The Absolutely Awesome Adventures of Alexis

Spartans

2011-08-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

So when I say that I have things to catch up on I am serious! SO here goes.

The Spartan Race.

Since about February, my good friend Matt has been obsessed with the idea of doing a Spartan Race. The Spartan is a race that can be anywhere from 3-15 miles long, with 10+ obstacles during the race. It's nuts!

Finally in July the time for the Spartan had arrived. Matt assembled a team of 15+ people who all decided to join in the Spartan fun. For the record, I was not part of this team, I was on the cheerleading team for this event. The team consisted of people in our group of friends new and old. Three of the boys on the team came from each coast for this little friendship reunion which I loved. We all spent the weekend with Matt's family and stayed up later they most should have for running this race the next day but ooooh well.

After everyone went to bed Laurel, Cara, and I stayed up late to make signs for the runners which are not pictured. The following morning, after a breakfast for champions, we headed out for the race and were out of the house by 7:30 am. Probably shouldn't have made all those signs because we were feeling it.

We finally got to the location in Midvale, UT and took in all the Spartaness. This place was crazy and filled with plenty of attractive men walking around without their shirts on so don't worry about that, energy, and the "Spartan Spirit". We took one big group picture, wrote some numbers on our team, and off they went.

Aside from running 8+ miles these were the obstacles that they had to finish and if they could not they had to do burpees. Here are the obstacles from what I gathered:

1. jump over a wall, then run under a net rope

2. over a wall, under a wall, through a wall, then repeated again

3. shoot a gun

4. climb a net rope thing

5. over a 6. foot wall, then 8 foot wall, then a 10 foot wall

6. balance boards

7. balance on logs as you try to get across

8. cinder block carry

9. rope climb

10. carry a tire

11. rubrics cube

12. monkey bars

13. javelin throw

14. some weird wall slicked down with soap that you had to climb and slide down the other side 15. mud crawl under bared wire

16. fire jump

17. mud pit swim

Like I said, I just was just a cheerleader so I had fun watching them do all of these things.

So here is my photo documentation of this event.

All of the runners

Everyone that went! Runners and cheer squad

Matt and I. This is what I did all day long. Wrote the runners numbers wherever they wanted it. I seriously loved this job.

Matt, Me, Kris, and Tyler just bonding and prepping for the race. I was the motivator as well I'd like to think.

There were only three girls that ran but these are all of the girls that went

Emma = Runner Laurel and I = biggest fans Emma really is just sooo hardcore.

Some of the boys right before the race. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that all of the boys cut their hair in mohawks and tried to grow beards for this event. Super proud.

After the event started we had time to get to know/take picture of the Spartans that hit you with the q-tip things as you run across that finish line. They loved us.

Some obstacles

Team Horkleys

Proud finishers. Just displaying their manliness

After the race the runners and spectators got to eat, dance, listen to music, get free drinks, and sign the contestant walls. Once again, soo proud.

Finally after a long, hot, sweaty, tough, and fun day full of memories it was time to go home. But, not before taking this beauty.

Everything said and done this was seriously one of the highlights of the summer.

We had so much fun this weekend and all were participants in some way. Such a fun memory. This was one of the first times I got to cheer on Emma in something like this and I enjoyed being on the side but only for a bit.

We've decided, well I've decided and made Adam decided too, that we are doing a Spartan in November 19 in Malibu, CA. Some of the people pictured will come and participate too. It will be a fun event and I seriously can't wait.

I was glad I had the chance to go to this and cheer on all of my friends. They really are just Spartan Strong.

Things to come...

2011-08-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

These are the things that I have to blog about in the coming days.

Maybe they will be seperate posts maybe they won't.

The Spartan Race

The end of school

Girls Camp 2011

Crazy day in LA

Welcome home Elder Nelson

Family Vacation

Maybe a few other things but I haven't got there yet.

Flash Dance Moment

2011-07-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

This one is for you Mom.
So Monday night was our ward Closing Social (not really our closing since we're doing mud football tonight and a dessert Linger Longer on Sunday but whatever). After the social we all came home and underloaded my car from the last closing social I will be in charge of.
As I was unloading my car I found a water jug from the weekend that Emma and I failed to finish. All of my roommates plus a few on lookers (8+ people) where standing on my balcony when I looked at Emma and said
"what if I just pour this over my head all sexy like?"
Well, everyone started yelling for me to do it.

My own personal Flash Dance Moment.
One thing led to another and this happened.
I thought no one had a camera but I can't get that lucky.

I don't really know why I did it or what possessed me to but it happened.
Not sexy at all really.
Funny more than anything. Eventually, about 30% of the girls in our ward came out and wondered what was going on so they as well go to share in the magic as well. This picture makes me a little embarrassed but apparently not embarrassed enough not to post it. Reason it's for you Mom? "All I ever wanted was a Princess Alexis, but I got you." Me in response: "I know Mom, one day we'll get there!" Looks like we've still got a long way to go. Somethings just feel right.

Fourth of July

2011-07-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, the only thing that I looked forward to on the Fourth of July was not having to do anything, being in my swim suit all day, and making toilet paper roll bombs with my Uncle Randy and his friends.

As I get older I have soon found out that I love this Holiday more than any other (except for Thanksgiving, they'll pretty much tied). For the past few years I have gone to Bear Lake, Idaho with some close friends and their family. This year we had a lot of options for July 4th but we decided to just stay in Idaho and have a relaxing weekend in town.

To my surprise it was the greatest! We started the weekend on Friday night with outdoor volleyball, dinner, movie, and finished with a fire outside, all filled with lots and lots of friends. Saturday: After sleeping in for hours, we got a big group of people together and went to Rigby lake. We were there all day it felt like. We were actually only there for six hours, but it was the hottest sun ever to me though so it felt like all day! I even got a little burnt which never happens! I was just glad to have some color and was so happy to be with lots of friends.

We BBQ'd all day and I love that about this weekend. For lunch we had hot dogs. This is Kris. I like to give nicknames and I called him the Weiny King for the day. Probably not the most appropriate but it still makes me laugh a little bit.

We also enjoyed sides like watermelon. I felt like there was an endless supply of that. So delicious.While waiting for our lunch to settle we went and did some Karaoke. I thought that it would just be funny to say I was going to do it and then trick all of my friends into doing it, but no dice. I was the first one. I sang with my friend Leif. A nice little duet called "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem and Rihanna. Maybe you've heard of it. We took a video but it embarrasses me sooo much that I can't post it. Here is Leif and I after our little number just so pleased with our performance. We then got to watch almost everyone in our group sing themselves. Emma and Jenny finished off the group by singing "Summer Lovin" from Grease which was a great way for us to end. Emma had some great dance moves and that is a video that I feel is worth posting when I find it.
We then went back to the water and played for a few more hours. A couple of us even decided to swim across the lake and we did great! Finally we decided to go home. On our way home though we spotted this beauty. Emma started freaking out before I saw it and then finally yelled "AMERICA" which meant that we had to take a picture next to it because it really was just so American.
We then later went to the Duck Pond here in Rexburg but did not stay long because five mins into our duck feeding we were getting eaten alive by mosquitoes and I couldn't handle it so I ran away and didn't take any pictures except for Emma kissing her Diet Pepsi because she said it was a necessity for this weekend.
That night we just relaxed some more had another small fire and enjoyed some nice weather. Really nothing too exciting. Sunday was the exact same thing.
Finally on Monday we got to celebrate! We started our day out by playing 3 hours worth of Sand Volleyball. I wanted to die about 20 mins into playing because my shoulders were burnt and I have found out that I am the biggest baby when I'm burnt. Oh well. the whole time that we played the Rexburg parade was going on and we got to see that and listen to the great music that it provided. After playing we all went home and washed up for the day. We had a huge BBQ. The only thing we listened to while there? American pride music. Eventually they fixed the flag and it looked ten times better. It's still hanging now actually.
We then all jumped into cars and went down to Idaho Falls. This is where they have the biggest firework show this side of the Mississippi. That could totally be false but that's just what I heard. We spent the time waiting for the show to start by drawing with sidewalk chalk, playing volleyball, catch, eating, and just whatever felt right.
We did some walking around and stopped at some of the crazy street vender's. It really was such a nice afternoon because the weather. We sat right on the water and directly across from the temple and directly on the falls which made for a great view.
So the falls were accidentally cut out but you get the gist.
As the night went on everyone got more and more excited for the show to start.
This was taken right before fireworks. I just like it because Adam and his ghost like complexion make me look the tannest ever! We had to get one in. So so sooo excited for the fireworks to start. Finally the fireworks started and it was so happy. Not really the best but I loved the show so much that I only took this at the very beginning of the show. Just imagine lots and lots of firework that filled up the entire sky. The show went on for 30-45 mins and was absolutely spectacular. It felt like the were exploding right over you and shook your body every time. It was amazing! After the Idaho Falls show we went to a member of our bishoprics home who invited us to come over and watch him blow off some of his illegal fireworks, he's such a good example. Illegal or not they were great! I loved them so much. My favorite part would have to be when Brother Smith "accidentally" tossed them our way and they went off 5 feet away from us. He yelled "oh crap", I hid under a blanket and all the boys who surrounded me ran away without even checking on me. Epic fail on their part. I kept shouting at the boy I was there with that if we were dating we'd be completely broken up. Little dramatic I know but he left me. Finally our night and extremely long day was over, or so we thought. We got back on the road to Rexburg. Traffic was awful and our 30 mins drive ended up being 1 1/2 hours long! My car and a few others took a detour and I was the only one who got home in under two hours because I super ILEGALLY cut through a shoulder and a construction zone. Thanks to the three boys in my car giving me courage to break the law! And, sorry that the cop caught you and not me Emma. Somethings just happen.

All and all it was a great day! I love the Fourth of July and was so glad I could spend it with close friends and everything was so nice!

Family of Bloggers

2011-07-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

So, I've been blogging off and on since 2007.
By off and on I mean that I didn't blog for two years and now have this strange desire to do it.
Well, little miss Ashlynn just took her first job ever in Colorado Springs as a nanny.
She decided to blog and that made me happy.
Then I was talking to my mother Renee and I said
"hey Mom, you should start blogging! All of your girls are out of the house and you don't get the chance to talk to everyone of us everyday so you should blog about all the crazy things that happen there!"
Renee is sometimes technologically challenged, in my opinion, and I never thought she would but a weeks later guess who got her own blog? That's right. Renee!
Ashlynn and Mom have both started blogging and are both already better at keeping theirs up than I am at keeping mine up.
Point: check out their blogs! I really enjoy reading them both and most people who read my blog know them and would enjoy their stories because they blog just like they talk.

Ashlynn's blog is

http://asher-basher.blogspot.com/

& Renee's blog is

http://reneeandx.blogspot.com/

I hope that you can all enjoy their blogs as much as I do.

They both only have two right now but they are both great.

Mom's most recent one about Adam and his ear makes me laugh every time!

Spirit Week Relay & Some Family. Lots of Adam.

2011-07-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Topics of this blog:

50 Lap-Relay

Mom, Dad, Adam, & Bradon coming into town to pick up Sophia (Dad's pick up).

Every couple of semester BYU-Idaho does a spirit week 50-lap relay. For the past few years our ward has always competed. This semester we went the them of NERDS and ran with it. This is our group at the beginning of the race. I think we dressed sooo appropriately for the event. We alternated boy, girl, boy, girl and just had a blast with this event. I personally enjoyed the chance to wear whatever just felt right. You can't see it great here but my outfit = nerdy nerdy nerdy. I had a sign on my back that said kick me. Emma, as always, dressed the part but looked great and pulled it off beautifully. She ran the first lap of our race and was such a good competitor, which normally she is not. Way to go champ! Anywoo! There are over 100 wards here at BYU-Idaho and our ward took 2ND place! I'll admit, in the past I've tried to cheat to win (believe it or not) and we've always ended in like 15th or higher. This time though I was sooo distracted by everything going on, and our lack of boys, that I did not have time to tell everyone to cheat and we finished 2ND! I could not have been happier. I still don't really believe that cheaters never prosper but I can see how playing fair helps.
These are just a few (of the MILLION pictures taken) of my highlights.
Some of the girls all ready to run and in their NERD bests.
Danny Morgan. Good runner. Better Nerd. Best friend! Danny made me laugh the whole time that he ran his lap because he was so happy the entire time and ran with this wig on. He always just does it right. Kevin (Ronald McDonald) and Jake (another sick wig) running together. Jake helped Kevin run because he was wearing this Ronald head and could barely see. As Kevin ran around the track people went nuts! They loved this sooo much and Kevin was definitely a highlight of the night. They even announced "give it up for Ronald McDonald (insert people going crazy) on the PA system.
Remember how I mentioned earlier that we had a lack of boys? Well, enter my two heroes! Adam (brother) and Bradon Ray (Bobby Rays real brother, and my favorite adopted little tall brother). We were short just a few boys and Adam and Bradon sooo gladly stepped up to the plate. Which means that we peer pressured them into running for us.
They got into town (after their 20 hour drive to Idaho which is another blog in and of itself), unloaded the car, checked into their hotel room, changed into their clothes, and came to the relay. Such troopers!!!
They each ran one lap and did soo good. Adam did not so much love the fact that he had to run 1/4 of a mile with his asthma and the Idaho altitude but he did however love the fact that he could flirt with all of the college girls, which he did. Bradon, not so concerned with flirting, but more concerned about beating Bobby's time which he did. He was like a Gazelle.
We took this picture after they were all done running. I was soo happy that they could participate and had so much fun sharing a college experience with my brother(s). I hope to one day be as tan as Adam. One day Adam, one day.
After the boys ran we headed out early to get dinner because everyone was STARVING apparently and just couldn't wait. Literally Mom and Emma were whining because they both thought they were going to die of fatigue. Not the case guys. So, we ended up missing this final picture but here is the team at the end of the relay. Good job guys!
Like I've briefly mentioned some of my family was in town this weekend to pick up my Dad's truck that I've had up at school since August. She's had some problems so I've had two cars in Rexburg since April. I was sooo excited to have everyone here with me and Emma. My Dad and brothers have not been here for two years and I just LOVED having them here so much.

Me, Emma, Bobby and his fiance Kelsie all went to dinner with my family. We had a blast! I forget sometimes, because I've been away from home so long, how much I love spending time with them. My parents truly are two of my best friends and Adam is one of those too and has the funniest personality of anyone I know. We ate and then just sat at the restaurant and talked for another hour. The place was pretty much closing down around us but we just kept talking.

By the time we left the restaurant it was around 11 and Mom & Dad were pretty tired after their road trip so we went back to my complex and split up. Renee & X went back to the hotel. Bradon Adam, Emma, and I went to Sammy's for pie shakes.

After that Bradon went with Bobby, while Emma, Adam, and I went and hung out with my friends.

But while driving and taking some wrong turns we found this beauty. Which of course Adam HAD to plank on. With a car full of girls we thought we were going to get arrested but Adam didn't care and climbed it anyways.I'll admit, I was a little nervous about how Adam was going to feel around people all years older than him and his best friend not being with him, but he was great! I was the proudest older sister. He mingled, made friends, made good impressions, told jokes, and was completely confident. We hung out for hours and had a blast! We even got into a wrestling match with each other which made me feel right at home with him there. I love that as me and my siblings all get older we stop acting like siblings and more like friends.

Adam and Bradon both stayed the night at Bobby's (once again me stressing out and Adam not caring). The boys (my boys, like the boys I hang out with always) have this thing where they go to Ramirez, a local taco place that is the latest thing open in Rexburg, after curfew on Friday nights to chat and have some delicious food. Stephani Ray my roommate and Adam have this special bond after Steph came and stayed a week with my family. When Adam first got into town Steph was on a date which made Adam not so happy with her. When we got home that night Steph said that she HAD to see Adam right away and did not care where he was. So, Steph and I got in the car and went to Ramirez with the boys. That is the picture below.Once again, proud sister when I saw Adam mixing and mingling with all of the boys I hang out with daily. He's so confident and it wigs me out!

The next morning Emma and I went to my parents hotel room and enjoyed some nice time with them. We just lounged around for a while and talked about our lives and how things were changing in all of our lives. Emma needed Mom time and I need some Dad time. So, we both got exactly what we needed.
We then went out for a bite to eat, at the great Sandwich shop Millhollow and then went and met up with my friends who were playing a great game of sand volleyball. Adam once again stepped up and played like a champ with all the people there. He's quite the athlete I guess.

After the game everyone got to meet my parents. It was so great to have all of my friends meet them and for my parents to finally put names with faces of people I've been friends with for years now. Having my real family and my Idaho family meet was the greatest thing. I think both parties really enjoyed it. Mom also fell in love with some of the boys that I spend my time with and to this day can't get over why I'm not in love with all of them.

Because of the traumatic experiences it was getting up here my parents wanted to get on the road asap. We went back to my complex and loaded the truck onto the trailer. Most of the boys who played and even some who couldn't make it came to help my Dad load the truck. It was the nicest thing! Both my parents were super impressed and I was super grateful. I sure couldn't do it.

It was then time for my parents to leave but not before my family and friends all talked for another hour in the scorching sun and my roommates and I shuffled with Adam.

Finally it really was time for them to leave. We said our quick byes and love yous and off they went. Not before we planked Sophia though.

She was a good truck and taught me lots. Life lessons have been learned in this Ford truck. I'm really not being sarcastic either. Thank you Sophia for being so great to me. You are missed daily. I know that there are no picture of my parents being here but they were. I promise.

It was great having them here no matter how brief it was. I could not have needed it more and could not have been more grateful to play with Adam. He's such a stud. Thank Mom & Dad for the world wind visit!

You may also be asking yourself "what is shuffling?" Well here it is. Please follow the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ6zr6kCPj8

We throw food for fun

2011-06-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago while brainstorming ideas for ward activities Jacob looked at me and said "I think we should just do a massive Food Fight!" I laughed and then realized he was completely serious and that this was something that we were doing because Jacob was excited and loved the idea. We set the date and the activity was under way.

Activities provided flour, refried beans, and crushed tomatoes. Everyone who participated was asked to bring whatever food they would like to throw in the food fight.

I got off work at 5. Grabbed my roommates and headed to the dollar store where we got ammo for the fight. Things we purchased = Italian dressing, powdered sugar, pudding, syrup, oil, pie filling and some other weird weird things. We then went to the activity. This is our before picture. Those water guns. Full of oil. We're creative I think.

Admittedly I was very worried about how people would feel about this activity but we had a warm reception to the idea. My roommates and I met up with our ward and then led the troops outside of town so that we could have our food fight and hopefully not get arrested or a citation.
This may or may not come as a surprise but in the past year I have had cops and many many security guards show up to many of the activities because of what we were doing. This time we were cautious. And by cautious I mean smart and went outside of town-ish.
Anyways, once we got to the park we split into teams. Made alliances. And took a team before pic.Then the festivities began. I ran around the outside and snuck up on the opposite team from behind. It's all about strategy really. Flour went everywhere! It was like a cloud of flour. As thing progressed they just got grosser and grosser (made up word). Obvious by the mayo in the air this was serious.Julia really really like the ketchup bottle and rightfully. I mean look at her. She was so gross and I felt a wee bit bad for her. Things began to slow down and we then had time to admire each other.This is Emily. I love this girl. (I even went on a road trip with her which means a lot) She was soo grossed out by this and you can completely see that in this picture. I think that I would be grossed out too if you could make a full Italian dinner with everything that she was wearing food wise.

These are some of the people after the actual fight. You can't say that you're not impressed.

This was our after the battle roommate picture minus Emma because she immediately ran to the water to rinse off. We all felt gross and you can see why. This picture just makes me happy.

After we all rinsed off we took this picture. Reasons I love it? One thing. Kris Burgess. Creeping into this picture shirtless.Reasons I wouldn't do it again? I think I still have powdered sugar and refried beans in my ears and hair and my clothes will forever smell like corn gross gross. I am glad that we did this. I've always wanted to do a huge food fight for some reason. I loved every second of it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Vegas, Vegas, Vegas

2011-06-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

WARNING: THIS POST HAS A LOT OF PICTURES!

When Emma and I were younger we forever used to say that on our 21st birthdays we would go to vegas for our birthdays, meaning I wait until Emma was 21 and we'd celebrate her 21st and my half 21st. It is very typical and cliche I know but we both felt that it was the right thing to do. So, last month was Emma's 21st birthday and once again the topic came up. We had talked about it with my family when we were last home but had not said anything about it in months. The week of Emma's birthday I told my Mom that we'd really like to go and she laughed. No surprise. So I took that as a no. Emma's birthday was on a Friday. On Wednesday I was sitting in my class when I got a text from my Mom. It said "Race you to Vegas. Rooms booked for Friday-Sunday. See you there".......WHAT? immediate joy is what. I ran home and told Emma and we were both full of joy. Well you can imagine that two days later Emma and I were in a car on our way to Fabulous Las Vegas. (there was a lot of stress on Emma's part because of classes and what not (Emma's not mine) but it all just worked out perfect!) Within 24 hours we had figured out classes, callings, assingments and everthing that one would need to so we could leave for a stress free birthday celebration weekend. We spent most of Emma's birthday in the car travelling but some of our best times are during road trips so it did not really matter to us. We did end up beating Mom to Vegas (only by seconds, but it was a victory that I'll take). People on this trip included Rhonda, Robert, Grandma (such a nice surprise), Ashlynn, Deasiya, Mom, Emma, and I. My Dad and the boys stayed home for a guys weekend, sad, but I understood. After settling into our rooms and changing from car apparell the festivities began. It was about 11 p.m but our party was ready to play. We went out onto Freemont street and were delighted to see this Queen light showon the roof above. A little weird but it's Vegas.

Ashlynn was more than happy to see the "Four Queens" where the Rat Pack used to eat. She was a little bit of a creep about this place but we did not mind.

All four our the sisters. This was the frist time we had all been together in like, oh, 6 months. It was beautiful and we could have not been more pleased.

Keeping in mind it was Emma's birthday we got some late night grub at a walk up type of place. When we were on our way out Robert got Emma a birthday cake (brownie) and we then sang to her on the elevator. It was so happy.

We then decided since we were in the city that never sleeps (I don't really know if that's Vegas or not) we would go to the pool at 1 a.m, apparently as a whole we are night owls. The picture below is not that great but Ashlynn makes me laugh because she is such a good picture taker. While we were there we saw "Bobby Ray" from Sweet Home Alabama. We definetly stared until we realized who he was but that no big deal. All picture by pools were taken on Ashlynn's camera so sorry about that. Saturday was nuts! Agenda: breakfast, pool, shopping, eating, sight seeing, learning new stuff, and just having a good time. We woke up. Got dressed. Had breakfast and hit the town. Our first stop was the mall. In my family apparently you can't go on vacation without going shopping, which I don't get but I was not going to complain.
The mall had rougly 600 escalators. Emma looked great on all of them.
Randomly while we shopped, the floor came up from under groud and all of the sudden there were male models for LaCost just strutting their stuff.
Well we shopped and shopped. Truth be told we did a lot of waiting for Grandma and Rhonda to be done shopping. They can go forever! We then headed back to the hotel so we could enjoy some pool time. But, on our way back Mom and Robert realized that we were just blocks away from GOLD & SILVER PAWN SHOP. The shop has been made famous from show on some network called Pawn Stars. What to do in a situation like that? Find the shope and go to the Pawn shop. After a little google search and GPS guidance, we ended up at the shop. We waited in line because apparently EVERYONE loves them too. It was so fun though, ghetto, smelly, but great fun! That is when I realized that I get my random and spontaneous from my mother. Such a proud moment.
I guess my family watches the show because everyone was so happy to be there. Mom and Grandma kept looking for Chumlee. Never spotted though. We were not disappointed though. We were just glad to be there! I would also like to say that since this trip I have watched pawn stars and I do like it as much as one person can. It makes me laugh and every time we watch it I get to say "I've been there" never gets old. We then went back to the hotel and sat pool side for a while. It was so nice and we all had a good time just relaxing and trying to get some color. Deasiya beat us all that's for sure. haha! Just kidding D! We then went back to our room and got ready to go out again. We felt that it was appropriate to look saucy and we really enjoyed this chance. We went to the Mirage for dinner and found this in the lobby. You better believe we fit 5 people in the phone booth. I think everyone was impressed. We couldn't breath when the door was closed but it was well worth it. Not a one person could stop laughing at this. We then went to dinner and finally got to sing to Emma in an appropriate setting with a real cake and candle. The whole group at dinnerAfter dinner we went to the fountains at Bellagio. This was one of the happiest parts for me. I loved them!Then walked the strip a little more and were happy with everything we saw If you ask Emma and Ashlynn, seeind and taking a picture with Darth was the best part of the night. He was not as scary as he looks. Emma loves Pina Colada's (virgin) and was so glad that she got to buy one, they carded her, and she could still get it. Getting carded was just part of what made being 21 so happy to Emma. She was very very sad when it was all gone though.After our night of play we headed back to the hotel and once again hit up the pool and played a bit more. Most of our group went to bed but Ashlynn, Emma, and I stayed up to play until we could no longer. While we were walking back to our room we found this casino chair. Emma had to take a picture. she will forver cherish this. becoming 21 doesn't make you less of a nerd I guess. now I know that I'm going to get in trouble for this one. Ashlynn = not really throwing up in the bushes, but she thought that this picture would be funny. she was right. it makes me laugh every time. Once we got back to our room, Ashlynn and I stayed up and talked until the early morning which I really enjoyed. It was fun to be with Ash in a place that we did not have to worry about anything or have any responsibilities. We're both always so busy and this was a good chance to catch up. I'm very excited for Ashlynn to go to Colorado this next month for the Fall because it will be a good adventure for her. She just all around makes me happy.
On Sunday we lounged around for a while and then headed out. We took a few pictures before leaving. I was sad to see everyone go this time but it was almost perfectly in the middle of the semester so it did not feel like it would be long before I saw them again.

Me & Grams (I really enjoy her leg pop here)
Mom & the girls After saying byes we all got back on the road and headed back to reality. The weekend was so fun. We did everything that Vegas had to offer us and enjoyed all of our time together away from everything that was happening.
Our trip was great and ended just the way it should. Emma sleeping and me driving.
It was the perfect ending to a great weekend. Thanks to Robert and Mom being spontaneous, we had a fabulous time.

Who would have thought.....

2011-06-06T14:18:00.001-07:00

that I'd ever blog again? Count me among that group of non-believers. Don't get me wrong, I love to blog but I kind of fell off the band wagon a while back (2 years ago, rough estimate) and then couldn't quit figure out how to get back on it but due to a recent school assignment and a roommate who loves to take pictures here I am!

Well things on my end have been just great. I'm still at BYU-Idaho, on the 10 year plan apparently. I have recently changed my major (surprise, surprise) to Recreational Management with an emphasis in Therapy. I LOVEEE IT! Last semester was full of great memories such as the following.

rock climbing, which I like to enjoy once a week now because of my outdoor class and especially loved because Ashlynn came up and visited one week and we got to share this fun little activity together.

Moose Hockey games in Jackson Hole, WY. I can't explain the Canadian flag. Somethings just happen.Activities. I'm still helping with them in my ward. Going on the fourth semester and I love all of the crazy people I get to work with. Apparently we all wanted to wear the same colors just in case we took a picture.
and new friend making (like Erica on the left) but I still kept the same best one, Emma. I like to think that Emma is like cheese (I can't use the wine reference), she just gets better with age!

Last semester was of course get and filled with great memories. This semester however, I think is even better! I just love the summer and being outdoors and because of my major and just life in general I get the best of both all the time! Like the Ropes Course RS activity we just had. I get to shoot. Pure recreation. I know I'm not shooting here but my face says how I feel about the whole thing and I am a really good at throwing clay pigeons despite what some may say.

I have 5 pretty ok roommates, okay, they're all pretty great. As a whole we make for one crazy apartment. The poor sweet, sweet girls below us could testify.Everyone just looks so proper in their Sunday apparel. and for right now that is it. There is much more to report I'm sure but too much to put into one post. Like Emma turning 21 and our fun filled weeked trip to VEGAS, Ashlynn making the decision (finally) to go to Colorado for the Fall and nanny then come to BYU-Idaho, or everything else that happens daily here. More to come soon because now I have a drive to finally do this.

Famous In a Small Town

2009-04-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Okay guys, I'm home! Emma and I flew into LAX late Thursday night. I tried to update my blog before I left Rexburg, but it just didn't happen. Anyways, I'm working on a real blog right now, but I'm posting this one to tide you over until it's up. Here's the deal about the video, Emma took a guitar class this past semester. She went from not know how to play an instrument, to playing and singing the guitar at the same time. Way to go Emma! Her last assignment in the class was to preform in the talent show thing in front of the whole class. So, she finally decided on a song, but then realized that she didn't want to sing it by herself. So she pulled the best friend card and next thing I knew I was singing with Emma in front of a room full of people. Don't let me full you, I didn't mind, and I loved singing with Emma. The song we did was "Famous In a Small Town" by Miranda Lambert. The song is cut down for time reasons. You can tell that we mess up a few times, but it all went good, and we had a good time with it. PLEASE keep in mind that we're not singers anyone who's sat by us in church or a concert or just riden along with us in the car can atest to that. This was just for fun. Enjoy!

Crafty!

2009-02-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

So for those of you who don't know, I'm probably the least crafty person alive! One time when I was in mutual we had a competition with the boys, and one of the tasks was to sew a button on a piece of material and I couldn't even do that! I know that domestic, not crafty, but I am just trying to show you how not good at things along that line I am. Anyways. I decided that making reminders to all of the girls that they should do their visiting teaching would be a good idea. So Emma helped me with yet another project. In the spirit of February I got brown paper bags, candy grams in them, cut out a heart wrote: Don't forget about the sweetheart you visit teach", stuffed the bag with the candy, and tied raffia ot the top. That is how we got these beauts!

I couldn't be more proud of these bags, and the magnets I did a few weeks ago. They were a hit, and everyone loved the candy.

Happy Valentines Day! Late Valentines Day.

2009-02-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

Ok. So Don't Be confused. This is Alexis' blog but this is Ashlynn who had so step in and write it for her because she's such a slacker. But anyways, I was recently talking to Alexis and Emma about school, and boys, and how Alexis' hair freezes on her way to class and all that jazz when then the talk of Emma's guitar class came up and I started telling them all about the songs i've learned while they've been away and well the whole conversation just went by so fast that the next thing I knew, I was recording a song for a special Valentines Day Blog. Big yeah for me. Well anyways, the song that they wanted me to well, "try" and sing coms from Taylor Swift's new CD "Fearlss" It's number four and is just so cute and is called 'Hey Stephen'. It took me most of the weekend and lots of back and forth begging between me begging to Adam and Aaron to help me, and then Adam and Aaron begging me to stop playing. Hey boys, we can stop now. Haha. Well ok, I'll stop telling you about my weekend and just let you know that the place where we recorded was a small beat-down studio with old light fixtures and the lack of no microphones and signing ability really was a small problem, but not enough to discourage us (my room). So anyways, here is the premeire of a band in progess "Value Project" doing a cover to a Taylor Swift song. Hope you guys enjoy it. And you'll be glad to know that sadly we're not planning on going on tour anytime soon, but if anything changes we'll let cha know. Haha. Love you Alexis and Emma.

Countdown, a one, a two, a one, two, three...

2 posts so far....dang I'm good.

2009-02-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a while since I've updated my blog I just thought to myself "hey why don't you update your blog" first of all I wasn't sure why I asked myself a question, and then I got scared because Renee (Mom) is in my head. Anyways moving on. So the past few weeks has been fun and have just been a great time here at BYU-I. I'll just list a few of the things that have been going on. This post is a little scattered brained so just go with it.

Cheri, Jessie, Emma, and I all went to Idaho Falls for some leisure time as roommates and had a great time hanging at the mall and looking at things that none of us could afford. We got some free stuff from Macy's cosmetic counter. After that we went to Chili's for some loving and had a great lunch. We missed Chari and Beth, but we had a good time. We kept trying to get a group shot and this is the best we came up with. Don't judge me for my lack of make up.

Beth, Chari, and I went to the temple. It was the first time I went to the one in Rexburg and it was a good experience.

We here in rexburg were on a snow free kick. It was great. We semi saw the sun and half of the time we didn't know what to do with ourselves. Well that didn't last long. Mother Nature can be such a jokster sometimes because it then dumped snow for 4 days straight....not lie. Going to church was horrible because Emma and I wore opened toe'd shoes....needless to say we both wanted to die. So here are some pics of that day.
This was the kind of snow we had to wipe off the car after it being parked for only 3 hours!

Another Emma & I pic

Emma feeling the Idaho chill.

Jessie and I just loving the cold

I tried to get a group shot and it didn't work, but as you can see by Cheri's face it was a great day.

I'm the visiting teaching coordinator in my ward for my calling. It's the first calling that I've had that hasn't had to do with music and I'm loving it so far. I had to make assignments, give them to the girls, and then think of a creative way for the girls to remember who they teach. Magnets and scrap paper was what I came up with. I quit like them. Now I know it's not Racheal Ray status but I try. (I tried channeling Robin Ray/Karla Hunt/Judy Prince (all great Young Womens leaders at one point)

Courtney my old roomate came over. After watching a movie and just chilling we decided that it would be a good idea if I put on my footsie pajamas and take pictures. And thats how these beauts came about. I know it seems ridiculous that we have these but we do and I love em.

Elder Christofferson from the quorum of the twelve came to BYU-Idaho for a devotional. All of my roomates got tickets to go to where he was speaking. The only problem was that it was snowing (day 3) and we had to wear skirts. So emma and I did what we had to do to stay warm.
Thats right. Jeans, snow botts, and dresses. We try.

After devotional we came home for some chips and dip.

Finally last weekend we had a relief society sleep over at a ranch. The ranch was thirty minutes away from town. It was so much fun and so needed to get out of town. The scenery was great but once again freezing. We had a great time though and took one pick of our car before we left.

Well that was all that I have for now. Told you it was scatter brained. Mom's the best!

Back to School

2009-01-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

So as many of you know I am back in Rexburg Idaho going to school at BYU-Idaho. I have started my third semester. Which means bundling up and sassy pea coats apparently.

Emma Fink is my roomate and we're loving it so far. We left California and drove up on the first of the year with the Fink family. We made the trip all in one day. I mostly slept but did some driving to help out Sister Fink. I would just like to say that I drove in Utah and did great...Mom. We spent a few days down in Idaho Falls with Emma's which was fun and felt like a minnie vacation. We did a tour of the campus before they left and had fun taking pictures on campus. Here's the Finks I took inspiration from the Christmas story. For Dad, Adam and Aaron Emma and I are waving. After getting us all settled in the Finks left home for Bakersfield. We started school the next day. Our roomate Beth made us take Back to School pictures but we can't find them so tuff cookies. We then didn't take any pictures until Sunday but in those days between the first day of school and sunday I saw all of my old roomates except for KJ who went home and Kala who is married. Friday night we went to a comedy improv show that was hillarious and then Saturday night we went to dinner with some friends and then went and played games at my friends apartment. Sunday morning we went to church and all had to cram in the car because everyone except one person in the apartment is vehically challenged. After church we came home and tooks some pictures so that I could show you guys my new roomies. They are loads of fun and it seems like we are going to have a fun semester ahead of us.
Me, Emma, Beth, and Chari all crammed in the back seat.
Here is Me and Emma looking like Sister missionaries and loving it The new roomates from left to right: Jessi, Cheri, Chari, Me, Emma, and Beth Well I think that's all for now. I think I'm already off to a better start with blogging than I was last year. Hope everyone is doing good have a great day!

Adventures in Babysitting and Tamales

2008-12-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

So I know I know I stink at blogging but recently my Mom explained to me how important it was for me to blog this year while I was away at school.....so I'm trying to turn over a new leaf and reconnect with the blogging world. Starting now I'm trying to post regularly. Moving right along.

Every year for the past few years we have made tamales around the holidays with my Dad's side of the family which has turned into a great Villanueva tradition. A tradtion with lots of messy fun and a yummy reward to show for it. We only do it once a year because if you don't know already making tamales is very labor intensive and rather involved. So last Saturday once all the family arrived at our house we got started with the Tamale lovin. This year we Ashlynn, Emma, and I watched the Pollocks girls on the same day that we made tamales. We thought that it was going to be hard to make tamales and watch the girls but it wasn't at all! It ended up being great fun for everyone. Before we started making tamales me and Madelynn did interprutive dancing to "Once Upon A Dream" from Sleeping Beauty which made her very happy and I couldn't complain either. She had a nice pretty pink dress and I only had my apron. When I sat down because I didn't have a pretty dress to dance around in she tugged on my apron and told me that was my dress. So I used my imagination and we had a grand time.
Finally we got started with the actual tamale making. My job for the past few years has to mix the masa and so that I did again this year. With help my my little friend Madelynn and cousin Jordan. It's a very hands on process but we knew what we were doing. I would also just like to quickly point out that Ashlynn wasn't really helping she just stuck her fingers in the masa for the picture.
Once the masa was ready to go everyone started wrapping and making tamales. Which was messy but it brought joy to all of us except for aunt Maria who can't spread the masa for her life. Mean while Madelynn and Catherine were using another tamale table as a jungle gym and were having a great time. Then Catherine decided that she wanted me to hold her so I did but it was the right thing to do. And Madelynn had a dress photo shoot with Ashlynn.

Then their parents showed up and they had to leave but all together it was a good day with the girls. So once all the tamales were done all we had to do was wait for them to cook, and wait, and wait, and wait, but that's okay because in the mean time Emma Ashlynn and I sang ABBA songs to Steven and Jake who pretended to hate it but they really didn't. Then played rock band because Jake and Steven thought that sounded like a great idea. After hours of waiting the Tamales were finally ready (I didn't take pictures because we were all eating and bonding and such). When we were packing up the tamales we found out that we had made over 300 and there was no room in our frig for all of that love so we had to spread it around and took some to the Rays and Thad and Brittany. No complaints there I hear. So there it is that would be the great Tamale and Babsitting day.

Sooo.....

2008-08-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

I have fallen miserably out of the world of blogging and have decided to once again try and rejoin it. Please don't take me off of your link list because that makes me sad. I will update and post stuff this week because I have tons of stuff to post about. Okay well bye.

All American Rejects

2008-05-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Grandma.....

2008-03-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

I cut my hair. Told you it's rounder and puffier. This smile is totally fake don't judge me.
Love,
Alexis

Introductions and some random.

2008-03-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

So I am fully aware that there is only two weeks left in this semester, but I felt that it is high time that I introduced you to the people that I am living with for approval purposes you know. So here goes.

Starting from left to right:
First we have Courtney - she is a communications major (don't call her an art major it makes her mad) and my roomie and I love her. We have tons of fun together, and lately found that if one is thinking something then usually the other one is to. In some ways it cool because we don't have to say anything out loud for the other to think that it is funny, but the bad thing is that it is starting to become scary. We have lots of fun together!
2nd is Mayra - she is also an art major with an emphasis on photography. She is a cutie and loves singing Disney tunes at the top of her lungs. She originates from Glendora County and is a frequent visitor to Disneyland. We have planned a Disneyland trip together and I am so stoked!
Then theres me! Hooray. So much to type so little time. Well I am a currently laboring in Child Development. I am pretty sure that I am going to change but I like to pretend that I in going into Child Development, and if not I know some stuff that I might possibly use in the future. I'm going place though. Don't know where yet, but I'm going. Um my roomates also like to call me the Mom in the apartment. Maybe because I am the only one who they can wake up in the middle of the night because they aren't feeling well, and I won't set them on fire I don't know.
INGA! - Child Development major. Funny thing...I was terrified of her in the beginning because I thought that she was Russian for one, and also because she gave people scary looks. Now we are probably the closest in the apartment. Love this girl I have tons of fun with her. We share food because we made dinner for eachother all the time so we finally just combined food. Our meal plan pretty much consists of bread, cheese, peanut butter, milk, cereal, and pasta with store bought spaghetti sauce (sorry Grandma!). Yes we really are driven with the meal plan. Inga is a clogger and I like that about her. I've decided thats really why were friends hahaha just kidding I am really not that picky. She is currently dating Dan Slade sorry boys she's taken. I like the possibility of her marrying Dan because then her name will sound more Russian than anyone I know. Love having this girl in my apartment don't know what I would do without her.
Kala - she is our Canadian roomate. She is getting married in the Fall, and graduating this semester and I am so so sad to see her go. She is a good Ying to every bodies Yang. She is such a sweet heart. Once again way sad to see her go. See also make a mean pasta dish that makes her that much more appealing.
Last but no least there's Kristjana. We call her KJ for short. She hated being called that in the begining, but she has adjusted and now embrasses the name. She even got up in church this past Sunday and bore her testimony and introduced herself as KJ. Our shole apartment just started laughing including her (keeping the reverence of course) when she realized what she did. She was probably the one who took the most to come out of her shell but now she's out and there is no going back, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Well this is me and Inga after her dance recital. The flowers are half from me. They were pretty flowers. This picture was taken outside when we were both freezing, and walking so that is why we look ridiculous. I like it though.

Well I also got my hair cut and I wanted to show you guys but I forgot that wearing a hat doesn't let anyone see anything, but I like this picture so once again I posted it.

That right people I am back. I will have another one within the next few days. I of course think this could potentially be a bad thing so close to the end of the semester. Oh well you gotta do what cha gotta do and blogging has proven to be one of the things that I have to do.

Hi.....

2008-03-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

my name is Alexis and I was once addicted to blogging. I finally cut the habit, but am now slowing become found of it again. I will have a new post soon. Love you Brynne.

Last day off, and last day of work!

2007-12-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

Well I had no work on Wednesday like normal so I filled it with tons of good times. I met Diane in a part of Itaweon to go to the Korea War Museum. First I got lost down in the subway station. We were at completely opposite parts of the station. It was ridiculous. We found each other though and thats what counts. I really was excited to go to the museum because my Grandpa Villanueva served in the Korean War. The museum was amazing! I have never been one for museums, but this was just so good. We walked around the grounds for a while, and looked at some of the sculptures, statues, and artifacts that were outside before going into the museum. There was this great sculpture called "Two Brothers" and it represented two brothers. One on the North Korean side, and the other on the South Korean side. It depicts them meeting on the battle field. Embracing each other, and expressing their love for one another, and apologizing for the circumstance of meeting. I really can't find the right words to describe it. It really was a breath taking piece, and I got chills. Everything set aside in all seriousness the museum was just amazing. There was a lot of mention of a divided nation, and a possible unification. The sculpture really did touch me. It was a good reminder of the freedom that I have as a US citizen that sometimes I think I forget. We also were able to go, and look at the air crafts from the war. I have this fear of planes. They just give me anxiety, and I get really nervous so being so close to the planes was freaking me out, but I was really interested because it was so surreal to look and walk through some of the air crafts from that war.
They also had a huge section with missles, and BIG weapons, but I really had no desire to get a hands on look except for this one. It was one of the big guns that they used to shoot things with. I really just feel dumb for typing that, but I am not taking it back. Whoever was shooting had to stand and put their shoulders in the half circle things. If the words Cuba Gooding Jr. in Pearl Harbor mean nothing to you right now then you should go watch Pearl Harbor to get the reference. It's worth it. I thought this would make you proud Kels. After that magic I thought it would be important to at least get a picture with the other stuff so we took this picture. Next we went into the actual museum. Outside they had walls, and walls of soldiers who died in the war from Korea, and all of the countries that helped during the war. It was so amazing. The museum was nice. Some artifact dated back to the Silla period. I don't remember when it was exactly but it was a long time ago. There was lots of amazing artifacts, and some boring, but mostly amazing. One of my favorites was the random Viking looking boat in the middle of the building. Diane had to go to work so she left, and I stayed, and walked around for a while, but not to long. I then went to Itaweon to grab some stuff. My friends from the English ward here called me, and we met up to go and see a movie. We saw August Rush, and it was great. I really did like it. So what the music genius aspect is "impossible"(mom). It was just a feel good movie, and I like to feel good so I think it just really spoke to me. After that me Pania, and Fono went back to Pania's. We talked for a while and then watch another movie. By the time that movie was over it was pst midnight, and I was on the opposite side of the river that I live on. Taxi's are way expensive to travel that far, and buses, and subways stop running at 11:30 on weeknights so Pania invited me to just stay the night which I did. I really did intend to update yesterday, but I wasn't home. Before we went to bed Pania decided that we need to take some pictures because we didn't have enough together. So that we did. It was just a good time. I think that we really came out on top with the pictures. We didn't even have the scarfs in the beginning, but they really did just make the pictures.
That was just a glimpse into the shoot. After that we went to bed.
Today I got up and left Pania's early because she had to be at work, and I had a lunch date. So I took the bus all the way back over here. I was impressed that I took a bus that I had never been on before and didn't get lost. It was my last lunch date with Sister Burton, Brynne, and Sister Residori. It was great of course. After lunch I had to go to my last day of work, but not before taking these. I just like how happy everyone looked in both pictures.
Work was good. I tried to capture as many pictures with people from the office that I would like to remember. Like the Manager of the office. It was my last class with Stacy. We got everything done, and had a good time. She pulled her peace signs down right before the flash and she thought she was so funny.
For the party with her we went to dinner at my fav restaurant and I made sure to take pictures with the owners. We are going to miss each other for sure. After dinner we all went to the church for English class. Where we played games. I got really into one. Lets just say that its hard for me to let an 8 year old win. I really need to see someone about my competitive spirit. After class I said good bye to two of my students. I really almost lost it. I don't know how I am going to do tomorrow because today almost killed me. The women were so nice, and even gave me gifts. I haven't opened one because it is a note, and crying is something that I do on the plane when I can't turn back. Then I went up to the Burton's and had a grand time. Brynne, and I watch a slide show that she made for me and it made me so happy. I really do like slide shows, and then looked at some pictures. A little while later then gave me a ride home. That is going to have to be another location that I just walk out of before I loose it. I hate all of these emotions of mine. Well tomorrow is it. It should be a good day. I have a lot to do, but I hope it's fun. My goal is to just get everything done, have fun, and not loose it. Haha. Well have a great day!
This is Ashlynn (AKA VaVa) playing O Holy Night. Every Christmas, she plays it and it is one of my favorite tradtions, and this season I was not able to be there to hear her play so I asked her to record it for me. Years later I got it. Just kidding Ash! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
The following is a note from Ashlynn:
When ever I would record this I would get very nervous and start to mess up but this is the best one I could find and also I apoligize for the light and sound. I Let my crew off for the Holidays!

The beginning of the end......

2007-12-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

So I started this blog on Sunday night. Even though it's two days late I am still using the same title. I really do love that it sounds so morbid.
The Weekend
Well people I have just had my possible last weekend in Seoul. Oh how it has been a joyous one too. It was so relaxed, and that's why I liked it.
I spent Saturday with the Burton's in Dongdaemun. Which overall I was just so pleased with. The highlight of my day would really have had to been the never ending show of Korean dance groups. So entertaining. The flee Market would have to be second. Really just no words to describe it. By far my best purchase of the day, or even the whole time here in Korea was a pair of white framed glasses that I bought. Only in Korea could I find them, be proud of them, and purchase them. After Dongdaemun we went back to the Burton pad, and had some Waffles. I really love waffles, and after two months of no waffles I was really just so happy with them. Then the Residori's came over to watch Ratouille. I so don't think I spelled it right, but thats okay. It wasn't as great as I remebered it being, but it is still a cute movie. After the movie I came home. I was to so tired. I think that I even started to get a lazy eye. Weird I know, but when I am really tired I have one. I got into the elevator on the way up to my apartment, and I tossed my stuff against the elevator wall to dig through my purse really fast. Well the place that I ended up putting my purse ended up being where the emergency button was. I set off the alarm!!!! I just about died of a heart attack. The next thing I knew there was some mans voice was in the elevator with me semi yelling frantically. I think he was asking me if I was okay, and I just kept saying "I am okay I am okay", then he would say something like "adkikd kifhed", and we repeated that back and forth a few times. It doesn't help when you don't speak the same language. I just left the elevator saying "good night! I am okay! Sorry!" You know they hate me. Good thing it wasn't a real emergency though because we wouldn't have understood each other, and I might still be in the elevator. I came right in and just crashed. It was just too much excitment for my heart.
I just liked the scenery.......
We liked what the store had written on it. Good call with the pic Brynne.

Sunday was just fun. I woke up late, but made it to church okay. I went to the Songpa Ward because as lame as it made sounds thats where it started to me. I was a good day! First Young Womens was fun. Sister Residori and I didn't have a translator so Stacy translated for us, and her interpretation was just so good. After Young Women's the girls took a picture with me and it just made me so happy. They told me that they were going to miss me even though most of them don't talk to me, but we were connect at heart. Sister's in Zion. There was normally more of them, but I was glad that they were so glad to take the picture even though it doesn't look like it. Sometimes people here are just so happy to take a picture, but when the camera flashes they don't have a smile on their face. They really were happy though.

After young women's we hit up Gospel Doctrine. I met the new teachers who are coming for the next semester. Wow. Then we went to Sacrament meeting. I was sooo glad that they sang Christmas songs. Hark the Herald Angles Sing was one of the songs. I can never get through that song anymore because of my Dad, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. If you haven't heard the Charlie Brown version of that song you should go listen to it because that is the only version that I know, and I can necer get through the song without laughing. I would have made my Dad so proud. After church we had something to drink for one of the boys in the ward that left this week to serve a mission in Japan. The one whoes house we went to to have dinner last week. After that there was some kind of choir practice. Then had some food which was spicier than normal. That is when this great picture was captured. Me Annie, and the Bishops daughters. We really have all bonded.

Heejung had to take the two guys to the Express bus so that they could go to where they are going to be staying, and teaching for the next few months. So we took this. Heejung is a big fan of this one.
Then we went back to choir practice. I was participating until I realized that I won't be here when they preform. They realized that I was leaving this week too. We talked a little about me possibly coming back next year, they told me that they were going to miss me, and someone said that they would look forward to me coming back, and that they would wait for me. The first thought that comes into my mind with that phrase if funny, but it was sweet the way the meant it. I got really emotional and told them to just start singing. This was seriously the first time that I realized how much I have come to love the people here, and how much I am going to miss Korea. I thought that I was going to be okay. Now I know that I am going to be sadder than I thought.

After a few rounds of singing hymns in Korean Brynne, and I ditched out, and went upstairs. I spent the rest of my day there. I even took a nap which I thought was odd because I was just napping at the Burton's but some how I feel closer. It takes a certain bond for me to nap at someone's house. Then we had our last Sunday dinner together. I am just thinking of ways to make this sadder. After dinner Brynne, and I took a picture that made me look super short. Really I am much taller than I look. I just always have my knee's bent. Then we sang some Carol's, and played Christmas Duet's. I think that I semi have it down, and that was a goal remember? I feel good about it. Then they gave me a ride home. Once I was home I started updating my blog, and then got all crazy about packing. I stopped both, and crashed.
This is me being sad that my weekend was over.

Monday was great! It started with actually talking to my family. They called from family dinner, and it still makes me laugh when all of the litte cousins gather around. After we hung up I went to work. Work was fun. I had a lot to do. I got it all finished, but it seems like this week I just keep forgetting things so I spent a lot of time making lists. For dinner we went to the chinese restaurant where they served me the super hot soup and I took a picture with the staff. They remebered me, and it was just one big happy reunion. It was my last day for the adult class. It was also the big debut of the glasses. They loved them, and just made me feel good about my purchase. I was sad when I found out that it was the last class with them, but better to spring it on me than to let me think about it. They decided to throw me a going away party after class at a Noriban which mean Karaoke place. We went to karaoke! I seriously can't sing to save my life! Karaoke was so much fun though. The women who I thought were all shy, and timid were just belting it out! My song selection was just priceless.
1. Ain't No Mountain High enough by Diana Ross. I was so nervous for some reason, and it was a different version than I thought it was going to be, and I bombed! I made up for it though with the next one.
2. 1, 2 step by Ciara. It really was a crowd pleaser when I started the rap. I was just so happy. Emma, and Ashlynn would have been sooo proud.
3. Surfin USA by the Beach Boys. This one was so that Gi Yun, and I could sing together. Watching all of those Full House re-runs sure payed off with that one.
I decided to just sit back and watch for a while. Then they realized that it was two hours later, and that we needed to start heading home before 11! Well before we ended they told me I had to sing the last song. I almost died so I picked one that everyone knew so that it could be a group activty. We sang ABBA Dancing Queen. It was so much fun, and then we sang another ABBA song because one ABBA song just isn't enough. This was the last time that I was going to see Choi Yun. She was so nice, and kept telling me thank you for everything, and that she was going to miss me. I was so sad! She gave me a hug which I don't think is really a Korean thing. I just said thank you so much, I would miss her too, and then just walked away because I was going to loose it if I didn't walk away fast enough. Well once I got home I started to update again, but then I got packing crazy again! I went to bed shortly after that I am starting to think that packing stressing me out, and that makes me tired.
It really was just a party.
I don't think this needs words.

Today was Tuesday, and was low key. I had the hardest time getting up this morning. I had the worst night of sleep, and it always works out that when you finally get the sleep thing down you have to get up. I talked to my family a little before they went out for Adam's dinner. Happy Birthday Adam! Once I was at work I did just that work, and made some more list, and wrote a letter. I had to record some of the last lesson's. Heejung and I went to dinner at my favorite place. I have voted this place for the rest of the week because I just love the people there. The lady who gave me the Sue Jay Be was there, and we took a picture because I just feel like it had to be done.
We bonded over soup, and now look at us. Best Friends.

After dinner I went to return my DVD, and was sporting the Glasses. Then we went to the 980 won store. I just love that there is an equivalent to the 99 cent store. Then we went back to the lesson. We had a lesson with Stacy, and it was so much fun. She had to do interview questions and her answer were priceless. After work I went to the stationary store, and grabbed a few things then came home. I finally finished the packing issue I think. I am pretty sure that I am going to make the luggage weight. I am so glad too. So happy that stress is over. I don't know how I am coming home with less than I came with but I think I have pulled it off. So now that this is done, and the packing problems I can finally sleep! Yeah! Tomorrow no work! It should be fun.
So much fun at the 980 won store. Bam look at those glasses!

Alright good night!

It's snow for real this time.....

2007-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure the last it snowed, and I got excited was just a false alarm because tonight has been so much better. You better believe I grabbed my camera, and ran outside at 11 PM in my pajamas, and moccassin's(old one's Stef's your just mean to much to me). I am so pleased with Korea currently. I hope that you are too. I threw in one other picture from my day in, but I am just so excited about the snow.

Well this one is important to me because I feel so good about my height in this one. I am the average!
Well you see what happened was I thinking I just love Korea so it just made sense to write ♥ Korea on some random car.

Now it's I ♥ Korea

So much snow! I am so glad!

Well that is all for today. I will actually post about the happs of today tomorrow, but the snow took away from that time. Have a great day!

Finally all caught up!

2007-12-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

Well sorry that I didn't update yesterday. It was just that Wednesday was just such a good day I had to give myself time to recoup.
Tuesday was just a marvelous day. I decided to pretty much finish most of my shopping. I went to the coex because there was one thing there that I knew I wanted. It ended up being just the best experience ever! I took the bus even though I wasn't sure that it was the right one, and it was! There was hardly anyone there because it was the afternoon, and everyone was at work. The lady at the shop was so nice, and helped me without be creepishly close to me like some people here do when I go into stores. I felt like the whole trip was just so great. I even had enough time to stop, and get lunch, and stop by my apartment to drop stuff off, and be at work early. I am just so good sometimes it's scary! Well work was great. I really didn't have much to do except for record & correct lesson's. In my down time I beat the expert level of minesweeper. Really I just left the screen up for a while so that I could admire my work. It had been months since I have won that game. I had to take some time to take it all in. For dinner Heejung, and I went to our favorite restaurant. We decided on Sue Jay Be because I was such a big fan when the lady gave it to me. The lady was there again tonight, and was so excited that I was going to eat what she had suggested. Well we got it, and it was just broth like so I said "oh I thought it was hot" which translated to Heejung as tell the lady behind cooking that we needed it hotter. She did that. I was so hot I seriously couldn't talk. Heejung started laughing because my face was red, and I was trying to pretend that it wasn't hot even though my eyes were starting to get tears in them. It made her so happy for some reason. Everything was better when the man who ran the restaurant told Heejung that I had impressive chopstick skills. I was so over come with emotion. I wanted to say "WEEEEE" like Lisel does in the Sound of Music after Ralph kisses her, and then runs away. I didn't though. If you don't get the Sound of Music reference you should be ashamed. Stacy called, and cancelled our class so I didn't have to go back to the office. I decided to go to Jamsil, and grab the gifts for my little cousins. For some reason Jamsil is always a different experience for me, but it just seems to get better, and better every time. I got the gifts, and found the greatest hat I think. On Wednesday I found out that Brynne bought the same one. I really didn't plan it that way it just happened. I think it's fate really. Anyways I knew I should get the heck out of there because I was just going to end up spending more money so I did just that, and headed home. There was so many great Christmas lights outside. I would have got pictures, but I didn't want to miss my bus. Sorry to disappoint. Don't worry I still have one more week to get some great Korean Christmas light display pictures. Once I was home I updated for Monday, and Tuesday, and then watched the Hills. I love that show. Korea has made addicted. I feel so close to Lauren Conrad it's almost like we are distant cousins or something. Well the best part of my Jamsil trip had to have been the discovery of this fountain. Outside you may ask. NO! It was inside, and I just thought it was so great. After the horrible post office experience this week I knew that Korea didn't hate me after seeing this.

Wednesday was my day off, and it was a good one. It started out a little rocky, but ended on a high note. First off I had the hardest time waking up, but leave it to the Sumo wrestler up stairs to come through, and wake me up. So once I was up I waited for the post man who was supposed to bring my medication for my ears. Mom has me all freaked out that I might now be able to fly home if my ear doesn't get better because my ear drum might pop. It made me so nervous! He didn't show up between the hours he said he would be here so I left. Well I went to go to the church, and have lunch with Sister Residori, and the bus took forever, and a day to come! I could have knitted a sweater for a small person by the time it got there. An hour after the package was supposed to arrive Heejung called me, and told me that it was on it's way. To bad I wasn't home though. So once I got to the church Sister Residori, Brynne, and I left for lunch. I didn't know Brynne was going so that was a treat. Lunch was great. Three English speakers trying to order in a Korean restaurant. Boy am I glad that pointing always works. So we didn't get what we really wanted, but we got half of it, and the effort was grand. After lunch we went back to the church for a bit, and then Brynne, and I headed to the 63 Building(it is a building with 63 floors, and it is just marvelous). I was so glad that Brynne decided this was something I needed to see. It was a grand time. The first great thing to see was this school of kids all walking together holding hands in matching bright orange outfits. I was so happy about their color choices. There was great hallway where the walls changed colors. It is what I image an acid trip to be like. Haha I can't believe I said that. Anyways after that we went up to the observatory deck. It's 60 floors up, and you ride up in a glass elevator! I didn't think this at the time, but I felt a little Willy Wonka like. I know I was feeling it. I wasn't a huge fan of how high up we were, but that's okay I still live to tell that tale. At one point we walked on the thrill deck which I wasn't sure what it was until I had one foot on it. Basically it's a glass floor that you can look down and see all the way to the bottom. Really I could have died. I don't know how anyone even got me to think about walking on it. Bug on a windshield for sure. When we came back down I noticed this great little area on the bottom floor that was all decorated Christmas style. It was just magical. I felt like I was in a winter wonder land....kind of. The best part of the trip had to be me just about dying in the cafe down stairs because Brynne made me laugh, and I was chocking on my smoothie. How do you choke on a smoothie? I don't know, but I know it's possble. Thanks for the great laugh though Brynne. After the 63 building we headed back to the church. I had dinner with the Burton's. Third time this week! I feel like we are on a roll. It's just lovely. Then we went down for English class. It wa great. My favorite part was at the end of the night when the class learned The Twelve Days of Christmas, and one of the little boys who actually speaks English pretty well was the Partridge in a Pear Tree. He sang that part all by himself with his great Little accent. It was just so good. After English class I came home. Overall just a great day. I don't think anyone could disagree.
the school of kids. so great!

Just some Christmas joy down in the 63 Building. I wasn't sure which camera to look at, but I like the picture anyway.

Just for Callie I thought it would make you proud. The dog isn't looking at the Camera, but he is wearing a sweater. He looked like Tramp(from Lady, and the Tramp). He was just the cutest thing ever!

So today was Thursday. It really was one of the most stressful days the whole time I have been here. I finally got my package sent home, but it only took me 1 hour at the post office to send it off. No one spoke a word of English, and I was just having the hardest time. Finally after calling Heejung and letting her talk to the man at the post office we finally got everything sorted out. Then I said I needed my medicine, and I showed him the message that was left on my door. He motioned for me to follow him. I ended up following him into the elevator. Down a hall, and into the post delivery room where about 40 delivery men where. I looked so out of place, and I felt so awkward. It took about five minutes for them to finally find my package, but they came through. Right after I jetted off to work. It was good today. I didn't have much to do, and I am never toren up about that. For dinner we went, and got duckgalbi. I made the comment about how I loved the aprons that the workers were wearing, and I wondered if I could buy one. Heejung ended up asking them! I was so embarassed, and I looked so dumb. I just walked out with my head down, but not before getting a picture with Heejung, and I in our orange aprons for one last time. Class was great with Stacy tonight. We always have a good time. I was glad to come home though, but I was so not glad to go outside because it was freezing! I think it's going to snow. I have started the packing process, and I am horrible at it! My apartment is a disaster! Oh well. I have had a great 3 days, and I will worry about that tomorrow. Such a procrastinator I know. It's a family trait. Haha. Well I hope you all liked this post because I sure enjoyed reliving/reminissing/sharing some of the great moments from the past few days with you.

I will try to post something every night from now until the time I leave. This is my goal. = ]

2/2

2007-12-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

So this is the second half of me updating you. I will update every day from now until I leave Korea after this. Promise! Ok well maybe......
Sunday.........
I semi talked to Aaron on Skype. Once again not so much a talk as much as a chat. Mom, and Ash were gone and Dad was working on his final so Aaron called Mom on the phone, and that's how we talked to the day. They finally finished the book! Yeah. Happy Alexis. I went to the Songpa ward again which is always a blast. I couldn't focus on anything, but that's okay. I have been rather disappointed by the fact that we have yet to sing a Christmas song yet. So after sacrament was over I took matters into my own hands, and got two of the little girls in primary to come sing for me if I played. They were so excited to sing Christmas songs. Well our little group went from two little girls to a rather large group! The chapel walls were certainly shaking. It was lovely. Much love to the little girls though. They were the trend setters!
After church Heejung planned to teach Sister Residori, and I to cook Korean food. Before we could leave though she had a meeting so after the Sing-a-long I just took a seat and occupied myself. Well the spot where I was sitting ended up being where the choir was going to meet. They just filled in around me, and that's how I became apart of the choir. I won't be here when they preform, I can't sing, and I don't know the words in Korean, but it was just great fun. Finally we went back to the Residori's to start cooking. Sis Yun, Gi Yun, and Heejung where our teachers. They did a great job, and so did Sister Residori, and I if I do say so myself. We made Vegetable Pancakes(I made the one on top all by myself!),

and egg roll(tastes much better than it looks),
and Chop Cha(I was the mixer =]).
The egg roll was the hardest I had no part in that beside whisking the eggs, but I think that I just might be able to do the others again. I learned a great deal I think, and was so excited with the finish product! I feel like I was a huge part of the successful out come of the dishes even though I really don't think I was. After dinner we talked for a while, and then we went to do the dishes, and then realized we had tons of food left over. We decided to give some to the Burton's since they had to go to another meeting, and couldn't be apart of the Korean cooking experience. So we all left the Residori's together. It's a good thing too because they brought the trash down with them, and couldn't figure out where to put it, and all three of them just stood there looking around confused by life. After silently laughing I helped them out. Well after I laughed at them I gave them a reason to laugh. My heel got caught in the crack, I couldn't move, and they all just thought it was the great thing since sliced bread. Well once I took the food up to the Burton's I just ended up staying. I just don't think my Sunday's are complete now without some Burton time. Before going home we went on a "Christmas walk" which was pure magic because which Christmas walk isn't? After that I came home. I noticed that my apartment had an odd scent combination of milk, and something burning. Apparently the milk odor hasn't left my apartment yet, and I left the Iron on again. This would be the second time this has happend. Am I trying to burn down the building subconsciously, and not succeeding? Oh well better luck next time 3rd times a charm.

Monday........
I planned to send off some post cards, and packages, but that would have just been to easy. I walked to the post office. I didn't have any cash on me because I thought that the 3 machine in the corner were ATM machines. They weren't they just looked exactly like one. I payed for the post cards, and then said I would be right back to pay for the boxes. I walked to the bank just a little up the road, and the machine's there didn't take visa. The lady who worked at the courtesy desk spoke English, and told me that I could go to the other branch by Daecheong station, and my card would work there. I was starting to stress because I had to be at work soon. The bank that she was talking about was back past my apartment building. I was so not pleased. So I ran back to where she told me go. I walked to the other bank at a high pace. When I got there the receptionist didn't speak a lick of English, and when I showed her my card she seemed a little confused, and then got my question, but wasn't sure so she ran it to the manager who 5 mins later came out, and told me that my card didn't work there either. It didn't work at the bank across the street either. I was getting real irritated, and it doesn't help that I push door's instead of pull. Dang California! I can count on two hands the number of times that I ran into the door, and just about screamed. Finally I went down into the subway, and tried the machine down there. It worked! I was excited, but slightly irritated. I had to catch a cab to the Post office even though it was close I was running out of time. Then I got the boxes caught a cab back to my apartment, grabbed my stuff, and then caught another cab to work. I wasn't too late, and Heejung just thought that the whole ordeal was hilarious so. Before I could actually do any work Heejung made sure that I wrote down the recipe's indetail so that I wouldn't forget them. In church yesterday one of the Sister Yun(different) invited the 4 office elders, Burton's, Residori's, and investigator, and I to have dinner at her house for her son who is going on a mission to Japan, and is leaving next week. I didn't think that I was going to be able to go because I had work. Well when I told Heejugn she basically told me to leave, and go because it would be a great chance for me to see the inside of a Korean home, and an olympic apartment. So I went. Took another cab, and met up with everyone. Sister Yun had prepared a ton of food, and thought it was mine, and Brynne's first time in a Korean traditional apartment, and even told us to go look in whatever room we wanted to. She was soo happy about sharing this with us. I didn't look in any rooms, but it's the thought. Dinner was great, and fun. I went back to work right after, and had class. I don't know why but after my outing I just couldn't focus any longer, and I kept doing everything wrong, and it became a joke the rest of the night. On my way home it started raining which just made me so happy, and even happier that it didn't start pouring until I was inside.

Well I have decided to save the great adventures from today for tomorrow. I am just beat. I promise it will be good. Today was great day, and I didn't run into any dooors.........okay just a few but dramatically less.

1/2 post...

2007-12-10T08:20:00.001-08:00

Well I was going to post Thursday through Monday, but I am just lazy! Sorry. I thought that 5 days might be to long to so I decided to stop. Just know that my sunday was great! Updating tommorow for sure. So here is Thursday-Saturday

Thursday........
was loads of good times. First off I spoke to Aaron on skype. I just love that kid! He really does just have the best things to say, but since he discovered emotions on Skype chat he would rather say them that way, and with smiley faces emotions. Haha. Well after my brief chat with Aaron I was off to work. I had to take a taxi because even though my talk with Aaron was brief it was long because he types like 1.8 words per minute, and then adds an emotion. I am getting good at the awkward rides, and giving directions without using words just grunting, motioning, and nodding. Work was just great! Called home from work, and got to talk to Emma(I think I talked to her more than my family, but that's okay. I love that she was at my house), and then I had a quick little chat with Mom, and a great one with Gram's right before going to work. I had a lot of things to do, but I got them all done on time, and I felt good about it. I had time to play Minesweeper which I have become addicted to/a master of. Heejung, and I had a great talk about many different things, but it was real good. For dinner For dinner we went to the restaurant just down the street from the office(the place with the massive mondu!). We go to this restaurant a lot but I love it, and the staff loves me(not to gloat). Almost every time that we go in there; there is a lady who comes in too, and we are slowly becoming best friends. Well I learned how to count to 10 in Korean which soon became a restaurant project. It was fun, and everyone was so excited once I finally got to ten on my own. I also learned some other handy phrases, but they didn't stick with me as much as the numbers. Well once our dinner got there I was just so excited. It was like I was being rewarded for my counting accomplishment. Plus I have finally reached the point where I can choose, and order my own food(well at least in this restaurant). Well the lady who is always in there when we are was sitting at the next table right next to me(there isn't a lot of space in between tables at some Korean restaurant's). Well when she got her food I looked over, and asked Heejung what it was. Well the lady caught on and motioned toward her plate. I had no idea what she wanted. Next thing I knew heejng was handing the lady Heejung's small bowl. Then Heejung said that she wanted to know if I wanted to try it. Before I could even accept or reject she handed the bowl back full of soup. I guess the decision was made for me. The soup's name was Sue Jay Be. It was marvelous. Way spicy, but tasty. There was a shell fish it is, and I was scared to be honest, but the lady was watching me, and I ate it, and I was surprised at the not grossness of it. All around dinner was great. I went and rented the Da Vinci Code. We went back to the office, and had a lesson with Stacy which seems to be going well. After class I went to go, and pick up item's to send to Bryce, and Bobby. Heejung, and Stacy ended up going with me. It was great to have their opinions. All items in the package are Korean approved which just makes me happy. They are either going to think I am lame or just be thrilled by the items. I vote thrilled by the items. Once I was home I watched the movie. I have never understood that movie. For some reason I thought that if I watched it this time it would make sense. I couldn't understand it with Britt, and Emma explaining it to me so why I thought I would get it this time was beyond me. Nothing could ruin the joy of my day though. Not even the all the confusion, and question's swirling around in my head.

Friday.......
Was just not so exciting. I mailed some post cards, and got a chicken on a stick which is always a joy. It didn't burn my mouth this time because I made Heejung go with me to buy it, and tell the guy to not kill me. I didn't have much to work on because I finished everything the day before. For dinner Heejung took me to some restaurant that seemed to be forever away. I forgot the name of the name of what we ate. I was told that I had to have it because I would regret not having this Korean experience if I didn't try it. Basically it was thick bacon fried in front of us that we wrapped in a lettuce leaf with sauce, and rice. Surprisingly it really was quite enjoyable. Class went great! One of the ladies in my class is a comedian I swear, and I love to hear her answer's. After work I headed to Olive Young to buy some conditioner. I was there for 30 minutes trying to find it, and what I thought was it ended up being just a treatment. Finally someone helped me, and I could semi-stop looking dumb. On my way home I saw this little girl that I have seen once before. She remembered me, and was so happy that I was there. She kept trying to make me chase her, but I could see my breath, and I wanted to go home. Plus I didn't want people to think that I was trying to kidnap her, and get tackled to the ground, taken away in a police car, and spend the night in jail. I have a book that tell's me phrases in Korean when dealing with the police that would have come in handy. On my walk home from the bus stop a fatty cat ran out form under a car, and I just about died! It scared me half to death. It really was a good thing that I used the ladies room before leaving the office. I went straight to bed because I was just tired. Well once I layed down I notice my heater was off, my laptop charger light wasn't on, and my cell phone light wasn't on even though everything was plugged in. My power went out! My apartment was pitch black! My lights wouldn't turn on, and it was just awful. See for most this wouldn't be a big deal, but for me it was. My apartment was pitch black! I don't like not knowing what is in front of me. I live in an electronic building. I have to push a button to open my door. I have to ype in a number to get in. Even my phone to call for emergency services, or the front desk was gone! I was stressed out about it so I just went to bed. Before I fell asleep the power came back. I was relieved to know that I wasn't going to have to Bear Grill it in my apartment in the morning.

Saturday........
Was also a day of fun. I am not even using my subway map anymore. I look at it once, and then I am good. It really make me proud. I went to Seoul Tower with Diane. We rode the cable car up. It was the first cable car ride for the both of us. It was exciting, but a little nerve racking for me. Every thought it was great, but it made me nervouse because if for some reason the cable broke or something happened we would be toast. Bugs on the wind shield pretty much. Once we got off the cable car we had to hike up to the base of the tower. It was so cold! There was snow every where because of the altitude change, but it was so pretty. Every once in a while there would be a great wind that would come up, and I would just freeze. Diane got her picture drawen by one of those artist who are great at doing it fast, and making it look like your self. I had no desire to do it though. Meanwhile I chased a dog around because I was trying to get a picture of him for Callie, but without creeping our the owner, and the dog wouldn't stay still. It's the thought that counts though. The tower was fun. We didn't go up to the observatory deck. There was just fun stuff to do on the base, and our view was great, and not worth five dollars to go up even higher. There was a great Indian show which kind of confused me, but I was cold once again, and slightly non verbal because the cold had effected my speech so I didn't ask anyone why there was a Indian show in Korea. After we had enough of the the tower we hiked down. All the way down. It wasn't to bad just a lot of stairs that were all different sizes and distances apart. I knew I would be regretting it the next day. After we went and grabbed something to eat. Then we went to do some shopping and didn't buy a thing, but did lots of more walking! later we called Pania a girl from the english ward and decided to meet up with her for dinner. We went to the subway stop we thought was where we were supposed to meet her, but Diane got us lost! After talking to Pania I knew exactly where we were, and where we were supposed to go. I felt great about this because I went the whole day without using the subway map again, and I got us unlost. I finally feel like I know what I am doing here in Korea. After chilling at Pania's for a while we went to dinner at Outback Steak House(we all decided western food would be good. We had all had our fill of Korean for the day). It was my first Outback experience, and it was a good one. Food was great, and I loved our waitress she was a sweet heart! We were there for two hours just talking, and having a great time. After dinner we split up with Pania, and headed home. Diane lives on the same side of the river as me so it's great because she rode almost the 3/4 of the way home with me. Before we got on the subway we found this little hut shop, and I was surprised it was still open at 10 at night. I bought 3 great scarfs, and 3 pairs of semi-tacky earings for less than 15 dollars. Yep you better believe it. Great deals here in Korea! No odd twitches, and throwing my purse across the subway tonight though so that was good. I went to the store across the street to get a 1L of water before sunday. The man in there is always so nice to me but always tries to speak Korean to me even though he know's I don't understand a word! One day my friend one day. Then I went home, and crashed. My short body was so tired.
Here are the pictures that follow...
A)Dog just for Callie
B)Indians?
C)Peacing it on the top
D)Feeling real short
E)My thought process was "want some"
F)Diane, Me, and Pania at Outback

A)
B)

C)
D)
E) F)

Almost food(milk) poisoning! Just for Ashlynn.

2007-12-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

So I was in the midst of my normal routine. I was at one of my favorite parts in my morning. The part where I eat a bowl of cereal, and jam to some great songs. Well this morning I poured my bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, grabbed a glass of OJ, and grabbed the milk. Well the milk has gone sour! I almost ate that! A couple weeks ago I was concerned about whether or not my last thing of milk was still good, and Ash said that it will smell sour if its bad. Well I don't know what milk is supposed to smell like I don't like milk! I only like it with cereal. Well I opened the milk carton, and it smelled disgusting, and it had a chunk in it. I don't know a lot about dairy products outside from the facts that a)they are supposed to be refrigerated, and b)they aren't supposed to be chunky. I am sad because I now have to go the whole day, and possibly the whole weekend without my bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios! Thanks to Ash though for the great advice a couple weeks back about the milk smelling. What if I would have drank it? I would be in my apartment dying of food poisoning and no would know, and then you wouldn't have these blogs to read. So I dedicate this blog to Ashlynn. Your the greatest! Your getting a big high five when I get home!

Just for you Mom....

2007-12-06T08:17:00.001-08:00

So Mom insisted that I post something today. I am not updating on my day even though it was great. I will update tomorrow. Until then here is something to tide you over.

You will park a mile away from the entrance just to have your car parked under a tree.

Instead of people thinking you're "rich" for having leather seats, they think you're stupid.

You laugh when people complain about 95 degree weather.

You're bored one day, and decide to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

You're not worried about the big "California fires" cause by the time it gets any closer, they close the Grapevine.

You've seen the "Stairway to Heaven of lights" while coming back to Bako at night on the Grapevine.

You know to call it "Bako" and why we call it that.

You know what "White, Ming, Rosedale, Calloway, and Panama" mean.

When you go out of town & you see a sign saying "Union Ave" you expect to see a hooker.

Rosedale is a world all its own.

Rosedale ALSO needs to be turned into a sitcom. And if you live in Stockdale? yeahhh
OC aint got NOTHIN on us baby. Okay except an ocean.

You remember the TWO times in the last 25 years that it snowed in Bakersfield, and you remember everything you did that snow day.

Everyone always says they're going to leave, but you know that if you try, you get sucked right back in.

You take the "California Roll" at a stop sign to a whole new level.

You know where all the "haunted houses" are when Halloween comes around

You know what an "08er is", where "the Dale" is, and what a "Dalion" is.

You know Trouts, and were not talking about the fish.

And then people who actually MADE it out of this city sit here & laugh at these because they know they're TRUE

You know the ingredients in a George's Special, or have ever had a "Black and White" for lunch.

You get mad every time you see "Best of Times" when Taft wins at the end. ...or... you get mad every time you see "Best of Times" because who the heck are the Bakersfield Tigers?

You comment on how expensive Mexican food is in any other city in the country and how
terrible it tastes.

You have even offered someone a Dewar's Chew from a bowl on your coffee table.

You know if you're not a Luigi's at exactly 10:30 Saturday morning you're not getting a steak sandwich.

You claim to hate LA but go there at least every other month.

You have even debated the merits of water skiing at Lake Ming versus Buena Vista.

You have to explain to friends from out of town what animal a tri-tip comes from.

You think beans and salsa go with everything.

You think a restaurant is chintzy if it doesn't come with soup, salad, spaghetti, and fries.

You think a red light is just a suggestion.

The best restaurants in town serve pickled tongue!

You think $600 a month for rent is way too high.

You know a swamp cooler is not a happy hour drink.

You know the pool can be warmer than you are.

You realize that Valley Fever isn't a disco dance.

Anywhere that takes longer than a 10 minute drive is way too far.

You think you're better than people from Fresno.

Someone mentions "the fair" and your thoughts turn to Cinnamon Buns, First Christian
Church caramel corn, and Boy Scout potatoes.

You have to "explain" to someone about Beach Park.

You complain about how boring Bakersfield is, but still make fun of people from Delano, Taft and Tehachapi.

Someone from out of town talks about how foggy it is and you tell them, "Just wait."

You swear that just last week there was an orchard where there is now a whole development of houses.

You drive just as fast on a foggy day in December as you do on a sunny day in June.

You no longer associate bridges or rivers with water.

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Bakersfield

Well that was fun. I don't agree with all of these, but for the most I do. Either way I thought they were enjoyable. Some mas great picture from my rewarding dress up party yesterday. (okay two pictures)

Seeing some sights & awkward moments

2007-12-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

First of all Stefanie update your blog! I need updates!
Tuesday was tons of fun, and just full of awkward moments, but I will only share a few. First I talked to Dad on skype which wasn't awkward. I had to go because I was going to meet Diane in Sinchon to go, and watch the ceremonial changing of the guard. Adam, and Dad said that it was just basically a parade, but it wasn't! The whole morning was great, and the ceremony was great. Our tickets also got us into the palace and which was great. It only cost 1,000 won! Entertainment in Korea is so cheap I love it. After our photo shoot in the palace, and the ceremony we headed to Namdaemun because Diane wanted to look around. Good thing I had been there before because we both would have been lost, and late for work if I didn't have such a good sense of direction. Dang I am good. I didn't get anything, but I walked past the purse hut again, and I was so tempted to get another one, but for some reason I felt so weird going back, and trying to haggle another purse. Speaking of my purse it is a big success among the Korean women. They were all so proud of the price that I got it for, and just loved the purse overall. I felt successful. Well after our quick jaunt through Namdaemun we both headed for work. I hadn't eaten anything at this point so I decided to go, and grab a chicken kabob thing. Well I didn't understand what the man was asking me, and he ended up putting fire sauce on my chicken for the marinade. I guess he wanted me to pick out which sauce I wanted when he was pointing at them all and talking to me in Korean. I guess just nodding doesn't always work because that sucker was hot, and seriously brought tears to my eyes. Work was okay. I really am starting to feel my ear getting not better. It hurt yesterday, and I just sat at work hating life, and wanting to gnaw off my ear. How's that for a visual? I taught class early because there was some meeting going on that everyone wanted to go to, but I opted out because I didn't feel good. Before class I went and rented a movie, and grabbed some ramen from a GS mart. I always walk through this electronic store to go back towards the office, and one of the boys there always tries to practice his English and talk to me. I just wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone yesterday though so I just put my head down, and didn't acknowledge him. Well I just looked dumb because when I went to open the double doors I tried to open the wrong one, and I didn't stop when it didn't open so I just ran right into the glass door. Teach me to be rude to the guys in the electronic store. After class I went right home, made some ramen, and watch my movie. It was the Pacifier by the way. Vin Diesel is so dreamy! Well that's enough of me being weird. I was going to update last night, but once again I fell asleep at the computer. No weird L's when I woke up this time just me on the floor once again confused about why I was there. Wednesday was once again loads of fun. I went with Stacy to the Folk Village which ended up being a great trip. We ended up getting free admission to The National Museum of Korea. It was nice. Tons of history of Korea some of which I just didn't care for, but some was pretty neat. When we left the museum there was another changing of the guard I guess they do it two places I am just one lucky duck. We didn't watch it though because we went to buy our tickets to the Folk Village well right next to the ticket booth there was this little stand to dress up like an old palace guard. I of course took this chance to be a nerd, and dress up. Actually getting dressed was the most awkward situation I was in the whole day though. I didn't know how to wrap the dress so the guy who was running the stand started dressing me, and it was just odd, but I didn't know what to do but just stand there, and take a picture with me to capture the moment. Stacy wouldn't dress up because she thought that it was to embarrassing, but I just thought it was great. Well after playing dress up we walked through the Palace which once again didn't plan on doing, but it was fun. Stacy got us lost, and we ended up walking for forever, and up, and down stairs it was hilarious though. Once we got to the Folk Village we had a great time. There was no shows like everyone said there would be, but that was okay. We went to the side where the kids games are, and played with the old Korean toys. I have no idea how kids used to play with so of those things, but it was sure a good time trying to figure it out. Stacy wanted to go to Insadong so we were off. Everyone told us to just catch a cab and that we did. When we flagged down the cab she started laughing because she thought it was just like a movie. I just thought it was great because I was thinking the same thing. Insadong was fun but the colder that it got the more my ear started to hurt. So after some walking around we headed for the yuk. Well we took this weird route that brought us into the barrio of Korea. For some reason both Stacy and I were looking down, and when I looked up we were in front of a butchers truck, and the back was open. Well there was just 6 dead pigs hanging there. I didn't know what to do so I just stared, and then looked away and started saying oh my gosh oh my gosh. Stacy finally looked up, and did the same. For some reason neither one of us thought to move. I finally did when she did, and grabbed my arm. Poor little piggies(well they weren't little). I kept thinking of when we found that little pig, and Mom decided to rescue it, and we had a little black pig as a pet. I don't think we ever decided on her name, but Saturday night dinner wasn't funny. I liked Beans, and she sure did look good with her hot pink collar. Anyways I just couldn't get her little piggy face out of my mind. Well after my traumatizing experience we caught the subway home. I planned on going to English class, but still not feeling so hot. I fell asleep on the subway. I am telling you more, and more Korean everyday! I don't know if this happens to everyone but sometimes when I fall asleep in an awkward position or when I am not supposed to I twitch. Well twitch I did, and I threw my purse clear across that subway no joke. It was just way embarrassing. For the most part the past two days have been great! I am really not enjoying this ear ache though. It doesn't seem to be getting better, and it is just starting to hurt! I don't want to go to the doctor, but it looks like a bigger possibility everyday. Well I hope that you enjoy the following pictures! Until tomorrow! =)

Well I felt as awkward as I look

Korean Drummer Me
Just pondering
I call it the Korean King
10 pts for Stacy for taking this one
Definetly my proudest moment.
Just thought I would make it more awkward, and capture the moment

The biggest best blog ever........

2007-12-02T04:11:00.001-08:00

and you only had to wait 4 days to get it. Well this isn't going to be short so put the kids away, grab a cup of choco(that's how the Koreans say it), and pull up a chair because I am going to update you on my fun filled life. Starting with Friday, and going till Monday.
First just a couple shout outs to a few people-
Ashlynn:I need the recording of you playing O Holy Night on the Harp. Stop pretending that you have a life now that your in high school!
Brittany:Yes crash course maybe a necessity, and I am looking forward to our Christmas cooking party.
Callie:Check! I will be on the look out for dogs with clothes, and shoes.
Corinne Preston:I think that there is something wrong with your e-mail because I haven't got any picture of Kate in my inbox lately. Weird. You should work on that.
Dad:Three more weeks! Be excited! Get some sleep! Love ya!
Dave Bunting:Yes! I have seen many Ninja fights in the streets. You know Korea's just ninja fighting left, and right it's just out of control. Next time I see one I will be sure to record it or take pictures
Emma:miss you best friend! Costco cake for sure you bring the cake I'll bring the forks.
Kelsie:I forgive you for helping with the murder of Bambi & I have figured out our new secret weapon, but I won't say what it is because then it won't be a secret anymore. We learned that one the hard way.
Lindsey Bunting:Congrats you little tall graduate you!
Mandi:Keep that baby in, but she needs to be here before January 4th! Love ya girly.
Mom & Grandma:I am so excited for the project you have been working on.
Stef:I loved your package. It made me so happy! Love ya best friend!
Uncle Ron:I love you and I hope you feel better. We need eggs at Christmas don't forget that.
Uncle Robert:Annyeoughasayo!
sorry if I left out anyone. Don't be upset there is still time.

Well enough of the that. Here we go with the really stuff!
Friday was alright. I did get a package from Stefanie though that just made me so excited! I pretty much tackled the mail man because I couldn't control myself, and he was just taking forever to give me the goods. Hot choco for days and some nice new moccasin's. My feet or stomach will be warm now! The rest of the day was just normal. I did take this great route to work though that shot me right into some street market behind some buildings. It was great, and there was a ton of good stuff! I was kinda of afraid though because I didn't know what anyone was saying because most of them didn't speak a word of English except for the random man who stopped me just to say hello, and then walked away after I said hi. He walked away like he had accomplished something great, and was patting himself on the back for his success. The simple things. So I did what any smart girl would do when she was in a weird market. I just walked right through it, and it put me on the street of my office building! It was just lovely! For once a short cut that worked, and was eventful. The rest of the day was just the norm. By the end of the night though I was hating life because I didn't feel good again. All of that changed when I was strolling down my street, and I noticed Christmas lights. Well they were on my building! I couldn't have been more happy or pleased with my building management. I would like to think that it was the security guard who does thumbs up who suggested it just for me. The lights really did make my day, and I was satisfied.

Saturday was just a great day that I loved! So it started with me Skyping home for the first and last time for the entire weekend. It was a good time. I told the boys about my plans to go to World Cup Stadium, and all he had to say was "that's great get me something good!". After talking for a while longer I was off. My day was great! I met the Residori's in Sinchon after their session, and we went to lunch at a Mexican restaurant that I just thought was great! Then we went to the Seoul World Cup Stadium. To some this may seem so lame, but I was stoked. We went through the Museum, played some games that made us all look ridiculous, and then went to the souvenir shop. Aaron's words just kept ringing in my head. I think that I will make him proud with my purchases. After shopping there we went into the actual stadium. It was huge of course, and I just loved it. We also got to walk through the building, and we went into the locker room which was sweet, but later figured out that we weren't supposed to have gone in there. Oh well we were none wiser. So after the World Cup experience we headed to Itaweon. Another great experience! It was just so much fun. Once again use my amazing bargaining skills. I impress myself sometimes. I also got a Hard Rock Cafe Seoul shirt because you better believe that even though it's not open yet I got it. My other great purchase was a Korea shirt that I am just in love with. The lady at the shop was quick to tell us that her shirts were made in Korea not like everything else on the streets that were from China, and to go with this great investment some Korea socks. I bought two pair because I thought that my Missionary friends would enjoy them, and if they don't it was Cameron's idea, but how could you not love Korea socks honestly? Final purchase of the night was my zebra print ear muffs. I just love em. Sister Residori thought that is what I needed to keep my ear's warm so I took her advice, and bought them. I am so proud of them. Well the Residori's went home, and I met up with my friend Diane for dinner. We ate at some place called Helio's that ended up being a bar/club but the food was great! If they would card people in Korea I would know it's an okay zone or not. We both got burger's that we just perfect maybe because that was some of the first meat that I can remember eating in Korea that wasn't fried or covered in red sauce. Not complaining though. Well after dinner we took the subway to City Hall because Diane wanted to show me some stuff. Well City Hall ended up being just swell. There was ton's of Christmas lights, and tree's to enjoy, and some people were setting up an ice rink. It was magical. We went walking to find stuff, and found this great river that had tons of people around it. Great place to take pictures, but they weren't all great. There was also this huge statue that I loved, and while I was taking pictures a man wanted me to take a picture with his son which was a little weird, but I obliged. The man asked me where I was from, and seemed less that impressed that I was from the U.S. He asked me if I was Russian, and I wasn't sure how to take that. Well after our photo shoot we went home because we both had church the next morning. I fell asleep on the subway which was so odd. I feel more Korean everyday!

Sunday started out a little rocky. I had a really hard time getting up and going. When I was finally ready to go to church I knew I was going to be late if I took the bus so I took a taxi which I don't really like to do on my own because 1. I don't like the awkward silence, and 2. if he gets lost I wouldn't know what to do, and I would be lost in Korea. Plus it was Sunday. Well I told the driver where to go, and he looked at me like I was dumb, and finally figured out what I was saying. Well after about a minute of silence the driver told me in clear English that I was just confusing, and that I didn't say the subway station right at all. He then made me say Bangi till I said it right. I felt like a retard. Once again Korean isn't my strong point. Finally I got to church which was great. I was walking up the stairs, and my shoe fell off which I just thought was great because it really just fell off, and stayed right where I stepped, and I went back to get it because I thought that might be something that I might need. Well the Korean ward was great! It was probably the best Sunday that I have been there honestly. After I went to the Burton's to watch the Nativity Story which was great, and then ended up staying there the rest of the evening. At one point there was some odd riot/north Korea invasion/presidential election going on that neither Brynne nor I could figure out what was going on. The more and more I think about it Dave was probably right. It was probably a Korean ninja fight. We must have missed the beginning of it though.

Finally Monday! So today was plain cold, and crazy! Well last night I realized that I left my phone at the Burton's. Yes people don't for one second think that just because I am on my own in a different country that I have lost my ability to forget my personal belongings everywhere! Thankfully Brynne found it and took it down to the Mission office so I could pick it up today. I woke up rather early. I thought that it was late because if I don't set an alarm then I will just sleep until whenever I feel like getting up which can sometimes be around noon. So around 9 I got up ran got in the shower, and got dressed, and then realized that it was only 9:30. It was just great. So then I of course just slacked off for about 2 hours. I did do a little cleaning though. I figure I better start getting rid of things so I don't have to do it all the last week. I also talked to the family as much as I could on Skype while they were at family dinner. The connections was bad from Rhonda's house so I was just frustrated, and everyone else did too so we quit talking. Mom did claim though that she did try calling, but I have no proof, and she was logged of 98.3% of the weekend, but she doesn't think so. Stefanie maybe? Well then I was off to work. Once I got to work I realized two things. 1. I forgot my rent, and other things at my apartment both of which were rather important 2. I hadn't got my phone. So I caught a cab back to my apartment, and then caught another one to the Mission office. Even though Sunday's cab driver made me feel dumb his lesson in Korean sure did help because the one today didn't speak a word of English, and when I said it the way I was taught on Sunday he understood me! I felt so Korean once again. Well I ran up and got my phone, talked to Sister Residori a little, and then caught my third taxi back to work. It was just one big game of musical taxi's today. Great fun though, and I must say I do like to flag down taxi's. Weird. Well once I was back at work I worked of course. For dinner Heejung wanted to get Spaghetti. Well on our walk there she said that we should go some where else because it was a long walk, and I just said lets go anyways because we were already walking. Well who knew that it really was a long walk, and all up hill. We worked for that spaghetti. It was good. There was a few Korean twisted of course, but good nonetheless. Class tonight was tons of fun. I feel like I can finally semi have a conversation with the people in my class, and they are even starting to understand what I am saying even if I talk fast which I just love. After work I ran to the bus stop because I wanted to get home asap, and it was freezing! Finally I was home, and I was so excited! My ears were cold so I put on my ear muffs that I forgot to take with me today, but don't worry I will so rock those babies in public tomorrow! I am still wearing them actually. Well this blog has become my life because anything that I do I think about blogging, and whether it is blog worthy. I also have a hard time going to sleep because I feel like my day isn't complete until my blog is updated. Tonight will be a great sleep because I am all caught up! Well I have less than three weeks left, and I am sad, but getting excited to come home for 2 weeks! Hope you all enjoy the pictures!
F.N.L
Sporting the Ear muffs!
Big Sign
Great Floor
Soccer balls gone Gold
The Stadium
For Ashlynn(tradition)
right:What can I say? I am excited!
I don't even know
right:For Emma(tradition)

Learing experiences.

2007-11-29T06:38:00.000-08:00

Well today was just one big learning experience. The first thing that I learned today was that if the milk isn't shut all the way then it is going to leak all over your frig. It really doesn't matter if you try to shut it with your eyes because you don't want to put down your bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios in fear that they might get soggy. Then if you put it back, and it starts to drip it is still going to drip even if you shut the door. I figured out today how to play an all Christmas music station. N'SYNC Merry Christmas is music to my ear's. Speaking of my ears they haven't got any better. I think this is Corinne's fault. I thought you took care of me not getting sick while I am here with all of those shot's that I got! Were they just for your own personal amusement so that you could watch me cry like a baby? Cruel joke SJVPMG! On my way to the bus I learned if you are in the middle of a cross walk and there is a motor biker flying down the street coming your way he wants you to move. He doesn't want you to put out your hand to say chill homie. He wants you to move because he will just get really close to you just to freak you out. Well I had lunch with Sister Residori today. It was nice. I also learned that when a Korean women who haven't seen you in a while have no problem telling you "you lost lot of weight in your face, and very beautiful" honest complement that I can appreciate. The hard part was that no matter how many people were around it doesn't get any less embarrassing. For lunch we went to Sister Residori's and had some bulgogi that I was rather impressed with. I had no desire to go to work today! I left the Residori's at 10 till 2 and I am supposed to be at work at 2. Which brings me to the next thing I learned. Even if you take a short cut it doesn't always mean that it is going to be a real short cut. I got off at the bus stop that I was supposed to, but I didn't realize how far it from work. I decided to take a short cut which ended up being like a hike. It was nice just not worth it. The lady that I was walking next to before I went into the short cut ended up catching up to me when I got out of the path. Work was fine. I didn't really have much to do except to look up things for class that night. This is when I learned something else. Jumping onto a high chair that spins is a recipe for disaster, and by disaster I mean flying across the room, and almost landing on your face. Class was great! I taught an essay class. I was so excited that I wasn't going to be the one writting an essay anytime soon. When class was over I didn't have another class so I got to go home early. I went to return my DVD, and get another one because I figured since I got off early that I could just watch a movie. Well I rented the Notebook which probably wasn't the best movie for me to rent considering I don't feel good, and that movie always makes me cry, and when I am sick I am just that much more vulnerable. I rode the bus on the way home. It was of course tons of fun. It was a little crowded tonight, and people just kept getting on. I was surrounded by three men who gave me no breathing room. When I went to get off a lady was getting off too. She walked right under my arm that was holding onto the bar above my head. Simultaneously the bus drier hit the brakes, and I lost my grip and I almost clothes lined her. It was just a joy. Another lesson I learned. Even though I didn't hit her not everyone thinks the almost accident is as funny as I do. Oh well it really was humorous. When I got home I made dinner for myself. Before making dinner I cleaned up my apartment because it defiantly needed it. This is when I learned the most valuable lesson of the day. If you leave orange peels in your garbage pale for a week they mold. So does bread. I didn't know that orange peels molded. I just thought that they got hard. Well when I opened the garbage pail it smelt citrusie to the max. Sadly it didn't look like anything desirable. Haha I will not make that mistake again. Spaghetti seemed like the best solution to dinner. The hard part was the all of the instructions were in a different language. It wasn't even Korean just a different language. I had no idea how to know how long to cook it for or how to know it was done. I remember Grandma Cola telling me once that if you throw it at the wall that is a way to test if it was done. Tough part is that I wasn't sure if it was supposed to stick or not. So after some council from Brynne who was my life saver last night I figured out that I is supposed to stick. I throw and it stuck! It was the most satisfying bowl of pasta I have had in a while. Well I watched the Notebook, and yes it made me cry. I am a wuss, and need to toughen up. Well I was going to post this last night, but I fell asleep. I have figured out that as of Saturday I will only have 3 weeks left in Korea. I am sad to be honest. Korea, and the people here have kind of grown on me. I still have a lot to do, and see. Hopefully I can live it up the next few weeks. We'll see. The following pictures are me documenting my pasta success. I forgot to take the noodle down so I was able to capture me with the magic.

I think it's done!
Still done!

Bargain Shopper

2007-11-28T05:07:00.000-08:00

Wednesday's are my off day's and as of Tuesday night I had no plans. So this morning I decided to look inside my great little book of places to visit while in Seoul. I picked out this street Market called to go to, and get some shopping done, and out of the way. So I spent the first part of the morning getting ready, and getting dressed, and talking to Mom, and Grandma on skype. Well I was killing day light so I hung up and off I went. Well when I got there it was so exciting! There were people every where, and a ton of shops. I just saw a little strip so I thought that I would be able to hit everything. Well around the first corner was this little scarf shop that had the best scarfs I have seen the whole time in Korea no joke they were great. The lady at the shop kept trying to sell me stuff, but I still wanted to look around. I told her that it was going to be a gift, and she started showing me all of these different types of scarfs, and saying "good for mother good for grandma good for sister good for friend!" she was relentless. So I told her I would come back with not a lot of intention's on doing so. After I turned the corner saw it. The Mecca of Bargain shopping. It was crazy! Streets and streets full of stores. Knock stuff, souvenirs, shoes, clothes, and so much more! It was pretty amazing. Well in my book it said that this street was known for it's good natured haggling, and bargaining, and that it was. I don't think that I bought one thing for what it was on sale for. I am very pleased with my bargaining skills. There was also a mass of Christmas stores. It was hilarious! Korean, and English version's of Christmas songs played loudly. To say the least it was music to my ears, and made me laugh at all the craziness. Well the best purchase of the day for me would have to had been the purse that I got. It's all beaded, and crazy made in Korea, and hand made. Costs 20000 won, and I got it for 17000 or 18000. That lady was a tough cookie, but I got her in the end. Well the further into the market I got the more I realized everything looked the same! I had no idea where I was! I pretty much walked around in the different direction's until I finally found where I was. It was a relief because it was getting dark outside, and I don't like to be lost in the dark. To many scary movies start out that way. I should start leaving bread crumbs behind to help me find my way back. I past the stand with the lady who I told I would come back well I walked past and she ran out and pulled me back. Well I felt bad just walking away so I made a purchase. It was great though got that price lowered too. So I made a ton of random people take pictures of me some good some not so good, but I did it for you. Don't think for one second I didn't get pictures next the Christmas stores, and the Santa Claus playing the Saxophone. I think that people think that I am crazy for stopping them to take pictures of me, but what can ya do? One day someone is just going to take my camera, and run, and take all of my memories with them, but I hope not because then I would have to pull out my ninja skills and whoop some(Jeff Heminway & Kacey Kennington that one was for you guys). I left there feeling good about my purchases, and leaving a sucessful bargain shopper. Whil I did bargain I spent more money than I would have liked to. For this I blame Brynne for not giving me another option, stacy for not answering her phone, and Mom & Grandma for supporting me in my brilliant idea to go shopping. Well after my day of shopping/getting lost I went to dinner. It was about 6 and all I had to eat all day was a bowl of cheerios. I was a little hungry so I went to the one place I knew I could get food, and enjoy it. Since Grandma's house is in California I settled for TGI Fridays. They were great. All of the staff kept coming over just to say hi. It made me laugh. I also loved all of the crazy outfits, and hat's that they were wearing. Since TGI Fridays is in the COEX I went, and looked around in there. I picked up some crazy necklace that say something in Korean. I don't know what it means, but I think it's off the chain. Well it's late, and I still have to watch the Princess Diaries Dos, and I feel good about it because once again I am a successful bargain shopper. Tomorrow work, and lunch with Sister Residori. Peace&Love!
Just pure madness(just giving you an idea of what I was up against)

Well this would have been good if that guy wouldn't have been all up in my business

just the best place ever

Christmas store #1432

so many Christmad tree's

She was just so darn cute!

Tuesday's with Alexis

2007-11-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

Purple rice from yesterday.

Tuesday! Well today was nothing speacial, but fun. I woke up with and ear ache. I absolutely hate ear ache's! I have no idea what to take for it so I just sat in my bathroom looking in my medicine cabinet thinking that if I stared at my medicine long enough the one that I am supposed to take would just magically get up, walk out of the bag, and say take me. No luck. I talked to Mom on skype. It was here Birthday! Oh my little old Mom. So darn cute! I hung up with her because they were all going out to dinner as a "family" for her birthday. I decided that I should probably make myself lunch, and stop being lazy. I had ramen noodles. I realized that I am a thug when I reached for chopsticks instead of my fork. Okay well my fork was dirty, and I had no desire to wash it, but before I would have refused to use my chopsticks, and just cleaned my fork, but I was okay with the chopsticks! Right before I left for work Grandpa, and Grandma called me on skype. It was sweet! Grandma, and I seemed to talk at the same time, which made it hard for us to communicate. The first part of our conversation was one of us saying "what!??!" because we had interuptted each other. It was great. Work was good today. I had to record the longest lesson ever today! I started making the odd voices again and then I would laugh at myself because I thought that I was hilarious. Heejung didn't thinkt that the voices were as funny as I did. The best part of my day would have to have been when I was in the restroom, and was singing Whitney Houston I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and someone came in. Talk about stage fright. For dinner tonight we went to a dulkgalbi restaurant. This dish has bumped bibimbap out of first place on the list of my favorite Korean foods. The restaurant was great. It had all of these liscense plates on the walls, and movie poster's, and other random piece's. I would like to think of it as the Jake's tex-mex of Korea(only bakersfieldian's are going to get that). They also gave us apron's to eat with. It was lovely. After we went to the video store, and I rented the Princess Diaries 2 because ever since watching The Other Side of Heaven I have been wanting to watch Anne Hathoway in P.D. weird I know. What can ya do though?
Never been so happy to wear an apron.

One of the pictures I showed my class. I like it just because I look sunkist.
I brought pictures of my family, Emma. I had to because they have all wanted to see what Emma looked like since I drew her as a stick figure. She didn't look so hot. I just decided to take pictures of the family too. Haha actual pictures were better than the stick figure I think. We flew through the lesson, and I got to leave early. No complaint on my part. Well I was tired on the bus, and wasn't paying much attention to what was going on, and so I missed my stop. I had a mini heart attack, and then I just laughed because only I could get lost on the same route I take everyday. Tomorrow is my day off, and I have no idea what I am doing. I am determined to have fun. Maybe dancing? Shopping? Who knows. Suggestion's welcome!
Nikky, Emma(Shaq), and Me

It was just great......

2007-11-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

First I would just like to say that last night I was going to update, but I guess that I was tired. I woke up around one in the morning. I was on the floor and so was my laptop. The floor was cold, and I fell asleep with my finger on the L button, and thats all that was on my blog aside from my photos. It was just great. I fully intended to update though.
Weekend!!! Well I had a fun weekend.
Saturday I got suckered into Young Single Adults confrence, and it was everything that you would think it would be. The good the bad, and the ugly, but mostly good surprisingly. Well I woke up early got dressed, got on the subway to go to the Temple. On my way there I got hit on by a man in his not so prime from Pakistan. He asked me out for drinks. I gave him all wrong information. The Temple was just great. A lot bigger on the inside than expected. Then it was a full day of the confrence. The speakers were great. For dinner we split up into dinner groups, and mine was a ton of fun. We had dulkgalbi which was incredibly spicy! So good though. Made me tear up though because it really was that hot. After dinner we saw 5 guys dressed up in life size shrimp costumes, and of course had to get a picture. One of them and I were just the best of friends and he just kept giving me hugs. Where else does stuff like that happen? Then we caught a cab to the next location. Best cab ride of my life. Our driver was great. I told him he was a stud. He let me know that Korea won the soccer game qualifing them for the next Olympics(I am so glad to finally be in a country who loves soccer!). He then started cheering this Korean cheer. It was just the best thing I've ever seen. He was so excited, and everyone in the car was cheering including me once I caught on. It was just great. I can't remember what the cheer was, but don't fear. I will figure it out a-sap. So the last part of the Saturday night confrence was a dance. It was a lot of fun, and I was a dancing with basically torn down the house. I did leave though once I heard someone say "Oh this is great Jr High" I just thought to myself I don't think I was even born yet. That's when I took my cue, and left. The subway ride home was the longest but it just made it that much sweeter. Last time I came home the same way was the night of the slow motion fight. Well this time there was two drunk guys who were holding each other to stand up. When we came to their stop they got off and one guy just collapsed on the ground right outside the doors, and no one helped him. The other guy just looked at him thinking that if he bent down he was going to fall too. It was just great. I don't ever know what really happened to them.
Christmas in Korea

My Korean Pepsi ad(at the dulkgalbi restaurant)

It was just great.

Sunday I went to the English ward with the Burtons. It was the end of the English YSA confrence. We just stayed for sacrament, but having Brynne there, and watching her, and her eternal companion interact was just great. "The family that prays together stays together". Haha love it. Well after I went back to the Burton's for some bonding time. Brynne, and I watched some Other side of Heaven, and it was swell. Add that one to the list of movies that make me cry. I am pretty sure that movie number 1,233,468. This was also the day that I figured out that I can't read bass at the same time, or bass at the same time. I am determined to be great at it though. I have added that to my life goals. Well when I came home that night I realized that there is a new door man. He wasn't all that interesting, but he thought that it was awesome that I was American, and just stared. A little creepy, but I knew what he was thinking. When I got into my apartment I smelt something funny. I realized that I left my iron on all day. Haha what if I had burned down the complex. See now I think it great, but really it could have been bad, but it did really bother me I was tired. Well aparently I was way tired because I fell asleep on the cold hard wood floor. That okay though I hear it's good for your back.
Monday Was okay. I woke up like three times and it was still dark so I just kept thinking go back to sleep. Finally I looked at my clock, and realized that it was 10 & dark outside because it was all cloudy. Well I got up, and got dressed the Family called on Skype from Sunday Night dinner. I love Monday mornings just cause I can talk to everyone. Robert thinks that he knows Korean now because he dry cleaner is Korean, and he can say hello, and he just make that word everything. Comments, questions, come backs. It's just great. Roegan came over to say hi to me! Love that kid. He said "hi wexis!" and waved. Missing all the little cousin more, and more. Well Then I went to work. It was good today. Dinner was also great. We had pork bulgogi. The lady at the restaurant kept trying to convince Heejung to convince me that it would taste so much better with squid. My face might have made her finally give up on that thought. Well dinner was good though. My rice was purple. It was hilarious. It tasted the exact same, but purple. Class was fun. One of the girls in my class is quite the comedian, and I couldn't stop laughing at the things that she would come up with tonight. I think I might have snorted. It was just great. I took pictures of the purple rice but I am to lazy to load them tomorrow maybe. I also realized today that I only have 25 days left here in Korea. I still have so much I want to do, and see. Time is going by to fast, and I not sure how I feel about it.

Rain Rain Rain!

2007-11-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

Today was great! I started of the day a little rocky, but that's okay. I some how wrapped my cell phone cord around my upper body, and then when I rolled I wrapped it around my neck, and it was choking me. Sshhish. It was a little crazy. Well then I got up and got ready. It was so cloudy outside today. I didn't like it, that's okay what can I do? I got my birthday card from Nikky this morning too! It was great! I loved it, and I posted it on the post below so that you could enjoy it too. It made me teary, but I am a sap. My family called me from thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. It was great! I talked to just about everyone! Grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncle's, cousins, Emma etc. All of the little girls wanted to know where I was, what time of day it was, if I was going to bring them something back, if I had a new boyfriend, and you know all of the other odd things that 6 & 7 year old girls will come up with. Victoria left for a second, and then came back with a chocolate dessert and started waving around in the camera saying "mmmm! Do you want some? It's so good! Do you want some? Chocolate it's so yummy! Hahaha!" she is more of my cousin than I thought which could be a problem. It was great to hear from everyone today. I loved it! It was the most family I have talked to at once, but it was great. It was just one big party on Skype. Then everyone had to go, and so did I, but I had to go to work, and everyone else had to go home, and get sleep for the normal Cola family day after Thanksgiving hard core shopping extravaganze. I swear they workout every morning in the month of November to prepare themselfs for this. Those women are crazy!
Them trying to get everyone in...

rather inquisitive little buggers, but I love them

Victoria being a chump!

Well I didn't know, but it was cloudy because it was a rainy day. I don't know why but I love the rain, and rainy days more than anything I think. I always think of being in elementary and having to stay in the class room because it was raining, and all the great games we would play in place of recess. My favorite was always silent ball because I was always one of the last girls left, and I would throw the ball as hard as I could at the other girl so she wouldn't want to catch it. Always loved that game. I took this as a great oppurtunity to put on my rain boots. So I went to work all rain weathered out. I even wore the huge lime green jacket that makes me look bigger than neccessary just because it was raining. I looked hot to say the least. The best to me was that everyone had to walk around the puddles, and I just flopped right through them making sure to splash as much as possible. I felt like I was 7 again trying to get Micheal S. wet in the lunch line, and not get caught by Ms. Strasser. Work was fun. I got to call home, and talk to my family on the phone which was great. I also had sometime to write some more post cards. Stef and Walter I really tried to be serious in yours, but it just wasn't happening, and I hope you enjoy! Finally it was time for dinner, and I ran upstairs to make sure it was still raining so I could put back on my rain boots. It was. Sweet. Well in the middle of my splashing I realized I was getting Heejung wet. I thought it was funny, but I knew I had to stop. After dinner I told her she had to take pictures of my playing in the rain, and she did. I only posted one because the others are just to humiliating. I was showing off the shoes for everyone to see in the middle of the road. Not safe in Korea at all, but I like to live on the edge.
Showing of the shoes!(I was falling that why face looks the way it does I think)

When we got back to the office eveyone started showing up early which isn't normal. Finally I was called into start class, and when I walked in they had a cake, and candles for me. It was great! They also sang happy birthday to me in English which I thought was great. I loved that the english speakers sang in Korean, and the Korean's sang in English. We then had cakes, and enjoyed, and then eventually actually did a lesson. It was fun overall. Looking forward to the weekend. Enjoy all the shopping madness, and you weekend too! Don't forget Nikky's card below!
Special!

Birthday cake & Cheese Cake shot........that was just pure heaven!

Present from Nichole

2007-11-22T23:04:00.000-08:00

So Nichole made this for my birthday! I loved it, and I thought that I would share it with you all. Nikky makes movie's for a lot of things, but has never made one for me, and I never thought she would. It's pretty great. I am the short one with the short hair, and Nichole is the taller one with the massive hair. Yes we have defineltly changed styles since then.

Thanks Nikky I love ya home skillet!

Thanksgiving & My 18th Birthday

2007-11-22T06:23:00.001-08:00

Well everyone today was my Thanksgiving /18th Birthday. I have to say that last night I was excited about today, but was sad that I wasn't going to be home for Thanksgiving or my birthday. I have never spent either one away from home, or without my family. So this morning I got up two hours later than I had planned on. It really is ridiculous how lazy I can be. I got up and did all of the norm. Then I got on skype. Just the boys were home, but only Aaron would talk to me. That kids cracks me up. I love him like a fat kid loves cake. He was not impressed that Korea doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving I think he thinks they are all a bunch of communist. Yes he really was that disappointed. So I got off because I had to finish getting ready, and Aaron said that told me that when I called back that he was going to answer, and him and Adam were going to talk to me. He also said he had to go because he was going to call David Bunting on skype even though he lives down the street. Hello Aaron I am in Korea David is not more important. Sure he can throw you around, and throw things at you, but is that really what you want? Really lets thinks about this. Well a hour later I got a call from Mom & Ash. No, no Aaron. Him, and Adam lied to me and went to the Buntings to have pizza and play the Wii. Here you go Stef this is me blaming Dave for something taking away my brothers! Well Mom, and Ash were great, and tons of fun to talk to. I do miss Ash, and all of her ridiculous comments they sure are swell. Well after I got done talking to them I was on my way. I looked into my mailbox first and noticed I got a package. It was from the fam. I was so excited. I wasn't going to, but I just ran back upstairs and opened it. There was two letters, and a card from Grandma. I had just done my make-up right before leaving....that was just a waste of time after I read those babies. Letters from home, and loved one's are the best! Mom also sent me Shrek 3, and the sound track, and my I-pod cord(my life savor). Well the Burtons absolutely refused to allow me to bring anything to dinner. They even rejected my Peanut Butter Ritz crackers. I don't think I said Peanut Butter maybe that was it. I was determined to bring something though so I walked to the market, and was on the search for Martinelli's sparkling Cider. I was sure I found it. After carefully examining the bottle for 20-30 minutes no joke I finally discovered the little word WHISKY I put it down. I didn't really think that would have been crowd appropriate. So I ended up not bringing anything. Ugh. I knew I should have just brought the crackers. Well after the almost whisky fiasco I went to the Burton's. First thing I noticed when I walked in was the HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner; so great. I got there in time to watch the end of October Sky. Never saw the full movie, but the end was good. I cried a little and I wasn't sure it was cry worthy, but the music made it sound like it so I did. Well after that it was the normal Thanksgiving prep. I really do like to do that, and I have no idea why. Right before people started arriving I got a b-day gift from the Burton's. It was great. Everything had important value. Just to name a couple Peppero, and a face mask. Not just a normal patient face mask, but a pink one with a little animal face on it. Everything that Korea is. So when everyone started showing up it was time for some Thanksgiving grubbin. First we sang the Hymn Because I Have Been Given Much, and had a blessing on the food though. Everyone also sang happy birthday to me in Korean. I have to be honest every time I have that song sung to me for some reason i get really embarrassed. I don't know why I just do. I get totally red, and refuse to make any eye contact. After that we ate. Sister Burton let everyone know that my seat was the only one reserved I think I saw it earlier, but didn't get it, but at my seat there was a birthday hat, and a wand type thing. It was lovely. I wore the hat the whole night. Well we were asked towards the end of dinner to all say something that we were grateful for this year. I hate this just because I always get emotional. I cried though, and I wasn't expecting that. I am such a baby, and that really needs to stop now that I am officially an adult. Brynne refused to cry at all so I just looked dumb all on my own. That's always lovely. Well after my public break down we had dessert. Always my favorite part of the holidays. Sister Residori got me Cheese Cake because she knows how big of a fan that I am. They all sang happy birthday again and I blew out candles on my cheese cake. Sweet! After that all the Elders started to leave, but not without doing a "Korean Mask Dance". I think it was for my birthday, and it was great. Elder Choi was the Korean, and Elder Moesel was the mask. It was awesome. I will try to post the video but I don't think it does it justice. Then was the normal clean up, and such. There was also a mini photo shoot courtesy of Brynne. Sure I don't think everyone was into it, but I loved the pictures that came from it. I came home shortly after that. I was holding my b-day because I couldn't sit up in the car with it on, and when I got inside my building my thumbs up doorman was totally excited that it was my birthday. He kept yelling happy birthday! Happy Birthday! until the elevator door shut. Such a sweet heart. Well I am now home. For some reason it took me forever to get all settled in. I started watching Shrek at 11 p.m. It was great. Classic I love the characters I hope when I am all grown up I can be like the Ginger Bread man. Truly inspiring, and Justin Timberlake as a animated character. No words my friends no words. All around I loved today. I love that I was able to spend my birthday, and thanksgiving here.
Seriously though. Today is/was Thanksgiving. There are really so many things that I am grateful for. I can't name them all because this post is already freakishly long, but I will name a few.
I am so thankful for my job and the chance that I have to be here in Korea. I don't think I know how lucky I am to experience this. I have learned so much about myself, and the others around me, and the people that I surround myself with everyday here, and at home. My testimony has been strengthened. The people who I have met, and have come to know I don't think I could have done so well to this point without, and am blessed to know. Truly.
I am thankful for my friends. New and old. No matter what I can always count on them to help me out even if it's something completely stupid. Also very grateful for all of you. I really do have some great friends.
Last I am going to say my Family. I am so blessed to have the family that I do. They are all so supportive, and amazing. Crazy, but amazing, and I love it. They are all so great that words can't describe how I feel. I have to end this before I cry.
So I tried to sum things up and keep it short, but we all know how that works out for me. Here are some pictures from the day. Hopefully I will have more soon. Hint hint you know who you are. Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving all!

The table

My Birthday sign

I am just so dang proud of that pie!

My Cheese cake with Candles....mmmm

Me & Sister Residori

Let the photo shoot begin

He's just a stud!

Always a party

My family in Korea

Pie day

2007-11-21T06:20:00.001-08:00

I am really going try to make this short cause I am tired. Today was my off day. It was simply, but I enjoyed it. I wanted to go to Dongdaemun, but Sister Residori said that it was going to get warmer this weekend so I decided to wait, but I don't see it getting warmer any time soon so I think I might have to just bite the bullet, and go. Well I went to the mission office to have lunch with Sister Residori, and we just stayed again for the institute lunch which was fine. I love it. People make here make me laugh, and I love how gracious they are. Well after lunch I went to the Burtons. I helped make pies for dinner tomorrow. I have to tell you that every time I think of making new desserts I think of the horrible fudge disaster of '04. Some know what I am talking about and others may not so lets just say I was the worst fudge maker on the planet! Stef stills teases me about it to this day. Pie? This was going to be new for me. I have never done anything having to do with pies aside from eating them. I remeber always watching my Grandma make pie's and just thinking that she was too cool for school which she is. I got to roll out some dough and Grandma would have been proud because I had an excellent rolling pin method I think. That would be something that has taken me years to get right. I liked it since Sister Burton will have no part in me bringing anything tomorrow I feel like in some small way I contributed. Well after that we watched The Cronicles of Naria. I love that movie. I notice something different every time I watch it. This time would have to be how the youngest girl is a horrible crier, and how easily I jump whenever a wolf would come out of no where. Most of you know how into movies I get. That is one movie that will always keep me on my toes. After that we all went to the English class which was great, and then I journeyed home. It's getting colder outside. I would really just like it to snow hard so that I can at least say that it is cold enough to snow, and know that I am not just being a baby. Well thats all for today. I am looking forward to tomorrow. I love my birthday, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday so having them both on the same day is great! Oh how I do love turkey. I didn't take any pictures today sorry I know I should have. I promise to take some mananna, and I will get a picture of the pies. Mom said that my blog just isn't complete without pictures so here you go. It's Me, Ash, Emma, and Nikky. Brittney got cut out but she is there in spirit. After all this time this picture still doesn't get old.

I like how no matter how hard I try I always get long posts!

Now I know that the cold is out to get me!

2007-11-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Well. Hmmm. Okay here goes. So today was interesting day. Well first I talked to Kristen on skype. She just got it, and it was good to talk to her. The best part was that the cam got delayed so she would laugh, and then like 10 seconds later the cam would catch up. It just made me laugh more. I thought it was great. Well then I was off to work. It was so cold outside this morning, and there was remains of the snow last night every where! I couldn't feel my fingers! My appendages suck, and reject the cold! I got on the same bus number 5 but it was a new bus I think. Well I got on and it was like I got the wind knocked out of me when I realized it was Tokyo drift. Ugh he really does make me sick with his insanity. Work was legit. I got everything done on time. I was so proud. For dinner we went to this little restaurant. Heejung told me that Sister Chea made me vegetable pancakes so we were going to eat lite and I was okay with that. Well apparently eating lite to Koreans means getting a 5 course meal. We got mondoo, mangoo, or mandoo I am never sure what it is called. Anyways she ordered like the mother of them all! Those suckers were bigger than my fist. I just laughed at the lightness of our lunch. On the walk back the office I started freezing. Maybe it's just me but I like to feel my feet. Then my teeth started chattering, and that was enough for me. The cold was killing me, and then I told Heejung that we had to hurry which meant run, and we did. I am very impressed with my stride. Just a couple minutes after we got back Sister Chea, and her sister showed up. I was soo excited! The vegetable pancakes were amazing! They looked slightly odd, but they were great. They also had shark fish in them which I thought was going to kill it for me, but I loved them. Well after class I left. Once again it was freakishly cold. I think that if it is going to be this cold outside that it needs to just snow! I can't handle this. Well since Emma, Ash, Cam, Garrett, and Britt have all gone out to ice cream with each other, and have no problem telling me about it I have been craving ice cream so despite the cold I went and got some from Baskin Robins. I don't usually go there, but Rhonda's a big fan so I thought I would give it a try. I should know better with Rhonda I guess. Well when I got home I decided that I would just put it up because I was to cold to eat it at this point. Well after putting it away I noticed two little sacks in the bottom so I reached down, and grabbed them. What I didn't see was the steam that was coming up from them. That would have been my clue to not pick them up. Well I did. It burnt. Did anyone know that dry ice burns your skin? I think that's any oxymoron. Dry ice, but it burns? Well I just dropped it as soon as I found that one out the hard way. It only burnt one finger but it still hurt. This is when I knew that Korea, or the cold is out to get me. Oh well. Speacial thanks to Brynne for helping me figure out what to do with the little buggers. I thought that if I left them out the fumes were going to do somthing to my immune system. Everything was better after watching the Hills. Lame I know, but it's the little things in life that make me happy you know. 2 mas dias para(till) mi cumpleano!
told you they were the size of my fist!

group shot!

best pancakes I've ever had!

Weekend & Monday

2007-11-19T00:59:00.001-08:00

This is going to be short, but Monday is exciting so read!

Saturday:
So Saturday was fun. First I went to Jamsil with Sister Residori. It was tons of fun. I finally bought things that I have been like "aww I'll just get that later" so it's good that I am no longer procrastinating. Well after that I went to the English ward for the adult session which was pretty good. After that I went to a "gathering" at Grace's apartment. I like to call it her penthouse. She works for the Canadian Embassy. For her tiny little self she has 3 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, Kitchen(including a stove), dining room, and a living room. Look at me being all apartment add sounding. I am really not trying to sell her apartment. Anyways my point was that it was pretty legit. The "gathering" was loads of fun. After that I went home on the subway because that's just how I do it. So now that I have officially used the word legit I think that we should talk about it. Okay so a few years ago legit was the "in" word. Well then I didn't use it, but now I am becoming a fan of it. Some of the boys used it over the summer, and now I am a fan. I would like you to use legit at least once in your day. Use it, it will impress people. I will give you examples in ways to use the word.
1. A: Dude did you see that wave?
B: Yeah dude it was totally legit!
2. A: Homie I got an F on my test.
B: Man that's so not legit.
You don't have to use dude or home boy, but it just makes legit sound so much cooler. Legit is a good word, and we can't just let it die out with phrases like wazz up, and yeah boy. Finally at like 10 someting I left Grace's because I was freakishly tired. On my way over I noticed a Starbucks, and was so excited to get one on my home. I had convinced another girl that it was so worth it on our way home(by the way the drink I had in mind was mormon friendly chocolate cream chip frap). Well turns out that when Diane, and I finally got there they had just closed! It was a cruel joke for them to have the door still unlocked, and people sitting in there rubbing their drinks in our faces. I just wanted a piece of home. Was that to much to ask? Apparently. Well the subway ride bothered me. Some dumb guy was sitting next to me, and he was not very smart. It's okay though he was sitting in the pregnant lady/elderly people/disabled peoples seat, and he looked dumb. The walk home was cold. That all I have to say about that.

Sunday:
Sunday started off with me realizing that it was freakishly cold outside. I was going to take the bus to the mission home to meet the Burtons and Residori's so we could leave from there in a car to go to the English ward. Well I got dressed, and did all that I needed to. Well then I decided that it was just to cold for me. So I layered. I put on my under armor, white socks, moccasins, jacket, sunglasses, and gloves. I looked like a spaz, but a warm spaz at that. Well once I got outside I realized that I needed to loose some of the layers because it was getting colder. I did, but just the gloves, and the sunglasses. Well as I was walking I noticed that my bus was roaring down the street, and it was to cold for me to wait for the next one so I started running. I have quite the stride if I do say so myself, and in my moccasins. I was impressive. Well the bus realized what I was doing, and stopped for me before the stop so I could stop looking crazy. Well I got to the mission home, and don't worry Mom I changed so I didn't let everyone see me looking crazy. Well I finally saw the Han River very exciting. I should probably go there on morning, and take pictures, but I think that I scare Korean's when I randomly ask them to take pictures of me. Anyways the meeting was good. I loved it. After the meeting it was colder! I hate Korea(okay I might say that, but really it has grown one me)! I could see my breath, and that is just one thing I don't need to see. Well I spent the rest of the day at the Burton's and I rather enjoyed myself. At the end of the day when I was getting ready to go home Sister Burton just took me home in the car. I must say that I was rather grateful. I wasn't looking forward to suiting back up in all of my gear again, but I would have. It was way nice of her to take me. Well when I got home I talked to my best friend the door man. I am getting used to our half way conversations. They are a good pick me up, and he makes me laugh. I am going to start teaching him slang, and before I leave he is going to be worthy of rolling with Snoop Dogg. He's pretty much a gangster. When I got into my apartment I realized that it was freezing! I tried turning on my heater, but no luck so I waited in the hall for someone to come so that I could make then turn on my heater because I couldn't get it to work. Finally someone, a man helped me and he said that it turned on at ten, and I was counting down the seconds. I started watching School of Rock because I had to return it today, and hadn't watched it yet. That movie is sooo funny. Jack Black is inspiring! It reminds me of so many great band rehearsals in Cam's garage. I fell asleep before it ended though, and was woken up when Mom called on Skype. I was half asleep through that too, and then just rolled back over, and went to bed, and didn't update my blog. Sorry.

Monday!
Today was fun! First my day started out with me getting a cramp in my leg, and collapsing in my hallway. I thought it was good considering how dramatic the fall was. Well after that someone rang my doorbell. I still always think it's the fire alarm, and I have a momentary freak out, and then I snap out of it. Well I was indisposed so the guy had to wait a second. I said coming, and he thought I said come in so he tried to shake the door open. It was kinda of funny. Well when I finally got to the door it was the post man. I still don't get why people who deliver stuff to me feel the need to come inside the doorway. Well he had a package! I was so excited! Well first he was taken back that I was American I think, and just stared. It made me laugh and then he made me sign, and he tired to pronounce my name, but he so couldn't once again great. Well the package was from Kristen. I have to say it was so good. She sent me hot chocolate, "family pictures", card, and a scarf she made herself. I love that girl. Well the family pictures turned out to be a DVD! She is so smart to have said it was a picture CD, and knows me so well. After getting my package I called home on skype. It was Sunday night there, and everyone was at family dinner. I love talking to the family! Without fail the little ones came into talk but more to look at themselves in the computer. Reese screamed she was so excited, and it made my ear drum pop, but it was so cute. Well I talked to Nichole, and Emma. They are nerds, and make me laugh. Emma dumped me though because Man vs. Wild was on. I guess I know where I rank, and apparently it's after Bear Grills. Anyways eventually I had to hang up. I didn't want to cause Nichole was killing me, but I did. Work was fun today. Well kind of work. I finished all of my stuff early so I had a chance to catch up on post cards. I love that I start out writing big, and then end up really small. Class was great. I ran out of words to describe a few things so I just started drawing stick figures. At one point I drew me & Emma. Emma was having a BBQ at my house. I was hosting it, and there was a hot spring in my back yard. Let me tell you the picture was great! I told them not to erase it because tomorrow I was taking a picture. So here's the exciting part. Well the forecast for today was cloudy, and chance of rain. Well when I left work I noticed that the ground was wet. Then I was like hey it's hailing, and then I was like hey that not hail its snow! Well then I did what any true California girl would do. I screamed out loud. I didn't think I did, but the look from the boys passing by confirmed my fear. Well they I was so excited, and that was soon replaced by bone chilling cold. Then I started running. I couldn't get warm for the life of me! I kept saying your in Cali your warm, your in Cali your warm. It didn't work as well as I would have liked it to, but I was still so excited. I stopped people as they were walking so they could take picture of me! I just couldn't contain my excitment. Well I saw my bus flying by and I had to run to catch it because although I was excited about the snow I had no desire to wait in it. Well while on the bus I took a picture and the flash went off, and I don't think that pleased the bus driver, but I had to document. I took a video, but at the end it's me screaming about how the wind came in, and I had to go because I had to run, and get inside before I got frost bitted. Well I also had a little girl take pictures. She was quite the photographer if I do say so myself. I know it wasn't snowing hard at all, but to me it was a big deal! So that was my day. I am determined to wear my galoshes tomorrow. I am excited!
Nikky being a G!

Under my umbrella-ella-ella-a-a-a (it was just raining at this point)

Snow through the bus window.

The white things on my hood would be snow flakes

The picture the little girl took!(thats my building behind me)

P.S I was just so excited I could hardly stand it! It was pretty ridiculous, but what can you do? It may not look like it was snowing in some but it was!

Tired

2007-11-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well it's midnight here, and I am kinda of tired. I had a fun day, and got home rather late, and have an early morning tomorrow. So I will post about my entire weekend tomorrow. Until then here is one picture from today!
Grace, Dai, Me, and Diane

Viernes

2007-11-16T05:47:00.001-08:00

Today was not the most exciting day. I got up, and went to work. Heejung, and I went to go, and do an errand, and on the way back she wanted to get a snack. She called it a "Korean Snack". What that translated to was a duck cake link thing dipped in red pepper sauce, and given to us to eat. It was so hot. I couldn't eat very many. Heejung thought it was funny. She said that it was good for me, and would keep me from getting sick, and that a lot of Koreans eat it. Well the only reason that it keeps you from getting sick is that it makes you nose run so much that there is nothing in your sinuses. Well we finshed our lesson for tonight, and then recorded it. After that we went to dinner, and I was informed that having to much rice is not good for your bowels. I don't know. So class went good. I taught them the differences in the words by, bye, and buy, and boy was that confusing to them. It was even better when I said them all in one phrase. The look on their face was priceless. So after I came home. I froze at the bus stop, but that's okay the tree men next to me kept me warm by lighting one cigarette after another. Apparently breathing isn't something that they felt was necessary. Oh well. So I went came home, and I am still freezing because I refuse to turn on my heat that cost me an arm, and a leg. Tomorrow will be fun. I am going to go shopping, and to some potluck thing at Grace's house. It should be fun. I will try to take pictures, and post them then. Until then here is an old grubby picture of Ashlynn, and I that I quite like. It was the night of the Plain White T's & Boys Like Girls Concert.

Jueves(no way no way no way!)

2007-11-15T05:48:00.000-08:00

So today was an experience. I had planned last night to wake up early, and go and work out, but then when I woke up this morning, and checked the weather I re-thought my plan. The second day in a row my bus was being dumb, and I ended up getting to work right at 2. I ran from my bus stop! Let me tell you my blue flats...not running shoes people not running shoes. The first half of work went really good. I did the whole rocking da mic thing again. It was great. I had to record this conversation between four people. Yeah it was pretty sweet. I had no idea I could do so many voices, and then I had to record it all over again because it didn't sound right, and I was laughing, and making weird noises. It was great though. Well we went to dinner at the restaurant where I had the black noodles before. You know the place that they thought I was a freak for needing a fork. I was determined to use my chopsticks the whole time tonight. This time I said that I wanted something different. Well I ended up getting jom boong which is the spicy noodle that I had before. I thought it was weird that I said different, and I got the same thing. It wasn't the same. The fiery hotness, and the ability to almost make me cry was there, but with a little twist. Well the soup looked the same, and I liked it last time so I was okay with getting it again. Well I started moving things around, and dun dun duuunn there it was. The twist. There was squid legs in my jom boong! I normally would have just kept stirring my theory is don't look at it, but I just couldn't help it. It had feelers, and everything! It was just to much for me. I have a strict policy about not eating things that might come back to life as I chew. I kept trying to eat it people I really did, but I just couldn't. Heejung laughed and took it from me. She knew what I was going through she said. The restaurant guy came over to see how I was doing and where I was from, and I don't even think I looked at him because I couldn't take my eyes of the squid legs. Well I did fine for a while until I saw another piece. This one was bigger! I felt like it was staring at me. Lets make a long story short. I found 2 more pieces. I think one was the brain. I didn't eat any of them I kept trying I just couldn't get over it. I just kept thinking finding Nemo for some reason. I have made a valiant effort to try everything that people make me, buy me, or give me, but I just couldn't. The soup just wasn't the same after the 3 pieces of squid though. Sad I know. I did use my chopstick the whole time though! On the way back to the office I saw a live squid in one of the tanks outside of a restaurant, and it made me think about it all over again. I told it through my ESP to live it up while he can because I just saw his future, and it doesn't look so brught. Class was good tonight. We had the conversation class tonight, and it went really well! At one point we talked about using emotion in your voice. I semi made fun of the mono tone voices that they use, and they thought it was hilarious. Who knew? Well I caught the bus on time, and I was so thrilled considering that I was freezing. The sucky part was that when I got up the bus driver hadn't stopped yet, and when he slammed on the breaks I had my hands in my pockets, and couldn't grab onto anything so I did a backwards run to the front of the bus. Everyone saw. I looked stupid. Yet another reason for me to love public transportation. Oh well what can ya do? I now have to go and scrub the maybe squid out of my mouth. Till next time! = )

.....Before things got ugly

Oh Nemo's friend!

.......I still don't know why I looked

oh brother.....

Miercoles(Olympic Park, Surprise Concert)

2007-11-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

I must say today was pretty fun. I am starting to get used to this sleeping thing which could be a bad thing before going to school who knows. Anyways I finally got up and got ready. It was really foggy again today, but the fog lasted all day. I had planned to go to the Dongdaemun, and do some bargin shopping, and go look at some of the crazy things that happen there, but instead I went to Olympic Park with Heejung, and some of the Kim family. I had never met them before. Surprisingly I have developed this skill of being on time to places so I was there on time, and no was else was so I walked around for a while, and took some pictures. People kept trying to sell me all of this stuff, and I had no idea what they were saying so I just shrugged, and didn't get anything. I was so excited to find out that the Kim girls spoke English because the oldest daughter has studied English in Canada, and Singapore. Do you know that Singapore is not only a city, but a country too? I didn't. Anyways it was fun to talk to them because they really did speak it well. There were two girls one my age, and the other who was 7. It was tight. There names(English names) were Stacy, and Annie. They were both good at English, and tons of fun. Let me tell you I took so many pictures! It was like my own personal photo shoot. You can call Giselle if you would like. Wait never mind don't. Olympic Park was crazy! There was a ton of things to see, and visit. There were all of these sculptures that were made just for the Olympics. They were all crazy, and kind of funny. Walking around the park was taking a massive hike! There were hills every where, and there was no getting around it. It was fun though because after every hill there was something new to look at. Like a little black bunny. There was also this really big hill that was all grassy, and I was going to go to the top and pull a Julie Andrews from the sound of music, and sing the Hills are Alive, but I didn't want to give Ashlynn a hard attack so I didn't. At the top of one hill was this Korean temple thing, and all around it were all of these animal statues. Well come to find out what they represented was the year that you were born and what you are. I would be a snake. Haha. No comment about that. I made sure to take my picture with that statue. The only thing that I really wanted to see was the flags of all of the countries. I promise I have never been so excited to see flags! Kind of lame I know but it was really cool. I also saw the Olympic torch or flame, or both. It was way cool. Never been so excited to see fire! So Stacy noticed that there was a sign advertising this free concert at one of the Olympic Gyms. Well the concert happened to be that night, and free. I love that word. Free. It really is a marvelous word. So we decided to go. Totally spontaneous, and semi not like me. It was fun. I thought that it was going to be some lame concert, but it ended up being this big thing with all of these really popular bands/singers from here. There were a ton of people there. They were celebrating the fact the Korea might be the place to host the next International Expo. This could mean big things for Korea, and they are really excited, and I was excited to because this meant free concert. We got there and there was a ton of people. The way that they did the seating, and all we got these really good seats. It was awesome! I had no idea what they were singing about or who they were, but it was good, and definitely something to remember. There was one band though that everyone went crazy for. Let me tell you it was like watching the Korean Menudo. It was hilarious how similar they are, and there was on performer who was this nice mix of Justin Timberlake, and Micheal Jackson. The show had all these crazy pyro technics, and fire works, and laser shows, and such. It was a blast. The last band was a rock band, and they were so funny and full of energy. In the end my day so tons of fun. Stacy, and i rode the bus together for a while, and then she got off. I was so tired that I got off at the wrong stop, and ended up chasing down my bus. It was funny. Well I thought it was at least. So here are some pictures from today. It is kinda dark in some, but it was not the best weather today. Oh well.

The entrance to the park

the people who tried to haggle me...kind of

Some yellow tree

the big red sculpture

Me & Annie being g's on a sculpture

Watch out!

The Bunny along the way

Ring of Flags

The U.S flag above

I was trying to make the rings with my hands

the olympic rings.....

Olympic Torch

Best preformer of the night!

Menudo

Me & Stacy(I look shiny & she forgot to smile)

Rocking it

Martes

2007-11-13T04:04:00.000-08:00

Today was pretty lame I do have to say. I spent the whole morning sleeping because I didn't feel good. Then when I got up I just sat there because I really had no motivation to do anything. I talked to the family on skype again which was cool, and Cameron, and Emma too. Cameron made me laugh he was so excited, but just like the cousins I don't think it was to talk to me as much as it was to look at himself in the web cam. Oh dear it was pretty good. Then I talked to Stef a little. She was making cookies. Oh how I do miss those. They just aren't the same here. I guess I could find some chip ahoy, and put them in Mini(yes that's her name), and heat them up. Some how though I just don't think they are going to be the same. I got out of the shower and I looked outside and it was foggy. For real this time not like last time when I thought it was fog and it was just the steam from the shower. That was a low point for me. Anyways so I just missed my bus at 1:30 which meant I had to run to work. The shoes I wore not exactly running shoes. I am still faithful in saying Hi to the chicken man who has all of the sudden become 3 different guys. They all wave to me though, and it still makes me laugh that we are all so tight. I am going to have to get a picture with them. Work was good. I got to come home early because I didn't have a class tonight like I had anticipated. I did go and rent some movies from this dvd place though. The guy let me rent two dvd's for the price of one. I was so excited. I got She's the Man, and School of Rock. Both really profound movies I know. You should watch them. I stopped by the chick store, and picked up some chapstick because some how I have misplaced my burts bee's chapstick. The lady who works there is always so afraid that I am going to talk English to her so when ever I even open my mouth I swear she cringes but then I just say thanks, and bye in Korean. Woooh for her. So once again I just missed my bus, and I had to wait for forever, but it was totally worth it to she some girls eating ice cream, and then standing there, and shivering. Well at one of the stops all of these boys got on, and they looked at me. One-by-one. It was totally obvious that they were taking turns, and they were so not sly about it. I just thought it was funny it was like they had never seen and American before maybe they hadn't who knows. It was probably my purple scarf because it's amazing. Well I not so gracfully got off the bus tonight I thought the curb was a lot closer than it was at I was basically doing the splits with one foot on the bus and the other on the curb. What a way to leave. So now I am home, and am going to watch a movie. I don't work tomorrow so it should be fun. Pictures will be posted then.

Lunes (Sit down meal!)

2007-11-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

Well today I went to Costco in the morning. I was so excited. I got the things that I think will get me through for a while. I didn't notice it there, but I mostly got breakfast foods. Oh well I eat at the school 4 nights a week so I can figure out something else for the others. My big purchase I would have to say was Honey Nut Cheerios. I have never in my life been so excited to see a bee. No joke. Anyways I came home, and slept. For some reason I am starting to not feel good again, but I refuse to get sick here so whatever this is needs to go away. Work was fun today. I didn't really have much to do so I spent a lot of time looking at things that I want to do this week, and before I go definitely. I have picked out a few things. It makes me laugh that almost everything in my tourist book is a mall of some sort. I also took the time to respond to some e-mails. If you got one I would like recognition. I need Brittany's email and she is being a slacker so I am calling her out on my blog. Brittany stop being lame and send me you e-mail. You know how to reach me. Anyways. In the midst of all of my Korean places to go madness I noticed that a lot of restaurants serve you while you sit on the floor. If they are in my magazine they are way expensive and I vote against having to pay a crazy amount of money for food while you sit on the ground. Well I told Heejung that I wanted to go somewhere, and sit on the floor. You know experience something new, and we did. It was fun. We had to take off our shoes before going into the actual restaurant which I thought was odd, but it's their culture. Even the people who served us weren't wearing shoes. heejung kept showing me how to sit I think like a lady would. After about 5 minutes of the lady business my feet were asleep, and I just couldn't take it. The dinner was good. Some kind of soup. The man brought me some wooden chopsticks because he said they were easier. Whatever I showed him. I ate the whole time with the metals one. They were the round one's tonight and it makes it harder especially with noodles, but it was worth it. I really wanted to use the wood one's but I'm solider....well kinda. It was so much fun. I had a total photo shoot just because. I think the people in the restaurant thought I was crazy, but that's okay. I am starting to get used to that look. I have to say that eating while sitting on the floor is pretty fun once you get past the burning of your sleeping feet. So class was fun. Everyone in the class showed, and we had a really good time. I walked to the bus stop after and got there right in time. Good because I was cold, and I don't like not being able to feel my hands because its cold. That's just lame. Well I walked the normal way home, and didn't see my bf at all. Darn I was so looking forward to it(totally sarcasm). Once I was home I decided to do this face mask thing. Let me tell you Korean masks are killer. I think I might have cried. 15 minutes wasn't going by fast enough. My skin is baby bottom soft now though. Well I am off!
Sitting down

Our Soup

Yeah I owned those chopsticks

It was all good!

Domingo

2007-11-11T04:32:00.000-08:00

I started my day at 5 a.m so that I could catch my bus by 6 and be at the Burton's at 7 so that we could leave for the YSA confrence/re-broadcast. It took me forever to get up, and get going. Well just a few minutes, but I was like on slow mode. I left here at exactly 6. I thought that I would have to be at my bus stop then so that I could catch the bus in good time because for some reason I thought that it was going to take a long time for it to get there so I gave myself plenty of time. Well I really like stopped at my bus stop and the bus came. So then I made my transfor and was there for a while in the freezing cold! Br! I wore tights today though so I do have to say that they helped a little. I am pretty sure the last time that I was in tights there was photo documentation because my purple tights just looked so dang cute with my hot pink Lion King shirt with the purple accent's. Yes yes I know I was a rock star. Anywho I got to the Burton's kinda early. 30 minutes early to be exact. I got to eat some honey nut cheerios which was nice though. Then we were off. I loved being in a car again. Let me tell you Korea looks a little different from a car than in does in a bus, or subway. Crazy right? Well it took us a while to get there because President Burton missed the turn off, but I thought it was funny. We got there and thats what counts. I have to say that 1. I was impressed by President Burton's driving skill, and that he flew over a bump that he didn't see or didn't look as big as it really was I guess, and I flew. Well not flew but I shot straight up and hit my head on the roof. It wasn't a I am going to get a goose bump hit, but none the less I hit the roof. It was Hilarious! We also saw actual house, and yards somthing that you don't see very often in Korea. The confrence was good. It was crazy how many people were there. I was so surprised I had no idea that there were that many young adults active in Korea. They re-broadcasted Elder Oaks' CES fireside talk from last weekend. The message was really good, and I think something that I needed to hear before going to school. For a closing songs for one of the meetings we sang There is Sunshine in My Soul Today. Okay people I have always had trouble playing that song on the piano, and singing it...even in English. Let me tell you it's not easier at all when the only person you can hear is the chick singing in Korean next to you. I was horrible! I quit that song for good its official. Well after all of the meetings the Burton's were escorted down, and out of the building. I laughed because people where all excited to see them, and they had like secret service agent type's walking them around. Haha I don't know how to describe it, but it was good. The whole thing made me laugh. They are the First Family of the Korea Seoul West Mission in my eyes. I hung out with the Burton's for the rest of the night. It was fun. Brynne gave me some music, that she liked, and seriously it was so funny how stoked she was about sharing music, and then later I had dinner with them. It was fun. I am a wee bit tired from my early morning start so I am going to go to bed. Costco & maybe a shoe purchase & work tomorrow. I think I may be a little more excited about Costco......yep yep I am.

Saturday

2007-11-10T05:09:00.000-08:00

So today was Saturday. Wasn't real exciting but it was cold outside! I slept in late, and with no motivation to go anywhere I was pretty much lazy all morning/afternoon. I thought about cleaning my apartment, and doing laundry, and taking out the trash, and all that good stuff, but then I just rolled back over. So when I did get up I got ready for my day, and talked to my family on skype, and all that good stuff. I was supposed to go to some shopping place today, but that didn't go as planned, and it was really really windy today. Finally I started cleaning. I acted like it exhausted me after every chore. I washed dishes, and then looked at them and was pleased and then sat down, and it was like that after everything I did. 2-3 hours later my 10'x 10' apartment was done. I do have to say that it looks amazing! Later I went to a party thing at the church. It was fun. The whole thing was for an Elder who is going home so it was just games, and stuff like that. My best friends, Brynne, and an investigator Hajee were there so it was fun as always. We played a game called Tree Log Bridge, and I surprised myself when I realized how competitive I was. I knew I was, but encouraging little Korean kids to cheat probably isn't a good thing. My bad. Anyways the highlight of my night had to be when I taught the girls how to play the clapping game. Anyone who was at Girls Camp '07 with the B.E.S knows what I am talking about. For those that don't it's just a clapping game with repetitious patterns. It was way old by the end of the week at camp, but it was so much fun to teach the girls tonight. It started with me and 2 girls, and grew into like 8-10 people. It was so fun. The whole event was pretty fun. When I left it was cold outside. I keep thinking how on earth am I going to live in Idaho if I freeze here? I am a wee bit worried. Anyways I came home a different route tonight to avoid my boyfriend. I had my dinner, which was rather good if I say so myself. I am rather tired so I am going to go to bed. I am like drooling on the keyboard. Manana is going to be good.
I wasn't sure about it...

but I liked it, and so did everyone else!

After a round of the clapping game

I really do wish the wind would leave my hair alone when I am trying to do a self portrait!

What can I say?

2007-11-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

So today was Friday. It was pretty fun. I decided to walk to the post office after all and send of my post cards. This morning was pretty nice, and I was so excited to not be freezing. The post office went well, and the guy who worked there, and I semi understood each other. Well then I took my bus to Songpa. I was going to exchange my money, but I guess I have to have my passport. Oh these rules in other countries. Whatever. I walked past the chicken stand and my best friend wasn't there. Well I didn't see him at first. There was someone else there, and then I saw my best friend. We tried talking, but I had no idea what he was saying, and I just smiled. I have only bought chicken from him once, and it just about killed me, but we have a bond. What can I say? I left this morning without eating so I went, and grabbed a bagel. Mmm how I do love bagels. I ran into my boss, and we went back to the office together. We did some work of course, and got a lot done in my opinion. We left the office later that evening to go and get dinner. It had rained! Ugh I was so happy that this day had been semi warm, and now it was cold from the rain. Brr! For dinner we went to this little restaurant that I walk by everyday. We had mongoo, and kimbap. It was just pot stickers(with barely any meat. Mostly spinach), and a sushi roll looking thing, but with just all veggies. They were both really good. I was kinda surprised I didn't think I would like the kimbap. I am getting really good at chopsticks people! I only dropped one mongoo. What can I say? I had the guy who was running the restaurant take a picture of Heejung and I. He said that he recognized me because he see's me walk by his restaurant everyday. I laughed because he 1. knew who I was, and 2. he was glad to meet the mystery meegook. Class went good tonight. We had a small class, but it went really well and the time just flew. I like ran to my bus stop to try and catch my bus. Well when I got there my bus driver wasn't even there, but the bus was running. I got on despite the weirdness. 5 minutes later my driver came strolling out of the convenient store. Apparently he needed some snackage. What can I say? Busses do whatever they want here. So on my walk home I was just minding my business as always. Well I was just about home, and I walked past the same corner store that I always do. I was stopped by one of the three guys who I always see, but don't pay attention to because the three of them are always talking amongst themselves. Lets make a long story short. He told me that he hides from me every time I pass, I was BEA-utiful, and then made me repeat what he was saying in Korean. I did. When I asked him what it meant he told me that it means "I love you"! What can I say? I was tricked into saying I love you! Haha I didn't know what to say so I told him I had to go home because I was cold, and I was going to freeze. He asked my name and told me his was Brian. I would like to just go on the record that he wasn't bad looking either. I thought it was great that he had an American name. He said okay good night I love you. Tee-hee I thought it was so funny....okay hilarious! I now have a potential husband. Yes! What can I say? Korea has been nice to me. Over all today was a good day. I saw my best friend, had a bagel, and found out I am in love....well kinda. What can I say?
Me & Heejung at dinner

Me & the Streets of Seoul

Unpacking the Microwave/naming her....

2007-11-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

Thursday. What can I say about my Thursday? Well here goes. So I woke up, got in the shower, got dressed for my day, started singing at the top of my lungs to Fidelity by Regina Specktor so that my neighbor would maybe get that point that I can hear his music too. So after that I talked to mi familia on Skype. I like that Aaron answers now because he likes to sit there and yell for someone to come. He won't leave and go and get them. It's like he doesn't want me to be alone, and he likes to say "hello Falexis". Love it. Well after I talked to them I was on my way. Work was good. We worked on tomorrows lesson, and got a lot done. I also got some trash cans which is nice so now I can stop throwing things on the floor. Just kidding I was throwing them in a cardboard box, but a trash can looks nicer. Well after work I went to Lotte Mart because I had to get another towel, and some more dish towels. Well I took the bus there. I figured this one out all on my own. I am starting to become proud of my bus skills. Napoleon Dynamite has nunchuck skills, and I have bus skills. Yes his may be cooler, but mine are more practical, and helpful. Anyways when I got off them bus I went toward the wrong light so basically I walked past Lotte Mart to the light that was half a mile away. It was okay though because the street just outside Lotte World has a ton of sculptures made for the Olympics, and different countries flags on display up and down that street. It was cool to see so I didn't mind that long walk. The last time that I was at Lotte Mart was the first night that I was here, and I was with Heejung. This time I was also awake and can recall the things that I saw. I didn't notice how massive it was the first time. It took me an hour to find my towel after walking around in circles. Apparently I was in some ladies way because she rammed me with her cart and seemed to not care at all! She just looked away and kept pushing till I moved. Ugh I hate rude people. I shook her cart like hello, and then I felt bad because I shook it like a crazy lady. She still didn't seem to care, but I felt incredibly rude. Finally I asked someone who worked there, and she put me on the phone with someone who spoke English. I finally found my items and was so excited. Then I went home on the bus again I might add. So when I got home I finished my laundry and put it all away. Then I watched The Hills. I was so excited. It was everything I wanted it to be, an more! I then wrote Elder Taylor, and Elder Ray(still so weird calling them that). The sucky part is that I now have to walk to the Post Office. It's cold and I am not excited, and am to cheap to take the bus there. Aw decisions, decisions. So here's the exciting part of my evening. I finally got time, and decided to unpack my microwave. Well let me tell you that was not the easiest thing I've ever had to do. First of all the directions are all in Korean, and there is apparently a certain way to take it out of the box. I did it wrong, and broke off the styrofoam handles. Not good. I then spent the next 20 minutes trying to get the dang thing out. I finally got it out by just flipping the dang thing over, and shaking it violently. I laughed the whole time because I felt just a little stupid. Well the sucker is up. I think I like her more now because I had to set her up and unload her all on my own. I feel as though she should have a name. I have already decided that it's a she so please think of girls names. Here is what I have thought of:

Betsy (it just sounds like a good microwave name)
Linda (doesn't that mean Beautiful in Spanish?)
Hot stuff (I think it's obvious why)

I need some suggestions so please let me know what you think of those names or if you have any ideas. This is serious business people!
Well I have to go to bed, and ice my hip from crazy Lotte Mart lady with the shopping cart(they should really require a liscense for those things here)! Till next time enjoy!
P.S now that I have figured out the video thing you all get the joy of watching my recordings. They will be great I promise!

So thats me in front of some garden at Lotte Mart

There she is!

I am pretty much fascinated!

Yeah really it's love!

Oh this is the video from Sunday where the girl played and she was great on the violin & the kids were so cute!

MMMM Baby!

2007-11-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well today was my off day. I slept in again. Ah how I love this sleeping in business. Well I made plans to eat lunch with the Sister Residori, Sister Burton, and Brynn. I took the bus the whole way there! I was so excited. The subway is easy compared to buses. There is no maps for buses, but with some guidance I did it. It was another proud moment for me. The way that lunched worked out we just stayed at the church for lunch because there was a class going on downstairs, and some one from the class invited us to eat with them. Sister Burton was making dinner for her company later that night, and was feeling a little pressed for time so we just stayed. Well we had some time before lunch and I went up to the Burtons. Sister Burton was making taco soup and told me that I WAS staying for dinner. I had no objections, and I helped her by opening the cans of kidney beans before going down to lunch. For lunch we had spaghetti, fruit assortment, and kimchi of course. Quite a random spread. The spaghetti was good just a little different. I was stoked about the apples because I think they were fuji or something like it. I couldn't stop eating them. MMMM baby! After we had finished our plates Sister Kim gave me a "duck" it was a little purple gumdrop looking thing with some type of jelly and a nut in the middle. I was so not excited, but I always try it. I have to be honest. Not so MMMM baby! This was the first thing that I have had since arriving here that I was not a fan of. It was to chewy, and I couldn't take it. Brynn laughed at my face, but I really couldn't help it. Imagine chewy cough medicine with a seed in the middle. Yep yumm! I then washed the taste out with a mandarin orange. Well then I went back up to the Burton's. We just hung out for a while, and found some music for the Christmas slide show. Sister Burton was making bread sticks. She is so Betty Crocker. We went to the store to go and pick up the last few things for dinner. I got and ice cream that they said they liked, and I was in love. MMMM baby! When we got back the bread sticks smelt amazing. MMMM baby! I was way impressed. Well then we just chilled till dinner. Sister Residori came up and we watch this video clip that she was going to use for her class tonight. Her lesson was on music and how it reaches people. The clip was so good it made me cry. Well soon the people showed up. It was the other couple missionaries in the other mission, and the Mission President's wife. Dinner was so good. I have been having these unquenchable cravings for mexican food. Taco soup was so good enough. MMMM amazing! It was amazing once again. After dinner we loaded the dishes, and then went to the English class. It was fun. I love that people here make a huge effort to learn English. My best friends were also there so it was tight. They were apart of sister Residori's lesson, and sang a song. They hit a note that was really high, and then all laughed at eachother, and then struggled to stop laughing after. It was cute. After class I went up to the Burtons for liek 2.5 seconds, and then went home. Sister Sue gave me a ride home because she didn't want me walking home at night. She is so funny. Well I went and got a water from the store across the way, and the man who runs it finally asked me where I was from. I told him in English, and then when he didn't understand I told him I was a megook, and he was thrilled. Still makes me laugh. Well I am going to bed now with hopes of eating microwave food tomorrow. I can dream.

I convinced them that thumbs up was cool.......

& making silly faces was better
(the one with glasses is an amazing pianist!)

Best Friends in the Spot Light

Just watch it......

Microwave & Improv Show

2007-11-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Today was pretty good. I don't have to be at work until 2 in the afternoon which is pretty sweet because I have enjoyed the sleeping in time. I got up and talked to Ash for a while. Gosh I miss her. Even when she makes the muchkin comments. After I was off to work. We finished recording all of the lesson's that we have done up to this point. I was so glad. I couldn't speak right today, so I had to keep doing takes over and over! Well after we were done with that I was done for the day. I love when I get to come home early. The best part about today was that I got to take my microwave with me. Yes a microwave. There are many kitchen products that you can go without, but a microwave my friends isn't one of them. I am so excited! This means great things to come people. Popcorn, left overs, and things I can't pronounce, or spell correctly. My apartment is almost complete. Well I had to walk to my bus stop with the microwave. Heejung put it on a dolly thing and I just pulled it behind me. Usually people use them for groceries here, but I on the other hand use it to pull my miracle box. I didn't even care that people were staring at me. I was just so excited. I even took it out to dinner. It was kinda a hassle to get it into the restaurant but I think it was worth the effort. I got some type of bibimbap, but it wasn't the kind in the hot bowl. It just wasn't the same. It also had this massive glob of hot sauce on it that I didn't see, and kimchi which is also spicy. Let me tell you if the rice is red it's a bad sign. Well I didn't finish it due to the firery hottness. So I came home happy as a clam(or a clown whatever!), but not fed. That's okay though. I semi cleaned up my apartment. Mom & Dad would have been semi-proud. I have done two loads of laundry the past few days though. Go me! So I got a call from KaRyn a girl in the English ward here who invited me to an improv comedy show at the Orange Tree in Itaweon. I went and it was so much fun! They show was so funny, and in English! Well then I took the subway home and didn't even use a map this time! I was proud. Oh goodness almost forgot to tell you about these two old men who were yelling at eachother in Korean. Well after a few stops the yelling got louder. Eventually it turned into physical combat. One of the old guys pouncing(as fast as an old man can pounce) flew across the subway, and started punching the other old guy. It was almost like it was in slow motion just because they were old, and didn't move to fast. The guy who was getting attacked just kicked the other guy. A man just standing by pulled the guys off eachother. He was laughing because I don't think anyone saw that coming. I wonder what they were fighting about. Maybe dentures or something. Well I got home around midnight, and now I am way tired! I have to go to bed. Microwave food tomorrow! Aw something to dream/look forward to.

Address, Hot soup & my 12 Pack

2007-11-05T05:47:00.000-08:00

Some of you had asked for my address so here it is:

Alexis Villanueva
Human & Space Building 403,
624 Irwon-Dong
Gangnan-gu, Seoul, Korea 135-230

Well today was good. Talked to the family on Skype. I got to talk to Aunt Mary I haven't had the chance to talk to her. It was pretty cool. Once again all the little cousins were totally in interested in talking to me as long as they could see themselves. They're really are funny. Even Roegan got into to it this time. My favorite moment was when Reese came and sat on my Mom's lap and said what my Mom thought was I cute, but she really said "I tutted". Yeah it was pretty good. Reese thought she was hilarious too. Aunt Nee was the only one who didn't think it was all funny as me and Reese did.
Loving to talk to me!

Brittney & Romi
Oh how I miss my Romi!

Reese & Mary time
Reese was so excited!

So I had work today. We did some more recording of the lessons. As always a good time. I told Heejung that I wanted something spicy for dinner. So we went to this little restaurant, and got these red noodles. Even the name was intimidating. The lady who was serving us wondered were I was from and Heejung told her I was a Megook(American), and then the lady was concerned that the Megook wasn't going to be able to handle the heat, but Heejung said that I wanted spicy. I don't remember the name of the dish, but I got spicy! I did well in the beginning, but the further into the dish I got the hotter my mouth got. I think that Heejung was enjoying my suffering kinda, but I wouldn't show her any sign of breaking. Finally I broke, but only after my nose started running red sauce! OK maybe not red but close to. The dish really was good though. I ate the whole time with chopsticks though! Yey me! Some restaurants here only have like 3-5 people working sometimes so before I left I took a picture with everyone who worked there so I could remember the great hot soup I had. I started telling them how good it was, and giving them a thumbs up and saying very good very good. It was like my thank you to them. They just laugh and we're all so nice. Well class went good. Time flew by tonight. After work I went to this store on my way home that is amazing. Basically anything that a girl wants/needs is there. I love it. Well I needed some toilet paper and the only one I could find was a 12 pack. Well when I was checking out and getting my Gatorade I notice a pack of 6. I tried to communicate that I wanted to switch the packs, but the lady didn't get it. I was making all of these crazy hand motions, and still nothing. Well she won and I ended up with a 12 pack. What on earth I am going to do with a 12 pack of toilet paper? I am not going to be here long enough to use all of that! Ratio wise I am pretty sure I am set with toilet paper. My tush is going to be living like royalty. She did throw in some nice hand cream which I quite enjoy. I caught my bus back home. I didn't notice until I was on the bus that I got Tokyo Drift. UGH! He makes me hate my life I swear. Now I at least know to hold on tight and don't let go until the bus is stopped, and then run off at the stop. He scares me. Well I am home now.Tired from my spicy night, and still thinking about my toilet paper.
Crazy Hot Soup!

Me and the Restaurant Staff!

my 12 pack
(yeah I made the door man take this picture)

Sunday

2007-11-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

So today was my Sunday. I went to bed with my phone not working for me, but plugged in. Well I woke up this morning and it was still completely dead after being charged all night. I thought that it was just my battery, but apparently not. I am glad that I woke up this morning though because when I don't set me alarm there is no telling when I am going to wake up. Well I was going to go the English ward today, but if I got lost then I wouldn't know where I was and how to get a hold of someone. So I walked three blocks to use a pay phone to call the Residori's early in the morning so I could get Heejungs number to tell her about my phone, but I had to take the subway to church today though because she had a meeting. Well because of the time, and all I was going to be late. Let me tell you something. Cold subway benches and skirts don't mix. The cold comes right through the skirt, and then slowly but surely you butt is ice. BRR! Finally I got there and was 30 minutes late, but it was okay at least I went. Well the rest of the meetings were chill. I met a girl who's English name is Genny. I have no idea what her real name is. Well Genny was cool, and so nice. She invited me to do something with her this weekend. I am just not sure what. I didn't quite understand. So we'll see. Well after the 3 hour block I tickled the ivories for the Young Womens choir. It felt good to play. So what everyone here is a musical genius, and I suck in comparision, but it was cool to play. Then I stayed for a baptism. After the baptism they had another meal thing, and I made some new best friends. Once again don't remember how to say their names, but they are all pretty hard core. They even taught me some new dance moves. I am slowly, but surely becoming a Korean thug. Well Heejung and I had some time before the next class, and we went to Olympic park. We just had enough time to see the first part, but I am going back soon. It was huge! Aw love it. So the Book of Mormon class was cool, and funny. Now that I know some of the people it is fun. After the class I went to the Residori's, and had dinner. It was nice! I love going over there because it almost feels like Sunday night dinners at home. I watched some of the pictures, and video's that their family & Grandkids had sent them. They were all so cute. It kinda made me miss my cousins. Aw sad. Well I am over it. Just kidding. So thats really about all for today. I know Sunday's are not to exciting, I am telling you my new best friends and I will be sure to make some laughs this week!
Before we were Best Friends

Becoming Best Friends

I am in the Club!

Dance Time!

Changdeokgung Palace

2007-11-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

So today was loads of fun. Like I said yesterday I made plans with the Burtons to have lunch and go to a palace. Sister Burton called me this morning and planned on going to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Well plans changed and we decided to go to Changdeokgung Palace because it was the Palace with the Secret Gardens. President Burton joined us today, and he found a friend on the subway. It was funny because he was fascinated by Brinn, always took pictures of us, and kept trying to give us directions. Most of the time in the wrong way, but Sister Burton knew where she was going, and corrected him if he was wrong. She did let him guide some though. It was funny. He was President Burtons best friend all day. The Palace was amazing! It makes anything structure in America just look simple minded. There was court yards, King and Queen headquarters, palaces for the King's "Loving Concubines" (I loved the wording it was like it almost made it okay), gardens everywhere, and much more! The detail on the buildings where amazing! I swear that the people who used to live in those palaces had to be completely toned because the steps were huge! I don't know why, but since arriving here I have had this fascination with tree's and anything grassy. Probably because no one has yards here, but the tour was full of tree's, and plants, etc. So I was fixated on the scenery. I know weird. Anyways our tour was in English. I swear I have never seen that many people who speak English the whole time I have been here, and neither have the Burtons. It was funny to listen to what they were saying just because I could understand. Oh how I missed understanding people, and the joys of eavesdropping. I just liked listening to English I think. Well the tour was kinda lengthy in some parts, but for the most part it was really cool. Sister Burton took pictures every chance she got, and it made me laugh. She is so funny, and she did get some pretty good shots, and made sure that I got pictures too. I loved the secret garden. It was soo gorgeous. It was hilarious when Sister Burton saw the pond she was all "ooow water" Brinn kind of gave her a hard time because she acted like she had never seen water before. It really was "ooow" though. It was amazing to see. It was very picturesque. Something that you would see on a post card. Well after the tour we went to Insadong, and departed from our friend. Heejung had told me to go to Insadong because it was a major part of Seoul, and it was way fun. Basically its like a big street fair, but 24/7. There are tons of shops, and restaurants, and people everywhere. The shops were crazy, and fun. I love the randomness of the shops here. You can go from scarfs to key chains to antiques in seconds. We had dinner at a restaurant there. We had Bulgogi. It was tasty. Once again took me forever to eat with the chopstick though. Its okay I am going to be a master. I had tons of fun with the Burtons, and Brinn. Brinn & I both agreed that it was fun to have a friend to share stuff like this with. I also said that I would really like to see the World Cup Stadium. I thought that I was the only nerd who wanted to see it, but I guess Brinn wants to see it too. Yes! We all went home after dinner. I didn't think I was tired, but the second I got home I crashed. Now it's 11 pm and I am wired. I don't know what I am going to do with myself now. Well here are some pictures. In a crazy random order. Enjoy!

Me & our Guide

(I don't think she knew I wanted a picture with her)

Me & Brinn peacen it up

a court yard
some stairs
The Palace
Me, Brinn, Sis. Burton
Yours Truly
I wanna get in.

Me on the Steps

A Palace view
That's
The Secret Garden Me at Secret Garden
Streets of Insadong In Insadong Okay now I am tired that was exhausting!

Crazy Little Bus Driver

2007-11-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

So today was alright. I woke up this morning not feeling very well. I don't know what is wrong with me! So I had plans to go to lunch with Sister Burton, and Brinn, but our plans fell through. I wasn't to upset considering I felt gross. So after talking to the family on skype of course I took a little afternoon nap before work. I don't know if I just haven't noticed it before, but one of my bus drivers is nuts! There are about 3 buses that are called number 5. They all drive the same route. Well there are about 6 different drivers so you never know who is working and who you are going to get. Well today I got the youngest one. Maybe it's just me, but he is nuts! As soon as he closes the doors he takes off! He doesn't care if the old lady with the cane is trying to get to her seat, and he throws her across the bus cane and all. He is ready to go. Home boy layed on the horn like every minute. No joke I promise I started counting. I think his best time was 1 min and a half without using the horn. If you ask me I think he's watched Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift a few to many times. He was weaving in and out of traffic. He ran a light, and was get remarkably close to other cars. It was making me sick, and really nervous. Well once I got off the rocket and was able to see straight again I went to work. Work was okay. I taught the first business men's class today. One guy thought he knew everything, but he didn't. At one point he asked me if my pronunciation was correct? I was all yeah, and if it's not your screwed! I thought I was funny. One other guy in the class kept slurring his words and I was trying to help him say it right. Finally he was all "I sorry I had to much to drink last night and I still not sober yet. Maybe I say better tomorrow." Haha what do you say to that. I just teased him the rest of the class. I totally thought that they were going to tell Heejung that they didn't like me or my class, but apparently they loved me, and my class and want to come back again. Oh crazy Korean business men. So Heejung took me to get chicken noodle soup because earlier in the day I told her I didn't feel good, and after trying to get me to drink some remedy she finally just gave up and took me to get chicken noodle soup. It was at some Chinese restaurant. It was so good. I even ate it with chopsticks. Okay so not the whole thing, but a few noodles here and there, and I didn't slurp that much. I was pretty proud. The next class was good. I love that they try and feed me the whole time. Some of the girls in the class even taught me how to spell my name in Korean. I did it nicely I must say. I am pretty sure that I will be speaking the language any day now. Yeah I am that good. Well after class I like ran to my bus stop because it is freezing outside. I ran past this girl who was wearing a mini skirt, and I stopped dead in my tracks and just looked at her. I am serious I think I might have had a starring complex there for a second. I am not sure. She looked cold and it made me cold. She needed to put some pants on. I think that from now on I am going to carry a pair of sweat pants in my bag for girls like her. Sure it would be like a tent on her, but a warm tent. I didn't get crazy bus driver this time. I was so relieved and so was my stomach. So I needed some water before I came home, and the lady at store is always very nice to me. Well when I was walking around this guy came in and after he checked out he asked her something in Korean and she shrugged. He then turned to me and asked me where I was from. Where I live now. Mothers maiden name, how many brothers, and sisters it had. Well no not the last part, but you get the idea. I refused to tell him where I lived though. I don't think I look that American but apparently I do, and everyone is fascinated by me. YES! The highlight of my day though had to be the nauseating ride to work though. If there was a movie about illegal bus races I am pretty sure that he would be on it. Now I am home and tired, and going to bed. I have plans to go and see the Ancient Palaces tomorrow. We'll see! Pictures will be posted then regardless!

1st of the month

2007-11-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

So today was the November 1st! Who knew? Well it reminded me that my 18th birthday is in 21 more days! Okay and there's a national Holiday then too, but whatever. Today was a pretty good day. I slept in way late! Aw it was nice. I would have slept longer if the wind wasn't threatening to rip to trees outside my window out of the ground. My family was out celebrating so I didn't really get to talk to them for long. They were with Stefanie! Once again I blame her for my families lack of talking time, but it was cool. I saw everyone minus Ashlynn cause she thinks she can have a social life now. Whats that about? It was crazy cold/windy outside today, and I was so not happy. You know something? When its cold and windy, and you are walking against the wind. It's almost like someone is flicking your cheeks over and over again. Oh well what can you do? Work was good. Heejung dropped the ball on me that she is adding a class to the schedule, and it is going to be a business man's class. Great! I am way scared and the first class is tomorrow. I had some free time to send off some postcards which was cool. Some people have ridiculously long addresses. Hope they enjoy their postcard & picture of Korea because I ran out of ink from writing their address that I couldn't even write a message. So I told Heejung a few days ago that I wanted to watch a movie and maybe we could rent one. So Heejung and I went on a man hunt for English DVD's. She took me on this hike type thing. You know something I've noticed? If you walk a long way in one direction; eventually you are going to have to was back the same long way just up hill. It's okay though we found DVD's they were right across the street from where we started. Haha strange huh? So the hike was just for some cardio. The rest of work was cool. We did a lesson, and some mas recording, and then I went home The bus ride home was fun because I had this lady take a picture of me cause my mom said I needed more pictures, and she was the only one who after asking 4 people finally got what I was saying. Well she had two kids a boy and a girl. The boy kept saying hi to me, and trying to say things in English under his breath and the girl was just playing. She was adorable. They rode the same bus I did, and the little girl kept looking back at me and smiling, and then giggling, and the little boy kept looking back at me and then blushing. When they got off the bus they yelled BYE really loud. It was cute. Then the whole way up to their street they kept looking back at the bus and waving to me. It was then I realized how much I missed my cousins. Well I got pizza again because I didn't know what to get. I have adopted a policy that if there are no pictures in a restaurant then I don't order there alone because I don't ever know what I am going to get. Pizza was the only thing that I knew what I was getting. They apparently have my number and address memorized because they knew exactly who I was when they picked up. You call one time, and make them switch to someone who speaks English and all of the sudden the whole staff learns your information. Haha I was flattered really. I got home and hung up my laundry. Man I miss dryers! I am just going to chill now, and eat my pizza and watch some Ocean's Thirteen! Real exciting I know, but did I tell you it's freezing outside? Mom my wanted me to take some pictures so here they are. Oh the things I can do when Heejung has her back to me. = )

Me at my desk

Cheesy!
I would like to call this Rockin Da Mic!
The picture that the lady took!

Yeah thats me pretending not to be cold in my massive jacket!

Parental guidance....

2007-10-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

So today I had plans to go to lunch with Sister Burton, and Residori, but Sister Burton had zone conferences all day and Sister Residori got sick. So our plans were cancelled for today. I was pretty bummed. I also wasn't feeling very well today. It's the fifth day of me not feeling and plus having to change my plans just made it suck even more! I called the family on skype and we talked for a while until everyone thought that they were more important and went to Walt & Stef's. I blame Stefanie. Anyways I layed down to plan my next move and then I just fell asleep. It's funny I always fall asleep when I am thinking or reading. Hm. So I called Sister Residori to see how see was feeling and her and I talked for a while about some things. I got up and got a call from the family who now cared again. JK! So I was talking to Mom and was feeling pretty bummed and her and Dad helped convince me to go out and do something regardless. So after some chatting we hung up and I did just that. I went to the COEX which is this massive mall here. Subway commute was good. Well at one stop this guy got on and got out his guitar, and started pulling a Rocky and punching, kicking, and grunting to warm up. I had to transfer before he played though. On another stop a little old lady tried to get on as the doors were closing. She didn't move very fast and her husband was in front of her so he didn't see. Basically the subway doors made a sandwich out of her. She was trying to push the doors open but she couldn't and they kept trying to close on her. She was being smushed! I was to far away to help her, but she was there for a while until someone helped her. I know it sounds bad but her face and everything was priceless and the whole thing was a wee bit funny. She was okay so all was good. Well the mall was amazing! I got some stuff for me and people back home. I purchased Aaron's gift and I am so stoked about it. He reads this so I can't tell you what it is, but it's the things that I have so much trouble using in restaurants. Yeah there pretty legit. I also got some postcards and it took me like and hour to pick out the set that I wanted. After that I went to this accessory store because it was pretty cool. I think it was Heidi Klooms line but I am not sure. Some stuff was pretty pricey, but others were a steal. If Heidi Klooms is reading this I think you should lower your prices. It would just be better for everyone. I got the best earrings ever though. Brittney West would be proud. So after that I went to eat at TGI Fridays. It was the first place in Korea that I have eaten aside from the Residori's and my house that I haven't had to ask for a fork. Exciting. Dinner was good I got a diet Pepsi which they don't have anywhere! I got a Cajun chicken salad and it was pretty spicy. Good though. After that I went to this bookstore because I wanted a Korean cooking book and there was a ton of books in English. While I was there I thought I head someone speaking English. I just thought it was me being nostalgic, but I wasn't. It was two girls. Listening to them I was expecting someone that totally looked American. They were Korean though. I walked up to them and asked them where they learned English. Well turns out that one lives in the states and the other used to live there, but now lives in Seoul. We talked for a while, and they told me some things to do, and places to visit, and we exchanged info. I was happy. After I went to leave, but I stopped at one of the stands that had more accessories, and got a watch I've really been needing one. I think I am finally getting the hang of the way stands work around here. I just put my arm out and pointed to the watches I wanted to try on and someone started putting them on me. Well I made it back in good timing. I needed some water so I was going to go to the market, but I was going to drop my stuff off first. Well who knew that right across the street there was a tiny tiny little store. They had water there! I laughed because I've been carrying 2-4 liters of water + all my groceries for a half a mile every time. Sometimes I am pretty sure my arms are going to fall off. I will now just go to the store across the street for any water purchases. Nice. Well now I have to clean up my apartment, or maybe not. We'll see. So thanks to some parental guidance I had a pretty good day! Love that! Thanks.

Tired

2007-10-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

Today was Tuesday for me. Well guys the future is cold! UGH! I am still not quite sure how well I like the cold. Burr! Well I went to the market again today. I did so good this time! I didn't get anything that I didn't get anything that I didn't need! Well this time I understood what things were so I actually got things of substance. I was way excited. Well when I was leaving the store I passed the little store that I bought my hat from. You know the one that the lady started throughing hats on me and then taking them off if they didn't look good? Well yeah I said hello to the lady as I walked out the door and she was cleaning the store window/door. Yeah she totally hit my bum. Normally I would have said hello dinner first, but I didn't know how to communicate that so I just laughed. I thought it was so weird, but hilarious at the same time! I just looked back at her, and she said HALLO! It was funny. Well after I went to Paris Baguette and it took me forever to find the type of bread that I wanted, and I picked out two sandwiches. I got two in case I didn't like one I could have the other. I also got a hot chocolate! I was so stoked. So I had to wait forever to try it because it was ridiculously hot, but just the plain and simple fact that I had it was enough for me. Well I didn't really like either sandwich, but some of each sustained me, and at least I tried. I am really trying to eat more than one meal a day. So when I got back I talked to my family on Skype. I love Skype! I am serious. I am going to start promoting it subliminally. Anyways so after all the talking and getting ready for work (skype) I was off to the bus stop. The bus took forever to get here today which (skype) means I would have to run to work practically. I still had time to say hi to the chicken guy though. Even though he sold me the hottest chicken under the sun my goal is to say hi to him everyday. So if I am in dire need of some chicken I know where to go. Anyways work was good. No class today. Hee-Jung and I spent the ENTIRE day recording the lesson's and putting them on a MP3 file so that the people in the class can work on English at home. On the bus. In their houses, and (skype) many more places. Basically I am going to be in there heads! Scary I know. The whole time we were recording I felt like a radio DJ. It was pretty good. I do have a pretty good radio voice if I do say so myself. Well for dinner I told Hee-Jung that I wanted chicken. Earlier this week I told her about the restaurant at the corner and how it looked like it had good chicken. Well that's where we went. When we sat down I asked her if she had been there before and she said no because it was a bar type restraunt. I started to laugh. She didn't have to (skype) take me there if it was a bar. She could've just explained and said no, but she just wanted me to pick where we were going to eat. She's so nice, and it was funny. The chicken? Oh the chicken was amazing! Well I left after dinner because we were done for the day. I of course said hello to the chicken guy again on my way to my bus stop. Well I went back to the market because I forgot to get eggs earlier. It was so cold at this point and I didn't wear a jacket because I was wearing thermals. Brr! Not wearing a jacket = not a smart idea. Well when I was walking home I saw another dog all dressed up! It was the Taco Bell dog! So exciting seeing him/her in Korea. Well I had to take a picture but the owner kept walking. Make me mad. Well finally she stopped but then some guy stepped in front of my (Skype) way. He moved because he figured out what I was doing when I was practically laying on the floor trying to get a picture. Well the picture didn't turn out so well, but thats okay. It was still so cute! Well I am off. Peace, love & skype I mean hugs. I am tired. Good Nite!

There he/she is!

Oh goodness I almost forgot the best part. Well the other night well I was at a corner store I grab some ritz crackers & Gatorade for my tummy. I ended up not eating the craxkers them that night. Well this morning I found out that they are actually peanut butter ritz crackers. I thought I couldn't find them any where! Yes life is good.

I thought it was....but it wasn't....

2007-10-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

First of all thank you to everyone that has been commenting on my blog. I like to hear from you guys, and love reading all of your comments. So today was good. I was woken up by Dave Bunting & Clan calling me on skype. I know no matter what he says he misses me. I think I haven't seen Lindsey yet because she is going to reveal that he really does miss me. Anyways I then talked to EVERYONE who was at family dinner. It was so funny. All of my little cousins were so impressed that they could see me on the computer, but even more impressed that they could see themselves, but when we got on a conference call with Dave I was nothing to them anymore, and he was the shiz. Whatever. So then I just talked to my Family for a while + Emma + the West's + the Long's. I talked to Grandma and Grandpa which was good. I knew I would miss them, but I didn't realized how much I would miss them. Then I spent a long time talking to Brittney and Emma. It was so weird seeing them together, and me not be with them. It was ridiculous how long we talked. After I got off with them I got ready for my day. My thing lately has been to turn on music that is on Brittney's page and turn it up loud enough so that I can hear it while in the shower. So I hope everyone on my floor like whatever is on her play list. Once I was dressed I got another call from Mom this time she was home, and I got a chance to talk to her and Ash a little longer. Then Stef joined the chat. It was funny talking to them this way, but it made me feel like I was at home. I need my Stef time so it was good. I set off for work then. So I knew that it was going to be cold outside because I could see/hear the tree's blowing outside of my window, and I checked the weather on weather.com so that always help. I had no idea how cold it was though. I stepped out side and I started to freeze. California living didn't help prepare me for the cold here. Everyone else on the other hand was still walking around in light clothes while I was wearing a scarf gloves and a massive jacket. The bus ride was fun as always. I always stand and pay before the bus stops, and hold onto the railing as it is coming to a complete stop. Well today I couldn't find my phone that has my card on it and I didn't realize that the bus was stopping. When I did it was to late. I practically flew across the bus, and landed on a cute little Korean lady who seemed a little startled by the lack of breathing room I was giving her. It's okay though I now feel like her and I have a bond. Well work was good. My class was fun. It makes me laugh when they say stuff to me in Korean, and I act like I have an idea of what they are saying. I don't and I laugh along with them when they laugh. At the end of class they gave bread which was way nice of them. It seemed colder than it did earlier. Everyone was now feeling it. I saw a girl who just left her Academy and was wearing her uniform. She looked cold and I thought about giving her my scarf, but then I thought NO then I'll be cold too. Haha I need to work on my Christ like qualities, but I forget them when my brain is freezing! Anyways I stopped at a beauty shop and picked up some nail polish remover. It was funny play charades with the lady to make sure that was what it was. I gestured painting my nails and then wiping off the nail polish rapidly. She laughed and agreed.So here is the list of thing that I thought it was......but it wasn't....

1.Dinner-I thought it was normal Bibimbap, but it wasn't. It was fish style with fish eggs in it. It was different, but I was so hungry I didn't' care.
2.Snacks-A lady was selling stuff out of a snack car. I thought it was a churro, but it wasn't. It was pig intestine on a stick. Not something I'll be snacking on.
3.Cat-I thought it was a normal cat, but it wasn't. It was a ninja cat. There was a cat running, and then hiding under cars, and then running, and hiding under cars. Most cats in America will just kick it in the street until they are like inches away from your car. I think I have an idea of why.

Walking home I saw another dog. Second time I have seen him. He runs up to me so I can pet him and then tries to follow me home so his owners yells for him. He is so cute and wears a little Adidas jacket. I will get a picture next time. I still love the doorman at my apartment who always practices him English on me. He is starting to get good. He now says "I'm doing good" instead of "I'm is doing bad". It was a good day. Now I am home. I'll try it though.I am going to go to bed. Until next time! : )

Only pictures I've taken all weekend, but so good.

Ash was telling an intense story,

Brittney liked seeing herself in the web cam,

and Heather just wanted to see.

They were telling me a story.
Emma....well I'll leave this on up to your imaginations! Haha. Love her

My Weekend

2007-10-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

(If things don't make sense figure it out. I'm tired and Mom is not awake to correct me)
So this post is for the entire weekend. Well Saturday was okay. I went to the LOTTE with Sister Burton, and Brinn. It was fun. That place is crazy! Everything looks the same, but it's all way different. I have decided that before I leave I will buy four things-

A knitted sweater because everyone wears them here and they are way cute, and not like anything in the U.S

A pair of boots because once again everyone, and everywhere, and I like them so much more now that I am here

Maybe a purse because there are so many good deals here.

Chopsticks because if you think for one second that I am going to learn how to use those puppies and then loose the skill you are dead wrong.

Anyways. I didn't buy much just scarfs again. I have really grown found of them since coming here. They are so not a bad investment either because I can use them in Idaho too. It was cool to just chill with the Burtons. They are both so nice. We ate lunch at the Paris baguette. They are everywhere here and really good. I wasn't feeling very well, and after lunch I came home and slept. I hate not having comforts of home when I'm sick. Later that night I thought that if I went out and took a walk maybe I wold feel better. All and all I walked for at least three miles. No joke! I saw someone on the bus the other day with Subway, and I was determined to find it. I was kinda frustrated because I wanted to ask someone, but no one could answer me. I was set on finding Americans. Well I found them, but they were in a Pub and I had no desire to go in. Finally I just called Pizza Hut. No one there spoke English either, but they hung up and called me back four times until they could finally find an English speaker. That would never happen in America. If there is a language barrier to bad for you. On my way home when I was on the phone with P.H I walked by 2 girls who just stared the whole time I was speaking because once again it was English. I said hi and waved, and then said it back all excitedly and then ran off. It was cute. I promise you that no pizza has ever tasted so good, and for the first time in a week I didn't wake up in the middle of the night hungry. It didn't exactly help my stomach, but I didn't wake up hungry. Talked a little on Skype. Then I went to sleep because I was feeling lozy again. Yeah real exciting day I know.

Well today was good. I didn't go to the English ward because Elder & Sister Residori spoke, and after all they have done for me the least I could do was go and support them. Well I won't make that mistake again! Classes went well. We made it to the third hour all good. Well In sacrament meeting I was just sitting there minding my own business. Singing in English as usual while everyone else sang in Korean while the kids in front of me laughed. Well right after the sacrament prayer the Bishop came running down from the stand. He ran over to the row I was sitting in and asked me in broken English to introduce myself to the ward because Elder Chea was up there and could translate. Meanwhile he was holding up sacrament because he is supposed to be served first. I of course said yes. What are you supposed to say in a situation like that. This was my worst nightmare! I don't like speaking in my own ward where half of the people can't even hear you yet alone speaking in a different country in front of people I don't know. I was so nervous. It went fine though. I shook the whole time, but I don't think anyone noticed. After church we had lunch. Oh how I love that they feed us after sometimes. We had curry. It was really good. I was surprised. Everyone said that it was going to be hot, but it wasn't, and I was stoked. Before I went home Sister Burton brought me down a big bag full of food. She said that it would due for a while. Once again so nice. She is amazing to me. I have to think of something nice to do for her, and the Residori's. Any idea's would help. Well I came home, and talked to Garret(shout out) for a while. I talked to a girl here who was going to a YSA activity, and I decided to go. Well when I went outside it was pouring! Nothing I've ever seen in old California. It was crazy. I am not sure that I like that much rain all at once. I met up with the KaRyn for the activity. Her friend (Lumina) asked me if I was from Texas. I said no and wondered why she asked. She said it was because I had an accent, and then she realized I was from California, and told me that I had a California accent. Way cool I've always wanted an accent. The YSA activity was cool. I was really nervous, but it was fun. Everyone was nice, and really welcoming. Haha who would've thought my first YSA activity would be in another country. Anyways. I was there for most of the night. Well I took the subway home. Today I went across the river and back and made 2 transfers without getting lost. I think I am starting to get the hang of it. Yeah! All things considered my first week here was good. Well no pictures today, but I'll get some soon!

Thanks all!

P.S I've started bowing. So weird, but I just can't turn it off now.

Fly, Follower, Scarf, and Noodles

2007-10-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

So today was good. I was woken up by this massive fly. It had been flying around my apartment all night. Well it woke me up because it was flying right above my head hitting the window trying to get out. I tried to help it get out of the window, but it was to stupid to figure it out. Well after about 30 minutes of trying to help fly, and it semi attacking me I'd had enough. I just killed it. Normally I'm down with the PETA people, but this fly had to go especially after it woke me up. Anyway after that I talked to the family on Skype. It was good to here from them because I got to talk to Ash. It seems like I've talked to everyone else except here so we talked for a really long time. After getting dressed for the day I decided to go to the market to get some stuff that I needed. I walked through the park and it was nice because there was a ton of kids there today, and it was funny to watch them play. The kids here are hilarious. There were two kids on a bike and the one peddling kept hitting all the bumps he could to try to eject the kid on the back off. I don't think it ever worked, but the one in the front was laughing while the kid on back wanted nothing to do with him anymore. Well I never made it to the market. I stopped at this hat/glove/sock/black market jewelry/purse hut/headband stand, and boy oh boy did I have fun. The lady at the stand ran up to me and started putting hats on me, and showing me how to wear them. I thought it was funny that she would shake her head and rip a hat off of me if she thought it didn't look good. I got the cutest hat ever I am pretty sure. I went to drop some stuff back off at my apartment, and I walked through the park again. When I left the park I noticed that I was being followed. It was a little boy on a bike. He followed me half way down the block until I finally turned around and said Hi in English. He got a really big smile and said Hi back and then peddled of quickly. I think that he just wanted to make sure that I spoke english. Well I went to work right after that and worked on my lesson all day. Hee-Jung and I went to dinner, and we got some kind of black noodles. Well of course I had chopstick drama again! I cannot for the life of me get noodles with chopsticks. Hee-Jung asked me if I wanted a fork and I was so excited. Well basically when she asked for a fork I looked like a deer in head lights. Everyone in the restaurant looked to see who the freak who wanted a fork was even the cook took a look. Well the freak would be me. It's okay though. I couldn't finish the noodles but they sure were good. The lady who was serving us came up to me before I left and asked me if the food was delicious(in Korean). Hee-Jung translated for me and I told her it was. She kinda giggled and then smiled. She was way nice. Well the rest of the night was good. Class went good, and I am so going to become fluent in Korean so that I can know what my class laughs about. Haha we'll see. So here are the only pictures that I took today! Until next time. ; )

The park near my apartment

me walking through the park all bundled up

(notice the scarf britt)
My pink puchases

(scarf & hat)
so exciting!

MMM Velveeta!

2007-10-25T06:04:00.001-07:00

So today was fun. I finally got a really good night of sleep, and slept in later than usual. I went to lunch with Sister Residori, Sister Burton, and Brynne. I like having lunch with them because it's nice to have people who a) speak English & b) help me adjust to living in a foreign country without my family or friends. We had some kinda soup and it was good. It had like pot sticker things in it, but I really had a hard picking them up with my chopsticks, and it became really frustrating. So I just started to stab them, and it worked out marvelously. I am going to be good at chopsticks if it kills me though! I had Kimchee with rice like Jeff suggested and I loved it! Way good. After lunch I headed right to work, but I had a little time when I got to the Songpa-yuk because...today I took the subway to the mission home, and back to Songpa without getting lost! SCORE! Yes, Kelsie you can be proud. Anyways so I looked around for a while, and stopped at some of the shops that I have wanted go into just not had a chance. I got the cutest scarf ever, and I am way stoked about it. Work was good today. After I came home, and planned to go to the Market. As some of you know I haven't really eaten a ton since arriving here because I don't know what anything is because everything is labeled in Korean. So as soon as I stepped outside it started to sprinkle. I just laughed and kept walking. I was really just to lazy to come back up to my room to get my umbrella. The market was ok I spent a lot of time looking at things to make sure that they were what I wanted though. The people in the fish department kept trying to sell me fish. They yell at people from across the store to come over and look, and when it was my turn and I told them I didn't speak Korean, and didn't understand one of the ladies took me by the arm and showed me everything that she had to offer. I felt bad, but I told her next time and she kinda shook me, and then laughed and said "ok ok next time next time." The best part of the whole trip was when I found what I think is Diet Coke, Pringles, and......(insert trumpet noises) Velveeta! I could sware that I almost screamed when I saw the Velveeta though. The lady who was stocking shelfs next to me laughed. Well after my walk home in the rain I made my grilled cheese sandwich with velveeta, and had my first homemade meal here. It was probably the best grilled cheese I've had ever. MMM Velveeta! Well I would say that I was most proud of my successful shopping today so I took pictures to document. Till next time. Enjoy!

My first set of groceries!

MMM Velveeta!

(who knew cheese could make me so happy?)

Once I was lost(again), but now I am found......

2007-10-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! So today I made plans to go and eat lunch with Sister Residori. Hee-Jung and I couldn't figure out to get me there on a bus, but she gave me directions in Korean for a taxi cab driver. Taxi rides here are expensive. So I decided to be courageous and take the subway without Hee-Jung. Well I rode the bus and then walked to the songpa-yuk (subway station). I made the first transfer good, and I was so excited. I should have learned by now to not get excited until I have arrived at my destination. Well lets make a long story short...I got lost....really lost! I went the opposite way after I made my first transfer, and some women helped me get back on the right subway. Then I got off and went back other way, and past my next transfer. I got off of that one and two ladies walked me to were I was supposed be. I finally made the right transfer after making some guy stop and make sure that I was at the right stop this time, and I was (it was a proud moment). Well after being lost for 45 minutes I finally got to were I was supposed to be. Sister Residori was really nice about it though. Lunch was really good. We went back to the mission home, and I helped her do a story for her English class. It was good if I do say so myself. When I left to go home for the first time I made the subway commute successfully. After that I came home and fell asleep. I didn't feel so hot. Mom says I need more fiber. Haha.

High light of my day! notice the shoes

I loved this and I named him Brutus

The real October 23rd

2007-10-23T05:02:00.000-07:00

So here we go. Today as you may have noticed did all of my blogging. I am glad that I got it all caught up. After I finished I went to work, did the whole bus trip by myself. I was proud that I figured out how to do it. Well I might have missed it on the way there, but thankfully someone knew what bus I meant to catch and started motioning, and yelling at me to run to the next corner and catch it. It was funny. I know I looked dumb. I met Hee-Jung and we did a lesson, and then went to the Market so that I could get hangers. The market that we went to was so cool. I loved it. I noticed that it smelled like fish though and then we came up to a massive fish stand. Kinda gross but it solved the smell issue. The market was fun, and Hee-Jung told me that it was a street market. There was stands with all different types of things from clothes-food-make up-purses. I am pretty sure that I am going to have to go there again. After that we went back to the office and did another lesson. When I got off of work I went back to what I thought was a scarf & hat shop. Well it wasn't it was kinda but they just display them. I walked in and there was all of these ladies sitting there staring at me. They were taking a knitting class, and I think I interrupted..yes yes I did. Then they motioned for me to sit and join them I think but I just laughed and said "no just looking", and then walked out shortly there after. It was pretty good. So for dinner I got chicken but it was way spicy and I had a problem eating it because my nose started to run, and my eyes started to water because it was so hot. Oh well at least I have food for tomorrow. I also did my dishes tonight. It was the first time that I used them and after I cleaned them right away, and my apartment is still clean. My parents would be proud!