work, so it's been hard to update the ol' blog. Last weekend we went on a day trip to Suwon, which really isn't too far out of Seoul, but with traffic, everything seems much farther.

The folk village in Suwon is a restored village full of cultural trademarks and even the chance to try somethings for yourself. The day was kinda gloomy, but it just made everything seem more theatrical. The smell of roasting chestnuts and tea was really strong and if I could bottle it up, I definitely would.

tying a wish onto the sacred rope makes your wishes and prayers heard

We walked through the small huts and it really was like going back in time a bit. The art work and the furniture were so intricate...I'm a furniture junkie. Dried flowers and chilies hung from every hut and Korean men and women weaved mats and ground spices without notice of me and my camera.

villager weaving a mat


non-villager acting a fool

A band with drumming dancers performed. They flipped all over the place and their ability to spin these long ribbons with just a twist of their necks was really cool to watch.

The tight rope walking grandpa was...well, interesting. He bounces up and down on a tight rope, ON HIS CROTCH. Sure he hopped on one foot, walked backwards, and sat Indian style on the rope. But props to grandpa! That can't feel too good.

We also got to see a traditional Korean wedding....well, traditional minus the huge audience.

Farm houses, communal kitchens, the doctors office, and wild chickens were a nice break from the shoulder to shoulder war I play everyday on the subway. Watching the "adjumas" (Korean for grandmother or old lady) sit around the fire and drink tea really made me wish I knew more Korean than "adjuma". That wouldn't go over well with them. Korean culture is so closely knit that it makes me upset that it's not exactly the same back in the states. Children don't even move out of the house until they are married, which is usually late 20's or early 30's. Children don't even get a job until their late 20s. So the family circle is tight and probably a bit overbearing, but I think it's better than only seeing each other a dozen times a year. (PS- really missing my fam right now. HI MOM!).


When I make it out of the city, it's actually possible to see Korean culture. Korean culture in the city is a hodge podge of every other. When it's like this, the only culture I notice is the bad...like being treated like crap by my boss because I'm a woman ( I quote "I'm not saying men are better than women, but i believe they have different roles and should know where they belong). Seriously? Someone send me a dartboard. Stat.


I'm way off track now...but anyways, it was such a relief to be surrounded by sounds of a village, smell clean air, and take in what I'll consider the foundation of Korean culture. There was also a museum that was one of the more interesting I've seen in Seoul. Maybe because I've witnessed more holidays and customs so I understand it, or maybe because there were more things written in English.


I'm realllllly excited about this upcoming month. This weekend is the Korean cooking class, then St. Patty's celebration, my mother is turning the fabulous 50, a trip to an island, and a trip to the DMZ. It's going on 9 months in Seoul. Can't believe how much I've accomplished and how fast time is flying.


Wonder where I'll be this time next year...


Days go by...I can feel them flying like a hand out the window in the wine~~~~~ C

Put Your Butt In the CHAIR!!!

So this past weekend was a 3 day bender. It started with wayyyy too many drinks in Hongdae on Friday, then a relaxing Saturday, shopping and night skiing on Sunday, and Avatar on Monday. Since most of you know all too well, my drinking/dancing/making up songs habits.... I'll just tell you about the skiing trip :)

We met up with a bunch of coworkers at school. From there we started the 2 hour crawl through traffic to get to Elisian Ski Park. It rained lightly on and off through our drive. Eddie, one of the head teachers who planned the trip, is an avid skiier and was freaking out every time a rain drop hit the windshield. He was worried the snow would turn to slush and he wouldn't be able to bust out his sweet skills for all the korean snow bunnies. He...is a character.

eddie :)

By the time we reached the park it was pitch black out. I kept seeing sights, people, and shacks along the way that referenced psycho killer movies. More than once I believed we were going to die slow, murderous deaths. Long winding roads, a misty rain, in the middle of nowhere...and "oh wait, do we have a flat tire? Someone should go check it out"..........no thanks.

We rented our gear from a small store. Again, Korean hospitality was ever present. Offering delicious tea, cookies, discounts, and even free socks on our return. The snow suits we rented were ridiculous. Hot pink and bright yellow pants...full one piece ensembles. Fashionistas on the slopes!

I hadn't skiied in forever so my legs were on FIRE most of the time (hint to work out more). The snow was a bit slushy, felt like skiing in ice cream or frosting. I fell twice and now have a black, slightly swollen kneecap to show for it. B hadn't skiied in a long time so I was trying to give him tips. Kept yelling "put your butt in the chair!!!", so he would bend his knees more. Am I a great teacher or what?

B all smiles

fay's wet butt after falling too much

We kept at it until close to midnight, then drove into town for dinner, which was soooo good. When we got home I was out like a light. I awoke to aches an pains I didn't know where possible...but it was worth it. Spent the day groaning and lugging around the subway to get to the movie theater. Finally got to watch Avatar. It had been sold out for over a month. I liked it :)

Many more stories coming soon...

C

Just a thought...

I decided to write this blog to share stories with my family and friends...have picked up a few new followers along the way (which is great), so I thought I'd encourage you all to comment! It's quick, easy, and makes it feel less like a one-sided experience. Writing to a brick wall = kind of sad, or maybe really sad. Writing to family, friends, and new acquaintances = a riot of a time :)

More traveling and adventures to be had this weekend. I'll be posting pics soon :)

Back to work!