It's hard to comprehend really, even though I'm at the end of my second year in Korea, I still kind of feel like i just got here. It's isn't until I look back at old photos or really think about it; do I realize how much has happened and how much I have changed. It's amazing really, to think that two years ago I didn't know how to cook - and now I make breakfast, lunch and dinner for myself every day and night. I have even gone as far as making a Turkey dinner and a king crab (Thanks extend to my lovely girlfriend for all her help). As well as hosting numerous other dinner parties. A look into what I make: Cajun Green Beans - pan fried beans with a blackened cajun seasoning. Cajun Salmon - salmon steak with cajun seasoning. Mac&Cheese - pasta varies, but I grade cheddar cheese onto a plate and then crush garlic into it and mix, then when the pasta is cooked I stir in the garlic cheese. Stir fried rice - Cook rice in a rice cooker (or boil in a pot) and then in a bigger, bowl shaped pan, add some butter and then the cooked rice; stir for five minutes. Cajun chicken - same as the salmon, just with chicken. Cheeseburgers, eggs and various other delicious dishes.
I have also discovered a talent in photography. Something that I have always enjoyed - but in these past two years I have gained two really good cameras and have thus found that I really do have an eye for it. Now I have my own photo blog: atravelingriverrat.tumblr.com and am an expat photographer for a friend's online newsletter: http://saykimchirecruiting.com/newsletter/
Photography for me has become a great way to capture moments that normally would go unappreciated. Also its an amazing way to show what artistry I do have. I can't draw to save my life, but give me a camera and I'll capture a moment for you.
I have also seen a difference in my body. After two years of going to the gym - I have never been in this great of shape. I look and feel strong. The biggest and greatest reminder is when I try on clothes. Usually and for the longest time, I have been a "small", now I don't fit into Korean clothes because my shoulders are too broad and I am finding myself buying mediums or larges in Western clothing.
But the greatest achievement that I can see from all of this is my teaching. Looking back to when I started and then at what I am doing now - I can't help but realize that it's no wonder why my students have grown so much. I have put a stop to their Konglish (English - Korean words). Gotten them to understand the difference of scared/scary, excited/exciting, dead/die/death, and the most important, sick/hurt (all words that in Korean, are the same so students would use the wrong word in their sentences). I have even started lessons of my own; Mythological, metaphorical and even lectures (dictation). I think one of the other things that I have been able to do, albeit very minimal in the grand scheme of things but still is an accomplishment for my school, is to wash away some of the attitude that foreign teacher time is "play time". Because of myself and the other foreign teachers, we have established that even though we don't give as much homework as the Korean teachers, it's important to pay attention to us, because we are native and we know what the hell we are talking about.
So all in all, it's been a great two years! And as much as I am excited for my short sabbatical back home, I'm equally excited for my future adventures when I return!!
