Christmas music that doesn't suck

I'm not a big holiday person. Except for Halloween. And my birthday. I'm also not really anti-holidays.I love parties, cooking, and eating and drinking with my friends. What I really don't like is most Christmas music. It's sappy and maudlin and this time of the year it's unavoidable EVERYWHERE! Even here in the ROK. It makes me want to maim, kill, and find small children just to tell them there is no Santa. Christmas carolers are the absolute worst. I refuse to carol no matter how good the cause. I'll just give some money, thank you, and stay home and watch really violent spy movies.

The worse part about all the bad Christmas music is that there IS good Christmas music- lots of it. Here is just a small sample.

Korean pill finder

I love having national health insurance. More accurately- I love having health insurance- period. For the most part I have had pretty positive experiences with health care here. Except for this last one- but that's for a different post. 2 sinus infections and the bimonthly refill of my prescription steroid allergy meds have been treated excellently. For my non-prescription allergy medicine, brand name Zyrtec in the US, I just took the empty bottle to the pharmacy and they give me boxes of cetrizine (the active ingredient). 세티리진 염산 in Hangul which Romanizes to 'Setirijin hydrochloric' on the box. Costs about the same as CVS brand cetirizine in the USA.

But- what I don't like is that you get these strips of medicine pouches filled with various pills and have absolutely no idea what they are. For the 2 sinus infections I just took them. It was fine. I felt better within half an hour and the infections cleared up in days.

This last prescription was different. I was injured. The meds made me a little high and a little drowsy. The last 10 days have been final presentations and then finals- all oral. And I have about 150 students. There was no way I was going to space out during 50% of their grades for the semester so I just didn't take the morning dose for the first couple of days. Then, after a discussion with my awesome neighbor (awesome because he ran small errands, called me taxis, and brought me food! Damn crutches) where he said one of the 4 pills was probably an antibiotic, because they always prescribe antibiotics, I decided to FIGURE IT OUT! Mostly because I am anti- antibiotic unless absolutely necessary. Also because I've been pretty immobile. Bad thing about being injured is that, well, I'm injured. Good thing is I'm bored due to physical inactivity so I'm actually studying Korean- and blogging. And I did figure it out. I know this is a common complaint for us waygooks over here, so- here is how to figure out what all those rainbow colored little pills are.

1. The pills are listed, in Hangul, on your receipt from the pharmacy.

2. Learn Hangul. You live in Korea- it will make your life a lot easier to at least learn the basics. And, I will admit, I read it like a second grader and type and write it like I'm in kindergarten- but in this case your just copying.

3. Use your computer at work or convert your computer to be able to type in Hangul. 

Windows-

a. Control panel

b. Clock, Language, and Region

c. Under 'Region and Language' click 'change keyboard or other input methods' a popup will appear

d. Click the 'keyboards and language' tab

e. Click the 'change keyboard' button

f. another popup will appear. It will have a box that says English. Next to that box is a key that says 'add'. Click it. Click the Korean button and then 'add keyboard'.

g. A key will appear on your toolbar. Default will say EN (English) if you click on it you can choose Korean and then use your 'alt' button to switch between languages.

Mac-

Google it

4. Your keyboard is in the Roman alphabet. You can pay to get a new keyboard with both the Roman alphabet and Hangul on it. Or- you can walk to your local novelty/toy/stationary store, probably within blocks of where you live, buy Hangul stickers, Google 'Korean keyboard' and do it yourself .

5. Look at your receipt. There will be a list in Hangul. Each word will end in '정' which means 'tablet'

6. Google the Hangul word.  You'll get search results for sites like  www.druginfo.co.kr/detail/product.aspx?pid=35 you will get a bunch of Hangul- and the active ingredient listed- in English! You might even get an actual picture of the exact pills in your pouches.

7. If you don't know what the active ingredient is- Google that too. 

So- for falling down the stairs in Hongdae, and seriously bruising my leg, I was prescribed

클란자정 active ingredient Aceclofenac

미도캄정 active ingredient Tolperisone (which is supposed to be non-drowsy, whatever)

넥시나 정  I didn't even search this one. It says 'antacid' right one the page. Smart Koreans- how did they know pain killers mess with my stomach?

바리다제 정 active ingredient Streptokinase

This entry sorta sounds like an ad for Google. What can I say? I use Google. Except when I'm forced to use IE due to my Korean bank and university website only working on IE. I do not know how well this will work with other search engines. 

For my western  friends- you may not be able to even see the Hangul unless you enable it on your computer. The same directions for changing your keyboard will also enable your computer to recognize the Hangul characters.

Korean drummer rocks out- and then it gets better!

We just got a fantastic new group of teachers at my university. I have a feeling my, already pretty rad (dontcha just luv the word 'rad'? I know I do!) life is is about to get even better,

Just watch the drummer- everyone should have this much joy in life!



Now watch the remix by new co-worker Mathieu

Exploration Detroit

This is a fantastic piece about Detroit. Finally something that doesn't just talk about the urban decay and hopelessness. This is the kind of stuff I try and explain to people about why I love the D.








'Though even Johnny Knoxville needs a tour guide;-)

Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangkok

As usual, I am much better at keeping my Facebook updated than actually blogging.

I do have a couple of particular things I want to write about this vacation but for now- just go check out the pics!

Vacation- Korea to Ho Chi Min

Dalat, Vietnam- Easy Rider tour, Peace Hotel and Cafe

Crazy House Dalat, Vietnam

Nha Trang, Vietnam- beaches, barristers, and boat tours

Crossing Borders, Phnom Phen, Siem Reap

Angkor

Bangkok

Who do you write like?

This afternoon a friend told me about a website, 'I Write Like', that analyses your writing and tells you which famous author your style is similar to. So I went on it and had it analyse a few of my blog entries.

For 'I'm Hot Teacher' it gave me this response

I write like
David Foster Wallace

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

For 'Banchan- story of the Cat'

I write like
Stephen King

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

For 'High Tech Keyboard Conversion' it gave me

I write like
Cory Doctorow

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I call bullshit

Packing for South Korea

I did a lot of research before I moved to S Korea but still didn't bring exactly what I should have. I just wrote this out for a friend who is coming and thought I would share my 2 cents on what one should pack.

1. Spices. Seriously- any spices you cook with on a regular basis. basil, cilantro (seeds if you like these fresh) thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, cumin, dill. Chicken bouillon costs an arm and a leg here. Bring me some cilantro seeds please! Baking soda is hard to find also.
Edit 12/18/2012- at the bottom of this post I have added several online shopping links that DO carry many of these things. Also- look for 'International Markets'. They tend to cater to Induan, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese so you can usually find many spices, sauces, and fresh herbs like cilantro and lemongrass

You can get coffee. I get Blue Mountain whole bean at Emart (chain store like walmart but more expensive) for less than it costs in the US. I don't know why every site says coffee is so hard to find. I did bring a coffee press and I am very glad I did because I like my coffee dark and thick as mud. I bought a fruit blender that I use to grind my coffee. Plus I can make smoothies with it.

2. Flat sheets and pillow cases. You can get pillows and blankets here but sheets are EXPENSIVE and scarce and only fitted are available- no top sheets. The pillow cases tend to polyester, yuck. Flat sheets 'cause you don't know what size your bed will be- you can make army corners with flat sheets. I recommend 4 sheets- then you always have 2 to make the bed when you need to launder the other set.

3. Basic med supplies- band aids, antibiotic ointment, cortizone or other anti-itch bug bite ointment, ibuprofen, etc. You can get it here but it's good to just have the first few days when your getting comfortable and don't want to play charades with a dictionary at the pharmacist.

Bring your prescriptions. It's easy to get them replaced when you just show them your old prescription. I've been to the doctor 3 times and they all speak a little English at least.

Vitamins are expensive and hard to find. If you bring me a B complex I will kiss you.

4. Girl stuff.
- Everything I read said tampons aren't available here. They are- unless maybe you wear super size. And they are only slightly more expensive than the US. Pads come in every shape, size, color, and scent you can imagine. I think you could coordinate them with your wardrobe...

- Every kind of skin, hair, and body product and tool you can possibly think of is available here. Including brands you are familiar with. The only 2 issue I have had is that I have allergies to perfumes and many products contain whiteners and I don't understand enough Korean to avoid them. But- there is an awesome chain store called Skin Food that has natural based products that are labelled in English. And- it's incredibly affordable. I love Skin Food.

Do bring deodorant

Do bring birth control (this is hearsay- for better or worse it's not something I've had to deal with yet)

I have had zero problems getting any kind of girl services- hair, mani/pedicures, spa services, like full 3 hour facial with massage, at an incredibly affordable cost. And I have crazy colors in my hair.

5. Clothing and shoes

- First- almost everything I read before I came said to dress conservatively. Bullshit. It's a very fashion forward country. Every style you can think of (except maybe a face full of piercings) you will see here. Plus, as a foreigner you are expected to be a little different. Like a celebrity. I wish I had brought my go-go boots and vintage clothing.

I do dress professionally for work- ranging from very casual business casual to more formal business attire. I would dress the same at home in a school or office. I also mostly cover my many tattoos at work. Mostly. Outside of work I do not cover my tattoos and have had very little reaction to to them. Again, foreigner celebrity status. I dress like my normal punk rock roots, derby girl self and no-one blinks an eye.

- I am 5 ft and 105 pds. Shopping here is like a wet dream for me. It is not for most of my co-workers. If you are over 5'5" and 120 pds, have broad shoulders, hips, and/or big bosoms you should bring everything you need. The largest bra's available are 32/34 B. Shoes over size 8 are also scarce. Winter is very cold, summer is very hot.

- No dryers. I didn't think about this much but it's a huge deal. Many of the clothes I brought did not fit right with out a dryer. Plus- 100% soft cotton items stretched out when hung to dry. Keep this in mind when deciding which clothes to bring

6. Other stuff.

Maybe bring a knick knack or poster to make you feel at home. I brought devil duckies and a few posters. Light weight and my place felt like MY place right away.

Books- there is a store called 'What the Book' in Seoul. They deliver anywhere in Korea, free shipping if you order over 25,000w. Books cost about the same as they do at home. You can order anything. Do bring a Korean/English dictionary. I have had a hard time finding maps of anything outside Korea.

Pictures. I have facebook and skype. I can see my peeps anytime I want.

Electronics. The only thing I could not find here was a digital analog converter to play movies from my computer on my tv. I had a friend bring it when he visited. Everything else you can find and it's better than most of the stuff available at home 'though it costs as much or more. Basic everyday stuff like hair dryers, curlers, straighteners, fans, space heaters, irons, coffee pots, etc are cheap and plentiful. Outlets need a different style plug- your computer will change the current itself so you just need an adapter. Other appliances need a converter or they will explode. In your hand (um yeah hairdryer, fine, be that way).

http://electricaloutlet.org/type-c

7. Last- this isn't packing but I think it's worth mentioning- the cost of living here is about the same as it is in the US. Be prepared.

SK peeps- can you think of anything else?

7/24/2010
Sk peeps have reported that birth control pills are available over the counter at all pharmacies but condoms come smaller. Very much resisting making a joke here. And reminded me that women showing cleavage is frowned upon.

12/18/2012
There are several online shopping places where you can get western stuffs
High Street Market, Itaewon, Seoul (you can get everything in Seoul)
http://highstreet.co.kr/

Costco online (no membership required)
http://www.ezshopkorea.com/

Nice Market (fresh herbs!)
http://nicemarket.net/

GMarket
http://english.gmarket.co.kr/

Julie Hecker

These past few days have been the first time that I have wished I was back in the states. Not because I actually want to be back in the US- but because my friend died.

It's really hard to be so far away from your long time solid community at a time like this. It's really hard to accept the passing of someone you love, no matter what happened, no matter where you are. I've had my share of death, several peoples share actually, but in the past I've been able to have a shared experience.

I like funerals. OK, 'like' is maybe the wrong word, but I need the catharsis that comes from sharing the shock of someone you loved, someone who had a weight, a strength, a power, a light, an effect, what ever- dying. Someone who meant SOMETHING to you. And death is always shocking- if you know it's coming or not.

Julie was a power house. She was a person that most people can only hope to meet. She was so energetic- like the kind of energy that was infectious- you felt full of energy in her presence. I first met her in 2005, through Janis aka Ma Belle aka Tura Skatana, when when my friends and I were starting the Detroit Roller Derby and she was starting Detroit Punk Fitness. Our first conversation was a giggly joking conversation about starting things that got drunken, smoking punk rock girls to exercise. Really, it's actually quite amazing that both of our endeavors succeeded. ha ha. ha ha. ha.

Julie formed the Detroit Derby's cheer leaders, which, through Julie, quickly out grew our league and became the Motor City Rah Rahs who cheered on many many a band, event, and general celebration. Julie was always so incredibly positive- through back stage insanity, diva derelictions, and just general chaos. I remember especially a particular time when I was so burned out, about 4 years into it, I just wanted to walk away, in the middle of a game no less, when Julie gave me a pep talk that went something like this, 'Crash, you've made a commitment, just do it, in the long run you'll be happy that you did it, who cares what people think, who cares what people say?- What we build will outlast us and that is what it's about'. And, I did, and- it's true. For both of us.

Julie, you rock. I do so wish I could be home today to be with the people who loved you like I do, but I can't. So- I made this video instead

High tech keyboard conversion

I really want to learn Korean. When I first got here I memorized about 2/3 of the script, Hangul, in the first few days. And then I started working (7 classes, 163 students), yoga, the weather got nice, I bought a bike, I could say 'soju' before I got here, I like all food, it's a super service oriented country so people go out of their way to make you happy, and I live in a building with ALL of the English speaking employees at Andong National University. The only thing I've learned since then is one of the 2 counting systems (the one you use for shopping). But- I DO really want to learn to speak the language.

So-as of last week, Lisa and I have started language lessons, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with our neighbor Chris. Payment in food. Thank whatever powers that may be I'm a darn good cook. He has been here for 5 years, on and off, and speaks the language pretty well ( at least as far as I can tell, hehe) and he's really into it- and the other languages it's led him to. You can check out his writings about it here on the site he has just started. I was a bit skeptical of how it was going to go, because he's our hang out buddy, but it turns out he's an exceptional teacher- makes us repeat it over and over, role playing, 'what did you say- you want a camel in Arabia?'. We've had 2 lessons so far and have covered: 'How to meet some one new', 'Ordering food' (based on our neighborhood, super awesome BBQ joint), and taking a taxi. Very simple and very VERY useful. It has renewed my enthusiasm for actively learning.

Chris also showed me how to make my computer type Hangul. But, my computer does not have a Hangul keyboard. We downloaded an image of a Hangul keyboard, but switching back and forth make my impatient ass lose interest in about 60 seconds, and today I went on a quest for stickers.

And converted my keyboard.

Tadah!!!!!!!!

Now I can type my name

조 디 (Hangul is totally phonetic. Sort of..)

with a click of a button!

I also had a great evening discovering that Koreans really want to help you learn. Walking through our local market on the way home, I was leafing through a rack of sweaters with one hand and holding my Korean lesson notebook in the other (because I was reviewing on the bus), the women from the store came out and started to talk to me. I've met them before but this time I said '반갑슴니다' (bam gap seum nida) which means 'glad to meet you' and she got super excited and went off. From what I gathered (from body language and expression) she said, 'Your learning!'. I just started laughing and handed her my notebook to show her that '반갑슴니다' was actually open in my hand. And then she dragged me inside and we spent a hilarious half an hour going through the first few pages of my 'Survival Korean' text book, laughing at my Korean and their English pronunciation. Until I looked at the clock and said, 'Yoga!-now!'. And we all said '반갑슴니다' again- this time with our hands clasped in the way we start and end yoga, bowing to each other- and laughed some more.

Then- after I made a mad dash home to change, I jumped on my bike, and I ended up 20 minutes early. The 7pm class ends at 8:10 and the class I went tonight starts at 8:20. The end of each session is always some sort of meditation and I don't like going into the studio when I might disturb people so I decided to go the toy stores up the street to look for Hangul stickers. I went to 3 different stores and in each store I pointed at stickers and said, 'Hangul? My computer, want Hangul!'(in English). And in each store they found me Hangul stickers- and then reviewed the sounds with me! Seriously! Can you imagine walking into a store in the states, asking for Roman alphabet stickers in a foreign language, and then having the shop workers teach you?

Here is my name again 조디
This is 'take me down town, please'시내 로 가주세요'

and this is 'love Jody'
살랑
도디

Additional comment 6/9/2010: I've gotten a few messages from people, ahem, in the states telling me I should study with a Korean if I really want to learn the language so why am I studying with an English speaker. One person even told me, 'They are disappointed, I should know better'.

I have tried to set up language exchange with a few people and it hasn't panned out. I've got a pretty crazy schedule and most Koreans work way more than I do. Also- I'm pretty sure that some of the men who have offered aren't really looking to 'talk'. Chris lives up a flight of stairs and is part of our regular crew. We start classes when we all get home from work, classes, errands- can't get much more convenient.

And- as far as learning with Koreans, well, I LIVE IN KOREA! I have an entire country of people to practice with and y'all know I'm not shy. Everything I've learned so far has been put to use with in a day or two. Last night was 'Do you have these shoes in size 230?' and 'Does this come in black?'. You KNOW that will be used by the end of the week....

Buddha's Birthday, My neighborhood

Again- not so great on writing much but here are pictures of a bike ride from my house to Andong National University and here are pics from Buddha's Birthday weekend.

Banchan-The story of the cat

3 weeks ago I went with Chris to the Samsung store, hoping that since he speaks Korean, I could finally end my 2 month search for a digital to analog converter. It's seriously ridiculous. This country loves it's electronic toys. SK LOVES the internet and everybody downloads stuff all the time. I know because my students tell me, my boss told me to just download Rosetta Stone Korean when I mentioned it's costs, and the phones can download movies in a blink of an eye. All I want to do is watch the stuff I download on the massive TV in my room that I never turn on. But I have been in a dozen stores trying to just get a simple converter box that is available in variety and inexpensively everywhere else in the world and I can't seem to find one. I've brought my dictionary ('though the Korean words for pc stuff ARE English), pictures, played charades- nothing. Best Buy and Amazon US won't ship to Korea, Amazon UK said they are legally prohibited from shipping electronics here, Samsung has one on the English part of it's website- but sends me to Hangul sites when I try and find a dealer. So- anyways, Chris had to go because he had to get his computer rebuilt from a virus (one should always run an antivirus- especially if you like to look at sites that make you confirm you are least 18) (or get a Mac) so I tagged along and it's the closest I've gotten. The guy actually knew what we were talking about- but still- he just gave us his number and told us to call the next day (but Chris keeps forgetting and isn't sure if his Korean can handle a tech call anyways). So still, no go. I think I'm going to have to get someone in the US send it to me and hope it makes it thru customs or get one in Thailand or Vietnam in August.

After that we walked up to a war memorial- beautiful! Cherry blossoms, temple like pagodas, view of the river. Of course, I didn't have my camera- I managed to not take a single picture during the 2 weeks of cherry blossom season- but here's some of Lisa and Sue's pics so you can see how lovely they are

After the memorial we went to the 'House of Won's mother'- and I do have pictures of the memorial statue across the street from the house that you can view here and then walked back home across the river.

As we approached the front door this tiny little cat walks up to us meowing at the top of it's lungs and limping badly. It promptly lays itself across Chris' feet, puts it's paw on my foot, and starts purring like a locomotive. Of course, we are instantly suckered. We discuss how it's obviously not a feral cat, there are alley cats everywhere and they're NOT friendly, but it's obviously injured and sooo skinny. We decide to bring the cat in and feed it and make signs to hang around the neighborhood so that a potential owner can come claim it. We also discussed what a bad idea it is for us to adopt it because we're in a foreign country and don't know what are plans are for more than a year or two down the road. And decide to convince Lisa that she is going to share a 3 way adoption of the kitten.

So, we bring it to Chris' apartment where it snuggles up on a blanket and continues to purr and just be unbearably cute. I go to see if I can buy some cat food and Lisa, Nicole, and Sue are planting tomatoes, celery, and other stuff- including cilantro, hallelujah cilantro, oh, how I've missed you, in the back yard. Turns out the cat has been hanging out all day and Lisa and Nicole fed it too and Lisa asked Eric what we should do because he volunteers at animal shelters. Again, we all discuss how adopting a pet is just not the best idea for transient peoples. And I go off on an unsuccessful trip to buy cat food. Home Mart, the grocery store has tons of dog supplies- but no cat stuff, a couple of the corner stores have dog food- but no one has cat anything. At the market down the street I point at a bag of dog food and give the 'no' gesture (making an 'x' with one's fingers) and then meow and give a thumbs up. The woman behind the counter tells me 'ruff ruff- Home Marteh, meow meow- E Marteh', so I thank her and buy some tuna and return home.

When I get back, Chris and I stare at the cat for a while longer and then Sue informs us some Koreans have come to claim the cat. We hadn't hung the signs yet but I believe they knew we had it because a- I had been walking all over the neighborhood meowing at people, or b- the neighborhood likes to watch our house and see what the wacky waygooks (foreigners) are up to. We give the cat to the 2 teenage boys, trying to show them it's leg is hurt, they just bow and look at us funny and walk off. We were both relieved and disappointed.

The next morning is pouring rain and it's about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the cat is meowing it's head off underneath our house. It's still there, and still raining and freezing, when we get home from work so Lisa and I feed it again, complain about it's treatment (Koreans have a different attitude about pets. Occasionally you see super pampered miniature dog things carried like accessories, but for the most part they are outside animals and treated in a way that would make us call the humane society), but then take it back outside because we know it belongs to someone. The next day the super friendly lady who runs our local store had the cat in a box all day hoping someone would claim it (I found this out later). That night we hear the cat meowing but don't see it anywhere but Chris told us at the bus stop that Eric had it in his bathroom. That night we ALL heard the cat meowing- our building is like a dorm, it's cement, things echo, and the next day I asked Eric what was going on. He told me he found the cat inside a wheel well of a car about a block from our building and took it home. He had taken the cat to the vet, it had a broken hip and got some medicine and the vet said the cat would probably be ok. Eric asked him to look for a shelter, but was going to keep her if there wasn't one. But he has a dog, doesn't like cats that much, and our apartments are tiny. Not being able to resist the fuzziness, I said I would take the cat if would use a litter box. It did.

I apologized to it for the fact that it was going to end up in quarantine at least once, spent about $60 on cat supplies at E-Mart, resigned myself to the fact that my neighbors were coming by for kitten love and not me, and started trying to decide on a name. My students said I should name it 'Nabi' (butterfly) because, as one young man told me, 'All girls name their cats Nabi'. Chris suggested quote, 'Ya-Ong - a cute slangy name for kitten'- but that's almost as bad as 'Nabi', Nicole suggested 'Bong', and then Donna Eis suggested 'Banchan' (side dish) which is much more appropriate in my opinion.

The first week and a half was ideal, fuzzy, furry, purring kitten snuggles. Even when I cut the bell of it's toy at 4am I just reminded myself kitten grow up. But then the meowing started. All night. All day. Really really loud meowing. At first I wasn't sure what was going on- maybe it wanted out? Then I thought maybe it was sick and on Saturday night (after our 3rd or 4th bottle of wine) Nicole offered to have it spend the night at her and Mark's apartment. I had brought the cat with me because it would stop howling when held. I agreed because I hadn't slept in 4 days, Chris and I had gone on an epic bike journey to check out a temple that was 'right past the stadium' (like 15 miles past the stadium over a mountain) and had left our bike at the temple because it was getting dark and still had to get them the next day.

The next day, Chris and went and got the bikes from the temple, looked at another temple, lazed in the sunshine and threw rocks in the river, then began the ride home. About 1/2 way home, about 2/3 of the way UP the mountain, Chris got a thorn in his tire so we walked the last 5 or so miles pushing our bikes (well, ok, Chris walked- I couldn't resist the cruise down the other side- but I waited at the bottom and walked the last mile or 2) and then I went and got the cat. Nicole and Mark said they thought it was something to do with going to the bathroom and by the next day with nothing in the litter box, I agreed and spent the whole day apologizing to my neighbors and took the cat to the vet on Tuesday.

Dr Hang, the vet, speaks pretty good English. I told him it was the same cat Eric had brought in, he asked me if I wanted to keep it and I told him, 'Yes, if it will stop meowing. My neighbors are going to kill me'. He said it was just constipated, he would give it an enema and then I could take it home and if it didn't stop meowing he had a shelter it could go to. Then he gave it enema #1. And we hung out and Dr Hang asked me if I was married, had a boyfriend, was dating anyone, why I wasn't married, didn't have a boyfriend, and wasn't dating anyone. Enema #2 and Dr Hang told me I should date Eric because we are the same age and neither of us is dating anyone and we both loved animals and we are both very good looking, didn't I agree? I believe I said something really witty and smart like, 'um, uh, well, I don't know, I, er, Eric is sorta my supervisor'. Then he told me he was 54, he knew what he was talking about, and hierarchy doesn't matter with Americans and asked if we ever hung out and I told him we'd hung out with the other teachers, and he said we should both come have a drink with him. After I continued with my witty repertoire he relented and told me he hoped I would find a good man soon. And then squirted a bowel stimulator up the cats ass and gave it a can of food.

At this point it had been about 2 hours and Banchan had produced one tiny little turd and Dr Hang was looking more and more concerned. After another half an hour he said, 'OK, you can go now. I will give the cat another enema in a little while and give it to the shelter tomorrow'. I didn't have the heart to push the matter to find out if he was going to put it to sleep. I'm choosing to believe that Banchan is chasing field mice on an Andong country farm as happy as can be. I asked how much it would cost and he said 'Nothing, I want to thank you for being such a good person, you, Eric try and save the cat because of love'. I told him I would bring him the cat supplies I still had and he could donate them or use them. He told me to have Eric bring me.

Yesterday, Dr Hang called to tell me he had another rescued kitten 'that was very quiet' and I should come look at it. Luckily, it was a Persian and I can't handle long haired cats, due mostly to allergies but also because I hate having hair all over my clothes, so I explained that to him and also that I shouldn't really adopt an animal anyways.

Very sad. This is really the first time in my life that I haven't had a pet but it's just not a good idea. I know I'm going to re-sign my contract next year but after that I don't know. I might go teach in Vietnam for a year. I've also been looking at this MA program that just looks awesome. I can't subject an animal to all that and I can't just desert it or 'hope' someone will take it when I'm ready to go. Sigh.

Happy Children's Day!

National holiday! So, I'm going to go hang in the gazebo behind my building and read, maybe take a nap...

Pics from my past couple o'weeks can be seen here

I'm hot teacher

At the beginning of the semester my students described themselves- 'I am quiet and smart', 'I am funny, smart, and talkative', 'I am friendly and kind'. What there families were like- 'My mother is funny', My brother is rude and mean', 'My father is strict'. I also had them describe what they wanted their boy or girl friend to be like- 'I want my boyfriend to be tall, smart, funny, sexy, etc'. I had 3 boys use my example description of myself- one even flat out said 'teacher'. When I told one he was too young of a boy for me , he said 'I no boy! I man!'

A couple of weeks ago we had student presentations 'About yourself' and one student, (who's presentation was late, messy, unpracticed, and did not follow directions) ended his presentation with 'One more thing teacher- here is my phone number, call me, I lonely!'. Lucky for him it cracked me up and I gave him an extra .5 points. Which brought his score up to 1.5/5

Today I'm grading mid-terms (spring semester is March thru mid-June). The student ended his description of an action movie with- 'This movie is very good. You should see it. I take you. Romance! Please?'

Korean students are shy my ass!


More funniness- when the student wrote his cell number on the board, and after I stopped laughing, I turned to the 15/20 girls in the class and said, Hey ladies, there's his number- you should copy it down!' and they all said 'Ewwwwww, nooooooo, he's no no no!' and he looked at me and said, 'They have my number'- which brought on another chorus of 'no no no!'.

In another class, engineering, 23 male students/2 female, I have 2 male students who are obviously the 'football team' types. Good looking, good clothes, great hair. They sit on the side and sorta lounge. If they weren't so polite and didn't always do their work they might get on nerves. But they are and they do. And they're funny. In group activities they don't move- the other students come to them. They're always partners. So I turn to them and say,'Gentlemen- it's your turn' and the class ERUPTS with 'Nonononono NO- NOT gentlemen! No teacher- they not gentlemen!'. 'Why?', I ask them, 'Why do they say you're not gentlemen?' 'We are gentlemen!', they say.

'Why?' I ask the rest of the class. 'Because they so lovely', shouts one boy (I've tried to explain to them we don't usually use lovely' when describing men but they still use it, I did get them to stop using 'wide' and 'long' when describing people- I said 'wide means fat, long, um, just don't ask men how long they are!'. They got THAT), 'Handsome!', shouts another, 'Tall!' and choruses of 'RUDE BOYS'(Jamaican description!) The 2 'gentlemen' in question shrug and one holds up his hands in a 'What can I do' gesture. As the students left at the end of class one of the 2 girls whispered to me, 'Too cute, much trouble!' and shook her head sadly.

Insane Clown Posse

The hilarity of this just never ends.

First Kevo turns down doing an album cover for them. He debated a lot- it would have been a lot of exposure- but decided he'd just rather not have the association.

Then- he ends up working on their video at his place of employment.



Deep.

Finally, as if the real thing just isn't enough of an example of what happens when you don't finish high school, SNL manages to take it even further




After watching both several times, I still can't decide which one is funnier- the spoof or the real thing!

edit:
Thanks to Jim for supplying more links so the fun just never stops!

http://www.cracked.com/blog/learn-your-motherfuckin-science-with-the-icp

Not about Miracles, but still awesome




Edit 5/3/2010: And the fun goes on

Illegal immigrants can stay, deport the juggalos.

Daegu, shopping, noreabang, bridges to nowhere, more shopping

Last weekend was a blast. Actually this whole week, except for the sinus infection, has been awesome.

Friday
3 of us, Lisa, Nicole, and I, have been going to yoga for about 3 weeks. It's awesome! I can't believe how quickly I'm getting into shape. Usually we go to the evening yoga classes because that is all our schedules allow, but Friday my morning class canceled and Lisa has Fridays off- so we went to the morning class. Wow doggie! Apparently the class we go to is beginners. I actually moaned OUCH! in the middle of class. Everyone laughed- and I was comforted to see other people grimacing in pain. Awesome. I'm going any morning I can.

Later we went out for dinner with the boys (after being invited, then uninvited, then re-invited) to say farewell to Sean, who is going to work in an even smaller town than Andong. Which is small. The boys were being extra boyish though, proving that men really are like fine wine and need to be kept in a dark quiet place until they mature into something you WANT to have at dinner, so Lisa and I went back to my place and watched more True Blood. We are into the second season now, downloaded from the internet at the LIGHTNING speed of S Korean internet. It takes me about 15 to 20 minutes to download a movie.

Saturday
Lisa and I caught a bus to Daegu to go shopping around 1pm. Daegu is the fourth largest city in S Korea, with 2.5 million people, and is a fashion center. Shopping heaven! Oh my! I didn't have any money before last weekend so I had been avoiding trying on anything because I knew I would just want. Now I am going to have to be very very careful not to blow all of money on just clothes!

It takes about an hour and twenty minutes to get there and then we took the subway into the shopping district. And both of us bought shoes with in the first 20 minutes. Shoes, shoes, shoes- shoes deserve an entire post, or several, just devoted to them so I'll just leave it at this-

These shoes rule!

Then we followed the crowd to see what the excitement was about and watched break dancers for about 45 minutes.They were awesome. And, in a city of over 2 million people, we ran into our neighbor Nathan, along with Kate and Sheena- EPIK teachers from Andong. Small country I guess. Or, none of us westerners can resist a funky beat. I got interviewed by the guy with the camera. 'Where are you from?'- 'Detroit, rock city, USA', 'What do you think?'-'AWESOME!'


After that we went back to shopping. I knew I would love the shopping here, I loved it in Mexico too because people are more my size. But here! Not only are people my size, they are actually my shape too! Except, and I think this is hilarious, I'm actually a little too busty for some of the clothes. My lil' b-cups were close to bursting some buttons! I love the style here too. It's sort of a baby doll fashion that suits me to a T! Over the course of the day I bought 1 pair of shoes, a hoodie covered in skulls, pair of sweat pants for yoga, a frilly under dress type thing, another dress, and a cardigan. All black, of course, except the hoodie, which is grey. I probably would have bought more except in many stores they wouldn't let me try anything on. I don't know why. They all had dressing rooms, some of the stores would let Korean try stuff on- but not me! Because I'm a dirty foreigner? The clothes were on sale? I don't know. But it really bummed me out.

We had lunch at a Canadian owned restaurant called 'The Holy Grill' and I had a bacon cheese burger and Lisa had a chicken gyro. Mmmmm. Yummy. Sometimes you just don't realize that you miss something until you spend $10 to have it. Although I did feel like I had a huge lump in my belly for the rest of the day...

Lisa wanted to get her hair cut so we peered in the windows of salons until we saw one where both the stylist and the clientele looked hip and young and Lisa made a semi appointment. Then we shopped some more. When Lisa went to her appointment I went to go and try find the first store we went to to get the very first dress I had tried on. I couldn't find the store and I got lost on the way back. I stopped and asked a westerner (he was the only westerner who had smiled at me all day- in Andong all the westerners at least nod. Must be a big city thing) if he could tell me where Wa Bar was (The bar was next to the salon). He wasn't from Daegu either and he stopped some Korean girls and asked them. While they were thinking about it, I asked the guy directing traffic around the karaoke in the middle of the street , he thought about it for a second- and then looked up and pointed across the street. Right in front of us. After we stopped laughing we introduced ourselves and me and my new friend Jayce went and had a drink while I waited for Lisa's hair to finish getting did. I had a martini. A dirty martini. Hallelujah! You can't get a martini in Andong. At least that I know of.

When Lisa's hair was done we said goodbye to Jayce- after exchanging facebook contact of course, and ran to the store to see if we could get the dress. Which had already been sold dammit! And then ran to a taxi, and RAN the last block to the bus- the last bus- which we made in the nick of time. The Andong crew was also on the bus.

After returning we spiffed up in our new duds and went out drinking with the crew and ended up at the super disco noreabang with konglish lyrics and the evening culminated in a 5am light saber fight at family mart. Awesome.

Sunday
I made breakfast for the neighbors, which is hopefully going to be a regular thing. I like cooking for people the only food I miss on a regular basis is big ol American breakfasts. Even Doug made it. He's been living in the canary Islands for the best 10 years with a siesta type schedule. Waking up has been a struggle for him. Hence the 'Time to Wake Up' shirt that was a gift from Lisa and I.


After breakfast, around 4pm, Lisa and I took a walk to check out more of our neighborhood. We wanted to walk across this bridge and check out the park on the other side.



Unfortunately- it turned out that the bridge didn't actually reach the other side!



So we had to walk all the way around, back through where came from. So we stopped to play on the teeter totter



And take pictures of a structure I pray I will never ever NEVER have to use



Porta-potties with
SQUAT TOILETS!







We went under the main street bridge. We do this often actually. To go west from our neighborhood- like toward downtown- you have to cross the big street at the crosswalk, checking carefully to make sure everyone is actually going to stop for the red light, or you can just take the path under the bridge. Which I like better anyways- it's prettier. I have been told there are spiders the size of your hand in the summer though.
Finally- the other side of the river! Here's my neighborhood from across the river. That's the bridge that just doesn't quite cross...

By this time we had to head back because Eric was taking us to E-Mart (like Walmart but way more expensive). I wanted to buy a swiffer wet jet but couldn't because even though they have an entire shelf filled with the wet jet liquid, they didn't actually carry the wet jet. You can get coffee that come with lotion or chapstick samples though.

Or feminine supplies for, um, Mrs Kong?














You can see all the pics here. Tomorrow- we go to Seoul!

Going to the doctor.

A few weeks ago I experienced my first run with Asian Dust- dust particles from the Gobi desert in Mongolia, that pick up pollution whilst drifting over China, and then dumps it on east Asia. I was pretty laid out for a couple of days. Like a bad allergy cycle. The dust has picked up again this week and this time I got a sinus infection.

Since I also needed to get a prescription to get my allergy inhaler filled, I went to the office and told them I wanted to cancel all my classes today, except for the business English (TOEIC) class, so I could go to the doctor. The TOEIC exam is through ETS, the same company that Americans have to take tests like the SAT and GRE through, and the class is pretty structured and rigid. Plus it only meets once a week. My other classes are pretty loose. Basically, I have a text but I can do whatever the hell I want and no one checks up on me. Lucky for them I'm super conscientious, I like to teach, and I'm actually trained to do this job. Unfortunately, the office employees don't speak very good English and my Korean is still at the level of 'hello', 'thank you', and 'please hold up your fingers so I know what the amount really is'. So they canceled my TOEIC class too. Now I have to make it up in June. Boo.

I took a bus from school to downtown to where I thought the hospital was. Since it wasn't there, I went to the tourist info center at the train station and asked them (they speak English). Then I took a cab to the hospital because my head was aching and it was about a 15 minute walk. I went to the info desk at the hospital- armed with my Korean/English dictionary that already had post its on the pages for 'need' ,doctor', 'sinusitis', and 'prescription'. The receptionist smiled, took my health and alien card and entered me into the system, and then led me by the hand, literally, to the waiting area for the eyes, ears, and throat doctor. I had to wait about 2 hours, which wasn't bad, mostly because I fell asleep, and then they called me into the doctors office.

The doctor asked my symptoms, in English, sorta, I told him and showed him my prescription from the states (tipped the bottle to show him it was almost empty), and then he put a scope up my nose and looked around. Crazy. I've had sinus problems since I broke my orbital in 2001 and I've never gotten a scope before. Then he said, 'Yes, sinusitis, 1 week medicine, take it all!' and showed me the Korean version of my allergy inhalor and showed me how to push the button. Hehehe. I wonder if I impressed him by being such a quick learner.

Then a nurse took me by the hand again, checked me out at that clinic, and then led me downstairs where I payed 14,900 won (about $13) for the visit. They also gave me the prescription and held up a sign for me to read that said,' There are 4 pharmacies around the hospital, please take this prescription to one of them immediately, show them your hospital receipt also, Korean law separates medicine and prescription'. I don't know what that last part means exactly. Maybe- the doctors can't give you the drugs? A way to keep pharmaceutical companies under control?

I walked out of the hospital and crossed the street to the first pharmacy I saw and went in and handed them my prescription, receipt, and alien card. It took about 5 minutes to fill and I was handed 2 strips of medicine. The pharmacist told me to take one pack from one strip in the mornings and a pack from the other strip at night, and to make sure I took dinner, and then he made eating motions. Plus he gave me my allergy inhaler and tapped his nose.

I have no idea what is in these packs but I took the morning one 'with dinner' when I got home. I'm guessing at least one pill is an antibiotic. 2 of the pills are in both strips and the night time dose has an extra pill. I know the allergy inhalor is the same one I got at home.
How do I know this? Well, because it says so in English-
Total costs for the 4 prescriptions was 41,500 won ($37). I had to pay 12,400won ($13.25). The rest was covered by the national plan. In the US my copay was $5 per prescription. And- which would have cost me $20, and the allergy inhaler alone was $95 with out a prescription. I am pretty satisfied with the health care here so far.

I took a taxi home, got home around 1, slept all afternoon, and it's almost 6 now. I'm going to go get some fruit at the market and come home and eat leftover curry that Doug made for my birthday yesterday and blog about last weekend. Because I'm going to Seoul this weekend, sinus infection or not!

Someone loves you honey

This past weekend was just great. Awesome from beginning to end. I will put up a big big blog about it later, but for right now I will just talk about one aspect.



Saturday, Lisa and I went to Daegu to go shopping. Shoes, oh glorious shoes.... Anyways, while Lisa was getting her haircut I met a guy from New York who has been teaching in Korea for 10 months. His girlfriend was supposed to meet him here but she died a month after he got to Korea. He was very genuine, open, and still raw. And this whole weekend since I have been very sentimental about those who have gone before. Which, as those I grew up with know, is way too many.

So- to all of you have past, and to all of you who are still here, remember- whatever you do, where ever you go

Wow

So- I'm giving each of the 2 sections of freshman English who actually met all 3 times last week a free day and playing games. I put the students into 5 groups of 4-5 and had them list the English speaking countries, cities, holidays, and names in rounds.

I made it very clear that English had to be the native language, the main language. Not a single group could list more than 5 English speaking countries and answers included Mexico, Denmark, Russia, Switzerland, and SPAIN! Let me add that this was a lesson last week in the text book AND we wrote every country, that anyone in the class could think of, and it's language ON THE BOARD! I even drew continents.

For cities, answers included Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Alaska. Holidays were ok- about thirty percent of the population is Christian and they have many other similar holidays. Names were good although I told them 'No family/last names! Only first names!' and they still tried to give me Spears, Depp, Jolie, and Thurman.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised- it's not like most American 18 year olds can fill out a map either. Hallelujah to the nuns who beat geography into me.

Totally non sequitur, I discovered a brand of 100% additive free tobacco today. It's called 'Hoopa', which is an American native tribe. The motto is 'The Secret of Columbus Taste'. They cost 3,000 won (about $2.75). They taste ok. Mostly I bought them because they came in a tin can and I love that kind of stuff. Usually I smoke Dunhill or Parliament lights at 2,500 won (about $2.25). Camels aren't sold here and I don't like Marlboro lights. Esse, skinny girlie looking, is a really popular brand. Experimenting has caused me to buy mini cigars twice.