You Plus Me Equals No Sleep

This girl. Plus...

This girl. Equals....

These girls! 

Who goes to a club on a Sunday night?

These girls!

 (We were responsible and let the dancing take place of alcohol - jeesh had to be fresh for the morning! We roll responsibly - home by 12:30!)

And I wonder why I didn't do any running this weekend... Time to strap back on those Addidas.....

These girls need to get some sleep.

Kindergarden

Yes, I am completely exhausted. Yes, I am slightly losing my voice.

Was it worth it? Absolutely!

We had a birthday party in class for one of the students (treat bags, cake, presents, singing, more party favors...) that apparently is the STANDARD for kindy parties at this school. The parents provide it all. AMAZING. I wish it was my birthday...

Also, in kindergarden we get a free snack and lunch. Yesterday snack was JUK (like porridge with veg and meat) and todays was jello cups with a banana.

Heaven!

I wouldn't need to go grocery shopping if I worked kindy all the time thats for sure! I must say though, that I still love my job. I love my classroom. Sure there are days when I stare at the clock hoping I can move time, but for 95% I'm blissful.

Who would have thought what I'm best at is the thing I love the most?

Another great day for the books!

These are "We work kindy and are awesome" faces!

(You're famous!)

You Are Beautiful

Today I knew I wouldn't have enough time for a run so I walked to and from work (30min each way). I decided this was optimal time to take pics of what my running route looks like. There are 3 levels all the way down to the Yangjaechan. I normally run on the bottom level, it is the flatest... Lets be honest, I'm only 2 weeks in I'm avoiding hills... HAHA

Another metre marker, my beginning.

One thing I love about Seoul is the outdoor amenities. You can find outdoor machines everywhere. Koreans are generally really fit. You can see why!

Reppin' my Value Village sunnys... Looking like a crazy tourist taking pictures.

I generally mark my distances by how many bridges I've gone under. 5 bridges is a GREAT run, 3 bridges is mediocre. It is so well lit at night and there are so many people out that even at 10:30 pm I have no worries.

Today was 2 student's birthdays and they asked if we could have a party. How could I say no? One of the mother bought pizza and I made a makeshift "cake". Donuts with candles? They loved it!

I won't be running tomorrow because I'm subbing at a kindergarden from 8:30-12:30pm, then my job from 2:30-9:30pm both Thursday and Friday. I'll be chasing enough 6 and 10 year olds to get my fill, and will probably be exhausted.

A few notable moments today:

* One student had been VERY naughty last class and I made him sit outside. This is the FIRST time I've ever kicked a kid out. I felt awful. I had to make a point though that there is a time for work and a time for play. Today I pulled him out at the beginning to tell him what I expected. I made him pinky promise he'd be a good boy today. At the end of class (...after a few warnings...) he was generally a good boy. He came up to me sheepishly and asked "Am I a good boy today?". God I melted. I know he tried hard to answer questions and not be destructive to the class. You know I gave him some gummies, I'm a softie!

* During a test I was marking homework and saw a girl doodling. I always have them read after the test and went to go see why she wasn't reading like she should be. I saw she had drawn a picture of me, but I asked her who it was anyways. She answered "You". At the top it said YOU ARE ...and at the bottom BEAUTIFUL.

MELT again.

Another incredibly blessed day.

Its a Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

It was 17 degrees today! AMAZING. I've had my windows opened all day and can't wait to sleep with the nice breeze. As I was getting ready this morning I knew I had to dress like spring. It just felt good to wear some colour and a work appropriate t-shirt.

Today was my rest day but did manage to walk home from work 30 min. Tomorrow will be intense. I'm playing soccer in the morning before work and after work 2 min running intervals with 2 min of walking... The things I do to myself! 

I'm terrible with motivating myself. I just imagine those ajummas lapping me and kick it into high gear!

This week I'm going to focus on my eating plan...because right now it sucks a little bit. Oh snacks why must you be so delicious and convenient?...

Know Your Limit, Stay Within It

After a night of drinks, pool and dancing it was time to wake my ass up and get out the door. I got up at a leisurely 1 pm and went out for the day.

I love grocery shopping so went hunting for some finds! I managed to pick up some animal chocolates, chocolate covered sunflower seeds 190 cal a bag, and some gummies at 145 cal. I love tricking myself and saying that its "for the kids". Baaaah who am I fooling? I should probably test them to make sure they're "safe"....

It is always a real adventure to find tea that is cheaper and not corn or green. I managed to pick up some chamomile tea bags (5) for W990 (under $1) which is great. I also picked up a bag of chestnuts and lots of dried seaweed. The seaweed is delicious, and really good for you. They make the perfect on the go snack to tie me over for a meal. The downside is there is a lot of salt. You can't win all the time I guess!

One of my favourite parts of Korea is the outdoor amenities. I went to the Yangjaechan to go for my run, I started but then got really bad side stitches. I thought I had waited enough after my Tony Romas takeaway...but I thought wrong. Such a rookie! Anyhoo there are markers every 100m so you can have an idea of how far you have gone. I went from 0-3100m, and then back again. Basically did 6 km of walking in 1 hr 20 min. That is embarassing. The point is that I could have quit and gone home but I decided to walk it out so I'm proud of myself!

Tomorrow I have to give it a better shot and leave more time in between my meal and fast walk/jog...I mean, run HAHA



Climbing Mount Daemosan

Chris and I woke up early (9 am),  ready to put our legs to work. After a fuelling breakfast at mine we headed up to Daemosan.

Foolish kids excited for climbing. Showing off a brave face!

Only you can prevent forest fires!

If you're tired of climbing you can walk back 240 m to "Robot School".

This is pathetic how hot and sweaty I was at the top. HOWEVER, I did it. I only huffed and puffed a little bit.

RULE #1 in Climbing Club: NO QUITTERS.

Thirsty? Don't worry. The Koreans think of everything! Ladle up!

On the way down after the descent, my legs were wobbly like jelly. I felt sooo good though! It took only about 45 min for us to climb up. It really wasn't that hard actually. I may have ...WAIT FOR IT... enjoyed it!

Nothing like people watching at an outdoor cafe to top off a great morning! Its only 1 pm and I've got heaps of energy for the day.

Healthy living? I'll take it as long as theres room for a W Burger every now and again! Next week we take on the mountain beside it.

Get off that couch!

Sick Sick Disease...

I have a problem.

I like running.

It is a serious issue.

What will I do with my fat pants when they are no longer needed? My old non-running footwear is going to get jealous. I don't have enough songs on my ipod. I've decided to go running this weekend rather than go drinking in Itaewon....There goes the neighbourhood!

A special CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Mr.Len for accepting my challenge of running the 10k with me. You can do it Dad! We can take turns giving piggy back rides. Just imagine carrots are chasing you, and Dairy Queen is only a few more steps away. Thats what I do. I'm proud of you!