My parents and my brother left yesterday and it was a mixture of sadness and happiness for me. I am a little sad because I feel like I didn't really spend as much as time with them as I could in ten days. I didn't get any days off because there is not enough teachers except for the holiday on Thursday and the weekend. One of my best friends here probably saw them just as much as anyone, and my mom loved his sister who is my brother's age who speaks perfect English. She is only home from studying at the U of Michigan before she goes back for her senior year. I think she is more American than me at this point, and my mom wanted me to make sure that I tell them that she can visit my parents anytime she wants in the States.


My brother was a pain in the neck a lot because he missed his fiance so much, not to really want to do anything. The last three days he practically didn't do anything, but stay at the hotel and talk to her via webcam and all of that when she was awake. He said, Seoul, one of the biggest cities on the planet was boring and there was nothing to do.

They didn't like Korean food really at all, which was more disappointing. I ate more American, Italian, or whatever food in ten days than the entire time I've been here ~ well not really. It was stressful trying to keep them busy and happy, but what do I expect from my mom and dad. I hope they enjoyed the trip here and aren't just saying that. My dad with all of my friends and my family couldn't stop talking about business and how much money we have, etc. Now all my friends think my family is super rich ~ which I could careless about, but they met my dad.

Everyone in my family thinks I drink too much, and half joked about it and at the same time seem upset about this. I don't drink too much, it is just Korea's culture. I went out two nights while they were here with my friend and the first night it wasn't bad. The second night my friend and I ended up having a good time and drunk three bottles of soju. The next morning I was a little sick, so I met them at the hotel very late at about 1:30 and couldn't eat anything. They were a little mad. Monday night when we went to dinner with people from work, drinking is a big thing, a social activity. I had a little beer, but I couldn't drink the soju because my family especially my dad gave me these really mean looks. It was very embarrassing because it isn't really a problem, I don't feel like, but my family is another story.

They left yesterday morning, and I went to work out for the first time in two weeks after that. The trainer came up to me and asked me why I haven't been there in a long time. I told him that my family came, etc. Then he asked me, "you still drink a lot sometimes?" I said yes, sometimes I drink and he told me, "yes", maybe becasue I look like I lost some muscle mass in my arms. He said, "you have a lot of stress, why?" I guess he cares, but sometimes I don't know if he cares or what the intention is, but I would like to think we are friends. It isn't a big deal though - but I will try to not do it as much and get back in the gear of sleeping better and working out. I just think it is funny how he acts concerned about me and he used to joke with me about how many bottles of soju I can drink and how much he drinks sometimes. Maybe he doesn't really want to drink a lot sometimes, but feels obligated to because he is with other people, but now I don't mind drinking soju sometimes and almost find it fun.

Life is a work in progress - - ->the next goal is maybe to start watching my drinking again and be responsible and drink less. It isn't my problem though, it is the result of being in Korea too long.

I Have a Computer Again!

My parents are here in Seoul now visiting me and they brought me my new Sony Notebook computer, so I can blog again. There are many stories that I could share right now but because of time maybe I won't. I have managed to create some drama in my life as always, but I am keeping it to a minimum. I managed to break up a boyfriend and girlfriend, but it's okay. The bright side is I did the girl a favor, and I think I made the right decision to not pursue her even though she wanted me because she isn't the best for me.

I am continuning to study Korean as hard as I can even though I know I might not end up staying after this year.

My parents got here on Sunday night, but ever since I have been stressed out a lot about trying to keep them happy and busy. So far, they are acting too American or I am acting too Korean maybe their opinion. I have a holiday on Thursday so at least I have another day with them besides the weekend before they leave next Wednesday. I am trying to enjoy their visit, but I need the space. I am not spending the night with them and my brother at the hotel tonight and won't see them until lunch tomorrow. My friends are helping out as best they can, but it is hard to make my parents happy. Maybe Korea is too different for them. . . and my brother misses his fiancie too much, it is sickening! I am glad they are here and I am going to make the most out of it and enjoy the visit!

That is all for now, I will try to blog more often again though now. ^^