Our first overnight road trip was to Busan (also known as Pusan). What's so funny over here is that everything can be spelled in different ways, but pronounced the same. It makes map reading and last minute exits/lane changes so much fun. The letter G and the letter K are interchangeable. I will just say that it does not help this already spelling challenged girl.
Keith had a week of leave. Our original plan was to go to Thailand. Then I discovered Kojeon Antique store and our trip fund vanished into thin air. Instead we took a 3 day trip to the beach on the southeast side of Korea. I'm so happy we did!
We were on the road by 6am and were able to drive straight to the hotel. We checked in and immediately headed downstairs to the beach. The boys were in heaven. They ran around and rolled in the sand. We walked the shoreline and found several shells and starfish. This was Brad's first trip to the ocean since he was an infant in North Carolina. He use to speed crawl right to the water. I would bring him back, and he would be in the waves again before I knew it. I called him my Sea Turtle. The Sea Turtle emerged. I know we tease about our little "dude", but I have never seen a child more in his element. Nothing phased him and you couldn't help but notice the smile on his face. Cole's my mountain man, Brad's my beach bum.
After some fun in the sun, we showered and headed to dinner at TGI Fridays. Thank goodness for some resemblance of American food. We ate and walked around. Keith bought the boys ice cream (leave it to Brad to pick the most disgusting Korean flavors) and we went back for an early night. We had a king bed and a full size bed in the hotel room. Words can not express the absence a king bed has been in my life. It seemed, and probably is, bigger then the boy's bedroom here. There was so much room! And it was hard - thank goodness. This pillow top we brought is WAY to soft for me. The princess and the pea is rather picky.
The next morning we walked to get some donuts. Keith got a parking ticket for doing as the Koreans do and just parking in the road in front of the store. That reminds me to go get that paid. Then we headed to the Jalgalchi Fish Market. Interesting. Lots of small vendors trying to sell their fresh catches. It is 100% not up to American Health Code standards. We did some shopping and headed back to the hotel. Next up was the Busan Aquarium. The entire aquarium is underground right on the beach - practically UNDER the ocean. We've traveled to many aquariums (Dallas, Tulsa, Atlanta, a couple in NC, Salt, Lake City, the coast in Oregon..) This one offered something the others didn't - probably because it's not what you would consider "safe". They had a small glass bottom boat they set afloat over the shark tank. For about $4 a person you could get on this boat, go to the center of the tank and feed the sharks and other small fish! It was so cool. She gave a very long speech during the boat ride about something, hopefully not safety related, who knows, it was in Korean. It was VERY cool. After some apprehension, it turned out to be the boys favorite part of the trip.
We went back for a VERY nice dinner at Bella Citta. I had the Seafood Risotto and it was awesome. I've watched Chef Ramsey yell about risotto for many television seasons now and I get why he's so passionate about it. Dang it was yummy! Keith took the boys back to the room and I went for my 3 hour Thai massage. See post below. Day two was a very full day!
Our last morning we had the buffet at the hotel. It was quite the spread! Outside for a little more beach time then up for showers and packing. On our way out of town we stopped at the Haedong Yongungsa Temple. Interesting. The location was very beautiful. Scenic and right on the cliffs with crashing waves surrounding us. Their stone statues were massive and seemed so permanent. People were bowing down, praying, and placing their offerings to the concrete horses and budda men. I couldn't help but think of the temple turning to dust and rubble in an instant when Jesus returns. They will one day be gone and it made me smile. We loaded the boys up for our road trip back home.
We did have to buy some gas while we were there. We pulled over and handed the man 20,000 won (about $18) and got less than 3 gallons. Thank goodness for the base gas station! Good thing Keith's little Kemchi car gets 42 miles to the gallon. We made it there and back on a tank plus 3 gallons. Now Keith has convinced me to bring the silly vehicle home with us. Once again, Keith will own 3 cars. What is it with him? His garage collection is getting out of hand. How many automotives does it take to get my dealer's license? Anyone?
Excellent trip! Next up China!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Brass Monkey
Keith took leave this week and we made a family road trip down to Busan. It also happened to be our 8th Wedding Anniversary. To celebrate this occasion Keith bought himself a new camera lens and I headed to the spa. See, still in love after all these years.
I treated myself to a 3 hour Thai massage. Sounds perfectly wonderful and relaxing doesn't it? That's what I thought. Let me tell you - this little man was out to kill me.
We used the spa in the hotel. Keith took the boys up for a movie and bed and I headed to my relaxing evening semi-alone. They escorted me to the dressing room where I changed into a very large tshirt and shorts down to my knees. Interesting. Next I was led to a different room for a foot bath and mint tea. Not bad... the night was starting off well! Then I walked into a small dark room with a thin mat on the floor. Different, but I'm going with it.
The small Korean man started with my feet. He crossed them on top of each other and proceeded to STAND on me. Hummm.... it was kinda like a stretch and didn't hurt too bad. He started working on the rest of my legs and toes with what felt like brass knuckles. He had the world's strongest thumbs that he pressed full force into my muscles as he climbed all over and around me. He pressed so hard it felt like he was hitting my nerve making my whole legs go numb. It was quick and then he would move on. As he worked his way up to my knees I was convinced that he was trying to separate my muscles from my bones. At times I couldn't decide if it was downright painful or felt good. Then he spoke the only word of English he knew.... "stretchy". That's when he crawled between my legs, turned around and pulled my toes so far back I winced in pain. It was like a force Yoga class. Unbeknownst to me, Thai massage is all about stretching and pressure points. This makes sense as he tried to pull my leg up and over my head. He really was going to town with my legs. It wasn't too bad, but I was just hoping he would take the same kind of force out on my back. Did he ever! There were only a few moments of pain that I fought through. I realize this sounds utterly ridiculous as I type it out. I paid for and accepted this form of torcher for 3 hours! He worked several hard pressure points/tearing muscle off of bone then back to stretchy. Over and over again working the back, arms, neck and scalp.
As I laid there I kept thinking:
*Keith would have killed this man during the shoulder stretches
*Anyone with a bad knee would have blown it with that odd pose
*I hope I make it back to the room to explain the temporal brain swelling to Keith before I pass out
*So help me if he pops something standing on my back while I'm stuck out here in Korea
*Which one of my friends would find this enjoyable
*If he moves his hand one more inch over, I'm going to have to punch him and leave
Despite only a few bruises the next day - I felt GREAT! Would I do the Thai massage again? Yes. See... brain damage! Happy Anniversary Keith. Thank you for being my best friend for over half of my life. I love you forever.
I treated myself to a 3 hour Thai massage. Sounds perfectly wonderful and relaxing doesn't it? That's what I thought. Let me tell you - this little man was out to kill me.
We used the spa in the hotel. Keith took the boys up for a movie and bed and I headed to my relaxing evening semi-alone. They escorted me to the dressing room where I changed into a very large tshirt and shorts down to my knees. Interesting. Next I was led to a different room for a foot bath and mint tea. Not bad... the night was starting off well! Then I walked into a small dark room with a thin mat on the floor. Different, but I'm going with it.
The small Korean man started with my feet. He crossed them on top of each other and proceeded to STAND on me. Hummm.... it was kinda like a stretch and didn't hurt too bad. He started working on the rest of my legs and toes with what felt like brass knuckles. He had the world's strongest thumbs that he pressed full force into my muscles as he climbed all over and around me. He pressed so hard it felt like he was hitting my nerve making my whole legs go numb. It was quick and then he would move on. As he worked his way up to my knees I was convinced that he was trying to separate my muscles from my bones. At times I couldn't decide if it was downright painful or felt good. Then he spoke the only word of English he knew.... "stretchy". That's when he crawled between my legs, turned around and pulled my toes so far back I winced in pain. It was like a force Yoga class. Unbeknownst to me, Thai massage is all about stretching and pressure points. This makes sense as he tried to pull my leg up and over my head. He really was going to town with my legs. It wasn't too bad, but I was just hoping he would take the same kind of force out on my back. Did he ever! There were only a few moments of pain that I fought through. I realize this sounds utterly ridiculous as I type it out. I paid for and accepted this form of torcher for 3 hours! He worked several hard pressure points/tearing muscle off of bone then back to stretchy. Over and over again working the back, arms, neck and scalp.
As I laid there I kept thinking:
*Keith would have killed this man during the shoulder stretches
*Anyone with a bad knee would have blown it with that odd pose
*I hope I make it back to the room to explain the temporal brain swelling to Keith before I pass out
*So help me if he pops something standing on my back while I'm stuck out here in Korea
*Which one of my friends would find this enjoyable
*If he moves his hand one more inch over, I'm going to have to punch him and leave
Despite only a few bruises the next day - I felt GREAT! Would I do the Thai massage again? Yes. See... brain damage! Happy Anniversary Keith. Thank you for being my best friend for over half of my life. I love you forever.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Ode to Fuzz Ball Wuzzy
Ode to a spider outside of our window:
Normally I would have squashed you flat
But outside the window is where you sat.
We watched you eat and spin your web
The boys caught dragonflys to keep you fed.
You grew right before our very eyes
And left without saying goodbye.
Circle of Life Mr. Banana Spider. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed by a few in this house. Aunt Kimi, will you come visit now?
Normally I would have squashed you flat
But outside the window is where you sat.
We watched you eat and spin your web
The boys caught dragonflys to keep you fed.
You grew right before our very eyes
And left without saying goodbye.
Circle of Life Mr. Banana Spider. Thanks for the memories. You will be missed by a few in this house. Aunt Kimi, will you come visit now?
Slingbox
Thank you for all the smart individuals who invent the technology for my rotting mind. Thank you to my brother and sister in law for helping us set this up back in the States. Thank you makers of horrible commercials, I really have missed you too.
We have been without television for over 2 months. If you know anything about me, it's a small miracle. Keith was loving the no television way of life. He could live without ever turning another show on. I know, we're like oil and water sometimes.
Let me tell you a little story. This summer I went out and did something TOTALLY out of my character. I went into Best Buy and purchased an itouch without even discussing it with Keith. That's right. I didn't even check for the best price. I even paid extra for the warranty. I made all these decisions on my own about a gadget I had no idea on how to use. That's right!! Best move I ever made. I'll tell you why...
I'm living in Korea without television and my husband doesn't seem to think this should have such an impact on my way of living. Then two weeks ago I figure out you can purchase tv shows right on the itouch and watch them RIGHT ON THE ITOUCH! (see, I told you I don't know how to work these things. It took me that long to figure it out on my own) So, I started buying tv shows. But after you make a purchase the electronic billing statement is emailed to Keith. Busted. This sent him into fast mode - the no-tv way of life was not for me. Against everything inside him, he researched and purchased a slingbox. I know he would prefer me to not watch as much as I do, but hey, he loves me for me. Thank you honey for hooking me up with people that I've missed: Jeff Probst, Judge Mary Murphy, Bob and Jillian, McSteamy, and Mike Rowe. (hey, the last one's for the kids... kinda)
I'm back in touch with reality. I can carry on full conversations with all that is exciting in the world! I still love that little itouch - I can watch stuff from the slingbox/dvr and it's the best little game player. Not that I have a gaming issue. But I might need to see an orthopedist for my holding/support thumb.
We have been without television for over 2 months. If you know anything about me, it's a small miracle. Keith was loving the no television way of life. He could live without ever turning another show on. I know, we're like oil and water sometimes.
Let me tell you a little story. This summer I went out and did something TOTALLY out of my character. I went into Best Buy and purchased an itouch without even discussing it with Keith. That's right. I didn't even check for the best price. I even paid extra for the warranty. I made all these decisions on my own about a gadget I had no idea on how to use. That's right!! Best move I ever made. I'll tell you why...
I'm living in Korea without television and my husband doesn't seem to think this should have such an impact on my way of living. Then two weeks ago I figure out you can purchase tv shows right on the itouch and watch them RIGHT ON THE ITOUCH! (see, I told you I don't know how to work these things. It took me that long to figure it out on my own) So, I started buying tv shows. But after you make a purchase the electronic billing statement is emailed to Keith. Busted. This sent him into fast mode - the no-tv way of life was not for me. Against everything inside him, he researched and purchased a slingbox. I know he would prefer me to not watch as much as I do, but hey, he loves me for me. Thank you honey for hooking me up with people that I've missed: Jeff Probst, Judge Mary Murphy, Bob and Jillian, McSteamy, and Mike Rowe. (hey, the last one's for the kids... kinda)
I'm back in touch with reality. I can carry on full conversations with all that is exciting in the world! I still love that little itouch - I can watch stuff from the slingbox/dvr and it's the best little game player. Not that I have a gaming issue. But I might need to see an orthopedist for my holding/support thumb.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Everland Trip #5
Today is Thursday. Today was the end of a 3 day work week for Keith when he got off at 1pm. Today we pulled Cole out of school early to go to Everland. I know, this Air Force remote is killer. Since we're all friends here, I feel like I can share the following pictures. And since only 5 people read this blog... if they ever end up on failblog.org or awkwardfamilyphotos... I will easily track you down, and do...... something. I'll have to think about it, but you should be intimidated by my threats.
Have I ever mentioned that Brad gets dizzy easily? He does. One twirl around in a circle and he's a drunken old man for about 3 minutes. Naturally, we like to take him on the roller coasters, tilt-a-whirls, and spin the teacups at ludicrous speeds. He has never complained and even asks to ride the things again. It wasn't until I saw this picture that I could possibly be doing brain damage to my little man. Here's Brad on the kiddie roller coaster. It's all of 40 seconds long and makes two fast turns. When you get off the ride you can see the instant pictures Everland captures of your time on the ride. I had to spend the $5 for this keepsake.
Sorry for the clarity. It's a picture of a picture. Please, do you really think I know how to operate a scanner? Notice the cute little head cock and googly eyes. It says "I love my mom, life is great" Notice the slacker of a mom too caught up in the thrill of the ride. I know we're horrible parents who possibly have a screw loose or two.
Have I ever mentioned that Brad gets dizzy easily? He does. One twirl around in a circle and he's a drunken old man for about 3 minutes. Naturally, we like to take him on the roller coasters, tilt-a-whirls, and spin the teacups at ludicrous speeds. He has never complained and even asks to ride the things again. It wasn't until I saw this picture that I could possibly be doing brain damage to my little man. Here's Brad on the kiddie roller coaster. It's all of 40 seconds long and makes two fast turns. When you get off the ride you can see the instant pictures Everland captures of your time on the ride. I had to spend the $5 for this keepsake.
Sorry for the clarity. It's a picture of a picture. Please, do you really think I know how to operate a scanner? Notice the cute little head cock and googly eyes. It says "I love my mom, life is great" Notice the slacker of a mom too caught up in the thrill of the ride. I know we're horrible parents who possibly have a screw loose or two.
Exhibit A
The horrible parents even let their kids ride it again when they pleaded to go back in line. Ha, who am I kidding - there wasn't a line!
Those kids. I love em
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Update
The teacher took full responsibility. He got a note from another mother saying a friend, Kaycee McDonald, would be picking up her son (Jake Jones). He got them switched up so there wasn't another kid lost or another mother worried. Good and bad.
I respect him for admitting his mistake, but here's where I'm still upset: He realized the problem as soon as I did not show up. He knew from his notes that Cole wasn't involved with the pick up switch. He took Cole to the office to wait while HE WENT HOME ON TIME! His teacher had left by the time we got there yesterday because their work day is from 7am-3pm. My son was at school an hour after release because of his mistake and he thought it was appropriate for him to clock out on time. GGGRRRRRRRRRR!
Keith says making a big deal about it would not get us anywhere with him. Agree. But I have a glimpse of his character and I'm waiting to pounce. Now I'm off to call and write the district office about the teacher/student ratio.
I respect him for admitting his mistake, but here's where I'm still upset: He realized the problem as soon as I did not show up. He knew from his notes that Cole wasn't involved with the pick up switch. He took Cole to the office to wait while HE WENT HOME ON TIME! His teacher had left by the time we got there yesterday because their work day is from 7am-3pm. My son was at school an hour after release because of his mistake and he thought it was appropriate for him to clock out on time. GGGRRRRRRRRRR!
Keith says making a big deal about it would not get us anywhere with him. Agree. But I have a glimpse of his character and I'm waiting to pounce. Now I'm off to call and write the district office about the teacher/student ratio.
First Trip to the Principal's Office
Remember how I was saying I hated the bus idea... today confirmed it. Keith, Brad and I all gather our things to walk down to pick up Cole. Keith calls it "the Cole fan club" It's like we have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for him to get home. We all walked down 10 minutes early to the stop and waited on the bus. It pulled up. All the kids get off.... except for Cole.
HE'S NOT ON THE BUS
Trying to remain calm and not go crazy on the bus helper, we call the school. Turns out he's in the office waiting on me. Say what? First of all, Thank you God for him being safe and not on a random bus wondering the streets of Songton. Now I'm angry. The teacher got a message saying that I would pick him up and not to put him on the bus. Interesting. That message wasn't from me. By the time we got to the school, the teacher had already left. The school tried calling my cell phone and couldn't reach me (because I was downstairs at the bus stop) They called Christa, my emergency contact, and she was about to go pick him up. She couldn't reach me either BECAUSE I WAS DOWNSTAIRS AT THE BUS STOP!
My poor kid was sad and tired of waiting on us. After we picked him up and asked about his day he told me that he didn't know. He forgot everything while he was waiting so long on us. Haha.
Now, there's several different scenarios that could have led to this misunderstanding. Tomorrow morning I will be at the school bright and early to figure out how this happened. A bit of the back story.... Apparently last year the parents and district superintendents promised they had the funds, room, and availability for an 18:1 teacher ratio - along with an assistant. They had 3 classes and 5 days before school started, the higher ups decided to cut it back to two classes 24 students to each teacher with the max being 29 students per class. WHAT. The parents here are fired up. There's letters being written, calls made, and constant uproar. The other kindergarten teacher had her room set up - and still is! It's just locked behind an unused room. I haven't said anything because we are space A and we're lucky to have a spot. Could the ratio be better, yes. Was is crummy for them to promise one thing and do another, yes. Are they offering the BEST education possible for these kids, not really. Now my child's safety is in danger because a teacher/assistant/office staff can't keep up with 24 kids in a class. I think now I will say something.
Good thing I have until tomorrow morning to calm down.
HE'S NOT ON THE BUS
Trying to remain calm and not go crazy on the bus helper, we call the school. Turns out he's in the office waiting on me. Say what? First of all, Thank you God for him being safe and not on a random bus wondering the streets of Songton. Now I'm angry. The teacher got a message saying that I would pick him up and not to put him on the bus. Interesting. That message wasn't from me. By the time we got to the school, the teacher had already left. The school tried calling my cell phone and couldn't reach me (because I was downstairs at the bus stop) They called Christa, my emergency contact, and she was about to go pick him up. She couldn't reach me either BECAUSE I WAS DOWNSTAIRS AT THE BUS STOP!
My poor kid was sad and tired of waiting on us. After we picked him up and asked about his day he told me that he didn't know. He forgot everything while he was waiting so long on us. Haha.
Now, there's several different scenarios that could have led to this misunderstanding. Tomorrow morning I will be at the school bright and early to figure out how this happened. A bit of the back story.... Apparently last year the parents and district superintendents promised they had the funds, room, and availability for an 18:1 teacher ratio - along with an assistant. They had 3 classes and 5 days before school started, the higher ups decided to cut it back to two classes 24 students to each teacher with the max being 29 students per class. WHAT. The parents here are fired up. There's letters being written, calls made, and constant uproar. The other kindergarten teacher had her room set up - and still is! It's just locked behind an unused room. I haven't said anything because we are space A and we're lucky to have a spot. Could the ratio be better, yes. Was is crummy for them to promise one thing and do another, yes. Are they offering the BEST education possible for these kids, not really. Now my child's safety is in danger because a teacher/assistant/office staff can't keep up with 24 kids in a class. I think now I will say something.
Good thing I have until tomorrow morning to calm down.
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