A Typical Canadian Winter Snowfall...

...is was deemed to be the WORST snowstorm to hit South Korea in over 45 years.  Closing the schools, making driving virtually impossible and forcing all individuals to pull out the umbrellas to stop from getting wet!

Now, I have my own conclusions as to way this snowstorm caused such havic, but first, some pictures.

Outside our apartment window, we watched them attempting to shovel.  We truly did not realize how unequipped they were until we ventured into the town and noticed that shovels were a novelty - the majority of people were using dustpans and brooms.

Then my favourite - the umbrellas.  They were everywhere ..and at first I giggled, thinking - "it's not raining, why on earth do people have umbrellas!"  But then I realized, their hair isn't getting wet, and they look cute and accessorized while they walk.  Genius.  I am bringing 12 umbrellas home, one to match with every outfit.

It was actually quite a beautiful day ...but it was incredibly amusing to see how our new world faired with something extremely typical in our home.  Not so well.  In fact, until last week when it got mild again, the sidewalks were still covered in snow and ice - no one shovels them.  It makes walking to work interesting to say the least. And the roads weren't plowed for days, apparently there is only one snowplow for an area the size of Halton.

 I think it's safe to say - we aren't in Canada anymore.

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Month 4: December 2009

Well ...not only is Month 4 down and December gone, but so is 2009.  How on earth are the years flying by so quickly?  I remember being told when I was younger that the older you get, the quicker time seems to go - and some days, I am feeling very old.

That being said, this year was definitely a life changing one in so many ways.  Last year at New Years Matt (Wayne's best friend at home) told him he saw big things for him this year, he winked over his shoulder at me and I crossed my fingers then and there that those big things may include something that sparkles:)  Little did I know that the big things were more in the rice and foreign language department.

But even though this year may not have ended exactly where I pictured it (or anywhere close to where I started it) it has been a good one, and even though time does fly faster the older you get, I also think that you gain a much clearer perspective with age.  This Christmas really showed me how much I love home and everyone there, I couldn't have missed it more.  But it also showed me that everyone is still there, and that they still will be when this adventure is over.  Just as supportive as before I left.

December brought Christmas and China ...and I have to say - I am really accomplishing a lot since my time here:

• So far I have eaten almost 4 boxes of Cheerios
• I am currently reading my 10th book
• I now know a great deal more about geography (for instance, I am well aware now that Korea is not in the continent of China ...amazing, I know)
• I have finally been able to give up my true vice at home: chips (but oh how I dream of them)
• I can eat mostly anything and everything with chopsticks
• I can say "Thank You" in Korean (yes, that's it ...STILL)
• I have downloaded and watched 3 seasons of Survivor and so far the first season of Ally McBeal

Okay - I may need to work on that list slightly, but you can definitely see where my priorities lie:)

I think that's about it, I am starting to look forward to and anticipate some visits.  Matt comes in March and my parents are coming in April, I am keeping my fingers crossed on a couple other important ones, so we will see what happens.  I haven't really set out any resolutions this year - mostly because I really just believe they are ways to start off the year with disappointing yourself when you crack, but if I think hard about it I am certain that included in those would be maintaining and holding close the relationships with family and friends that are more important to me than anything, and really accomplishing what I came here to do - pay off debt! My mom will be very proud of me for that statement.

So I wish everyone well for 2010, keep in touch and stay close because I miss you every single day.

xoL

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