Just Go With It

It seems a mis-truth leaked to one of my classes prior to today, and though I am uncertain of where said rumour began, I do know that the outcome today was well received.

Walking down the stairs to one of my elementary school-aged classes, one of my students ran up and motioned for me to hurry to class. Upon nearing the doorway I saw that the lights were turned off and was expecting a prank that I wasn't so sure I could handle, but in fact, there was nothing malicious about their intentions...instead, I was greeted with a chorus of 'happy birthday', a cake on my desk with candles, presents, and a confetti firecraker! It was amazing, and the kids were SO excited that they had succeeded in surprising me. I didn't want to break their little hearts, and it seemed a shame to do so, so I played along. I celebrated my non-birthday birthday, by eating cake, talking about my birthday plans and playing games all class.

I wish I'd thought of this sooner!

Deck the Halls

The first week of December marked not only my 9th month in Korea, but also the beginning of the holiday season. Being my first Christmas away from home, I wanted to make my apartment as festive and homey as I could. With a scented candle burning and Christmas music playing, I decorated my standing plant with bulbs and lights, surrounded it with the presents my mom had sent from home, set out a bowl of candy canes, hung snowflakes from the ceiling and my stocking above my (makeshift) tree. My apartment felt so good to come home to, and I was prepared to celebrate the holidays alone.

I should have known that nothing is ever as good as it seems, still I wasn't prepared for the surprise I was hit with last week Wednesday… I would be moving. It was a heartbreaking transition, leaving my cozy apartment… home for the past 9 months, and packing up my life. I arrived here in Korea with a suitcase and a backpack to a spacious apartment with only a bed, desk, chair and microwave. However, knowing so many people who left before me, I have accumulated enough to make my place a comfortable haven, and moving a bit of a nightmare. But, now that everything is said and done, the new digs are great, the location is convenient and my Christmas decorations are back up and looking wonderful. Feliz Navidad!