GMAT and the Plank: A painful combination!

Hello Readers,

It's Sunday morning here in SK and the sun is shining brightly!

Plans today include studying, laundry, studying, exercise, and then more studying.

Also I will be making regularly scheduled visits to ART ESPRESSO and CAFE BENE. I considered Rotiboy, but I doubt I'd have enough willpower today to stay away from the "Cream Cheese Boy" bun. At 218 calories it doesn't seem too bad, but man, they load that thing down with sugar!

SK Bread

Sugar. That's the issue I have with a lot of Korean baked goods. Even the breads (not the pastry items, the BREAD) is sweetened and it drives me absolutely up a wall.

I pass a bread shop and see GARLIC BREAD sitting temptingly in the window. Before I go in I have to remind myself what my first Garlic Bread experience was like here in Korea. I was so excited to see it! I went in, bought it, came out and walked home with a happy skip in my step. When I settled in to snack up on a piece, I took one bite and....

BLAH!!!!!!!!!

I didn't even chew more than once. It was all in the garbage in a heartbeat. It tasted like a garlic SUGAR COOKIE.

GMAT JOURNEY

Yesterday's blog post included some info on how my GMAT prep is going, but I somehow managed to erase it and publish without double checking so it got lost.

Anyway, in short, I sat myself down at ART ESPRESSO yesterday and took the 3 hour GMAT evaluation test.

My results?

Abysmal.

Seriously. It was bad. I didn't even finish the Math section. In 75 minutes I finished 28 out of the 37 questions. Yikes.

The unfortunate thing about my studying for the GMAT is that I have to LEARN math. Yeah, sure, I took classes in Highschool. I even took a college Algebra class. But I didn't learn anything, because my attention was never present in the classes with me.

The majority of my teen years were spent day dreaming. I'm surprised I even remember my highschool days considering that I was always a little non-present during school hours. Honestly though, a humming bird hyped up on 6 shots of espresso probably would have had more of an attention span than I did in Highschool. Especially in Algebra class.

Funny how your parents eventually end up being right about almost every single thing.

Dad and Mom: "You should really study. You need math for all kinds of things!"

Me: "I don't need math for what I want to do. Subtraction, addition, simple multiplication and division. That's all I need."

Dad and Mom: "Hm..."

5 years later

Reality: *SLAP!*

Me: "OW!!!!!!! HEY!!!!!!"

Dad and Mom: "Told you so."

Good thing I started studying early. The majority of what I've read about GMAT test prep is that you shouldn't start studying months in advance because you wear yourself out. Well 'oops' is all I can say. I'm going to be attempting to cram 2 years of lost High school algebra into my memory bank, I need whatever time I can get.

KINDNESS

I tell you what, kindness is a HUGE pick me up. Even a small kindness really makes my day. Yesterday while I was taking the practice test the owner of the coffee shop came back and presented me with a free cup of tea. She offered it to me while saying something along the lines of "You're working hard", "It looks hard" (not 100% sure there). Her facial expression gave away her sympathy towards my predicament. The tea was appreciated, and even much more appreciated was her support.

I was blessed by her. ~ ♥

Well, just for a bit of fun.

Exercise Video of the Day

Nothing fancy. It's just the "Plank".

All you fitness Gurus out there are cracking a smile, but everyone else, yeah... it looks easy, doesn't it?

My only response is:

"OMG OW!"

Enjoy.

Beauty Video of the Day

For those of you who have actually talked to me, you know that I'm nuts over make-up, beauty products, and fashion. So it's no wonder that I am in love with the following woman.

Enjoy her Holiday Make-up video and check her out on youtube here.

Introducing: Michelle Phan

Time to study!

Until next post,

~A.

Updates and Reality Check

Hello Readers,

A special and awesome happening going down in about 11 days. I can't tell you what it is yet, but as soon as I get the opportunity I'll let you know!

This next week is looking busy busy! The school is holding a speech contest for the students on Friday and rehearsal for the contest will be happening on Monday and Wednesday. The almost all-day rehearsals are topped with Kindergarten graduation photos that will be taken on Wednesday morning/afternoon for an estimated total of 4 hours. Upside to the photos, we get off work early on Tuesday to go home and 'rest' so that we'll look fresh and rested for the Kindy graduation photos the next morning.

Whew!

The speech contest is a huge deal at the school. A few of the best student speakers will be hand picked by the director to go to Seoul for the school's nation wide speech contest. It's hilarious... the majority of the speech scripts were practically written by the teachers for the students because the student's English writing capabilities are so horrible. This entire ordeal strengthens my opinion that English Academies in Korea don't focus enough on grammar and developing writing techniques and styles. The majority of what I've experienced the focus is on speaking and conversation, which is all well and good until you have to write an English paper. Then you're up grammar creek without a paddle and no skills in spelling or punctuation whatsoever.

Anyway, enough about school.

FITNESS JOURNEY

T-Tapp is going well. Still practice whenever I get the opportunity and I'm feeling it! I threw in a few more exercises to concentrate on my core muscles especially and I'm so sore! It feels great! I can already feel everything tightening up, and the results (not to mention how good I feel) keep pushing me onward.

However, I know that I'll have a difficult time doing this by myself. I don't know the first thing about training myself. I get loads of advice from my brothers (who are both gym junkies, and in amazing shape) and other guy friends who are teetering on 5% body fat, but everyone has something different to say and I'm getting just plain confused.

So I've decided to look for a personal trainer. I figure that it's the best move for me as far as my fitness goals are concerned. Since I'm looking for a real change and not a casual 'keep the lbs at bay' exercise plan I figure it would be best to go to someone who knows how to teach and encourage. So, yeah, I'm looking now. If you know anyone... haha

****NOTE****

I had a lot more written about the GMAT, but somehow in editing it was all erased and I pressed "Publish" without double checking so it's all lost! Ugh! I'll make a new post later to update you on what's going on with me and my horrible math skills.

The end of the last Saturday of November 2010 is fast approaching, and Sunday is on its way. Then busy busy week! WOW! 28 days until Christmas ya'll!!!! Woo!

Until next post,

~A.

Thanksgiving

Hello Readers,

Yes. I'm a day ahead of most of you, but here in SK, it's Thanksgiving day.

Today is a slow day at work, and these past few weeks especially I've been giving a lot of thought to my life and what I myself am all about.

And I find that I am thankful.

I am thankful for my tendency to run headlong into things, with passion, and with determination. Though a few times this habit of mine has lead me down the wrong road, I learn... I grow... and become less reckless, yet more passionate, about the decisions that I make.

My journey in life has molded and shaped me into a better woman and a better person, and I find that I regret nothing. I am thankful for the strength God has granted me to bounce back, to keep going, to be undeterred by failures or mistakes. I am thankful for the same God granted willpower to keep moving forward, to keep my passion, to keep at least some of my reckless abandon intact.

Maybe I can't claim ownership to the most practical thought processes known to man, but no one will ever be able to say "She hasn't ever done anything, really."

I am thankful for the strength I had, and am maintaining, to CHANGE MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER, by taking control of my health. I'm thankful for the success and the support I've experienced from my journey to a healthier body and mind.

I am thankful for my FAMILY who, despite disagreeing with me at times, ALWAYS supports me, ENCOURAGES me, and LOVES me. I know that I am NEVER alone. I have been and continue to be SO BLESSED by the family God gave me. I don't think any other family in this world could have handled me. :)

I am thankful for the FRIENDS who have stuck by me through the years. Despite any flaws they may have discovered in me or my personality, they have loved, they have endured, and they have enriched my life more than they will ever know or understand. Continually, every day, I find new blessings in their friendship and their love.

I am thankful for every opportunity I've been given, and I am thankful for the opportunities that still present themselves to me.

I am thankful for a God who has never, not even once, given up on me. Even when I was ready to give up on myself.

Thank you GOD for never turning your back on me in my troubles, for always guiding me through the storm, for never leaving me lonely or wanting, for always keeping me up on my feet, ready to go, ready to conquer, ready to continue dreaming, growing, and loving.

I know that I haven't been the most bragworthy daughter, Lord. I know that there are many times when I wander off, when I don't listen, when I do things my way instead of yours. I know that I have come to you a million times over asking forgiveness for the SAME THINGS. Any person would refuse to forgive, but you, father, no... you accept me back every time. You heal me every time. Then, despite what most would consider better judgement, you give me yet another chance.

I can always find you, God. And no matter how far away I've wandered, and even run at times, I'm always surprised to find you standing right next to me when I reach out in fear and confusion.

I AM THANKFUL! More than I could ever express.

Today is Thanksgiving. And today, though there is no turkey at my table...uh, and though I have no table really to call my own anyway... and though I am thousands of miles away from the family and friends that love and care for me, I feel extreme, deep, indescribable thankfulness. And even when I don't express it, I feel it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every moment of my life the thankfulness is there, welling up inside of me, glowing brightly even in the darkness.

I celebrate this day with joy.

THANK YOU GOD! THANK YOU for blessing me with all of those reasons I have to remain thankful every day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

Until next post,

~A.

The Korea Predicament and T-Tapp Challenge Update

Hello Readers,

I need to make a post to let everyone know that I'm okay! We're all okay here.

Yesterday North Korea attacked a South Korean island, killing two marines, destroying houses, and causing mass panic.

Read about it here.

I know that a lot of my family and friends have heard about it on the news, and I just want you all to know that I'm fine. There's no pandemonium here, but everyone is a little on edge. Me too.

Keep South Korea in your prayers ya'll. And not just South Korea, North Korea too. You know those people are in a really bad situation now, and a lot of them don't have any options. It's a scary atmosphere there, and they need prayer just as much as anyone.

Now, moving on to lighter hearted things...

T-TAPP challenge update.

I'm still learning the basics. Going by the book is a lot more difficult than I originally thought. Apparently, I'm a visual learner. It's easier for me to learn how to do something by seeing it done. So, I end up having to read directions over and over again until I can get it right. It's not too bad, it just takes longer.

I'm looking forward to buying the 'Basic Workout' DVD in a few weeks.

I'm feeing fantastic!

I can feel the strength in my stomach muscles, and my posture has really improved. I pay more attention now to how I'm sitting and standing, and it's really improved a lot of things.

Also, I've been doing Hoedowns after meals for the past few days. haha Hoe downs are an exercise that have been known to lower your glucose spikes by 60-80% after eating. It looks like a really simple exercise and can be done almost anywhere, but man... it's not as easy as it looks by the second set.

It gets my energy flowing big time! I feel more awake and energized after doing a set of hoedowns than I do after a cup of coffee. And what's better? No caffeine crash!

My back muscles are staying sore, which is a good sign to me. It means that I'm finally working those muscles that were always so neglected before.

The added energy and strength that I'm already feeling in my stomach and back is really keeping me on board with T-Tapp.

Want to see something amazing? Watch this video:

Until next post,

~A.

Little Update

Hello Readers,

I'm trying to get through a rough spot. :) Everything's okay, but things are a little stressful at the moment. I suspect that I'll be ready to get back to my regularly (kind of) scheduled blogging activities in a week or so.

Just a random update for now: Dunkin' Donuts coffee is the worst. THE WORST.

Also, I plan to introduce fruit back into my diet starting this evening. Wish me luck. :P

Will be starting the GM/MM eating plan a lot sooner than expected, but I'm looking forward to it.

Expect a T-Tapp update soon.

Well, that's pretty much all for today.

Until next blog (which will hopefully be of more substance than this one),

~A.

Bump in the Road

Hello readers!

I haven't blogged in a few days. I have an explanation... and a confession.

I officially fell off the wagon. Yesterday and the day before I stepped a bit off the deep end emotionally and ate food that I wasn't supposed to eat for another 2 months. I'm not going to go into detail. All you guys need to know is that I blew it because stress won out over my willpower.

These past few days have been extremely stressful for reasons that I'll explain on a later date.

I've found that in the states, I never had trouble with binge eating. I would eat food that wasn't very good for me, but I wouldn't gorge myself to that filling point. In Korea? I've done it on more than one occasion (not recently, at least not until yesterday). It must be homesickness. I have to learn how to battle that kind of thing if I want to succeed with the goals I've given myself.

Thankfully I'm on an exercise plan now which helped balance out my little indiscretion. But, it still knocked me back some days.

Today, I woke up feeling 100% dedicated to getting back on track.

I guess I needed that little dip in the road to get me fired up for continuing on to meet my goals.

I want to say, to those of you who are struggling with your exercise or diet plan, don't get overly discouraged if you mess up. You didn't ruin everything! Don't think that way! A mess up doesn't mean failure, it means temporary lapse! You can get right back on the horse, and maybe even be a little stronger for it.

Though I'm still feeling stressed, I feel more ready to handle the stress that's facing me. I have a plan, I have a goal, and I have a dream to follow with the support of those whose love is the most important to me.

I'm very happy to announce that I'm back on track! With health, with fitness, with my life in general!

I'll publish a proper blog later with updates on my T-TAPP challenge.

Everyone have a great rest of the week! Round it out strong!

Until next post,

~A.

Challenge Update: God Made/ Man Made

Hello Readers,

Wanted to post a blog for the daily update of my T-Tapp and fitness challenge.

I'm telling you, things are already starting to change... and I haven't even started the program full force yet!

CHALLENGE UPDATE

BREATHING

I've been paying more attention to my breathing. I've discovered that more often than not I'm breathing quite shallowly. This causes me to yawn and feel very tired and run down.

OBVIOUSLY!

I'm not getting enough oxygen to all of my system! Oxygen is key to a well functioning body. So, I've been breathing deeper. I've even started taking a few moments every now and again to just breath in, expanding my lungs and ribcage as much as possible, and then breathing out (completely, using my diaphragm to expel all of the air until I feel my muscles tightening).

Can you believe that I'm actually yawning less? And I NOTICED it?

WATER

I'm still drinking my 64oz + a day. My body just feels less sluggish in general. I've started craving soda less and less, and even though I don't look forward to drinking water, I don't exactly look forward to drinking a whole 500ml of Coke Zero like I used to either.

STRETCHING

I'm stretching my limbs, my major muscles, and muscles that I probably don't even realize are there. I'm getting my limberness back and I can finally touch my toes again. Huzzah! My muscles are remaining a little (not very) sore, and it feels good to know that I'm finally working those areas that have probably seen little to no activity for a long time.

ENERGY

My energy levels are up! I'm not ready to run marathon or anything, but I can feel it in my body when I wake up in the morning. Speaking of which, this past week it's been easier to rise and shine earlier. Before, I pressed my snooze alarm for 1 hour and got up around 8. These days when the alarm goes off the second time (around 7:15) I'm up and at'em!

God Made/ Man Made

I won't begin this plan until February, but I wanted to give everyone a heads up, because I think that this is a great idea. In the book "Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minute", Teresa Tapp explains an eating system that she calls "God Made/Man Made".

It's very simple. For two days you eat only 'God Made' food. The ideal is whole/organic foods, but fresh foods work just as well! Don't eat anything that has been made to last for a long time.

Fresh vegetables

Fresh, lean, meats

Dairy products

Whole non-processed grains

Fruit (in moderation)

Make sure that what you put in your body is free all of the 'extras' that tend to get thrown in to prepackaged or premade food, such as cheese slices, canned meats and vegetables, and even 'Low Fat' products. Anything with a long shelf life is probably not your best bet!

After 2 days of eating God Made, you give yourself a day of 'Man Made'. The eating plan is not about restrictions, and on this 'splurge' day you have the freedom to eat whatever it is you want (in moderation. Don't go bananas and eat a whole pizza).

The guidelines for Man Made are "home made" is better. Cookies and sweets are better made fresh at, instead of bought in boxes and tins. The same with bread. If you're a bread eater, find yourself a bakery that makes their breads fresh every day. Frozen or slammed with preservatives = no good.

Then, after your Man Made eating day, go back to God Made for 2 more days. Alternate. That simple!

I wish I could explain everything to you, but I'm no expert (I'm not even going to start this eating system until February) and I don't want to steal any of Ms. Tapp's thunder. She explains everything PERFECTLY in her book. You should check it out!

Go to the T-TAPP website or order from Amazon now.

Remember the book is called "Fit and Fabulous in 15 minutes."

This fitness challenge is for ALL AGES and ALL FITNESS levels.

DO IT. The book is only 16$. If you like what you see, then you can buy her DVD workouts, or any of the other T-TAPP products. All it takes is 2 weeks. Isn't getting in shape worth 2 weeks of your time?

Anyway, that's my spiel for the day.

Until next post,

~A.

T-Tapp Challenge Update

Hello Readers,

Just want to give you another update.

T-Tapp challenge is going well. I've given myself 1 week to get trained for the actual challenge (which I will start on Saturday). The 1 week training will give me time to read through all of the information and become more familiar with the techniques of the exercise.

Since I'm going by book instead of visual instruction (like the dvd's) I knew it was going to take me a bit of time to get everything down.

Training Day 1: Saturday

I read through all of the information, and took a few notes. This stuff is amazingly interesting. I want to give you details, but you should really buy the book for yourself and give it a read.

Training Day 2: Sunday

I practice proper KLT stance and the first exercise. I was amazed at how much my body was actually working to do moves that seemed so simple.

Training Day 3: Today

I was shocked this morning to discover that I was sore! Back muscles and muscles around my shoulders were sore, and I can't really recall a time when I've felt soreness in those areas. It feels nice to know that I'm working all of my muscles, and not just the biggest ones. My legs feel really good today too. The KLT stance really keeps me working.

I've noticed over the weekend that I'm paying more attention to my posture now. But tucked, shoulders back, to keep my spine in line. I've made an effort not to cross my legs while sitting down. Thankfully my desk at work is too low to allow me to cross my legs comfortably.

This morning I practiced one of the exercise moves I learned yesterday, and I plan on learning a new one this evening.

Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have all of the basic workout moves down so that I can start the challenge properly this weekend.

Water Intake:

I have been drinking water like I can't believe. In the past I've rarely had even one bottle of water a WEEK. These days it's at least 64oz (4 bottles of water a day) or more. I'm amazed at how much this has actually helped me as far as my weight loss, energy levels, and even overall feeling.

Water really is important! I still hate it, though. Wish there was a way to make it more enjoyable to glug. Blargh.

I'm searching for someone to help tutor me in math. I'll be taking the GRE and GMAT exams early next year and I need some serious help in the math department. I mean, seriously.

If you're reading this and you've taken the GMAT and scored a 600+, I will PAY YOU to tutor me in math. (Proof of score will be needed.) No joke.

Korean weather is getting colder, and as much as I want to go out and buy a new sweater, I know that by next month it won't fit properly. I won't be able to start investing in clothes again until around the end of February. Oh well, saves me money.

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a fantastic Monday! As for me, break is over and I need to get back to work. :)

Until next post,

~A.

BOOYA! THAT'S RIGHT!

Until next post,

~A.

My Success, My Challenge

Hello Readers,

Another update!

Unfortunately I didn't get to go to Seoul today, as I planned. I was unable to book tickets online because (for some reason) the Korail website wasn't letting me select 'next' at the last page of the booking process. So, I could select my seats on the train, but it wouldn't let me enter my card information to pay for it.

So, I woke up early this morning and got myself to the nearest KTX station. All of the commuter trains (the cheaper ones) were booked solid, so I was keeping my fingers crossed for a seat on the KTX. I got there like, 3 hours early, so I thought there would be SOMETHING. Nope. I got in line for the ticket, and when It was finally my turn everything but standing room and first class was sold out. Realizing that I tried to select a 'standing' ticket, but those were gone when I got back to the selection screen. GEEZ! Those tickets go fast!

So, I wasted 20,000 won on taxi fare to and from the station. Great.

Oh well. I ended up having a very good and productive day at my apartment. I studied for about 4 hours, exercised, read, and took a stroll to Lotte Mart to grab something I needed.

All in all it was a very relaxing day.

Now to the whole point of this post.

GETTING FIT JOURNEY UPDATE

As all of you know (or at least those of you that either know me or have been reading this blog regularly...ahem) in September I made the decision to start getting myself into better shape.

My weight has always been a little high, especially considering that I have a rather small frame (aside from my shoulders. Thank you Daddy!). Exercise was not my friend for a number of reasons.

Reasons:

1.) Couldn't find an exercise that I enjoyed doing.

2.) Got bored easily

3.) Wasn't seeing any results, so got discouraged.

3.) Anxiety. I HATE exercising around people. I hate gyms, and I hate jogging in public where people can see me. Why? I've always been self-conscious. I could just imagine people thinking "Wow... yeah, she NEEDS to be exercising!"

I know. Stupid, right?

Wrong.

I think that a lot of people have problems with exercising because of one of any of those reasons, or a combination of them. Just like me. I'm not the only person on the planet who has these problems with exercise.

But, as my brothers always say, "If the engine is hot enough, it'll burn anything."

That's why I decided to take the step.

I challenged myself in September to lose weight by altering my diet. I knew that once I got down to my goal weight it would be easier for me, self-confidence wise, to shape up my life. I wasn't wrong. It's already easier for me to exercise a little more. I'm even more confident about running across the street to make a green-cross walk sign! (Baby steps)

When I stand next to skinny Korean girls, I don't think to myself "Man, I wish I could be that skinny". I feel good. I feel healthy. And the best part of all... I'm getting healthier!

I'm still not down to my goal weight/size. I have a few more months left of my food program. But I added an extra challenge as well. The current program I'm on is only for resetting eating habits (6 small meals a day, balanced, and healthy), and metabolism. It doesn't firm, tuck, or lift anything.

For me, it's also all about KEEPING the weight off once the food program is finished.

That's where exercise comes in.

So, I've decided to challenge myself.

I purchased the following book and have been reading and reading. My brain is just eating it up:

I originally decided on this fitness program because while I'm following my current food program I can't exercise heavily. The more I read, and the more I researched, the more I realized that this program was claiming to be more than just a 'get you started' deal. It's gotten so many good reviews and has been featured in a number of popular health and wellness/fitness and fashion magazines. I thought, "Why not give it a try?"

I'm really excited to get started, and I can't wait to let you all know the results. I'll be posting regular updates over the next 4 weeks, so we'll all see how this goes.

For journey update.

In September my measurements were as follows:

42-35-39

As of today, November 12th, these are my measurements:

37-29.5-35

The difference has astounded me. I'm excited about the changes, and I can definitely tell that I'm becoming a more confident person.

Well, that's the update for today.

I hope that you'll continue to follow me on my many journeys. My journey in Korea, my language journey, my fitness journey, and all the journeys to come. I appreciate your support and your continuing visits to my blog. Just seeing the numbers is a huge inspiration!

Everyone have a great Saturday!

Until next blog,

~A.

Apartment, Coffee, Seoul, and Such.

Hello Readers,

Sorry everyone for the hold up on a post.

Things have really settled down nicely, and now I find that I have sufficient time to write a blog.

I won't make it too long, even though there's been a ton of stuff going on .

Firstly

I moved into my new apartment! I've been living here now for almost two weeks and it feels very nice. It's clean, it's cute, and it's a good size. I bought a bed and a desk, and I'm enjoying my space.

I still need a few more pieces of furniture (such as raised stools for the kitchen counter/bar) and some other chairs for company. My co-workers came over for birthday dinner a few nights ago and we stood up the whole time, haha. Well, those things will come when they can.

Seeing Seoul...oh...and Coffee!

Last weekend I traveled the 1 hour 45 minutes Seoul (by slow train) to meet SK. We spent the day out and went to see a bunch of different things. He showed me around well!

While waiting for SK at Seoul Station I sat in CAFFE PASCUCCI and had (you guessed it) a Cappuccino. I'm telling you, it was the absolute best one out of all of the (franchise) places I've tried so far.

Here are my personal (and non-detailed) ratings for the coffee quality (Cappuccino quality included) and atmosphere quality of some of the coffee places I've visited so far. (All scores are out of 10)

Rotiboy

Atmosphere: 8

Coffee: 8.5

Angel-in-us

Atmosphere: 7

Coffee: 8

Dunkin-Donuts

Atmosphere: 6

Cofee: 5 (their coffee really isn't that tasty.)

Caffe Pascucci

Atmosphere: 8.5

Coffee: 9.5

Cafe Bene

Atmosphere: 9

Coffee: 9

The Tree and Bicycle (This isn't a franchise coffee house, so you'll have to come visit me if you want some of their coffee and amazing atmosphere.) ;)

Atmosphere: 10

Coffee: 10

The Tree and Bicycle is a little expensive, but it's definitely worth it.

I'd love to own a place like that someday.

WEIGHT WATCHING

I'm officially down 8kgs. I'm hovering at 62 kgs, and hoping that I see the scale move again in the next week or so. This past weekend, because it was SK's last weekend before his 1 month basic training, I decided to go a little off plan. It messed with my weight loss, but It was worth it. Now I'm ready to get back on track and get to goal.

6kgs to go! Hoocha hoocha hoocha! Lobster! (10 bonus points to anyone who recognizes the reference).

TOPIK

I'll be taking the Beginner S-TOPIK exam in April. That gives me about 4.5 months or so to prepare. I don't feel too stressed out about it, but I know that the bigger jump will be taking the Intermediate level S-TOPIK only 5 months later (in September). Yoiks!

It can be done! It will be done!

In Other News

SK left for his Basic Military Training camp today, the 11th day of the 11th month. Pepero day, Ya'll. Neither of us eat candy that often, so it was kind of silly to buy chocolate, but it happened anyway. It ended up being shoved off on my students. They didn't mind. They eat chocolate like they breathe air... naturally and without thinking. Gobble gobble!

With Halloween and Pepero day being so close together it's amazing that these kids still have all their teeth by the end of each year.

Weekend Plans

This weekend I have plans to return to Seoul on Saturday for a field trip with my recruiting agency and some other foreign teachers. I'm looking forward to meeting some new peeps and having a good time in general in S-town.

I'll take pictures.

Anyway, here are some photos of my apartment AND picture of the week.

APARTMENT

Photo Of The Week

Well, there you have it. The update!

More updates to come! Of course.

Until next post,

~A.

Birthday and Bookmark Posts

Hello readers,

Sorry for the delay in posting. I'll be putting up a proper post soon. This last week has been extremely busy!

Moving into a new apartment, getting settled, and then celebrating my birthday this weekend (today is my birthday! Happy birthday to me!) has been taking up a lot of my time.

I just want to write a quick post to let everyone know that there's a blog post coming!

Everyone have a great Monday.

Until next post,

~A.