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There's no denying that since moving to Korea I've had way less time to read. Even so, I'm as determined as usual to reach my annual goal of reading 50 books this year. I am now on year four of this.  Anyway, I want a way to keep track of my thoughts on each book. So, I'll post here with a review of each book. Today's book is Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, and it's actually the ninth book I've read this year, but ideas sometimes come later than an actual start. What I liked Sloan's writing style is very smooth (does this make sense? It's the only word I could think fit what I wanted to say), it just flows well without jumping around. The book does draw you in, particularly in the middle. At that point the book goes through a few chapters of feeling like an exciting mystery. The chapter "Why do you love books so much?" was one of the best, in my opinion. I also liked how she captured both sides of the comput...

It's been almost two months since I last blogged anything. So far, I'm not doing that great on my resolution to blog more, am I? Life is incredibly unpredictable, which brings me to my next topic. I have a little less than two months until I leave Korea. It's both sad and exciting, as all major changes are. And some fun updates... Dracula's Lounge is an awesome Romanian restaurant in Seoul that you should 100% check out. Delicious food, great atmosphere, all-in-all excellent. I went with friends and a Meetup group for Valentine's Day dinner. How awesome are the handmade mugs? Mine's expression was a bit "ugh," but my friend's just looked insane. Also how cute is that dessert? I went skating for the first time in ages. It was not as big a disaster as I thought it would be. I didn't fall once, and therefore feel very accomplished. It doesn't matter that I spent the entire time no more than two feet from the wall. Besides, I was nev...

I've always done better when I have a schedule, it keeps me organized and productive. So, naturally I've decided to apply that to writing/blogging, too. I'm always optimistic, which means I'm thinking this will work. Anyway, I've been absent from here quite a bit over the past few months. I actually had photos and posts I meant to write, but are now untimely. So, instead here's a brief look at some random moments. Admittedly taken from my Instagram, in reverse chronological order (newest -> oldest) 1. My brother came to visit for Christmas and the week after, which I had off. We went to Lotte World to walk around one day. It was my first time going, it's what it is. Not Disney World, but fun. 2. Tree at AK Plaza in Seohyun. I love Christmas decorations, and this one was gorgeous. 3. I went to the Lantern Festival at Cheongyecheon. It was a fail trip, but a fun one. 4. Some of my kids were sweet enough to give me goodies on Pepero Day. 5,6....

새해 복 많이 받으세요~  2014 was another amazing year, and 2015 has quite a bit to live up to. I don't have such clear-cut exciting plans as I did in years previous, but I still think there is potential for 2015 to be just as amazing. In 2014 I... ...graduated from university, with honours! My last semester was so much better than I ever could have imagined. ...moved out New Jersey, possibly permanently. I spent most of my life in NJ, but with no family, or school, it seems unlikely I will live there again anytime soon. ...moved to Korea and started working! I also am loving both, for the most part. Those kids can bee annoying at times ;) In 2015 I... ...will continue to live in Korea and work as a teacher, haha. ...blog/write more. I seriously miss it and feel out-of-practice, which I don't like. ... ... Like I said, I don't have specific plans, so I'll keep it open-ended for now.

It's been almost a month since I arrived in Korea and started working. I had the most insane first week. Looking back on it I can laugh, but at the time I cried. Long story short, the school was put into a difficult situation when a teacher left suddenly. The result was that I had to start the morning after 24 hours worth of straight travel (during which I only had about two hours worth of broken sleep). The level of pure exhaustion was unreal. In some ways it might have been good, I was numb from lack of sleep and jet lag. I couldn't feel nervous, or anything else, really. The third day in this state was the worst, and I cried at work. Not my ideal situation. Luckily, my co-workers, foreign and Korean, are all awesome people. They helped me so much more than I can express. My director is very nice, too. She even had a cleaning service come to the apartment (that's for another day). So, despite the rocky start, I never doubted that this is a hagwon that treats its teach...

After my experience as a student in Korea, I knew that I wanted to go back and teach English after graduation. It was an idea I already had in mind, but being there shifted the idea into a plan. I am so excited to be going back NEXT WEEK! Soon, eh? I didn't want to post anything until everything was confirmed. I've been under contract with the school since the start of April. Getting all of the documents for the visa together was a lengthy and stressful process (mostly due to my university), but I can happily say that I now have my visa and am already to go! I won't be in Seoul this time, but I won't be far either. I wanted to try living somewhere new, but still close enough to hop on the metro to visit friends and familiar places.

I tend to go through a phase every summer where I re-read, and this year was no exception. However, there were a couple of new ones, including The Silkworm . It kept pace well, and I could not put it down. Park Ji Yoon's " Yoo Hoo " is my perfect feel-good, summer song. Loving this dice necklace, it is perfect dressed up or down, and so cute! It was made by my grandfather for my mother, which makes it even more special to me. In terms of beauty, I am obsessed with Pixi's Shea Butter Lip Balm in Coral Crush. In addition to being an amazing colour, it's moisturizing and lasts - perfect! Also, this BuzzFeed post made me smile. I love my curls, but they can be a nuisance :)