Still adjusting

One thing that I don't think I'll ever get used to is the 'we' kind of culture that most of Asia, and certainly Korea, has.  America is a highly individualistic society.  It's probably best described by Minerva Mayflower in Hudson Hawk - "Why is the world jam packed with such idiots?  Every Schmo has a fantasy that the planet revolves around them.  It rains, a car crash happens, they say 'How can this happen to me?'"  Everyone is so used to seeing themselves as the center of the universe.  When we are forced to see things from another perspective, it adds to the expat stress. It was really cute walking around with J when she was in the boot or the elbow brace - every Korean person expressed sympathy, usually without words.  Also when I was sick, the kids were generally on better behavior.  The coffee shop lady was really cute when she realized I wasn't feeling well and at least 2 of the Korean staff tried to get me to go to the doctor.  It's at the same time refreshing and disconcerting.

Another thing that takes some getting used to is the fashion here.  I'd like to think that I'm open to many things, but the guys wearing pants that look like high waters to me still throws me off.  Why, oh why do they want to show the ankles?!  Women's pants are the same, btw.  The short skirts also throw me off - that's for sure a cultural thing.  Here it's no thing to walk around in a skirt that could be considered a belt, but you better cover your shoulders.  So weird to a person from the US.  I still dress fairly modestly, I think.  A few more pounds gone and I may start experimenting with crop tops, but that's about 15 lbs and at least summer from now.  Also until Thunder and Lightning give each other some space, I won't wear a skirt without leggings or shorts under it!  LOL - chub rub is real.  ;)

The last thing that still throws me for a loop is the lack of personal space.  I can usually find my bubble when around a crowd of Korean people, however, the kids are constantly touching, hugging, holding hands, etc, and I have to stop myself from yelling at them to keep their hands to themselves!  I swear, that is one of the first thing that American children learn.  Keep your hands to yourself, don't touch other people's things, ask to borrow anything and use 'please,' etc, etc.  I have a co-teacher who will come over and link her arm in mine and put her head on my shoulder, which also made me have to fight my natural reaction to move away and lecture her on American NO-TOUCHY policy.  I have about 4-ish people at work that I'm comfortable enough to hug.  The thing is, I have to make that decision!  Korean people are a touchy people and I think they figure everyone must be the same way.  I did learn a new Korean word from said co-teacher - Onni: means older sis. 

The food didn't take much getting used to.  I like a wide variety of food and South Korea is a globalized country.  J and I have taken to having Indian food on Wednesday nights, which has been nice.  I also plan on stocking up on Babybel next time T and I go to Costco.  Been toying with getting a membership, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.  I do miss the places that I frequented in TX, but frankly pub food is pub food no matter where you are.  For those who are wondering, yes, there is a list of places to go and food to have when I get home.

One thing that has been amazing and helpful is having phone dates with people back home.  Whether we have a set day and time every week or it's a special occasion when the stars line up just right, it's amazing to be able to call people via an app on my phone or video chat thru the computer.  It's a poor substitute for going out for margaritas and getting hugs from my people, but it's much better than writing letters and getting them every 3-6 months.  I did let my job know that I'd like to renew my contract.  We'll have to see if I can get the pay and time off that I'm wanting.  The more I think of it, the more I know I need to come home for 3-4 weeks this summer.  I miss my peoples and I want to take over a kitchen... ribs, veggies, cookies, cakes... anything that I can make with a real oven.  I'll probably gain 20 lbs during that visit.

So there's not a lot really going on at the moment.  It's cold today but supposed to warm up this weekend.  The dating experiment is reaching it's inevitable conclusion (deleting the app, cuddling with my cat pillow and a heating pad this winter).  Honestly there's no real reason that I haven't deleted the thing yet - either laziness or unwilling to get rid of the easiest way to meet people and then never have to follow up with them.  LOL - I do have to say, I probably don't have the right attitude about it.  Every now and then the app will let me know that I'm a catch and all I can think is 'Darn right I am.'  LOL!!!  I'm having a lean month due to how much I had to send home to cover my credit card this month.  I need to stop using that darn thing.  I have decided to go on a hot springs trip next month - a little Christmas present for me.  :D  Otherwise, I have no real plans for the next few weekends... which feels... weird, but good.  I still have The Stand to finish, I can start Under the Same Sky, plan for M&M's visit in Jan, download Hogfather since it's almost Christmas (Hogswatch on the Disc), I just got The Fifth Elephant because it's another favorite and it takes place in Uberwald, which is cold... it's all good, really.

I do want to tell all of you who read this regularly - thank you.  It's nice to know that I'm not just typing into an abyss.  Those who just pop on whenever, it's nice to see you when you decide to stop by.  I really do this for 2 reasons - keep people back home posted and to get some things out of my head.  This is quite therapeutic for me.  I didn't even have to go to a therapist to figure that out!  Bachelors in psych FTW!  If I ended up repeating myself, I apologize, but I never go back and read these posts, and I am my mother's daughter... hehehe... she is the queen of repeating stories.  Much love to all, be kind, stay warm, and I'll check in with you after the weekend.