Feeling blessed!

Aaron and I were sitting around last night talking about how blessed we feel for being able to travel so much in the last three years. 

WE'VE BOTH TRAVELED ABROAD 13 TIMES in 3 YEARS! 

Before moving to Korea, I'd been to Mexico and Europe once... But never, in a million years, did I think I'd have the opportunity, or even enjoy, traveling through the countries of South East Asia.  Who knew?!

Korea was NEVER in my plan before coming here, but as it turns out, it's been one of the best things that's ever happened in my life!  Living and teaching English in Korea has afforded me a VERY comfortable lifestyle, rid me of my anxiety, given me the chance to travel without going broke, presented me with the love of my life, and has allowed me to live my life to the fullest!  I don't know when this chance will end, so for now I'm just thankful to God for it.   

25% Pay Raise!

I was just called down to my school Principal's office.  I never really know what to think when this happens... I know I'm never in trouble, because I'm not the kind of employee to break the rules, so I always just hope for the best!  Today turned out to be just that!

He ended up asking me if I would be willing to teach two (40 minute) after school classes a week to 10 or 15 1st and 2nd graders each class.  At first I was hesitant, but then when he told me what the parents would be paying for me to teach their kids, I could not resist!  In a country where education is everything, parents will pay top dollar for English classes with a foreigner.  If I have 20 total students sign up (which is the low end),
my yearly salary will go up 25%!!

I'm a millionaire ~ in Korean won of course, but a millionaire none the less! :)

Thank you Korea!

Music Mondays!

I have no idea what happened to my Music Monday posts!!  I used to do them religiously and then........... I stopped!  Sorry if you were a fan.  I'll bring them back, starting today! :)

This has a bit of a Michael Jackson Thriller feel, but Korean style, with zombies!  LOL

Enjoy!

T-ara: Lovey Dovey

"Welcome to the Pig Roast!"

Do you ever have one of those nights where you think,

Gosh, that was so much fun!!  I am blessed with such great friends!!?

Well, tonight was one of those for me! 

Aaron and I decided to have a little dinner party at my place for me, him, Gill, Sam, and Brian!  The 5 of us had had such a great time together at the cabin last weekend, so with a text invitation, a trip to the butcher down the road, and 2 trips to the grocery store, we pulled it together and had ourselved a little pig roast dinner party for 5!

Aaron was in charge of the meat and boy did he take it and run with it!  He originally wanted to try his hand at brisket, but we couldn't find all the right ingredients for the flavoring, so he decided on a 2 lb slab of pork shoulder!  He made a delicious spice rub, and after brining it overnight, he cooked it in my oven for 5 HOURS!  He even made his own side sauce from scratch!  It was the best pulled pork I've ever tasted!  When this guy sets his mind to something, he DOES IT and he does it flawlessly! 

At 5:30 sharp, the table was set...

...the appetizers and wine were out...

...and the food was ready to eat!  YUM!!  I must give myself a little pat on the back!  My garlic mashed potatoes, salad and steamed veggies were pretty darn delicious too!

My American style table and chairs only seat two, so we ate Korean style, on the ground!!

The dinner was to die for-delicious, but the conversation over a couple bottles of wine...

...the night walk through my sketchy neighborhood, the drinks in Emo's shop, seeing Serry meet my friends for the first time, playing the claw game outside the ministop, being given 2 free claw game prizes from the Korean pro, the appropriate and innappropriate conversations had over dessert, and the 2 full games of Apples to Apples were what made this night so memorable and fun!

Everyone went home with full belly's, slightly tipsy bodies, and an aching tummy from laughing! 

I know it wasn't just because of Aaron and I that tonight was so special,

but I'd like to think we make a pretty great dinner party team! 

It helps when you have awesome friends too! :)

American Celebrity Project

I decided to do a "describing people" lesson for my winter camp class today! A big thanks goes out to my mom for the 2 gossip magazines she gave me when I was home for Christmas!  I went through them this morning and cut out 12 pictures; one for each of my kiddos.  Then, my kids followed a hint sheet I had given them and filled in the blanks with the adjectives and nouns they thought should fit!  These 3 were really funny to me!

I tried to explain how first names and last names are said in a different order in America.  In Korea, the family name is said before the person's first name.  Poor Mr. Dicaprio became Aprio Dic when I wasn't looking!  I had to stop myself from giggling when sweet little Vincent got up to introduce his American Celebrity and said "His name is Aprio Dic!" I just went with it and told him he did a great job!   

I'm sure Ryan Gosling wouldn't be too pleased to know that people think his "sexy / suave look" actually makes him look tired!  And I'll tell you what, this man is FAR from ugly!  Lucy has apparently never seen The Notebook!

I guess Brad Pitt isn't all he's cracked up to be anymore!  Jenny thought he was "a little big" and "ugly"!  Ouch!  Sorry Brad!

Winter Camp is quickly coming to a close and I'll be sad to no longer have my 12 kids with me everyday.  We've become a bit like a family in the last 13 days!  It's experiences like these that make me love my job... and having a little laugh here and there just makes it that much better!  Happy Friday everyone... I'm off to renew my working VISA!