#7 : Reunion, Part 2 (S. Korea)

Next on my world tour of friends, I stopped in South Korea for nine days. I spent the first half in Daegu and the second half in Busan.

Daegu was the city I lived in, where I taught English (and spent a lot of time at a board game cafe/pub with cats), and it's the third largest city in South Korea. It's not really a tourist spot, being instead a place where people live and work. Not like Seoul or Busan. But, that's what makes it feel so familiar and comfortable. :-D

Was so excited to see my friend John again! He's my 'adopted' Irish brother -_^ We went to a raccoon cafe together (where raccoons keep you company as you drink your coffee). In theory and photos, it looked great. Maybe we went at a bad time, but it was incredibly stinky and unsanitary when we were there :,(

OMG the food...... This is one of my favorite samgyeopsal places, and my favorite flavor at this restaurant (O.B.A.M.A. - something like oregano, black pepper, something, something, something... the details aren't important, really, it's just freakin' delicious, and you should get on a plane and fly over there to try that stuff out!)

My friend Hailey got married!!!!!!! <3 Boss, friend, momma-bear, and just, everything you could ever want or need in a friend. So glad I was able to be there for her wedding! She was so beautiful!!!!

She had so many friends who attended her wedding, she had to take two "friend" photos after the wedding (usually only one is sufficient hahaha), so we split out into "korean" and "waygook" (foreigner) friends haha

I love these! This is a traffic/construction dummy that they use on their roads! Isn't it fun?? His arms move haha

Busan is the major beach city of South Korea. Although I haven't been to Miami yet, I imagine Miami to be something like Busan - Tall, fancy buildings, beaches full of swimwear-clad tourists, lots of drinking/partying going on, and lots of fancy cars. The food's good too. 

Did I mention the food?! Oh. My. Gosh. I missed this!
(this was donkatsu...which is originally from Japan, but Korean style is a little less panko-crumbs, a little more pork, and spicy instead of plain brown sauce)

This was the some of the best "western" food in the area - notice the "sausage"? hehe

Naengmyung - cold, wheat noodles with various toppings and sauce. Oh. My. Word.

Although most of our time was spent eating, we also did do some sight-seeing as well. This is a village that was built along the side of a mountain - it used to be a major place for crime, and there was talk of bulldozing it down. Dunno who had the brilliant idea, but, after the houses were all painted up bright colors, tourists started coming to see it, and suddenly shops were popping up around it and it was saved!

Missed my SoYoung! Looking forward to seeing her again someday, to see more beautiful places and make more "food babies" haha

KJets

# 7 : Reunion, Part 1 (Europe)

During my trip on October, to see friends around the world, I spent the first week in England and Switzerland, and the second week in South Korea. Here are some photos from my trip!

Although, in reality, I started in England and finished in England, with a pop over to Switzerland in the middle, I'm putting all my England photos first and my Swiss photos after. :-)

Went to "Platform 9 3/4" in Kings Cross Station

In King's Cross Station there's a Harry Potter gift shop, complete with a wand shop next door. Hermione is one of my favorites, so I HAD to take a photo!

Big Ben!

The Jewel Tower: the only remaining piece of the original Westminster Place (around Westminster Abby and Parliament). I had a nice rest here in their coffee shop on the first floor, reading a book while charging my phone. Very nice and quiet.

Loops and Claire! My chingus from our time in S. Korea... getting some Korean food to commemorate.

My friend Roy (from my time visiting Wales back when I was in university) came and joined us!! 

Tea Time at Luton Hoo - a mansion/hotel in Luton

Looks like the kind of place that Pride and Prejudice would be filmed at... Where's Mr. Darcy??

I got to see Loops' hometown! So quaint and pretty!!

Mwa!

I got to see two sets of friends during my trip to Switzerland! One of my Korean friends is currently living in France, so she jumped on a train and came to hang out with us for a couple days. Switzerland has been on my "must go see" list since my university friend moved there with her fiance (now husband) after we graduated. I was so thankful to finally get this chance!

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. This is the headquarters and where they make all the big decisions about the Olympics! I wasn't expecting much from the museum, but, it turned out to be well laid out, interactive, and captivating!

Taking a lunch break at the Olympic Museum, and enjoying the view of the lake on this rainy day (Natalie!)

Learning to pick grapes in a UNESCO World Heritage Site vineyard!

The view from the vineyard as spectacular! It was still dark out when we got up that morning to go grape picking, and the views got better and better as we worked!

Stephanie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next we went to Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle)

Great view of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) from the castle.

We got lucky - They were having a Halloween-type autumn festival at the castle while we were there! Fire dancers, fairies, fauns, and great food and treats. The line to get into the castle was a block long by the time we left in the evening.

KJets

September, October, November - Summary (Months 9, 10, and 11 of Quests)

Catching up on this blog was giving me anxiety. So much so that I was putting off even thinking of my goals (not good, madam. not good at all) (...best to read that in a British accent). I felt like I would never have enough time on any given day to make it all perfect, so I couldn't even sit down and try.

Well, screw perfect.

I'm just going to get it out there. I need to get something "good enough" finished so that I can keep writing this blog and focusing on completing my Quests.

So here is a summary of the goals I have been working on and completed in September, October, and November:

Quests Completed

Quest #7: Reunion

I traveled for two weeks in October to visit friends around the world! The mix of traveling and spending time with dear friends was like a tonic to my soul.
I spent roughly five days in England (around the greater London area), three days in Switzerland, and nine days in South Korea. I feel so loved, satisfied, and ready to commit more thoroughly to my life here in the States now. Traveling like that also helps me put my life and problems here at home in a better perspective. Like looking at the world from up on the moon, everything seems more... manageable.

Quests-in-Progress

Quest # 1: Biographies

In September, getting inspiration from both Day of Democracy and Constitution Day, I decided to educated myself a little more about the people who help keep our country safe. This book follows the lives of a few service women in various branches of the military. The book is Undaunted by Tanya Biank. It was a great read, and fascinating to learn what service women go through to be taken seriously, lead, and serve their country. I am very impressed.

I didn't read a biography during October or November. I did re-read Brene Browns' Daring Greatly during my travels through Europe and Asia. I absolutely love her work - both her research and her way of writing - and would recommend this book to absolutely everyone. I wish it could be taught in our schools, it's absolutely lovely and inspiring, encouraging us to accept and allow ourselves to become the greatest version ourselves that we can be.

Quest # 3: Tithing

September: The Sacred Stone Camp legal fees fundraiser, to help them fight the seizure of sacred land for the development of an oil pipeline. Also, I donated to the AmeriCorps Alumni Association's annual fundraising drive. My two years serving in AmeriCorps was such an amazing opportunity to learn about myself, my country, and to serve my community. (AmeriCorps  is sort of the cousin of Peace Corps, with the focus on serving within our borders).
I also tithed my time, volunteering with the AmeriCorps Alumni Association to do a park/neighborhood cleanup one Saturday in Durham, North Carolina.

October: A fundraiser for Serbia's Forgotten Paws, an animal shelter in Serbia where one of my good friends adopted her puppy from. The money is used to help feed and keep the animals warm during the Serbian winter coming up!

November: The Wounded Warrior Project, in honor of Veteran's Day. I had the privilege to work in the same building and go to their offices in Washington DC when I lived there. They do absolutely wonderful, empowering work.
I also tithed my time by volunteering two 4-hour shifts at the North Carolina Comicon. I know it's a bit of a stretch as far as "volunteering my time to improve my community"... but.. the event does help bring people together to foster happiness and a sense of connectedness to a community. It also does help bring customers in for the local businesses, so that's good.

Quest #4: Spirituality

I did a mix of yoga, church, and spiritual/mindfulness discussion groups in September. Haven't really followed through in October or November.

Quest #5: Performances

September: Dragon Boat Festival (Cary, NC) - I got to see one of my bellydance instructors perform with her troupe!
November: Death Faire 2016  (Pittsboro, NC) - a "Day of the Dead" inspired festival, with music, dancers, funeral processions, the works, all in celebration of life.

Quest #6: Exhibits

September: Bugfest (Downtown Raleigh, NC) - I held a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach! (but I didn't eat the BBQ meal worms.... the line was too long...)
October: The Olympic Museum (Lausanne, Switzerland) - not only is it a well laid out, interactive, and engaging museum, it is also the headquarters for the Olympics; where they make all the "Big Decisions" -_^; Chateau de Chillon/Chillon Castle (Vaud, Switzerland) - Super awesome castle.
November: NC Comicon (Durham, NC) - Oh, the artistry! I was impressed by both the artists sitting at their vending booths, as well as those who were wearing the creations (cosplayers are amazing!). I'm so enchanted with this community of folks!

Quest #15: Housework (Update)

November - stained and sealed the deck, so now it is officially complete!

Quest #18: Exercise

In September, I participated in Camp Gladiator roughly once a week. When I didn't go to Camp Gladiator, I went to the gym. I was also doing dance class once a week. I have not exercised at all in October or November. I have been active... but have not done anything purely exercise-related.


Quest #29: Open my heart up again for companionship (maybe even [eek!] infatuation?)

In August I determined I was being a little silly about relationships. It's one thing to decide to be single in order to focus on making myself my best version of me... it's another thing to avoid dating because I was starting to develop sort of rebellious complex about "there's just no one around here for me."

With that inspiring concept, to prove to myself - and everyone who kept asking - that there was no man in my area that I would consider a good match for me, I decided to go on 10 (that's right, ten) first-dates.

On these first dates I would make a point of talking about all of the difficult topics (politics, religion, special interest issues, etc) to #1 scare people off, and/or #2 find out quickly a good reason to not see each other again.

I was pleasantly surprised at some of the guys I met, and went on a couple second dates even (gasp!). But there was one guy in particular who kept wooing my mind as well as my eyes (can that be done? my eyes were quite happy looking at him...), and I ended up going on *much more* than one date with him.

So, what started off being an effort to legitimize becoming a spinster (which is honestly a pretty decent enough sounding life! Except for the lack of cuddles...), ended up getting me attached to someone pretty darn awesome who excites me with ideas and possibilities in life. #nolongersingle #buthesprettydamnawesomesoitsactuallyprettycool
Although the dates started in August, they have continued into September, October, and November (and hopefully they'll continue?!?!) ^^.

Coming Up Next

Gettin' back on track with these goals! One last push to complete as much as possible over my final two months of this blog! :-D

KJets

August Review (Month 8 of Quests)

August 2016 Questing Report

Quests Completed

Quest # 13: Gardening

I have successfully cultivated a small batch of herbs and vegetable plants on my back porch - a container garden, if you will. I just harvested some juicy little tomatoes from my tomato plants, so I feel like it's time to officially declare this quest a success!

Quest # 22: Contact Lenses

I can see! Glasses are cool looking and all... but I prefer the freedom of not having something hanging onto my face. Maybe surgery will be a goal for next year? :-o  

Quests-in-Progress

Quest # 1: Biographies

Although started (and intended for) July, I finally completed this biography in August. Michelle Obama: A Life by Peter Slevin was well-written and a fascinating look at the First Lady's life. I recommend the read; she's pretty darn inspiring and strong. I've been noticing a pattern in successful people I've been reading about: they live their lives very intentionally, and they tend to want to prove people wrong. I like the former of those traits a lot, and I'm thinking that may be on my list of things to practice in earnest next year. Back to the book though: Seriously, if Michelle Obama ran for president, I am in 110%. 

Quest # 3: Tithing

Tithing money this month went to disaster relief efforts in Louisiana due to their insane and unusual amount of flooding. These areas in Louisiana (the two major areas being the surrounding Lafayette area, and the surrounding Baton Rouge area like Livingston and Ascension ) were not historically flood-prone areas, and many people do not have flood insurance there, so this may devastate the area's economy (and people) for at least the next couple years. I donated to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, and my post is here.

Quest #4: Spirituality

I tried going to a Universal Unitarian Church - Yay hippies and atheists! The music may not be as good as what I grew up with, but the messages are refreshingly all about love and connectedness. I'm going to try this out for a while, but not convinced yet that it's my "home." Glad to finally get this quest started though.

Quest #18: Exercise
In an effort to live more active (Quest #19??) and to keep myself working out, I signed up for a dance class that meets once a week. I'm now having dreams of training to get my teaching certification so that I can establish a healthy "side hustle" to fall back on if I need a little extra cash (because, I love this!).

Coming up next:

Quest # 1: Biographies

In September, getting inspiration from both Day of Democracy and Constitution Day, I'm going to read a little more about the people who help keep our country safe. This book follows the lives of a few service women - in various branches of the military - and I'm looking forward to reading about another set of lives so different from my own! The book is Undaunted by Tanya Biank.

and... continue with ongoing Quests!

KJets

#3 Tithing : Louisiana Flood Relief

In August, much of southern Louisiana was designated as a federal disaster area by FEMA due to flooding in what was called the worst natural disaster to the area since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. So, this month's tithing went to recovery and disaster relief efforts in the affected areas of Louisiana.

Half of the tithing amount went to The Salvation Army - to the local Gulf Coast Floods program through the Mississippi affiliate. The Salvation Army's mission statement is:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The other half of this month's tithing went to the Red Cross - specifically to the Louisiana Flooding efforts. They typically provide shelter and emergency supplies to people affected by disasters. The mission statement of the American Red Cross is:

"The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors."

More about them, from their website:

   The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

KJets

#11 Photography : Pregnancy Announcement

In August, I had the privilege of being the photographer for my older brother and his wife for their pregnancy announcement photos!  

I love those smiles!

Being a bit of a Pinterest junkie, I had a lot of fun sharing and discussing ideas of poses and shots. There's such a fun, never-ending supply of portrait ideas on there. They already had most of their ideas set though, and I hope I was able to help them capture what they wanted!

I, personally, have a bit of a soft spot for baby shoes, and may have gone a bit overboard in getting baby shoe photos 8-o 

This was my first attempt to do something with photography for a project other than just personal enjoyment, and I had a blast! I would love to do more photography like this, especially if I had better editing software than the automatically loaded Microsoft photo program (if y'all have a free/inexpensive editing program that you love using on your computer, let me know in the comments! I'd love to get some ideas!).

Story time!

I am overjoyed for these two! They've been working towards this for a while, and it's so beautiful to see them achieving this dream of theirs. I can't wait to be an aunt and... have a legitimate excuse to buy *all* of the baby shoes ;-) 

"Behind the scenes," before we went inside (there's a baby!! yay!) 

KJets