A Long Time Coming

Quite a bit has happened over the last two or so weeks since I last wrote in my blog. I had my 25th birthday and Michael Jackson died on it, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, and Billy Mays passed along with him. I went to Busan, a trip that I admittedly was a little worried about and had a great time with my friends Jack, Colleen, and Jermil, as well as some new friends Jacob and William. I met a wonderful Lady named Kay Kim, I lost and found my phone, and had a silly night out with co-workers. On top of all of this, I have gained at least ten pounds in a birthday weekend food binge of unfathomable proportions!!

First off, I am now twenty-five, a quarter-of-a-century old. I have spent 25 years on this planet, and I asked myself, "What do I have to show for it?" The reflections, to say the least, were less than satisfying. This is the first birthday where I felt that I was truly getting older and to couple that with the restless feeling that accompanies my sense of idleness here, did not leave me feeling good. But, this can be changed rather easily, and I have conceded that at the end of this year it will be time to pursue a career.

My birthday was supposed to pass without event, the way I typically like to enjoy my special day; however, my friends here had other plans. It involved a college birthday throwback celebration (use your imagination). It was quite a lot of fun. The only problem I had with that was when I woke up my jeans had black stains on them from the asphalt, and my phone had gone missing. It was still a great night, and I am forever thankful to Chris, Sean, Allen, Andrew, and Ashley for helping me celebrate. One thing this celebration also did was remind me how much I miss my old days of partying with all of my friends in ATL and Orlando!!

The next day at work the academy that I work at threw a surprise part for me, and I got out of two classes to enjoy cake, fried chicken, and doughnuts. Like I said, I ruined all of my dietary efforts, and it will take at least two weeks to get back to where I was. Friday night I was invited by my co-workers to have dinner and a few drinks. There was yet another surprise party consisting of beer, smoked-sausage (They love it here as a snack to eat while drinking, and they eat it in large portions!), and then some more cake. We had a small food fight in the restaurant, which did not go over well with the owner, and I spilt ketchup all over a nice RL oxford shirt, YESSSS!! Then we left the restaurant and headed to a Noribang, a place with several small rooms where groups friends can go and sing karaoke. You may have seen such a place in "Lost in Translation" with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansenn. Anyways, I opened the night off with a MJ tribute of "Beat It" followed by Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive" and finally capped it all of with "faithfully" by Journey. I was hot to trot!

Saturday I woke up and gathered myself for the most tedious four mile run I have ever done. I felt like poo because I didn't go to bed until four and the last thing I had eaten was crappy Korean beer and Sweet Potato cake (actually quite awesome!). But, I got it done and felt entitled to enjoy a night out in Busan with Jack and Colleen. At first I was a little apprehensive about the trip because I didn't know all who would be going, I didn't have my phone still, I didn't have much money, and I didn't know all the details of the trip. I just knew I was heading to Busan for a Sunday Rafting Trip. The trip was AWESOME!! It was a blast to see Jack and Colleen again because I hadn't seen them in sometime, and I met a guy name Jacob who is really laid back and blast to hang out with. The rafting race started at 10:30 on the brightest day I can remember in a long time! God was getting back at the boozers! We didn't do to well but there were a lot of cool foreigners and the Koreans in the race were gracious and lively hosts; it will truly be one of my cherished memories here. After the race, in which we placed fourth, we were allowed to take the boats out for fun. Our team decided we were going to take the raft really far out. Along the way we battled with other boats full of Koreans, splashing them and boarding there vessels for wrestling matches. On the way back I decided it would be a good idea to go for a swim and plopped right into the water. I definitely did not estimate correctly the distance from shore. It turned into quite an exhausting swim full of cramps and mouths of salt water! To ease my appetite that I worked up during the swim, I decided to go to Popeye's Chicken and eat the family platter; No lie! Not the best life decision I have ever made.

At Busan Station I check my email only to see that my cell phone had been found by Mr. Choi, a trusty neighborhood restaurant owner and my friend. He had passed it on to another trusted neighborhood friend, Candace the Canadian. I met her and a friend Allen for dinner on Sunday night. Lots of food capped off with 31 Flavors! I got my phone and found that it had not been misused (only in Korea!!). It was found in a gutter the day after I lost it by a city worker that lives in Wolpyeong Dong, which is where I work but a fifty minute walk from where I live. Needless to say, I owe a large debt of gratitude to the Choister!

Also during the weekend, on Saturday morning I chanced to meet a middle-aged woman who lived in New York for eight years. She was fluent in both English and Korean and told me her name was Kay Kim. She is a chaplain at a local hospital and was the same while living in the U.S. Her daughter still lives in the U.S. and attends Juliard. She was very nice, and we talked for quite some time while walking to our respective apartments. When we parted she gave me her number and suggested that we get coffee sometime this week. I definitely intend to do so considering that it is a very good thing to have relationships with good Korean citizens. The only thing that I am worried about is that she might try to witness to me if I go to meet her. Korean Christians are very strong and outspoken about their religious views and will try their best to talk to anyone about it. It is not that I am closed minded, but I don't want to get drawn into a religious debate with a nice, older lady. I hope that it just evolves into a quaint friendship that gives me even greater insight into Korean culture.

KICKS ASS: I took a trip to Seoul a couple weeks ago as well, and it was the best trip of my life. I met this girl named Christine who is the funniest girl I have ever met. Sean, Allen, Andrew, Christine, and I went to Itaewon, a big foreigner spot and had the time of our lives. We pulled a serious Sunday Funday and went home as happy as pie.

SUCKS ASS: I didn't get any of my mom's unbelievable Mandarin Orange Cake for my bday as is usually the case. I was not able to see my family for my bday which stinks or the ATL O-Town crews.

Thanks to all for your warm birthday wishes. The cards and packages were very special!

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