LOOONG overdue update

Hey everyone...sorry about the delay in posting. It has been a busy three weeks or so. I guess I should start off where I left off. Here we go.

I had a great birthday overall. I got packages from my aunts and my parents. That Saturday, I had some co-workers over for a apt warming/birthday evening. We had a great time eating in my apartment, then going out to a karaoke room! I then went out to a bar and had a couple Midori Sours, before heading back to the apartment for bed. Since then, a lot has happened.

Firstly, I have a flight home December 25 (yes, it's Christmas!), arriving in Boston at 7:40pm. I will be in MA, and the surrounding states, until January 3. As of now, I do not have set plans for the whole time I am there. I REALLY want to go skiing...and just spend time with my friends and family. I will be going down to NYC the weekend after Christmas, and I will be seeing the Celtics my last evening home! I can't wait! 68 DAYS AND COUNTING...WOOO!

Next, I finally have a routine going on at work. I arrive around an hour early each day to work, so I can get prepared for my classes (I have roughly 6-7 classes a day). I spend that hour writing a detailed lesson plan so I have an outline for what I will be doing in class, what I will be giving out for homework, and so my supervisor has an idea of what I've done. It really does help me a lot...and I am really getting used to this routine. I still really enjoy everyone's help they give me at work...it's a REALLY great work environment (so much better than my last few jobs!) and minus a few bumps along the way, I am officially on autopilot...with my eyes on Christmas break.

I have been really homesick recently. I feel a big reason for this is because I really haven't felt completely comfortable here. I like control in my surroundings, and it's basically impossible here, specifically with the language barrier. Add to that the fact that everyone (meaning the native English speakers) have all known eachother for a long time...I do kind of feel left out. Everybody is so nice, but yet, they aren't and will not be true friends to me...it may be too early to say, but these people have eachother first and foremost...they want nothing to do with me on a deep level (nor should they!)...they don't know me...so there's nothing really there other than an occasional weekend dinner, and the casual hang out, just honestly, is great. It's all fine and good, but who can I go venting to when I have a problem? Who will be there when I REALLY need someone to be there for ME? I'm the one without the 'rock'. I sometimes feel like the last kid picked for a kickball game...with no sides wanting me. I know it's not entirely true...but it's hard not to feel that way sometimes. The one who I 'thought' would/could be that rock simply cannot be, and for all intents and purposes, I feel it's a good thing. The main gist of this is the fact that I often feel that sense of loneliness and I would REALLY love my own friends. Maybe Time will become my friend again. *crosses fingers*

One of my saving graces has been Chris, but I've only seen him twice since I've been here, due to him being very busy...and three (+) hours away. I have a couple of his friend's numbers, and I've met a few of them as well, but they have their own lives here...the same holds true for all the Korean teachers at work. I guess I just haven't found my "place" yet here. I really miss all my friends back home. Everyone who was there to support me through a REALLY rough time...and I kind of feel like I left them selfishly, even though I know it's not true. I have an INCREDIBLE support system back home, and sometimes I feel like I'm a real idiot for leaving it all behind. That's where my handy dandy phone card comes in handy...I've called a lot of my friends, and my family...just to get a dose of that love that I need. All in all, work-related, things could be a LOT worse, and frankly...I'm sitting in a pretty good position, and I KNOW I will end up at the end of the contract a good teacher, and SO damn proud of myself that I FINALLY stuck out a job till the end.

I have found a safe haven at the Seoul Performing Arts Center. The place is beautiful, and the concerts are CHEAP...what more could you ask for?! I have seen two college performances, and both were amazing...especially at the amazing price of 10,000 won, which roughly equals $10. I will be seeing a Cello concert Sunday evening, with a great program, which includes a Sound of Music Medley...I am really excited for that.

So that's pretty much what's going on here. Again, I miss EVERYONE at home, and PLEASE let me know if you'll be around when I'm home so plans can be made.

Leave love,

~Greg :)