FOOD in Korea and Shrek too?

I've been eating well.  I'm trying new foods.  I was born in a city near the coast, so my birth family eats seafood.  The times I have met my birth brother, we did not eat seafood.  We ate meat.  We sit at a table and there's a small grill in front and they bring the meat and you grill your own meat.  Yes, I did this with a guy friend/후배 (junior) from the university.  [Not sure if you guys knew, he's the same person].  He's not a boyfriend, so no worries, just a friend.  I really like grilling meat.  There are a lot of side dishes, rice, tasty side dishes.... yes, abnormally large mushrooms too.  This was the first meal my 오빠 and I ate together.  We didn't grill, we got small bulgogi steaks.  It was tasty.

I also have been eating some ramens.  I like 떡 라면 (Rice cake ramen).

I also like Kimchi stew (김치지께)

I also like some street food like 떡볶이 (spicy rice cakes)...  No worries, people cook with bottled water.  I also got something that was bulgogi and rice in a cup.  

Sometimes my coworkers and I will stop for food and then coffee.  I found a coffee shop near my school.  There are plenty of coffee shops near my place too.  

I brought my Shrek doll with me to Korea.  

I'm not sure how many people know about my Shrek doll or know the story behind it.  I actually got the doll from my Dad when we went to Florida for a work trip.  My dad doesn't ride rides, so he played the games and won me the Shrek doll.  

sick, Melktert, and extra large toilet paper...?

I've been sick for the last two weeks.  I am coughing up a lung.  I don't know what else I can do or take.  For starters, I'm suppose to have health insurance, but I found out I won't get it.  I am hesitant about going to a doctor and spending thousands.  I am just annoyed.  I lost my voice.  My students have to listen to a raspy teacher, especially when we have to sing a kids song.  Today, I've been feeling nausea.  I don't know why.  I have a headache.  I'm tired of being sick.  Now, my ears have started to hurt.  I don't know what else I can do.

I've been teaching a couple of weeks.  All my kids watched the movie Frozen.  Can you guess the name that most of the girls chose is?  Elsa or Anna.  I have 3 'Elsa' in one class.

Today, it "white day" in Korea (March 14).  It's a cute day for couples....and as you may know I am single,  My day is called "black day" when I get to eat black noodles...that day is April 14.  I am counting down the days............ Oh my, some of my kindergartners found a classmate for white day.

The other night, I had milktart (melktert) a dessert from South Africa.  I had it with Gemma and Jenny.  They are English teachers at the same school-company, but Jenny and I both work at the same school. Gemma works at another location.  I will say it was mighty tasty and good.

Tonight, I am going to attempt to wash clothes... not shrink or color odd colors... Wish me luck.  I also had to buy some stuff for the apartment, like toilet paper, Kleenexes, etx.  WAMO!!  (not sure if that is a word), but 30 rolls of toilet paper for 12.50.  Trust me, I looked for "baby" sizes likes a couple of rolls, like we have in the states... nope.  I guess Koreans buy their toilet paper in bulk size...  I have 30 rolls of toilet paper.

The worst week...

I've been in training last couple of days.  Change of plans with people not getting the date right about when the teacher is leaving.  I was placed in a motel provided by the school.  The school manager picks me up and drops me off after training.  Wednesday, I go to lunch with two female teachers and male teacher.  By the way, this male teacher raised his eyebrows at me (like you do when you're either being funny or checking someone out).  I was more creeped out because either later that day or the next day, a female teacher who has 2 other roommates (and I think one is that guy) offer me their couch.  I say, "I'm just fine at the motel."  I was just creeped out by the guy.  I am still nice and professional since we're teachers at the same school.  They ask about my family in America and Korea.  I say, "I have and know a lot of older brothers and sisters" and smile.  My friends were happy about that comment.

I had a stomach ache from Wednesday night to Friday night.  I couldn't eat because I would feel nausea after I ate.  I still ate.  Thursday, I did not get a lunch and Friday I did get a lunch.  I always carried water with me. A co-worker thought it was because of stress- apartment stuff, training, moving, teaching, etc.  I usually eat if I am stressed.  My 오빠 was worried and wondered if we should get medicine.  I couldn't take anything Thursday because I had a medical check Friday morning to make sure I don't do drugs or have AIDS or an STD.  I found out I am 157.9cm (5'2). I am 50kg (110 pounds).  I lost weight that week.  I am slowly getting my appetite back this week.  Maybe it's from running up and down the subway station stairs (I don't use the escalator) and I usually have a bag so more of a workout. I video chatted with a friend and she thought I looked pale.  I said it could be my make up the lighting is bad, so I came out with a really pale face once.

Also, don't laugh, I think my eyes are getting old.  I had an eye test.  I don't know what this means.  They picked the microscopic letters.  I have 1.0 in one eye and 1.2 in the other.  I asked a friend from the US with glasses and they said "must be a Korean scaling.  I have no idea."  My eyes don't hurt, only if I look at a screen too long, they get tired and a heavy feeling like they can't stay open.  I don't use my computer as much.  The only other thing that was weird was I couldn't see all of the subway stops on a map in the subway, but then again it was the whole subway map and it's abnormally high up.

I moved into a temporary apartment and I'll move again this weekend.  OMG, I probably sound like a 5-star apartment snob.  It smells.  I will use a public restroom so I don't have to use my toilet.  My bathroom window is broken.  The pillow case is brown and nasty looking.  My windows are like dusty.  I am refusing to use their dishes because the look nasty and unclean.  Walls are damaged too.  I'm in the basement.  I'm ready to sleep with a knife next to me.  I told my friend, "get me out of here."  At least it's rent free. I lock my doors (all 3 locks) when I am home.  Last night, I slept on my couch because I was paranoid my bed would be nasty.  The pillow case is.  I will use only this place for sleeping nothing else.

I forgot to mention, the week I was sick, Friday morning, I woke up at 4am in a sweaty bed and chills.  I am doing much better.

Apparently, someone told me that the teachers live in a "poor" area of Yongin.  I don't want to sound like a snob, but get me a new place.  I was considering buying febreeze.  I didn't want to spend 5.00.  I spend 5.00 on handsoap so I could wash my hands.  OMG, this is way worse than camping!!!  I am paranoid I smell like the nasty scent in this place.  I don't want to clean it either since I'm moving, why waste my energy.
Today, I started teaching and didn't die.  The kids are so cute.  A co-worker said, "those will be your kids if you marry a Korean guy."  They have such big eyes, hair is nicely done, outfits are so fashionable.

 My kids were shocked because I only spoke English to them.  They're like "she's the Korean teacher..." (all the kids laugh).

I guess not all of it was bad, just the stomach ache.  I loved seeing my friends and family.  The kids are cute, but some don't like to listen.

Blood is thicker than water and a fun week

This weekend I am headed to Ulsan (southeast near Busan).  That's where I was born.  I should just get a job down there haha.  I'm not sure how to go about this, but I'm suppose to meet my brother's friend who is a girl.  I was worried and panicking about all of this.  Why?  The dreaded "what if" question(s).  What if she doesn't like me?  What if I don't like her?  You can't tell your sibling (and one that you just met too) that you don't like his girlfriend.  He didn't even let me look at a crossing guard.  I'm pretty sure if I ever go to a concert and see my favorite idol (and yes, he has a habit of ripping his shirts and pants -for E and B)..I'm pretty my brother and male cousins would blindfold me and drag me out.

You ask why I am nervous... Well, she and I have been texting a bit and she's really outgoing.  I'm outgoing with people I know.  I still use formal Korean language with my brother; now we're getting to the informal.  Our first meeting, was kind of a quiet one.  I'm scared.  It's not that I don't like outgoing people, y'all see my friends and I?  We're unique, outgoing, kind of enjoy nagging and bullying each other, teasing each other.  (and by friends I mean E and B).  I've been writing in my journal and praying to GOD a lot that she's not a fake-idiot who is rude towards me but  sweet towards me in front of my brother.  I pray hoping we can get along like normal human beings.  Em and Brea suggested I "fluff" up my hulk-ish muscles and intimidate her (I won't do that).  I am the most worried she won't like me and we'll fight when my brother is not around and make peace when he is.  I can't say anything.  It's rude if I don't visit and all that.  I am very worried.  I also think it'll be a date for them with the sister tagging along.  Yes, she is younger than me, by two years.

The HUGEST thing I'm worried about is that we'll not like each other and my brother takes her side and we hate each other forever.  Granted, I am preparing myself mentally for that.

I met with my 후배 (junior) from the university last night.  I told him why I was nervous.  He said I should be just fine.  (I asked E and B too).  They said I should be fine for 1) she'll want "bonus" points from the brother and 2) if I say something like she hit me, siblings are more likely to side.  They told me not to worry because a sibling's opinion has more value than being happy with that significant other.  I'm not gonna order her around to clean and all that.  I thought my opinion would be meaningless to my brother since we just met.  She text me saying "you're brother worries about you more than anyone" and the last couple of nights I have had an upset stomach where I can't eat or sleep (I slept like 2 hours).  I told my brother that my stomach hurts and I haven't been able to eat, so if I don't eat, don't be shocked.... let's just say she left our group chat room on kakao.  Sisters, believe it, I am actually a nice sibling!!  I don't pick fights and I don't run to dad for safety (no mom), I actually listen.  I mean, I am a great sister to all.

Guess what, I worried for nothing.  I haven't met her yet.  I'm still wrapping my head around this "big" brother concept.

I met my 후배, Yoonhoo (not a boyfriend) for dinner.  We grilled meat and then went for coffee.  It's been 2-3+ years since we've seen each other.  I meet him and do a couple cute acts (애교- aegyo). I show him how to get to "down town" Yongin.  I say, "we have to pass by Infinite (Korean boy band) and Juniel (Female solo singer) uniform shop."  We pass by and I say, "Look it's infinite!"  He says, "Nuna, think about our age, we're too old to like idols."  We walk to the crosswalk and a Politician who's campaigning for senate or mayor hands us his cards.  My  friend asks if I can vote in Korea.  I say "no."  He says in English, "She won't vote for you."  We walk to a place to grill meat and get 2 kinds of meat, 3 rice bowls, 2 cokes, water, and side dishes.  Yummy!!  He paid for dinner and we got a punch card to return again.  On the way out, I learn door slide in Korea.  I attempt to push the door open and my friend is watching and finally says, "Nuna, it slides like this" and opens it (Yes, I have a college degree).  He says, "Nuna, I can't pay for the door if you break it with your muscles."  (My friends E and B say I am like the Hulk and I have muscles).  We get coffee at Coffee Bene (he pays again).  This time we just chat since it's been 2-3+years.  About 8:30 he walks me back to my place because he has to leave for Seoul since it's about an hour commute by subway.

On Saturday, when I went to Ulsan, I met my brother at the train station.  I always tell him, I will wait by Dunkin Donuts, where we met the first time.  My brother was waiting.  This time, we eat with our 아빠 (dad).  He remembers me.  I think my 오빠 told him that we are siblings and family.  My dad was happy.  My brother has to translate.  My dad says "visit next weekend."  My dad has an Ulsan accent.  I can't tell if my brother does or doesn't.  I think he does when he speaks to 아빠.  We go to grill meat.  We get abnormally large mushrooms with our meat.  오빠 grills them and garlic (my family likes garlic).  My 아빠and 오빠 eat the mushrooms.  I think my dad told him to share with me.  I told my 오빠 before I don't like mushrooms (I left out my dramatic version of it).  My 오빠 offers me one, but we laugh and I say, "오빠 먹어" (brother, eat).  My 아빠 almost seems worried about me, so he says, "은영아 많이먹어라" (eat a lot).  My Korean family uses my Korean name with me because it's easier for them to say.  It's different for me to say, "아빠"  (dad/daddy), but I think my 아빠 likes it.  I asked my 오빠 before what do I call him?  오빠 says "아빠."  My 아빠 asks my brother why am I in 용인 (경기도).  My 오빠 tells 아빠 I am working at a kindergarten.  I think he wishes it was Ulsan, that way I don't have to travel so far.  I told my 오빠 that I meet with my friends often and I'll meet with my guy friend again.  My 오빠 says, "만났다고?!" (you're meeting; used for dating.  My 오빠 uses the tome like 오빠 has to approve first and kind of gets concerned).  I tell him we're only friends.

My 오빠 says he wants to thank my family for taking good care of me.

Don't worry~ I have family and friends here that are watching out for me, my safety and well being.