Time for a Party!

I can barely believe it... A year ago today, I made my very first blog entry (of my entire life) right here on this very blog. (Feb 13th, 2009) As often happens, when we get an idea in our heads (like I did for this blog), we set out, completely unaware of what that idea will actually become to us in the future, as it grows and develops. I, for one, had NO idea (my family and friends included) that I would become such a blogging fein, and that my life and experiences would be shared for the entire interneting world (except for those 5 months when it was private) to walk along with me, and experience my joy, heartache, laughter, and creativity over the past year...

As I stand at the year long mile marker, looking waaaaay back at the girl standing at the starting line, I find that I am incredibly proud of myself. Is that okay to say?! I feel an almost awkward amount of accomplishment in myself. (It must be something akin to finishing a marathon, hiking a mountain, or loosing weight!) I am certainly proud of myself for moving to Korea, and for adjusting to life here... for traveling to distant lands, and for meeting new people along the way. Most surprisingly though, I am proud of the fruitful self discovery that unfolded with clarity and sureness in each line of this memoir of a blog. This was the single most beautiful gift that I received, and one that will push me to continue blogging.

Thank you for following me on my journey and let's pray that there are just as many positive experiences this coming year as the last, and that I will be as safe, as happy, and as adventurous as ever! Happy Birthday Blog!

Yea Freebies!

Koreans are the kings and queens of giving out freebies when you shop somewhere! Today I bought some new makeup at THE FACE SHOP, which happens to be on my way home from school. I bought this: (mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner)

...and was given this:

# 1. A makeup bag

# 2. "Mung Beans" Lotion (What the heck are mung beans anyway?!)

# 3. A can of coffee!! This one was my personal favorite, because I think this might have been her personal coffee! hahaha!

*** I think it's worth noting here that I think people like to give me things because I react like it's the greatest thing that's happened to me in a decade! How could you resist giving more things to someone who's ecstatic about your offerings? I really don't do this on purpose to get more stuff... I just am legitimately excited!

So, next time you go shopping at Target, or wherever else you may shop, try smiling really big and seem excited about shopping there and maybe you'll get a freebie too! Ha, who are you kidding?! That would never happen in America... and that folks, is another reason why I love KOREA!!

Last Day of Class!

Yep, it's official! I finished an entire school year as an English teacher in Korea! Today, we celebrated with our 6th grade students by watching Korean music videos, which was Stella's idea, so I knew it was okay! Can you believe I get paid to do this?! Amazing!