SANTA! I know him!

Prepping the kids and my classroom for Christmassssss! Love it. It keeps slushing here though. No real snow sadly:(

But my class and bulletin boards are coming along. We've been listening to Christmas music everyday too. 

I'm in heaven.

Made this tree for the kids to decorate. Who are we kidding, it's for me to decorate! Haha

Going to try and do some research on "Elf on the Shelf."

Hello Kitty Cafe

In Hongdae we discovered the REAL Hello Kitty Cafe! It is an adorably, quaint, busy, pink, little shop.

Coffee wasn't anything special, but it was just so special to be there :)

work environment

Most days this work place scares me. The environment is so tense and hostile. It truly is sad and awful and horrific! My being does not like it at all. Accompanied with the culture shock and shock of what my school is, my body is reacting in a manner to say "I am not ok with this."

I will give this a good solid effort for the year. Though there is an impeding fear of the school closing down and going bankrupt.

Let's hope my acupuncturist can help sort my insides out!

FC Seoul soccer game

Making some new friends and connecting with things from home today. Went and watch the FC Seoul soccer team play today. Was chilly but a really great time.

Animal Cafés

Since most people live at home in the tiny family apartment until they are married, there is little space for pets. Korea has opened up both kitty and puppy cafés. You pay a few, usually around 8,000 won; 8$ For this you are able to pet all the cats or dogs and have a cup of coffee. 

What a great idea!

There is one very close to me. I will be checking it out soon. Hopefully Sally and Bauer won't know I've been cheating on them ;)

Insadong

Travelled to a Korean tourist place last night. Was quaint and super cute. Many alleys left to be explored. I will definitely be returning. They sell many "I love Korea" paraphinelia, tea pot sets etc. There was no shortage of cafés and restaurants to choose from as well.

Tried some green tea made in Jeju. Such a wide variety of flavours! A bit pricey but will need to head back and purchase some.

It is also home to the only Starbucks which has NO English in the sign as well.

Explored an open air-esque market area too.

1/4 down

Today marks my three month anniversary from when I started my contract with CIS. It has been, and continues to be filled with adventures, in/off again feelings of homesickness/frustration/despair/happiness/exploring. Thoughts crappiness that is my school never ceases to amazing me, I have learned to manage it and my emotions around it better;improving everyday. 

My journey has just begun, though it feels like the fast three months have flown by yet dragged on.

I am so appreciative of all those who have kept in touch with me. You truly have no idea how fantastic it is for me to receive a text/email/FB message/ Skype/FT with you. I love it all!

Thank you so very much for all of your love, support and time while I am on this adventure. I send you so much love!

I celebrated today with a toffee nut latte at Starbucks. Close enough to beig back home right? ;)

Seoul Lantern Festival

Had a lovely evening with friends, both teachers and non teachers at the Seoul lantern festival.

enjoy.

Enjoying a warmly brisk fall afternoon with Krystal at Caffe Tiamo eating I've cream.

Soaking in this time off.

Spartan Race Korea

Oh my goodness! I never felt I was good enough to run competitively. I always told myself, it's just something I do for myself, I'm not good enough or quick enough to race. But here in Korea I kicked my own butt and did a spartan race. Cuz I'm a balla! 

LIFE HURDLE CROSSED!

Woot woot!

I loved that this race is not about who finishes first but that YOU push yourself, YOU complete the challenges and YOU finish. 

It was an awesome experience. I am totally going to do it again! I'll either do te sprint 5km again, trying to beat my current time (47.25 mins) or increase the length.

The obstacles were cool; wood walls, rope climb, spear throwing, sandbag carry, moat crossing, cinder block raising, tire tossing, running

It was all fantastic.

I am a bit bruised but it was all totally worth it.

Though I didn't train as hard as I would have liked/had intended (was not very impeccable to myself with my word :() 

I still did it!

And I think I'm awesome.