A Few of My Favorite Things

In just a few short days, Teaven and I will pack up the last of our bags and hop on an airplane headed for the good 'ol state of Texas. I really can't believe that we've been here for a year and a half, and it's finally time to move home.

I wanted to take some time to document a few of my favorite things about Korea. There are so many.

Public Transportation

      

                                        

Seriously, it is so easy to get from one place to another in this country. I really wish it was this way in the US. AND not only is it easy, it's so cheap. We can take a taxi just about anywhere we need to go in our city for less than $5. Awesome

Coffee Shops

And, boy, are they in abundance here. We have at least 5 (probably a lot more) within 500 meters of our academy. Teaven and I are fond of sitting at a coffee shop for hours just talking (sometimes working). And I'm super fond of grabbing a cup of joe before work. Yum.

Seasons

Korea is a beautiful country, and it's even more accentuated by the vibrant colors during the seasons (well, minus winter). Growing up in Texas, I never truly got to experience a season other than summer. Let me tell you, Texas is missing out. Coming to Korea, I loathed fall. like, seriously, steamy passion hate. Leaving Korea, fall jumped up to possibly my favorite season. I still hate the cold that comes all too quickly here, but I will miss the beautiful snow.

Medical Care

We've been seen by dentists and doctors here for numerous reasons. On each occasion, the process was so quick, easy, and cheap. Also, it's really easy to just pop by a pharmacy and get a number of medicines that normally would not be considered "over-the-counter" in the US. We don't have insurance, and that hasn't caused a problem one bit. I love it and wish the US could mimic it. 

Food

Granted, this one is mainly for Teaven, since I've found I'm not too fond of Korean food. There are some things I love, though, like Korean BBQ, kimchi jjigae, cake, and several other things. But Teaven loves the food, and he will miss it greatly. 

Our Students

The students here are awesome. Well-behaved (for the most part), funny, and usually quite studious. Well, okay, as studious as kids get. I know teachers are supposed to have their favorites, but you're lying if you say you don't have a handful of favorite students. You know, those students that just find a special place in your heart? I've got several, and I will miss them. There've been a few students who Teaven and I would agree that we'd pack 'em in our luggage if we could. lol

This just got real...

Holy moly is time flying by!! I can't believe that there are only 2 weeks left of the challenge! And, even more so, I can't believe that means we are leaving the country in 3 weeks. Can you say crazy?

I'm determined to make these last 2 weeks count. My weight loss so far has been mediocre. I'm losing, but not as much as I should be, in my opinion. If I push really hard, and actually do what I'm supposed to, there's still a possibility that I'll reach my goal. So, Teaven and I are going to push each other to make the most of it before we get back and go shopping for our new, smaller wardrobes. SO excited to hit the stores. You have no idea.

Today we hit the teens in our countdown. 19 days. I can't believe what that means. You know when you're counting down to something and it just feels like a day doesn't take much off your countdown? Well, it's not like that anymore. Each day that passes, I feel a little more pressure to get things done and a lot more excitement that it's gonna be here before I know it.

I've started making my lists, and Teaven and I have Friday off this week to get some things done. He's going to the doctor to get his toe fixed before we move back to America, where medical expenses cost an arm and a leg. Seriously love that about Korea. Such awesome medical care. I'm going to get my hair done, and then we'll start the long-awaited for process of packing and deep cleaning our apartment.  So much to do, and I'm just so darn excited for this new journey in our lives.

Week 6

Here we are, entering Week 6 of the 8 Week Challenge. Can you believe we've been through 5 weeks already?

This past week was pretty good. I lost but feel like I am still pretty far from reaching my goal... and I feel like the time just keeps shrinking away. I've had a minor setback with running. I've got some type of problem with my right knee that makes it really hurt when I run. So, I'm taking a couple weeks off of running to see if that helps and only doing workout videos at home. I'm nervous it'll slow down my progress some because running is such a good workout for me, but I'm not going to let it stop me.

I'm determined to make these last 3 weeks count. Winter really gets to me. All this dreary, cloudy cold weather has me wanting to stay bundled up all day long. If it wasn't for Christmas, I would really loathe  winter. I'm not a big fan of cold weather, and I really look forward to getting back to Texas' warmer temps. I mean you people are still wearing shorts some days, right? Ridiculous. I think I'd die if I walked outside in shorts right now.

Our countdown to going home has passed the one month mark, and now each day that passes gives me a mini heart attack when I realize how close we are to leaving. There are so many mixed emotions that come with a big change like this. But that's for another post (which I promise I will write soon).

This week I'm going to forget all my setbacks. I'm going to lay aside my constant worry about how I want to look and focus on making healthy decisions.

Source: myfitnesspal.com via Toni on Pinterest

Sweet Jesus

God is so sweet to you. These words from a dear friend really touched me today. It's so true. God has blessed Teaven and I so much.

We are really feeling the big transition that is coming. We really started feeling it when we told my parents about our "early" arrival and even more so when we found out that new teachers had officially been hired to replace us. It's all becoming so real that we're moving back to America and probably never going to see this place again, our first home together. This last month here is really going to be bittersweet.

Last weekend, Teaven and I had the pleasure of seeing one of our friends from America in Seoul. It was so refreshing to talk with someone from back home. We had a great time with Kat, only wish it could have been longer!

We met up with her and headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was probably one of my favorite places we've been to in Korea. It was absolutely gorgeous. I was so disappointed that the weather was so nasty that day because the fall colors surrounding the palace were so breathtaking. 

Then, we headed to Itaewon for dinner and shopping. We were there for Halloween weekend, so naturally, we had to by these cute headbands. We ate at a delicious Indian restaurant, then walked around shopping for souvenirs. At one point, a man came yelling down the street about how people need to know Jesus. Then he pointedly looked at the three of us, and said, "Do you love Jesus?" When we all nodded and said yes, he quickly replied, "Good. See you later in Heaven." and walked away. We all agreed that anger probably isn't the best tactic, but his parting line was hilarious!

During our time together, the topic was brought up about how Kat's house in Killeen would be available to rent this month. When she offered it to us, we were both a little taken aback. Could this be a God-thing? (of course!) Up to this point, our plan was to go back and live with my parents until we could find something more permanent.   The only drawback of that plan is my older sister and her kids are currently living there as well while their house is being built in San Antonio. So, Teaven and I would be taking up space that really wasn't there. Isn't it amazing how perfect God's timing is? After some prayer and consideration, Teaven and I felt that this was the direction God was taking us (and if definitely doesn't hurt that her house is gorgeous!) We are so thankful for her generosity and truly blessed to have been able to spend time with her!

So, you see? God has been sweet to us. When I feel that sudden inkling of worry or doubt creeping into my mind about this move, I am sweetly reminded that he is in control. He has already provided so much for us, and it seems that he likes to give us these surprises to remind us that he will continue to do so. 

8 Week Challenge: Week 3 Reflection

Well, here we are entering week 4 of the 8 week challenge! I can't believe we are almost halfway finished! I did not have such a great week, especially compared to the awesomeness of last week. Towards the middle of the week I started feeling sickly and we had a busy weekend. I know that's no excuse, and I didn't eat terribly. It was just one of those weeks where I wanted to give my brain a break from the constant weight-loss mindset. I feel like a lot of my thoughts are directed towards my health, and I just needed a little break. Do you ever have moments like that?

In other news, my jeans arrived. You know the ones.. the beautifully made jeans with the single digit size on the tag. Yup, they're here, and they fit like a glove.

Part of me wants to be really disappointed in myself for the week that I had, but sometimes it's just so hard when I know I reached one of my BIG goals. I can wear a size 8, people. I still can't believe it at times, and I'm scared I'm going to go back to America and realize it was just a fluke. Ah, well, that's just my insecurities coming out. I told Teaven the day I got them that I don't usually get really proud of myself, but knowing I reached that goal made me SUPER proud. I did it. I accomplished what I set out to do, and it just reminds me that I can do this. No matter how hard I make it seem, I got this. 

So, I'm going into this week remembering this:

Surprise!

I know. I know.

Once again, I've failed to post my weekly update on the challenge on time. But thankfully, this week it is not because of a discouraging number on the scale. In fact, I was feeling great last week, and I just knew I would see a good number on the scale!

And guess what, I did! I lost 1.7 kilograms this week, which is totally awesome! However, I'm psyching myself into thinking that it's just too good to be true and my number next week will be worse. Just goes to show that you should not trust your emotions. I swear every week I'm either really positive or really negative. Maybe I should get this under control. But once again, I am going to push forward no matter what my emotions tell me. Sure, a nap sounds better than a run, but I will definitely feel a heck of a lot better after a run.

Anyways, all that to tell you the real reason I am so late in writing this post. You see, Teaven and I have been keeping a secret (and before I go any further, no, I'm not pregnant) from my family. We were planning on continuing to keep this secret, but certain things have happened that made us feel it was the wisest decision to tell them now.

And, they were shocked!

What's the secret, you ask? Well..... Teaven and I will be boarding a plane on December 8 to head back to Texas for good. We're going home and could not be more thrilled about it. PLUS.. We get to spend Christmas with our family, which makes it that much sweeter.

At first, we were hesitant to tell my family. I mean, we'd been keeping this secret since May, and the prospect of showing up at my parents' front door unannounced was sooo appealing. Can you imagine their faces? But now that we've told them, I feel good about it. I can now blog about all the things we are experiencing as we are working towards another big move. I don't imagine the cultural transition being as easy as one would think (but that's for another post).

So, now you know. My 8-week challenge doesn't end in time for my mom to send me a box for Christmas. It ends in time for me to fly to America and going shopping in all those wonderful stores I've so greatly missed for a year and a half.

Only 6 weeks left in the challenge! Can you believe it? That means I'll be in Texas in 7 weeks.

Here's how we told my family:

8 Week Challenge: Week 2

To my avid and faithful readers (there's bound to be at least one or two of you out there),

I am so sorry I have yet to post about Week 1 of the Challenge. We are now into Week 2, and I must say, I think I avoided this blog on purpose. Mainly, because I am an excellent avoider when I don't want to face something I don't like. And, to be honest, I did not like this week's results.

And, even now, I'm avoiding finishing this blog because it feels much easier just to give up and say, "What's the point? I'm just gonna eat that PB&J I want so badly right now."

But then I realize, that's why I'm here, that's why I started this challenge. Not to give up after the first week, but to keep going EVEN WHEN I DON'T LIKE IT.

And, to be honest, I found myself wanting to workout at times. Running is still somewhat of a challenge, and even more so because I've found myself with some type of knee injury this week, but I still enjoy it and love the way it makes me feel. I even worked out each day over the weekend. That never happens. NEVER!

Food is my problem. It has been and probably will continue to be my problem. I'm horrible at counting calories. I'll do great for a couple of days and then eat something that I deem is too difficult to find the caloric value for. So, I give up. I'd much rather stay in my innocent little world where I think I'm eating the right amount of calories (when in reality, I've gone over). There we go, avoiding again.

Unfortunately, avoiding doesn't work. Never has. Never will. And that's why I'm here to tell myself to STOP IT!

I could make an excuse that the number on the scale wasn't what I wanted. I could say I have an injury and can't workout. I could say, "What the heck? I've already gone over my calories, why not just eat that PB&J?" I could give you every excuse in the book.

But I'm not going to. I'm going to push forward and not let that inner fatty take control. I am capable. I am willing. I am persistent.

8 Week Challenge - Week 1

Alright, today begins the 8-week challenge. I've been trying to think of a creative name for it, but I'm not very good at that. All I've come up with so far is 8 to great, and it sounds so much better in my head than it looks written down. Ah, well, if you have any suggestions, let me know.

For me, Sundays will be my weigh-in day. I decided this would be good because I tend to eat worse on the weekend, but I feel that I will be more conscious about what I eat if I know I have a weigh-in coming up.

So here are my stats for today. I didn't do my measurements today, but I will be sure to do them next Sunday.

Starting weight- 74.3 kg (163.8 lbs)

It was definitely disappointing to see that number because two weeks ago I was lower, but it's still a good starting point. Definitely better than the 88 kg I started at.

It's gonna be a short one today because I've got a pounding headache and am about to go to bed, but I want to encourage you (and me). We can do this! It's going to be a great and fulfilling next 8 weeks.

Ready. Set. Go

Source: helpwithweightloss.org via Sarah on Pinterest

8 Week Challenge

Fall weather has officially set in here, and I am really enjoying the cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, with the cooler temps comes a strong desire to curl up under a blanket, watch movies, and drink hot chocolate. Sounds nice, right?

Well, sadly, that's all I want to do sometimes, and I've lost my motivation to exercise and eat healthy.

So, I've decided to give myself an 8-week challenge. This will lead me right up until the last week of November, perfect timing for me to have my mom ship me some new, smaller clothes! I plan to be very open about this journey because I find that the more shut off I am about things, the easier it is to let my bad behavior slide. Now, I've got the whole blogging world my few readers on the edge of their seats waiting to find out what happens. hah. Plus, I realized that I'm bound to not be the only person who struggles with these things.

Let's start by talking about my goals. A few days ago, I ordered my very first pair of goal jeans. They will hopefully be here by mid-October (thanks, mom!). Now, when I tell you the size, don't laugh because I've never been this size before, and I'm really excited to get there. They are a... wait for it... size 8! I've never been a single digit pant size in my life. Well, maybe as a child. I set this goal a few months back but unfortunately, living in Korea, doesn't allow me to just go to a store to see how far away I am from that goal. And I'm super nervous that when I try them on in a few weeks, I'm going to go into hysterics because they won't even fit over my leg (trust me, that's happened).

I also have a weight goal of 68 kilos (roughly 149 lbs), but at this point I'd just be happy to get out of the 160s. Not sure I can lose 4.5 kilos in 8 weeks, but I'm still gonna try!

Now, let's talk exercise. My goal is to run AT LEAST 3 times a week, usually a 5k if not more. I also plan to do some type of strength training exercise 2-3 times a week.

Finally, let's talk eating. Oh, how I love eating. I think that's my biggest problem. Food is just so... delicious. I love pizza. I love Baskin Robbins. I love Dr. Pepper and Coke. Can you see where I'm going with this? Pretty much anything bad for me, I love it. I am a firm believer of cutting back, not cutting out but sometimes I just need to. So, no soda and no Baskin Robbins. Pizza.. only once a month (hey, a girl still needs a taste of America once in a while). More veggies. More fruits. More water. Less sugar. Less calories. Speaking of calories, I do plan on tracking my calories on MyFitnessPal.

I always say that I need accountability, but in reality I just need determination and self-control, something I lack. So my hopes in continuously blogging my progress and struggles is that I will be able to reflect and continue to be determined and excited about accomplishing my goals. The challenge begins on Sunday. Let's pray I can actually follow through this time!

So, who wants to join me? Ready. Set. Go!

Celebrity Status

Here's one thing living in Korea has taught me:

I have no desire to become a celebrity.

Let me explain. As you know, Teaven and I live in a small city, where there are only about 70-100 foreigners. The population of the city is about equal to Killeen, so that gives you some idea of how small that number is.

In our town, foreigners are a spectacle, a sight to see or rather say, "Hello. Nice to meet you." (I could write a whole other blog on how many people have told me it was nice to meet me when they don't even know my name.) And, I think Teaven and I are the only white people who live in our apartment complex, which is not small by any means. We are practically celebrities here. Ok, maybe that's too strong of a word, but that's what I feel like sometimes. Everybody knows us. Everybody knows that we live on the fifth floor. Everybody knows that we have a beagle.

And, frankly, I'm tired of everybody involving themselves in my life. It's nice when they just say hello and keep walking. But when they decide it's their business to tell me what to do with my dog or what not to do with my dog, I get a little peeved. Last night, as I was taking Sader out, a lady started talking to me.

"Dog (points to Sader). Pee." Then she proceeds to make a motion like she's picking something up. Naturally, I was a little confused because nobody picks up pee. So, I just said "Neh." But she persisted, and I finally, in my broken Korean, told her that Sader was not going to poop outside. This seemed to satisfy her, and we both went on our way, me a little annoyed that she thought I needed to know I have to pick up after my dog. Then, Teaven comes in this morning after taking Sader out and said the same thing happened to him.

It's not the first time something like that has happened. People always ask if I'm going running with Sader or where we are going. Sometimes, we'll get in the elevator, and they will have already selected the fifth floor for us.

Another prime example is the other night, Teaven and I were at a pub not far from our school. We were there with some of our friends, and a man sent a note on a napkin to one of our Korean friends saying that he knew who we were and was wondering if he could talk to us. When he came over, he told us he knew we had a Beagle and what floor we lived on. I'm pretty sure he used us as an excuse to talk to our pretty Korean friend, but still it's pretty creepy.

It's also not unheard of for us to be out at a restaurant or something and see people with their phones out taking pictures of us. Yeah, we're just that cool.

Then again, sometimes I'm thankful when people remember me, but that's only usually when I go to order pizza or something that we regularly eat. And, I'm happy that I don't have to stumble over my Korean words while trying to order correctly.

I guess that's just Chungju for you. Here we are living the lives of rock stars.

Tidbits

To say that Teaven and I are ready to go home is a slight understatement. We are more than ready to hug all of our family and friends. To sit around and chat. To go to church and worship with other believers. To go to Walmart and blend in to the crowd, nobody caring who we are. To be able to communicate with a random stranger without a problem.

But in all that readiness, I don't want to forget that my time here is still important. We are down to the 6 month mark now, and it's easy to let my thoughts drift to what I will do and who I will see when I get back.

But I don't want to forget this place. I think once we leave, we will love and appreciate it even more than we do now. We will look back in fondness of the first home we made together, of the lessons we have learned.

I have no doubt that God brought us here for a reason, and one of those reasons is being able to focus on our marriage. There has been a lot that has happened back home that, if we were there, would naturally pull us in all kinds of different directions. Here, however, it's just us. No interference, no crazy schedules that cause us to barely see each other. Just me and him. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Coming here, I was sure that living and working with my husband would cause some friction, some irritation of being with the same person day in and day out. I'm so thankful that isn't true. If anything, Teaven and I have learned that we can spend every single moment together and still enjoy being with each other. That's not to say there aren't times when we need some space, but it's nice reassurance knowing that we aren't sick of each other. That we still love every moment we have together. And I really think we will miss this time together when we get back to America and have crazy schedules.

God knew what he was doing, and I want to remember that every day I am here. Every moment I feel that discontent rising up in me. Every time I wish for the day I can go home instead of enjoying the here and now. I want to remember that where we are is where he wants us to be and where we go will be where he wants us to go.

Pajama Party and Freckle Juice

Yesterday was one of those days when I felt like a fun teacher, the kind of teacher I always dreamed about becoming. I wish I put forth the effort to be this kind of teacher more often, but it's just so hard sometimes when so much is demanded of you and things change constantly. Ah, well, such is the life of a teacher.

So, let me tell you about my first 3 hours of teaching. I'm not sure if I've ever enlightened you all to Teaven and my teaching schedule. I guess that's an idea for the next blog post (a year late, right?). Anyways, on Thursdays, I teach a beginning phonics class for 2 hours.

We are currently finishing with the letter P, so I decided it would be fun to have a pajama party. The kids loved the idea, as did my boss, apparently, because she had someone in my class taking pictures and video for the entire 2 hours. 

We played musical chairs, but we used pillows instead of chairs.

We made princes and princesses.

They got to choose the name of their prince or princess. I believe we had a Prince Pancho, Prince Patrick, Princess Penelope, and Princess Patsy.

Then, we had a pillow fight. I think this was their favorite part.

They were allowed to bring a stuffed animal that started with the letter P. We had a penguin and puppy.   We also had pretzels and punch as a snack while we watched a short episode on WordWorld.

My next class is one of our lower levels made up of elementary and middle school students. We are reading the book Freckle Juice this session. If any of you are familiar with this book, you know that the main character really wants freckles, so he gets a recipe for freckle juice drinks it, thinking it will give him freckles.

So, of course, we had to make freckle juice in class. 

Because I have them every other day, I told them I would make it and drink it on the day before this lesson so they could see what would happen. So, before class, I had Teaven face paint some freckles on my face. When the students saw me, they were shocked that it actually worked, but weren't completely convinced. I took them to Teaven, who told them that I tried to wash my face, but they wouldn't come off. That worked. Some of the students refused to drink it because they thought they would get freckles. Hilarious.

Here are the ingredients:

-grape juice

-vinegar

-mustard

-mayonnaise

-mustard

-ketchup

-salt and pepper

-juice from one lemon

-a speck of onion

Sounds delicious, right? The students worked in 3 groups to create their own recipe because the recipe in the book does not give specific measurements for each ingredient.

Looks pretty nasty, huh?

 I'm pretty sure theirs tasted like pure pepper because they added at least 1/2 cup of pepper.

According to the girls, theirs was actually pretty good. 

As you can see, it was a pretty fun day. The only negative part was the nasty stench that lingered in my room for the next 3 classes. 

Running

Last night, I went running for (I'm ashamed to admit it) the first time in a long time... probably close to a month. tsk tsk. Anyways, I decided to listen to a podcast during my run. There was one from The Village Church that I wanted to listen to, so I thought "what the heck." Before I started, I was almost positive that I would get bored and wind up changing to music halfway through. However, I was presently surprised. I really enjoyed it and felt it made it slightly easier to run.

You see, I don't know about you but I am the type of person who will constantly look at the clock or wonder how much farther to go.

Ok, only 2 more minutes. I can do it. 

Half a mile to go. Don't stop.

Last night, though, I started the podcast and told myself to keep running until it was over. I found it nice to be able to focus my mind on something other than the same songs I always play or how much farther I have to go. It was a breeze (read: slightly less difficult than usual). Although I had my moments where I wondered how much time was left, they did not come as often, and it was refreshing to use that time to learn and glorify God.

So, I highly recommend you try it. You might find you like it. I ran tonight with my same old mix of Justin Bieber, NSYNC, and Lady Gaga, and let me tell you, it wasn't as fun. I think I wanted to check the clock every 2 minutes.

Maybe I should run more.

Sader's Birthday

This weekend we had summer vacation for our academy, which means we have Friday and Monday off! So, on Friday, we decided to have a special day to celebrate Sader's 1st birthday.

We took Sader hiking on a local mountain called Namsan. Let me tell you, he LOVED it so much.

His little nose was going crazy with all the new smells. He loves to play in the grass.

He was always in front of us, but every once in a while, he'd turn around to make sure we were still there. He's the best dog. Seriously. Can you tell how happy he was?

Then, we decided to take him to Star Dogs Pet Cafe, a local coffee shop that is for dogs too! We thought it would be a good idea because he's so playful and needs to be socialized with other dogs.

Well, as you can see from this picture, he was completely terrified. He's practically hugging Teaven, seeking some type of protection. 

I'm almost embarrassed for him to post this picture, but as you can see, at first they made him wear this diaper, which I think took away some of his coolness factor. I mean, you're the new kid, and if you want to make friends, the last thing you want to do is look like that. Absolutely pitiful.

Another thing I feel I should tell you, is Sader has serious butt issues. You get anywhere close to his butt and he flips out. Of course, I'm sure you know that when dogs greet each other, they tend to head straight for that area. So, I'm sure he about had a heart attack.

There were so many dogs! I'd say at least 15. Kind of intimidating for your first time. 

Towards the end, he started to warm up, especially since I took that silly diaper off him. Let's just say, I think our dog is a little socially awkward. Boy, is he in for a surprise when we move back to America.

Overall, I'd say it was a good day. 

Korea Bucket List

I suppose it's time for an update since my last post left everyone on the edge of their seats. hah.

Teaven and I did not get the jobs back in Texas. It was a little disappointing at first but not entirely surprising since we live on a different continent. We are at peace knowing that God is in control and trusting in his plan for us to stay here for about eight more months. No matter what, we are thankful to have jobs.

So, since we've set our final departure date, I decided to make a bucket list for Korea.

Korea Bucket List

Learn how to make Korean food 

Fireworks festival (in October)

Go to the beach

Reach goal weight

Chinchin fish (Somehow, I've got to convince Teaven to do this with me. They are little fish that eat the dead skin off of your feet)

Go to a Korean church service

Star Dogs Pet Cafe (hopefully taking Sader tomorrow)

Take Sader to Namsan

Chungju Lake Ferry

Dangyang Caves

Take a picture with a Chungju Apple

Learn more Korean

Here is a list of some of the things we've already done:

Chungju Martial Arts Festival

Japan

Namsan Tower, Seoul

Nutcracker

Wicked

Baseball Game

Buy a dog

Love Motel

First Race

Beondegi

Learn to read Korean

I'm looking forward to our last months here. Sure, it's hard to be away from family, but it's been really nice to have so much quality time with each other. Plus, I'm going to appreciate the fact that I can sleep in every day of the week. That's right. Every. Single. Day. mmm, what a luxury!

Transition

This week, Teaven and I celebrated our one year anniversary!

I can't believe it's already been a year since that wonderful June day. I've been so blessed to have such a wonderful man by my side and can't wait to spend the rest of forever with him!

Although our actual anniversary was this week, we actually celebrated a couple weeks ago. We went to Seoul to see Wicked, which was SO amazing! If you haven't seen it, go. right now. We also ate some delicious Mexican food (of course!) and just had a great time spending the day together.

In case you didn't know, my entire family is going through a time of transition. My older sister, Carissa,  and brother-in-law, Eric, are visiting Texas this week to spend time with my little sister, and low and behold, he gets an interview for a position in San Antonio! We'll find out at the end of July if they'll be making the big move back to Texas. They've lived in Illinois for the past 10 years, so it will be really nice to only have them 2 hours away from us instead of 14 (well, that is whenever Teaven and I get back to Texas).

I miss these kids.

Speaking of Teaven and I getting back to Texas, I guess it's no secret anymore that we're trying to come home. There's been a lot going on with my family, and we just feel that it's time to head back to good ol' Texas. Eric wasn't the only one with an interview. Teaven and I both interviewed for jobs in central Texas this week. We are trusting God to lead us in the right direction. It would be so exciting for us both to get jobs and be able to move back in a month. However, if we don't get these jobs, we are planning on moving back in March of 2013, which is so far away compared to a month!

So, you can be praying with us as we are trusting God with our future plans. We should be hearing back about the positions sometime next week. 

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

Nike Women's Race 7k

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, I ran my first race in Korea. I trained for about six weeks with my lovely friend, Jamie, and we made our goal of finishing in under an hour! 55:40, baby!

As I approached the finish line, I was quite pleased to see the clock telling me I was under an hour because I was having my doubtful moments during the run. There were much more uphills than I had planned for while training. Maybe I shouldn't have avoided going uphill during training. hah. But, I will tell you, I am very pleased with myself. In February, I wasn't working out at all. ever. In March, I started Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, and a couple weeks after that we started training for the race. There's a huge difference in my physical endurance between February and now. It's a great feeling.

We felt like cattle for a while. There were so many people crammed together. I told Jamie during the race that if we didn't finish in an hour, I was blaming it on the crowds who were walking.

Finished!

My wonderful husband and awesome supporter.

Overall, it was a great experience. I mean, how many people can say they ran their first race in Korea? I do think it will be a different experience running in America though. There would be Korean women who would sprint for a little bit and then stop to fix their makeup. Ridiculous. haha

Happy Graduation!

Being so far away from family can be really hard sometimes.

Like this weekend.

When my younger sister, Kayla, graduates from high school.

Is this really happening? Wasn't it just yesterday that she was the annoying pre-teen with triangle hair?

I must say, she has grown out of the annoying little sister stage and into a beautiful young woman. She's one of my best friends.

Congratulations, sweet sister! I look forward to making many more memories with you and watching God mold you into the woman you are meant to be!