From All The Junks The One I Need More is Music

*Heads up: this post might as well start out with Dear Diary...

This year is off to a pretty radtastic start. Things feel good here...I'm really enjoying where I am. Today, I had one of those moments where I was like: "Oh, hellllo, you live in Seoul, South Korea...that's kind of cool." I've been thinking a lot about what I want this year to look like...a rough draft if you will. But, I've also got that giddy, butterflies in your stomach feeling because you don't know what's going to happen thing going on, too. Not creepy butterflies. Good ones. I'm excited for this year :) (cheeeeeese -- soy-based. Obviously.)

I was running today and listening to the jam, and, without getting all Cansei de Ser Sexy up in here, suffice it to say that music is my best friend. It always gets me thinking, you know. (Don't worry -- not in an emo self-destructive I hate my life kind of way.) Somehow, by miracle of the Musical Gods -- Kurt, Lennon, Brock (just to name a few) -- songs always come on that set really awesome thought wheels into motion. (Dear Diary Post. I warned you.) The beats inspire me to put positive perspectives on any challenges I'm lookin' at, and ultimately, just lead to a peppier, positive me. Mix music with endorphins and you might wonder what I been poppin'.

Interesting Fact: For the past, oh, seven months, I've been sans television in my little ole apartment. This may not surprise you, but it really surprises me -- I could ask for a television and have one tomorrow, but would rather not. When I think about all the time I spent lying around watching the tube, it kind of bothers me. I think I might have missed out on a lot during college...but, that's irrelevant. Not being engrossed in all that the media world has to offer has inspired a much more creative daily routine, if I do say so myself. Like, now I can sit, ponder, and answer questions like: Who Am I? and What Am I Doing With My Life? (I don't really do that...a lot.)

Purely for Pleasure

I may or may not have just walked 30 minutes in the 20 degree temps for some of these (ridiculously over-priced) bad boys:

and...

(*I have no idea how to put these two next to each other. I'm still new to blogging. And, yes, I'm having a bowl of each.)

It's been fuh-reezing here the past few weeks. A few days of nice snow, but mainly just ice and muddy sludge. It's ok though. I love snowy-ish, white-ish/brownish/grayish scenery. (Oh my gawd, this ice cream is so good.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2011? Where does the time go? (I'm having a really hard time writing right now, as I cannot concentrate on much aside from this bowl of ice cream...the Cherry Nirvana flavor...)

Ok, bowl(s) is/are finished. But, seriously. 2011...a year of good schtuff. I'm going to run a marathon. There, I said it. I've been avoiding it -- something about resolutions accompanied with zero follow-through. But, seriously, I think I'm going to run a marathon. I've been running my butt off lately -- not actually, it's still there, thankfully). I can't get enough. I run in the mornings. I run in the evenings. My students and I even take little jogs around the classroom to get our brains going. (Their request, not mine -- we call them brain breaks.) Running might be my favorite part of the day. (Picture me cheesily grinning the whole time on the treadmill, surrounded by Koreans who look at me like I'm a sweaty baboon...not that my butt is red...or showing for that matter.) Listening to these gems only adds to the good time:

(Come on, it kind of makes you want to move, yeah? It's ok.)


(To redeem myself.)


I've actually been surprising myself and running 5kms in the morning and 5kms at night. Sixty-ish miles a week. (Thank you Dad and Tunde...if I add him in the labels do you think he would stumble upon this post and contact me?) I want to do some 5k races for fun while I'm still in Seoul. Then, move up to 10k to add a little personal challenge into the mix. Ultimately, a marathon before I leave Korea would be an amazing ending to this chapter in my life. I actually think I can do it (she said so hesitantly). So today, I took my first step in training for some races: I filled out an application for the Seoul Flyers Running Club. Yeaaaa. I'll keep you posted.

Okay, I'm going to reward myself for taking the time to post with some more ice cream...maybe ;)

Big hugs.

Just a little taste...

I'm heading out to grab some grub with buds and pick up some new furniture (heel click!) that I ordered; however, I just uploaded some photos from Thanksgiving and thought I'd give a little punkin' pie preview...


(Note: No animals were harmed in the making of this masterpiece.)

Dawg Gon' Cold

Yesterday was a cold one. Bone-chilling cold. The kind of cold that hurts. I'm watching a friend's dog so, unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of staying indoors all the time (good practice for Marley's arrival). Also, the past few days I've been spending time baking/talking with one of my new friends (Kia) in preparation for a fundraiser that was held last night to benefit Animal Rescue Korea (ARK). I really enjoy going over to her place (even in the bitter cold) because she, too, is a vegan and has introduced me to a whole new world of grub possibilities. I spent my Thanksgiving in her company along with her boyfriend, friends and numerous pooches they have taken in. Good people. And pooches. I'll post about baking and Thanksgiving another time, but for now, let's talk canines.

The subject of dogs in Korea is a hot one. I'm learning more about the (emotionally-charged) issue everyday, but I won't bore you with facts or my opinion. Point blank: there are some problems. And, like most other places around the world, there are simply too many dogs wandering the streets thanks to people who don't take responsibility for them. Obviously, as a result, the shelters are overflowing with dogs in need of care. From what I understand, one or more of the shelters are independently-owned by people who hold lots of land. So, in some cases, it's literally a one-man show. Tons of puppies/dogs with only one guy to go around and care for them (yikes). I've learned that the dogs at one of the shelters are kept outdoors. All. Year. Round.

Kia and Sean rescued many of their (five) pets from such shelters. One of their dogs -- and probably my favorite -- Darwin is believed to have escaped from a dog farm...you know, the place they keep dogs before sending them off to be tortured/slaughtered for some posintang (dog soup). Yeah. Another one of their pets, Marcel, was living at the shelter where animals are kept outdoors. Luckily, now he sports a cute WARM sweater :)

Sooooo, last night, a fundraiser went down to help these shelters. And, I helped. In the -4 degrees Celsius temp. It was brutal. But nice. (It should be said that I took more warm-up breaks than anyone; however, I was there and that's what counts, right?) Each time I went inside in an effort to feel my feet again, I kept thinking: This is three hours of painstakingly-cold weather you have to endure. Imagine countless nights of this. I don't know how those animals survive. A lot of them don't and it gives the phrase dog gone cold a whole new meaning for me.

I'm thinking of doin' a rescue...whad'dya think?

To learn more about the treatment of dogs in Korea, check this out.
You can learn more here, too.
WARNING: This site contains a graphic video and is not really suitable for those who cry easily.

Fashionably Late

Alright...it's time to get serious. I'm in the process of revampin' this blog and will be in business soon. There are too many awesome things happening here to not share. Plus, I've decided to stick around these parts for another year so I figure this is my chance to make something (a blogger) of myself. SO,(Mom and Michelle) sit tight and check for updates on a more regular basis :)

Some quick updates:
#1) I've veganized my life and could not be more pleased with how much love it brings on a daily basis. Seriously. Love. Everywhere.

#2) I've decided to re-sign with my school for another year. My face hurts from smiling so much on a daily basis thanks to my lovely little kiddos. Really. I think dimples have formed that were not previously on my cheeks (dimples...wrinkles...meh?) How can I pass up another year of this? Plus, this year has flown by so quickly that I'm sure the second will, too. So those of you who have not been out here to visit, start planning (ahem, Hannah Colclazier).

#3) I'm bringing Sir Marls to Korea! Yeah, he needs to break free of his sheltered mama's boy persona and experience this bustlin' city. It's done wonders for me, now it's time to think 'bout ma babay.

Some things to look forward to:
1. Snow. It's coming...I can feel it. :)

2. Christmas break: I was going to travel to Indonesia and Malaysia, but have postponed that trip in order to spend time with my family over the holidays. It's been ages since I've talked with my little bros and I gotta say: I miss the knuckle heads.

3. My dear friend Tonya will be back in Korea come February/March. I'm looking forward to another (full) year with her in Korea. Good times are a given.

So there you have it folks. Looking forward to sharing more things with you and hopefully a visit or two from some of yas.

Hugs, (*are you getting your daily 12?)

L-Belle

Safety First Then New Friends

I'm going to try to be more diligent about updating my blog. I'm trying to be more diligent these days about lots of things. For example, I'm trying to wake up earlier, eat breakfast and get out of my apartment more often. It's a work in progress. Today I got up early though because I couldn't sleep...I WAS SO 'CITED! Today, my school took a field trip to the Safety Theme Park. It wasn't really that cool to be honest, but it meant an entire morning free of lessons, worksheets, and "please sit nicelys." I didn't take any photos, but trust me, it wasn't worth it. On the bright side, it made the day go by quickly, which I was thankful for.

I've mentioned before that I have had a hard time finding nutrients here in Seoul. I've found my favs and stuck with them; however, it's been quite a boring diet. Thankfully, a while back I stumbled upon a blog written by a vegan living in Seoul. It has been a god-send because I have already added a variety of new ingredients to my diet, as well as learned some new combinations for my main staples. I found (ok, find) myself addicted. The blog is bomb, and the writer seemed (is) pretty cool, too.

I decided to throw caution to the wind (subject line) and e-mail the author to see if she would like to cuss and discuss sometime over coffee. Fortunately, she didn't think I was a complete (and might I add desperate) weirdo and accepted my invitation. I met up with her today at a coffee shop and had a great time.

Furthermore, we were right across the way from a little grocery mart where I came upon some hard-to-find good such as Sri-Racha, curry powder, Stevia, vegan curry sauce and some canned olives. I was pu-humped!!! They ended up being pretty expensive, but I don't mind splurging on food. Next on my list is finding a good pair of running shoes....things will start feeling like home after that.

Daehamingo!!

Man, my blogging skills are disreputable! Two posts during the almost five months I've been abroad. I wish I could say a lot has been happening; however, the truth is...I've just been lazy. Not necessarily lazy in living, but lazy in blogging. Korea is pretty awesome, but it's also pretty exhausting. As a result, I rarely have the desire or brain power to document my life here. I'm starting to feel a bit guilty; hence the post.

I think I'm finally settling in. Meeting some cool people, seeing really awesome things, adapting to a totally different culture. I've been picking up a bit of Korean thanks to yoga classes, my students and my Korean friends. I can confidently order my favorite Korean dishes and tell the cab driver left or right. Oh, and I've mastered the phrase "Eat Well!" I've got the polite phrases down, too. However, I'm a little iffy on the phrase, "I'm sorry." I usually end up telling people to eat well instead. My face turns red a lot.

I've moved into a new apartment. It's actually quite the pad. Alas, I am unable to use the term floral abode as the walls are simply white. I do have a hot pink comforter though. It made the transition a bit easier.

The job is going pretty well. (I'll tell you the truth when I am through with my contract.) My students are amazing and the parents are pretty great, too. A sweet story: I've had a hard time adjusting to the change in diet. Being a vegetarian and out of my element -- and utterly exhausted at the end of the day -- I've basically stuck to a routine of tofu, tomatoes, soy milk, bread and a few other vegetables. My stomach has really been my enemy lately. Add to the equation my love for the super spicy authentic cuisine of Korea and you've got one tumultuous tummy. Today, Grace's mother brought me a homemade oriental healing tea that is said to heal stomach conditions. She was genuinely concerned and it felt nice...you don't get that too often here. I was sick on Monday and missed the morning half of school. I saw my principal today... she growled at me and said something in Korean that I think translated to: "Buck up weak sauce." Needless to say, the gift from Grace's mother was really appreciated.

Summer vacation is just around the corner and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm heading to Japan for a solid nine days and am really looking forward to seeing what John has been up to for the past 11 months. I don't think nine days will suffice, but I'll take what I can get. It will be nice to get out of Korea for a short time. It's currently so hot that I should probably shower twice a day -- add yoga to the mix and it should be four. It's also monsoon season. I was walking to work the other day and the rain busted through my somewhat sturdy umbrella. Although, I like the rain. It's perfect weather for writing, reading, eating dukbokki -- one of the most delicious, spiciest, chewiest foods in Korea -- and listening to good music. Now, if I only had Marley.

Dukbokki anyone?




Scrumptious minus the fish cakes. It singes your taste buds.