Happy Birthday to ME!

My birthday this year was GREAT. Tons of cute cards and gifts from the kids. Mike made me pho and satays, got me a cake made from brownies and I was given a new ipod nano. It was all great and left me feeling loved. On Saturday we bummed around the city having Christmas coffees, shopping and walking. We went for Bulgarian food and then met up with a bunch of friends in 신촌, an area of town that is really fun. It was really cold outside so we spent most of it in one bar that takes requests for music.

This past year overall was pretty great:

• Mike and I had our first official Christmas together. I had my first Christmas tree.
• We went to Vietnam together to celebrate our first anniversary.
  
• I got really good at my job (at least I think so!) and became a decent teacher.
• I lived in one of the best cities in the world.
• We discovered how awesome staying in a pension is.
• Made some amazing friends.
• I went to Thailand again.
• I went to Cambodia and was blown away. It was also the first trip I have taken alone (save Korea) to another country.
• I made a post-Korea plan.
• I did some extra university courses.
• We went to Jeju-do!
• I made some health related goals and reached them.
• I made plans to return to Canada.
• I hiked mountains and saw a lot of old things.

So I only have 2 weeks left. I am starting to cope a little better with it. I remember my life so far in chunks as to where I was at the time. For example, I was really sad when high school ended but then Western happened and that was way better than high school. I was devastated after university finished but then I went to Korea which has been so amazing. I am hoping that life continues on this track. A few things that I have to do before leaving Korea:

• Pack (duh!) but also mail home a box filled with Korean candy, tea and soju.
• Go to Lotte World and shoot a real gun. Because I can!
• Go to Insadong and pick up some souvenirs. For me this time! I have given everything away so far. I want some decorative chopsticks too, damn it!
• Have a going away party with work and friends.
• Eat as much Korean food as I can.
• Close bank and pension accounts.

Ok, so that's it for now. I'm feeling pretty positive today. I think it's the snow and Christmas music. However, be prepared for a sadder entry sometime in the near future when I actually come to grips with leaving.