Some of my Pics…

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Sooooo Longggg….

PERSEVERE

Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.
Barack Obama

The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.  ~Author Unknown

Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.  ~Author Unknown

Hello All!!!  It has been so long since I have written…please accept my apologies.  I have been super productive and trying not to count down every day before I visit Houston…lol.  There has been so many things I have meant to write and thing I may have forgotten a lot if it now   But, I will try to remember certain things.

Last month, on a Sunday I was walking back to my apartment and saw an off white beetle bug (car) and it was all decorated (the folks were just married) and they had their long caravan going.  Then, I realize the groom is in his boxers at the end of a rope tied to the car.  You couldn’t help but laugh.  Then, I forget I need something from a store and walk back only to realize the car has made its way to a main walkway.  And, the bride and groom are standing on these posts and (I believe) he is professing his love for her amongst many strangers taking pictures and cheering them on…I hate that I did not have my camera.  It was cute!!!

I really love the people I work with more and more everyday and feel blessed especially when I hear t complaints of some other teachers.  Everyday has definitely not been easy and there were days I was ready to call my mama and say “I’ll be home in 21 hours!” But, it is something about trusting God, listening to God, staying focused, and perseverance!!!  I would have regretted giving up.  I have (and still am) learning so much about life and myself.  Yeah, I still have a ways to go but THANK GOD I am not where I use to be. 

Last weekend, Minji, her boyfriend, little brother, and sister went to Insadong.  They helped me find some gifts to bring back home.  There was so much so I didn’t buy much because I didn’t want to waste money.  I came home made a list of exactly what I needed and for who and will go back this weekend.  Insadong was really nice…like a huge market place and wayyyy too many people…lol. 

I am still in the process of seeking God about these next steps in my life.  Can’t remember if I wrote about this previously but I am deciding whether to complete the CELTA program in Spain in October then going out to work in the Middle East for a couple years.  I have some options right now and exploring them all but definitely leaning towards the CELTA in Spain.  Also, my school has started asking me to extend and they really want an answer soon but at the latest before our summer vacation ends.  I was like…I have so much time to think about it but uhhhhhhhh May 27^th is about less than 10 days away and once I come back from the states we will be going into the middle of June.  What does this mean?  At this point I will have four months left until my contract ends….ahhhhhhhh…has it been that long already?

Oh yeah, Kathryn will be visiting me July 20-28^th.  MY FIRST VISITOR…WHOOOO-HOOOO!!!  I am so excited.  I have to find a whole list of things for us to do.  We are going to hit up at least one of the beaches more than likely Jeju Island.  Also, Ashley will be here sometime in June and we are going to Mudfest and all the beaches.  I am super excited to see these ladies soon.  I am going to end my contract with a BANG!!!

I am trying to relax and not get TOO excited about the fact that I am less than ten days away from U.S. soil.  I can’t wait to see my family and friends.  I can’t wait to make the most of every day there.  I can’t wait to watch a movie…I really would like to see Just Wright.  And, I can’t wait to have some fajitas.  I can’t wait to watch American major league sports and have a girls’ night with my mom and sis.  And, I can’t wait to hold my KITTY CATS!!!

Well, it’s about that time to head to bed….I am praying this week goes by fast.  I have to get my hair did…lol via Jessica and get the rest of my gifts.  WE ARE OFF FRIDAY….YEAAAA!!!  By the time next weekend is over….I WILL HAVE ONLY FEW DAYS BEFORE I BOARD THE PLANE TO TOKYO THEN TO HOUSTON!!!   

I will upload a few pics soon…for all the pics you can check out my FB (Facebook page).  AND, I have been disciplined in my working out for almost two months now.  Last week I started a running planning.  I will start the second week tomorrow morning….3 minutes running/3 minutes walking.  I am taking my focus off of losing weight and putting it on being healthy and learning to commit to something.  So pray for me.  I definitely feel better and healthier.  Love ya and wishing you all the best. 

P.S. I am starting a new blog focusing more on all the changes taking place in each area of my life.  It’ll be great!!!

 

SERIOULY???

Longgggg Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!  So the trip I have been waiting to go on for a while and that they only have once a year is going on without me.  I go sick about two days ago.  I kept hoping it would get better but…..negative.  So, I am up at 6:30am on a Saturday, drinking hot water with honey and lemon, watching Superman (new school not old school one), managed to change things around so I could use my computer in the bed, and all I can think is…….I COULD’VE HAD  A V8!!! 

I believe I have my grannie to thank for these crappy sinuses and allergics…smh (shaking my head)…thanks a lot Grannie…lol!  I am trying to think of all that I can get done this weekend…from inside…and pref. in my bed.  It actually adds to a lot.  I missed a day of workout on Friday which actually upset me a bit because I have become really disciplined at waking up earlier (waking up at 5a and getting out of the bed no later than 5:40a) to workout Mon-Fri.  The aerobics class didn’t work with my schedule though I enjoyed the class.  I don’t miss the smell of sweaty garlic though…nope…not at all. 

I forgot to mention I was at Baskin-Robbins with my friend Minji a couple of weekends ago and while sitting there a man came in with his son who was probably about 7 or 8 years old.   And, out of know where he started telling his son something in Korean so the boy came over and waved.  Then, he came back and said hello in Korean.  Then, he came back and did both while smiling.  I said hello and waved and smiled back.  I noticed everyone in the joint was looking at me and smiling as was Minji.  I asked what the father was saying.  He told his son he needed to come greet me because I am his global sister.  And, he wanted him to greet me properly.  I thought it was pretty cool. 

I think I’m gonna lie back down for a bit.  I will probably be updating this thing a couple more times this weekend.  I will leave you with one of my new favorite scriptures: Joshua 1:6-9.  Pull out your Bibles and get to reading…it’ll bless ya!

TTYL & Much Love,

Theblackorean

I’M DOIN’ JUST FINE…BETTER THAN OKAY :D

 

Well, I have had people checking on me and asking if all is alright with me and the answer is stated above (the title).  I just wanted to take time to update everyone with all that has been going on with me (as brief as possible).   Where do I start?

I did go on my caving trip and all was awesome until…MY CAMERA BROKE IN THE CAVE!!!  Needless to say, I was a bit…ticked.  So, I didn’t get any pics of the cave and the pics I got of the mountains are stuck on my memory chip.  But, I did purchase a Samsung camera the following Saturday.  I am still learning to use it but I like it.  It was freezing cold especially when we got on the ferry but the views were beautiful and peaceful.  I met some nice new folks…some of whom I will be traveling with again. 

As of today I have been away from Facebook for 40 days and I don’t miss it a bit.  I have successfully completed my Facebook fast but I am truly in no rush to get back on.  My life has been more productive since I stopped using Facebook and I like it…actually I LOVE IT!  And, guess what?  If people really need to reach me…they find other ways…lol!!!

I am finishing this blog on a different day then when the above was written.  So, it has been 43 days away from FB I believe and I got back on today.  I ain’t missin anything…lol.  Anyways, I must say God is so awesome!!!  Today was such a beautiful day and I enjoyed going old school.  This weekend has been the FIRST since I have been in Korean that I had no work to even think about (I have been working on ways to get all my work completed before I leave).  I let the sun shine in and I really relaxed today. I got out before the sun set and walked around and grabbed something to eat. 

Though we have new administration and I have new co-teachers this semester I feel so blessed and really think the rest of my time working for Yeoju Elementary is going to be really awesome.  I’ll have pics and vids coming soon. 

I am going on the Gayasan Hiking and Daegaya Kingdom Festival Trip next Saturday.  It looks really fun and I plan to have many many pictures.  There will be a 3 hour hike, a look at one of Korea’s most famous temples, and pottery making.  I will be doing some strawberry picking too…lol!!! 

Overall, I am blessed, highly favored, and happy.  I am still learning a lot.  Everyday is not amazing but everyday is worth getting through.  I look forward to what  God has in store for my future and for yours. 

NEVER GIVE UP!

FUNNY BUT TRUE!!!

 

FINALLY EXPLORING…Caving & Ferry Riding

Ya know, Houston and South Korea both have very iffy weather.  But, I believe it is on its way to warming up for good round these parts so I figured why not get out and start exploring.  I went through http://www.adventurekorea.com and found a great first trip for me that will challenge me to get up too early on the weekend but seems like it will be worth waking up for. 

I’ll be going caving and ferry riding.  I’ll have pictures and commentary after Sunday  

Date: Sunday, March 07, 2010

Time: 7:30am – 8:30pm

Destination: Chungju Lake, Gosu Cave, and Dodamsanbong in Chungcheongbuk

A Bit of Information: *Gosu Cave
is a limestone cave situated in Danyang-gun.  This extensive cave is 1,300 meters deep, and is well known for its beauty.  The name Gosu comes from the fact that in the past, the area was filled with thickets of tall grass.  Rough stone instruments were excavated at the cave entrance, which revealed that this area was home to the prehistoric human beings.

Inside Gosu Cave, the temperature remains around 15℃ throughout the year.  There are reportedly about 25 different kinds of animal life inhabiting within the cave. Some of the rocks resemble animals or human figures, such as Lion Rock, Octopus Rock, Eagle Rock, and even the Virgin Mary Rock. About 120 various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites found here are valuable remains to researchers and scholars. As the cave is colder than most would expect, and you have to often move along holding onto metal railings, it is highly recommended that you wear warm gloves in the winter.

*Dodamsanbong Peak
Eight areas designated as the most beautiful sceneries in Danyang, are Haseonam, Jungseonam, Sangseonam, Sainam, Gudambong, Oksunbong, Dodamsambong, and Seokmun. These areas were visited many times by numerous scholars during the Joseon Period (1392-1910), and contains many historically and culturally important relics. The most famous of the eight is Dodamsambong Peak. Three Rocks create a large S figure as it stands tall in the middle of Namhangang River. This is the only place in the world where you can see such three longest rocks protrude in the middle of a river.  The following legend still lives through this day; among the three rocks, the big rock is called Nampyeonbong, Janggunbong the rock on the right side is called Cheobong (or Adeulbong), and the rock on the left is called Cheopbong (or Ddalbong). According to the legend there lived a couple who loved each other, but had no child.  They found a mistress because they wanted to have a baby, but once she had the baby, she began to mistreat and taunt the wife. The heavens saw them, and turned all of them into stones. The way the rocks stand next to one another is very interesting.
If you go to the opposite side of Dodamsambong, there is a small pavilion called lhoyangjeong. It was built to comfort the locals who lost their homes due to the flooding caused by Chungju Dam. When you look down from the pavilion, you can take in the entire Dodamsambong at once. If you walk in opposite direction from lhayangjeong Pavilion, a stone gate appears.  As there is a big hole in the middle of the large stone, you would think it is artificial, but it is a natural rock.

Aerobics – Day 2

Last night there was another aerobics instructor a little younger than my other instructor.  She says she works Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  There was also an older lady and a girl younger than myself there last night.  Before we were even done the old lady and the young chick were sitting down drinking water watching the instructor and I.  I don’t think the instructor was expecting me to hold on that long…lol

My arms are super sore this morning but I’m enjoying the class.

7 DAYS FACEBOOK FREE…

It feels more like 7 months but I don’t regret the decision to deactivate my account temporarily.  And, thanks to Sade for changing my password for me.  Anyways, I am feeling happy and hopefully.  The days here seem to get more beautiful and a little warmer for each one that passes.       

Today will be my first day at aerobics…I’m excited and nervous.  Once again, I am moving out of my comfort zone.  I am not going to the same gym as any other foreigner and I will be the only person there who can speak English.  But, I plan to bring my Korean phrase book and smile…we shouldn’t be talking while getting out workout on anyway…lol.       

I have been working on my hubpages: http://hubpages.com/profile/theblackorean2010 faithfully this past week.  I am working on creating better hubs and building my fan list.  If you are reading this…ARE YOU A FAN YET?  A hubpage is much like a blog but they are considered articles that can help others in some way.  Anything you can possible think of people are writing answers too.  You also find these hubpages when you use search engines.  I am enjoying the writing and also focusing on my first book…we”ll see where God leads.       

Topics that I have already or will be writing articles on within the next month are: Teaching English in South Korea, Living the Single Life, The Perfect Girls’ Night Out AND In, Protective Hair Styles, Hydrathermal Hair Products, Video Q&A, Encouraging Children, Abuse, Health Benefits of Olive Oil, Fruit Vinegar, Working Out, and much more!!!       

Awhhhhhh, at 3:15pm today I received my valentine’s gift from Mom and sis…it’s was soooooooooo sweet!!!  I miss them   I can’t wait to watch some updated English movies…whooo-hoooo!!!       

       

Then around 9pm my friend Minji called to ask if she could come over.  She came over with her little brother with a some food as a gift from her mother.  And, Minji wrote me a note explaining what some of the foods were.  At the end (her mom’s words) it said “You should still be healthy even when you’re not with your family!”        

       

Traditional sweets with omega 3 & 6

Baek-Seol-ki (rice & sugar)

 

Jeol-pyeon (rice)

 

 

Pears

   

 My aerobics class was fun tonight.  The instructor seems to be in her 50′s but looks great for her age and has a lot of spark.  It was a small class which I really like especially I am the only one who speaks English.  There was a younger girl who seems to speak little English.  I was the only in there sweating it up and the old ladies were showing me up. We seemed to do a little bit of every type of dance and we did at least 55 different speeds…hehe.  I look forward to going Mon-Fri from now on.       

Something is telling me it may be beneficial for me to get in the bed now since it is 12:14am and I have to work tomorrow.  Have a wonderfully blessed day!!!      

 Love ya,       

Nancy Marie aka theblackorean        

       

The New Additions to My Life…

I have been deciding whether to get a pet or not.  And, after writing down the pros and cons I realized it would be a lot of money and work to have a pet here then have to take it back home.  So, I decided to start looking for a plant…lol!  So, on Saturday I had dinner at Tomato and told Julia about my plans and she goes and gets a little cactus in a green pot and gives it to me as a gift.  I thought that was so sweet.  And, today on my way to school I saw a flower shop and decided to go in.  I found the prettiest purple flower.  Though she spoke only Korean the owner managed to tell me how to care for it.  I had to do some internet searching to find out what kind of plant it was though.  It is a Cyclamen and actually thrives as a potted plant.  God knew what He was doing…He gave me two easy to care for plants. 

I will admit…I gave them names!  I mean I actually did research and gave them names.  

Chinedu (African) - God Leads

 

Hokulani (Hawaiian) Star of Heaven

Day 6…

Hello there!  So, I am on Day 6 of NO FACEBOOK and honestly…I’m not missing it!  That is probably because I am finding other things to do.  I was able to update this blog, my hubpage (http://hubpages.com/profile/theblackorean2010 become a fan , and my journals that I keep. 

I was finally able to meet the aerobics instructor today and  a friend’s cousins came with me to translate.  The instructor is a sassy little thing but was really nice and reminded me I need to learn Korean…hehe.  But, she also told one of the cousins as we were leaving to tell me I am not tall but I am beautiful.  I had to laugh but appreciated it.  I have a feeling when I start class tomorrow there will be a bunch of old ladies showing me up…lol…this should be interesting but I am looking forward to it.  The studio is right next door to my apartment and is way cheaper than the gym by the bus station so I have no excuse!  The instructor also told me they will be offering a 15 minute yoga dance (no idea what that is) class after aerobics and I can use the machines in there anytime.

I am also going to make a huge effort to start my new schedule tomorrow which includes waking up at 6am…we’ll see how that works out. 

The weather is still getting warmer…yeaaa!!!  Other than that, everything is going well.  I am preparing myself for a lot of NEW when the new school semester starts on March 2nd.  Oh, when I went to visit Kim (owner of Mecca) today her 5 month old niece was there and her head was shaved and Kim told me a lot of times in Korea they will cut the boys and girls hair real young in order for stronger hair to grow in.  And, every time I go she always gives me something free with whatever I buy so I learned today I like Lady Grey tea but not a fan of Rosehip and Hibiscus tea (sour after taste).  

Welp, have a great day.  Off to bed in a bit. 

Love ya,

Nancy Marie aka  theblackorean