I like boring things.

I just had a wonderful day in Seoul. My original plans were to go to Seoul for a good lunch with a few of my friends from Seosan, then head right back home. Well, Jackie ended up meeting us for lunch and invited me to go see the Warhol exhibit at the Seoul Art Museum. Of course I decided to go, best decision of the day! My mind and body were in desperate need to escape the monotony of life in Seosan. For a few hours at the museum, my thoughts were completely absorbed in the simple, yet imaginative art by Andy Warhol.

A few of my favorites quotes of the day:

I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want to own.

I'm afraid that if you look at a thing long enough, it loses all of its meaning.

Isn't life a series of images that change as they repeat themselves?

People need to be made more aware of the need to work at learning how to live because life is so quick and sometimes it goes away too quickly.

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.

The world fascinates me.

I think everybody should like everybody.

Loving on Warhol, the Greatest

We have been hit with quite a bit of snow in Korea...ugh! As I slip and slide around in my snow boots, the women here continue to wear skirts, heels, and carry an umbrella (leading to hilarious wipe outs)...God bless them. They think they look good, but from my perspective, they have more of a resemblance to a circus clown trying to balance on a tight rope.

At work, we use special programs for our English classes and the lessons are all scripted, leading to very little lesson planning on my behalf! This week I was supposed to discuss the meaning and importance of Christmas. The book wanted me to tell the children about Jesus being born and that the holiday is to celebrate His birth. In class I asked the children if they knew who was born on Christmas and they responded with "Santa Clause!" and "Rudolph!"...ha! And that's where the lesson ended, sorry. The only reason why they even celebrate "Christmas" in Korea is to give gifts and have an excuse to be more like America. Most decorations and cards do not say "Merry Christmas", sometimes they say "Seasons Greetings", but usually they say "Happy New Year". Anyway, I was both surprised and excited that the lesson wanted me to discuss the meaning of Christmas. It almost saddens me to think that a school in Korea, a predominately buddhist country, wants me to discuss the importance of a Christian holiday. Whereas in the United States I could probably lose my job, and where some schools are now banning the Christmas tree. Ridiculous.

I have had about enough of the crying children everyday. Maybe I should just give in a try to be nice, but I will not be defeated by a few six year olds. They will learn to follow my rules, like it or not. I was obviously not cut out to teach small children-I miss my students back home!

This experience will definitely challenge me in many ways, and force me to be very patient. My patience is tested not just daily, but hourly. Mostly due to the combination of constantly spitting men, rancid nonchalant flatulence, loudly slurping noodles, and a general lack of logic in every common situation. I feel like I am constantly frustrated to my breaking point every day. I am trying to keep an open mind, but I find some things to just be rude and annoying.

Thankfully, my friend Tom is allowing me to borrow his guitar until I am able to buy one here. Unfortunately, due to my loud playing and singing, one of my friendly neighbors has decided to shut off my heat. Now I sit and shiver while playing my music as loud as possible with my new speakers just despite them. However, playing guitar in the evening while the snow is falling outside has brought some peace to my life.

A few things that make me smile everyday:

1. Every morning on my walk to work, I pass the same two old men walking in the opposite direction. They both light up with smiles when the see me and we exchange hellos full of excitement.

2. My giant hugs from Tess and Tyler every morning!

3. Loving messages (and packages) from home!

4. Inspiring music/lyrics on my ipod.

5. My students call me "sir" and say "yes sir" when I tell them to do things. I should correct them, but I love it and they make me giggle.


Miss you!