Hello!!! I hope life is treating you well and that today has been an awesome day for you! Happy White Day!

For me, these days I find myself saying and thinking, "so far, so good..." about work, life, me, and just in general everything. That high I've been on for my life has settled into this pleasant hum inside of me that dances around as I go throughout my days. It makes me smile. It makes me happy. I hope it never leaves, and if it does I hope it comes back soon:)!

So what's new? I'm starting my second week of teaching for the new semester and it's been challenging but good. I've got two new co-teachers and they are both lovely ladies, but teaching is definitely different this time around. I like it for the most part. With my 5th graders I pretty much do most of the teaching aside from games, and with my 6th graders it is equally split. I like having more responsiblity (so far) because it keeps me busy and I don't feel like I'm wasting time sitting around. I like having that authority to decide what is going to be done in each lesson, and doing the planning for it. It makes me feel like a "real" teacher.

My students are pretty cute, especially my 5th graders. I only taught one fourth grade class last semester so this year I only know a few fifth graders, but they all seem to know me and have a lot of enthusiasm during class. Which I love. I love that they participate, laugh, and get excited in my class. It makes it a lot more fun for me and in the end for them. Now, my 6th graders who used to be my awesome 5th graders are completely different. What happened to their enthusiasm? In just a few short weeks puberty got to them and now they are sporting attitudes, and they don't want to participate or answer questions anymore!!! What happened? I wish I knew. I hope they start loosening up and reverting to their adorableness of last year.

So far, so good on the school front. I enjoy teaching. I really do. I love making English fun for them, and being silly and dorky if it means they laugh and find English interesting. My kids make or break my day. Today I thought to myself, "why not become a real teacher then?" I love teaching, but it's not what I want to do with the rest of my life. It's not where my passion, heart, or calling is. At least not in the logical sense. I want to teach kids, but not in a classroom. I want to teach them as a counselor at school, and as a mentor/role-model in my personal life. For me I want to lead by example which means to teach by example. To be a walking textbook that guides kids to find their way and direction. To be the tool that creates a bridge between their dreams and reality. Something like that. If I were to be a teacher I would be an English teacher back home in high school. Yes, I have thought about it:)! But, for me I want to be a guidance counselor, so a year from now the road I'm on will diverge with that one and I will go from there. I'm so excited to travel down that road. The road I never expected for my life, but the one that feels perfectly made for me.

Hmmm...besides work, and figuring out where I'm going I've just been spending time on The Lighthouse, with friends, and relaxing. I've been trying to exercise more, and eat healthier this second year. So I've been walking home from school, cooking more, and eating my veggies. I've got a huge sweet tooth so it's been hard but it feels good. I feel good. I love walking, and it's definitely been helping me unwind and go home with a clear mind. It also gives me a chance to see what's around me and breathe it all in. It's funny in a not funny way the things you notice once you take the time to. The way I breathe easier, the wind blowing against my skin, the cars chugging along, the various stores with people shopping; all glimpses of our world, and with slivers of beauty in them. As long as the weather isn't too cold I'm going to do as much walking as I can because it really does make a difference.

I think this year is going to be a quieter one. Last year I wanted to experiment and try new things. I still do, but in a more subtle way. I'm not in such a rush to do so much. I feel more like I need to appreciate each moment, each experience as it without trying to think about what comes next or how can I do more. I just want to breathe it all in as it is and then breathe it out as it is. Nothing less and nothing more.

I've been back for a little over a month and it still feels like I'm settling back in. I don't know what this year is going to be like, mainly because I cannot see the picture:) but I do know it's going to be whatever I make it or choose for it to be. I am the architect of my time here. So how do I design my time? Do I fill it with trips? People?Worrying? Saving? New experiences? Shopping? So far everything is still blank and suspended in thought. Soon enough though I'll start to create my foundation for this year and go from there.

So pretty much life is, "so far, so good."

Be blessed,
~Lola O.~



Don't waste your time waiting for someone to tell you when
Begin again
'Cause walking outdoors only works if you show them
Begin again
And quit looking backwards and know where you have been
Begin again
You're no calendar
You're no concrete plan
Begin again
Don't waste your time
'Cause no one's gonna tell you when
Wake up

This week has been dragging by, but finally Friday has come and I know the weekend will go even faster. That's the funny thing about our perception of time. When we want it to be slow, it feels fast, and when we want it to be fast, it feels slow. Time is static, but we aren't. I've been feeling overwhelmed this week because all of a sudden there is so much that needs to be done.

I had an open class on Wednesday for my after school program kids (1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders). I was nervous about it because I had to do it alone sinch I teach ASP alone, but it wasn't the teaching part that worried me it was the behavior of my students. They're so young and my lack of Korean and their lack of English can get in the way of classroom management. Plus since their moms were there I couldn't be as disciplinary as I usually am with them. Overall it went well, the first graders has the most parents (mothers) show up. There wasn't a single dad present which made sense since they are most likely at work. I was expecting to see some grandma's there since they are the ones I usually see walking the kids to school but none came.

My first graders were louder than usual and I think it was because of the extra attention from their moms. It was like they were trying to show off by being the loudest kid to answer questions. My 2nd & 3rd graders were definitely better behaved but less parents showed up for them. I had a lot of fun with the kids in both classes. I pay attention to my co-teacher's ideas in my 3rd grade classes and it helps me come up with fun activities for my ASP. I couldn't focus on anything but open class this week so I haven't finished preparing for summer camp. Which has been given the name Glee camp courtesy of me:)!!!

I'm planning to incorporate Glee into my lesson where I can. I'm doing mixed grades so I want to have a overall theme for each week, and then subthemes for each day to keep the kids busy yet entertained since I have the same group of kids for ALL three weeks. I feel bad for the kids having to spend their summer time at school so I want to try to make it as fun as possible while teaching them a few things. Thank goodness for all the resources/ideas on the internet and from fellow expats. It's really helping me plan my summer camp. My co-teacher and I are teaching separately but at the same time and doing our own lesson plans. Not sue how that will work out. So if I am teaching middle level she'll be teaching high level and then we'll switch for second period. I'm also doing ASP everyday doing sumer camp, the extra money will be nice for my vacation but I've told them once second semester starts I will only do ASP with the 2nd and 3rd graders. I like the 1st graders but teaching them is exhausting and not as fun as the 2nd and 3rd graders. Plus I'll also be teaching 4th graders next semester and I want to keep my hours the same as this semester.

Last night I talked to my sister and she could tell from my voice that something was off so I opened up to her about how even though I'm doing pretty well, I still feel like I should be doing more...that I should be more or better than I am now. She said to me, " instead of looking at how far you have/wish to go, remind yourself of how far you've come." I know she's right, but it's something in me that always feels like even when I've climbed to the top of the mountain, I still have to figure out how to fly up to the sky. It's my personality and I'm trying to tone that  kind of thinking down because it can lead to a lot of self criticism and negativity which I don't need to place on myself. I guess it comes from spending so much time lost in my thoughts.

I've been feeling off ever since my grandma got sick and I haven't been able to fully pick myself back up. I'm slowly getting there. It wasn't just her getting sick, but that sparked this funk that I've been in. I mean I was thinking the other day when was the last time I went out exploring another part of Seoul, snapping pictures of things I like, and so on. I feel like I'm getting too comfortable with how things are and I don't want it to be like that. I want to keep expanding and discovering what I know, love, and see in my life.

I was thinking about how life gets in the way of living. I have all these things I want to do but then I have all these things I need to do and I have to find a balance between my wants and needs, between where I've been and where I want to go, and mostly between who I am and who I want to be. I was reading "Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou to my co-teacher yesterday and as I was explaining to her what the meaning of the poem was (at least to me) I thought about that's how I want to always be. Strong, happy, confident, and certain of who I am where it counts the most. A huge part of the reason I came to Korea was to figure me out. To be the only voice guiding me on my path. It's like going through puberty all over again with all the growing pains and moments of clarity.

I used to think I knew exactly who I was, where I was going, what I wanted to do with my life, and after realizing that there is so much I still need to figure out about who I am, where I want to go, and what I truly want to do with my life I know I have so many more chapters to write in my life. Slowly but surely I am learning more and more about myself, my wants and needs, and what happiness means to me. I'm trying to live in the now, letting go of my past, and being flexible about my forever changing future. I guess I'm trying to be like a sponge soaking up moments, people, and experiences and finding out what I like and don't like. Being here is helping me to open myself up to what this world has to offer, both the good and the bad. So that with each new experience or revelation I get another piece of the puzzle to complete my portrait.

There is so much to learn and I want to learn everything, but I know that I won't be able to. We have to pick and choose what we can delve into because there is so much and not enough time for it all. A lot times here, I learn something new from the people around me. A new way of getting to the same place, or somewhere different to explore. I love that. I love that what I know isn't the whole picture, that someone else has something valuable to offer me. I think if I see the world like that, I'll learn a lot, and meet a lot of people who help me grow through good and sometimes bad experiences.

This weekend I have to lesson plan, but I don't want to stay cooped up in my apt all week. So I'm going to probably go see Ecplise and laugh my butt off. I mean seriously the movies should be in the comedy category:)!!! Hehe...this is coming from someone who read the books first. I don't like any of the actors in it, but since I read the books I have to see the movies. I want to explore a park I noticed on the bus ride to Itaewon. Supposedly it's supposed to rain this weekend, but I won't let that stop me from getting out to explore more of Seoul. I really have been lax on that since the trip to Muudio a few weeks back. Most importantly, I am going to book my tickets to Hong Kong, and hopefulyl Jeju as well. I think if I do that I will get more interested in the details of my trip, like where I'm going to stay:)! It sucks though that during my schools mini break at the end of July I have to do some desk warming so I don't use up all my vacation days.

I finished up my second week of Korean tutoring. I like it, it makes me focus on learning more Korean instead of letting it slide. I don't want to keep being lazy and slacking off on learning more Korean. I love the way the language sounds, and want to absorb as much as I can.

Mini-randoms:
- My external has gone to it's cyber grave :(
- I love coming home and randomly hearing my neighbor singing in his apt. It's cute and funny!
- I'm starting to dislike Itaewon a lot less
-I've given in and started using my AC at home, it feels fabulous:)

Note: I've been wanting to do a weekly blog series to kind of wrap up my week and give my wonderful readers more insight into weekly, daily live here. I wrote up one last week, but never posted it. Since this is my 100th post:) I thought it would be a great introduction to Imprints & Inklings. I chose that title because I like those two words and I think they sum up what I'm aiming for by being her in Seoul. Moments that leave imprints and stir up inklings in me.

I hope your week has gone by well, and have a fabulous weekend!!!

"You have to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you got and remember what you had. Always forgive and never forget, learn from your mistakes but never regret. People change, things go wrong, just remember life goes on."

-Mother Theresa-

Be blessed,
~Lola O.~

I love rainy days most of the time, especially when my mood needs a little cleansing. I was talking to my friend back home the other day about how I feel like rainy days are magical. I don't know about you, but for me rainy days have this atmosphere of possibilities. I love hearing the rain beating against my windows, cleansing our earth, and just giving me a chance to wash away whatever is bothering me. So....

I'm loving the downpour we are having today. It suits my mood just fine. Last night, I made the commute to Itaewon to have dinner with a friend. We went to Gecko's Garden (overpriced but nice atmosphere). After we went to this bar and had a chill rest of the night. I didn't get home till around midnight, but I got a nice purse, plantains, found a Nigerian restaurant, splurged on American foods at the Foreigner's Market (no Gingerale though:(), and has a much needed night out with my friend and his friend. I didn't get to sleep till around 1 and unfortnately woke up around 5:30 unable to fall back asleep. I have so much on my mind right now, that it is stressing me out which causes me to be restless and lose sleep. I haven't been able to get my external to work again. Will try a few more things before I give up. I just keep thinking about all my phots and music trapped in there. It makes me feel so upset but I can't do anything about it, and crying won't make it better.

I have no classes to teach today which is fabulous since I am insanely tired and cranky. I'm going out to Hongdae tonight. I deserve and need a night out with my ladies. I am planning to let all my stress out on the dance floor, so watch out:)!!! I'm really lookig forward to going out. I'm not into the club scene or the drinking scene, but when I do go out I like to have a very good time. I'm itching to do some dancing, I was jamming to my music and my student looked over at me smiling...haha it was cute. When I have a really bad day, I go home, turn up the music loud to my dance songs and just let loose in my apartment. It's fun and goofy, but so liberating.

The rest of my weekend will be dedicated to school matters, which sucks. I hate bringing work home with me, but I have no time or motivation after classes these days to work on it. I plan to buckle down and get my summer camp and vacation plans finalized. I'm looking forward to it, now that I've decided where to go.

Lola Side note: Bad things are always going to happen you can either fight back or back down! Last night I enter the stairwell and wanted to take the elevator because I had all these bags with me. I see this huge black spider start crawling as the elevator opens and I scream and  leap to the stairs and run up to my apartment. Seriously, can I catch a freaking break? I already deal with enough creepy crawlers at school. So I get to my apartment, and decide to deal with the spider because I don't want to see it there in the morning. I grab some bug spray, go down the stairs with my bravado ready to go, and almost step on it. My soul left my body for a second due to shock and fear. It escaped out the door. I go back up to my apt and there is this little spider crawling on the ceiling. I was so close to tears, it was like some sick joke on me. I was pissed by now, and grabbed the mop and killed it. I am going to clean my whole apartment this week, using plenty of bleach. I cannot handle any creepies in my place. Honestly, I was so upset, I mean all I wanted to do was get some sleep and I had to deal with two spiders...soooooo gross. I know, I'm such a girl.

Okay, you have to listen to my favorite song off Taeyang's Solar album:)


Have a fabulous weekend everyone:)

P.S...Does anyone know a place to get rain boots for big feet? I'm a 255-260  here.

Be blessed,
~Lola O.~

• My favorite grade to teach is 5th grade. They aren't too childish or too immature. I love moments when I am not teaching and I can connect with my students by learning about their lives outside of my classroom.
• I tend to have the sweetest and funniest moments at subway stations. Like when I got stuck in the turnstile (the tragedy of big purses). Or when this kind stranger helped me carry all my groceries up those long flights of stairs. She was a sweetheart!!
• Living alone isn't so bad when I have music as my background noise. I've taken the time to decorate my apartment Lola O. style and it has made all the difference. It feels homey and is a welcome sight at the end of my day.
• I'm happiest here, when I am enjoying Seoul with other people. Sure there are things I will/want to experience on my own. But it is a nice feeling to explore Seoul/Korea with other people. Different eyes=different views/perspectives.
• The best part of teaching is when my students teach me something. Or when they apply something they've learned from me.
• I know now I will never live in a cold place after Korea. I can't get used to that feeling of being cold. It irks me.
• I love Home Plus brand Ramyun:)!
• Teaching well for me is like creating art, it takes practice, passion, and time.
• Eating alone some days isn't as lonely anymore. I think of it as my time to unwind and reflect.
• Just because we are all foreigners doesn't mean we will be best friends or even friends. I live in between two foreigners and they tend to keep to themselves. In my mind, we should at least be social once in a while.
• Korean do not all look the same, there is so much variety in appearance in my eyes.
• Wood floors are a pain to keep clean. Always dusty!
• I enjoy those moments where body language, Hangul(Korean), and English become intertwined and we find meaning/understanding. I encounter moments like that a lot here. I know a little Korean, they know a little English, and we figure out how to understand each other.
• Cash flows like water here, endlessly. I never really used cash in AZ and it is a little hard keeping track of my spending. I MUST RESIST SHOPPING:)!!!
• I'm stronger in someways, and weaker in others.
• I'm learning that change is a process that cannot be rushed or solved. It needs time for each step.
• I like walking everywhere. It makes me feel refreshed.
• I don't mind staring or curiosity, but please don't touch my hair without permission!
• Attitude determines everything in life. Sometimes things happen (that's life) and I get caught up in the moment, good/bad and forget that life is 10% what happens to you/me and 90% how you/I react.
• Sometimes I feel like I am the main attraction at the circus when little kids point at me and say look to whoever they are with. *Sigh* I'm learning to accept this unfortunately almost daily occurrence.
• Learning to think less, and experience more.
• Spitting everywhere you go is soooooooooooo NOT COOL. Honestly, I start to gag when I hear someone getting ready to spit. They make the most repulsive noise(s)!
• I have all these things I want to do, see, and experience in Seoul/Korea in general. I am realizing that I should spend so much time trying to cross things off my list, but focus more on enjoying each thing on my list.
• The people around you can make or break your experience. So choose people who will make it.
• Family and friends are always going to be there, by my side, even if I am on the other side of the world. Skype is my best friend these days. It really helps bridge the distance between my loved ones and I. I'm learning that I can find a place to call/make home no matter where I am.
• I feel like I might get cancer from second hand smoke due to the overwhelming # of (public)smokers here.
• Nigerians and Koreans have a lot in common as far as values and culture goes.
• I become a TINY bit of a fangirl when it comes to Lee Seung Gi, Kim Bum, and Taeyang (Big Bang)
• I really like the feeling of knowing the people/community around where I live. Like the adjumma who makes delicious kimbap, or the clothing store lady who likes singing American songs and gives me discounts, or the kids from my school I randomly see around the neighborhood. They always have a smile and say hello to me.
• Sometimes we have to jump first before we learn how to land.
• I'm realizing that I still haven't found that thing I LOVE TO DO. There are many things I like to do, but I don't want to spend my life only doing things I like to do. I would love to have a career doing something I love. At the same time, I remind myself I'm only 22. I'll figure it out one day.
• My love for Korean music, dramas, and fashion has now accepted Korean food on a trial and error basis.
• Laughter really is the cure for every ailment!!

That's A Wrap!!!

A little less than an hour before I am done for the day. I wanted to write a blog entry about the feeling I've got inside of me right now. A feeling of peace, understanding, but mostly a feeling of being comfortable in a very good way.

A few days ago I was was walking back to my apartment, and the path to my apartment has this long one way path for cars, and as I walked down the path I thought with a smile how I feel really comfortable right now. About living in Seoul, life in general, and the uncertainty of my future. It's hard to describe this feeling that has come over me, but there is a sense that no matter what happens literally and metaphorically over the next year and beyond I will figure it out bit by bit along the way. I will overcome, and I will be better for the experience.

When I first got to Korea, everything was so instant and blurry that it took my breath away. Even with all the stuff I knew about Korea, I still got shocked, frustrated, and lost at times. Isn't that like life? No matter how much we think we know, there is still so much more for us to learn. Even though we know a lot, there are always new things, different ways, and etc for us to learn. It's been a little over a month, and I am feeling comfortable. Not because I have everything figured out, but because I have that belief in myself that I can and will figure it out one day at a time, one step at a time, one experience at a time, one failure/success at a time.

I was telling my mom that this is a comfortable kind of happiness with myself. I don't have all the answers, but if I keep asking questions and gaining wisdom I will gain more answers and have less questions to ask. Is this what it means to "grow up" or to my words "grow into oneself." Nothing is perfect, I have my bad days like everyone else, I get frustrated, and mess up like every human being, but even then I have this confidence that somehow it will all work and end up being the best thing for me.

If you've been reading my blog from the beginning, then you know everything I went through last August. Life seems more vibrant now, and I don't take it for granted. I don't forget about my own happiness anymore. I don't follow a path that I didn't choose for myself. I don't let fear paralyze me anymore from trying, discovering, or exploring. I don't worry about the details to the point that I never take that leap of chance. I just tell myself that if I get lost, I will eventually find my way. If I make a mistake, I will learn from it and be better the next time. If I fail, then I still have things I need to learn before I try again. If I get hurt, I just have to let myself heal and try again. If I get scared, then I just need to remember how I got here in the first place and what I went through along the way. If I get swept up into madness, and lose myself a little bit. I just have to take a step back and reflect on who I am and what I want for myself.

Those are the thoughts/feelings that seem to engulf me these days. Someone said that "happiness is a perspective we choose to take into our daily lives." Everyday I am shaping, exploring, and discovering my happiness. It is journey filled with many paths, obstacles, and choices, but it is one I am happy to take on. I feel good inside, and it is a feeling I am holding onto, protecting, and enjoying. I hope all of you are also finding those things in your life here in Seoul or in your part of this world that makes you feel good.

Be Blessed,
~Lola O.~

P.S. This song always puts me in a good mood. So stop what you are doing and just stop what you are doing, stop thinking, stressing, or moping around and rock out to...I  Gotta Feeling...

Hello everyone!!! I've finished teaching for the day, and have some free time to finally update my blog. It's only Tuesday, but the kids are a little crazy this week. Maybe it is the constantly changing weather, or just puberty that is making them so hyper. Either way, they are still very cute. Now, on to my topic of the day.

Last Saturday, two friends and I decided to experience the Jjimjilbang, or as I like to say the "Let's Get Naked" place:)! We went to this small one under my friend's apartment building in Sindorim, and it definitely is an "experience." Originally, the plan was to just go there and check it out, but stay in the area where you don't have to get naked. Well, there really isn't much to do in that area, aside from going back and forth between the hot rooms, the human oven, or as my friend calles it "The Tomb," or my favorite room, the cold room. You can also eat, and sleep at this place, but after an hour of going in and out of the diferent rooms we decided that since we paid the money to go here, we should have the full experience. Okay, they decided that. I wasn't really ready to get naked with strangers, but I'm the kind of person that is going to/willing to play along if everyone else is. So I jumped on the "Lets Get Naked" bandwagon, and there was no going back. The whole reason I am here, is to do things I've never done before, even if I feel scared, embarrased, or unsure of whether I can do it. We grow through those moments when we say screw the fear or worry and just let ourselves grow. I've found that all those thoughts end up being worse than the actual experience.

So back to my story, we were in the ladies changing area, and I tried to keep my eyes down, because I just didn't want to see other naked women...rofl. So, my friends and I are trying to get up the courage to just take our clothes off, after lots of awkward moments and laughter, we decide that we can keep our shirts on until we get into the sauna area, and then just take them off before we get in the water. Umm...no...we walk into the sauna area and this naked woman is like no, you have to take your shirt off in the changing room, then come back in, take a shower, and then go into the pools. All said in a mix of hand gestures and Korean. So we turn back around, and by now I'm like lets just do this, and so we go back to our lockers, take our shirts off, and with our towels barely covering anything in the front, and definitely nothing in the back, we walk through the changing room, into the sauna room, and get the "full" experience of a Jjimjilbang.

It wasn't that bad getting naked, after just doing it. Sure, I got plenty of stares from Korean women, but I just ignored them and enjoyed my time there with my friends. I think it will be a long while before I do that again, but at least I now have this experience to remember. For me, I think everytime I do something that scares me I will learn to be less fearful, and be able to live my life freely. I didn't come to Korea to keep living the same life I had in Arizona. I came here to experience new things and I did. Sure it was awkward and weird at first, but it was also liberating to stop thinking about doing something and just doing it. My favorite part was definitely the various temperature rooms. If I go again, I would like to go to a bigger one that has more things to do.

Be Blessed,
~Lola O.~

There are so many things I need to write about. Come Friday I will have been in Seoul for one month, and boy has the time flown by me, leaving me breathless and a little dazed to say the least. I promise to write more about my experiences here, but first I want to talk about my feelings so far; the highs and the lows. This post is geared towards people thinking of coming to Korea, or just changing something in their lives. If you read my Living entry, I think you will understand me a bit more.

Today, as I was riding the subway to the Seoul Global Center I looked out the train window and saw the world passing me by in a blurry haze as I sat inside the safety of the train. I thought about everything I have been through up to that point and the thought of butterflies fluttered through my thoughts.

I started this life as a caterpillar, crawling through this earth searching for something. I followed the path laid out for me and stuck to it. Then I was absorbed into the cocoon of life and the transformation took over. I wasn't really sure of who or what I would become after the change, but I wasn't turning back. Little cracks began to form in my cocoon of life and I came out a butterfly. I was different, and it was hard to recognize myself. I realized it was okay to be different from what I was before. It was time to start a new life, and instead of crawling on the earth. I would try flying through the sky.

Even though I have these butterfly wings, they are delicate and fragile things. With enough force they could be pulled out, and then I would come crashing down to the earth again. Even if they are fragile, they will strengthen over time with each experience that comes my way. I kept on thinking of how I am beginning to truly rely on my own strength, the one inside and outside of me. Growing up and growth in general is a painful and beautiful process of life that never ends. If we are not constantly growing in our thoughts, lives, and relationships then I don't think you can say that you are truly living. At some point you have to stop fighting yourself, life...everything. Just take a deep breathe and jump into the madness of life.

I say all of that, because getting to Seoul was a long journey, but now that I am here, the journey begins again. It isn't easy being away from everything I know and love, but at the same time being here makes me appreciate what I already have, and at the same time look for new things to cherish within myself, others, and life in general.

I don't want to go into details about the feelings I have so far. These feelings don't really need an explanation. So here are the words that give you a taste of how I have felt for the past few weeks here in Seoul.


On Friday, I will have been in Seoul for one month, and so much in my life has changed in just this one month that it has worn me out. Each day is filled with surprising moments, plenty of new experiences, and opportunities for growth and learning. For those thinking of changing themselves and their lives I want to say that change starts with you, and doesn't happen quickly and things won't always go as planned. You can have determination but if you don't have an open-mind and heart then change won't last. I'm learning everyday what I am capable of and everyday change approaches me, sometimes I welcome it and other times I dread it. I'm changing myself, and being changed by my environment and the people around me. Choose what is best for you, what will make you happy, and what will make you feel alive.

I'm following a path, I didn't plan on taking, but I am enjoying the journey because for the first time in my life I am doing something completely of my own choice and learning the good and bad that comes with each one we make. I'm excited to see what this year holds for me, but I know that I cannot wait for things. people, or experiences to come my way. I have to seek and go after what I want. Sitting idly by isn't going to get me anywhere in this life.

Someone told me it takes six weeks to truly get adjusted and settled here in Seoul, and I think they are right. You have to give yourself time to absorb all the changes happening to you both on the inside and the outside. I learned over the last three weeks to be patient with myself, and not expect too much from myself. Everything takes time, and you cannot rush things. Give yourself time to take everything in, and catch your breathe again. Don't be too hard on yourself, and more importantly remember to laugh at the confusion. Things are going to happen, no matter how well you plan or research. You just have to let go and everything you thought you knew, and start opening your eyes to the new world around you.

You will have moments of highs and others filled with lows. You'll be homesick at the most random times, and lonely sometimes. Let things run their course, and figure it out in your own time and way. This is your journey, do it the way you like. Lastly, I want to share with all of you something I jotted down in my notebook one morning while sitting at a cafe in second week here.

The thing about taking a leap of faith on life and yourself is that you have no idea where of if you will land. You just have to leap in the moment and let everything else play out in its own way and time. I am learning to just have that trust in myself that no matter what comes my way I will figure it out. So there is no point agonizing over it, worrying about it, or playing what if games. We live now, and deal with the rest when the time comes.

I have no idea if any of what I wrote makes sense, but I have you see that I am trying to say is that life is unpredictable and always changing. We have to live our lives for us, and do our best not to step on others in the process. You have to believe in yourself, and understand that things won't always go the way you want it, the way you've imagined it, or the way you planned it but that doesn't mean it isn't right for you, or that you have to give up or that you can't end up in the same place by taking a different path. At the end of the day, this is your life and the fewer regrets the better. Just remember it won't be easy, but most likely it will be so worth it.

Be blessed,
~Lola O.~



I've been crazy about this song for the past couple of weeks. I don't know what it is but this song makes me feel like my butterfly wings are soaring through the skies. It makes me smile and wonder when I listen to it. Hopefully, it does the same for  you:)!!!