Yeah...you could call me a road warrior

So I may or may not have just purchased a bicycle. Mind you this isn't just any bicycle - it's a K-STYLE bike. Neon pink with one normal sized tire in front and a small wheel in the back. It is also equipped with a white basket and matching bell. I don't know why I waited so long to buy one. I've only been wanting one for months.

Good thing I'm staying another year...going to get my moneys worth!!!

Seven Weeks

It has been a disturbing 7 weeks since I last saw Sionna and Paulina. We went from sharing every free second together to having no face to face contact for almost two months. I've been pretty bothered by it actually considering I've made countless phone calls throughout the many weeks in an attempt to stay in touch and make plans for the weekend. But it seems every weekly invitation I sent out was rejected for one reason or another. Not to mention I didn't receive a single phone call in that entire duration from either one of them unless it was to return one of my phone calls. As down about it as I've become, I have finally come to the realization that they'll really make the effort when they want to see me. What I still can't comprehend was why it took 7 weeks for that theory to become a reality. Despite my efforts, I should have tried more. I guess I really don't fit into the "sisterhood" when I'm in the next city over, not able to share every meal or grocery shopping trip. It has become more clear to me that I was always the third-wheel. When we were together. But at least they have each other...right?

The one that means the most is the first to leave

Who knew I'd come all the way to Korea and fall in love...

Man do I love freedom...

A great holiday snuck up on all of us foreigners by surprise. And within a few days, we managed to pull together a very festive Independence Day. A roof top BBQ was in order and to give our holiday a spin, we declared it a white trash 4th of July. Everyone showed up in their best gear (corn rows, white beaters, handlebar moustaches, flannel, and bandannas) and with any American produced foods they could muster up (Lays Potato Chips, Miller Light, Pringles, and Budweiser). Yes...we weren't messing around this holiday. We purchased grills and coolers and loaded up on hot dogs and burgers, salt potatoes, and pasta salad. The buffet line was an American dream but the games were even more of a spectacle. We made frequent toasts to Democracy and freedom among many other things. We shot-gunned beers (a first for me believe it or not) to all 50 states and we even managed to set up a little flip cup action. Everyone was feeling pretty toasty and it wasn't long before we headed to Dublins for a little more fun. The problem with this was that after our day of drinking, everyone was well...drunk and mind you it was only 11pm. We may have been rowdy. I may have forgot to pay my tab at Dublins (oops). But that's what we were all about this past fourth of July - good American fun!

We later ended up in L.A. for a few hours of crazy, sweaty dancing and people began to stumble home from there. I would say this was an Independence Day for the books.

I'm pretty sure I will never forget 7.4.09, the day America rocked in Korea.

A Change of Address

I am proud to say that my brother has graduated from a two year community college with an associates degree in travel and tourism. And most recently, he has been accepted to attend Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina this coming fall. There, he will study resort and tourism management for the next two years. I couldn't be happier or more excited for him and his new endeavor. He is planning to get an apartment with a few of his other friends that were also accepted and live it up in the sunny south. Located only 4 miles from Myrtle Beach, I'm sure my brother will get along just fine. But let's just hope he makes it to class on a regular basis. I think my parents are excited to have more of an excuse to visit the Carolina's as it's one of their favorite destinations. I'm actually thrilled about him being there too. Maybe I'll have to put off Manhattan for another few years and hit up SC for a bit.

Really, I just miss my brother. :)
Congrats Colt! Love you!

Good Blogger Gone Bad

As much as I love blogging, I have been absolutely terrible at keeping up with it lately. Ever since the summer came and brought the sunshine with it, I find myself outdoors far too much to be sitting inside typing away on a computer - and gladly so. But don't you fret as I never stopped writing. I will admit I haven't written as much as I'd like, but I have a whole notebook of blogs to post. Now it's just a matter of finding time to post them all!

So in the meantime, hold tight as I have plenty of memories and stories to share!

But please excuse the timing on a lot of them as many of the events I speak of have already passed and may seem a little outdated.

Happy reading!

Sober Sunday

In attempt to continue our efforts in having Sober Sundays, we decided to take advantage of a beautiful, hot and sunny day and do something cultural. Off we went to Suwon Fortress with cameras in hand. We arrived about an hour later and waited for a trolley car with a giant dragon head to pick us up. We starting making our way around the giant fortress snapping pictures of everything. We even rang a giant bell and each of us made a wish for our families (which is what the bell signifies). Words can't describe how beautiful it is so here are some photos:

Here's an exerpt from the website:

"Hwaseong Fortress was constructed as an act of filial devotion by Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), and to strengthen his power, eradicate party conflict, and fortify the southern area of the capital. Construction was started along Mt.Paldalsan in January 1794 and completed in September 1796 under the supervision of Chae Je-gong, a former minister and the magistrate of Yeongjungchubu County."