I'm Here! - Day #1

Disclaimer: This a really long post. So if you get bored of reading, I will understand :)

Wow! I can't believe I'm here. This is so surreal. It was really tough leaving my family. There's no way to give someone a year's worth of hugs, but I sure tried. I am really going to miss them!

The beginning of my trip started out a little slow. My flight was to depart from Roanoke on Friday at 5:47 am (EST), but of course we didn't take off until around 8:15 am (EST). After only having a total of about four hours of sleep, having nothing to eat and sitting on a plane that was not moving for 2.5 hours, I was not a happy camper. There was a nice, very talkative, girl from South Dakota next to me and she helped to make the wait go by faster.

I finally arrived in Chicago about 10:35 am (EST). This didn't give me as much as a layover as I was expecting, but it was just enough time. I was able to locate my gate, grab some food and exchange currency. I was going to wait until I got to Korea to exchange currency at the bank, but I'll pay for convenience.

My flight took off as scheduled at 1:00 pm (EST) from Chicago to Seoul. The plane was HUGE and so nice. I probably sound like a big nerd, but I've never flown overseas and had no idea what to expect.

The plane had a total of 42 rows with nine seats across. I was lucky enough to get a window seat, as well as being seated next to two very nice Korean women. One of them is actually an English teacher in Seoul. She gave me her contact information just in case I had any trouble. After about 15 minutes of being on the plane I was knocked out. I was then awaken almost an hour after take off so I could be given goodies and food. They supplied me with headphones, indoor slippers, a pillow and blanket, and a menu.

Here's one of my meals...

Keepin' it Western

I arrived in Seoul around 4 pm Korean time / 3 am (EST). A driver picked me up and drove me to my apartment. As I arrived, I was so nervous as to what to expect. I walked up the stairs, behind the driver who was carrying my luggage and opened the door. My stomach just sank. My first thought was, "What the hell am I doing here?" The place was left in a bit of mess. The studio apartment is very very small. I began to get discouraged, so I called my Director. She said she was coming over at 8 pm to help get me acclimated around the apartment. As she arrived, I felt very comfortable knowing she was so helpful and willing to correct the issue. She said it wouldn't be until Monday before she could have someone come in to clean.

I decided that was fine and that I could deal with it. I think the best part of my evening was turning on the TV to find "Sex and the City". Ahhh!

Wait! What am I doing?

And the final countdown as of today is...1 day!! Guess you could say I'm freakin' out. I have a pretty good idea as to what to expect, but my biggest worry is starting a new job. It's always a little nerve-wracking starting a new job, especially when you don't have a whole lot of experience teaching English to children.

I began packing my two HUGE 29" suitcases yesterday. Of course after all the packing, I forgot they need to be under 50 lbs. All things considered, I weighed my bags and they were 10 lbs over. Oopsie! According the Asiana Airlines I'm allowed two 50 lbs suitcases free. If I go over, it's $200/per suticase. No thank you! My parents are going to send the rest of my winter stuff to me. I had to forgo my boots :( ~sniff sniff~

Tomorrow at 5:37am begins my big adventure. I, again, want to thank all of my friends and family for supporting me with this decision! It wasn't the easiest decision to make considering I left a life in Norfolk that I had made after 5 years. Now I'm going to a new country where no one knows me, and starting a whole new life. Thank you all for the positive and motivational thoughts.

Love y'all <3

Soakin' Up Some Lazy Days

I have been out of work for almost 2 weeks and I have become a big lump of lazy. I had hoped to use this time at home, in Roanoke, for working out. Hahaha I just had to laugh at myself. Yeah the workout thing has not happened.

I have really enjoyed being at home. I forgot home much I miss this boring, little town. I'm missing Norfolk and all my friends there, but it's been great catching up with friends and family in Roanoke. I just need to remember, I have a plane to catch in 12 days.

There's still a lot I need to do before I leave. I bought my oversized luggage this weekend. They're just big enough to stuff two people in them if anyone would like to join me ;) I'm generally a really good packer but I'm dreading all this. What am I going to do with all my shoes? haha

As promised, here's my flight itinerary. I'll be flying Asiana Airlines.

Depart: Roanoke Municipal Arpt 05:47 AM Friday, July 29 

Arrive: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Arpt 06:50 AM  

*** 5 hour layover :( ***

Depart: Chicago O'Hare Int'l Arpt. 12:00 PM  Friday, July 29          

Arrive: Seoul Incheon Int'l 04:00 PM  Saturday, July 30  

ONE MONTH!!

I can't believe that in exactly one month from today I'll be on a plane to South Korea. Craazzzy!  I got my flight itinerary about two weeks ago and that's when it really hit me. I'll post my itinerary closer to my departure date for anyone interested in checking up on my flights :)

I have a good feeling that the month of July is going to fly by with all the exciting things going on. My Brother, Chris, will be visiting from Alabama for a week, as well as celebrating my Dad's 50th Birthday and my sister, Marcia, is closing on her house. Oh and of course I can't forget the arrival of Baby Mullins.

On top of all of July's festivities, I still have so much to do to get prepared. I've already moved my stuff back to Roanoke which is a big weight lifted off my shoulders. I have one week left here in Norfolk before I move permanently back home with the Rents. I never would've thought I would say the words, "I'm moving back in with my parents", hahaha.

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited, nervous or having seconds thoughts. Of course every kind of emotion has been jolting through my body, but I can say that I KNOW this is the best decision for me. I definitely have to say a big "Thank You" to Lauren, which is who I'm going to be replacing. She has been great in helping me get prepared and easing any kind of worries that I have been having. It's unfortunate she won't be there when I get there, but it seems like I'll be working with some really fun people. :)

Peace Out Hampton Roads!

As of now, I’m not 100% sure as to when I will be leaving. I have word it’s going to be either the middle or end of July. I currently have two weeks left of work and three weeks until I move back to Roanoke with my family. I’m taking a month off from work to do absolutely nothing. Ahhh I can’t wait!

It seems like just yesterday I made the decision to move to Norfolk to finish my last two years of college at Old Dominion University. Five years later, I now call it my “home”. I've had mixed emotions about this place, but I can honestly say I love it here! I’ve met so many amazing people and have developed great friendships with some that I know will last a lifetime.

I’m going to miss the beach being readily available to me. No more convenience of dipping my feet into the ocean and burying my feet in the sand. I will never forget the crazy flooding in Norfolk that caused me to be stuck in my house for three days, cookouts at the Sixteens, along with eating some of the freshest seafood at my favorite restaurants. Also, the random nights with friends, ODU football tailgates, having a 711 on every corner, summer concerts at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater while paying $12 for a beer, and of course frequenting Kokoamos with the ladies every Friday night in the summer for 50¢ drinks and then deciding it is a good idea to head to Hot Tuna to get our dance on with some of our country's finest military men.

I’m not sure if I will ever end up back here in Hampton Roads. If not, it sure was a great five years for me here. I will miss you! :(

Let Me Introduce You to K-Pop

For those who don't know me very well or have never met me, I have a great love for music. Not just any music. I'm talking about bubblegum pop! This should not come as news to any close friend or family member of mine. Ever since boy bands took over the 90s and made my teenage heart flutter, I have not been able to break away from it.

I bring up the subject of music because a lot of people have been asking me, "How will you survive without good music?" Of course with I-tunes and the internet, I do not foresee me having any problems discovering new music in the US from all the way in Korea.

During my research on SoKo, I just had to explore pop culture and the music scene. The information I found was amazing! While lots of the music that is popular here in the US has made it's way to Korea, they have what is called "K-Pop". It's a music genre that originated in SoKo and has grown popular all over Asia. Some of the popular bands include BigBang, 2NE1 and JYJ.

I have attached a video of Big Bang's "Tonight." Do I know what they are saying? Definitely not! Then I think, did I understand the provocative lyrics of Nsync or Backstreet Boys? Nope. Ahhhh I hope one of my little Korean children will grow up to be a K-Pop singer! (FYI-totally kidding) ;)

Big Bang - Tonight

waiting, waiting and more waiting...

Just so everyone knows, this has been such a long process for me. I started my aggressive research on teaching in Korea way back in October of last year. After deciding in early December that this was something I really wanted to pursue, I began sending out all necessary documents for authentication. It wasn't until April that I finally received the last of my documents from the government.

I got news from James, my recruiter, on Sunday night that my paperwork had arrived in Seoul. Woo!!! Major props to FedEx for getting it there so quickly. I sent my documents out Thursday and he had them in his hands by Monday morning, which is Sunday evening U.S. time. So just a FYI, if you plan on sending me a package I would recommend using FedEx ;)

James told me he is going to file for my Visa in two weeks since my start date isn't until July. After I receive my information I will then have to make an appointment with the Korean Consulate in Washington, D.C. This means I'll be making one last special, hopefully extended, visit to see all my friend in NOVA!

I'll continue to keep everyone updated on my process. Only 10 weeks left!