April Showers...

Why yes, I'm glad that you were clever enough to figure out that it IS April and, correct again, it is indeed raining. While yesterday was the hottest day so far (27 degrees Celsius!), it is now POURING. Wow. Talking about the weather is dull.

Like February and March before it, April has been lovely. I've explored other cities (Pohang, Gimcheon and Daegu) as well as spent some time in my own. We were able to see the cherry blossoms in Gyeongju at Bomun Lake (pictures on Facebook) and it was truly a sight to see. Absolute perfection.

Because I'm trying to actually live here instead of fake live here (where I go on saying that I don't need to buy anything because I'm leaving in xx months), I've made quite a few purchases to go along with my Korean life. I bought a baby blue bike with a basket (aka a replica of my beach cruiser at home), apartment supplies (important things like a closet and a mirror) and cosmetics (including bb cream and something like Latisse eyelash stuff).

I'm also on some kind of a health kick. I've been running 2-3x a week at SIX AM (!!!) as well as hiking, biking and taking yoga classes. We signed up for a couple 10Ks, so I need to at least semi keep up with my group. And no, it has NOTHING to do with the fact that these girls are freaking sticks. :D Note: Just pretend that I don't drink as much beer as I actually do.

Happy two month anniversary! Here's to ten more months of good times with great people.

Tech Delay

Sorry for the severe lack of posts. I have lots of pictures and stories, but my darling kiddies tried to get into my iPad too many times, causing it to be disabled until I connect it to iTunes. Unfortunately, this CA girl is lacking in the laptop department. So until I figure out some kind of data recovery or decide to F those pictures, rare, text-only updates will have to do.

Oh. And I got an iPhone4s (!!!). Instead of this pink phone that is most likely the same exact one that we had in middle school. Aka very basic. Read: not for me.

We're staying in my city this weekend - Gyeongju - for the marathon and cherry blossoms! *most likely means that I'll have a new Facebook cover photo. Yyyyeeeee.

xo

Current Inspiration - TN

Someone who I am thankful to call a friend recently had his non-profit organization recognized by the President of the United States. I couldn't be more proud of him.


Read about his success here

Coteacher Quote of the Day

Response to me asking why my students care so much when I say that I indeed do not have a boyfriend:

The reason why they're so interested in whether you have a boyfriend is because they all do. In high school, middle school and sometimes elementary school, all the kids think that not having a boyfriend means you're ugly. Probably really ugly. Is that not how it is in the United States?

Uhhhh no... and what are you trying to say?!

If only "what happens in Daegu, stays in Daegu" were true

This city is perfect. It has the right amount of places to dance, shop, drink and eat. We were only here Saturday-Sunday IN A LOVE MOTEL (yes, they're called that) and are definitely going to be traveling back sooner rather than later.


Quotes from the weekend:
When trying to make ourselves feel better: "There are 3 and a half weeks in a month sometimes, right?!"
When asked where we were going so that we could private talk slash be responsible: "Uhh [long pause] we need to walk around and have bonding time."

Photos:

(1) Group photo
(2) Charles' drunken mistake

(3) MK and I

(4) Marc and I

Bonding time

Just being really good friends.
Photos:
(1) MaryKate and I mixing our beverage of choice
(2) Fuck the dealer
(3) Gyeongju crew - Conor, Ariel and I at a noraebang

#korealife

New Apartment!

Apartment photos! Please note that it's super tiny and that my clothes are LITERALLY hanging on my wall. I haven't posted photos of the bathroom toilet + shower combo, but get ready for those. They will blow your mind. And make for a very cold Dayna in the morning.

Photos:

(1) Apartment building (with my head teacher), above

(2) My baby room!

(3) Yes, that's my fridge right next to the front door

(4) How artsy am I, hanging my clothes on the wall

#korealife

 

Village Exploration

Photos below:
(1) Bibimbap
(2) Dyeing scarves
(3) Making tofu
(4) Freshly made tofu

#korealife

Welcome to EPIK Orientation Spring 2012

WELL. Hello from South Korea! After not sleeping the night before my flight and packing my life into suitcases (oh yes, and leaving one behind in LA), I arrived safely for my 10 day orientation to become a fabulous Guest English Teacher. Yes, they are allowing me to mold the minds of Korea's youth - look out!
I met some great people and had even better times with them that involved being in class EIGHT HOURS A DAY, some new Korean food, exploring a village (and making FRESH, perfect tofu), noribangs (karaoke bars) and (and this last part shouldn't surprise any of you) soju + beer. Some lovely photos for you all to enjoy are below. Hoping that the states are treating you all
well! xo
Photos:
(1) MaryKate and I with our perfect teachers Harah and Haerim
(2)-(4) Bonding times
(5) Noribang-ing
EPIK Orientation - Daejeon, South Korea
#korealife

Words To Live By.

Meaningful reward requires meaningful risk.