Tuesday, August 31, 2010

To be real with you...

Ok, now first of all, of course everything I have previously posted is entirely true. But I just read through all of what I have written and I have realized that I have only posted the things that I thought would make you all happy to read. And don't get me wrong, that is really how I have been feeling about all of this. But realistically, I don't think you have a clue as to what it is like over here for me. I actually really think my apartment is great, and apparently it is a bit bigger then the other teachers, which is definitely surprising because mine is not big at all. Now I don't want this to sound like a complaint, but everyone here is just so focused on work, work, work, that little things seem to slip through the cracks. For instance, little things like not having hot water or gas yet, or maybe something like not having a light in bathroom/shower, or even something like not having a stove or any possible way to cook food for myself. So basically, I wake up in the morning and can't make anything to eat after I take a freezing cold shower in the dark. For over 2 weeks now. HaHaHa. The funny thing is that I am not too upset about it. I mean yeah it totally sucks. Really, who likes more then 2 weeks of cold showers? This is simply something that you can't really make an issue out of over here. I was warned too, that things will happen here, but in their own time. So I have just accepted my reality and go to work and work hard. That is what is expected here. Ya know, if you had asked me what I would think about enduring something like this before I had actually left for Korea I might have used words like "crazy", "ridiculous", or "insane". But I have been forced to have a brand new perspective on life over here. I really want to get as much out of this experience as possible. That means the good of course, and if so be it, the bad also. I think the first big thing I have learned over here is that my idea or "definition" of bad, or even simply what I thought was uncomfortable, is completely irrellevent now. And the only way to get through the things that have been difficult is to just accept it. I hate to say it, but I think I found what the actual definition for the phrases "It is what it is" means. In the end, its about taking the adversities and just accepting them as reality, because when you can do that, what you thought were adverse conditions will become just another day. And for me, that is quite alright, because each day here whether at work or just walking around the city, has been an absolute blessing.

Gotta go teach a reading & speaking class, my topic is American Idol, go figure hahaha...bye for now...

6 comments:

  1. It's amazing how many things we take for granted, or even further, take for "expected." Hot water and stoves are luxuries, but that's easy to forget when you always have them.

    I remember a period of time when I didn't have hot water in some place I was living during college. The weird thing was that, every time I took one of those freezing showers, I ended up laughing. I'm not sure why. Just because it was so bizarre, I guess.

    Oh, and I think I never told you that while I was in Yellowstone in February, the heat didn't work in the hotel. I didn't even care. Why? Because I was where I wanted to be, doing what I wanted to do.

    The main thing is that you're keeping your eye on the ball. This is the first gig you've felt passionate about for a long time.

    Everything else becomes the small stuff. "It is what it is" sums it up. Don't sweat the small stuff and you'll be fine.

    Love, Dad

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  2. Jason, Okay...wow! You and your dad are special for being okay with a cold shower. It must be in your genetics. (putting up with small inconveniences that others would have a fit over). Good for you! Lots of lessons to be learned and taught by your experiences. (good and not so good) Oh, and when you come back I could probably use some grammar/writing instruction. he! he!

    Thanks for keeping in touch, Lisa

    p.s. Your mom has been killin it in the gym. Yesterday it was pouring rain, monsoon like and she came and went through a really tough workout. :o)

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  3. Be sure to educate your class on how Bo Bice was robbed of the Idol title in season 4 and now he is stuck doing commercials for Moe's burritos.

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  4. Hey man long time no see/talk. I came across your fb post about the blog and didn't know you went to Korea. That's awesome! Sounds like quite the adventure and an experience of a life time. All those cold showers and hungry mornings will be a good reality check when you get back to the states. Good for you man. Ill definitely be checking back. Best of luck and lets see some pictures!

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  5. Wow! I think I would be a complete cranky, sour puss if I had to deal with taking cold showers in the dark for 2 weeks! You have such a great attitude and I'm happy to see how quickly you're adjusting. And you're right, it's important to put things into perspective... all in all, is it really that bad to be taking a cold shower in the dark!? At least you HAVE a shower! We can always have it so much worse, and we need to remember not to take our luxuries for granted, no matter how 'simple' they may be. With that being said, I still really hope you get your hot water, bathroom light, and stove SOON!

    So what did this lesson covering "American Idol" actually entail?? Sounds interesting!

    PS: Can't wait to see pictures! I can't even imagine the amazing sights over there!

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