Thank you

I was thinking of how much I have grown into myself this year, and of the people and things that have been part of that.

Thank you:

Mom, for being you. I am so proud of you and grateful for our relationship.
Dad, for being the man you are, and a positive role model. I admire you so much.
Christa, for making me laugh, coming on this adventure with me and for being my friend.
Nipissing, for stressing me to the max and making me stronger.
Lorraine, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to experience Kenya.
Sarah, for your friendship and easy way of moving through the world.
Carolyn, for your friendship, encouragement, nurturing, support, and opening your home to me.
The Tam Family, for loving me.
Anne Marie, for being my family.
Miriam, for being you. I will never forget you.
Anne (Kenyan teacher), for dedicating yourself to the children.
Kristen, for your guidance and support.
Nori, for your support, friendship, and words of wisdom.
Taylor, for lighting up my life.
Ellen, for your kindness and sharing your home with me.
Linda V., Val,and Nancy, for being excellent examples of loving teachers.
Linda K. for your guidance.
All the children I have taught and spent time with, for leaving your mark on my soul.
Korea, for challenging me.
Oprah, for continuing to inspire me.

A New Year in Korea

If someone had told me this time last year that I would be in South Korea teaching English in 2007, I would have laughed my head off and thought they were crazy. Well I am here and I am laughing my head off. Some days I cannot believe it myself that I am here.
Looking back, Korea has been quite a challenge for me. However, (dare I say) I am ok here. With careful attention not to upset the cosmic Goddesses, I will say that I am learning and growing and changing daily. There are many things I still want, and many things that aggrivate me to the max, but I'm alright!

I brought in the New Year with nine friends at a supposedly French restaurant (I enjoyed a Korean pork cutlet), then lit some firecrackers on the waterfront. Not being a fan of New Year's celebrations, I had a good time.

To kick off this new year, I am heading to Austrailia for a three week vacation. My shoulders relax at the mere mention of it. I will have a blissful 6 weeks away from teaching to rejuvinate my mind and to replenish my soul. As the second part of my Korean journey begins I will keep in mind the following:

I am proud of how I have begun to take down some walls, and I want to continue learning to trust.
I can do and be anything that I want.
It's ok to be angry.
Remember to seek inspiration and new experiences.
I don't know everything.
I better say that one again: I don't know everything.
In spite of pressure to conform, I will stay true to what I believe.
I will continue to put myself first.
I will continue to "keep it real", although not everyone appreciates it.
I will keep my eyes and heart open, even when it hurts.
I will revel in all that I am and all that I can be.