Real-I-zations

I will start by saying that this should have been posted much sooner...like at least a week ago. Maybe 10 days. But then people would think that I was posting regularly or into blogging or something like that and that would be a false representation of reality, so better late than never, here goes...

Time has really begun to fly here in Korea. I am missing more and more things at home (birthdays and events and the like) and am filling my time here with more things each week. I have taken to the travel thing again (me? Never!) and am spending the first few days of the week getting back to a balanced state just to jet set again the next weekend.

Work life at school is really great since the conclusion of summer camp. The schools that have come in are either very high level kids or there are kids that attended camp, so it's nice to see familiar faces again. I have been so busy with new friends and meeting people that I hardly have time to just sit down and watch a movie all the way through (trust me, for this, I am NOT complaining!). I say all this just to bring focus to the realization that this is exactly how I hoped Korea would be: busy, fun, full of new and interesting things, people, places, opportunities and experiences. But a few months ago, I didn't know if Korea would ever come back around to where it is now. Highs and lows. Highs and lows. Right now I am riding the high for all it's worth, reflecting on the fact that I am midway through my contract (within 5 days anyway) and all the things I have done and/or have yet to do, wanted to do that I haven't, and am still hoping to fit in before I go. I say "fit in" because things seem to go faster at the end of it (like the roll of toilet paper, for instance) than at the start and I can assure you that the beginning six months has flown by faster than expected. Here is my moment of reflection and realization (about myself, mostly) at the six month point:

There are certain things that I have settled into and hardly recognize as special, different, unique to my current situation, or just surprising now.  There are other things, that though seemingly small or meaningless or non-important or distinct, stand out to me regularly and make me smile or appreciate. I had a (seemingly doable) list of things to get done while here and upon taking stock of the time passed and the time remaining I realize that I will have to readjust the list and throw many an item off or push it onto another, future list. There are things that were not on this list that I have managed to accomplish, much to my dismay and surprise.

I can safely say that six months in I believe there are a few things in life that I will NEVER get used to. Like the sound of shuffling feet down hallways or on sidewalks resultant of either a lack of (be it) ability or simply will to pick one's damn feet up off the ground as one walks. Or the distractingly audible sound of smacking that is the result of a person chewing with their mouth open while eating. Or talking with said mouth full of said smacking food. Or the equally pleasing sound when said person (or any person or people for that matter) begins slurping their silently sip-able food or beverage item. Or uncovered sneezes and coughs. Or rinsed off hands after using the restroom or before eating. Or blatantly staring at someone and not understanding why there are reactions or repercussions for this. Or multiple layers of some sort in summer time temperatures. Or wearing clothes while swimming (in the sea more specifically). Or carrying an umbrella more days than not (even though it doesn't rain that often). Or timers on fans. Or squatty potties. Or no sinks in bathrooms. or not being able to flush my toilet paper. or super, super hard beds. Or a lack of carpeting. Or driving like you are a participant in the Indy500 even if you are just an average Joe. Or a lack of use of articles. Or not having a specific side that you know to go to while walking so that you will be out of the way of an on coming person (ie, you both move to your rights so then you will pass WITHOUT colliding).

But, here are a few things that I am pretty sure after six months that I could get used to on a long term basis. Parking on sidewalks. Passing cops over the speed limit. Breaking the law, blatantly, in front of cops. Being thought of as beautiful (even if they also think I'm fat). Kimchi. Soup and rice for lunch everyday. Cheap taxis. Living by the beach and hearing the ocean waves. Seeing the mountains every day. Cutting in line. Really nice (inexpensive) bus transport. Having festivals or something out of the ordinary to do every weekend (pretty much). Being able to tan on my roof top topless if I want to. The breeze off the sea. Regular long weekends and the trips that thereby ensue. Paid vacations. My new coworkers. The term "foreigner" as an everyday reference for myself. Being accepted in a highly anticipated way for being American.

All of this to say that will my six month mark rolling around in mere days I would just like to relay that though there are many things I have yet to do here in Korea, there are many things I never thought I would do that I have. There are many things that I have grown accustomed to that I never expected I would have the opportunity to. And there are many things that make me have a deep appreciation for their absence at other times and in other places in my life. Things are really good. Great in fact. Here in Korea now. And I am happy. And thankful. So for any that are still following this, know that my heart is in the place that I hoped that it would be during my time here. Things are good and I am well. Thought I have a new insight into what it is that I would like to do with the remaining time I have here before I move on to my next adventure. Here's to seeing if I can get some of these things crossed off the list!