A Few Things...

1. My visa arrived on saturday!
2. I turned in my notice at work and I managed not to do the Bernie out the door.
3. My flights are booked.
4.My Korean language tutor is too attractive for words and it is super distracting!
5.I have one suitcase fully packed
6. I have literally listened to 2NE1 "I love you" and BigBang "Fantastic Baby" on repeat all week.
7. Several family members have asked me when I plan on seriously dating or getting married, since I am always traveling..
8. I don't plan on ever getting married ....just didn't make the cut for my bucket list.
9. I don't do serious and I plan on traveling a lot.
10. I was offered the opportunity to coach kids while in South Korea.
11. I accepted this offer.
12. Shit, did I just over commit?
13. Nope, I got this.
14. Orientation is in 32 days.
15. My Korean is getting better and I have learned phrases other than "what is that man's name?" and "How much?"
16. Last immunizations on July 24th! I AM A PIN CUSHION.
17. I have a horrible heat rash from this stupid weather and I can't focus on writing this semi coherent blog post because I am so damn itchy.
18. Hopefully Calamine lotion will help
19. Kimchi.
20. Kimchi

Passport and Visa Bidness

Yay! My new passport arrived today and it is spiffy, if I do say so myself (which I do). I love seeing my big grinning mug in that photo. In case anyone was wondering, yes, you are allowed to smile in your photos now. No more convict looking passport! That means the next step (as soon as my NOA arrives), is getting my Korean Visa. It doesn't seem to be a complicated process, but knowing my luck there will be some bumps along the way!  Here are the requirements:

• Valid passport and 1 copy of its personal data page
• Completed visa application (found via any Korean Consulate’s website)
• A passport picture (2x2, color) attached to application
• Visa Fee: $45 [Money order only]
• Pay to: Korean Consulate General
• Cash accepted in person
• Original Notice of Appointment and 1 copy
• Original Employment Contract
• Self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for return of the passport by mail

Just a small note. The Employment contract is only used for securing a visa and will not be returned to you. You will receive a hard copy of your contract that you can keep when you sign with your Office of Education in Korea.

From Madison to Seoul: A Fed-Ex Love Story

Woo Hoo! Woke up to a message from my awesome coordinator, saying my documents arrived and were in perfect order! Haha, that must mean the new photos I included of my ugly mug weren't too bad. Some of the stress is off, but now I have to send my passport to be renewed, as I don't have many pages left..due to my ridiculous undergrad study abroad shenanigans- booking flights to countries that cost less than 10 pounds on RyanAir. If I send it off by the 15th, I should have it back by June 26th (in theory). Which should leave me enough time to get crackin' on the South Korean Visa process in Chicago. Might even make it a day long event...get a greyhound down to Chicago, get myself some Churches Chicken and chase the pigeons in the park. The only thing I hate more than Pigeons....is sending my passport off, I get so nervous that I won't get it back or that it will randomly disappear! So here goes nothing. Fingers crossed. I can smell the Kimchi already!