i heart the interwebz

Let me just say that the Internet is the best thing in the whole world. 

Last week end I talked to my brother for 2 hours via Viber then got to talk to my bestie in Hong Kong for another hour! It was great seeing her and knowing that she's only an hour behind me makes things a lot easier. Just having visual conversations is really making my transition easier. 

Let me just say that it made for one helluva Sunday. 

The VERY first person I had the pleasure of Skyping was my girl Jennifer. The time difference is a little tricky especially with video calling. It's LATE in Texas and it's not too early and Korea and she's had an eventful night. Just seeing her face and listening to her voice immediately elevated my mood. 

Since I didn't post of Thanksgiving I figured I'd tell you what I'm thankful for. 

WIFI

...

and family and friends of course (duh)

Thanksgiving I got to skype my home girl Kelli! Seeing the doggies and her husband and her made me feel like we were hanging out again. 

uber flattering picture of me courtesy of Snapchat haha 

Then last night Skyping with my dad so that I could navigate him through my messy room so that he could find clothing that I wanted him to send me for Christmas hahha

To me this is what is keeping me grounded and inspired to be overseas. The incredible amount of support and love and people taking time our of their day to talk to me when I'm 15 hours ahead. 

... Or in the future as my friend James would say! haha

Even though social media is the root of all evil it's keeping me in the loop with my friends and family and it's making the 6,000 mile gap feel a little less ... huge ... 

So feel free to Skype me, Viber me, Whatsapp me, or KAKAO TALK me

hehe

Happy belated turkey day!

Love y'all

xoxo

Greene

Hongdae Foodie

So Saturday was pretty busy for me! But that doesn't mean I stayed in! Karla, Sarah and I definitely had a foodie/drinky kinda evening. 

Heading out of station 9 in Hongdae to start our night!

((San Antonio REPPIN'))

Gusto Tacos - Hongdae 

This was pretty delicious!

 Sure it's not exactly Tex-Mex but it still satisfied the tortilla craving. The handmade corn tortillas were delicious! This is carne asada and it was awesome having a good ole Dos XX. 

After this Sarah and I took down another tortilla each haha it was just too good to pass up! 

After that we walked up and down the strip because Sarah wanted to take us to this one place that has amazing pizza and subzero ice cream. 

I took a picture of this building just because it was visually interesting. Im not sure what it is but it's cool looking haha So after getting a little lost we finally found the pizza place!

Coyote Saloon - Hongdae

This is my white russian drink and we tore up some 4 cheese pizza. It was a little on the pricey side but there were 3 of us so we split it evenly so it didn't make it too bad. The restaurant was pretty cute it was up on the 2nd floor and made for some good people watching. 

After this it was time for my first Hongdae club experience.

Not going to lie I was a little nervous because I haven't been out out since I was in college so I figured this was going to be an experience haha 

We went to Papa Gorilla's near Cocoon and it was pretty fun. It's funny to see the girls dancing here because they dance with their hands its pretty cute.

The night was a lot of fun it was good to get out and blow off some steam from the week! 

Hope everyone had a great week end and I hope you enjoy your Sunday!

xoxo

Greene

VIPS field trip! ((aw ya))

FIELD TRIP DAY!!!

So today we got to go to VIPS which is like an upscale buffet style Luby's. The food is international and pretty delicious! The view is what made it an experience!

Sitting high above Sincheon! 

The kids got to go to VIPS to bake cookies and learn about manners in a restaurant setting. Also etiquette like how to use cutlery and what not! 

How cute!! ^^~ So as they were watching the power point all the teachers got to enjoy the buffet... let me just say this was the first time I'd stuffed myself in Korea. I was thinking (( it's free && i haven't eaten breakfast... )) haha One thing that my co-worker had was a vinegar flavored drink! Crazy right?? But it was actually really delicious and good for you! 

One thing I have become a huge fan of is grapefruit aid. Since Korean's are very much into being healthy and weight lose grapefruit aid is supposed to help. I'm not sure about all that but it is pretty delicious. 

After we chowed down it was time for the kids to start shaping their cookies!

Too cute!! They all did such a great job!! Then it was time for them to eat! After we were all stuffed and tummies full they worked on coloring masks. Which turned into them getting up talking, and hanging out with the teachers. They taught me how to write my full name in Korean! We took some selfies with the kiddos and it was time to say goodbye!

This was a great field trip!!! The kids had a great time and so did the teachers! I'm grateful to have such awesome kids. 

Time for bed here in Korea!!

Have a great Hump Day USA! 

xoxo

Greene

Comfortably homesick

I cant help but feel ... sentimental today

School today was great the kids saw their first snow flurry of the season and the cold wind hitting my face when I walked home made me happy to be going home. 

I got home and saw a card in my mail box!! HAZZZA first letter since I've been in Seoul! It was a belated birthday card from my amazing father ! I ran upstairs to up it and once I finally caught my breath I opened it and tears flooded my eyes and my heart sank into my feet. 

If your a friend of mine or just know who I am, I am extremely family oriented. Sure my family has it's fair share of weirdness but what family doesn't ? Since I was a little girl I've always been a daddy's girl. Even more so when my mother pasted away. My father has done nothing but encourage me to live out my dreams no matter how foolish they sound. 

No one ever thought that I would have the balls to pick up and move 6,000+ miles away from my close knit family, my animals, and my father.

I haven't been too home since in my 2 weeks here. I've been extremely busy learning the ropes at work, organizing my apartment, and trying to be social and explore. Lately my heart has felt heavy because I really miss my family. But then I think of all of the love and support they have poured onto me it gives me the strength to be proud that I am here. I am living my dream. 

My far fetched, it doesn't make sense, you'll never do it in a million years

 ... dream

I'm doing what I love in a country I've never seen trying things I'd never do and

I love it. :) 

Thanks for letting me vent tonight 

I love you all && thank you for all your unconditional love 

xoxo

Greene

Seoul Lantern Festival!

The Seoul Lantern Festival!

Today I made it a point to get off my ass and do something! Thankfully I had plans with my wonderful friend Karla! We always manage to find some cool stuff to do and since she's a veteran around these parts it's nice to have her show me around!

Tonight was actually the last night the lantern festival was going on. I believe it started at the beginning of November and it ended today! It's Korean culture colorfully displayed on the river in the form of lanterns. It was a unique experience. 

We were herded through a line along the river and I got some good laughs on the way. I have never seen so many couples not only matching their clothing but taking "selfies" with the lanterns. Sure I would have found it cute and romantic if I were in their shoes but it made for some good people watching. I want the say the lanterns extended for about a mile maybe a little less. Each was uniquely different and stunningly beautiful. 

This one is my favorite. It was tucked away in a tunnel and the lanterns remind me of candy. So colorful and each very unique. 

It was good to get out and see the lights and take in some quality people watching on a Sunday evening. 

Time to get back to grading some papers! Tomorrow is Monday after all!

xoxo

Greene

shame pizza

So I think I've finally hit my wall...

I know myself to be codependent and I still am. Today I found myself wandering alone through the streets looking for something to do. I went and got my eye lashes done then I decided I was hungry. Usually I don't have too much of an issue eating alone but for some reason when I walked into Mr. Pizza I felt peoples eyes burning holes through my sweater. The girl asked me for here or to go and I nervously said to go... knowing I didn't want to walk back to my apartment and eat. So I sat there and people stared at me while they ate and I grabbed my pizza and darted off into the streets. I thought well I'll park it at a park and eat then walk to Lotte Super to do some grocery shopping. Then my anxiety of being alone kicked in and I started eating in an alley. YES I repeat an alley. Once I saw people starting to walk I quickly shoved the pizza in my mouth and kept walking. 

Needless to say this wasn't the proudest moment in my life. 

I quickly ditched the pizza box in a garbage can and went to Super Lotte. I got my stuff and came home. Once I got home I realized what my morning consisted of... I felt pitiful. 

Now I'm back at my place feeling ... well lonely. I am a creature of social interactions. Sure I can be an antisocial Sally but for the most part being with other warm bodies makes me feel good. As I kakao'd my friend as she was falling asleep, the sadness followed. I miss my friends, my family, and my animals. I know this will soon pass and being alone will probably do me some good in learning how to become more independent. 

But today I feel like I failed. 

Time to pick myself up and wipe the shame off my shoulders because this is a learning experience. Nothing is ever perfect so I need to make the most out of this and c'est la vie right? 

Alright time to get back out there & make the most of this gorgeous Saturday 

xoxo

Greene

Hello!

Hello all! 

So I am proud to say that I am 2 weeks into my new adventure. Living in Seoul is like a hazy dream that I cant wake up from. Sure work is can be demanding at times but it has been more than worth it. I am happy to have such awesome co-workers and an amazing friend that has lived here for 3 years. I have to say this transition hasn't been overwhelmingly difficult considering I was crying like a baby at the airport all the way here. ((no shame))

So to commemorate my 2 week anniversary I uploaded the video of the plane landing at Incheon International Airport.

Im excited to share my photos, stories, and memories with you!! 

Stay tuned for more 

:)

xoxo

Greene