I'm the Lucky One

"I'm the luuuckkky one."

These lyrics have been my continual mantra lately. They are from an early 90's Amy Grant song. This is peculiar for two reasons: 1. I actually hate this song (unlike "Baby, Baby" and "Every Heartbeat" -remember those?) 2. It's a love song and there is a void of romance in my life at the moment.

But still I sing, "Do do do do do do do, do do do do do do."

Before I came to Korea, way back in early 2008, I distinctly remember being afraid that I would spend the year alone. Fortunately, I met a ton of people my first week at the SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education) orientation...aka Teaching for Dummies. It turns out that imprisoning 150 teachers in a small innovation center [compound] produces some benefits: one being a kick-ass social life!

"Do, do, do, do, do, do, do."

Now I have two weeks left in Korea. I am in the process of planning for my return to the USA and barraged by possibilities of visiting friends that span across the states. Should I take a train across the country again? Or head to New York for the weekend? Or maybe take the ever entertaining Greyhound bus to Cincinnati and then Louisville? Let the invites begin and the couch surfing start!

"do do...the lucky one."

My 'Stache Bash birthday party was a couple of weekends ago. I was a bit let down by the women (they couldn't wear a mustache for one night? give me a break!) but certainly not by the men (a killer mexi-stache and some big chops were among the moustachio clad) or the turnout; four teachers from my school came, my old Korean tutor and dozens of friends.

I was nervous going back to work after my 'Stache Party, slightly embarrassed that my co-workers saw me in full on party mode. I was just waiting for a comment about "being very good at drinking" or "I bet you needed to take a rest on Sunday" but the only observation was by Jenny, who knows the least English, mustering up, "You have a lot of friends."

Yes, yes, I do.

"Baby, I'm the luuucckkkky onee"