Random

I can't believe it's Wednesday night already, this week has gone by quickly. Last Saturday I met up with some people for a Spanish group and while I didn't speak nearly enough Spanish, I met some really cool people. In fact, this coming Saturday I will be going to a Latin American art exhibit with a few of them. I'm pretty excited about that.

As many of you may know, I have healthy obsession/addiction to gum. I have been an avid gum chewer since 2003 and I show no signs of stopping. Until now. I came to Korea with a box of Stride gum from Sam's Club and I have one piece left. A whole box lasting almost 2 months is a HUGE accomplishment for me, I have cut down considerably. However, with one piece left I have to find a Korean gum to chew. Today I bought my first pack of gum and while it holds it flavor for quite some time, the taste resembles that of a mentholated cough drop (the Halls kind). It's not unbearable and maybe if I have a sore throat or a cough it will be suppressed by a single inhale. I miss my Stride already, but my brother is coming in November and he knows to bring me a box of gum.

While sitting down to my usual bowl of mandu guk yesterday, I encountered a man who spoke to me in English. Something was on TV about Cambodia and he was translating for me and then he told me the history behind my mandu guk. Thanks. Anyway, he also mentioned that the area I live in is really nice, things are close and also that there are many gyms near us. Normally, I wouldn't think anything of it, but since he is the 5th Korean to tell me about the proximity of gyms in my area I began to think. My students have no problem pointing out that I am not of normal Korean stature (i.e. I'm fat), but maybe the adults while thinking the same thing like to point out that I can work out. It's pretty subtle, when only a few people tell you that, but once the number starts to increase it's a hidden message. Anyway, I know I have a free gym in the basement and I do plan to use it. However, I am lazy and I have no problem admitting that, but I do want to start working out again, not to quell the snickers or the comments, but so I can be fit and healthy. I don't mind how I look right now so I figure I should just get in and stay in shape.

On another food note, I tried kimchi bokkumbap (kimchi fried rice) the other night and it is the spiciest thing I have eaten so far. It was delicious, but like I said, spicy. I think by the time I leave Korea I'll be a pro at eating spicy food.