Headache

As if were possible to sit in front of the computer any more, my days have gotten longer. We've been house hunting and preschool shopping ALL THE TIME. I already picked out the elementary school for Cole, so don't think he's been forgotten. My head hurts from reading reviews, MLS listings, and staring at fuzzy Google Earth pictures. I'm pretty certain we could be hired on the spot for our street knowledge at any post office or fire department in Wichita Falls.

Combined with a little game I just discovered: Words with Friends. It's all-scrabble all the time with people who want to play me (not like when I force Keith) and people who can't cheat (like Keith). I'm fairly impressed with my word knowledge. Considering my spelling record combined with the fact that my writing skills read exactly like I speak, you would think I only knew 3-5 letter words. That might be my ploy, like Paris Hilton acting dumb.

To top it off, I'm still trying to finish Gone With The Wind. O my lands has it gotten exciting! I can't say anymore without spoiling it, but alas! You should see this poor book. The pages are warped, the binding has broken, and it's been toted all over Asia. There's no way it could hold up to a re-read. I'm just hoping the pages stay in place before I finish. I already bought the movie from My Korean Blockbuster. There's no way to cram the whole story in a film, so I'm anxious to see what's been cut. I can't imagine editing one single event out of it!

I Don't Get It

Lunchroom humor I heard today:

Cole's Friend: Knock Knock
Cole: Who's there?
Cole's Friend: D'Vonte
Cole: D'vonte who?
Cole's Friend: D'Vonte Carter.

That just happens to be his name. Either way, it got tons of giggles at the lunch table. Then Cole told his joke.

Cole: Knock Knock
D'Vonte: Who's there?
Cole: Gun Show
D'Vonte: Gun Show who?
Cole: Gun Show Exit.

AHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA! Again, it was hysterical to the boys at the table. I'm already afraid of the possible suspension for saying the word "gun" in a school when we return to the States. Then again, it's Texas. Is it possible to go throughout the day without saying that word?

The Mind is Racing!

Now that we have our assignment and my head is already back in the States, it's time to start the countdown. The next two months are going to fly by! There's places to visit still and things to stock up on.... blankets, cashmere coats, pottery, soccer socks, fake watches, and maybe another purse. Or two.

How many more trips to Everland can we get? What about more antiques from Kojeon? I have to decide when to pull Cole out of school and the paperwork that goes with that. We have cars to sell, flights to arrange, condiments to use up ;-)

I started looking at houses in Wichita Falls. Idaho might have spoiled me because we had such a nice rental with the 3 car garage. It's like moving from a king size bed back to a full. Who does that? Everything is so different here. If it has a backyard, disposal, and washer and dryer I promise I'll be happy. Happy right after I incorporate the kick-start kitchen sink we have here in Korea.

I'm researching preschools. My precious Brad, I'm going to find the best for you buddy. I'll look high and low for just the perfect place to get you started on the right track. I've been praying for the teacher with the gentleness and willingness to get to know you and understand you. We will all work together so you can grow and develop with your creativity intact. I'm excited for this new chapter for you!! And maybe we'll get a pet frog.

OH - and we also found out that one of Cole's best buddies here in Korea with us will also be PCSing to Sheppard. He'll have a friend! They are in the same class now and could end up in school again together! He can't wait to get his bike back and to catch bugs in the backyard. I hope it helps when we have to say goodbye (or see you later) to Jake.

I'm beyond ready to find a church that fits us. I'm needing the guidance and ready to dive back into the word, being taught!

Oh, there's so much to do here and there! (because it's Dr. Seuss week, I really want to finish that sentence with a rhyme)

And let me just say:
I made a post on facebook about us moving back to Texas and I am stunned. I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of excitement! I am a blessed blessed girl to have supportive friends and family who take me back again and again. I don't feel like a good friend moving and leaving so often. I don't get to call or visit like I want to. I'm missing their kids growing up and not knowing the small things going on with them. And they still miss me. Crazy to wrap my head and heart around. I love you all. Knowing you care is As Good As It Gets. And for my military family (because that's exactly what friends become), I miss you all as well and can't wait for the times we reconnect in person or via internet.

I'll end with a funny story. We went to have lunch with Cole at school today. While we were there a little girl asked Keith if Cole could have a sleepover at her house this weekend. She even said she had GI Joe boy-movies he could watch. Cute? Thank goodness Cole has no interest in that.... yet!

Not Sucky

We are moving to Texas!!

Carry on.

Sucky

Remember the time I said Korea was so safe and friendly? Remember when I left my purse in a bar with lots of cash on a Saturday night and the bartender kept it and returned it - untouched? Remember when Keith left my wallet on the ride at Everland with lots of cash (I promise those are the only two times I've ever carried cash) and it was returned untouched? Those days are over.

Fridays are "popcorn fridays" at Cole's elementary school. I volunteer to help pop a bag of popcorn for every kid and teacher there. It's something the PTO does for fun and moral. Anyway, last Friday the ladies were talking about how bad theft has gotten around here. They were sharing stories of what's going on at the High School and people who have been caught trying to break into the houses on base... SHOCKING. I'm telling you, you can learn a lot at Popcorn Friday. I share this with Keith and he's in disbelief that Korea could be a place of locking doors and keeping your eye out. We go on with our weekend.

Sunday rolls around and Keith travels to Seouen to play soccer. He takes his camera bag with EVERYTHING in it: the camera and all his lenses, filters, and collection of garb that I have no idea of their names or purpose. He takes pictures and before the game starts he puts the bag in his trunk. Obviously someone was watching because when he got home, the camera bag was gone. They left the iphone, GPS, and his work backpack, but took the camera bag. He was/is devastated.

Oh, my heart dropped for him. Those near and dear to Keith quickly realize how well he takes care of his things - starting with family all the way down to his shoes. He's a believer in getting the best and taking care of it to last forever. Examples: me and Merlin, 'nough said ;-) Trust me. Try driving his car 3,001 miles between oil changes. It WILL become a top priority in life - and it better be done yourself to ensure it's changed properly. I know the kind of care he put into researching and picking out the best lenses. I witnessed the guy baby them and clean them with all different kinds of special cloths and brushes. I saw him excited over learning a new interest and quickly become a technical expert on all things Nikon. To know somebody took it away so quickly is hurtful. We both realize it's stuff, but it doesn't stop the immediate pain. I'm sorry honey. I know I've teased you about what's gone into your hobby, but if I could replace it all for you today I would.

Our silver lining is that all of the pieces were insured so we're just waiting till Monday morning in the States to call USAA. Ugh. Sucky. USAA has always treated us well so I'm sure I'll have a post singing their praises in the next few weeks. They have a tough job ahead of them because they might not realize how picky Keith can be when it comes to his electronics. Then again, they deal with military members. I'm pretty sure he's not the first "type A" they've worked with.

Totally unrelated, we have a handful of mink blankets that are so soft and fuzzy. I've washed a couple of them and they seem to have lost some their softness. We're down to a few of "original softness" blankets and Keith makes the comment "Boys, I hope you don't pee on these and make us wash them anytime soon" Wouldn't you know that they had an accident THAT very night? Poor hubby, he's not having a very good weekend.

Bag Lady

We spent almost all day outside today. The weather was so nice. I love spring when people are out in full force the first few days it's above 40*. I got a new purse today. I know I came here thinking that I won't buy ANY fake purses. I'll buy fake anything else, but I have too much respect for real purses. That was until I actually went inside Star Bag.

This lady has to be the most wealthy woman in Songtan. I bought a purse in December and the handle was cracking so I took it back today. She agreed to fix it (I can't wait to see how in the world a "fix" job will look). I left my purse there for a couple weeks, but I HAD to have a replacement for the time being, right?

I came home with another one. It's addicting! I have to be stopped. We've been here for 7 months and I have accumulated 5 purses. 2 Louis Vuitton, a Prada, Puma bag, and Jimmy Choo. Part of me feels like stepping it up for a nice average of 1 a month. These high quality goods should last me at least a year in the States. Yes, I get the irony that I took one back today for falling apart in less than 2 months.

We also went to watch Keith play soccer. Great weather, the boys were having fun outside, and I got to watch my boyfriend play just like the old days. It was As Good As It Gets.

Bullseye

The weather is warming up! In my expert opinion Spring is in full force on the ROK. Wednesday we picked Cole up from school and decided to go to Everland. Our passes are only good for the weekdays and we haven't been since November. We drove out and were puzzled as to why we were being directed to the overlfow parking lot. Let me tell you - the place was PACKED! I've never seen so many cars there. It was like being at a regular DisneyLand. Or worse, like Six Flags in the Summer, or like a family fun trip to Sea World 2009.

As it turns out, this is the Korean Spring/Summer break. School starts up again for them March 1st. Lines for the teacups were an hour. No thank you. We've become very accustomed to being the only people in the park, waiting was not on our to-do list. We basically just enjoyed walking around and seeing the sights. The only thing Cole wanted to do was play the dart game. You know the game you have to pay extra money to play like at the fair? For $2 you get 5 darts to try to pop all the balloons. What a deal!

I felt a little guilty. I wasn't going to stand in any lines and basically took them on a 3 miles hike while they got to listen to other kids laughing and screaming on all the rides. I forked over the money and little man stepped right up.

We gave him the darts and wouldn't you know - he hit FOUR in a row! Cole made it look so easy. He won a little stuffed doggie bone that he wants to give to Mickey. Sweet kid. Girlfriends are going to love him. They'll get to take home all the stuffed animals and it will only cost me $2.