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.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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.
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.
Bummer
Everyone in the entire world has their assignment and we don't.
My new fake TAG watch barely got wet and the whole face fogged up.
It made me more upset I lost my BVLGARI watch in Thailand that necessitated the TAG.
Today was laundry day. In the rain.
Brad had a bad day so screaming and whining are ringing in ours ears.
And we still don't have our assignment.
BUT, it's nothing a little Haagen Dazs and Grey's Anatomy can't fix. Goodnight.
My new fake TAG watch barely got wet and the whole face fogged up.
It made me more upset I lost my BVLGARI watch in Thailand that necessitated the TAG.
Today was laundry day. In the rain.
Brad had a bad day so screaming and whining are ringing in ours ears.
And we still don't have our assignment.
BUT, it's nothing a little Haagen Dazs and Grey's Anatomy can't fix. Goodnight.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Blue Skies Lookin At Me
Do you want to know what we did today? We went outside without jackets on. We didn't freeze. It was comfortable! It was As Good As It Gets. I'm officially declaring it - SPRING!!! Yippie Skippy Do! Tomorrow we're picking Cole up from school and heading to Everland. Something else worth noting, I made the perfect homemade pizza tonight. I mean it was GREAT. Sorry you missed it Keith.
You heard me, picking Cole up from school because he's cleared to go back! Their last Dr. appointment went well. Officially they had a staph infection a strand that started with a B and was 115 letters long. I honestly tried to remember it, but like the old "telephone" game I played by myself in my head it turned into bactroban. Which is also the name of the ointment they are on. Damn ;-)
They both had Cellulitis. Fun nasty stuff. I could do without it and thank Heavens it happened at the end of the trip. Things can go South quickly without antibiotics. The good news is that they did get treatment quickly and it was contained to their skin. I'm still on the lookout for other symptoms, but they should start scabbing over later this week. They could have picked it up anywhere so it's not just a Thailand thing. That means I still am in love with those thousands of little islands with the softest powder beaches. I can start telling you all the fun times and cool things we got to do. I can vividly recall jumping from rocking boat to rocking boat, the only way to access the resorts we stayed at! Ahh, Thailand. Thank you for the memories and the fake watch and sunglasses. Kob Koon Kaa!
You heard me, picking Cole up from school because he's cleared to go back! Their last Dr. appointment went well. Officially they had a staph infection a strand that started with a B and was 115 letters long. I honestly tried to remember it, but like the old "telephone" game I played by myself in my head it turned into bactroban. Which is also the name of the ointment they are on. Damn ;-)
They both had Cellulitis. Fun nasty stuff. I could do without it and thank Heavens it happened at the end of the trip. Things can go South quickly without antibiotics. The good news is that they did get treatment quickly and it was contained to their skin. I'm still on the lookout for other symptoms, but they should start scabbing over later this week. They could have picked it up anywhere so it's not just a Thailand thing. That means I still am in love with those thousands of little islands with the softest powder beaches. I can start telling you all the fun times and cool things we got to do. I can vividly recall jumping from rocking boat to rocking boat, the only way to access the resorts we stayed at! Ahh, Thailand. Thank you for the memories and the fake watch and sunglasses. Kob Koon Kaa!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Survivor Update
Ok, for the moment the boys are just fine. Their blistering skin is on hold and they are bouncing off the walls and furniture in their typical fashion. Their every need is met and we go for another check up in the morning. NOW....
Did you watch Survivor: Heros vs Villains? I'm hooked. Please let Boston Rob Align with Russell. Talk about a power team. I'm sure Russell has something different up his sleeve. I'm sadly disappointed in James's behavior, and what's up with Jeff Probst calling me out for naming my son Colby! Coach and Jerri - vomica.
Now, to prove my attention isn't SEVERELY misaligned, here's a picture of Cole's knee today. I just wish I knew how to rotate the picture before I save it... so just turn your head and compare. Since we're comparing boo boo's, I have a hangnail that hurts and I risk my open wound to treat my children's contagious funkiness. There, I feel better.
Did you watch Survivor: Heros vs Villains? I'm hooked. Please let Boston Rob Align with Russell. Talk about a power team. I'm sure Russell has something different up his sleeve. I'm sadly disappointed in James's behavior, and what's up with Jeff Probst calling me out for naming my son Colby! Coach and Jerri - vomica.
Now, to prove my attention isn't SEVERELY misaligned, here's a picture of Cole's knee today. I just wish I knew how to rotate the picture before I save it... so just turn your head and compare. Since we're comparing boo boo's, I have a hangnail that hurts and I risk my open wound to treat my children's contagious funkiness. There, I feel better.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Overloaded
Usually when you return from a vacation you feel relaxed and reset, ready to return to reality. I've been robbed! Do you like how this baby blog has turned into me? I feel a bit like Scarlet, but that's a whole other post.
We landed in Seoul, boarded a bus, and rushed home. Thew our bags down and ran immediately to the emergency room. Cole's blisters were growing in front of our eyes literally every hour they were bigger and bigger. The Dr. marked the boarders with a sharpie and told us to come back in 24 hours if they started to grow. We were back in 4 hours and this time Brad had a lesion too.
Here's what Cole's knee looked like after the first Dr. marked them:
At this point they have each had 5 doses of antibiotics. The blisters have stopped growing in size, but more spots/lesion sites have popped up on both boys. Sore count: Cole has 3 on his left knee, 3 on his right leg, and one on his ear. Brad has two on his legs and one on his ear. They don't look nearly as bad as the originals on Cole's knee, but nevertheless, WHY are they still getting them? We are in a wait and see hold to give the medicines a chance. Cole's ear still looks pretty nasty. There was a moment where I was ready to jump on a plane to the States (ok, honestly I was thinking Hawaii ONLY because it was closer!) The boys were acting fine, you would never know their skin was blistering and falling off!
Keith is feeling better. I blame his stomach issues on his diet. My husband ordered pad thai EVERY meal for 8 days straight. As Brad would say "his tummy hated him". Let that lesson be learned, the digestive system can only safely handle 7 consecutive days of pad thai. From the pictures it appears I drank my calories for 9 days straight and I feel great.
Thank you for the prayers. I'm holding my review of Thailand off till the boys are better and healed. Depending on how long we deal with funky skin blisters I might waiver in my love for the stunning, breathtaking, God made tropical islands and beaches.
We landed in Seoul, boarded a bus, and rushed home. Thew our bags down and ran immediately to the emergency room. Cole's blisters were growing in front of our eyes literally every hour they were bigger and bigger. The Dr. marked the boarders with a sharpie and told us to come back in 24 hours if they started to grow. We were back in 4 hours and this time Brad had a lesion too.
Here's what Cole's knee looked like after the first Dr. marked them:
At this point they have each had 5 doses of antibiotics. The blisters have stopped growing in size, but more spots/lesion sites have popped up on both boys. Sore count: Cole has 3 on his left knee, 3 on his right leg, and one on his ear. Brad has two on his legs and one on his ear. They don't look nearly as bad as the originals on Cole's knee, but nevertheless, WHY are they still getting them? We are in a wait and see hold to give the medicines a chance. Cole's ear still looks pretty nasty. There was a moment where I was ready to jump on a plane to the States (ok, honestly I was thinking Hawaii ONLY because it was closer!) The boys were acting fine, you would never know their skin was blistering and falling off!
Keith is feeling better. I blame his stomach issues on his diet. My husband ordered pad thai EVERY meal for 8 days straight. As Brad would say "his tummy hated him". Let that lesson be learned, the digestive system can only safely handle 7 consecutive days of pad thai. From the pictures it appears I drank my calories for 9 days straight and I feel great.
Thank you for the prayers. I'm holding my review of Thailand off till the boys are better and healed. Depending on how long we deal with funky skin blisters I might waiver in my love for the stunning, breathtaking, God made tropical islands and beaches.
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