Another year, another birthday.

It was fun. Thanks everyone xoxo

Currently listening to: House of the Rising Sun, Animals

The first 100

I am almost 100 days into this Korean adventure. It is almost impossible to believe how much time has passed. Once you settle into a routine here, things move pretty quick. I'm not sure where I thought I would be at this point in my time here, but I definitely thought I would have seen more of the country by now. Oh well, there are still 265 days left to see all the temples, parks, mountains, trails, and old Buddhas that I can.

Here is a little list of the most important things the first 100 days has taught me-

1. It isn't going to be anything like you think it is.
2. If you see something cool, check it out. It might not be there tomorrow.
3. The money seems like Monopoly money. But it isn't.
4. The Seoul subway system is scary but super rad once you figure it out.
5. A bus card is the best thing ever.
6. Don't forget to turn the shower head off (it is connected to the bathroom faucet...it has ruined a morning or two for me).
7. Few things feel better than receiving a care package, a card, or anything from home.
8. Korean food is generally cheap and super tasty. Don't be too scared of it.
9. When you are totally unsure of what to do somewhere, just stand there looking around until a Korean tries to help you (they always do!).
10. Leave your apartment as much as you can.

So, Korea, here is to the next 100 days :)

currently listening to: Coldplay

and a coffee to top it off

I love clothes, pictures and Starbucks. This brings all of it together.


From the dsquared2 Fall 2009 collection (super ancient in the fashion world).

Anyways, I want this outfit. So I can wear it when I take pictures like this-



The weather has been somewhat nice, but the wind is bitter cold. I'm ready for Korea to be warm and sunny. I think it is going to be a whole new experience.

currently listening to: Dreamgirl; Dave Matthews

Because you're only young once

I bought myself a little birthday gift. Ok. It isn't little. It auctually looks like a huge joke camera. It is a wide angle Fuji Instax I found at E Mart. There is a mini version that does tiny pictures, but once I saw the wide angle I had to have it. So there are many pictures to come. (I will have to post of picture of me holding it up to my face because it is funny)

I spent a lot of time last week working on birthday invites. They were super cute. My birthday should be filled with cupcakes this year. Surprisingly enough, there are some amazing cupcakes here in Daegu.

And I had rice and raisins with toast for dinner this week. It tasted like home :)

currently listening to: Ben Harper

the weekend's best

My favorite shots from a weekend that felt like Sunday everyday.

Cinnamon pancake heaven at Seomun Market

Because you should leave the hospital to run to the store.

Coke.

"You're going to have to find out where you want to go. And then you've got to start going there. But Immediately. You can't afford to lose a minute." -J.D. Salinger

Currently listening to: Sunday Kind of Love, Etta James.

Sunday afternoon

I love the weekend in Korea. There are times when I rarely leave my cozy apartment. Then there are the weekends that are filled with activities and plans and places to see. I have especially come to love the slightly lazy weekend that involves excessive time in stationary stores and coffee shops downtown. Our favorite coffee shop has a swing in the window that we quickly commandeer the moment it is open. While the weather can sometimes make things miserable, there is always something to occupy the time.

There has never been a weekend that has gone by slowly. I often find myself lost among the many small stores that are constantly changing and need to be re-explored. My camera can lead me to some fairly distracting places too. The endless supply of interesting things to be photographed can lure me away like a toddler distracted by something shiny. I have found my weekends here to be among the most relaxing weekends of my entire life. I know it won't always be that way, so I'm trying to enjoy these moments as much as I can.

(That's me.)

currently listening to: lots of Rachael Yamagata

Seoul shine.

A short winter vacation spent in freezing South Korean temperatures was not ideal. However, we made do and did what we could to enjoy the time away from the ever so sweet but constantly squealing children. We hopped on the amazingly comfortable KTX train in an attempt to leave it all behind for a bit.

We left for Seoul as if nothing could possibly go wrong (because it's us. that's why.). However, this was not the case. Immediately upon our arrival, snow began to fall and the freezing temperature dropped to subzero. To add insult to injury, we weren't aware that there are two subways of the same color, running opposite ways, needless to say we started out on the wrong one. This did little to daunt our spirits as we struggled to find our hotel and the snow began to accumulate on our coats and suitcases. Once a kind stranger helped point out that we were standing thirty feet from our hotel door, we settled in and prepared for some power shopping.

While the shopping in Korea is endless, it is a struggle to find things that fit properly (mainly jeans) and that are made of at least at least 50% cotton (cotton is an expensive import here, oh the things we take for granted). So, we set about shopping and eating and enjoying the bustling city that was being blanketed in white. While many purchases were made, few brought me as much enjoyment as this little piece-

It's a camera necklace. Awesomeness.

We survived three days in Seoul, spending a significant amount of time in a lovely Starbucks near our hotel where we ate fabulous bagels and I had perfect macchiatos. We were able to squeeze in a self-guided palace tour, an Andy Warhol exhibit, and a dinner at Outback. We left as planned, seemingly unharmed...until the next morning of course when I realized that I had left the two pairs of jeans and a shirt I bought in our hotel. Seoul is exhausting. Check out my Picasa album as it is full of amazing shots and a few video clips too.

currently listening to: Just Say Yes, Snow Patrol.