It’s Going To Be A Good Day

They put a paper towel dispenser in the bathroom at work.  Like, real paper towels.

One of the less talked about (at least less blogged about) facets of Korea is the anxiety involved in using a public restroom. Will there be soap? Will there be a proper toilet or the dreaded “squatter.”  Will there be toilet paper or do I need to take my own?  If there is toilet paper, will it be inside each stall or one universal roll outside the stalls.  (Important to note, this isn’t a big deal unless you notice it after you’ve dropped trou. And then, Houston, you have a problem.)  Don’t worry, this blog isn’t about that. Just tuck that away as an important mental note that if you ever happen to find yourself in a public restroom in South Korea and you see real paper towels, you’re in a good place.

House Grill

This place is amazing so I feel like they deserve some free advertising…

Craving a little of home and having heard rave reviews about this place, LA and I headed over to House Grill this past weekend.  We were immediately giddy just from checking out the menu.  8-10 different kinds of hamburgers (I had the mozzarella burger, she had the swiss), grilled cheese sandwiches, reubens, hot dogs with sauerkraut, chili, and chicken noodle soup.  In a land of kimchi and rice that all sounds so delicious.   (Yes, I know I can make these things at home. blahblahblah.)

Living With Disabilities

Disclaimer: I am by means an expert on this subject and I most certainly don’t claim to be.  But…. I do think I have a significantly large empathy gene.

Today I taught a few classes where we wrote essays on people with disabilities.  Because Korea is not necessarily known for being particularly empathetic towards this part of the population, I appreciate any opportunity to teach on this subject matter.  They had just studied about a gentlemen named Rick Hoyt, who had cerebral palsy and his lifelong journey to overcome his disability.  While I could have taken the route of overcoming obstacles in your own life, I instead chose to take the route of “what if this was you”, “how would your life be different”, and “how can we help people in similar situations.”

Rock Wall Climbing

Before I say anything I have to admit that sometimes, just sometimes, I surprise even myself.  This was definitely one of those times.

A Semi-Typical Day In Korea

Rephrase: A semi-typical productive day in Korea. Most of my days are highly unproductive.

This morning started out as an epic failure. I’m not a morning person. I’ve never been a morning. And I most certainly don’t pretend to be a morning person. And apparently my friend, LA, isn’t a morning person either.

I’ve officially crossed the line…

I’m admitting it.  I have no shame in what I’ve done. (Well, maybe a little shame.) We’ve all done things that we take great pleasure in but we aren’t completely proud of ourselves for doing. This is mine… I can say honestly that this is the first one of those moments that I’ve experienced since I moved to Korea sixteen months ago.  I’ve long denied that I am this type of person but now I’ve done something (rather, purchased something) that puts me in a situation where I can no longer hide in denial. 

In effort to be honest about what I’ve done below is photographic proof.

Introducing Messi!

I adopted a dog.  I don’t think that comes as a big surprise to most the people that read my blog about volunteering at the dog shelter. He’s a three (ish) year old poodle and his name is Messi. He’s absolutely lovely.