Dong Choon Circus!

Yesterday I snuck out of work early to see a Korean circus that I had read about online! (shhh, don't tell!) It was right here in Jagalachi (practically my backyard)! I'm a sucker for circuses and rushed, like crazy, almost pushing people over, to get there! To my surprise, when I finally arrived, I only saw about 25 spectators (tons of empty chairs), and these 4 girls, riding on unicycles. I plopped myself on a chair in THE FRONT ROW and pulled my camera out! (You know it's not gonna be epic if you show up 30 minutes late to a show and there's still a seat in the front row!

While it was no Cirque De Soleil, it was still a fun experience! I'm a fan of talent shows too, you know!

J'adore le football

It's Super Bowl Sunday (in America) and just a regular old Monday in Korea! It's so strange, not being home in the US for this special day, which has previously been spent with loads of family and friends gathering to chat, eat, and cheer together! Today though, it's spent alone in my classroom, at my desk, watching the game in a small 6 inch by 6 inch box on my computer screen.


Oh, and I think it's worth mentioning that the only decent live video I could find online was of a FRENCH broadcast (hence the french blog title)! Sweet irony that I'm watching American football with french commentators, while sitting at my desk in Korea, all alone! It goes without saying, I miss America today (and all those CRAZY football fans)!

"Wow, you're black!"

Yes, this is what my Vice Principal said to me when I went to school to pick up some paperwork yesterday, and trust me... it was NOT a compliment!   The 1st grade teacher was sitting next to him and had a look on her face as if I had just had a botched nose job or something!   

Then, tonight I met Stella for dinner at the Kimbap restaurant down the hill, and the two ladies working there (who know me well) put one hand in front of their faces, in a circular motion, and frowned... saying something in Korean about how I don't look good with tan skin!   

I knew I wouldn't be faced with jealous Koreans, gawking at my beautifully bronzed skin (wink wink), but I definitely wasn't ready for the older one's incredibly open and honest disapproval!   That caught me by surprise, but makes for a funny story, so it's okay my me!  My motto is, if it's funny enough (and cultural) to put on my blog, then I'll be the butt of any insult!  So, enjoy, and have a couple laughs on me!

Jill's Book Club!

While I don't actually have my very own book club, or even belong to one... I do think I could easily see myself being a part of one!  I have scarily surprised myself with my new LOVE for reading!  

I remember, as a child, my mom would make me read for 10 minutes a day, with a timer set next to me.  I would watch the timer as if it were counting down the minutes until I was once again FREE and happy!  I hated every moment of reading and carried that feeling through my adult life (except for the few moments when a Nicolas Sparks book was laid in my hands)!  

Although living in Korea, and probably more so, my trip to Indonesia changed all of that for me!  When you don't have internet or a TV at your fingertips, or any Western form of entertainment for that matter, you tend to long for a good book!  In my case, I longed for 3! 

Yes, mom, I know you're surprised!  In the last MONTH, I have breezed through all 678 pages of these books!

#1 The Alchemist!  A great story of finding your life's purpose and doing everything to fulfill it!

#2 The 5 People You Meet in Heaven. (Same author as Tuesdays with Morrie... which I also read this year!)  This one was a quick and interesting read, but in the end, I probably wouldn't recommend it.

#3 Committed.  This is the sequel to EAT, PRAY, LOVE... but my gosh!  If you want to be forever scared of getting married or having kids, read this book!  It was fairly terrifying!  

Next on my list are Life of Pi and The Last Lecture.  Any recommendations for which one I should start this morning?!

Banana Conditioner!

Well folks... here's a very tiny preview of my new permed mess of a head of hair!   Yes, I tried the banana treatment!  It felt a little like I was on an episode of Double Dare from the 80's!  I think it's safe to say I'm desperate for help!  Because my hair is sooo damaged though, some of the banana wouldn't wash out (or should I say, couldn't wash out) because my hair is sooo tangly now!  eeeehhhh!  I've been picking banana out of my hair all day!  

I start work next Monday, and I'm hoping I'm allowed to wear a hat!  :)