Quarter of a Century

[Thank you to everyone who came out for my birthday, both in Pohang and in Busan.  You helped make it the best birthday yet.  Even though I wasn't with my family for yet another birthday, my friends made it one for the record books.  I'm such a lucky girl!]

Last Friday was my 25th birthday.  I am officially part of the quarter of a century club.  To mark this auspicious occasion, my amazing friends in Pohang decided to make it one I would never forget.  They planned an entire weekend to commemorate my birthday.  It all began at TILT (our favorite foreigner bar) and ended on the beaches of Busan.

Just a few pictures from my birthday.  More to come soon.

My birthday ladies

One of my favorite guys, Chris Kuisle

Part of the crew on the beaches of Busan.  Thanks to Oliver for the great shot.

Upcoming Adventures

[Happy 27th Birthday Mike.  I wish I could be there to celebrate with you but know that sometime in the next few years we'll do it up right together.]

It's been awhile since I have posted anything on here with something more to say than just a casual Wordless Wednesday or snow-filled pictures.  Somehow it's March already and  the weather is beginning to shake off that winter coat it's had on for the past few months.  Beach time is around the corner and I can hardly restrain myself from riding my bike beachside and waiting for the sun to finally reach us here in Pohang.  If you see me down there with my tank top on trying to tan my legs, just leave me.  I'll learn my lesson when I get another cold from Mother Nature, who just can't seem to make up her mind on day-to-day weather.

In all seriousness, the past few weeks have been a bit dreary.  I have said goodbye to some amazing friends, cutesy little kids at Kids College, gotten sick repeatedly (from the cutesy kids at Kids College) and had a horrible bout of homesickness that I felt would never pass.  Boo hoo.  Whine Whine.  Sniff Sniff.  Clearly my life could be o so much worse.

What lies in store for me during the next few weeks?  Well quite a few little adventures.  I will be going to Jeju Island for a weekend getaway with some friends due to the outrageously slashed flights found for less than $25 round trip.  I will also be going to the Jindo Sea-Parting Festival as well to part those seas like Moses.  I'll let you just think about the locations "Jeju" and "Jindo" until I actually go on the little excursion so as to prime you for the explanations at a later date.

Keep reading...the next few posts could be intriguing.

A Year in Review

Exactly one year ago today, I began writing this blog.  It began as a way to document my journey to Korea and the teaching experiences I would have, but became so much more.  It become my way to take my friends and family around the world along with me while I travel .  My outlet for emotions.  My communication to those I cared for most.  Looking back on that initial post, it is hard to believe I am the same person.  I was lying on the floor of my mediocre apartment, trying to make this life changing decision.  Somehow I knew it was right for me.  It was meant for me.

Since that initial post, I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible.  I have formed friendships with some of the most amazing people from every corner of the globe.  I have been all around Korea and witnessed the Korean lifestyle and culture at its best.  I have traveled to Japan and found the beauty and destruction that has faced that country.  I have seen Thailand and seen the beauty of the country and its people.  Coming to Korea was the best choice I have ever made.  While it was one of the hardest decisions of my life, it has afforded me the ability to experience so much more than I ever could have imagined.

An entire year has passed and I only have the future lying ahead of me.  Before I came here I felt trapped.  Paralyzed.  Unfocused.  Confused.  Now I finally know what I want to do with the rest of my life and how I want to live it.  Coming to Korea changed me for the better.

Before coming here to Pohang, Korea I had no idea what was in store for me.  I didn't know the culture.  I certainly didn't know the language.  I didn't know a single soul.  I didn't know enough about Korea to fill an index card, let alone an entire year's worth of blogs.  Somehow I have fallen in love with the spontaneity, richness and culture that is the embodiment of Korea.

Here are my favorite pictures from 2010.  I can only imagine the shenanigans that will take place in the upcoming year.  The places in Korea yet to be visited.  Friends yet to be met.  Experiences yet to be had.  If 2011 is anything like 2010, this blog will continue with a newfound fervor.  May 2011 bring as many rewarding experiences and friendships as 2010 did.

Our Pohang Beerball League

My 24th Birthday.  Korean style. 

Going away party for Jared, one of the best guys I know.

My very first Pohang Steelers soccer game.

My first Daegu Ropes course excursion

World cup fever

Going away party for Nick Kelly

Mudfest 2010

One of many Guyompo beach trips

At a harbor in Japan with my ladies

The beginning of our Chuseok vacation to Geoju Island

After our hike up a mountain near Busan during Chuseok

Some of my best girls at Bogyeongsa

Angry Sunny during arts and crafts

Devilish little Hansu

The famous Homigot Hand

My part time kinder 6 class

Anna putting on her dancing shoes at With Wine

Pictures in Andong

Ladies afternoon in Daegu at the Holy Grill

Halloween 2010

Ugly Christmas sweater party

Caroling with the babies to each home.  Cutest Santas ever.

Standing on the Bridge Over the River Kwai

Two sleepy tigers allowed me to hold their tails.  Terrifying.

My newest tattoo.

Birthday Snapshot

So I don't have a camera...but here is one pic from my birthday dinner with some of my closest friends here in the 'Hang.  For those of you don't know what "the 'Hang" is 1.)  I am disappointed and 2.) it means Pohang.  Get with it.

The friends that make it all worth it.

From left to right:  (back row) Fred, Chris, Allan, Tanya, Ryan, Jen, Me, Jon, Nick, Tim

(front row) Natasha, Claire, Kyle, Elly

Turning 24 in Korea

#72.  Koreans celebrate birthdays just like in America.  You get a birthday cake but theirs are a bit more elaborate.  Think Ace of Cakes elaborate.  The one I received from my school looked like a little house.  Complete with an intricate yard and windows. 

#73.  Koreans also celebrate their birthday on the New Year.  Every single Korean celebrates their birthday as one on this day.  Awesome.  Two days a year for birthdays.  Cake and presents twice a year?  Point Korea. 

Well today is the big day.  The big 24th birthday.  My first away from my family and friends.  The first in a foreign country.  I am a lucky girl and got presents from my family and cards from friends so it did feel pretty normal in that regard.  I love that I am loved enough to receive all the facebook wall posts, cards and even a few presents from friends and family.  It makes a day like today much more enjoyable.

Today I got a birthday cake at school and  the traditional "Happy Birthday" song but it just wasn't the same.  Hopefully the birthday dinner tonight, birthday party tomorrow and birthday trip to Daegu this weekend will make it a bit more special. 

Come on Korea.  Rock my birthday.