OMIGOD....OMIGOD YOU GUYS!

(Some of you might understand the broadway show reference in the title!)

I can't believe how much time has passed....my "year" is almost up....that single year which I have decided to turn into two!  If you'd asked me 6 months ago whether or not I would stay longer than a year, I would have immediately replied with a disgusted, "NO!"  Haha....funny how a slew of amazingly unique friends and adorable children can change your mind...

Today I recognize just a few friends - mostly representative of the ESL population in Seoul, all of whom are connected within about two degrees of separation in this city through the wonderful world of Facebook :)

In completely random order:

It was Jaylene's ending that led to so many beginnings....to quote from RENT, "What was it about that night?  Connection in an isolating age...."

It's amazing how we all grew so close due to a farewell.... and thankyou Semisonic for this:

"Every beginning comes from another beginning's end..."

Karolina - Our first two Sundays of knowing each other  = EPIC!  And the life-changing trip to Boracay....priceless.

OH mudfest...I can't WAIT for this again this year!  AHHHhhh!!!

Sunday Funday's....had to recruit the Canadian boys to help end the weekends in style - thanks boys!

I work with some pretty amazing women at my school!  Mackenzie (the ginger) is a brilliantly crazy lady originally from Montana but considers her base to be Chicago.  She is quite the creative one with her projects.  Sarah-Teacher (middle) is a natural teacher and nurturer...she's taught me so much!  Klara-Teacher (right) is my supervisor and I'm SO lucky!  She's SO nice and understanding....I've got it pretty good at my school :)

Had to stick in a shot of the British boys at their finest....they are usually in this state and tend to give everyone they meet a good laugh.  This is on "S" night, a fancy-dress party for Stephanie's birthday - hence the "Sushi & Sleepy Snoopy Slumber Party."

L-R:  Adrian - an Irishman, Sam - a Bostonite (also one of the ladies that traveled to the Philippines with me), Derek - a friggin' Canadian, and Amy - a fellow GRIT!  All of these people have plotted interesting points in my Korean graph of adventure :)

Cyndie & Nicole - amazing women that completely helped build the foundation for my Korean support system.  Not sure if you can tell, but this is the very beginning of the first night of snow in Seoul!

Meet The Mack....my southern gent - he ALWAYS looks out for me!  I look forward to the day when we meet in our homeland where we will stuff ourselves silly on fried chicken, grits, microwaved Moonpies, etc.

Thanks to Dave, I now understand everything there is to know about Toronto, Canada....and why I would never live there.

JK - this guy's amazing and he knows it.... and my mommy told me TO's not THAT bad!

XOXO!

I really hate to say it...but my friend Gretchen is somewhat of a whore.  She wears too much make-up, not enough clothing, and screams desperate with the pink dye job.  She's really into James...I mean who wouldn't be with those Auntie-Wants-To-Pinch-Em-Cheeks!

Elsa - the first of my closest friends to go back to the homeland....I learned so much from her!

(miss yah Brokeback)

My friend Luis and his girl....Luis never failed to make me laugh at his ridiculous random comments.

(Dad - you'd be proud....we tuned them first.)

Last but not least - my fancy dress ladies, Stef & Hayley.  I couldn't have asked for better friends in my travels that both know growing old doesn't mean you have to outgrow your childhood.  I love and admire both of you amazing ladies!

I want to direct you to a link that demonstrates just how much fun we have being silly!