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!

Hello World or Should I Say - "Annyeong Haseyo"!

I first would like to say, "Thank You" to anyone who reads or is reading this. I must confess, I'm a bit rusty! It's been quite some time since I've blogged or even written something of substance. I'm using this blog as an online journal of my experiences in South Korea.

Update: I just signed a contract to teach English in South Korea for a year. I know many of you are asking, "Why?" Well I'm at a time in my life where I'm not sure as to what direction I would like to take in my career. I have always wanted to travel the world and be educated in another culture. After lots and lots of research I have found South Korea to be the perfect choice for me.

My start date is July 15th. I'll post later the exact location as to where I'm going to be. I want to thank all my family and friends for all of their love and support with this decision! As of now I have 11 weeks until my departure and I embark on a journey of a lifetime.