Desk warming no more

It has officially been my vacation for three days. Also meaning I successfully completed my three weeks of desk warming! Ok, fine. I successfully completed two weeks and two days of desk warming. I didn't feel too well my third week and only ended up going to work Monday and Friday. Regardless, my time desk warming is no more so bring on the vacation time. Unlike many other teachers here who are also on vacation throughout these months, I unfortunately am not going home or taking any exciting trips. I've decided to use this year to save and pay off as much debt as possible. With this "responsibility" comes boredom and literally having nothing to do. In preparation for my two weeks of vacation I've spent some time figuring out what to do. If you ask me I have a pretty good list going:

1. Buy blender, check.
2. Make hummus, currently in the process, just taking a break. Stay tuned for a future Kooking in Korea blog post.
3. Help keep kitten and guinea pig alive while owners travel, check check. although I didn't check on them today.
4. Go to Dr. Fish, hopefully this weekend.
5. Finally eat at Vatos, again hopefully this weekend.
6. Continue to work on my financial planning course through coursera. One of the best decisions I've made in a really long time.
7. Make falafels. Anyone know a good recipe?
8. Finally make my cork board, thanks to all my friends who enjoy wine, I finally (hopefully) have enough corks!
9. Catch up with all the shows I've missed by not having a computer, almost there.

Random photos from the last few weeks.

Wine Tunnel - basically self explanatory, a tunnel where you can walk through and drink persimmon wine.

Snuggie time

Mom hold my fish a.k.a. left over jjimdak.

Does Duffy know about this?

Girls Generation - Dancing Queen

I originally heard this song maybe a month or two ago while in a store shopping. At the time I didn't understand why I was humming along, but once I heard the chorus it was clear. After asking around, apparently Girls Generation tried to release Dancing Queen in 2008, but surprisingly (not really) ran into legal issues. I'm assuming things were cleared up because five years later here we are! Also, I didn't actually research this. It's just what I've heard through the grapevine.

Desk Warming: Day 6

For the most part today and this week has been pretty uneventful; granted it's only Tuesday. I will say I think I'm obsessed with my computer. I can't seem to stay away.

Yesterday I realized I'm not entirely alone at school this week. I've seen a few students coming in and out of the English building. Apparently there's a camp going on in the next classroom which is a little weird considering I have absolutely nothing to do and I'm not working this camp. After speaking with a co-worker they informed me that the camp is not funded through our school. They just so happen to be using our classroom. I also saw three of my third graders coming in for their piano lesson. It's been two weeks since I've last seen them and they already look like they've grown so much!

Last night I received a Christmas card from Melissa and Jared DeBoer. It put a smile on my face - thanks!


Recently I've realized prior to moving to Korea I was really bad at recognizing accents. Here are two examples.

1. Had no idea this little boy was British. Listened to it this morning and it's so obvious. He's also wearing a t-shirt that says ENGLAND. Hello!

2. Oddly enough Touched By An Angel was on Korean TV and I sat watching Monica help others thinking IS SHE IRISH?! Yes, yes she is. Am I the only one who didn't realize this?

I love Cat Power and this video makes me love her more!

Desk Warming: Day 4

Today is another boring day at school sitting and watching crap tv shows online. I should maybe read a book.

During my time desk warming, I've decided I'm not going to worry about what time I roll into school. Technically during the normal school year I must be here by 8:30am. Today I came in at 9:30am and I don't feel bad. Plus, it's now 1:45pm and I've yet to see my one coteacher who I know should definitely be here.

Look what I found at CU mart this morning (pictured). I'm pretty sure I gave the cashier man a fright when I screamed "SKITTLES." I think I saw him jump a little. Also, isn't the green skittle lime back home? This package says apple and since I've had time to analyze the flavor, it does taste different than home.

Spent most of my morning chatting to old friends Jackie & Kirsten. Oh, the memories. If you're reading this AND you are a friend. Email me, let's skype!! Clearly I have time.

This week the custodian at my school has been giving me crazy looks, shaking his head and mumbling under his breath. He just popped his head into my classroom and did the same thing. I assume he's saying, "Why is she here? Silly foreigner."

Desk Warming: Day 3

Hello out there. Hope all had a wonderful New Year's Day! I myself slept in late and spent the day lazing around my apartment. It's day 3 of 14 for desk warming. I didn't get to school today until around noon, which was really nice. My coteacher and I went to the immigration office to extend my visa and it took for ever! I arrived at the office at 9:45am and left around 11:45. Oh yeah, it's official. I'm staying at my current school teaching English for another full year. I signed my actual contract about 2 weeks ago. Yay for employment! The trip to immigration ended up being a bust. Technically you can not extend your visa until 2 months before your alien registration card expires. My alien card expires April 14th, 2013, so I can not go back to extend my visa until February 14th. Oh well, it was still nice having the chance to be outside and not stuck inside at a desk.

I have some news to break and to be honest I never thought I would say this. After searching for months and trying to come to an educated decision, I finally took the leap. I am a new proud owner of a Macbook. Yes it's true. I've crossed over and so far it feels pretty damn good. I spent the morning skyping with my mom and we could FINALLY chat without constantly saying, "can you hear me?" And because of this and the fact I didn't come in until noon, I'm having a pretty darn good day. Happy Thursday all.

I'm also pretty sure Korea makes the best snowman.