45 more days. OH MY!

Apparently Korea only knows two kinds of weather in the summer. Insane rain, or insane heat. Having just finished about a month of torrential downpours, I woke up this morning, possibly in the middle of the night, sticky with sweat. And then when the sun woke me up this morning, I knew it would be a scorcher. Thing is I didn't really know what a scorcher was til I actually went outside. The humidity vanished and has been replaced by the MOST intense heat I have ever felt. I am sure being surrounded by concrete and pavement doesn't help, but I can feel it radiating on me even inside.

Things I have learned in Korea. They don't joke about weather. When it says it will be cold, it will be VERY COLD. When they say it will rain for a couple weeks, they mean it will RAIN, HARD, for a couple weeks. When they say in June, oh this isn't hot yet, it's because they know what's coming in July and August. Phew. The thing is... I don't have an air conditioner. I know, poor me. But seriously, poor me. In a strange, annoying way, I am kind of getting used to it. I guess living without it all the time makes you adjust. I find myself getting cold if the temperature dips below 27*C. I must be losing circulation, or I'm getting old. Or I caught what most of my ancestors seem to have had, constant coldness, even in extreme heat. Thanks ancestors. At this very moment it is 34 degrees, feels like 38. Which for you american folk is 93, but feels like 101. That is a pretty severe difference if you ask me. Also makes me confused. If it feels like 101, isn't the temp just 101? Why is it only 93... when it feels like, to everyone, 101? I don't understand that.

Yesterday I went with Karen, one of my orientation buddies, to Namsan tower. Also known as N Seoul Tower. We dressed up all fancy and Kenton came along for his fourth visit, and we got a reservation at the top of the tower at a revolving restaurant. It was very fancy. Small food that cost a lot of money. I actually had money left this month and I figured its something I will never do again and I am here, might as well splurge. It was delicious. However, I am not sure if it was the food, or something else, but my stomach is not overly excited today. I drank a cup full of charcoal... and Uhm, well, its been a painful day. I will spare you the nasty details. Last week I got another bug, or something, and ended up staying in bed for a day. Wasn't able to stand up without losing my food. So I think I am wearing out. I need a rest. Ha, such a Korean thing to say. They are always saying, "take a rest, why don't you take a rest". Mostly it means, take a break, or take a nap, or go to sleep. Anyway, I need SOME rest. Like possibly a month of it.

I have been researching getting a masters in education, emphasis on early childhood development. While it is daunting to think about, I kind of really want to do it. The thing is school always costs money. Which means I need a job first... then save for a while, Then go to school for a while, THEN get another job. Sounds like a terrible process. Baby steps... baby steps.

And for those of you wondering, my return date is Sept 1. Please don't be too anxious to see me, I plan on hibernating for at least a week before facing people and questions... My ticket has been purchased. It is an awful trip, this time made worse by multiple layovers and plane changes and so forth. I will be as good as dead when I finally make it to Chattanooga. But have no fear, after I have readjusted to normal life I will be around to see ALL of you... whoever you may be... if in fact we are friends/you still want to see me. That sort of thing =)

and that is all for now.

Michelle

It's raining, it's pouring...

I have literally NEVER seen so much continuous rain in my life. It has been raining, nearly all day everyday, for TWO WEEKS. WHY!?

And then today I woke up and my power was off. I woke up because I was suffocating because my fan turned off and there was no air circulation in my room. Tried to go back to sleep but it was like sleeping in a sauna. So I gave up and got up. But, what is there to do when you don't have any books, and the internet doesn't work? Go to Tabi, that's what.

Tabi is a super cute coffee shop right next to my apartment. It is run by a man and his wife who have traveled all over the world. In their travels they collected random stuff and so the decor in the coffee shop is very unique. Pictures and souvenirs from all over the place. And they happen to make the best french toast in the world! YUM.

So I have just been sitting here, for what seems like forever. Listening to the rain beat against the window and talking to random friends online. What a cool way to spend Sunday. Oh well, it's not like I had any plans anyway.

Today there are only 60 days left til I come home. I think... maybe its 59.. either way, its less than it was yesterday!

Today/yesterday was my Grandpa's Memorial service. I wish I could have been there to see the family and love everyone... But it's ok. I got to say goodbye and that's really what is important I think.

I don't have a lot to say actually.... I am just bored, really bored. Maybe I should go do something. I just can't think of anything to do.... It's raining... I have to walk everywhere. I don't want to spend any money... UGH!

I guess I will leave you out of my misery!

That's all from rainy Korea

Michelle