Hello everyone:)! How has your week been?

So far so good for me. I am elated that it is Friday. I've been getting my days mixed up all week, and just realized that it was Friday. I don't have any exciting plans for the weekend but I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow, making myself a yummy breakfast, and exploring a bit. Sunday will just be church, and relaxing at home.

It's been a bit since my last post but life hasn't had any radical changes. This year is turning out to be a quieter one so far, and I'm liking it. I've been doing this year in a lower key so far. Just hanging out with friends, working, writing, a lot of self reflection, and cooking. I'm trying to get more cooking and have been trying out new recipes. Last night I made dinner ( pasta w/ a homemade meat sauce and a salad). I was really hapy and pround of myself for not being lazy and eating something premade. There is joy in cooking yourself a meal. I put some music on, and let it be the soundtrack to my cooking adventure. It turned out pretty well. Tonight I'm going to try out a sweet mashed potato recipe I found with the leftovers of my curry shrimp rice. I might try some baking on Sunday if I can get the energy for it. These days I feel tired all the time. I think it's because my mind tends to always be cluttered and I can't figure out how to turn its switch off.

I feel like these days I'm a bit boring, but then I have to laugh because it's okay to be boring to others if I'm happy with myself, and I am. This year I'm going to try to see as much as I can in Korea but also in the world around me. To explore my immediate environment and find things to love about it. I want to carry my camera around and take photos of everyday things I find interesting. I want to go on walks around parts of Seoul I have not been to, and weekend trips to other parts of Korea. I have a trip coming up in May that I'm looking forward to. This month I'm on a tight budget because I used my bonus to make myself debt-free. I'm really happy about that. Now I can focus on saving money for my future somethings.

A few randoms...
On Wednesday as I walked to the bus stop some of my students came up to me. These two adjummas were getting into a scuffle. It was really uncomfortable to see. I always feel embarrased by that because I just don't see things like that back home. All the men that were around just stood around as they screamed and hit each other. One adjumma was really beating the other one up. I didn't stay, and I told my students they better get their butts home too. Honestly, I just think there is no reason to be acting like that at any age. Settle differences with words and not fists. They were really going at it, and I can't believe none of the people around tried to help settle things. The men just watched like they were at some fight placing bets. I think that is what made me really mad. If I were to butt in no one would listen to me because I'm younger and a foreigner but they could have stepped in and brought it to a resolution. They didn't.

On Thursday as I walked to school this grandfather started walking next to me, and then we started talking. He has a daughter in San Jose and has been to America many times. His grandson is studying political science and wants to be a lawyer. It made me smile because he was just so excited and happy telling me about his family. I felt bad because a teacher stopped and gave me a ride the rest of the way so our conversation ended abruptly and he seemed a bit sad. I hope I run into him again. I used to feel bothered by the random attention on the way to and from school, but then I realized their is a certain beauty in those stand alone moments. They come and they go, and most of the time they leave me feelin brighter. I've always appreciated the wisdom and beauty of old people. Most people my age feel uncomfortable with them, but I always enjoy talking to them. I find them cute, wise, and I love their stories and words of advice. Maybe it's because I've always felt like an old soul...

Actually this week has been one of random ecounters. I was running late coming home and ran into another foreigner who lives 3 floors up and is from Brooklyn. I had seen her at the bus stop a few weeks back and never saw her after. Only to find that we live in the same building. I love when stuff like that happens. We'll be having dinner soon. She seems like a cool chick. Then on Wednesday after the adjumma smackdown I met a friend for dinner and we went to church. On the way in I saw this familiar looking girl. I only saw her side profile and she was with a familiar looking guy. I recognized them from ziplining and we ended up sitting next to each other. Small world again. It was such a coincidence because it was both of our first times coming on Wednesday and we attend Sunday service at different times.

I love when life conspires like that to give you an opportunity to meet new people and see where it leads. You never know until you give them a try. So we shall see what happens there. I am a firm believer that coincidence is just life giving you a chance to see what could be. This week has been one of coincidences and discovery. At least more than usual.

I'm still a bit homesick. It's slowly leaving my system. I'm falling in love with my life here all over again, and remembering to be thankful for this moment, and to live in the here and now. To stop worrying about a year from now and start reveling in a day from now. Life is in the present. My life is in these moments that make up my today. I want to be excited and hungry for all the todays I get. My life is in the choices and experiences I make now. I don't want to miss out on it because I'm so wrapped up in the future. I always remind myself that the future is created by my present. The future is always transforming and growing as I do. It's not decided or static. It's like a never ending canvas of possibility. I like it that way...

Be blessed,
~Lola O.~



I won't dwell baby on my failures
It won't help baby it won't bring changes
I won't run baby when all I want is to run
I won't forget the morning's sure to come

• I'm sick for the third time since I've been in Seoul...I've been here less than 3 months, so I really hope this isn't an indication of the next 9 months
• I am the leading lady and this is my story
• I love Korean traditional music, there is something very epic and beautiful about it
• Taking the bus isn't scary anymore
• Pizza, friends, and venting on a Sunday night is a wonderful thing
• Adjusshi's and Haraboji's staring at me like I have horns or something on the subway is tiresome
• I had Soju and Sake for the first time Saturday night, it led to some interesting moments
• Everyone in Seoul seems to be running while I am walking. I feel no rush to get somewhere. If I miss the train, there will be a new one in a few minutes...but people don't like waiting here
• Little kids pointing and saying look at the foreigner makes me feel like a circus act
• Home Plus=Students=Student+Parents=Lots of head bows and akwardness
• I still cannot get over how disgusting the spitting thing is...I've seen women do it too
• Liking guys with a girlfriend or boyfriend is setting yourself up for trouble
• I am determined to get a (blue/red) hanbok made for me before I leave Korea. They are so beautiful!
• When I let go of someone, I cut all forms of communication. It's the only way I can truly move on.
• Humidity/Sweating is my enemy
• I like how the kimbap adjumma knows what I want even before I get there...and has it ready with a smile and a hello. It makes my day.
• I set ten alarms in order to wake up in time for school every morning...I have never been a morning person
• Teaching is hard enough, I cannot imagine being a parent where it is a 24/7 lifetime job
• I feel homesick whenever I talk to my family on the phone...which means every weekend. At the same time it recharges my batteries whenever I speak to them and helps me remember who I am....we all need that reminder
• Couple t-shirts, rings, shoes..etc is only acceptable if you are under the age of 18 in my book
• I don't feel lonely anymore living alone...it's become my peaceful home away from home.
• There are too many girl/boy groups in Korea...gives me a headache...but I am starting to like 2PM a bit
• I don't know about Seoul/Korea having four seasons. When did spring come and go?
• Memories leave scars...its been over a month since the drunk adjusshi incident and I still check my door three times to make sure it is locked before I go to bed...I know it is locked but I still can't sleep without checking it.
• I gave my balloon to a kid of the subway, and his smile was contagious...seriously the kids here are super cute!!!
• Sia's "Breathe Me", and The Chemical Brother's "Dream On" have been on constant replay these days
• My face gives me away all the time...I need to develop a poker face
• I miss having a park around me...but Time's Square's rooftop garden is a good substitute
• I love my co-teachers, I feel lucky to have them!!!
• The 16 hour time difference between my loved ones and I is a pain in the butt when trying to call
• I'm a bit of a shopaholic...what can I say it's hereditary:)!
• It feels like I have been in Korea for a lot longer than I have
• I really love the mango juice I buy at Home Plus
• If you haven't seen Miso, you really should
• Smoothie King is pretty yummy:)
• I feel the most of out of my element when I am sitting in teacher's meetings without a clue about what's going on.
• I will never take Arizona weather for granted again
• I'm becoming more of a "go with the flow" kind of woman
• I really want to learn more Korean just so I can converse with the 6th grade teachers, they all seem so interesting and love to laugh.
• I got a package in the mail from my family, and it felt like a piece of home had come with it
• Itaewon is not my kind of place...but the caramel icecream I ate at some random convience store while there made up for it
• I always wear one of the rings my mom gave me because it makes me feel like my mom is with me wherever I go
• There is this white spaceship by the Han River...okay it is really an observatory but it looks like a spaceship!
• I cannot believe that my 6th graders are dating each other...they are so young!!!
• Currenty Elton John's Can You Feel The Love Tonight is playing on the radio...time to take out my Ipod:)!
• It feels like being single is a crime in Korea. The daily onslaught of couple mushiness is annoying
• Sometimes we forget that when one chapter in our life closes, another one will open. It might take some time, but it WILL open!!!
• Paint The Silence

Welcome To Gumcheon-gu!!! One day I randomly did a photo tour, there is so much more to see so expect more. I think Seoul/Gumcheon-gu is a place that truly comes alive at night!

When I first got here, I was like this is it? Well, I hadn't really had a chance to walk around when I came to that incorrect realization. Almost two months later, I have to say I love where I live. It's a nice place to live during the week, and get away from during the weekend. It's quiet, and seems like a safe area. There are lots of families, food markets, cafes, a movie theater, Home Plus, and Lotte Mart. In addition and plenty of restaurants, and street food to keep me happy.




 More Photos...

PS: Can I say I love all the free furniture by the trash area, just scored me a free dresser. Might get a free tv too. Score!!!

Music Time: Really digging this song right now!!!

Be Blessed,
~Lola O.~

I have to say that so far my favorite part of Seoul has to be the Ewha area. It has a nice feel about it, and is a great place to shop for cheap clothes. I've actually been surprised that I have been able to find a lot of tops that fit me here. From the minute I exit the subway, it feels like I am back in college. There are loads of younge people out and about at the various cafes, shopping at the street market, or just walking around Ewha Women's University. It's a really nice place to spend a chill afternoon walking, shopping, and hanging out with friends.



I LOVE THE CAMPUS!!! It's has a very the past meets the future design. The campus is so lovely to walk around. Everything about it is beauitful and makes me want to go there. From what I hear, the university is very hard to get into, and is one of Seoul's top universities. My favorite part of the campus has to be the glass structure below, with those epic stairs in the back.


I've only been there on the weekends, but I think Ewha is somewhere you can go to meet up with people, or spend some time by yourself relaxing, shopping, and eating lots of street food. I would suggest going here for dinner if you are in Ewha or  its neighbor Sinchon. It was recommended by Seoul Eats, and I took some friends there and we all enjoyed the fried chicken. The staff is very nice, and the prices are good. Plus the food is DELICIOUS!!! I will definitely be going back there.

FYI: There are a few locations, but the one we went to was acroos from Sinchon subway station/Uplex Building. It was right next to Etude House and Paris Baguette.

More photos

My first reaction was that it was small, but I was thinking American standards. It is actually a pretty spacious place for one person. It's my first time really living by myself, so I am trying to make it feel like home away from home. Lots of work to do to capture that feeling.






The front door area. For those back home, when you walk into your apartment you take your shoes off. Most if not all homes/apartments have wood floors. I decided to decorate the walls with pictures of my family and friends back home to make it feel like they are watching over me.


Whoever lived here before me must have loved cartoons because this is what I see everything I open my bathroom door. In the kitchen there is this huge Peter Rabbit thing stuck to the tile and I cannot get it to come off.


When I thought about what my apartment would be like, my biggest fear was that the bathroom would be horrible. I don't love my bathroom and I don't hate it because it could have been worse. It looks a lot smaller than it is from the angle of the picture. I have the Korean styled bathroom where when you take a shower the whole floor becomes wet. I put up a shower curtain to keep water from soaking everything in there. My biggest issue is that the water never really gets or stays very hot.


Yes, I have A LOT of clothes, and that wardrobe they gave me just wasn't going to cut it. I wish the bed wasn't so hard, but I am getting used to it. I want to try and find a foam mattress pad to add some cushion. I have three pictures over my bed of my family. When I go to sleep each night it feels like they are watching over me. It can get lonely when it is just me, myself, and I so it makes me feel better having all these pictures around. Since home for me is where my family and friends are.


I really love my kitchen. It's perfect for one person, and my favorite part is the little table area. That is my secondhand microwave I just got today. Instant oatmeal here I come:)!!!


So, I didn't have curtains and it was driving me nuts thinking about peeping Toms, so I decided to get creative and made a picture collage curtain. The pictures are various images I have collected over the years that make me happy when I look at them or are just unique and pretty to me. This is my favorite part of my apartment. Oh, you can see Mr. Seoul Lee on the bed (not a very original name but I like it). So a few days ago, I was eating dinner alone at Home Plus' food court. Eating amongst all those families made me feel really lonely and miss my own. I was doing some grocery shopping after, and decided to get myself a stuffed animal. I originally wanted one of those HUGE teddy bears but then I saw this one and he just seemed perfect. It's kind of childish and girlish but I like having it there. I left the one I have had since I was 2 years old back home.


Hopefully you already realized the pictures were covering the window. That is the view I see when I open it...not very beautiful:)!


THE END of the Lola Apt. Tour has arrived. Hope you enjoyed it:)!!!

For those who have been here, I just have a few questions I would apapreciate your help on. Thanks in advance:)!!!

1) As far as cellphones go  is it better to get one of those prepaid/pay as you go phones or should I get a plan? Why or why not? Should I got to Yongsan to get a phone?
-My friend said I could go into any of the LG Oz stores and get one...so if someone can confirm or deny that let me know.

2) Everyone says to go to Itaweon to find clothes and shoes in my size. Are there specific stores/areas I should check out? Are there any other places in Seoul I should look into?
-I really want to get some sneakers (preferably Puma) and some warm boots!

3) I would like to get a futon or small couch in my apartment...what's the best way to look/find one? Where's the best place to get one for a decent price?
-It doesn't have to be anything special, just comfy, clean, and not too expensive.

4) What are some good sites to find material for afterschool classes with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders?
5) Someone said there is a store where you can get glasses for 20,000 won. Does anyone know the name and location of the store?

Those are all the questions I have:)...thanks for your advice!!!
Be blessed
~Lola O.~

I wanted to have some concrete goals for the next year so that I don't forget why I decided to go on this journey to Seoul. These are not maybe goals but are of the MUST HAPPEN kind.

• Travel
• Japan (Tokyo, Okinawa)
  
• China
• Other places in Asia if I get the opportunity
  
• Friends
• Be open-minded while staying true to myself
• Don't just hang out with one type or group of people, but make an eclectic group of friends that are interesting in more than just drinking/partying every weekend.
  
• Personal
• Open-mind: Approach each situation, place, person, challenge with an open-mind and heart. Don't be too hard on yourself if you screw up...take it as a learning opportunity. Observe. Learn. Reflect. Start again.
  
• Positive Attitude: Smile, laugh, and have FUN EVERY DAY. No matter what happens do not sink into sadness, loneliness, bitchiness, IHATEKOREA-ness, or anything of that sort. Remember that a positive attitude goes a long way. Be respectful, flexible, but never be a doormat.
  
• Relax: It's okay if you screw up, have a bad day, make a mistake, or just feel down once in a while but you must remember to: enjoy each moment, day, and experience. Don't get lost in thoughts. Don't try to always have it planned out. Go with the flow, be spontaneous, and let yourself enjoy EVERYTHING and EVERYONE!!!
  
• Growth: Be flexible, learn, and positive change. Try new things, meet different kinds of people, and just take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. Don't forget why you are here.
• Acoustic Guitar: Buy a left-handed guitar and find someone to give you lessons.
  
• Seoul
• Do everything on my list of things to do and places to go within the next year. Every week explore/discover something new about Seoul.
  
• Money
• Save at least $7000
• Pay off my credit card before my 23rd B-day (9/19/2010)
• Spend more on traveling, trying new food, than clothes or accessories.
  
• Culture
• People: Learn as much as I can about the history and customs of the Korean people. Don't always think I am right and they are wrong. Remember to be flexible, open-minded, and understanding of the differences between us.
  
• Food: BE OPEN-MINDED and try everything once!!!
  
• Language
• Take a Korean Class
• Practice Korean for at least 30 minutes everyday
  
• Find a reliable Korean Conversation Partner

I feel like these are reasonable goals for my journey to Seoul. I will print them out and place them somewhere I can see on a daily basis so I don't lose track of my goals. Well this is the last blog entry in the Journey To Seoul series. Thanks for reading!!!

Be Blessed,
Lola O.

I called my doctor's office today, and found out that everything looks normal no active or inactive signs of Crohn's or Lymphoma. I didn't get to speak with my actual doctor so I am waiting for him to call me, hopefully sometime today but everything is looking good. I definitely want to ask about what the lumps were doing there, but I'm not going to worry about it.

These two weeks have been so tiring, and now I just feel so damn happy (Cloud 9 Happy). No more worrying, anxiety, or fear. I can finally enjoy knowing that I get to go to Seoul at the end of February. It feels good to write that, and to say it out loud. I have a huge smile on my face that is going to stay there for the next two months and beyond.

2009 has been a really hard year for me as far as my health is concerned, so my only wish for 2010 is a year of abundantly great health. No more doctor visits, hospitals, test after test, or anything of that sort. I want to enjoy my life, and live long enough to give back more than I have been given.

I'm not holding my breath anymore; I've been released and it feels good. I'm looking forward to 2010, and cannot wait to go to Seoul and just finally start this new chapter of my life. A heartfelt thank you for all the support and encouraging words I received.

Seoul, here I come...
~Lola O.~

I sent out my contract to Korea Connections last week (-$60 again), and they have received it. Unfortunately, they tell me I have to wait till January to get my Notice of Appointment so I can get started on the visa/flight stuff for the second time. I'm hoping I will get my NOA in December because this whole waiting to the last minute thing that seems to be ever so prominent in Korean culture is very frustrating and leaves a lot of room for mishaps.

I just feel like things are still up in the air until I get my NOA, visa, and book my flight. I'm going through that same nervous tension I went through the first time, but it isn't as bad. I'm sure it will be February before I know it, and then there will be no turning back this time around.

As far as my health goes, I'm doing A LOT better, but still dealing with being anemic. Which makes me feel tired super fast, but I am working on building up my iron and energy so I can feel like a 22 year old again. My doctor decided that when I am in Korea I will have to take Prilosec everyday for a year as a preventative measure. Since there is a chance I could have another ulcer in the next year. I'm taking all the steps I can to prevent this from happening again! He said if I take it everyday for a year, and nothing happens then I can stop. I don't know if they have Prilosec in Korea so I am thinking of just buying a years supply in Costco depending on how much it will cost me.

I cannot wait to finally start this chapter of my life in Seoul, and see what happens. This will be my first "real challenge" in life; away from everything I know in the hopes of discovering and experiencing so much more. Can you feel my excitement? I know it won't be all smiles and fun, but hopefully it will be more good than bad. I think all the research, blog reading, and more research has helped me feel confident about my expectations. I know that no matter how much I learn from all my readings that nothing will compare to a firsthand experience.

As far as my expectations go, I'm going to just keep an open-mind and hope for the best while considering it might not go as smoothly as I want. It is a learning experience after all so there are bound to be pitfalls and complications. Like Charles Swindoll said, " life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Everyone I talk to about going to Seoul tell me the most important thing is to keep/have an open-mind so that is what I am going to try my best to do.

While I'm here I get to have my Thanksgiving, best friend's wedding, Christmas, New Years, and a visit from my older sister all in the next three months to keep me busy. I just cannot wait for it to be February and for things to finally start falling place!!

Now, it's time for some Big Bang Love: Japanese Style:)....enjoy!!!!


This song makes me like Daesung a lot for some reason. But no one beats TaeYang in my book.

Be blessed,
Lola O.

The Countdown till I leave for Korea has started! I have a month left before I leave and it feels like time is speeding up and I can hear this internal clock ticking away. It is exhilarating and scary at the same time. I think the plane ride to Seoul is going to be the longest one of my life both literally and figuratively.

I just hope I don't end up crying when I say bye to my mother or have some kind of panic attack at the airport where I start questioning my decision to do this. I just don't want to freak out...at least not in public!

My days seem to be spent reading up on everything I can possibly find in regards to life in Seoul and stuff about South Korea in general. This is the first time I am doing something like this and I am doing it alone for the most part. So it is a big step for me to get out of my comfort zone and like Nike says "Just do it." As far as I know we only get one life, one chance to do the things we want to do while we can. For me, I want to travel around for now and that journey starts with South Korea.

I don't want to be tied down to one job or one place. Instead I want to experience different things so that when I choose that one job and one place in the future I won't have regrets about it. The sky is not my limit, I want to reach higher and higher heights until there is no height left to reach. Lately, I have been thinking about my future, and how I feel a lot more internationally inclined. It would be cool to work for an international company, be a diplomat or ambassador, or an international lawyer.

I'm hoping South Korea helps me get closer to figuring out where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be in the future. For once I don't have a plan, but I know God has a plan for me and he will lead me on the right path, the only path created just for me. It is kind of nice not having a plan and just opening my mind to the infinite possibilities of life. I'm 21 years old, I don't have to have all the answers, and I don't know how to ask all the questions, and that is perfectly fine. Lol...this isn't the post I planned but yeah:)

As far as my expectations/hopes for going to South Korea. I am expecting to have fun, learn a lot, experience so many different things, eat lots of delicious food, learn Korean, and make some good friends with minimum drama. I know I will have my ups and downs but for the most part it will be ups!:) I think my biggest fear is how people (Koreans) will react to me. I am not looking forward to being stared at or touched or etc..but I am going to have to deal with it so it is good to know what to expect!

Overall, I know it is all going to work out in my favour because God is supporting me in this endeavor. I think I am probably going to spaz out my last week here, but I am definitely going to enjoy my friends and family before I leave. So peeps if your in Phoenix we shall hang out before I go!!!:)

The Fabulous Epik High: FAN


Ciao,
~Lola O.~

I am really learning that you just have to go with the flow and hope for the best. I was anxiously waiting to get my passport back from the Korean Consulate in LA and I had hoped it would come on Tuesday, so when it didn't show I was like okay they must not have mailed it yet. I paid $17.50 to overnight it so I was like it better get here on Wednesday at the latest.

Just as I decided to go about my day, the doorbell rings and my cousins are like the mailman is here for you. Previously, I had told them I was waiting for a super important package. So when it came they were as excited as me until they saw it was just my passport and said that was the super important package. If only they knew what getting my passport/visa meant...lol

Everyone was smiling and happy because I was so happy about it. I think the happier I am the harder it is for my mom. Just as it is becoming more real to me that I am going to Seoul, it is becoming more real to her that I am leaving. I am going to try and tone down my excitement because I know this is hard on her but she wants me to be happy.

Now everything feels real. That little visa stamp in my passport is my passage to Korea and I am very happy and excited for it. I just bought my plan tickets for $516 one-way which is not a bad deal since a few weeks ago they were around $700:)...I hope SMOE reimburses A.S.A.P once I get there.

With about 5 weeks left before I leave on August 21, 2009 time seems to be moving really fast now whereas last week I thought it was going so slow. I guess that is because I don't have to wait anymore. Everything is flowing nicely so now all I need to do is take care of things here, pack, and board that plane to Seoul.

Even with all the excitement there is still fear. I think it is fine to be scared, probably even smart because it keeps me from flying to high on Cloud 9 and makes me think about this clearly. This is a big step for me and I know it won't be easy, it won't always be fun, and I might end up regretting it. However, it will be exciting, it will lead to new discoveries of life, this world, and myself, and I will most likely end up loving it.

No matter what it is something I want to do and something I would regret not doing so I am going to move forward with an open-mind/heart and take things as they come.

So Korea get ready because I am coming soon...

Here is a mv from my favorite/the best member of BigBang. I love this song, the dancing, and the wonderful TaeYang. Enjoy!!!



Best,
~Lola O.~