Missing in Action

YES, I am still alive. It's been a long time since I've posted anything on my blog. A lot of things has happened to me since my last post. I am still in Korea, but I have been busy trying to adjust to the married life. Yes, I am married! I never imagined coming out to Korea and getting married, but I ended up getting hitched back in December of last year. We went to Bali for our honeymoon and stayed at a private villa, which was very nice. It felt good to relax on the beach and enjoy the sun. It was a weird transition going to Bali from Korea, since it was snowing pretty bad in Korea and Bali was very hot. Our flight was even delayed for four hours because they had to melt the frozen engine and the runway.

We moved into a new apartment in Kangnam and have been living our lives there.

I will try to post regularly so that all the people that read my blog can be up to date.

Later.

Chuseok Holiday Traffic

I just got back from Jeon Ju, and it's good to be back home. It's a 3 hour bus ride, but it took over 4 hours because of all the traffic. On the way there, I almost got into two accidents. First, we were driving down a one way road when this car, that was parked on the side of the road, pulled out right in front of us trying to make a U turn. The bus driver slammed on the brakes and we all slammed into the seats in front of us. Second, I was in a taxi on my way to my uncle's house when the taxi driver almost rear ends the car in front of us. They were both close calls. Luckily, I made it to my uncle's house safely.

I was in Jeon Ju for 3 days, and it was very relaxing. I didn't really do too much. We went to my grandparent's cemetary and did our prayers. Then, I just ate all the food that my aunt made. I think I gained about 10 pounds from all the food I ate.

The BEARS are back!

Ever since I can remember, I've been a huge Chicago Bears fan. My all time favorite player is Walter Payton, who played for the bears between 1975 - 1987. I remember watching Walter Payton play in the '85 season and was amazed at his skill. The '85 Bears are considered to be one of the best NFL teams in history.

After the '85 season, they haven't played so well but they are still my favorite team. I am not type to favor the team that are doing good in that particular season. I will always be a Bears fan. Even my high school football teammate, Steve Stenstrom, played for the Bears as well.

Anyways, the Bears had a great start so far, so hopefully they can continue this streak. They are undefeated and are considered as one of the top teams this season. GO BEARS!!!

Chuseok Holiday

My director from my work decided to take the whole week off during the Chuseok holiday, which I am really excited about. I am looking forward to having a whole week off. Chuseok is like Thanksgiving in Korea. I plan on going down to Jeon Ju to visit my uncle and my cousins.

This week went by pretty quick, since we went on field trips on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, we went to Han River park and made it a sports day. On Friday, we went to the Children's Transportation Park. It's a park that educates the children on how to cross the street, obey traffic laws, etc. It had working traffic lights, streets, bridges, underpasses, etc. The highlight of the day was when we were walking around the park and we all stopped at one of the traffic lights and were waiting for it to turn green, when this man cross the street. All the teachers were looking at each other and was a little pissed, since he did that in front of the kids when we were trying to teach them the proper way to cross the street. The best part was when one of our 5 year old students yelled out, " Ajoshi! (ajoshi means old man in Korean) You're going to get hit by a big truck and die! " I thought that was pretty funny.

Television shows

I just had to make a few comments on some of the television shows in Korea. I will tell you about the ones I like, ones that I don't like, and ones that I don't know why it's on tv.

First, I will talk about the ones that I don't know why it's on tv. Why do they have 2 channels that shows people playing online games, such as Warcraft, Lineage, etc. They even have broadcasters that tells you play by play of what is going on. The other game channel shows people competing with each other. They are all dressed up in this jumpsuit with logos on it. They look so serious. I want a refund for those two channels!

Now, the ones that I don't like. I don't like most of them, since they are mostly Korean dramas and a show that has a group of singers, actors, and actresses that are playing some weird games.

The ones I do like are K1 and Pride. I've always been into martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, etc. In the states, it only comes on every once in a while; but in Korea, it is on all the time. Also, there are about 7 English channels that shows American shows, but most of them are old.

I don't know why, but the show " Cheaters " is on all the time here. For those of you that don't know what this show is about, it's a reality tv show that tries to catch people that are cheating on their girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, etc.

What's new?

Nothing too exciting has been going on here. I have been working a lot these days, but I am enjoying it. I start my day at 9am and don't finish until 9:30pm. Also, I have to work every other Saturday for couple of hours too. It ruins my whole day, since I have to be there between 12pm to 2pm. Sundays, I am at church for the most of the day, so I don't mind that.

When I am free, I am usually with my girlfriend. I introduced her to you on my last post. We just hit it off right away. We have a lot of things in common, and we have a great time when we are together. The funny thing is, I was never really attracted to Asian girls. All my ex-girlfriends have been Caucasian or what not, but never Asian. When I did meet Asian girls, I just didn't click with them. My girlfriend definitely changed my views.

Also, I finally got my work out equipment, so I can start working out again. I did lose some weight, but I lost a lot of my muscle tone as well. I got a really good deal on a bench press and some weights. They are not that great, but it will do the job. There is very little padding on the bench, so my back hurts when I am using it. Also, I need to buy more weights, since I don't have enough. It's going to suck for the first week, since I am going to be really soar. This is what happens when you don't work out for 4 months.

Until next time, take care.

P.S. Helen, Michelle, Mom... I MISS YOU!

Summer is over

I start working full time, now, since summer vacation is over for the grammar school students. I've been getting off at 4pm, but now I have to work until 7pm. I was getting use to working until 4pm and doing my private tutors at night and be done by 8pm, but it will not be the case anymore. I did lose one of my tutors last week becasue he moved to Australia, but I picked up 4 adult tutors. That means I will have a full schedule during the week. The only days off will be Wednesday nights and Friday nights, but it looks like Wednesday nights will be filled up too. I went to get a haircut the other day and the lady that was cutting my hair turned out to be my next door neighbor. Apparently, the whole apartment building knows that I am from California and that I am an English teacher. She has a 15 year old daughter that she wants me to tutor. I will definitely leave Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays open to have fun.

I haven't been partying as much lately, since my schedule has been hectic. Also, I've been hanging out with this girl (Ha Young), a lot, that I've met couple of weeks ago. We've spent the last two weekends together. We went to the 63 building and went to the Fish Aquarium.

Baby shower.

No, I am not having a baby shower!

I left a lot of things behind by coming to Korea. Most importantly, I left my family and friends behind. I know my family will always be there for me, as well as my friends. We can always pick up where we left off and continue to live our lives. Other things are material things that can be replaced, so I am not too worried about those.

My sister, Helen/Paris, and Chris will be having a baby soon. Their baby shower is in a few weeks and I will not be able to attend the party for obvious reasons. I regret this very much. My sister is an amazing person. She has some rough edges, but overall she's incredible. She's accomplished a lot in her young life, and I am very proud of her. I can't ask for a better sister.

Luckily, both of my sisters are awesome. My older sister, Michelle, has always been the backbone in our family. Without her, we would not be where we are today. She is someone that I've always looked up to.

I can't believe I am going to be an uncle. I am so excited!

I am still alive

Yes, I am still alive. I moved last Tuesday, and I have been busy trying to get settled in. I am still trying to furnish my place, so it will look like someone is living in it. My bedroom is pretty much done, but I still need to get a desk. Also, I have to get some dishes and other kitchen necessities. It's a hassel to go shopping here, since you have to carry everything back using public transportation. I just found a website that sells everything that you can imagine, so I will look for what I need there and have it delivered. Everything is coming together slowly.