Monday- Chili
Tuesday- Ham Steaks with Broccoli and Potato Wedges
Wednesday- Smothered Chicken with Mashed Potatoes (Fried Cookie Dough Balls)
Thursday- Chicken Curry
Friday- Leftovers
Weekend- Breakfast/Cheese Dun Cas/Out
Monday- Lamb Ribs and Potatoes
Tuesday- Ham Steaks and Fried Potatoes
Wednesday- Pork with Mandu and Broccoli (Sopapillas)
Thursday- Homemade Tuna Helper
Friday-Leftovers
Weekend- Breakfast/Cheese Dun Cas/Out
Monday-Chili
Tuesday- Country Fried Steaks and Potatoes
Wednesday- Leftovers
Thursday- Tuna Pasta
Friday- Dun Cas (Grocery Shopping Day)
What are you having for dinner this week? Do you have any meal plan strategies or good recipes to share?
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Showing posts with label south korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label south korea. Show all posts
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Jeju: It's No Hawaii
But it is a good time.
Jeju Island is always referred to as "the Hawaii of Korea". If Hawaii is like Jeju, I will be sorely disappointed.
However, Jeju was a very nice place to visit, even if it was a bit tourist trap-y. (Much like Niagara Falls. After you've seen the Falls, everything else around is quite gimmicky).
My boss' family were lovely hosts.
We all took the ferry over together. The entire 4.5 hour ride over "a three hour tour" echoed in my head. But we made it safe and sound. I was especially proud of Mike for riding the ferry despite his fear of water.
We drove all over the island and saw the beach, caves, waterfalls and climbed a small mountain. We visited the chocolate museum and the shooting range. We considered riding ATVS but it was awfully muddy as the snow was melting.
We visited a body museum at my boss' instance and it was a huge waste of money. Think several preserved body parts. The main attractions seemed to be preserved pubic hair and a fetus hall, which thankfully I was able to see the small sign before I entered. We passed on Hello Kitty Island, Teddy Bear Safari, Mini-world, Memory Theme Park and Greek Culture museum.
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Jeju Island is always referred to as "the Hawaii of Korea". If Hawaii is like Jeju, I will be sorely disappointed.
However, Jeju was a very nice place to visit, even if it was a bit tourist trap-y. (Much like Niagara Falls. After you've seen the Falls, everything else around is quite gimmicky).
My boss' family were lovely hosts.
We all took the ferry over together. The entire 4.5 hour ride over "a three hour tour" echoed in my head. But we made it safe and sound. I was especially proud of Mike for riding the ferry despite his fear of water.
We drove all over the island and saw the beach, caves, waterfalls and climbed a small mountain. We visited the chocolate museum and the shooting range. We considered riding ATVS but it was awfully muddy as the snow was melting.
Chocolate Museum
We visited a body museum at my boss' instance and it was a huge waste of money. Think several preserved body parts. The main attractions seemed to be preserved pubic hair and a fetus hall, which thankfully I was able to see the small sign before I entered. We passed on Hello Kitty Island, Teddy Bear Safari, Mini-world, Memory Theme Park and Greek Culture museum.
We also went into a really cool cave cafe.
Jeju island is famous for its citrus and wild boar meat. We went to a popular restaurant and tried the wild boar. It was delicious!
Statues of this man are everywhere on the island!
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Thursday, December 18, 2014
The Land of Inefficency
Korea's motto is "the land of morning calm".
I have a better one- the land of inefficiency. If you want something done and you want it done inefficiently, this is the place to come.
Inefficiency #1:
Our apartment in Daegu is a prime example of inefficiency run rapid. Buildings are erected very quickly with little to no regard given to safety or function. In our apartment our heating bill was outrageous because we couldn't close the window. Why? I'll tell you why. The wiring, cables and gas pipes all came in through the window. The drainage system for the air conditioner went out the window.
Inefficiency #2: Toilet Plunger
I didn't even think to include toilets on my list. Most of the ones over here can't handle more than one square of 2-ply, much less anything that comes out of your body. So, plungers are an extra vital necessity. Yes, I'm aware that's redundant. That's how necessary they are.
The first plunger I purchased over here was utterly useless. I don't even think it could be re-commissioned as a doorstop. When you applied any amount of pressure on the plunger, the rubber part would flip itself inside out. Useless, right?
Inefficiency #3: Spatula
I used a spatula to flip a pancake and it melted. Enough said.
Inefficiency #4: The Mini-broom
Mine literally only comes up to my knee. Some are shorter than that.
It's been explained that these brooms came about because a family's living quarters used to be so small that they basically only needed something slightly bigger than a duster to clean with. That was then. This is now. Korea, welcome to 2014.
I've only seen one originally full-sized broom in this country and for several months I was the proud owner. Unfortunately, we couldn't bring it on the bus when we moved. I haven't seen one since.
I say "originally" because I once saw a man who modified his mini-broom by attaching some type of piping to the handle to make it longer. That man should be president. He can break the bonds of mini-broomdom.
My school has two full sized mops and about eight mini-brooms for us to clean the school with. It's ridiculous. I'm considering gifting the school a set of full-sized brooms when I go home. Leave a legacy and all that.
Inefficiency #5: Washing Machine Draining System
My washing machine requires it's own room because when it finishes the cycle it empties it's bladder on to the floor. The water goes down a drain in the center of the room. Nothing else can go in the room or it will also get soaked. Similarly, the window in the room must stay open or the floor won't dry, as their is no ventilation fan. Even when it is snowing outside.
Inefficiency #6: The Fresh Air Mindset
We can run the heat in the winter or the AC in the summer but as soon as it's turned on we must open the door. We need to let fresh air into the building when they're running. So basically, I'm heating/cooling the sidewalk.
Inefficiency #7: Eraserless pencils
This is a personal pet peeve for me as I've been duped by these things more times than I can count. I think it's a money making scheme. Why sell you a pencil with an eraser when I can sell you a pencil and then an eraser? Most pencils don't have erasers, some just have wooden ends and you can obviously tell the eraser is missing. Some, however, are topped with these things (metal, possibly) that are painted to look like erasers but have no actual erasing capability. Instead, they grate against your paper and make the nails on the chalkboard sound.
ARGH!
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I have a better one- the land of inefficiency. If you want something done and you want it done inefficiently, this is the place to come.
Inefficiency #1:
Our apartment in Daegu is a prime example of inefficiency run rapid. Buildings are erected very quickly with little to no regard given to safety or function. In our apartment our heating bill was outrageous because we couldn't close the window. Why? I'll tell you why. The wiring, cables and gas pipes all came in through the window. The drainage system for the air conditioner went out the window.
Inefficiency #2: Toilet Plunger
I didn't even think to include toilets on my list. Most of the ones over here can't handle more than one square of 2-ply, much less anything that comes out of your body. So, plungers are an extra vital necessity. Yes, I'm aware that's redundant. That's how necessary they are.
The first plunger I purchased over here was utterly useless. I don't even think it could be re-commissioned as a doorstop. When you applied any amount of pressure on the plunger, the rubber part would flip itself inside out. Useless, right?
Inefficiency #3: Spatula
I used a spatula to flip a pancake and it melted. Enough said.
Inefficiency #4: The Mini-broom
Mine literally only comes up to my knee. Some are shorter than that.
It's been explained that these brooms came about because a family's living quarters used to be so small that they basically only needed something slightly bigger than a duster to clean with. That was then. This is now. Korea, welcome to 2014.
I've only seen one originally full-sized broom in this country and for several months I was the proud owner. Unfortunately, we couldn't bring it on the bus when we moved. I haven't seen one since.
I say "originally" because I once saw a man who modified his mini-broom by attaching some type of piping to the handle to make it longer. That man should be president. He can break the bonds of mini-broomdom.
My school has two full sized mops and about eight mini-brooms for us to clean the school with. It's ridiculous. I'm considering gifting the school a set of full-sized brooms when I go home. Leave a legacy and all that.
Inefficiency #5: Washing Machine Draining System
My washing machine requires it's own room because when it finishes the cycle it empties it's bladder on to the floor. The water goes down a drain in the center of the room. Nothing else can go in the room or it will also get soaked. Similarly, the window in the room must stay open or the floor won't dry, as their is no ventilation fan. Even when it is snowing outside.
Inefficiency #6: The Fresh Air Mindset
We can run the heat in the winter or the AC in the summer but as soon as it's turned on we must open the door. We need to let fresh air into the building when they're running. So basically, I'm heating/cooling the sidewalk.
Inefficiency #7: Eraserless pencils
This is a personal pet peeve for me as I've been duped by these things more times than I can count. I think it's a money making scheme. Why sell you a pencil with an eraser when I can sell you a pencil and then an eraser? Most pencils don't have erasers, some just have wooden ends and you can obviously tell the eraser is missing. Some, however, are topped with these things (metal, possibly) that are painted to look like erasers but have no actual erasing capability. Instead, they grate against your paper and make the nails on the chalkboard sound.
ARGH!
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Midnight Madness Abounds or the Curious Case of the "American Snowman"
A little before midnight, my husband and I decided we would sneak outside and build a big snowman in front of my school for the children to enjoy. Once outside we discovered that the snow was very light and wouldn't pack enough to make a snowball, much less an entire man.
So we thought about it and decided to make a big mound of snow and then shape it into a snowman, An hour later, we had a four foot mound of snow, starting with a wide base and tapering off to a head. We plucked a carefully carved carrot into make a nose and decorated the rest of the features with black stones. For finishing touches, we tied an old sweater around the "shoulders" and topped it off with a paper birthday hat from my work party. We were excited and happy with our creation.
When I walked into work the next afternoon, my boss gestured to the snowman and declared that she know my husband made it because it was "American style". I asked what she meant.
"A Korean snowman is made of two big balls and has a black hat."
I explained the problem with the snow not packing and how we cleverly maneuvered around the problem. As for the hat? It was the only one I had. She smiled as nodded as she usually does when I am speaking.
As each student, parent and bus driver arrived they asked about the snowman's lack of a defined body or black hat. I fumed silently as each student was given the explanation that the snowman was "American style".
After about the 10th explanation, a light bulb went off. Unwittingly, my boss was actually giving me a compliment.
The sameness culture pervades South Korea. Everyone does everything the same way and if you don't you are questioned and asked to explain yourself. Sometimes, this place reminds me of a scene from A Wrinkle in Time, where upon arriving on a new planet, Meg and Charles notice that each is identical and that in each driveway is an identically dressed child bouncing a ball to the same rhythm. Each Korean snowman probably DOES have exactly two balls and is topped off with the same, Lottemart bought, black hat.
My snowman, however, is American. In the face of a challenge, my husband and I rose above by putting our American ingenuity to use.
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So we thought about it and decided to make a big mound of snow and then shape it into a snowman, An hour later, we had a four foot mound of snow, starting with a wide base and tapering off to a head. We plucked a carefully carved carrot into make a nose and decorated the rest of the features with black stones. For finishing touches, we tied an old sweater around the "shoulders" and topped it off with a paper birthday hat from my work party. We were excited and happy with our creation.
When I walked into work the next afternoon, my boss gestured to the snowman and declared that she know my husband made it because it was "American style". I asked what she meant.
"A Korean snowman is made of two big balls and has a black hat."
I explained the problem with the snow not packing and how we cleverly maneuvered around the problem. As for the hat? It was the only one I had. She smiled as nodded as she usually does when I am speaking.
As each student, parent and bus driver arrived they asked about the snowman's lack of a defined body or black hat. I fumed silently as each student was given the explanation that the snowman was "American style".
After about the 10th explanation, a light bulb went off. Unwittingly, my boss was actually giving me a compliment.
The sameness culture pervades South Korea. Everyone does everything the same way and if you don't you are questioned and asked to explain yourself. Sometimes, this place reminds me of a scene from A Wrinkle in Time, where upon arriving on a new planet, Meg and Charles notice that each is identical and that in each driveway is an identically dressed child bouncing a ball to the same rhythm. Each Korean snowman probably DOES have exactly two balls and is topped off with the same, Lottemart bought, black hat.
My snowman, however, is American. In the face of a challenge, my husband and I rose above by putting our American ingenuity to use.
We thought creatively.
We overcame.
We built a snowman, despite all odds.
You, Mr. Korean Snowman, would have given up when you realized you couldn't make proper snowballs or didn't have the requisite black hat.
But not us, the Americans. We thought for ourselves. And we persevered. Long live American ingenuity!
Meet Gene. He's visiting from America.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
What's for Lunch?
Because of our schedules (we both work 2pm-9/10pm) I usually cook us a hot lunch and then we take sandwiches or leftovers for supper.
We went shopping at HomePlus today. It's a British owned store and we can usually find a good bit of western groceries. It's a little further away and a bit pricier as well so we try to only go every 2-3 months.
Here's what we've got coming up over the next two weeks:
Sunday- Duck, Mashed Potatoes and Beans
Monday- Chicken Curry Rice with Mandu
Tuesday- Tuna Noodle Casserole
Wednesday Smothered Chicken and Gravy with Potatoes
Thursday- Leftovers
Friday- Ham Steaks, Broccoli and Potato Wedges
Saturday- Breakfast (lunch )Leftovers or Out (dinner)
Sunday- Spicy Pork Stir-fry with Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes
Monday- Samgypsal and Mandu
Tuesday - Beef Chili
Wednesday- Beef Roast/Steak with Potato Wedges
Thursday- Leftovers
Hopefully I can squeeze in one more meal of leftovers as I won't be shopping until 9:30pm Friday night! Or Maybe we'll have another breakfast. 01 02 12
We went shopping at HomePlus today. It's a British owned store and we can usually find a good bit of western groceries. It's a little further away and a bit pricier as well so we try to only go every 2-3 months.
Here's what we've got coming up over the next two weeks:
Sunday- Duck, Mashed Potatoes and Beans
Monday- Chicken Curry Rice with Mandu
Tuesday- Tuna Noodle Casserole
Wednesday Smothered Chicken and Gravy with Potatoes
Thursday- Leftovers
Friday- Ham Steaks, Broccoli and Potato Wedges
Saturday- Breakfast (lunch )Leftovers or Out (dinner)
Sunday- Spicy Pork Stir-fry with Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes
Monday- Samgypsal and Mandu
Tuesday - Beef Chili
Wednesday- Beef Roast/Steak with Potato Wedges
Thursday- Leftovers
Hopefully I can squeeze in one more meal of leftovers as I won't be shopping until 9:30pm Friday night! Or Maybe we'll have another breakfast. 01 02 12
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Ramblings From A Peson Locked in a Hospital
Yesterday I was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. I'm having a ball, let me tell you.
I turned off the heat in my room because it was smoking hot and now every nurse asks me if I'm cold.
They have communal shower shoes....doesn't that defeat the purpose of shower shoes?
Mike had to run out and get soap for my bathroom.
Today I had to go down to the 2nd floor for a CT scan. As I'm slipping on my sneakers the nurse freaks out and insists I wear the shower shoes. Never mind that they are made for Bigfoot and I have the feet of Thumbelina. And I lose a shoe before we're even out of the room and trip over them again in the hallway. Yeah, these are definitely safer.
More later, I'm sure.
Oh, and they woke me up before sunrise to get my IV started for the day. I was thrilled. Still am, can't you tell? 01 02 12
I turned off the heat in my room because it was smoking hot and now every nurse asks me if I'm cold.
They have communal shower shoes....doesn't that defeat the purpose of shower shoes?
Mike had to run out and get soap for my bathroom.
Today I had to go down to the 2nd floor for a CT scan. As I'm slipping on my sneakers the nurse freaks out and insists I wear the shower shoes. Never mind that they are made for Bigfoot and I have the feet of Thumbelina. And I lose a shoe before we're even out of the room and trip over them again in the hallway. Yeah, these are definitely safer.
More later, I'm sure.
Oh, and they woke me up before sunrise to get my IV started for the day. I was thrilled. Still am, can't you tell? 01 02 12
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Korean House Warming Party
I teach a group of women on Wednesday nights. One of the class members recently moved to a new apartment so last night we held our class there as sort of a housewarming party.
I entered the apartment to a chorus of welcomes and a strange whacking noise.
I peered around the refrigerator to find one of my students whacking away at a live octopus.
"Come here. Come look", she beckoned me. Another octopus sat in a Styrofoam cooler filled with water. She picked it up, straightened it's tentacles and studied my face as I watched the tentacles dance.
The table was set with fried chicken, bread, shrimp, salad, Korean "cookies" and octopus three ways. We could choose from boiled octopus head, boiled tentacles or raw, still squirming bits and bobs of octopus. Having had my fill of octopus many years ago, during my first trip to Korea, I focused this time on the chicken, shrimp and salad. Both were delicious.
However, everyone was extremely worried about me going hungry since I was not partaking in the octopus. After I explained my issue with the texture, one of my students said , "That's okay. Just pretend it's gum that is very good for your health. Chew it and just think 'good for my health, good for my health'" .
We ate and chatted...mostly about the new apartment and out host's endeavor to sew curtains and an air conditioner cover. What's this you ask?
Most of Korea doesn't have central air so home owners and renters but these huge standing air units. Our hosts came in a bright purple and occupied the corner opposite the big screen TV.
Overall we had a good night and laughed a lot during our study (as usual). 01 02 12
I entered the apartment to a chorus of welcomes and a strange whacking noise.
I peered around the refrigerator to find one of my students whacking away at a live octopus.
"Come here. Come look", she beckoned me. Another octopus sat in a Styrofoam cooler filled with water. She picked it up, straightened it's tentacles and studied my face as I watched the tentacles dance.
The table was set with fried chicken, bread, shrimp, salad, Korean "cookies" and octopus three ways. We could choose from boiled octopus head, boiled tentacles or raw, still squirming bits and bobs of octopus. Having had my fill of octopus many years ago, during my first trip to Korea, I focused this time on the chicken, shrimp and salad. Both were delicious.
However, everyone was extremely worried about me going hungry since I was not partaking in the octopus. After I explained my issue with the texture, one of my students said , "That's okay. Just pretend it's gum that is very good for your health. Chew it and just think 'good for my health, good for my health'" .
Most of Korea doesn't have central air so home owners and renters but these huge standing air units. Our hosts came in a bright purple and occupied the corner opposite the big screen TV.
Overall we had a good night and laughed a lot during our study (as usual). 01 02 12
Monday, November 3, 2014
Ewww....Persimmons
Okay, I don't think persimmons are eww.
I just think they taste like nothing.
If you know me, then you know I'm a flavor gal. If I'm going to eat something I want it to have lots of flavor. My favorite cake is lemon with chocolate frosting and blueberry filling. Lots of flavor going on in that one. Are you catching a ride on the flavor train?
So, when my sweet neighbor presented me with a bag of 10 persimmons I freaked. And by freaked, I mean I went on a pinterest and googling safari.
And I found many good looking recipes for jams and fruit butter but all of them required the persimmons be pureed, and I don't know if you've seen my kitchen, but that's not happening in here.
Anyway, I finally stumbled upon this delicious sounding recipe from Cook Play Explore.
So, I adapted it to fit my current living situation. Here we go:
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I just think they taste like nothing.
If you know me, then you know I'm a flavor gal. If I'm going to eat something I want it to have lots of flavor. My favorite cake is lemon with chocolate frosting and blueberry filling. Lots of flavor going on in that one. Are you catching a ride on the flavor train?
So, when my sweet neighbor presented me with a bag of 10 persimmons I freaked. And by freaked, I mean I went on a pinterest and googling safari.
And I found many good looking recipes for jams and fruit butter but all of them required the persimmons be pureed, and I don't know if you've seen my kitchen, but that's not happening in here.
Anyway, I finally stumbled upon this delicious sounding recipe from Cook Play Explore.
So, I adapted it to fit my current living situation. Here we go:
8 persimmons, peeled and chopped
8 tablespoons water, divided
4 tablespoons honey
2 capfulls of orange juice
about 2 tablespoons cinnamon
4 teaspoons flour
8 tablespoons water, divided
4 tablespoons honey
2 capfulls of orange juice
about 2 tablespoons cinnamon
4 teaspoons flour
Combine persimmons, 4 tablespoons water, honey, and orange juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat (for 5 minutes). Reduce heat to medium-low, add cinnamon, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
In a small bowl, combine flour and remaining four tablespoons of water. Add to fruit in pan and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and cool before storing.
In a small bowl, combine flour and remaining four tablespoons of water. Add to fruit in pan and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and cool before storing.
I let mine sit in the fridge overnight. Then, I mixed it with my plain yogurt. It was scrumdiddlyumptious!
What do you do with your persimmons?
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Monday, October 27, 2014
Another Menu Monday
Hey y'all! What's on your menu for this week?
Here's mine:
Monday- Leftovers
Tuesday- Smothered Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday- Out
Thursday- Bulgolgi Pork Chops with Mandu
Friday- Spicy Pork Stir-fry with Sweet Potatoes
Saturday- Sausages with Potatoes and Beans
Sunday- Chopped Pork and Broccoli Stir-fry with Rice
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Here's mine:
Monday- Leftovers
Tuesday- Smothered Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday- Out
Thursday- Bulgolgi Pork Chops with Mandu
Friday- Spicy Pork Stir-fry with Sweet Potatoes
Saturday- Sausages with Potatoes and Beans
Sunday- Chopped Pork and Broccoli Stir-fry with Rice
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Monday, October 20, 2014
Meal Plan Monday
What are you planning for dinner this week?
Here's what we've got coming up on the menu this week.
Monday- Hawaiian Chicken
Tuesday- Marinated Pork and Onions with Sweet Potatoes
Wednesday- Chicken Galbi and Mandu (dumplings)
Thursday: Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Friday: Leftovers
We've recently introduced sweet potatoes into our diets as they are very popular here. We'd both had them in sweet potato casserole before and we didn't like them. Here, we tried them grilled and in curry and liked them. If you have any recipes for sweet potatoes that aren't a sweet casserole I'd love to see them! We're always on the lookout for new things to try. 01 02 12
Here's what we've got coming up on the menu this week.
Monday- Hawaiian Chicken
Tuesday- Marinated Pork and Onions with Sweet Potatoes
Wednesday- Chicken Galbi and Mandu (dumplings)
Thursday: Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Friday: Leftovers
We've recently introduced sweet potatoes into our diets as they are very popular here. We'd both had them in sweet potato casserole before and we didn't like them. Here, we tried them grilled and in curry and liked them. If you have any recipes for sweet potatoes that aren't a sweet casserole I'd love to see them! We're always on the lookout for new things to try. 01 02 12
Friday, October 17, 2014
Moving to Mokpo: Another Example of God's Grace
We recently relocated to Mokpo. It is a much smaller city than where we were before. There are a lot more parks and places to enjoy nature. There's a hill by our apartment with a nature trail as well as plenty of bike paths and places to explore. I really like it here.
Getting here was a bit of a different story. About a week in advance we bought bus tickets for a 3 hour bus ride.
When we brought our suitcases down from our third floor apartment, we realized that an apartment on the second floor was flooding with sewage. It was cascading down the stairs!
We had to physically carry the suitcases down the stairs and try to avoid the sewage waterfall. Yuck!
We had a lot of suitcases and a small cooler with perishables so we had to take two taxis. My husband took 2 suitcases and I took the other 5. We showed our taxi driver the bus tickets, which say the name of the terminal at the top and repeated the phrase "We want to go to the bus terminal" that we studied. My taxi driver nodded, and repeated bus terminal-ok.
So, we take off. And my taxi takes me to the train station and keeps repeating bus terminal and insisting we are there. Fortunately, I know that we are only about 10 blocks from the bus terminal so I give him the last of my cash. Unfortunately, I have 5 huge suitcases to take with me.
I started praying. I knew we had an hour before our bus left. Surely, I could make it in an hour. So, I started walking. And kept praying. I walked with 2 suitcases until I could just barely see the others, went back for them and kept repeating the process.
2 construction workers stopped and asked me in perfect English if they could help me. They carried my suitcases about 3-4 blocks, to a major intersection.
I started wheeling two bags across the intersection when a random German man and his Korean girlfriend appeared. They each wheeled a suitcase across with me. That left one suitcase on the other side of the street. As I stood watching it a small group of school children appeared.
"Is this yours?" They yelled across the lanes of traffic. I shouted back that it was and they formed a little ring around my suitcase. When they light changed they took off running and met me in the middle of the large intersection.
I crossed another small street. I could see the bus terminal and I could see my husband frantically pacing around. I knew he was worried. We don't have cell phones here so he couldn't call to check on me.
I screamed and hollered his name. I jumped up and down. I waved my arms.
Nothing.
So, I started walking, still about 4 blocks away. After 1 trip with the suitcases I shouted his name again. Nothing. And then the idea came to me.
And so I shouted my name.
Instantly he turned and saw me at the top of the hill. He came and we carried the suitcases down together. We still had 25-30 minutes before our bus left.
Halleluiah!
So, long story short, we are here and happy to be here.
Here are some pictures of our new place:
Getting here was a bit of a different story. About a week in advance we bought bus tickets for a 3 hour bus ride.
When we brought our suitcases down from our third floor apartment, we realized that an apartment on the second floor was flooding with sewage. It was cascading down the stairs!
We had to physically carry the suitcases down the stairs and try to avoid the sewage waterfall. Yuck!
We had a lot of suitcases and a small cooler with perishables so we had to take two taxis. My husband took 2 suitcases and I took the other 5. We showed our taxi driver the bus tickets, which say the name of the terminal at the top and repeated the phrase "We want to go to the bus terminal" that we studied. My taxi driver nodded, and repeated bus terminal-ok.
So, we take off. And my taxi takes me to the train station and keeps repeating bus terminal and insisting we are there. Fortunately, I know that we are only about 10 blocks from the bus terminal so I give him the last of my cash. Unfortunately, I have 5 huge suitcases to take with me.
I started praying. I knew we had an hour before our bus left. Surely, I could make it in an hour. So, I started walking. And kept praying. I walked with 2 suitcases until I could just barely see the others, went back for them and kept repeating the process.
2 construction workers stopped and asked me in perfect English if they could help me. They carried my suitcases about 3-4 blocks, to a major intersection.
I started wheeling two bags across the intersection when a random German man and his Korean girlfriend appeared. They each wheeled a suitcase across with me. That left one suitcase on the other side of the street. As I stood watching it a small group of school children appeared.
"Is this yours?" They yelled across the lanes of traffic. I shouted back that it was and they formed a little ring around my suitcase. When they light changed they took off running and met me in the middle of the large intersection.
I crossed another small street. I could see the bus terminal and I could see my husband frantically pacing around. I knew he was worried. We don't have cell phones here so he couldn't call to check on me.
I screamed and hollered his name. I jumped up and down. I waved my arms.
Nothing.
So, I started walking, still about 4 blocks away. After 1 trip with the suitcases I shouted his name again. Nothing. And then the idea came to me.
And so I shouted my name.
Instantly he turned and saw me at the top of the hill. He came and we carried the suitcases down together. We still had 25-30 minutes before our bus left.
Halleluiah!
So, long story short, we are here and happy to be here.
Here are some pictures of our new place:
our apartment...we've since upgraded to a full size fridge and a trundle bed
the park a few blocks away
the view from the top of the hill
hiking a small mountain
out and about
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Saturday, October 11, 2014
New Routines
I'm getting used to my new schedule. I work 1:30-9 MF, 1:30-9, 10-11 W and 2-10 on TuTh. Mike usually works 2-9.
My head teacher, Nina goes grocery shopping at the big store on Friday nights so I'll be joining her for a weekly shopping trip.
So, I shopped Friday night, we ate leftovers today and I put together our meal plan until our next shopping trip.
Sunday- lunch omelets
-dinner Samgypsal Leftovers
Monday- Smoked Duck, Cabbage and Beans
Tuesday- Smothered Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Honey Carrots
Wednesday- Tuna Helper
Thursday- Fried Pork Chops with Seasoned Rice and Peas
Friday- Leftovers
These will be our lunches and for dinners we will have: ham and cheese sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches, fruit and cereal and fruit with yogurt.
What are you making for dinner this week?
01 02 12
My head teacher, Nina goes grocery shopping at the big store on Friday nights so I'll be joining her for a weekly shopping trip.
So, I shopped Friday night, we ate leftovers today and I put together our meal plan until our next shopping trip.
Sunday- lunch omelets
-dinner Samgypsal Leftovers
Monday- Smoked Duck, Cabbage and Beans
Tuesday- Smothered Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Honey Carrots
Wednesday- Tuna Helper
Thursday- Fried Pork Chops with Seasoned Rice and Peas
Friday- Leftovers
These will be our lunches and for dinners we will have: ham and cheese sandwiches, tuna salad sandwiches, fruit and cereal and fruit with yogurt.
What are you making for dinner this week?
01 02 12
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Meal Planning in the New Apartment
Back in the States I was a big meal planner. I made a monthly plan and did a big grocery shop. I'd run to the store as needed for fresh produce, dairy and bread. I love finding and trying new recipes. I was subscribed to several different recipe magazines, including Taste of Home and Rachael Ray. Also, we were big on leftovers. I would make a big dish of something and we would eat it for lunches the following days.
Meal planning in Korea is very different. It often involves trying to find something interesting to make using the same old ingredients: chicken, pork, rice, pasta, tuna, potatoes, corn and carrots. Yeah. Oh, and we eat a big lunch and small dinner because we work 2pm-9/10.
Last week we moved to a new job and with it a new apartment. The apartment is very tiny and it's kitchen consists of one burner, sink and a mini-fridge. The mini-fridge is a challenge as it doesn't allow much space for leftovers.
We did a "big" grocery shop at Homeplus yesterday and here are the meals that are in our near future.
Tonight: Taco Pork Chili
Sunday lunch: Hotdogs with Baked Beans and Fried Potatoes (I am excited for this one as we were able to purchase American brand hotdogs as well as buns at the store. It's the first time I've seen buns for sale in Korea)
Sunday Dinner: Samgypsal Spaghetti (samgypsal is a cut similar to bacon and is very popular here)
Monday/Tuesday lunch: Pork and Beans or Hawaiian Pork (Hubby wants one, I want the other. He'll probably win)
Tuesday/Wednesday lunch: Curry Chicken and Rice
Wednesday/Thursday lunch: Pancakes, Omelets and Fried Potatoes
And then back to grocery shopping again!
What's on your meal plan this week?
01 02 12
Meal planning in Korea is very different. It often involves trying to find something interesting to make using the same old ingredients: chicken, pork, rice, pasta, tuna, potatoes, corn and carrots. Yeah. Oh, and we eat a big lunch and small dinner because we work 2pm-9/10.
Last week we moved to a new job and with it a new apartment. The apartment is very tiny and it's kitchen consists of one burner, sink and a mini-fridge. The mini-fridge is a challenge as it doesn't allow much space for leftovers.
We did a "big" grocery shop at Homeplus yesterday and here are the meals that are in our near future.
Tonight: Taco Pork Chili
Sunday lunch: Hotdogs with Baked Beans and Fried Potatoes (I am excited for this one as we were able to purchase American brand hotdogs as well as buns at the store. It's the first time I've seen buns for sale in Korea)
Sunday Dinner: Samgypsal Spaghetti (samgypsal is a cut similar to bacon and is very popular here)
Monday/Tuesday lunch: Pork and Beans or Hawaiian Pork (Hubby wants one, I want the other. He'll probably win)
Tuesday/Wednesday lunch: Curry Chicken and Rice
Wednesday/Thursday lunch: Pancakes, Omelets and Fried Potatoes
And then back to grocery shopping again!
What's on your meal plan this week?
01 02 12
Friday, October 3, 2014
Saying Goodbye
I was both sad and relieved (okay, mostly relieved) to leave our jobs in Daegu. I was relieved because we were under new management and the work environment was becoming increasingly stress inducing. I am extremely thankful for God's timing in regard to our contract.
I was sad to go because I taught two classes full of wonderful students. The first, my ninth graders. They are extremely bright and dedicated students. Their English level is very high. In fact, I had them read The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman during my last 2 weeks. They were able to discuss symbolism, themes and how the literature related to the time period. I was equally impressed and proud. Because of their fluency they were a great class to have a laugh with.
I also miss my class of seven or so elementary age girls. They were always a hoot! I loved being able to teach them songs and games in English. They loved role-playing and charades, and let's face it I loved watching and laughing with them. They are just so cute! I think they have the potential to walk in my ninth grader's shoes.
Here they are on my last day (posing with lipstick highlighters):
We also left 2 dear friends in Daegu. Our hagwon also had a Chinese program and so they taught Chinese. One teacher is from Korea and the other China. Hopefully, we can visit soon. 01 02 12
I was sad to go because I taught two classes full of wonderful students. The first, my ninth graders. They are extremely bright and dedicated students. Their English level is very high. In fact, I had them read The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman during my last 2 weeks. They were able to discuss symbolism, themes and how the literature related to the time period. I was equally impressed and proud. Because of their fluency they were a great class to have a laugh with.
I also miss my class of seven or so elementary age girls. They were always a hoot! I loved being able to teach them songs and games in English. They loved role-playing and charades, and let's face it I loved watching and laughing with them. They are just so cute! I think they have the potential to walk in my ninth grader's shoes.
Here they are on my last day (posing with lipstick highlighters):
We also left 2 dear friends in Daegu. Our hagwon also had a Chinese program and so they taught Chinese. One teacher is from Korea and the other China. Hopefully, we can visit soon. 01 02 12
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
I'm Still Here!
Argh! My computer died for about two weeks but thankfully my husband was able to figure out what was wrong and fix it. I'm so happy I didn't have to pay for repairs.
Now that everything is back up and running properly you can expect that we'll wrap up the behind the blog series in the next few weeks.
Also, I'm getting caught up with the August book review.
And...I have big news to share.
No. I am NOT pregnant.
We have new teaching jobs and will be moving to a new city sometime in the next 2-3 weeks.
We're moving to Mokpo, South Korea. It's much smaller than the city we live in now and I'm so excited. I believe it has 250,000 people and where we are now has about 3.5 million.
And, huge bonus for me, it's on the coast!
I'm so excited to see what the next year olds for us.
Praise God for blessing us with new jobs and a home.
01 02 12
Now that everything is back up and running properly you can expect that we'll wrap up the behind the blog series in the next few weeks.
Also, I'm getting caught up with the August book review.
And...I have big news to share.
No. I am NOT pregnant.
We have new teaching jobs and will be moving to a new city sometime in the next 2-3 weeks.
We're moving to Mokpo, South Korea. It's much smaller than the city we live in now and I'm so excited. I believe it has 250,000 people and where we are now has about 3.5 million.
And, huge bonus for me, it's on the coast!
I'm so excited to see what the next year olds for us.
Praise God for blessing us with new jobs and a home.
01 02 12
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Stovetop Dinners
Since our move to South Korea, we haven't had an oven. That couple with the high grocery store prices has seriously limited the variety of meals I'm able to make.
One of our new favorite meals is a spin off Tuna Helper. My husband mentioned that he would like a "Helper" style meal. However, we are trying to eat better and boxed meals aren't readily available here.
So, I turned on my thinking cap...err...opened Pintrest. I typed in homemade helper and was greeted with lots of homemade versions of these ready made favorites.
We've tried a bacon cheeseburger version and a tuna. Hands down the tuna has been the best.
I created a recipe that suited our tastes based on the one I found at Iowa Girl Eats.
I'm going to be honest with you. This dish does not photograph well! But it tastes amazing. Promise. Here's a picture anyway.
The recipe is really simple.
Boil and drain egg noodles or your favorite pasta. We use fusilli.
Sautee onions and spicy peppers in butter until soft. Season with salt and pepper.
Add in 1 1/2 tablespoons flour. Cook another minute.
Whisk in 3/4 C chicken broth and then 1/2 cup milk.
Add drained tuna, salt and pepper to taste and the cooked noodles.
Stir to combine. Turn off the heat. Stir in 1/4 C sharp cheddar (grated) until melted.
Serve it up!
Try this blueberry crisp for dessert.
Note: This dish heavily caters to my husbands preference for spicy food. To me, it's almost too spicy. However, it is so good it doesn't stop me.
PS: This is the dish I was making when I realized just how hot my kitchen was. The cheese was melting faster than I could grate it.
Do you have a favorite stovetop supper? I'm in the market for new recipes! 01 02 12
One of our new favorite meals is a spin off Tuna Helper. My husband mentioned that he would like a "Helper" style meal. However, we are trying to eat better and boxed meals aren't readily available here.
So, I turned on my thinking cap...err...opened Pintrest. I typed in homemade helper and was greeted with lots of homemade versions of these ready made favorites.
We've tried a bacon cheeseburger version and a tuna. Hands down the tuna has been the best.
I created a recipe that suited our tastes based on the one I found at Iowa Girl Eats.
I'm going to be honest with you. This dish does not photograph well! But it tastes amazing. Promise. Here's a picture anyway.
The recipe is really simple.
Boil and drain egg noodles or your favorite pasta. We use fusilli.
Sautee onions and spicy peppers in butter until soft. Season with salt and pepper.
Add in 1 1/2 tablespoons flour. Cook another minute.
Whisk in 3/4 C chicken broth and then 1/2 cup milk.
Add drained tuna, salt and pepper to taste and the cooked noodles.
Stir to combine. Turn off the heat. Stir in 1/4 C sharp cheddar (grated) until melted.
Serve it up!
Try this blueberry crisp for dessert.
Note: This dish heavily caters to my husbands preference for spicy food. To me, it's almost too spicy. However, it is so good it doesn't stop me.
PS: This is the dish I was making when I realized just how hot my kitchen was. The cheese was melting faster than I could grate it.
Do you have a favorite stovetop supper? I'm in the market for new recipes! 01 02 12
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Too Hot to Move
It's been so hot here lately I haven't wanted to do much of anything lately. I think the feels like temp on Saturday was in the 100's.
We just had a relaxing weekend, watching movies on TV and going out to eat. When it is 80+ degrees in your kitchen you really don't want to stay in there and cook!
I'm so glad that hubby had the foresight a few weeks ago and had us move our living room into the spare bedroom. Now, we can relax in air conditioning! Although, there is pink glittery wallpaper.
We hit up KFC for lunch yesterday. It was delicious but way over priced! We got a half bucket of chicken with fries and drinks and it was about $20. Yikes!
Saturday we went grocery shopping. We usually do one big Costco trip every six weeks and then small trips to our local store to stock up on milk, yogurt, bread and condiments. Meat is super expensive here so Costco is a life saver. Also, its the only place I've found non-processed cheese.
I really like that the grocery store has a food court. Not only that but they have plastic mockup of the food and you can order by number .It makes it super easy for foreigners. I had a delicious fried pork chop with spicy rice with an over easy egg on top, and onion soup. Hubby has something similar but with spaghetti instead of rice, and cheesy soup instead of onion. He also had an omelet on the side. Not bad for $10.
How was your weekend? Did you get out and about or seek shelter like we did?
01 02 12
We just had a relaxing weekend, watching movies on TV and going out to eat. When it is 80+ degrees in your kitchen you really don't want to stay in there and cook!
I'm so glad that hubby had the foresight a few weeks ago and had us move our living room into the spare bedroom. Now, we can relax in air conditioning! Although, there is pink glittery wallpaper.
We hit up KFC for lunch yesterday. It was delicious but way over priced! We got a half bucket of chicken with fries and drinks and it was about $20. Yikes!
Saturday we went grocery shopping. We usually do one big Costco trip every six weeks and then small trips to our local store to stock up on milk, yogurt, bread and condiments. Meat is super expensive here so Costco is a life saver. Also, its the only place I've found non-processed cheese.
I really like that the grocery store has a food court. Not only that but they have plastic mockup of the food and you can order by number .It makes it super easy for foreigners. I had a delicious fried pork chop with spicy rice with an over easy egg on top, and onion soup. Hubby has something similar but with spaghetti instead of rice, and cheesy soup instead of onion. He also had an omelet on the side. Not bad for $10.
How was your weekend? Did you get out and about or seek shelter like we did?
01 02 12
Sunday, July 13, 2014
The Family Month: Holidays in Korea Part 2
May is often referred to as the family month in Korea. Parent's Day, Children's Day and Teacher's Day all fall in this month.
On Parent's Day, children give their parents red carnations. Some students told me their schools has special performances, also.
As a child, I remember asking my parent's why America didn't have a Children's Day. My mom told me that every day is Children's Day. Schools and academies are closed on Children's Day. A good many students told me they received school supplies from their parents .The majority, however, told me that their families took a trip to somewhere like an amusement park, zoo or waterpark to celebrate.
Throughout the year my students bring me gifts of candy and fruit. On Teacher's Day they were especially generous with perfume, cheesecake, candy and lots of handmade cards and letters. I especially loved the note from a little boy in opening class. We were just learning out letters when Teacher's Day arrived. He made me a card and scrawled "I love teacher!". So sweet!
This is part 2 of a series on the holidays I've experienced in Korea. To read the first part of the series, Candy and Spam, click HERE. 01 02 12
On Parent's Day, children give their parents red carnations. Some students told me their schools has special performances, also.
As a child, I remember asking my parent's why America didn't have a Children's Day. My mom told me that every day is Children's Day. Schools and academies are closed on Children's Day. A good many students told me they received school supplies from their parents .The majority, however, told me that their families took a trip to somewhere like an amusement park, zoo or waterpark to celebrate.
Throughout the year my students bring me gifts of candy and fruit. On Teacher's Day they were especially generous with perfume, cheesecake, candy and lots of handmade cards and letters. I especially loved the note from a little boy in opening class. We were just learning out letters when Teacher's Day arrived. He made me a card and scrawled "I love teacher!". So sweet!
This is part 2 of a series on the holidays I've experienced in Korea. To read the first part of the series, Candy and Spam, click HERE. 01 02 12
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Who Knew? My Superpower is Invisibility.
I never knew I had a superpower. And honestly, I'm not sure invisibility was first on my list of powers I'd choose. And, if that's what's going on here, its not all that cool. Actually, it causes you to get hurt a good bit.
No, I'm not actually invisible, but some days I sure feel like it.
For some reason, people are constantly walking and riding their cars and bikes into us.
I've had two men all but check me in the boards. I was the farthest to the side of the sidewalk I could go without walking on top of wall or border. I even turned my body sideways to avoid the brunt of the hit and they still ran into me.
My friend had a guy run his bike into her in a crosswalk. There were maybe 5 other people crossing the street and he still managed to knock her on the ground.
Just this week, I had an old man get off his bike, start walking it and walked it right into me.
A couple of weeks ago, my husband was halfway across the crosswalk at an alleyway and a car turned, without looking and my husband landed on the man's roof. My husband stood up, the man waved and drove away.
One of my Korean friends tried to explain that there is confusion because when Japan ruled Korea, people walked on the left. Afterwards, a Korean president officially changed it to where people would walk on the right. So, old people walk on the left, young people and foreigners walk on the right.
I'm not satisfied with this explanation. It's not like we're doing the tango and end the end they bump into me. They plow straight ahead into me like they never saw me to begin with.
Am I really invisible?
I'm linked up today with Mingle Monday. 01 02 12
No, I'm not actually invisible, but some days I sure feel like it.
For some reason, people are constantly walking and riding their cars and bikes into us.
I've had two men all but check me in the boards. I was the farthest to the side of the sidewalk I could go without walking on top of wall or border. I even turned my body sideways to avoid the brunt of the hit and they still ran into me.
My friend had a guy run his bike into her in a crosswalk. There were maybe 5 other people crossing the street and he still managed to knock her on the ground.
Just this week, I had an old man get off his bike, start walking it and walked it right into me.
A couple of weeks ago, my husband was halfway across the crosswalk at an alleyway and a car turned, without looking and my husband landed on the man's roof. My husband stood up, the man waved and drove away.
One of my Korean friends tried to explain that there is confusion because when Japan ruled Korea, people walked on the left. Afterwards, a Korean president officially changed it to where people would walk on the right. So, old people walk on the left, young people and foreigners walk on the right.
I'm not satisfied with this explanation. It's not like we're doing the tango and end the end they bump into me. They plow straight ahead into me like they never saw me to begin with.
Am I really invisible?
I'm linked up today with Mingle Monday. 01 02 12
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Lessons in Gratitude
Being here, in South Korea, has taught me many things. One of the most important lessons I've learned has been gratitude.
The water here isn't potable without being boiled or treated first. When we first moved here we purchased a pack of six 2 liter bottles each week. In an effort to save money, I started boiling drinking water for us. It was very time consuming to boil enough water for two people and a dog. I can't imagine boiling it for an entire family. Something that, according to a friend, is fairly common. Thankfully, we were able to rent a water machine that filters water for us.
01
02
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The water here isn't potable without being boiled or treated first. When we first moved here we purchased a pack of six 2 liter bottles each week. In an effort to save money, I started boiling drinking water for us. It was very time consuming to boil enough water for two people and a dog. I can't imagine boiling it for an entire family. Something that, according to a friend, is fairly common. Thankfully, we were able to rent a water machine that filters water for us.
In addition to not being potable, hot water isn't available with the turn of a spigot. For hot water, we push a button on the thermostat and the water will heart. It doesn't take long, maybe 5 minutes or so. However, this means when you take a shower in the winter, the hear turns off until you signal for the thermostat to stop heating the water.
In the winter time, out bathroom is freezing because we must leave the window open to prevent mold. There is no other ventilation and because of the bathroom's design, the entire room gets wet when we shower. Likewise, the kitchen window stays cracked because that's how case, cable and other things are run into the house.
Some smaller, random things come to mind, like food safety and hygiene. Many restaurants don't have soap or towels. I've seen a waitress drink from a soup ladle and then return it to the pot.
As I've mentioned in a previous post, I've come to be more grateful for the smaller, everyday, blessings in life and I see God's hand in them. This past Christmas I was overjoyed to receive a box of American toiletries. The Christmas before, if they same person had given me toothpaste and deodorant, I would have believed them crazy or thought that they didn't care enough to purchase a more personal gift. Not that you can get more personal that armpits and tongues.
Slowly, I've learned to be more grateful for what God has given me and for where he has allowed me to call my home. I've never been more thankful that I was born an American. ( I realize the environment and living conditions in Korea are not the worst in the world and that saddens me.) I still think that as a country we've made some bad decisions and have wandered off the path. But now, I truly know how blessed we are and I hope we are brave enough to hold on to it.
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