NaBloPoMo

Definitely stealing this idea from my BFFFE Kelly. November is National Blog Posting Month. I might be a 26 days late and a dollar short, but I figured I want the challenge of being creative and to have something really cool to look back on when I am old. So my NaBloPoMo will be from November 26th-December 26th. Starting today, I will be accepting any blog ideas you might have for me. I do think that there are things that seem mundane to me, but interesting to everyone else, so ask away!

And thanks to Kelly for inspiring me slash letting me copy you...

South Korean Thanksgiving, The Second

Well Folks, it has been over a year since I first ventured to this great country of South Korea. I must say that these past 6 months have absolutely flown by. I literally blinked and my additional 6 months has already become 5. It is hard to believe that a year ago on this day, my new friend had fashioned a homemade Thanksgiving dinner using nothing but ingenuity, Costco, a toaster oven, and her two bare hands (See "A South Korean Thanksgiving" from October 2010 in the blog archives). At that point I was "Fresh Off The Boat" and I was still a little skeptical as to what I had just gotten myself into. I was only beginning to form relationships with my new coworkers, learning a new job, and enduring a major culture shock. I remember thinking "12 months is a really long time, how will I ever make it?" Yet, here I am on my 13th month in this country, feeling very comfortable with my good friends and with my new found knowledge of a place very different from where I came. I have been able to experience things I never would have dreamed possible. I have also endulged my new found coffee addiction. So, the point of this rambling is to say that I am thankful for:

A. My AMAZING friends and family. The only reason I am here is because my wonderful mother and father paid for me to take my TOEFL online certification class when I didn't have enough money. They were supportive of my decision from the moment I told them I was thinking about teaching English abroad while eating dinner at Olive Garden in Westminster. That's what parent's are for right? Also, every single person in my life, whose opinion I value, supported me 100%. I couldn't ask for better people in my life.

B. This experience. I am learning so much about the world AND myself. I wouldn't trade it for 10.8753 Trillion Dollars.

C. Stories like this one: 8 year old Anna asks "Teacher, are you drinking coffee?" I respond "Yes Anna, I am drinking coffee. I need it to keep up with all the energy you guys have." Anna replies "My mom drinks coffee too. It helps her go to the bathroom."

D. And, Reindeer Sweaters.

I asked my student if I could take a picture of his sweater, then I asked if he wanted his face in the picture. Guess how he replied...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

NEW Bachelorette Pad

Most of you know that I moved into a new apartment at the beginning of November. And, like any good decorator, I have thrown myself into designing this space with gusto. It has taken two weeks and a little bit of money but I love the result. Here are the much anticipated pictures. Enjoy!

My apartment building is called "Bobos Chereville" 

 

The View

My New Bathroom and it has a real shower!

My New Kitchen

My New Dining Room

My New Living Room

My New Bedroom

My New Entertainment Center

My New Plants

Upgrade? I think yes. Thanks to everyone who helped me move and clean. I really love the space that I am in now. Also, I inherited a Black Thumb from my mother, so if anyone has any tips on how to care for my new dependents I would greatly appreciate it!