So...July was coming to a close, and Abby had Adventure Camp the week of the 25th thru the 29th. The rain had been CRAZY that week, and when I went to pick Abby up on Tuesday, there were several areas of standing water on the roads and on post. It was a little scary because the water was already pooling and then it was pouring. And, when I say pouring, I don't even know how to describe it. I mean, we get what we call 'cloud bursts' back home, but those last a few minutes...it was raining like that for about an hour and then it continued to rain heavily. It. Was. Crazy.
On Wednesday, I saw on facebook that Division put out we were expected to get more heavy rains and to be cautious. I decided to pick Abby up early that day, and I am SO GLAD that I did. It was so weird because I just felt such a strong urge to pick her up early that day. Funny, huh?
I don't remember the time table, but I do know that Dan was due to come home that night from the field and we'd been on the phone several times that day. He was keeping me updated on when he'd be home. However, in the early evening, the sirens started going off. I'd told him I didn't feel comfortable with him driving and to maybe take a taxi home. It was raining like crazy and I was reading posts on facebook about how bad the flooding was getting. A friend called me to tell me that Dan should probably just stay on post because the river had jumped the banks-she lived closer to the river. It was not pretty.
I was really worried about the Acadia in the basement, but everything down there was fine. I checked a few times and even saw a security guard sweeping water into the drains at the entrance. Other than that...there was no water in the basement! WOO HOO, Humanville!
The damage was terrible. I think several of you saw the pictures that I shared on facebook. I obviously don't have any of my own to show. Down by post, all the little stores that cater to the Americans were completely flooded. There were numerous mudslides. In some places, it looks like the mountain just melted. So, there was mud. Everywhere.
We were stuck in our apartment from that Wednesday until the next Monday just because the flooding was so bad for a few days, then there was mud, and then the roads were blocked because of the cleanup....etc, etc. By Monday, I was ready to drive to China, but I just drove to Emart in Yangju. Emart is similar to LotteMart, but a little different. Probably the way a Walmart and Kmart look to a Korean in the States (I can't even type Target because NOTHING can compare to Target...boo hoo!). I had never driven anywhere besides post, so this was pretty significant. I was worried, once again, about finding a place to park, but after driving around and ticking a few parking attendants off, I found a spot for my HUGE American car!ha
If you're on facebook...go to 1st Heavy Brigade and look at the pictures.
Our soldiers were heavily involved in the clean up and many of the spouses helped as well. I was so proud of everyone...some of those pictures had me in tears. The soldiers marching down there, I'm sure, was a sight to see!
There's still a lot of clean up on post to be done, and a road is still blocked off because of a mud slide.
Here is the link to 1st Heavy on Facebook(scroll all the way down to July 28th on their wall...they also have pictures of the clean-up in the 'ville):
https://www.facebook.com/#!/IRONBDE?sk=wall
Friday, August 19, 2011
July STUNK!
Out our apartment window at night-facing New City.
For realz...Dan was gone for most of it, it rained, and it rained some more...we were stuck in the apartment with three whiny kids, and then there was a flood. We had the heaviest rainfall this area has had in over a 100 years-or that's what I heard.
The ONLY bright spot was that we got our household goods. I had been nervous about getting our things because I'd sent so much, they couldn't fit it on the one truck they had sent to Kentucky. The movers had to come back later in that evening to get our sofa and other things.
If you're not aware, when you move, you're only allowed a certain amount of weight. This varies, depending on rank, and we've never came close to our full allotted weight. HOWEVER, when you move overseas, you're allowed HALF that weight. It's for good reason. One...it's less expensive to move you, two... overseas housing is usually smaller, so you don't need all your things, three...it forces you to purge and sort.
I quickly got over being nervous about getting our things because, after being without them for two months, I really didn't care. I would donate what wouldn't fit and deal with the rest.
We're slowly getting settled in. I have things put away, although Libby sure didn't help! UGH! She is into EVERYTHING! The only thing is...they broke ALOT of things and several things were lost. I'm focusing on decorating now, but that's proving to be interesting because most of the walls are concrete or marble and all of it is covered in wallpaper. BLEH!
The biggest thing that was broken was Libby's dresser. I was a little sick over it because we finally paid to get a 'nice' dresser, and it was broken. Of course, all the cheap-o Wal-mart dressers we've bought the older two over the years has made the moves in one piece. I have to put a claim in to be reimbursed for the things lost and broken. We've only tried that one time before and never got any money. They also lost the pedals to Ava's bike. I feel so bad for her. She was SO EXCITED to get her bike...and the pedals were gone. They take that kind of stuff off (the front wheel as well) to keep it from breaking. I have one on order, so hopefully they'll get here soon and she's able to ride her bike again.
The only times we really did get out to do anything fun were to take Abby to her camps, but Adventure Camp was cut short because of the flood (I'll make a separate post about that) and to meet a friend at Little Prince. Little Prince is a restaurant in New City that has a clean play area inside. You pay 5,000Won($5) per child for two hours. Did I mention that it's CLEAN? Nothing like McDonald's play areas in the States. They also have TV monitors so you can watch them play. It's great and the girls love going there. I met my friend Mitzi there, but we walked in the pouring rain to get there. I could have drove, but I was worried about finding a spot to park. So, we put our rain coats on, I put the cover over Libby's stroller and off we went! Libby's poor little feet were soaked by the time we got there because she refused to keep them under the cover, but she didn't care. The rain was WARM.
They run this train every hour. The kids LOVE it!
This is closer to the eating area, not that the area is huge, but it is kind of broken up.
Abby and David in the honeycombs. There's many more areas for them to play in. I'll have to take more pictures next time because, we WILL be back!
I didn't take many pictures in July...because we really didn't do much of anything, but here is what I've got:
Abby singing songs at Vacation Bible School
Watching the neighbor kids...
SKYPE!
Someone once asked me how we get our groceries and stuff up to our apartment. Well, this is a look at that. If I have the stroller in the car, it gets loaded up, but the older two are getting good at lugging bags to the elevator. Once it gets from the car to the elevator, I can get it. I just throw the bags out the elevator, on our floor, and then take the trips necessary to our door.
I promise Libby is sitting in the stroller!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A month and a week??
I'm sorry. We're staying busy, but nothing too exciting going on. I promise to post all that we've been doing soon with new pictures and videos.
From Dan's birthday (July 1st).
I told you I'm not a blogger!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Videos of Libby, because I promised my Mom I would put them on here.
I can never get videos on here...so, once again, here's a link to youtube with the videos...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-QimG7rSLU
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W31W8NQ2PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uWIyDYmXEs
I've TRIED to do the 'link' thingy, but it doesn't work for ME. I know I'm doing something wrong, but until I figure it out, you'll have to copy and paste. Sorry.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-QimG7rSLU
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W31W8NQ2PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uWIyDYmXEs
I've TRIED to do the 'link' thingy, but it doesn't work for ME. I know I'm doing something wrong, but until I figure it out, you'll have to copy and paste. Sorry.
Dan's gone...then he's back...then he's gone again...and so on and so on...
It's becoming a theme here...already. We've been very positive about it because, quite frankly, he could be getting shot at in the mountains of Afghanistan, but it still stinks. He's been home just two weeks(?) since we've been here. This past field problem, was last minute, and if you ask me, REALLY unfair (that they chose him to be the MAJ to go). I actually think it's a nice break for him though. I can tell a difference in his attitude because he's dealing with the Koreans instead of other people...he normally has to deal with. We do get to talk and text frequently. He should be home Thursday night (14th) and then have a four day. He was gone last week Tuesday (5th) and came home the evening of Friday, the 8th. He's also supposed to go out again the 25th(?) thru the 29th again. I keep telling him it would be like this ALL OF THE TIME, if we were living in Yongsan (like so many MAJ's wives do and ALL the higher ups). So, you take what you can get.
It was a great and relaxing weekend. The girls were so happy to see him! We just took it easy yesterday, but did decide to take a walk. I had bought a Kelty kid carrier from someone on a flea market facebook page. It turned out to be a commander in Dan's unit (1/72), so it was fun to meet him. It is kind of concerning me, though, that the people I meet, that work with Dan, are kind of afraid of him. They tell me he's a good guy, but their voices always raise when they say that...I guess I shouldn't worry as long as he's nice to me?haha:)
Anyhow, Dan wanted to try this thing out, and off we went! I can track our distance and time with an app on my iPhone, and we ended up walking almost 3 miles. Dan said the carrier was comfortable, but Libby IS 26 pounds, and the carrier is another 3 or so...so it adds up after a while. She was happy in it until the end, but we were gone for an hour (we stopped at a few shops as well), so I think it would be great to take on trips. We want to climb Soyason(oh gosh...I can't remember the spelling!), and there's a lot of stairs, I've heard.
I think I've found a babysitter. I haven't really called her to meet the girls, but I think I will this week. Just for an hour,and then test her out again while Dan and I go either on post or up the street to grab something to eat. I PRAY she works out! It would be so fun to, just Dan and me, grab a train and spend an evening in Seoul.
On the way out...in front of our apartment building.
Jihaeng train station.
Not an uncommon sight here...old people passed out on benches. Dan says they're all drunk from Soju. We actually, on accident, woke him up!
Dan and the girls in front of the train station. We have to walk under it to get to all the shops. Does Dan look tired? This is about mile 2 and a half.:)
It was a great and relaxing weekend. The girls were so happy to see him! We just took it easy yesterday, but did decide to take a walk. I had bought a Kelty kid carrier from someone on a flea market facebook page. It turned out to be a commander in Dan's unit (1/72), so it was fun to meet him. It is kind of concerning me, though, that the people I meet, that work with Dan, are kind of afraid of him. They tell me he's a good guy, but their voices always raise when they say that...I guess I shouldn't worry as long as he's nice to me?haha:)
Anyhow, Dan wanted to try this thing out, and off we went! I can track our distance and time with an app on my iPhone, and we ended up walking almost 3 miles. Dan said the carrier was comfortable, but Libby IS 26 pounds, and the carrier is another 3 or so...so it adds up after a while. She was happy in it until the end, but we were gone for an hour (we stopped at a few shops as well), so I think it would be great to take on trips. We want to climb Soyason(oh gosh...I can't remember the spelling!), and there's a lot of stairs, I've heard.
I think I've found a babysitter. I haven't really called her to meet the girls, but I think I will this week. Just for an hour,and then test her out again while Dan and I go either on post or up the street to grab something to eat. I PRAY she works out! It would be so fun to, just Dan and me, grab a train and spend an evening in Seoul.
On the way out...in front of our apartment building.
Jihaeng train station.
Not an uncommon sight here...old people passed out on benches. Dan says they're all drunk from Soju. We actually, on accident, woke him up!
Dan and the girls in front of the train station. We have to walk under it to get to all the shops. Does Dan look tired? This is about mile 2 and a half.:)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Seoul and stuff...
The weekend of the Fourth, we had reservations at the Dragon Hill Lodge at Yongsan in Seoul. Yongsan is on the southern side of Seoul and probably the biggest military base in South Korea. Humphreys might be bigger, but we've not been there yet. We took it easy Saturday morning (the 2nd), and then headed to Casey to buy a GPS and run a few other errands. The PX didn't have the GPS, so we grabbed a bite to eat and headed South. I won't say whose fault it was, but we went the wrong way and ended up going under some mountains through some really LONG tunnels. Thankfully, where we were going is the largest city in the country, so we finally found a sign that pointed us in the right direction. We got to the hotel, and were informed that we had been upgraded to a suite for free! What a wonderful bit of news after going the wrong way and then getting stuck in horrible downtown Seoul traffic.
The room was really nice, with a large living room and separate bedroom. We let the girls stretch out for a bit, and then headed towards Itaewon (E-TAY-WON). It's a shopping district right outside of the Yongsan post, and has a lot of 'Western' brands. I didn't get any pictures of the street because I was so busy site seeing. We had fun seeing all the shops, people, and sidewalk vendors. It was so crowded, though, and a little hard to navigate with two kids and a stroller. As we were just getting ready to turn around (we'd already walked a mile and half), we spotted The Outback! It was pretty good, but not like the Outback in the States. We walked a little further, and found a Cold Stone Creamery just a block away!! YAY!:) I can't wait to go back!
The next day, it was pouring...and I mean POURING! We decided to go to the PX because our PX is pretty small and what they carry is pretty limited. We found a GPS (yay!), and several other things we'd been going without. Think: curtains, curtain rods, Bath and Body works, hair product other than SUAVE(!), and several other items we normally take for granted. We spent some money...although, I have no clue because Dan checked out and I don't want to know HOW much. It's probably still cheaper than me shopping at Target and Wal-Mart several times a week. The hotel is resort style with several restaurants on site. We ate some good food this weekend. Monday morning, we were going to check out and then find a temple or something very 'Korean' to site see at. Unfortunately, Abby got sick (like, you don't even want me to tell you details!), and we had to head home. The weekend was nothing too adventurous, but it was nice to get away and see some different things. We also got to do things we would normally take for granted in the States.
Some cool trees on the grounds of the Dragon Hill Lodge.
The backside of the lodge. Libby and I took a walk early on our last day so that the rest could get some sleep.
McDonalds in Yangju(I think that's how you spell it), about 25 minutes south of our house. Drive-thru AND they deliver. Poor Abby was still not feeling well, so she didn't even touch hers.:(
The room was really nice, with a large living room and separate bedroom. We let the girls stretch out for a bit, and then headed towards Itaewon (E-TAY-WON). It's a shopping district right outside of the Yongsan post, and has a lot of 'Western' brands. I didn't get any pictures of the street because I was so busy site seeing. We had fun seeing all the shops, people, and sidewalk vendors. It was so crowded, though, and a little hard to navigate with two kids and a stroller. As we were just getting ready to turn around (we'd already walked a mile and half), we spotted The Outback! It was pretty good, but not like the Outback in the States. We walked a little further, and found a Cold Stone Creamery just a block away!! YAY!:) I can't wait to go back!
The next day, it was pouring...and I mean POURING! We decided to go to the PX because our PX is pretty small and what they carry is pretty limited. We found a GPS (yay!), and several other things we'd been going without. Think: curtains, curtain rods, Bath and Body works, hair product other than SUAVE(!), and several other items we normally take for granted. We spent some money...although, I have no clue because Dan checked out and I don't want to know HOW much. It's probably still cheaper than me shopping at Target and Wal-Mart several times a week. The hotel is resort style with several restaurants on site. We ate some good food this weekend. Monday morning, we were going to check out and then find a temple or something very 'Korean' to site see at. Unfortunately, Abby got sick (like, you don't even want me to tell you details!), and we had to head home. The weekend was nothing too adventurous, but it was nice to get away and see some different things. We also got to do things we would normally take for granted in the States.
Some cool trees on the grounds of the Dragon Hill Lodge.
The backside of the lodge. Libby and I took a walk early on our last day so that the rest could get some sleep.
McDonalds in Yangju(I think that's how you spell it), about 25 minutes south of our house. Drive-thru AND they deliver. Poor Abby was still not feeling well, so she didn't even touch hers.:(
Friday, July 1, 2011
Gettin' busy!
This past few weeks, we have been BUSY! I signed Abby up for swim lessons and wanted to sign Ava up too, but they had to be six. They're Mondays and Wednesday on post. It was so funny...Abby told me she needed to take the advanced class because she took lessons last year and knew how to swim. However, when she got in the water, it became quickly obvious, to even her, that she was right where she needed to be-beginner's class. There is one other kid in her class and the teacher is Korean.
This week, Abby started day camp. Again, I wanted to sign Ava up, they had to have finished Kindergarten, which I think is really unfair! She went M-F from 7:45 until 5pm. It's been great, because busy Abby was getting a little bored and driving me up a crazy wall! Monsoon season has officially started here and it's been pretty rainy. We get a few sunny days here and there, but they've been a little far in between. So, needless to say, I needed to get rid of one of them!!:) On Thursday, I was allowed to tag along on their trip to the aquarium in Seoul. It was...fun, but if I were to do it again, I wouldn't have went. I had to hold Libby on the bus, which was 1.5-2 hours each way...and she didn't want to SIT. And then, the aquarium wasn't stroller friendly...at all. I had to leave the stroller at the entrance and then let her walk or carry her. Not fun. She and Ava loved it, but it was a pretty small aquarium and only took us a half hour to walk through. Ava's favorite part was the gift shop, where she got a penguin in an igloo carrier. The FUN part was that the aquarium is in a mall...a HUGE 'western' mall and we had 1.5 hours to kill before we had to meet up with our ride. They have a McDonald's, TGIFs, and several other American restaurants! It was so perfect because we have a trip planned to Seoul this weekend and I KNOW we'll be going back to get a taste of some of our favorite American foods.:)
Today was Dan's birthday! He's been having a rough time at work with the new job and, I guess, today kind of sucked. To top it off, while I was doing laundry, the hose that connects to the faucet in the wall came loose. Water was spraying all over the laundry room and Dan was unable to get it back on. They put some kind of adapter from our American hose to their Korean faucet and it just wasn't working. Hopefully, the dude that charged us $110 to hook it up will come tomorrow morning to fix it...he didn't do it right, so he had better NOT charge us to fix it!!!
That's it for now...we're leaving tomorrow (probably afternoon now) for Yongsan (Seoul) until Monday morning. I'm pretty excited to be able to walk around and see things...and SHOP!!:) There's a shopping district right outside of Yongsan that is supposedly really nice and it has an Outback, McDonald's, Cold Stone Creamery, etc....I shouldn't have had that second piece of birthday cake! Hopefully, I'll walk it off.
Some pictures from the past few weeks:
Libby on playground at Camp Casey. She LOVES the swings. Her face is red because it is HOT here. We left shortly after this picture...
I should have cropped this so you could see it more closely, but when the Korean children go on field trips here...they all wear the EXACT same outfit with identical backpacks. It's too adorable!
I LOVE this idea! Do you know how, in America, when you go to an aquarium, all the children stand in the same spot and won't move...so your child has NO chance of seeing the shark, etc? Here...in this big tank, there is a people mover RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE GLASS. It doesn't go fast, but it doesn't give the children a chance to stand in one spot. Another thing I noticed...when they have the field trip kids entering the aquarium, we had to wait like 15 minutes after the group in front of us, so hopefully, we weren't all crowded in the same spot. It seemed to work! It didn't seem too crowded at all.
Ok...I need to get more bold about taking these kinds of pictures, because the uniforms the young workers have to wear are hilarious! The girls who sell things in the stores are super funny. I don't know if it's to get your attention or what, but these girls were too cute. They were at the entrance. I don't know what their exact job was, but they got me my stroller back. That's another picture I wish I'd taken...at the entrance, there's a spot for everyone to leave their big bags and all the children's backpacks....they were all lined up so neatly, and of course, all matched. Super cute!
I have no clue why Abby's group (from her camp) are taking a picture with the Korean kids' group, but this is how I found them. They all seemed excited to be taking their picture with a bunch of American kids. The Korean man taking THEIR picture was so giddy...kinda weird, kinda funny. (Is Abby giving her counselor bunny ears?)
This week, Abby started day camp. Again, I wanted to sign Ava up, they had to have finished Kindergarten, which I think is really unfair! She went M-F from 7:45 until 5pm. It's been great, because busy Abby was getting a little bored and driving me up a crazy wall! Monsoon season has officially started here and it's been pretty rainy. We get a few sunny days here and there, but they've been a little far in between. So, needless to say, I needed to get rid of one of them!!:) On Thursday, I was allowed to tag along on their trip to the aquarium in Seoul. It was...fun, but if I were to do it again, I wouldn't have went. I had to hold Libby on the bus, which was 1.5-2 hours each way...and she didn't want to SIT. And then, the aquarium wasn't stroller friendly...at all. I had to leave the stroller at the entrance and then let her walk or carry her. Not fun. She and Ava loved it, but it was a pretty small aquarium and only took us a half hour to walk through. Ava's favorite part was the gift shop, where she got a penguin in an igloo carrier. The FUN part was that the aquarium is in a mall...a HUGE 'western' mall and we had 1.5 hours to kill before we had to meet up with our ride. They have a McDonald's, TGIFs, and several other American restaurants! It was so perfect because we have a trip planned to Seoul this weekend and I KNOW we'll be going back to get a taste of some of our favorite American foods.:)
Today was Dan's birthday! He's been having a rough time at work with the new job and, I guess, today kind of sucked. To top it off, while I was doing laundry, the hose that connects to the faucet in the wall came loose. Water was spraying all over the laundry room and Dan was unable to get it back on. They put some kind of adapter from our American hose to their Korean faucet and it just wasn't working. Hopefully, the dude that charged us $110 to hook it up will come tomorrow morning to fix it...he didn't do it right, so he had better NOT charge us to fix it!!!
That's it for now...we're leaving tomorrow (probably afternoon now) for Yongsan (Seoul) until Monday morning. I'm pretty excited to be able to walk around and see things...and SHOP!!:) There's a shopping district right outside of Yongsan that is supposedly really nice and it has an Outback, McDonald's, Cold Stone Creamery, etc....I shouldn't have had that second piece of birthday cake! Hopefully, I'll walk it off.
Some pictures from the past few weeks:
Libby on playground at Camp Casey. She LOVES the swings. Her face is red because it is HOT here. We left shortly after this picture...
I should have cropped this so you could see it more closely, but when the Korean children go on field trips here...they all wear the EXACT same outfit with identical backpacks. It's too adorable!
I LOVE this idea! Do you know how, in America, when you go to an aquarium, all the children stand in the same spot and won't move...so your child has NO chance of seeing the shark, etc? Here...in this big tank, there is a people mover RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE GLASS. It doesn't go fast, but it doesn't give the children a chance to stand in one spot. Another thing I noticed...when they have the field trip kids entering the aquarium, we had to wait like 15 minutes after the group in front of us, so hopefully, we weren't all crowded in the same spot. It seemed to work! It didn't seem too crowded at all.
Ok...I need to get more bold about taking these kinds of pictures, because the uniforms the young workers have to wear are hilarious! The girls who sell things in the stores are super funny. I don't know if it's to get your attention or what, but these girls were too cute. They were at the entrance. I don't know what their exact job was, but they got me my stroller back. That's another picture I wish I'd taken...at the entrance, there's a spot for everyone to leave their big bags and all the children's backpacks....they were all lined up so neatly, and of course, all matched. Super cute!
I have no clue why Abby's group (from her camp) are taking a picture with the Korean kids' group, but this is how I found them. They all seemed excited to be taking their picture with a bunch of American kids. The Korean man taking THEIR picture was so giddy...kinda weird, kinda funny. (Is Abby giving her counselor bunny ears?)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tropical Storm WHO?
I had no idea about these things...that they would come HERE. How did I miss this in all my research? I heard about monsoon season...and that "great leader" to the North, but THESE?
What in the world!? I guess I've survived hurricanes and tornadoes before...I can handle this. I'll just make sure we have plenty of groceries and crayons. Thank goodness Dan comes home tomorrow.
It's been so humid here today, and now, it's humid and windy. It's been raining quite a bit. I was going to go to the library with the girls today, but it's so yucky, I don't want to go out in it. Hopefully, we'll get out tomorrow...
What in the world!? I guess I've survived hurricanes and tornadoes before...I can handle this. I'll just make sure we have plenty of groceries and crayons. Thank goodness Dan comes home tomorrow.
It's been so humid here today, and now, it's humid and windy. It's been raining quite a bit. I was going to go to the library with the girls today, but it's so yucky, I don't want to go out in it. Hopefully, we'll get out tomorrow...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdw9gE7imYc
I can't get it to 'link' it in any of the posts and blogger won't let me upload it. It's a cute video of Abby on the monkey bars...you'll just have to copy the link and paste it. Sorry.:(
I can't get it to 'link' it in any of the posts and blogger won't let me upload it. It's a cute video of Abby on the monkey bars...you'll just have to copy the link and paste it. Sorry.:(
Lotte Mart...oh! How we love thee....
Today, we walked there! I really wanted to drive because I needed the car to transport all the things I wanted to buy, but the girls wanted to walk...so this we did. It was *only* at mile, so not too bad.
Their English titles (translations) crack me up! There's a store called 'skin food' that is a chain. Dan thinks it's hilarious.:)
See? Civilization.:)
They have cool looking refrigerators! A little expensive, but very neat. I have to say, the insides were pretty roomy too!
On the way, we saw workers building this statue. The 'globe' part looks like it's dirt...so either flowers or grass will grow out of it! I will look forward to seeing the end result.
Lotteria...the generic McDonald's. I doubt we'll go there again for FOOD, but we did stop for drinks today. The girls got iced tea, but Abby couldn't drink her's. It *was* gross, although Ava drank her's and Abby's! I ordered a *coke*, but only saw Pepsi on their fountain drinks. Interesting...they only have one sized drinks, that I've seen, could be wrong, BUT, they're about our smalls...
Bye, Bye, Lotte Mart! We'll be back....:)
Land of the Not Quite Right...
There are days...well, every day I leave the house, that I wish I had a camera in my eyes. Seriously. The things we see here...are just so...different. I've drilled it in the girls' heads that it's not weird, but different. Just some of the things:
Koreans recycle just about everything...and I mean, EVERYTHING! We have to purchase our trash bags (not cheap), and recycling bags. We have to put our left over food in a certain bag, the plastic wrap that everything is wrapped in is recycled,and so is styrofoam, and cooking oil!
When we leave the house, I don't feel like I can wear yoga pants and/or t-shirts. Not that I felt comfortable doing that back home, but there is NO WAY I'm doing that here. I'd say 90% of the women here are consistently dressed up with heels on. Remember, we walk A LOT and these women are in HEELS...not pumps...heels! They're crazy.
They don't wear sunglasses here. They use umbrellas on sunny days.
Electricity is imported here, so it's super expensive. Granted, the Army gives us a generous (I pray) allowance for this, but I've been told to not use our A/C (it's on right now) because we'll end up with a $600 electricity bill.
They like to honk their horns here.
They don't point here. This is what they do instead...you put your fingers together and 'point' with your entire hand...Dan thinks it hilarious because I actually do this. He says he's an American and refuses, but I'll do it like Vanna White, when we're in public, just to crack him up. I've noticed the girls have picked up on this and are doing it.
When you greet someone Korean, even if it's passing on the street, it's polite to bow to them. I need to research this more, but have noticed it's expected for older people, but they do it back to us? The poor guy who delivered our pizza tonight, after I gave him a small tip (I'd been told it's rude TO tip them, but I can't NOT tip!), about bowed to his toes three times after I told him to keep the change. Bless his heart.
When you are giving someone older than you SOMETHING (I *thought* it was only drinks), you're supposed to use both hands. I haven't fully figured this one out either, but had vaguely remembered reading about it. However, last week, when we stopped for a slushie downstairs, Abby went to grab it, but the man told her, "NO! Both hands!". I was a little annoyed with that, but get that he was also trying to teach her a lesson. I am not happy when the little Korean cashiers hand me back my money with both hands (one is handing you the object, and the other is on your arm/wrist)...like I'm OLD or something!
They like to honk here...A LOT!
I saw a picture of a sundae at the generic McDonald's today and it said it was a bean sundae. I didn't think that was possible...possibly something lost in translation, but when I looked at the picture more closely...YUP...them's BEANS! eewwwwwwww
They put corn on their pizzas and it's good. But, not on the Pizza Hut pizza, and that's still good too.
I've been told Koreans don't use their dryers here because they're too expensive. You'll see them hanging the coats (that they've washed) and comforters from their balconies. The Daiso (think dollar tree) store here even sells clips for them! I've heard, and seen while snooping, that most new apartments have these clotheslines already installed. Our's is broken, but I think it's supposed to go up and down so it's out of the way when you're not using it.
The delivery drivers use scooters with their food on the back. They are the craziest of all drivers (with the buses a close 2nd). They will drive across playgrounds, on sidewalks, in between traffic, etc. Dan said they call them bulgogi bombers (bulgogi being a popular food here).
The kids here run around without a care in the world! We walk a lot and we see kids, as young as Ava or younger, walking and crossing the streets. It's so crazy!
Did I mention they like to HONK?
That's all I've got for now...If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to add it!
Koreans recycle just about everything...and I mean, EVERYTHING! We have to purchase our trash bags (not cheap), and recycling bags. We have to put our left over food in a certain bag, the plastic wrap that everything is wrapped in is recycled,and so is styrofoam, and cooking oil!
When we leave the house, I don't feel like I can wear yoga pants and/or t-shirts. Not that I felt comfortable doing that back home, but there is NO WAY I'm doing that here. I'd say 90% of the women here are consistently dressed up with heels on. Remember, we walk A LOT and these women are in HEELS...not pumps...heels! They're crazy.
They don't wear sunglasses here. They use umbrellas on sunny days.
Electricity is imported here, so it's super expensive. Granted, the Army gives us a generous (I pray) allowance for this, but I've been told to not use our A/C (it's on right now) because we'll end up with a $600 electricity bill.
They like to honk their horns here.
They don't point here. This is what they do instead...you put your fingers together and 'point' with your entire hand...Dan thinks it hilarious because I actually do this. He says he's an American and refuses, but I'll do it like Vanna White, when we're in public, just to crack him up. I've noticed the girls have picked up on this and are doing it.
When you greet someone Korean, even if it's passing on the street, it's polite to bow to them. I need to research this more, but have noticed it's expected for older people, but they do it back to us? The poor guy who delivered our pizza tonight, after I gave him a small tip (I'd been told it's rude TO tip them, but I can't NOT tip!), about bowed to his toes three times after I told him to keep the change. Bless his heart.
When you are giving someone older than you SOMETHING (I *thought* it was only drinks), you're supposed to use both hands. I haven't fully figured this one out either, but had vaguely remembered reading about it. However, last week, when we stopped for a slushie downstairs, Abby went to grab it, but the man told her, "NO! Both hands!". I was a little annoyed with that, but get that he was also trying to teach her a lesson. I am not happy when the little Korean cashiers hand me back my money with both hands (one is handing you the object, and the other is on your arm/wrist)...like I'm OLD or something!
They like to honk here...A LOT!
I saw a picture of a sundae at the generic McDonald's today and it said it was a bean sundae. I didn't think that was possible...possibly something lost in translation, but when I looked at the picture more closely...YUP...them's BEANS! eewwwwwwww
They put corn on their pizzas and it's good. But, not on the Pizza Hut pizza, and that's still good too.
I've been told Koreans don't use their dryers here because they're too expensive. You'll see them hanging the coats (that they've washed) and comforters from their balconies. The Daiso (think dollar tree) store here even sells clips for them! I've heard, and seen while snooping, that most new apartments have these clotheslines already installed. Our's is broken, but I think it's supposed to go up and down so it's out of the way when you're not using it.
The delivery drivers use scooters with their food on the back. They are the craziest of all drivers (with the buses a close 2nd). They will drive across playgrounds, on sidewalks, in between traffic, etc. Dan said they call them bulgogi bombers (bulgogi being a popular food here).
The kids here run around without a care in the world! We walk a lot and we see kids, as young as Ava or younger, walking and crossing the streets. It's so crazy!
Did I mention they like to HONK?
That's all I've got for now...If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to add it!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Weeks 2-3(?)
I've lost track of the time here already.
Some odds and ends that have been going on...
The night before MY BIRTHDAY, our first shipment of stuff came! OH...you have no idea how exciting this is, unless you've gone without your things as long as we did. It was only about 20 boxes of dishes, clothes, toys, towels, etc, but it made such a big difference around here. It's weird to be in your 'home' without your things. It's kind of like living in a hotel, but not as fun. Dan came in from the field that afternoon so we could go to the Brigade S3 Hail and Farewell. I knew this was going to be at a place called (something) BBQ, so I thought, GREAT! A BBQ place...I can handle that. However, when Dan called me on his way home, he warned me it was a full-on Korean restaurant. RUH ROH! It ended up being just fine. We were a little late because Dan had to come in from the field AND I wasn't ready because of the HHG delivery. Mitzi came running up to me, when I walked in the door, and so did Unhi, another wife (who is Korean). Mitzi was SO SWEET, knowing I don't 'like' Korean food, and showed me all her favorites. You have to sit on the floor, go to the buffet (camera in my eyes), get your meat, and then cook it! I actually liked several of the things and the girls had a lot of fun cooking their own food. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly...so NICE! Too bad Dan's already left Brigade (as of today, the 18th), and in another unit. I hope 1st tank is as friendly!
The next day, I celebrated my first birthday in Korea! I woke up a little grumpy, because Dan was not here (he had to go back out like at 5am)and it was ANOTHER holiday, meant to honor ME, and here I was, by myself, dealing with the kids. NOT FAIR. I TRIED so hard to be a trooper about it and was on a positive route...I was going to take the girls to Baskin Robbins (a ten minute walk, if that) and get myself an ice cream cake! YAY! We hadn't been there yet, and thought this would be the perfect time to go. However, when I went to get my Won out of the cabinet to pay for my cake...I had NONE. NONE! I was so mad because I knew I'd just got $100,000W ($100), but then remembered that we'd used it to pay for the meal the night before and Dan must have forgotten to give me my money back. Well...full-on pout ensued! I had to have a hot dog for lunch, NO Baskin Robbins, and Dan wasn't due back home until 8 that night. OH...GOO! My poor family.
Thankfully, Dan came home about 2 that afternoon and we spent the afternoon going to a store and market I wanted to go to. It was FUN and ended up being a great Korean birthday.:)
Some odds and ends that have been going on...
The night before MY BIRTHDAY, our first shipment of stuff came! OH...you have no idea how exciting this is, unless you've gone without your things as long as we did. It was only about 20 boxes of dishes, clothes, toys, towels, etc, but it made such a big difference around here. It's weird to be in your 'home' without your things. It's kind of like living in a hotel, but not as fun. Dan came in from the field that afternoon so we could go to the Brigade S3 Hail and Farewell. I knew this was going to be at a place called (something) BBQ, so I thought, GREAT! A BBQ place...I can handle that. However, when Dan called me on his way home, he warned me it was a full-on Korean restaurant. RUH ROH! It ended up being just fine. We were a little late because Dan had to come in from the field AND I wasn't ready because of the HHG delivery. Mitzi came running up to me, when I walked in the door, and so did Unhi, another wife (who is Korean). Mitzi was SO SWEET, knowing I don't 'like' Korean food, and showed me all her favorites. You have to sit on the floor, go to the buffet (camera in my eyes), get your meat, and then cook it! I actually liked several of the things and the girls had a lot of fun cooking their own food. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly...so NICE! Too bad Dan's already left Brigade (as of today, the 18th), and in another unit. I hope 1st tank is as friendly!
The next day, I celebrated my first birthday in Korea! I woke up a little grumpy, because Dan was not here (he had to go back out like at 5am)and it was ANOTHER holiday, meant to honor ME, and here I was, by myself, dealing with the kids. NOT FAIR. I TRIED so hard to be a trooper about it and was on a positive route...I was going to take the girls to Baskin Robbins (a ten minute walk, if that) and get myself an ice cream cake! YAY! We hadn't been there yet, and thought this would be the perfect time to go. However, when I went to get my Won out of the cabinet to pay for my cake...I had NONE. NONE! I was so mad because I knew I'd just got $100,000W ($100), but then remembered that we'd used it to pay for the meal the night before and Dan must have forgotten to give me my money back. Well...full-on pout ensued! I had to have a hot dog for lunch, NO Baskin Robbins, and Dan wasn't due back home until 8 that night. OH...GOO! My poor family.
Thankfully, Dan came home about 2 that afternoon and we spent the afternoon going to a store and market I wanted to go to. It was FUN and ended up being a great Korean birthday.:)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
2nd week in Korea
The past weekend, we decided to take the train from our station here (Jihaeng) to the one right outside Camp Casey (Bosan?)...it was pretty interesting. We had a few hiccups, but that's to be expected. We figured it out and all was well. The girls thought it was cool. We walked around post for a bit and then hurried back because the water delivery guy was bringing our water and then they were delivering our new TV stand! It was all pretty exciting for a Sunday.
Dan was back to work on Monday, but had to come get us to finish up a few things on post. Early Tuesday morning, he had to go to work...they have tank gunnery going on right now and he's transitioning from the Brigade Training Officer (?) to 1/72 Battalion S3. He's been able to call and text a few times and we might get to see him this weekend for a bit. That would be really nice since it's my birthday!
I drove on post, by myself (with the girls), to run a few errands yesterday. I was pretty nervous, and killed it a few times, but everything ended up being OK. I was so happy to be able to get out and do things for myself...I didn't get lost (I might have had to turn around a few times), and remembered more than I thought I might!
Today, the girls and I decided to walk around. We took a different route to New City and found a few fun things. The older two don't really like to 'walk', but I enticed them by saying there was a craft store I wanted to find. I knew it was by Chicago Dentist (where we'll go), and in the same building as Dunkin Donuts. Like everything in this country so far, I know I've seen things, but don't necessarily know how to find it again. So, we walked around the Chicago Dentist block a few times before I saw the sign for Alpha craft store, but we found it and it's actually on 'our' side of New City and easy to get to!
Dan's back at work and, in fact, in the field for three days now. BOO! Isn't there a rule somewhere that states you are not allowed to dump your wife and three kids in a foreign country and then go play on tanks? Granted, he *was* a little giddy about it, from talking to him, he's not getting to play as much as he'd like. Poor Dan.:-/
The girls and I have just been exploring. They don't like the walking bit, but I LOVE it! I love seeing everything and it seems like every time we go out, I see something new. It's great! I just wish I had my BOB stroller because the sidewalks are bumpy, with bricks, and there aren't always smooth transitions from the sidewalk to the street. Some of them even turn and are slanted at the same time so that I almost tip the stroller if I don't do some handy manuevering. I've taken the girls to the park here...
WOW...see? I really shouldn't be doing a blog. I can't finish my thoughts. I did that...oh, a week or so ago and now, it's a week later! I don't even remember the sequence of things or where my thoughts were going with that. I'm just so thankful blogger automatically saves my drafts so I don't lose anything that I've saved.
I might have to just do another photobucket or flikr account so I can post all of my pictures.
I like to post pictures to facebook for our family and friends to see, but I feel like I'm shoving it down everyone else's throats. Where's the happy medium? If I don't post anything for a while, I get emails saying they want more, but then I feel like I'm 'that' person that won't shut the heck up!!:)
Dan was back to work on Monday, but had to come get us to finish up a few things on post. Early Tuesday morning, he had to go to work...they have tank gunnery going on right now and he's transitioning from the Brigade Training Officer (?) to 1/72 Battalion S3. He's been able to call and text a few times and we might get to see him this weekend for a bit. That would be really nice since it's my birthday!
I drove on post, by myself (with the girls), to run a few errands yesterday. I was pretty nervous, and killed it a few times, but everything ended up being OK. I was so happy to be able to get out and do things for myself...I didn't get lost (I might have had to turn around a few times), and remembered more than I thought I might!
Today, the girls and I decided to walk around. We took a different route to New City and found a few fun things. The older two don't really like to 'walk', but I enticed them by saying there was a craft store I wanted to find. I knew it was by Chicago Dentist (where we'll go), and in the same building as Dunkin Donuts. Like everything in this country so far, I know I've seen things, but don't necessarily know how to find it again. So, we walked around the Chicago Dentist block a few times before I saw the sign for Alpha craft store, but we found it and it's actually on 'our' side of New City and easy to get to!
Dan's back at work and, in fact, in the field for three days now. BOO! Isn't there a rule somewhere that states you are not allowed to dump your wife and three kids in a foreign country and then go play on tanks? Granted, he *was* a little giddy about it, from talking to him, he's not getting to play as much as he'd like. Poor Dan.:-/
The girls and I have just been exploring. They don't like the walking bit, but I LOVE it! I love seeing everything and it seems like every time we go out, I see something new. It's great! I just wish I had my BOB stroller because the sidewalks are bumpy, with bricks, and there aren't always smooth transitions from the sidewalk to the street. Some of them even turn and are slanted at the same time so that I almost tip the stroller if I don't do some handy manuevering. I've taken the girls to the park here...
WOW...see? I really shouldn't be doing a blog. I can't finish my thoughts. I did that...oh, a week or so ago and now, it's a week later! I don't even remember the sequence of things or where my thoughts were going with that. I'm just so thankful blogger automatically saves my drafts so I don't lose anything that I've saved.
I might have to just do another photobucket or flikr account so I can post all of my pictures.
I like to post pictures to facebook for our family and friends to see, but I feel like I'm shoving it down everyone else's throats. Where's the happy medium? If I don't post anything for a while, I get emails saying they want more, but then I feel like I'm 'that' person that won't shut the heck up!!:)
First week in Korea
What a whirlwind! In this post, I'm just going to post what I wrote in a few emails...it's easier than writing it all again, because, let's be frank, I might still have a little jet lag....
We've been running around A LOT and are all so tired. We went to the 'Ville today and walked around. It's the area right outside of post where all the soldiers go to. Everyone speaks English and it's like a little 'America'. We bought some movies (4 for $10) and the girls watched Ringo this afternoon. Libby is having a super hard time with the time change, but I guess that's to be expected. We have about 2 roosters that crow all day and night (kind of annoying) and I've even heard a cow??? One morning, when I was up at 4, I looked over our balcony and saw a couple of old Korean people working in their garden. I'll have to take a picture of it sometime. It's very quaint.:) I'm enjoying it all so far and hope I continue to like it. Each time we leave the apt, I feel more confident. I'm really looking forward to our stuff getting here! I've tried ordering a few things online, for the house, but whatever I was ordering, apparently wasn't allowed to be shipped here? I've gotta run. I hope you all survived the storms OK. We heard about them on the news and on facebook. We really don't miss all of that. Love you all!
I can text now! Our router came through the mail yesterday (well, that's when we picked it up-we had mailed to ourselves last week), so I can use my iPod to text now. BUT, I'm getting an iPhone next week! Woot!!:) I looked at them yesterday, but decided to wait to 'think about it'. They have them at a booth at the PX on post. It will be nice because I think they have a GPS on them so I can download Korean maps. It's quite intimidating thinking about getting lost. Dan, of course, knows his way around, but it makes me nervous because the streets are NOT on a grid and I get so turned around and of course, not much is in English.
We are living in an apartment off post. It's on the 8th floor of a high rise complex. The place we're at, didn't allow families until two years ago, so there's no on post housing. They plan to move all this stuff some day, so there are no plans to build any family housing on post. Of course, they've been planning this for 10 years now, but whatever. It's a good-sized apartment, but I am already looking forward to the older two going to school-on post. They do have an elementary school, which sends a bus to the apartments that have Americans in them. Our neighbor is American-there are only two apartments on this floor in this building. So, when we get off the elevator, there's only their door and our's. BUT, she homeschools her girls. Did I say that they're the same age as Abby and Ava?? They played together on the playground yesterday, but I was napping. Dan said that she just sent her kids down there and then yelled at them to come back up when it was time. I don't know if I feel comfortable with that? Maybe later. They've been here 2 years and will be here until February. I dunno. Crime rate is pretty low here...and mostly caused by soldiers.
Everything is so foggy to me. I am SO out of it and Libby gets up about three times a night for 2 hours. It's exhausting. Dan and I have been taking turns with her, but she's so noisy and whiny that it wakes up the entire household. PLUS, I wake up and feel like it's the middle of the day, which it WAS just a week ago! ARGH. It'll get better, and it does every day, but this part sucks!
Dan goes back to work next Thursday and then I think he goes to gunnery on the fifth...UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH! So, I need to get my license. But, I'm so intimidated to drive here! But, I get more confident every time I go out. I think we're going to go to a big commissary on Tuesday with his hoopty car and I'll stock up on food so we don't HAVE to go out. I'm so thankful that I met my neighbor because she's so willing to help and I know if I need something while Dan's gone, she will help me! The commissary and PX here are pretty small because they were built for just single soldiers. We'll have to go to Yongsan, which is in Seoul, for the bigger shopping.
Isn't it all so crazy?
We went to a Korean 'Wal-mart' the other day. It's called Lotte Mart. It was so neat!!:) We got a Korean hair dryer, toaster, and vacuum because they go off of the different wattage and their plug-ins are WAY different. Anyhow, we asked a few questions, and the people had to run to get people that spoke English...which they did fairly well. Anyhow, we needed hand soap and bought two bottles there-for $6 each! It was a bit pricey, but very clean, very nice people, and so much fun, for me! We would have stayed longer, but Libby was whiny and really needed to sleep.
Ok, Dan just ruined the only cable we have here (Armed forces network-10 channels) and I promised the girls I'd take them to the playground.
May 28,2011 ^^^
Libby has slept through the night the past few nights...well, until about 5am or so, but we'll take it! It has been almost necessary to have Dan here to help me with it all. We've been having to run around to get my important stuff taken care of. I had to get registered in 'the system' the other day to even get on post. They scanned my fingerprints!!! I also had to get a rations card so we don't sell stuff on the black market here. I did find some Coach purses for about $30!!! I just got the purse I have now, but will be going back.
I think the girls start school the end of August. We walked past their school last week and saw their big playground. They're so excited (and so am I!)
We weren't looking at regular food, but they do advertise, on the Korean TV, for Oreo cookies and Abby saw some Twix candy bars at the Daiso store we went to yesterday. It's kind of like a dollar tree, but some of the stuff is up to 3,000 won (which is about $2.50?). They have a small commissary here and are able to get our groceries there. We just wanted to go to the Lotte Mart to get a Korean vacuum, hair dryer, etc because of the plug ins.
We went to a restaurant with a friend of Dan's yesterday. It was called Little Prince. When you walk in, you have to take off your shoes. I didn't know and wore flip flops. I asked the wife, Mitzi, and she had too, but she got us some 'house slippers' we wore. I think I got two left shoes, but it wasn't a huge deal. Anyhow, they put stickers on the back of your kids and then they have this HUGE play area and watch your kids for about $5 each for two hours. We were able to go eat without kids! Well...I ended up going to get Libby, but she ran around a lot to play. I got a salad that was so yummy and Dan got a pizza that had corn on it...BUT, it was so good. We were pretty surprised. They had Korean food there as well, but...I was hungry and wanted food I had a chance of liking!ha:) It was in an area called New City and it's about 3 blocks from here. There's tons of restaurants and shops. The friends showed us where to get good pizza and where we'll go to the dentist. They also have this huge park there, where it turns into a water park on the weekends. They also shut down the streets on the weekends (or just Saturday?) and they have like the Barbie Jeeps. The girls will be able to take their bikes down there, once they get here. There's a Baskin Robbins and I saw a Pizza Hut too.
I think I'm going to take the test to get my license tomorrow. EEK! Pray for me. Some of their rules are a little different and then the way it's written it's obviously by a Korean, so some of it makes no sense (Dan had a study guide). They are kind of crazy drivers here-Angie, you would fit right in!!:) I'll probably walk as much as I can.
We'd talked about walking down to this bakery that is super close today, but it's drizzling rain today. So, hopefully it'll clear up because I've been eyeing it since we got here. WE drive past it every single day!!:) Mitzi said they have delicious stuff.
Dan goes back to work on Thursday and then we'll find out what's going on with him going to the field. Hopefully, it won't be for a while yet and for just a short while, although I know of three women now that know what they're doing and are very willing to help.
Dan got me an iPhone yesterday. Woot!!:)
May 30, 2011^^^
The weather has been BEAUTIFUL here! The warmest has been about 80 degrees, but there's a wonderful breeze all the time. The past few days have been rainy, but just for a little while. Last night was a bunch of light thunderstorms...just thunder and lightening. I don't mind those.
We're feeling much more rested with Libby sleeping through the night. So hard to believe we've been here a week. It's gone by quickly.
I think I forgot to tell you all. We went to Yongsan Army post on Saturday(?) or Sunday. Anyhow, it's south of downtown Seoul, so we had to drive THROUGH the city to get there...of course, there's an easier way, but we only had a subway map to help us get there, and Dan, who I should never trust...just looked at Google maps before we left and said we had to take hwy 3 to hwy 6. I won't go into details, but we can't exactly read ALL of what every sign says, and just follow when we saw a 3 or a 6. We got there, but it took us like 45 minutes longer than it should have. We bought a detailed map and made it home in an hour and some change. Much easier when you have a map to read and can take expressways.:)
Anyhow, we walked into the Yongsan PX (much bigger post), and I had to wait on Dan for something. This Korean lady approached me and said that I had beautiful children and wondered if I was interested in them modeling. I just had to send her their picture via email and she'd get in touch with me. In the states, I would be leery of this (and still am a little), but we'd been told that they LOVE blonde hair, light eyed kids here and they do all the modeling for catalogs here. Dan's co-worker (a Korean) saw a picture of the girls and told him that they'd probably do modeling once they got here. So, we'll look into it and Dan's going to ask the Koreans at work about her-she gave us her business card, but what a great way for them to get college money. I was prepared for it, but couldn't believe we'd been in country three days and were approached!
I got my license today! I even drove on post. I'm still not super confident about driving in the city, but I'll get there. The test was pretty easy. I got a perfect score...of course.;-) Dan had a study test and it was pretty much the same as the test. I guess they just pass it around. The thing is...they have pretty much the same rules, but NONE are followed. They run red lights (after stopping first), stop on the side of the road (and block the right hand lane), and do illegal stuff ALL OF THE TIME. So, when I read the manual, I was pretty surprised at some of the laws.:) Anyhow, I have one now...it's in Korean and English. I have to carry a SOFA card with me (something of forces agreement) so I'm somewhat protected in case of an accident.
Tomorrow, Dan goes back to work. I'm not looking forward to that, but he's going to pick us up in the afternoon so we can get the girls registered at the CYS (children and youth services). It's so they can go to the CDC AND they have summer camps the girls can go to! I was so excited. They go on field trips at the end of the week and they're gone from 8-5 M thru F. It'll be great for them to get out of the apartment and give me a break in the middle of the summer.
We had Pizza Hut last night!! Woot! It's just two blocks away. Dan and the older two walked down to get it.
My iPhone is broke. It doesn't ring when I have a call. So, we took it back today and she has to send it off to be fixed. Said it should be gone a few days. NOT happy about that.
Dan went to pay rent today. It's 1,622,000 won! AND, we have to pay in cash. So, we went to the ATM today and they gave it to him in 10,000 won bills. We had a wad of 165 won bills in my wallet today while running errands. It would barely fit!
June 1, 2011^^^
We've been running around A LOT and are all so tired. We went to the 'Ville today and walked around. It's the area right outside of post where all the soldiers go to. Everyone speaks English and it's like a little 'America'. We bought some movies (4 for $10) and the girls watched Ringo this afternoon. Libby is having a super hard time with the time change, but I guess that's to be expected. We have about 2 roosters that crow all day and night (kind of annoying) and I've even heard a cow??? One morning, when I was up at 4, I looked over our balcony and saw a couple of old Korean people working in their garden. I'll have to take a picture of it sometime. It's very quaint.:) I'm enjoying it all so far and hope I continue to like it. Each time we leave the apt, I feel more confident. I'm really looking forward to our stuff getting here! I've tried ordering a few things online, for the house, but whatever I was ordering, apparently wasn't allowed to be shipped here? I've gotta run. I hope you all survived the storms OK. We heard about them on the news and on facebook. We really don't miss all of that. Love you all!
I can text now! Our router came through the mail yesterday (well, that's when we picked it up-we had mailed to ourselves last week), so I can use my iPod to text now. BUT, I'm getting an iPhone next week! Woot!!:) I looked at them yesterday, but decided to wait to 'think about it'. They have them at a booth at the PX on post. It will be nice because I think they have a GPS on them so I can download Korean maps. It's quite intimidating thinking about getting lost. Dan, of course, knows his way around, but it makes me nervous because the streets are NOT on a grid and I get so turned around and of course, not much is in English.
We are living in an apartment off post. It's on the 8th floor of a high rise complex. The place we're at, didn't allow families until two years ago, so there's no on post housing. They plan to move all this stuff some day, so there are no plans to build any family housing on post. Of course, they've been planning this for 10 years now, but whatever. It's a good-sized apartment, but I am already looking forward to the older two going to school-on post. They do have an elementary school, which sends a bus to the apartments that have Americans in them. Our neighbor is American-there are only two apartments on this floor in this building. So, when we get off the elevator, there's only their door and our's. BUT, she homeschools her girls. Did I say that they're the same age as Abby and Ava?? They played together on the playground yesterday, but I was napping. Dan said that she just sent her kids down there and then yelled at them to come back up when it was time. I don't know if I feel comfortable with that? Maybe later. They've been here 2 years and will be here until February. I dunno. Crime rate is pretty low here...and mostly caused by soldiers.
Everything is so foggy to me. I am SO out of it and Libby gets up about three times a night for 2 hours. It's exhausting. Dan and I have been taking turns with her, but she's so noisy and whiny that it wakes up the entire household. PLUS, I wake up and feel like it's the middle of the day, which it WAS just a week ago! ARGH. It'll get better, and it does every day, but this part sucks!
Dan goes back to work next Thursday and then I think he goes to gunnery on the fifth...UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH! So, I need to get my license. But, I'm so intimidated to drive here! But, I get more confident every time I go out. I think we're going to go to a big commissary on Tuesday with his hoopty car and I'll stock up on food so we don't HAVE to go out. I'm so thankful that I met my neighbor because she's so willing to help and I know if I need something while Dan's gone, she will help me! The commissary and PX here are pretty small because they were built for just single soldiers. We'll have to go to Yongsan, which is in Seoul, for the bigger shopping.
Isn't it all so crazy?
We went to a Korean 'Wal-mart' the other day. It's called Lotte Mart. It was so neat!!:) We got a Korean hair dryer, toaster, and vacuum because they go off of the different wattage and their plug-ins are WAY different. Anyhow, we asked a few questions, and the people had to run to get people that spoke English...which they did fairly well. Anyhow, we needed hand soap and bought two bottles there-for $6 each! It was a bit pricey, but very clean, very nice people, and so much fun, for me! We would have stayed longer, but Libby was whiny and really needed to sleep.
Ok, Dan just ruined the only cable we have here (Armed forces network-10 channels) and I promised the girls I'd take them to the playground.
May 28,2011 ^^^
Libby has slept through the night the past few nights...well, until about 5am or so, but we'll take it! It has been almost necessary to have Dan here to help me with it all. We've been having to run around to get my important stuff taken care of. I had to get registered in 'the system' the other day to even get on post. They scanned my fingerprints!!! I also had to get a rations card so we don't sell stuff on the black market here. I did find some Coach purses for about $30!!! I just got the purse I have now, but will be going back.
I think the girls start school the end of August. We walked past their school last week and saw their big playground. They're so excited (and so am I!)
We weren't looking at regular food, but they do advertise, on the Korean TV, for Oreo cookies and Abby saw some Twix candy bars at the Daiso store we went to yesterday. It's kind of like a dollar tree, but some of the stuff is up to 3,000 won (which is about $2.50?). They have a small commissary here and are able to get our groceries there. We just wanted to go to the Lotte Mart to get a Korean vacuum, hair dryer, etc because of the plug ins.
We went to a restaurant with a friend of Dan's yesterday. It was called Little Prince. When you walk in, you have to take off your shoes. I didn't know and wore flip flops. I asked the wife, Mitzi, and she had too, but she got us some 'house slippers' we wore. I think I got two left shoes, but it wasn't a huge deal. Anyhow, they put stickers on the back of your kids and then they have this HUGE play area and watch your kids for about $5 each for two hours. We were able to go eat without kids! Well...I ended up going to get Libby, but she ran around a lot to play. I got a salad that was so yummy and Dan got a pizza that had corn on it...BUT, it was so good. We were pretty surprised. They had Korean food there as well, but...I was hungry and wanted food I had a chance of liking!ha:) It was in an area called New City and it's about 3 blocks from here. There's tons of restaurants and shops. The friends showed us where to get good pizza and where we'll go to the dentist. They also have this huge park there, where it turns into a water park on the weekends. They also shut down the streets on the weekends (or just Saturday?) and they have like the Barbie Jeeps. The girls will be able to take their bikes down there, once they get here. There's a Baskin Robbins and I saw a Pizza Hut too.
I think I'm going to take the test to get my license tomorrow. EEK! Pray for me. Some of their rules are a little different and then the way it's written it's obviously by a Korean, so some of it makes no sense (Dan had a study guide). They are kind of crazy drivers here-Angie, you would fit right in!!:) I'll probably walk as much as I can.
We'd talked about walking down to this bakery that is super close today, but it's drizzling rain today. So, hopefully it'll clear up because I've been eyeing it since we got here. WE drive past it every single day!!:) Mitzi said they have delicious stuff.
Dan goes back to work on Thursday and then we'll find out what's going on with him going to the field. Hopefully, it won't be for a while yet and for just a short while, although I know of three women now that know what they're doing and are very willing to help.
Dan got me an iPhone yesterday. Woot!!:)
May 30, 2011^^^
The weather has been BEAUTIFUL here! The warmest has been about 80 degrees, but there's a wonderful breeze all the time. The past few days have been rainy, but just for a little while. Last night was a bunch of light thunderstorms...just thunder and lightening. I don't mind those.
We're feeling much more rested with Libby sleeping through the night. So hard to believe we've been here a week. It's gone by quickly.
I think I forgot to tell you all. We went to Yongsan Army post on Saturday(?) or Sunday. Anyhow, it's south of downtown Seoul, so we had to drive THROUGH the city to get there...of course, there's an easier way, but we only had a subway map to help us get there, and Dan, who I should never trust...just looked at Google maps before we left and said we had to take hwy 3 to hwy 6. I won't go into details, but we can't exactly read ALL of what every sign says, and just follow when we saw a 3 or a 6. We got there, but it took us like 45 minutes longer than it should have. We bought a detailed map and made it home in an hour and some change. Much easier when you have a map to read and can take expressways.:)
Anyhow, we walked into the Yongsan PX (much bigger post), and I had to wait on Dan for something. This Korean lady approached me and said that I had beautiful children and wondered if I was interested in them modeling. I just had to send her their picture via email and she'd get in touch with me. In the states, I would be leery of this (and still am a little), but we'd been told that they LOVE blonde hair, light eyed kids here and they do all the modeling for catalogs here. Dan's co-worker (a Korean) saw a picture of the girls and told him that they'd probably do modeling once they got here. So, we'll look into it and Dan's going to ask the Koreans at work about her-she gave us her business card, but what a great way for them to get college money. I was prepared for it, but couldn't believe we'd been in country three days and were approached!
I got my license today! I even drove on post. I'm still not super confident about driving in the city, but I'll get there. The test was pretty easy. I got a perfect score...of course.;-) Dan had a study test and it was pretty much the same as the test. I guess they just pass it around. The thing is...they have pretty much the same rules, but NONE are followed. They run red lights (after stopping first), stop on the side of the road (and block the right hand lane), and do illegal stuff ALL OF THE TIME. So, when I read the manual, I was pretty surprised at some of the laws.:) Anyhow, I have one now...it's in Korean and English. I have to carry a SOFA card with me (something of forces agreement) so I'm somewhat protected in case of an accident.
Tomorrow, Dan goes back to work. I'm not looking forward to that, but he's going to pick us up in the afternoon so we can get the girls registered at the CYS (children and youth services). It's so they can go to the CDC AND they have summer camps the girls can go to! I was so excited. They go on field trips at the end of the week and they're gone from 8-5 M thru F. It'll be great for them to get out of the apartment and give me a break in the middle of the summer.
We had Pizza Hut last night!! Woot! It's just two blocks away. Dan and the older two walked down to get it.
My iPhone is broke. It doesn't ring when I have a call. So, we took it back today and she has to send it off to be fixed. Said it should be gone a few days. NOT happy about that.
Dan went to pay rent today. It's 1,622,000 won! AND, we have to pay in cash. So, we went to the ATM today and they gave it to him in 10,000 won bills. We had a wad of 165 won bills in my wallet today while running errands. It would barely fit!
June 1, 2011^^^
Saturday, May 28, 2011
It took a village
What moving looks like...
That ain't no lie.
As I write this entry, we're already in S Korea and Dan's schooling me in 220V and 110V (or whatever) stuff and the importance of reading labels. NO, I have not burnt anything up...yet, but apparently, I was lucky that my CHI hair straightener didn't explode this morning. Gosh, isn't it enough that I endured that flight?? Now, I have to learn about Korean stuff as well?
The week the packers came was a crazy one. On Monday (the 16th), Ava had her Pre-school spring musical/graduation. My mom and dad came down for that and then we ate some lunch before picking up Abby and heading back to the house. Dad helped with a few things around the house and then drove back to Indiana, leaving Mom to help for the next few days. I gotta admit, my stress level was pretty high, but a chunk was lifted with each day that passed. The actual packing and loading was pretty uneventful. On Thursday, the day they packed our non-temp storage, Dan's parents came down to help for the day. All of them were so much help and I honestly don't think I could have done any of it without them.
Thursday night, Dan flew in! He was supposed to come in at 8:51, and I figured with de-planing, baggage claim, etc, he wouldn't be ready until about 9:10, but as I was getting Libby into her stroller, he called! He wanted to know WHERE we were!!:) His plane had arrived early and he was waiting for us in baggage claim. He wasn't even supposed to land for another 10 minutes. I *could* insert a funny story about Bill yelling at the wrong person here, but I won't....
It was great to see Dan and the girls were very excited to be with their Daddy again. I was so worried Libby wouldn't go to him, but she did. She was a little shy, but they have made up quickly and famously, so all is well with the world.
The next few days was a flurry of cleaning and organizing the house...prepping it to be rented. We mailed a lot of our stuff to Korea because anything that the packers sent would take at least a month. Not good when you have three young children.
Our families hosted a party for us in Westport on Saturday so we could see everyone in one spot to say goodbye. We won't be back until we move back, so it will be 1.5 to 2 years before we even have the chance to see these people. We were pleasantly surprised to see all those who came! We counted about 80 guests! It was a wonderful time, but so sad to say goodbye to everyone.
I'll have to post later about our first few days in South Korea, but Dan wants his computer to play a game while I watch 'Water for Elephants'.:)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The trip to St Louis
I enjoy St Louis....
So...the UAB (unaccompanied baggage)and dropping the Acadia off in St Louis had me NERVOUS. Trying to figure out what to send in the UAB was kind of complicated to me until I realized I would just send what I wanted to live the shortest amount of time without. It also helped when I decided anything I didn't send in UAB and really wanted quickly, I would just mail. I know it's probably pretty simple for some people, but if you know me, you get this.
The day of the UAB pickup, I needed to leave for IN to drop the girls off at Dan's sister's house for the next few days. After that, I had to head to Indy for the night because Angie and I were leaving early Friday morning for St Louis to drop our car off for shipment.
Dan's parents came down the morning of the UAB pickup, but the packers didn't get here until early afternoon. That all went fairly smoothly, and then they drove Dan's truck to the Hertz office in Elizabethtown. Bill and Martha left to go home from there, and I headed to pick Abby up from after school care. On the way, I reached for my iPod I got for mother's day (early) and realized it wasn't in my purse, where I thought I'd put it. I debated going all the way back home to get it, when we were so close to the interstate. I decided to run home, even though it added probably a half hour to my trip, but I really wanted to listen to music with all the driving I was about to do. I am so glad I did.
I got the girls dropped off at Deb's, with a little tears, and headed for Indy to spend the night. Now, I fibbed to a few people and told them I was staying in a different place than I really did. I stayed in a hotel in Plainfield just because I didn't want anyone to worry themselves over me staying in a hotel by myself. BUT, it saved me a lot of travel time and it was just more convenient. I was SO tired when I finally got there (almost 10pm) and really don't remember much from the check-in other than where I parked. The next morning, I got up and rushed to get ready. I had to meet Angie at Christy's house, which is super conveniently close to the interstate, at 7am. I was heading out the door, on time, mind you, and couldn't find my keys! I searched everywhere, but I honestly didn't have much stuff, so all I could think was that I dropped them in the parking lot the night before. And, if that was the case, someone probably had my precious Acadia in Canada by then. Thankfully, the front desk had them, and gave them up after identifying me by Dan's dog tags on them. PHEW!
Angie and I head out and enjoy a chatty and pretty uneventful 3 hours to East of St. Louis, where we were to drop my car off. That's when Sandy, our GPS decided to freeze. SHE DIED!! We had no other directions, but thankfully, we were near a McDonald's AND we had my iPod (See? And you just thought that was a boring stupid story). We were able to look up directions to the Hertz place downtown, then to the VPC (vehicle processing place), and then back to our hotel in downtown STL. We got to the VPC and a lady hops in to look at our gas level. It was *right* above a 1/4 of a tank, but needed to be AT a quarter or below. SO, we drove about a five mile loop...onto the interstate, exit off to a highway, and GUN IT back onto the interstate for an hour. It was funny...but not. Needless to say, we were pretty pooped.
Flooding...you could tell it had just been up over the road because it was a little muddy.
Not a half bad view....
We walked around the arch and area for a few hours, got something to eat, and then headed back to our hotel, which was right next to BUSCH STADIUM!!! As we were walking in the hotel, we heard this roar and realized that we could sit on the hotel patio and listen to the game! Angie had a beer and we ate our desserts from the restaurant.
It was a really nice time and was so happy to spend some time with my 'big' sissy. I only wish our younger sister could have came as well, but she was on vacation in FLORIDA!
Getting the car sent off is a huge weight off my shoulders. Thank you to everyone for your help this weekend to help us get it accomplished. It is SO appreciated.
The prep
Someone once told me that moving is one of the most stressful things in life...followed by divorce. I don't know if it's true (probably not), but it sure feels like my head is going to explode some days. Ever since I got the email from Dan, "OUR CSP IS APPROVED!!!", there are moments when I just want to sit down and refuse to even think about all the things I have to do. Moving, alone, is hard, but moving overseas, with three kids, and my husband not here, is HARD. I always complain to Dan that he doesn't do enough to help, but when he's gone, I realize that's not quite the truth. He does A LOT around the house!
Right now, I'm sorting our things that will be going WITH us to Korea and into storage. I feel like I have been purging and organizing since last October when we got word we would be going, but seriously? We have a ton of junk in this house. A lot of things that we don't use and really won't use anytime in the near future and I just don't feel like putting in storage. I can imagine when we get our things, in January 2013, or May 2013, I will realize that I have lived without these things for two years and get rid of even more stuff.
They came to get our unaccompanied baggage three days ago and I have another 8 days until the main bunch of packers/movers come. There's still a lot to do and I still have to work on the house so we can rent it out. We finally decided on a property manager and I pray that the house doesn't sit empty for too long. I can't stress about THAT right now, because really there is not much we can do about other than to have it as presentable as possible
I'll add a few pictures of the process of sorting/purging/organizing...I swear the house doesn't usually look like this.
Ok...so I don't know how to move the pictures...yet, and I don't know how to delete pictures I put on here (that don't belong). Let's just all agree that it ain't pretty, this moving process.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)