Jennipal -- the adventure has begun

Someone's happy!

2012-01-30T18:35:00.002-06:00

6 months living with Korean mother-in-law

1.5 years living with mom and dad in Canada

2 years later......we are home (condo) owners!

And now we finally get to carve out our lives as a married couple in our own place. HOW SCARY AND THRILLING ALL AT ONCE!

The verdict on the couch!

2012-01-29T16:43:00.005-06:00

First off, thanks for all your votes. Sofa A was Sung Hyun's choice and he won with a total of 11 votes. My choice was B and most of you agreed that it would be more difficult to clean (I had 9 votes total).

So with the votes in mind, last weekend I headed back to the store (without my husband) with my mom and friend in tote.

And here's what they thought:

Sofa A is a better size. You can comfortably stretch out on it. Correction: you can stretch out on it. THIS SOFA IS NOT COMFORTABLE!!! AT ALL. Sung Hyun decided that comfort didn't matter and that I'd "get used to it". So with my mom and friend took the comfort test. And their verdict supported mine!!!!! Yah, I win......

........well not quite!

Sofa B was my favourite but my friend said that since the back pillows didn't attach to the back of the sofa so I'd be always reshaping them after every use. Plus this sofa, although it was way more comfortable than the other one, was not long enough.

SAD, I KNOW!

So then after about 4 furniture stores later a lovely lady showed me this couch:

I wasn't sold on it. First off, it was about $1000 more than the previous two couches. Feeling defeated, we sat down and decided our next plan of action. Since my husband wasn't with me I couldn't really make a decision anyways.

Note the not impressed face above!

But then I realized that this couch was waaaaaay more comfortable than the other two. And I figured Sung Hyun would like it because it was more like his original choice.

Then the lady said I could customize the colour to make it more modern so she pulled out this swatch which was more like the sofa colour I liked.

My mom and friend thought it was too blue and they agreed that they liked the lighter colour. You can see the lighter colour behind the white flowered cushion (the darker swatch is on the right). It's more of a grey colour.

So the plan of action was to return the next day, husband in tote, and have him test out the couch and choose the colour. But he was sick and since the sale on the couch was finished on Monday I had to decide for myself.

So I returned to the store the next day and bought it! My husband said that since I bought the couch he gets to choose the bed set. I anticipate some bed set wars......stay tuned!

NEW condo OLD sickness

2012-01-28T15:06:00.002-06:00

I stayed home from work on Thursday and Friday. It's Saturday and I'm still really sick. Our plan was to move into our new condo this weekend. I tried moving a few boxes from the basement to the main floor and I was getting chills and started coughing. So it looks like it will be next weekend that I get in there and take some pics of our new place. This week I'm just going to focus on getting better......this BLOWS!

SICK

2012-01-25T21:17:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to tell you that I haven't forgotten about you.....I'm just SICK! Really SICK! I'm staying home from work tomorrow and I plan to sleep and read for my grad class. Thanks for the votes on the couch. We haven't moved yet but that will happen Friday of this week. I suspect that since I'm so sick it will have to wait till next week. Back in a few days ;)

Sofa wars

2012-01-21T09:26:00.002-06:00

I love how many people have voted on the sofa wars. Sung Hyun is ecstatic! Anyways here are some more details:

Sofa A and B are the same price. We have an open concept living room and kitchen so the sofa will be close to the kitchen table. Our kitchen table can be found by clicking THIS LINK!

Sofa B is smaller and lighter in colour; it does not have any buttons on it. We most likely will not be getting any pets in the future. That's it for now!

The sofa war continues..........

Which one do you like better?

2012-01-19T21:57:00.005-06:00

On a whim, just like when we put an offer on the condo, I purchased a kitchen table online. I bought it 3.5 seconds ago with as estimated delivery date of January 25, 2049! 2049? WTF!

Before we buy a couch we need your advice. Please vote A for the first picture and B for the second picture. On of these is my pick and one is Sung Hyun's.

SOFA A:

PICTURE B:

Totally in love with this sofa!

2012-01-13T22:56:00.001-06:00

If it's comfortable I'm gonna buy it!

Update: OKAY, IT'S TOTALLY NOT COMFORTABLE!!!!

If all goes smoothly.....

2012-01-12T21:12:00.001-06:00

We will be moving into this place in 15 days:

OUR FIRST PLACE!

Less is MORE

2012-01-09T16:23:00.003-06:00

Ever get those days when you want to walk away from your life and go on permanent vacation? For me, that day was yesterday.

Yesterday we bought a condo. We accepted the counter offer and signed on the dotted line. Easiest job in the world for our real estate agent since I went to the open house for the condo myself and got him to take me to the place again with Sung Hyun later that night and put in an offer at 11:30 pm. If being an agent is that easy then I want that job (although I suspect in most cases it doesn't work like this).

Today I started a new job. I have the flu. I didn't get enough sleep last night.

Tonight I have my first grad class. I have a headache and just want to go to bed.

I've considered dropping this grad class because I'm already putting a lot of pressure on myself to do well. I got a 90% in my first class and I want that damn scholarship. So moving into a new place, teaching privates 10+ hours a week, working full-time, then balancing a new full-time job is really too much.

I've also considered dropping all my extra teaching that I've worked hard to build up over the past 1.5 years. Good-bye business.

I've also considered quitting everything and running away 'cuz that's my all or nothing attitude. I seriously want to be a stay-at-home house wife and not cook or clean. Kind of half-truth.

I think when I go so hard there comes a point when I get so exhausted and overwhelmed that the things I was working so hard for no longer matter to me. I've hit a wall. A really big wall and I'd like to just walk away and go on a vacation for an indefinite period of time.

Oh yah, I've got my period and I'm just coming off vacation. There is no such thing as less in my vocabulary. Maybe I need to work on lesser. Or hire my friend Krista to be my life coach/organizer/counsellor. Krista?!

On a WHIM...

2012-01-08T00:13:00.004-06:00

We put an offer on a condo that we toured for 20 minutes this afternoon. There is NOTHING on the market that meets our needs. The place today was the only one and already has two offers on it. We bid on it with no conditions (i.e. no home inspection) and an immediate move in date to hopefully aid in our favour. We'll find out Monday morning if our offer is accepted or if they come back with a counter.

I'm totally not excited as I thought I would be since I know that now I'll have to (a) cook my own food (b) become a responsible adult.

I don't want to grow up yet!

7 Days in Vancouver

2012-01-06T01:59:00.003-06:00

I just spent the last 7 days in Vancouver. A rough flight out. Turbulence like I've never experienced. The time went by so quickly yet so slowly. I had an awesome time. Took at day trip to the states and visited my first Trader Joe's. Spent most of my time relaxing and watching movies. Did nothing really exciting during the day because it rained the whole 7 days. Ate delicious food and gained some weight. Had a fabulous new years party with all my friends that I used to meet up with regularly in Korea (somehow all of them but Sung Hyun and myself live in Vancouver). Back home. Happy to see my husband and family. Having difficulty adjusting to the hard bed and snoring man beside me. Not ready to start a new class and new job on the same day. Missing Annie already.

Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-03T13:11:00.002-06:00

Let's take a look at those resolutions from last year shall we? Well, after going through the list I would say that I accomplished about 50% of them. I was really successful with the resolutions involving work and school but didn't do so well in the healthy/relationship resolutions.

This year will be different. First, Sung Hyun and I have decided to write our resolutions together. Second, I don't plan on setting such hefty goals that I will not be able to accomplish. The long extensive list from last year might have looked good on paper but it was too hard to put into practice because I wasn't SMART about it. So this year will be different!

Still chillin' in Vancouver and have plans to sit down with Sung Hyun to write our list together.

Happy New Year's everyone!

RODS vs. UNI.

2011-12-28T11:09:00.004-06:00

Someone asked about my decision to take the job at Regina Open Door over continue working at the University of Regina so I thought I'd share some of the reasons:

1. I was personally called at home by the Education director at RODS and asked to apply for this job.

2. I have worked for RODS in the past and the teaching environment among the staff members is phenomenal.

3. Since I was only teaching night classes at RODS I never got to be under the supervision of the Education director. She is FANTASTIC and if I want to be a good mentor one day then I'd like the experience of working for a good mentor (the university ESL department is in a transition period so there is only an acting head).

4. Immediately after I was called at home and asked to apply for the job I went to the university to talk with my boss about jeopardizing my position with the ESL department if I turned down my teaching assignment for 1 semester. She assured me it would not be a problem. And I'm protected by the URFA union agreement and would still have seniority over classes if I take less than 2 years off as a sessional.

4. The job are RODS lasts until May 23, 2012. It's a short assignment but I have been told other options will come up at that point. This is a really hard organization to get into. They have high standards for teachers.

5. The new spring/summer semester at the university starts at the beginning of May. The Education director at RODS said that if I wanted to leave the teaching position before the end of the term (May 23) so that I could teach at the university it wouldn't be a problem. They are very flexible.

6. I will get experience teaching a higher level ESL group at RODS. I work really well with the beginning level (CLB 1&2) and have been type-cast at the uni. so all my teaching assignments are the beginning level. I like that but I also need change.

7. The ESL department at the uni. just went through a major hiring process (5 tenure positions, 5 1-year contract positions). Due to the increase of the amount of permanent staff as the uni. the sessionals are presented with lower teaching hours. I've also been asked to leave my office to prepare room for the permanent staff.

I absolutely love the students at the university and I have no doubt that I will be back. This will just be a nice change of pace in the mean time. It also means that grad school is on the back burner for this semester because I was originally signed up for 2 night classes which I'll have to cut back to one. BOO to that! But I can't do everything all at once. I tried that last semester and even though I did well in school and work my social life was non existent. This semester I'd like to have a little FUN!

A week in Vancouver

2011-12-28T11:02:00.003-06:00

I'm treating myself to a vacation. I deserve it. Although I do plan to take some grad reading on this trip, I will mostly be kicking back, sleeping in, and hanging out with friends. I booked the ticket randomly one night after talking on Skype with my friends. The plan was to buy one for Sung Hyun to join me when he found out his vacation time. But when we did find out when he could go all the cheap tickets were gone and we both agreed that it's wouldn't be smart to spend $800+ for a 5-day trip ticket. So, I'll be going alone.

Vancouver here I come!!!!

I'll miss those SAUDI boys the most!

2011-12-26T14:35:00.004-06:00

When I first returned to Canada last year I was lucky to get a position teaching ESL at the university. After teaching in Seoul, South Korea for over 5 years I got accustomed to teaching Korean students. I knew how to get them to speak. I knew how to manage a classroom and make them feel comfortable.

Then, I taught my first semester at the university. I recall 1 Saudi student in particular that was particularly challenging for me at the time. I did not know how to react when he challenged me in front of others. I did not know deal with him arriving to class late with a myriad of reasons why he couldn't just be there on time. It was frustrating for me. And for him. And I felt like I wasn't doing a very good job.

Then in my second semester at university after accepting my teaching assignment, I looked at my class list.......ALL SAUDI MEN! I thought it would be the semester from HELL.

I was wrong. I grew to form great relationships with these students. I used laughter as a medium to connect with them. I learned to loosen up a bit with the rules and let them get away with a little more while still holding my ground. They knew the limits. And if they broke them they accepted the consequences. I didn't have a single problem with a single student.

In fact, it turned out to be the BEST class. And later it made me realize how much I enjoy teaching SAUDI men. They are dynamic, energetic, and a really fun group of people.

I have accepted a full-time day position at Regina Open Door Society (albeit, not permanent) which means next semester I will not be teaching at the University of Regina.

And honestly speaking, I WILL MISS MY SAUDI BOYS THE MOST!

Chair school

2011-12-26T13:54:00.006-06:00

Since I'm going to be in school for the next 2-3 years depending on how many classes I take each semester so I thought it would be suiting to ask for an office chair for Christmas. It will certainly get a lot of use and is already set up and and ready to go for next semester.

I got a 93% on my final research paper for my first grad class. I was so pumped to see I had done so well. I was hoping to get over 85% in the class but ended the class with a 90%.

Now I'm ready to tackle another semester!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T23:42:00.003-06:00

Have a joyous holiday! From our (parent's) house to yours, Merry Christmas!

Celebrating success...

2011-12-20T20:56:00.004-06:00

I'm a little hesitant about putting this on my blog because of my huge fear of FAILURE. But now I'm making it public because I blog about my struggles all the time.....so here it goes.

I am so hard on myself so every now and then I need to pause and pat myself on the back for my minor accomplishments. Here is one of them:

Remember that 100+ hour proposal? Well, I've passed the internal review process at my local university and now I'm vying for a spot in the National competition. Now I just need to keep myself busy until April or May when I find out if I'm successful.

Let's hope I don't jinx it ;)

Sunday weigh-in #26

2011-12-18T12:40:00.002-06:00

The number was 161.0 today.

A lot of good things happened this semester. Letting my exercise and eating habits slip was not one of them. Still struggling to find balance in my all or nothing mentality. Thoughts on the weight gain? I appreciate honesty.....

How Bad Do YOU Want It?

2011-12-15T00:23:00.000-06:00

Stop for just a moment and appreciate!

2011-12-13T19:11:00.004-06:00

"In Washington DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After about four minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About four minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At ten minutes, a three-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

At forty-five minutes: The musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After one hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:

In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?"

The busiest time of year....

2011-12-11T22:56:00.006-06:00

Now that I'm off from work AND school, amazing I know, I'm going to volunteer for the week at the food bank. I'm taking the morning and afternoon shift which means I have to be there at 5:45. I wasn't really thinking when I agreed to wake up that early considering most nights I'm lucky to be in bed by 2 or 3. Eeeek! This is going to be a long but interesting week.

p.s. am I the only one not in the holiday mood this year? Totally NOT feeling Christmas yet...

The semester from HELL

2011-12-09T00:12:00.011-06:00

Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE my students and I enjoy my work. And I certainly like a challenge.....

My kiddies this semester! I'll miss them ;)

___________________________________________

BUT.......this has been the semester from hell!

And lots has happened since summer. I have not had a chance to write about it since I've been going non stop since August.

After my scam this past summer I loaded myself with stuff to do so that I would not have to think about the unfortunate situation. That, and I wanted to save money for a down payment for a condo. Yes, we are still living with mom and dad. And I get the feeling we'll be kicked out soon, especially since I've taken over her kitchen.

In August I took a 1 month intense teaching course that got me certified by Languages Canada and allows me to keep a teaching position at the university. Prior to that I didn't have any formal training in education, only 5 years of ESL teaching in South Korea. One requirement for the course was to write a minimum of 9 lesson plans. I took it a step further and went all out and actually made the entire components for the lesson. All the worksheets and games and cut outs......then I presented it in a binder (I'm a geek like that!):

I actually did quite well in the course. I graduated with a 98% but the biggest accomplishment came from my classmates. At the end of my final micro teaching another student told me in from of the class that I inspire her and that she wants to 'teacher' like me. It was actually one of the biggest compliments I have received and it just goes to show that you don't need a degree to do something well.

Then I got my first CORE class at the university. That means I was the MAIN teacher. Prior to that I was only teaching skills classes like writing and speaking. Along with teaching the CORE class I was also doing my teaching practicum--another requirement for the summer program. And on top of teaching the main class I was also a skills teacher too.

In the evening I was juggling my first graduate class. I had class on Monday night. And then about 150 + pages of reading to do each week. For those of you who know me well, then it should come as no surprise that I HATE reading. But I got through all of the articles and chapters of the book. REMEMBER?

Then I was working at Regina Open Door the other nights of the week. I had to quit that because my husband wanted to spend more time with me. And he was right...but I still miss them.

Then if that wasn't enough I started my own English tutoring company. This kind of just happened. One students turned into two, then......ten. I didn't advertise or put up posted or do anything special. I'm paying taxes, writing receipts and keeping track of expenses. I'm planning to register my business in the new year to make it the real deal. I teach evenings and weekends, which means I'm working 7 days a week. I'm so busy right now that I've had to turn down new students. And although I do not plan to quit my university job I know that I have the flexibility to do that if I want to pursue this avenue full time.

My friend Krista strongly encouraged me to apply for a government grant. I didn't have anything to lose by doing it (or so I thought at the time). But that sucked about 100+ hours out of my month because I had to put together a proposal for my program of study. The problem that I had was that I'm just a new grad student so at this point I didn't even have a supervisor or any idea of what I wanted to research. AND I wasn't even registered in the thesis route (a must for this application). When I walked into the advising office and said that I wanted to put together an application for this grant they basically laughed at me and told me it wasn't possible and that it was highly competitive and that I basically shouldn't bother. I went home that night and started......

I was on a mission to prove them wrong. So I sent individual emails to all the professors that I thought would be interested in what I wanted to study (I found their email on the university website). I made individual appointments with all of them (5 in total) and had them look over my SSHRC 2-page application. One professor made me almost cry in her office as she laughed at my lack of knowledge regarding research methodology. I immediately went to the library and got a research methodology book. A couple of professors encouraged me and said it was good I was going through this process but it was still a bit premature (I was only half way into my first grad class and this is a grant for the thesis component of my degree). All the professors sent me away with suggestions and revisions, minus the one that almost made me cry since she refused to look at my proposal. The suggestions they made were HUGE and basically I had to start my proposal all over again. I had already invested about 50 hours at this time and considered quitting. Krista encouraged me to keep going.

At this point, with only 2 weeks left until the application deadline, I put my nose to the grind. For the next 2 weeks I stayed up until 4 am researching, reading, writing, and re-editing. After several more drafts I sent it away for a second set of revisions from the professors. Only minor changes were to be made at this point. Then I trotted into the advising office application in hand the day it was due.

After finishing that, I had to turn my attention back over to my grad class and put together a group presentation. Then I had to write a final exam for my university ESL class. Then I had to write a 15 page research paper for my grad class. Then I had to correct university final exams.

Then, I had to complete the biggest project at the university to date. I wrote the entire curriculum for the basic grammar and writing class at the University of Regina.

It's my first publication:

Finished at 1:15 am on Thursday December 9th -- 10 hours before it's due!

AND NOW MY FRIENDS, I'M A FREE WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My grad class is over, the ESL semester is done........I'm done writing papers, I'm done writing exams..........I'm ready for a day to myself.

Tomorrow I'm sleeping in ;)

Sunday weigh-in #25

2011-12-05T00:59:00.002-06:00

Back to the beginning I go. Well, almost......

I knew that would happen. I was kind of scared to step on the scale so I'm glad I had an anonymous commenter encourage me to keep going.

I'm just going to try to get through the holiday season and stay around the 155 mark. I'll be happy with that!

Final Research Paper

2011-12-03T14:39:00.002-06:00

This research has taken over my life:

And my mother's kitchen:

GAH! Writing a research report

2011-12-01T21:22:00.003-06:00

Currently I'm writing a research paper. It's taking me FOREVER. I'll be happy to hand the sucker in on Monday. I'll be a free woman then.

I couldn't help but share this video that has gone viral on FB. Gives me goosebumps:

To all those who helped.....

2011-11-21T22:16:00.005-06:00

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF THOSE WHO SUPPORTED ME THROUGH THE UNFORTUNATE SCAM THIS PAST SUMMER.

My friends, family, and co-workers pulled together and last Thursday at my fundraiser I received almost $2000 -- That's enough money to buy one ticket from Regina to Korea. I will put this money into a travel fund and either I will make a trip to visit my Korean mother-in-law or we'll buy a ticket for her to come see us.

Either way, I just want to say THANK-YOU!!!!!!!

School-Work-Life Balance

2011-11-21T21:59:00.005-06:00

I think more times than not I'm writing about my struggles to find balance in my life. I think this is a struggle I will have for the rest of my life-something that I will just have to come to terms with.

While trying to achieve the perfect balance, what may work for one person won't necessarily work for me. Or it may work for one week for me but not the next. That's the struggle for me. It's that I'm trying to strike a perfect balance where I will feel centred, stress free, and like I "have it all together" all the time.

And now I'm starting to realize that it's not going to happen. So while I have to keep in mind that working less and spending more time with my husband is actually a good thing, I also have to know that I'll never be 100% happy or feel grounded 100% of the time. Some days I think "ah ha! I've got it all figured out and I've finally got it" and some days I'm like "what the hell was I thinking?".

And I think the part that I struggle with is that I'm different. I'm trying to be like others in my life or what others expect of me. But in reality, the system I've got works for me. And I'm very happy with this lack of balance. I'm happy to stay up until 4 am working on a university assignment, work hard for an entire week and then crash at 8pm on a Friday. I'm an all or nothing person and I'm okay with that, even if other people think I'm crazy.

People think I'm crazy for marrying someone who doesn't speak the same language as me. People think I'm crazy for living in my parents basement. People think I'm crazy for going to Korea. My life up-to-date is far from conventional so I'm going to stop trying to "fit in" because that's what society deems as "normal".

Fuck normal! I've always been one to bend the rules and challenge the status quo so why should this time be any different?

A NOT so nice office friend

2011-11-17T00:21:00.002-06:00

There are mice in my office at work. Lots of them! They got into my desk drawer and left a nasty surprise for me to clean up. They have been living in the walls. Two of them crawled into my coworkers computer, got their tale caught in the fan and fried. We smelled them the next morning. Occupational Health and Safety has inspected the office and found mouse faeces and urine all over the office including the books in the resource room. We first found their evidence 2 weeks ago.

I guess it's pretty serious. My coworker mentioned something about hantavirus, which apparently results in a 50% death rate. Ummmmm, yikes!

The health and safety inspector will be meeting with us on Friday and our boss has required us to attend this MANDATORY meeting.

Heebee jeebee!

I'm BACK!!!!!!

2011-11-16T22:09:00.003-06:00

Want to know where the hell I've been?

I've been hiding under these papers. For the past month I have been dedicating EVERY free minute to researching and writing. Most nights I'm able to make it to bed before 2 am. Remember? The stack of papers above is a 2-page research proposal that has been edited, revised, re-printed, re-edited (x 100). Five professors have read it over, twice. It's been to the writing centre 3 times for a professional proof read. Five or so friends, coworkers, and family members have given me feedback on more than one occasion. My dear friend Krista has encouraged me through the entire process. I have put more than 100 hours into 2 pages. I almost gave up on more than 1 occasion. I've been consumed with this project for the last month. My husband has even backed away to allow me space to get it complete. I have had dreams of it. It's on my mind ALL THE TIME. These 2-pages will only count for 10% of the adjudication process (the other: 60% academics & 30% referees).

Tomorrow I will hand it over to my university department. A week later, it will get passed on to an internal committee. If I pass that step, then it goes to an external review panel. The final step is an adjudication process in Ottawa (capital of Canada for those non-Canadian readers). I will find out in May of 2012 if I have prepared a successful application. That's a loooooong time to wait.

I'm nervous as HELL!!!!

HOUSE SHOPPING!!!!

2011-11-10T21:17:00.005-06:00

You may remember me RAVING about a unique condo in my city back when I was still living in Korea. No? Then, look here! I really WANTED this condo sooooo badly. I called my mom and was practically begging her to help me out. It was listed at $359,900 and actually sold for $339,900.

Well guess what? It's for sale again. It's a different unit but in the same building. AND I'm still in LOVE.

I'm in LOVE A LOT with THIS place. Seriously I've got such an emotional attachment to it and I have never even stepped inside. It's beyond cool. See for yourself:

AND............GUESS WHAT??!!!!

It's still too expensive!

List price: $389,900

Sunday weigh-in #24

2011-11-06T09:13:00.002-06:00

Sorry I'm MIA on the blog front. Once my big assignment gets handed in November 17th I will be back with lots to write about.

I was glad to see that I actually lost this week ;)

I wasn't glad to see this when I woke up:
Nor was I happy to find out I have a flat tire ;(

Research

2011-11-05T23:26:00.003-06:00

I have been researching for the past 2 weeks. Most of the time I can make it to bed just before 2 but some nights I'm up until 4 am. The 7 am alarm clock the the 8 hour work day that follows leave me exhausted. The past 2 weeks have been tough, as I fight to push past fatigue several times though out the day.

This research project has consumed my thoughts. I can't sleep because I'm thinking about all the work I have to do. Last week I met with 5 professors in the department to go over what I have created. I am on the 11th revision of this proposal. Today I worked on it from 9 am to 11 pm with a 20 minute supper break. My dear friend Krista has supported me along the way and spent countless hours reading my revisions and listening to my frustrations. She's so supportive and encouraging, I don't know how I will thank her.

I hope my efforts pay off. Only time will tell........

Sunday weigh-in #23

2011-10-30T11:27:00.003-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I've got something scary to show you.........

eeeeeeek!

As for updates, this is what my life has been for the past week:

Reading articles and staying up until 2 am has become so normal.

And I'm starting to go a little crazy!

On Thursday night I was on a role and stayed up until 4:00 am Friday morning. I had my mom wake me up at 7:00 to make sure I wouldn't sleep through my alarm. Then I had a 12 teaching day on Friday. It's been an exhausting and overwhelming week!

Something to think about.....

2011-10-25T17:43:00.006-06:00

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

___________________________________

I've been doing A LOT of thinking lately. A LOT! I thought I'd go into this semester of grad studies and work away at my (many) jobs but being back in school makes me really question my future. Thankfully I have a supportive husband who basically says "do what makes you happy!" even when I'm changing my mind every other day.

I like that I'm challenging my thoughts. I like that I'm questioning my career/life path because that means I'm an active agent in my future. I need to be doing that (and keep doing that all my life) not only because that's the kind of person I am but also because it's important for me to be accountable.

What I've learned about myself is that I like writing.

I'm thankful to have this outlet and the ability to express my thoughts on my blog but simultaneously I can't help but feel like I also abuse it.

I write when it fits my schedule, often interrupting long periods of silence, with short simple posts. One day I talk about losing weight and the next about not caring about losing weight. Contradictory? Perhaps. This being said, I know that my blog represents truth. This is who I am even though this blog only reflects parts of my life. I often wonder if I could make blogging my career and if I would be brave enough to make that happen!

Sunday weigh-in #22

2011-10-23T11:59:00.002-06:00

Okay, I had given up on the weekly weigh-in until 1 anonymous commenter said they enjoyed seeing the weigh-ins because they were "real with ups and downs".

SOOOOO I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two weeks ago!

I've realized that I just have to keep at it. I always run away when things get too tough. I had "given up" in my mind so it was just easier to stop caring than forge and keep fighting -- writing and showing my gain online was exceptionally difficult. But this morning I woke up and said "fuck it, i don't care what the number is, I'm in this for the long run". I need to remember that there will be ups and downs and that is exactly what life is about.

Sorry for my absence. And thanks for that little push anonymous ;)

p.s. did I mention how much I love my little blog community. I may not get a lot of readers but those of you who stick around really care and that means the world to me. Your comments are especially important. Thanks!

THIS is life!

2011-10-18T21:45:00.002-06:00

Tonight was the first night I didn't work at my evening job. I know I'm going to miss the students but I will certainly grow to enjoy having evenings off with my husband.

The studious bunch!

Don't let this photo above fool you. Most of the time was spent laughing a joking around.

It's amazing how humour translates no matter what level of English you have. Body language and a big smile is all you need!

On my final day of English class my student Larissa, on the left, said to me: "Jennifer, this is life!" She was referring to people coming and going into their lives. And it's true. I looked at her, gave her a huge hug, made a promise to meet her for coffee in 1 year and replied, "Yes, Larissa, you are right. THIS is life!"

The fond memories will remain in my heart. I have no doubt that they'll remain in theirs too!

What I've learned...

2011-10-15T09:13:00.005-06:00

What I've learned about being busy:

1. Eating healthy falls by the way side when I'm busy. I stop caring about preparing healthy meals and take comfort in familiarity -- fast and unfortunately fatty food.

2. Being busy is good. It keeps me motivated and enthusiastic. Being too busy is bad. There is a fine line between the two and I'm working to achieve some balance.

3. Exercise is still important to do no matter what your life schedule is like. I try to make it to the gym 2 times a week. I'm satisfied if I go once.

4. Quitting my job at Regina Open Door was bitter sweet. I'm glad to have some free evenings (which are already filled up) but sad to leave my students.

5. My husband and I have actually been "communicating" which has been made possible with shifting our schedules so they are more in sync with one another.

6. Grad studies.......fun, challenging, but f'ing hard! Perfectionism is my worst enemy. But I've learned I LOVE writing.....academia, journalling, you name it!

7. I am not looking forward to Monday. Here's what my day will look like:

8:30 - 4:20 --> teach at the university (no lunch break)

4:30 - 5:30 --> work meeting

5:45 - 6:30 --> grad studies project meeting

6:30 - 9:30 --> grad class

10:00 - 12:00 --> homework!!!!

8. Next semester will be different. I don't plan to work (more than full-time) and study. It's too much.

9. Now that Sung Hyun has a good job, I can step back from this insane amount of work. I'm finding it hard to let go.

10. Yesterday my former instructor, now friend, made a good point: "your job won't care about you when you're 65, your family will!"

Two things that make you laugh....

2011-10-13T23:25:00.002-06:00

Thought I'd share 2 things that made me laugh out loud today. Enjoy!

Jennifer-Aid

2011-10-12T00:17:00.005-06:00

Remember this summer how I got screwed over by the "trusted" travel agent in Korea? Well he's also screwed over a lot of other people too. HOW SAD! He keeps scamming people to this day and even though we've reported him to the police (along with about 20 others) he has not been shut down. We will NEVER see our money back. End of story!

The day after the scam, on my birthday of all days, while I was at work I broke down crying in my office explaining the situation to my coworkers. Word quickly spread and it didn't take long for others to find out what happened.

Then my amazing coworkers got together, formed a committee, planned an event in our honour. Here is the poster I thought I'd share in case any of you would like to come out:

_________________________________________

Jennifer's-Aid Fundraiser!

Greetings, everyone! Some of you may not be aware, but Jennifer Burton and her husband SungHyun had an unfortunate occurrence this last summer. They had booked with a Korean travel agent to bring their Korean family here to Canada for a visit. Unfortunately, the agency folded and left Jennifer and her husband without the refund of a considerable amount of money for the trip. This is a terrible burden for a young couple to face. We felt so badly when we heard this that we wanted to do something to help out.

As a result, we are having a Tony Roma's rib buffet night on Thursday, November 17, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 4450 Albert St. Please put this date on your calendar and bring your partners or spouses. We will be selling only 100 tickets to the event ($23.00, cash only) and they can be purchased beginning next week. There will also be a cash bar, a 75-25 draw, and a silent auction going on during the evening. Our very own diva, the famous TaraSolheim will be entertaining on her piano with special paid requests from her songlist. In between Tara’s singing, feel free to entertain us with your own karaoke renditions!

We have need of donated items for the silent auction. This could include gently used orregifted items, other donated items, or special services like yardwork, marking, consulting, or other…use your imagination! Please register your items or services with Tayyaba at (email address) and bring them with you on November 17 just prior to 6:00 p.m.

Buffet Menu (we can’t offer menu substitutions for those with dietary concerns, but you can order from a table in the restaurant and then bring your plate inside the fundraiser room):

· Tony Roma’s riblets

· Garlic toast

· Baked potatoes with fixings

· Caesar salad (no bacon)

If you have any questions, please direct them to Myra Froc, (email address). Everyone please come out on November 17^th for a great cause and a very good time with your ESL staff co-workers!

_______________________________________

HOW NICE IS THAT?!!!!!!!!

A Good Story

2011-10-10T22:03:00.004-06:00

I came across this story last week on the good old worldwide web. It made me chuckle so I thought I'd share:

An old Italian gentleman lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent, I am feeling pretty sad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days. Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from him son.

Dear Papa, Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried. Love, Vinnie.

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Papa, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances. Love you, Vinnie

Sunday weigh-in #20

2011-10-09T15:17:00.002-06:00

A LOSS (last week)!!!!! I'll take it.

Sorry you have to stare at my ugly toes every Sunday. HEHE!

Seems my last weekly weigh-in has caused quite a stir-up in the comments section.

CHEERS TO HEALTH THIS THANKSGIVING!!!!

All sorts of uncomfortable!

2011-10-09T00:12:00.003-06:00

AH HA! I know why I've been eating my weight in junk food lately!

I am struggling with choices in my life right now. I quit my evening job at Regina Open Door. Although I love the students I know that I really do need to be spending more time with my husband. Although I have been going back and forth on this one for quite some time it was comments from this post that solidified my decision. In fact, I woke up that day, read the comments on my break at work, wrote my letter of resignation in the 20 minute window before I had to go to my evening job and handed the letter to my boss that very night. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Currently I'm in grad school. Although I'm only taking 1 class (albeit 2 classes is full-time) I feel very VERY overwhelmed. The perfectionist in me wants me to do really really well. But the reality is I can't just pick up where I left off in my undergrad. I used to be a really good academic writer. As I look back now I realized that I missed some amazing opportunities to publish some of my papers because I was 'too busy' to make time with my profs to edit my work for a journal. I was 'too busy' trying to get good grades that I missed the point. Now I'm mad at myself for not being able to pick up where I left off. I'm struggling......

.....I've even considered quitting because I don't know fully if I want to specialize in the field of Adult Education. Why should I invest so much time (and money) into a field that I'm not 100% sure I want to pursue? Teaching is my passion, yes, but I just don't know where I see myself in 5 years from now. On the other hand, education is never really a waste. And then when I'm in the classroom I'm like "YAH, I love this. Learning is fun. It challenges me and makes me think in different ways that I didn't think was possible. I feel so inspired!". Then I get home and feel so overwhelmed.

Hummmmm......

So I'm just so unsettled. That's the reason why I've been keeping myself busy. Sad, I know! If I'm busy then I don't need to address this nagging voice that keeps saying 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' Geez, am I the only one who feels this way?

So yah that's what's been going on lately.

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful that my husband didn't die in this explosion at his work place. Scary stuff:

p.s. I feel so vulnerable, in a good way, when I write about this kind of stuff on my blog. But my dad feels that I'm too honest and at times say too much (HI DAD!). I'm wondering if I need to tone it down or if this is the kind of stuff you look for when coming to my site. Take a minute and let me know in the comments below. Thanks!

Weddings....

2011-10-08T20:27:00.002-06:00

I went to a wedding last weekend. It was really nice to get together with all my girlfriends and celebrate. We danced and ate and (of course!) drank. Happy wedding Tracy!

Sung Hyun had fun with the babies.

He'll make a great dad!

Help me..........in MY dreams!

2011-10-06T21:49:00.004-06:00

Background: Tomorrow (Friday) I am doing my last teaching lesson in front of my supervising practicum for the intense TESOL course that I took this summer. I was so busy this summer that I think I neglected to mention this on my blog. Anyways it is 10pm and I haven't started planning yet. Surprise surprise!

Tonight as Sung Hyun kisses me goodnight I say "Hey Yobo, how can I teach my students who, what, where, when and why?"

"Because of your husband" he replies, after obviously only hearing the 'why'.

"No, no, how can I teach my students to make the questions who, what, where, when and why?" I repeat.

"I don't know but I'm going to tell you in my dreams, okay?"

Photo Strip

2011-10-04T09:27:00.005-06:00

Sunday weigh-in #19

2011-10-04T09:09:00.002-06:00

To be expected:

I had a terrible week food wise so I'm not surprised about the weight gain. I'm happy to hang out in the 150's (as long as it's the low 150's) until I'm more serious about wanting to lose weight. Right now is not that moment. So I'll keep tracking and weighing but I won't expect much.....

This week I participated in the 'run for the cure' 5K race. I beat my first time by almost 2 minutes. I did the race in just over 28 minutes.

That picture was taken post race. Do I look pregnant?

Regina Open Door

2011-09-28T23:23:00.002-06:00

The evening class that I teach is at a non profit organization helping immigrants or temporary workers with basic English skills. And I teach the beginning level, just like I do at the university. It's a great job. My boss is WONDERFUL! The students are so FUN! The only downfall is that because these students have jobs and lives outside of their studies it's difficult for them to commit to attending class regularly. I may get a new student one day and then they won't come back for 3 weeks. Some times I'll have 10 students in my class and some times I'll have 2. It makes for extra planning and a whole lot of 'back-up' activities. But hey, as long as I can have fun doing what I love then I don't really care.

Today I brought in some realia to my classroom and we took pictures of us doing action verbs. I will print the pictures out tonight and bring them into class tomorrow to have the students write sentences about them. Posing with the different props made for a fun night.

We took our laughs outside of our classroom so we could get a few group shots. Here's the gang tonight:

Hardly smiling for the picture ;(

Then we continued the fun into the break and battled it out with a couple of arm wrestling matches. I won this one by the way!!

GRAD class

2011-09-26T22:21:00.002-06:00

Even though I am overwhelmed with the reading load (I hate reading btw.....) I still really enjoy my grad class. I just wish it was the only thing I had to concentrate on. Stupid work gets in the way.

A NEW perspective

2011-09-25T21:59:00.003-06:00

I love Kendra's comment in the last post about losing weight (she's so insightful btw). Basically she is telling me to stop making excuses pertaining to weight loss/ healthy lifestyle.

It's exactly what I needed. And she's right. If I am to commit to a healthier lifestyle I will have to find ways to cope even when times are stressful. That means I cannot resort to food as a comfort when I'm stressed and feel I cannot accomplish all I have set out to do.

I like this new perspective because I have always allowed myself to 'cheat' or 'let things slip' when I feel overwhelmed by my duties. An example of this is on Friday I went for a 40 minute run with a co-worker after work and my mom commented that if I had so much to do maybe I should have skipped my run. And that is a reasonable way to think. If you need to accomplish something, but do not have enough time to get it done, then something needs to go. And if health is not a priority, which in my mom's case it isn't her first concern, then it only makes sense to get rid of it. That's 40 minutes of reading I could have done in that time.

But I've noticed a new found shift in the way I think. When my mom said that to me, I really could not believe it. Stop something that is healthy for me, in the name of trying to get something else done? Doesn't that seem counter-productive? In fact running is probably a good stress relief given my current situation. Anyways, I certainly wasn't mad about my mom's comment and do not want it to come across that way as I write about it, but rather it was a good reminder that health should come first. And that little life stresses should not interfere with living a healthier lifestyle.

I have no one to blame but myself for creating this situation. I was the one who decided to go to grad school. I was the one who chose to work an insane amount of hours this semester. I was the one who could not say 'no' when someone asked me to teach them English on the weekend. I was the one who decided to get another evening part-time job which would mean I wouldn't return home before 9:30 pm every night.

So now that I know I've created this situation I take comfort in know that I can change this situation if I need to. There is no sense trying to kill myself in the process but if I had to quit something I would be very disappointed in myself. Choosing the easy way out perhaps?

Does this make sense? Am I just trying to make an excuse for not being able to accomplish things I have set out to do this semester? Because when it comes to the fight or flight response.......I usually choose the flight!

Sunday weigh-in #18

2011-09-25T19:14:00.003-06:00

Last week

Last night I went to a stagette slumber party. I ate my weight in junk food and got the worst stomachache. Also I'm super stressed with work/ grad studies and find myself snacking more then I should. I can't wait to get through these next 3 months.

THAT guy!

2011-09-24T09:18:00.003-06:00

When I first started blogging about Sung Hyun, back in the day when we were a NEW couple, my dad would often ask "who is this 'gym guy' that you keep writing about on your blog?" He acquired this name because I met him at the gym and 'Sung Hyun', his real name, was too difficult to pronounce.

So Sung Hyun became gym guy. When we first came to Canada for a visit he introduced himself by his first name. He soon discovered that it was too difficult for people to pronounce so started telling everyone his English name was 'Gym Guy', not realizing that guy meant man.

He's kept this nickname ever since (but he now realizes it's a nickname and NOT an English name). Even his co-workers call him this. So last week, as a surprise, I ordered some special plates for his NEW car. They arrived yesterday:

"hey Gym Guy, your wife's on the phone!" my dad says. "What does she want?", he replies!

Funny Story

2011-09-22T23:26:00.003-06:00

Here is my lovely group of students. I teach the VERY beginners and even though it requires a lot of work I really adore them. Tomorrow will mark 2 weeks (13 total) of classes together everyday for 15 hours a week.

(permission granted by students to put this picture on the internet)

Yesterday we were talking about cooking food. My little Chinese student said he likes to cook so he offered to bring in some Chinese food for the class. Today he came with about 20 dumplings to share.

You can probably guess where this is going.

Since the dumplings were made from pork none of the students could eat them because of their religious beliefs. Unfortunately for one student it was too late. I was out of the classroom at this point. He had already eaten one dumpling when he realized his mistake. The Chinese student pushed up his nose and puffed his cheeks to show what animal it came from. "THE PIG!" the student shrieked! I only caught a glimpse of him running to the bathroom so he could 'get rid of' what he had eaten.

I felt so bad. The Chinese student felt so bad. The Saudi students felt so bad. That's when, despite the language barrier, we talked about cultural differences.

Just another day in my life!

2011-09-21T22:06:00.001-06:00

My relationship with my husband is interesting and unique (one day I'll write a book). And as much as I gripe about the 'shitty times' there are also moments in life when you have to sit back and laugh.......at yourself!

We've had our fair share of misunderstanding which is why I find this video to be quite hilarious:

Busy -- the good, the bad!

2011-09-21T22:04:00.001-06:00

My life as of late has been interesting. I have adjusted (kind of) to a new semester at the university doing what I do best, teaching! Teaching at Regina Open Door Society continues to keep me busy at night. Then I've got the 3 hour grad class every Monday night. On the weekend I'm trucking along with lesson planning and private tutoring. I work SEVEN days a week. My weekends are now busier than my week day. I look forward to only having to work for 4 hours, lesson plan for 2, and spend 3 hours in class studying. That's my lightest day.

EVERY morning I wake up and think 'I cannot possibly keep doing this, I'm going to kill myself trying too hard!' but then I get into the swing of things and I'm happy to be busy, to have a job (well, more like 5) and to be learning.

But I still admit that I do not have balance. My relationships with the people I love most are the first to sacrifice. And hanging out with friends is a non-existent!

There is some purpose to all this sanity. Sung Hyun and I are trying to save up for a 20% down payment for our first place. Since my job at the university is sessional work and he is not yet a part of the welding union none of our jobs are secure/ stable -- proving difficult to qualify for a mortgage.

But since I can NOT carry on with this insane schedule I've decided that at the end of the semester (December end) I have to decide what to focus my effort/ energy on, either grad school or work. Because there are not enough hours in the day to be teaching for 52.5 hours a week, lesson plan for 20 hours, attend night classes for 3, do grad homework for 10 hours, and blog, exercise/ have a life.

Any advice on how to NOT be a workaholic?

Teaching in Korea

2011-09-21T00:55:00.002-06:00

When I tell people I taught in Korea for 5 years the most common question I get is:

North or South?

Sunday weigh-in #17

2011-09-18T09:04:00.002-06:00

Ba-hum bug!

Last week I was 148.8 and this week I'm 150.4.

Each week it's getting harder and harder and I suspect that I'm trying to push past a plateau. I will shake the 150s but it just may take some time.

This week I exercised 5 times. I went for 3 runs (total 17K) and to 2 Zumba classes. I busted my butt in the exercise department and did okay in the food department. I figured I would have lost so I'm disappointed that I gained. But last night I did go out for Indian food with my husband and perhaps had I not done that I would have seen different results this morning.

Either way, what's done is done so here's to moving forward.........

Ask US anything!

2011-09-13T21:17:00.003-06:00

Here is the interview with my husband, as promised. I should have put in subtitles because you probably can't understand what we are saying. And it's super long (sorry about that) and really boring!

Grad school

2011-09-12T23:33:00.002-06:00

Remember how I pre ordered a copy of my grad text book so I could get a head start with the reading? Well tonight was my first grad class and I hadn't even cracked open the book.

Each week I have to read about 100 pages in the book along with 3-4 other articles. And even though I knew this course would be quite heavy I still DID NOTHING to prepare. Oh procrastination is still one of my less attractive skills.

So the only time I'll have time to read/ do assignments will be from 9:30 pm - whenever Monday to Friday. I put in 1 hour of reading tonight and it's already 11:30. I got through 12 pages in that time. I'm a slow reader. A very very slow reader.

In case you were curious about why my chapter is about, let me explain:

I'm reading about the 3 conditions (changing demographics, global economy, information and technology) characteristic of current sociocultural context that are shaping the learners needs of adults in today's world (Merriam et al, 2007).

Interesting hey? Yah, I thought so......

This semester is going to KILL me!

Sung Hyun's baby

2011-09-11T18:10:00.005-06:00

Finally after ONE FULL year of living in Regina we have a second car. Public transportation in my city is basically non existent.

My parent's are exceptionally happy because they can stop being our taxi driver! But for now they are our loan's officer.

Thanks mom and dad, slowly but surely we'll pay you back......

Sunday weigh-in #16

2011-09-11T17:54:00.002-06:00

Oh yah baby!!!

A victory after the gain last week!

Our Place!

2011-09-10T20:10:00.006-06:00

No we haven't moved out on our own but we did have a basement remodel when it got flooded from all the winter snow. Don't remember? GO HERE to see the work in progress pictures. Basically it was gutted and rebuilt. My parents spent A LOT (to the sum of more than 20K) to get this basement stabilized and ready for the Asian Invasion. We were scrambling to get the work done before our Korean family arrived since they were planning on sleeping with us in the basement. On a side note, is this weird? After 6 months of sleeping RIGHT NEXT TO MY MOTHER-IN-LAW I totally do not mind sharing my space.

But since the family was not able to come because we got screwed over by a jack*ss travel agent who stole all our money (sorry this still upsets me at times) we did not get to share our space.

So instead I thought I'd share our new suite which we both LOVE and are happy to call our home.

It isn't the load that breaks you. It is how you carry it.

A very fitting birthday present from a good friend. It sits on my night table because I thought it was a good way to start and end my day!

* Here is what it looked like before ;)

Thank you Annie!

2011-09-10T08:36:00.003-06:00

Today I got a thank you card in the mail. It was from my friend Anne-Marie. We met in Korea but then we realized we were closely connected in Canada. A long time ago her family used to attend the same church as my grandparents. In fact, her older brother was my grandparents 'adopted grandson'.

And to think we met in Korea.

We have been best buddies ever since and have shared a lot of wonderful times together. We've been there for each other and although we are back in our home country we live even further apart.

Here's a picture of us in Vancouver reunited again after we flew back home to start our new life in Canada one year ago:

And here's the nice surprise:

It reads - You are one of the awesomest people I know. Every time I talk to you, you make me smile. I just want you to know how much I appreciate our friendship and I wish we could get together more often.

I love you friend ;)

__________________________

Me too friend, me too.....

The ask US anything post!

2011-09-08T22:40:00.004-06:00

Remember the early days in Korea when Sung Hyun was all I talked about? Well I realize I don't include him enough in this blog so I asked him if we could do a question and answer video. AND he agreed........which is strange because he hates when I record him doing anything.

So if you're curious to see how life is in Canada for Sung Hyun, want to know random things about us as a couple or just want to hear how he speaks English then fire away.

All things that I talk about on this blog are open for discussion* as well as any other questions you may have. Submit your questions in the comments section of this post by Saturday so Sung Hyun has time to 'think' about the answers (that's his only request).

We'll record the video on Sunday then have it up on the site Monday or Tuesday.

_______________________________________

* just remember our parents read this.

Eating and exercise!

2011-09-08T15:10:00.002-06:00

Eating healthy these past couple of weeks has been tough. It's a struggle (I mean challenge) to consciously choose healthy options. Some days it's harder than others. Since starting my weight loss weekly weigh-in I've noticed that my taste buds have changed a lot. I have also appreciated how good I feel when I exercise (hello endorphins I'm talking to you) and eat healthy. Whey aren't more people doing this?

But then there are other days when I crave sweets and salty foods and cave into eating junk food. And my body is the first to tell me.

Someone commented on my post last week about how dieting/ lifestyle changes don't address the underlying reasons of WHY people overeat or are emotional eaters. Following rules and counting calories doesn't really help get to the root cause of the reason why people do this is the first place.

And I agree with the comment.

And so my fellow over eaters, emotional eaters, I love food eaters and all of you out there who can identify with this, what are we to do to address the problem?*

I'm finally starting to appreciate my body and I'm happy with what/ how I'm doing. I'm not setting myself up for failure. If I eat unhealthy I am not ashamed of writing about my experience on my blog. I don't have any real guilty feelings if I don't eat healthy all the time. I don't try to sabotage my efforts.

So Jen, if you seem to have it all together why can't you get your act together and lose weight every week? And why did you reach out and ask for help last week?

Good question! Well, weight loss, just like life, will be full of ups and downs. I'm prepared for that. That's why I'm so damn happy with my new found attitude about this whole process. And there are times when I'm down that I need an extra push or some motivation.

I am not afraid to say "HELP ME PLEASE"

AND YOU SHOULDN'T BE EITHER!

So stop, get off your high horse, look around and ask someone you know for help. It's easy. And that person feels special if you reach out to them. I know I would!!!!!

oatmeal with egg whites, banana, blueberries and almond butter.....yummm!

Chickpea salad with feta and Italian dressing!

* we all know I can't afford therapy, nor do I feel I need it at this point in my life.

Life plans.....all aboard?

2011-09-06T23:56:00.008-06:00

Sung Hyun and I sat down this weekend and we managed to hash out some life goals. Now that I've got a plan I'm feeling good. We even wrote the plan out on paper and have started a budget book to make sure we are able to track our success. The biggest problem with adjusting to life in Canada was a result of not detailing any immediate or long term goals. We worked so hard to get to Canada that when we came back it was 'ummm okay, what next?'

Sung Hyun's goal was to get a welding job. Now that he's got that, he's satisfied. He could probably continue doing that for the rest of his life and he would feel happy and fulfilled.

I'm a different story. I need to be challenged daily. I work best under stress and I love pushing myself to the limit. That's when I receive the most satisfaction. So working a 9-5 job Monday to Friday just isn't going to cut it for me. I thought that's what I wanted. It seems to be the thing that everyone strives for. And I keep thinking, what's wrong with me? Why don't I want the same thing as those around me? But then I realize I've always been like this. I love change and get bored so easily (I was a little worried about marriage for this reason).

So I feel better now knowing that I've carved out some goals with my husband. Included in the mix are 6 month, 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year goals revolving around money, career, health, home, school, travel and babies, but not in that order!

And we're both on board! (well I'm still working on my husband to smooth over ONE BIG goal, so when I've got him convinced I'll let you all know!)

The Importance of Positive Thinking!

2011-09-05T21:24:00.005-06:00

An update on the travel scam

Good-bye money!

We did not receive the money from the travel agent at the end of August like promised to us. It's frustrating. And it meant that I didn't get to see my Korean family this year. Lots of tears have been shed and fights had. As stubborn as I am, I know that there is no sense holding onto this hope because it just brings about frustration. And then in the end I'm only hurting myself.

So I'm making a conscious effort to let this go. Life is unfair, things don't always go as planned and there will be set backs. Two steps forward, one step back. It's hard to see your hard earned money just disappear so Sung Hyun and will just have to put our nose to the grind and push just a little bit more. If this experience has taught me anything it's that money isn't everything. And this is a lesson I needed to learn (it's just too bad it was the hard way)!

Here's the message I left my coworkers:

Hello lovely office ladies!

I just wanted to give you an update about our travel scam because I said I'd keep you informed on the movement of this situation. After realizing that our family was not going to visit us in Canada, we decided that it would be best if my husband went to Korea to see his family. He went for 17 days. While he was there he managed to get the travel agent to sign a document in front of a lawyer stating that he would pay the sum of the airline tickets (about $9000) to our brother-in-law's Korean bank account at the end of August. Then we played the waiting game. The end of August came and went. We did not get our money. We have been attempting to make contact with the travel agent but have had no success.

Since we are in Canada there is not much we can do. Because of the language barrier, lack of funds and time commitment we have decided not to pursue this situation in civil court. We may decide to charge him criminally but since it's difficult to do this and we don't know the steps that are involved we have handed this case over to my husband's oldest brother-in-law.

It's an unfortunate circumstance but these are just bumps in life. I'm not going to let this one get me down. Thanks again for all the extra support everyone has given me in the past month. I work with an excellent team of colleagues and I'm proud to be a part of this organization.

So here's to positive thinking....

Enjoy your long weekend,

Jennifer

I was delighted to get this back in response:

It is too bad about the travel scam, but you're an encouragement to me because of the way you have reacted. You are so right that becoming wrapped up in stress and anger over these kinds of things is just not worth it. Seeing your attitude to this major life event helps me realize how foolish it is to stress over minors like traffic and schedule. Thank you.

The PILE vs. FILE system

2011-09-05T12:11:00.004-06:00

Sung Hyun is a VERY neat and orderly person. He gets a paper, files it away. I remember making fun of him in Korea because every night he'd dump out his man bag and organize it. And me? I am NOT an organized person whatsoever!

This is something I NEED to work on considering my upcoming (intense teaching load/ first grad class) semester.

My system of organization is called the PILE system:

As you can see, I like to pile things in random places.

Sung Hyun's system of organization is called the FILE system:

In 5 seconds he can show me his first pay cheque, work contract, bank account information and the phone number of his English teacher.

DAMN HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday weigh-in #15

2011-09-04T13:13:00.002-06:00

If I turn my scale sideways then maybe you won't see.....

.....the gain from last week!

Ahhhhhhh! I knew this was going to happen. I had an awful week of eating shitty food. I bought junk from vending machines which is something I never do. And I don't really care about the number on the scale but I know that I didn't make the right choices. I'm disappointed in myself for that.

Okay blog readers, I'm counting on you this week to pick me up. I'm in a slump and need some words of wisdom.

Thanks!

This song

2011-09-03T23:38:00.003-06:00

I don't remember the names of famous well-know artists. Nor have I ever felt affected/ influenced by their music. I don't own an ipod or an mp3. And music played in the background at coffee shops just distracts me.

But this song, it's different.

The raw emotion in Someone Like You by Adele moves me beyond words.

Life, Love and you guessed it.........MONEY (part 4)

2011-08-30T15:42:00.014-06:00

Remember this series?

Be honest.

Okay I'll admit, I forgot too, but with a little prompting from a reader (thanks anonymous ;) I shall forge on.....

See, yet another example of how I don't carry through with things I start. GEEZ (okay enough negative self-talk).

_____________________________________

Let's play catch up shall we:

Part 1 -- In this post I talked about how unhappy I was with my husband when I became the main breadwinner (he likes to use this term: 'sugar mama') in our relationship. This unhappiness does not stem from the idea that I think women should not assume financial responsibility in a relationship but has more to do with different expectations in a relationship (maybe cultural, maybe not). I also touched on some personal family money issues.

Part 2 -- I continued on about the family money saga and about how Sung Hyun and I viewed the same situation in 2 very different ways. I also talked about how Sung Hyun doesn't fit into the Korean community here.

Part 3 -- Was an optimistic post about (hopefully) good things to come!

______________________________________________________

Now onto Part 4...

SUNG HYUN GOT A JOB!!!!!

When Sung Hyun first came to Canada he was employed almost immediately. He applied for about 8 welding jobs, advertised online, but didn't get so much as an interview. So he snatched up the first job that came his way. We accidentally applied for this position because we thought it was a welding job, but it turned out to be very different. For 6 months Sung Hyun worked outside (in the middle of winter) shoveling metal at a junk yard. He had a strong work ethic and all of his coworkers loved him. Even though he was well liked, made a decent amount of money ($20/ hour) as a new immigrant, he knew that this job was not something he wanted to do long term.

So he quit.

Our next plan was for him to challenge the Canadian welding exam. We filled out the paperwork (geez that was a process - yet another example of government bureaucracy) then once he got the approval to 'challenge the exam' all he had to do was the practical weld test. The only problem was that he was over a year out of practice and the welding in Canada was somehow different than what he was used to in Korea. So 1-2 months of test prep turned into 4 months. Even though Sung Hyun was not confident with his skills his welding teacher told him to just do the practical test. It was almost certain that he would fail the first time because the pass rate was around 20%.

Uncertain about his abilities, but with the urging of his teacher he went ahead and booked the welding exam. I dropped him off early in the morning and as I drove away I had butterflies in my stomach. Sung Hyun's future success in Canada was dependant on how well he did on his exam. Before he shut the door to my car door he said "I hope the examiner didn't fight with his wife last night" except it sounded more like this: "I hope test man is last night no fighting with his wife", you get the point.

I waited and waited and waited. All day I was anxious to find out if he passed. Since I was working ALL DAY it was my dad's responsibility to pick him up at the test centre.

SIX hours later Sung Hyun called.

HE FAILED!

I tried to cheer him up telling him that he could practice more and try again. Then he yelled JUST KIDDING in Korean. I was ecstatic and I didn't really believe him. When I got home he proudly displayed his new Canadian welding ticket.

We decided that the next best plan of action was for Sung Hyun to hold off on job searching until his Korean family finished up their vacation in Canada (which unfortunately didn't happen). So to pass the time before their arrival he went back to welding school. He was on a mission to get more welding tickets. And that he did.

He now holds 2 B Pressure welding tickets and a T.I.G carbon-carbon ticket. He passed all 3 exams on the first try. All 3 times he received compliments from the examiners.

Two weeks ago Sung Hyun came back from Korea. Two days later he went job hunting. He got offered 2 jobs with 2 different welding unions in the city. He started safety training the following Monday and Tuesday, went to his first job site on Wednesday and has been welding away ever since. He has to pass a daily x-ray inspection to see if his welding is up to code. Last Tuesday his bossed called him aside to give him his first report. All his x-rays came back perfect and his boss congratulated him and told him to keep doing a good job.

Only now is he starting realize that his work is valued. After spending 12 years in Korea welding, his skill and profession are FINALLY being recognized.

This my friends is why we came to CANADA.

Three cheers for my LOVER!

Guess what I made today?

2011-08-28T20:49:00.002-06:00

Here's a hint:

A first for me! My Korean mamma would be so PROUD!

Sunday weigh-in #14

2011-08-28T09:42:00.003-06:00

Not as good as I had hoped for but not bad either. I'll take a 0.4 gain this week:

This week I've learned not to be so hard on myself. And to just 'keep going' even when the going gets tough.

Sunday breakfast

STUPID, I know!

2011-08-27T12:55:00.005-06:00

When the going gets TOUGH........

........I QUIT!

I make excuses for myself NOT to succeed. Stupid, I know!

"I don't deserve to do well, I don't deserve to be happy."

I set myself up for failure and fall short of accomplishing my goals (which are realistically set too high to begin with).

I didn't complete my last semester of Korean classes because I was worried I would fail the final exams. Stupid, I know!

I start something only to quit it a few months later. I rarely see projects from start to finish. When things get tough it's just easier to walk away and start something else; just get up and move, and keep going.

But then just the other night I found this inspiriting quote on the Internet:

"If you want to succeed, double your failure rate." Thomas Watson

And then moments later I found this little gem written by one of my favourite bloggers and I actually thought she wrote THIS for me.

When I read it I just sat there thinking. And I said to myself "Jennifer what the hell are you so afraid of? and why are you letting this fear stand in the way of who YOU are and who YOU want to be?" Stupid, I know!

So when times get tough instead of walking away I'm going to walk on over to my little bloggie and pour out my heart. Because it's comments like these from all my wonderful readers that really make a difference to me.

People reaching out to help me? Wow!

I may not have quantity but I certainly can count on my readers for quality.

AND FOR THAT, I THANK YOU!!!!!!

Today I woke up and I followed through with one on my goals. I signed up for a 5K race over a month ago and I've been working hard to train for this race because if you know me I'm NOT a runner. I'm lucky to have met a wonderful lady (Sharla) through my good friend Tanya. Sharla was the first person to take me out for a run. The first time we went together was awful. I had to stop every couple of minutes. But she kept encouraging me to push on and make it to the end. When we finished the run she asked me when I would like to run again later that week. It was obvious that she could run much further distances at a much faster pace. Why would she want to go with me again if I was only holding her back? We scheduled another run a couple of days later and then the following week and before long I had gone on 5 or 6 runs with her.

Then she left for a 1 month vacation around Canada.

She told me that by the time she got back I'd be able to run the entire distance around the lake (about 4K) without stopping to walk. I didn't believe her.

So I kept running. I ran at night. I tracked a 5K course around my house and I went by myself. Then I signed up for a 5K race.

And she was almost right. By the time she got back I could run 5K with only one 30 second walking break. I set a goal for the race. I wanted to complete the 5K in 30 minutes.

But then, since I was having such a terrible week, I didn't run at all. My personal trainer at the gym cancelled my Monday workout because she was sick. It was a good 10 + days of zero exercise.

I felt awful. I was a failure.

I decided NOT to run the 5K race because I wasn't in 'good enough' shape. I had let myself go, when times got busy. I was disappointed at myself for not seeing this through, so I ate food (that didn't even taste that good) to make myself feel better. Stupid, I know.

But then I changed my mind. I decided that going out to run in a race, even if I didn't do well, would be better than not doing it. At least I'd be exercising.

So the night before the race I did nothing to prepare, in fact I even drank beer at dinner. I didn't set out my clothes. I didn't turn on my alarm clock. I didn't charge my watch.

I was creating as many obstacles for myself as I could so that I didn't have to do the race.

"Oh my shoes are old and I didn't have enough time to buy new ones so I probably shouldn't race."

"If I sleep in and miss the race then it wasn't meant to be. My body just needed the sleep."

"If I leave late, get in a panic then maybe I won't find the start, so I could just go home."

"Sung Hyun was supposed to race with me and he has to work today so I shouldn't go alone"

THESE ARE ALL THOUGHTS THAT WENT THROUGH MY HEAD. Stupid, I know!

So today when I woke up I was nervous. I second guessed myself all the way to the race. I almost went home when I couldn't find a place to park.

"There is still time to back out"

"I'm going to smile in this picture, but man am I scared!"

This time NONE of my excuses stopped me from running.

TODAY I ran the 5K race!!!!

And my NEW goal before I started was to 'just finish the f'ing thing'.

So I surprised myself when I crossed the finish line at 29:59.

That's 1 second off my original goal that I never thought I could ever accomplish.

AND I'M DAMN PROUD OF MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also walked away with a prize to 'body talk' which apparently helps to relieve stress. Can't help but think that's a hint!

Thank you to my dear readers and an even bigger thank you to all those who have taken the time to comment. You're words have made a difference!

New post (about life) down below!

2011-08-25T22:19:00.002-06:00

Hello dear readers, thanks for hanging on, I've posted about my life, as of late, down below the Sunday weigh-in so if you want to know how I'm doing please check it out!

On a more positive note, I found my Korean mom in Canada. Well, actually she's my Chinese student at Regina Open Door but acts exactly like my Korean mom. She's adorable, loveable and doesn't speak a lick of English. But that doesn't stop me from giving her hugs:

I'm in love! She makes me miss my K. mom even more.

Here's the whole gang! Actually they are all really great. I think it's pretty cool that they get to study English in this wonderful country for FREE. And I have the pleasure of teaching them. Pretty nifty ;)

_______________________________________

A commenter last week asked about my skin routine. And I don't have any secret advice to give away, in fact if someone wants to teach me how to properly look after my skin that would be GRAND. I usually just wash it with soap and water and slap on some lotion. I was using Clinic for a few years but I ran out and haven't decided it was a priority in my life so I haven't picked up anything to replace it.

I know I said this before but I just wanted to make sure everyone was up to date about the travel agent who stole our money situation........he's signed a legal document drafted by a lawyer stating that he will pay the sum of the tickets back by the end of August. That's in less in a week, I'm getting anxious.

Another commenter asked me to finish my money series. DUH! I always half start projects and never finish them. Sorry to keep you waiting. That will be on my check list of things to tackle soon.

I have been taking an intensive TESOL teaching course during the month of August that will get me accredited by Languages Canada so I can teach anywhere in Canada.

Sung Hyun got a job! YAHHH!!! After 5 months of no income it's nice that he's back in the game. I didn't tell you about this did I?! Probably another reason I felt so much pressure to work 5 jobs at once. He wanted to take a couple of months off to get some welding tickets but 1-2 months turned into 5 and my income during that time didn't cover the welding courses he was taking. So it's a huge relief that he'll be making money again. More to write about that in the MONEY series.

Cheers!

Sunday weigh-in #13

2011-08-21T11:13:00.006-06:00

Last week I was 151.8 so I'm happy with the results this week:

And next week I'd like to kiss the 150's goodbye!

Friday dinner eats!

Honest and true to EVERYONE else but not MYSELF!

2011-08-19T22:52:00.006-06:00

I've got a confession to make.

I need to re-evaluate what is important to me. I know, you (my dear readers) have been telling me this from the start. Sit down with a pen and paper and make a list of things that make you happy, things that you want to accomplish. Don't worry, I hear these words echoing in the back of my head.

I just haven't listened.

Because I thought coming home (back to Canada) and working a regular job and saving up money to buy a house would make me happy. I thought because that is what everyone else (with a exception of a few) is doing then I should be doing that too. In Korea I felt that I was 'getting behind' on life and that I should quickly get into the work world, secure a steady job (you know one that comes with pension and EDO's because those are 'the best') work my way up the ladder, go to grad school (because that's the new Bachelor's Degree) buy a house (complete with a picket fence - white, of course!) and then make babies.

But the simple truth is, that this is not what makes ME happy (not at this moment anyways). And I feel pressured by my husband, by my family, to subscribe to these ideals. So I've got the good job, I'm going to grad school, I've saved up a deposit for a house and I look around and say 'what's next?'. And even though I know THIS in NOT what makes me happy I still get up everyday and participate in this LIFE that I've created for myself. AND the worst part is that I've only got myself to blame. No one forced me to do this.

So I've been filling my time up with work. Because if I work I don't have to think. I get home exhausted, have a shit ton of homework and prep to do, go to work on weekends and I'm so distracted that I don't have time to know any different. I haven't scheduled in time for my husband or myself and I know that sounds awful but if I slow down and stop for a second then it's too hard for me to keep going. It's all or nothing!

It all came to a HEAD this past Friday. I had a mini melt down (okay A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN) and because the previous 2 nights I only slept for 4 hours I didn't even have enough energy to cry. I had terrible pains in my chest, felt anxious all the time, and at one point after my second cup of coffee I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest.

So I've got some hard thinking to do in the next little while. This week was a rough one, hence the lack of interaction on this blog. Instead I've been stuffing my face with fatty foods because that is what I do when things don't work out. And I'm so disappointed in myself for doing this because nothing good ever comes of it.

BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

So that's my life as of late. How's yours?

Thursday eats

2011-08-19T00:17:00.003-06:00

sideways oatmeal.....my camera is wonky (or I don't know how to use it properly)

2 cups of strong coffee = bad idea (lesson learned)

3 samosa, beans and sausage

grapes (in case you didn't know - hehe)

chicken salad and cherries

hummus with pita bread and other yummy stuff

Wednesday eats

2011-08-17T22:31:00.003-06:00

Sorry that this blog has turned into a photo gallery of my food consumption but I have to say it's really motivating me to eat healthier. I'm more conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth and I'm expecting to see good results on the scale this Sunday because of it. Here's what I ate today:

Egg (mostly the white) with a pear for breakfast

egg salad bagel for lunch

snack during break

DIET COKE......

.......with a side of cheese (and I'm not talking about the food)

chicken salad with Italian dressing

small helping of noodles a student brought to class today

This was pretty cool!

2011-08-17T09:16:00.000-06:00

GUESS WHO?

2011-08-16T23:09:00.002-06:00

Sung Hyun is back from Korea. As soon as he arrived home he started unpacking all his goodies and made little piles in our room. He's organized like that (probably why my mom likes his so much!)

He came back with Korean canned tuna (weird!) and lots of instant packaged coffee (weirder!)

We both pretended to be excited to see each other again!

Then I tucked him into bed

OKAY............

I was pretty happy to see him, I'll admit

Tuesday eats

2011-08-16T22:58:00.002-06:00

black coffee + OIAJ (Oats In A Jar)

This breakfast is prepared the night before, left in the fridge and eaten cold the next day. I've mixed almond milk and Greek yogurt with raw oatmeal, chia seeds, cinnamon, and flax. Then in the morning I topped it off with almond butter (peanut butter would work fine too)

whole grain veggie & feta pizza with veggies

snack (blueberry banana muffin and grapes)

snack (banana and nuts/ dried blueberries)

dinner (chicken salad with Italian dressing)

snack (fruit PLUS 2 sushi rolls)

Monday eats

2011-08-16T00:33:00.004-06:00

Maybe I'm eating too much? Thoughts?

had 3 pieces

* 1 hour personal training

SUNG HYUN COMES BACK FROM KOREA TUESDAY NIGHT! YAHHHHH!!!!!

Sunday eats

2011-08-15T18:51:00.005-06:00

Warning: ONLY FOOD PHOTOS BELOW!

3 egg whites cooked with oatmeal and blueberries topped with natural peanut butter with some black iced coffee

Chickpeas with Indian spices, Greek yogurt, strawberries and carrots with a green monster to drink

How to make a green monster: 1/2 c. almond milk, 1/2 c. water, 1 frozen banana + 2 handfuls of spinach.....blend until smooth

pistachios with a plum

steak, salad, mushrooms and potatoes

watermelon

shared this plate with a friend

PIZZA!

2011-08-14T18:30:00.006-06:00

PIZZA IS MY FAVOURITE FOOD!!! I could seriously eat if everyday, hot or cold!

Okay, okay I know I talk a lot about food but last month I was wandering through the organic section in the grocery store close to my house and found this:

A whole grain wheat free, gluten free, dairy free pizza crust. And it sounded kinda healthy OR at least a nice alternative to the heavy white crust pizza I'm used to eating.

This beauty sat at the back of my mom's pantry for a good month before I decided that today (as a means of procrastination) I was going to make a pizza.

I followed the simple instruction on the back and in no time I had created 2 kinds of pizza.

A caramelized onion, ham and BBQ pizza on the left (okay on the top) and a roasted veggie and feta on the right (bottom -- stupid rotation button on iPhoto).

I have yet to try them actually but don't they look damn good?

PIZZA EVERY DAY THIS WEEK!!!!

p.s. sorry for the rotation problems ;)

Sunday weigh-in #12

2011-08-14T09:27:00.003-06:00

Up again (or sideways...ha!):

Last week.

The lowest at 150.6

Okay this might be a weight loss plateau or it may be that I'm not eating like I should. It's probably more of the later. So because I need a good kick-start, I've decided to post my food items on this blog for a week. It will start with what I eat today (Sunday).

Dinner last night (Saturday):

You know what I haven't eaten in years? KD (Kraft Dinner) and hot dogs.

Best body EVER!

2011-08-12T00:08:00.003-06:00

If I could have any body in the world, I'd have this one:

Meet Zuzana from bodyrock.tv!

Instead I have this one

My goal one day is to have a flat stomach. Is that even possible?

Week Updates

2011-08-11T22:33:00.006-06:00

Sorry folks, I've been neglecting my blog. But I wanted to stop in with some updates:

1. Please vote, if you haven't already, on the poll above. 91 of you voted and I want to see if I can break 100. Ah-ma-zing! p.s. thanks for reading!

2. Sung Hyun is still in Korea. The situation with the travel agent is this: he will pay us the full amount of the ticket at the end of August. Hummmmmm and how exactly do we know he's not just gonna ditch the country? Anyways, husband and BIL are dealing with that one.

3. I'm currently taking an intensive 1 month TESOL teaching course that will get me a LEVEL 1 Languages Canada certification. I need this certification if I want to continue to work as a sessional at my current university. No course, no job!

4. I have been enjoying my job at Regina Open Door (Immigrant centre as an English teacher fyi) and am trying to juggle that with this intensive TESOL program. I'm averaging 12 hour days.

5. Last month was sugar-free July. This month is exercise August. So far so good, but why can't I eat healthy AND exercise? I've been eating healthy food but also some junk. A gain this week?

6. I can now officially run 5K with one 1 minute walking break. Soon I'll be able to do it without any breaks. I signed up for my FIRST RACE. It's a 5K at the end of the month. Eeeeek I'm nervous!!!! Sung Hyun's running too!

7. Sung Hyun comes home from Korea on August 16th. I haven't had time to miss him because I'm too busy. How sad is that!!!

8. Got the teaching assignments for next semester. Starting September my week will look like this: 36 university teaching hours + more hours (?) for curriculum development, 9 hours teaching at R.O.D.S, 6.5 hours private teaching PLUS one graduate level university class. That should be.........INTERESTING! And I'll have NO social life, which won't be a change from how things are now.

9. I would jump back to my prestigious job in Korea in a heartbeat! Working life in Canada is just so..............complicated. The amount of time I spend reading emails and keeping up with new university policies is ridiculous. I get on average 20 emails a day. And I'm a ESL sessional. I love the teaching part of my job, not the admin part!

10. Somehow in all the craziness I still find time to read other ppl's blogs and play around on Facebook. MUST CHANGE PRIORITIES!

11. I've learned that I just can't be organized. I'm terribly disorganized. It drives me bonkers sometimes but I've just learned to adapt. It drives my mom even more bonkers. THIS disorganization has got to change.

12. I need to sit down and do some serious 'life evaluating' because a) I still don't know what I want to do with my life and b) I still live in my parents basement.

14. I'm kind of scare of what might happen as a result of Standard & Poor's recent US credit rating downgrade. That and I've already lost 10% of the money I just invested a couple months back.

15. This is the first post in a long time that I haven't included a picture. I'm writing this post because I don't want to do my TESOL homework. Along with being terribly disorganized, I'm also the worst procrastinator.

Tuesday Weigh-in #11

2011-08-09T22:42:00.002-06:00

Howdy everyone. Calgary was FUN and interesting (I'll leave it at that!). I ate A LOT of junk food this past week (including tonight!). BLUGHHHH. I feel sluggish, tired and bummed out. So I'm looking forward to tomorrow -- a day of clean eating!

You know those shirts that read: "I went to Calgary and all I got was this lousy shirt."?

Well this caption should say: "I went to Calgary and all I took was this lousy picture". SERIOUSLY! Anyone else spot my blog on my smart phone? Yah, I totally love comments so seeing 2 new ones while I was on the road rocked my day.

Thank you commenters!

And I should stop delaying the inevitable and just get on with it:

Up 0.8 from last week.

Sunday weigh-in #11

2011-08-06T00:31:00.002-06:00

Will have to weight (haha!) until I return from my trip to Calgary.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning at 4am with my family (which is in less than 4 hours -- and I haven't packed yet!). I will be getting back late on Monday so I plan to weight myself early Tuesday morning (since I've always weighed in when I wake up, I thought I'd keep it that way!)

I'm allowing myself to indulge this week because it's been a really shitty week. So even though I don't want to gain weight I have to be prepared for some minor set backs in this journey. This week might be just that!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!!! I'll be back in a few days ;)

5K in 29.56 minutes!

2011-08-05T01:43:00.008-06:00

There is ONE benefit to being mad at your husband!

YOU RUN QUICKLY

Stomach ache

2011-08-03T22:39:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow I WILL wake up with a stomach ache.

Because tonight instead of coming home from work at 9:30 pm and going for a run I decided to eat THIS:

Yup, that's 2 chocolate bars, 1/3 of a bag of chips and a glass of diet coke.

Since the beginning of this project, I've allowed myself treats here and there. The most important thing to me was not to restrict myself and make me feel like I was on a diet. I was going for small changes and if I wanted a cookie here and there I wasn't going to punish myself for it.

So this is the first time in 10 weeks where I feel like I've FAILED.

Binge eating and me go way back. Even though I knew I shouldn't have opened the second chocolate bar I still did it. And it's those feelings, of knowing you shouldn't be doing something but you do it anyway, that I'm trying to avoid.

So this week it may just be GAIN (or MAINTAIN). If I'm lucky enough to pick myself up off the ground in time.

***************************

Fall seven times, stand up eight. ~Japanese Proverb

BEING SCREWED......SUCKS!!!

2011-08-03T01:46:00.005-06:00

This is the BAD kind of screwed, as in SCAMMED!

I go through waves of emotion.

One day I'm fine about the whole situation. I pretend that Sung Hyun's family has come and gone and that we enjoyed our Canadian experience together. But then I snap back to reality and realize that Sung Hyun is in Korea enjoying his vacation with his family.

When I said good-bye to Sung Hyun as he entered the security gates at 4 am I realized that I've never been on the other side of the departure. It was always ME leaving someone and ME going through security taking off my shoes, emptying my pockets and walking through the beeper. This time it was ME watching my husband go through the process. And it felt weird. Then I felt empty and wondered if this was the feeling that my mom experienced every time I left on an adventure. Then I thought, geez I better not have kids because this would suck!

Then I decided to stop thinking, drive home and get some sleep. For the next 22 hours I worried not about if Sung Hyun was able to catch his connecting flights but if something terrible would happen to the plane. Like a crash! I continually refreshed the flight information on the airlines website thinking that if such a horrific incident occurred then it would notify me. Like the "in-flight" sign would blink "fire in progress" or "plane about to crash". Stupid I know, but I must have hit the refresh button 10 times throughout the day. I was thrilled to see the status change to "arrived". It was like 3:30 in the morning my time and I had to work the next day but I did a little happy dance (in my head) before I went to bed, but not before calling my MIL to make sure the flight was on the ground. How do you say that in Korean?

So I thought I had gotten over this situation and was doing pretty well. I was physically drained and past the point of self pity. But I'm now realizing that this is a process. A healing process. And what the travel agent did stripped me to the core and shook me up a little. It changed the way I view things. Yes, I'm thankful to have my health and I'm thinking on the positive side of things but man, whether I like it or not this situation has changed me.

I've felt sympathetic for the agent for his financial distress, guilt for using him to book my family's tickets, stress because I was running on little-to-no solid sleep, disappointment for my family, hurt because 'how could someone do this?', jealous because it's Sung Hyun in Korea and not me and now ANGER because I've just read another story about how he did this to someone else. And apparently the other person called the agent back every 30 minutes, yelled at him, threatened them with the police to make sure he would take care of the situation and book another flight. And the agent DID.

So now I'm feeling guilty again. If I had yelled at him on the phone would that have made a difference? If I had threatened to contact the police, would that have made a difference?

So one goes the healing process..........

Tomorrow my mantra is: LIFE IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!

Sugar-free July a bust?

2011-08-03T00:43:00.003-06:00

I'm counting this sugar-free July as a SUCCESS!!!!

Although I kind of cheated.

Kind of cheat #1 -- Well it's kind of stupid to start the sugar-free July by eating a chocolate bar. DUH! but I got my days mixed up so I ended my challenge August 2nd.

Kind of cheat #2 -- Then after I had eaten almond butter a couple of times I decided I should check the ingredients list because something that tastes THIS good MUST have sugar in it. And I was right!

Kind of cheat #3 -- I accidentally ate this Fiber 1 bar. Geez Jen, how do you accidentally eat a bar full of sugar? Well I was sitting at my desk at work doing curriculum stuff and the next thing you know I'd eaten the entire bar. It ended up in my lunch bag because (and this is the part that I probably shouldn't admit) my mom makes my lunch* (enter hurtful comments here)! Aside: how will I move out?

Kind of cheat #4 -- I drank some diet coke which I really wasn't counting as cheating because it's fake sugar people. And fake is better than the real stuff. No? My bad!

SO why, after all this, do I consider this challenge a success? Well, firstly it was my freaking birthday this month and I didn't have a traditional cake. My mom made a sugar-free one. YAY MOM!

Then, I turned down many chances to eat ICE CREAM. In fact, one day I said out loud, "If I wasn't doing this stupid challenge this month I would be going to DQ right now to eat ice cream".

Then when I went to dinner at a colleagues house I skipped dessert (which was a chocolate chip cheese cake, fyi). I freaking LOVE cheese cake people.

Now that I've officially said 'freaking' and addressed my readers as 'people' I think it's time I end this post ;)

p.s. the challenge for the month of August will revolve around fitness, which leaves me plenty of time to eat all the sweets I want. In fact, I'm licking almond butter off my index finger right now (wish I was joking!)

* she also washes my clothes

SCAM UPDATE!

2011-07-30T16:17:00.001-06:00

The SCAM

The update:

Sunday weigh-in #10

2011-07-30T15:19:00.008-06:00

Week TEN, Down TEN +

I don't mind that this weight loss thing is taking FOREVER because the whole point is to make small manageable changes. So far I'm proud of my progression. And (I keep telling myself) I'm not trying to win some race.

And I still like to treat myself by dipping mango into cream cheese icing for example.

I should call this YUMMM YUMMM sauce!

This was my breakfast this morning. Overnight Oats in a Jar topped with toasted coconut and almonds with a sprinkle of almond butter and blue berries.

I always weight in first thing on Sunday morning. And here's what happened this week:

Wowsers! This was last week. And here is where it all began! I can probably attribute this huge loss to all the stress of last week.

Comparison photos -- Sorry for the poor quality but I thought I would at least try to do a side-by-side

And to be honest I don't really see that much of a change. But I feel stronger and healthier and that's what counts plus my clothes are getting too big. Positive thinking people especially after my week!

THE SCAM UPDATE COMING SOON......

2011-07-30T12:14:00.003-06:00

Thank you so much to the commenter's here and on Facebook. I'm in the process of uploading an update video on the scam. When the upload is done I'll post it on my blog.

In the meantime, during this week from hell, I celebrated my birthday. My mom made me sugar-free carrot and cream cheese cupcakes.

I bet you can guess what I wished for!

THE SCAM!

2011-07-26T21:37:00.008-06:00

If you came here from FACEBOOK, click HERE for a little background before you watch this video.

Sorry this all happened at 3:00 am our time.

In other words, 4 months ago we sent our Korean travel agent money to the app. sum of $9000 so he could book our family's vacation to Canada. Our travel agent called my niece one day before their departure (Tuesday 9:00 am) telling her that the tickets got cancelled.

The tickets were cancelled as a result of our travel agent not paying the airline company the money for the ticket. After contacting the travel agent ourselves from Canada he continued to say that he couldn't buy the tickets for us because he was having problems with his business. We told him he had 1 hour to come up with the money and make this right.

In the mean time we contacted a few of our connections in Korea. They too contacted the travel agent and he kept repeating the same thing: "I'm sorry I can't pay, I will try to pay you later...." We have asked what his plan was for how he was going to pay us back our ten thousand plus dollars and he didn't have an answer for us. I kept hearing Sung Hyun say over the phone "please explain to me what your plan is to return our money.....explain how you will get the money back to us please......explain how you will be able to afford to pay us this money in 1 month if you don't have it now?"

*EDIT -- This man has been my personal travel agent for the full duration of my time in Canada (5 years). I have purchased more than 20 tickets through him. So I don't believe I'm being naive for sending him such a large sum of money (since we were purchasing 4 tickets) and it's not like I had any reason not to believe he'd buy these tickets.

**EDIT -- The reason why Koreans book tickets through travel agencies is because the ticket prices are cheaper. In this case EVERY TIME I purchased a ticket in Korea I went on to various online ticketing sites to check for myself. I'm certainly not afraid and certainly aware of how to buy tickets myself. Even among different travel agents there is a price difference of a couple hundred dollars for the exact same ticket. And every time I book my tickets with THIS Korean company I also sent out an email to other travel agencies in Korea for a price request.

*** Thanks for all your comments they are insightful and are helping me! They are making me think of different options that I haven't pondered!

So as it stands, our family DIDN'T make it on the plane to Canada and we are out money for the airplane tickets. Additionally, all the events that I preplanned and paid for in Canada are non refundable including our two room/ two night stay at the hotel in Calgary.

We've been SCAMMED!

ASIAN INVASION!

2011-07-25T22:33:00.008-06:00

"The Asians are coming, the Asians are coming....."

Yes it's true, Sung Hyun's mom, oldest sister and 2 nieces are coming to Canada and they land here in 2 days. We've been frantically preparing for their arrival. We're calling it OPERATION ASIAN INVASION (jokingly of course!)

They are staying "with us". And by "with us" we mean our parents house because that's where we live right now. Nothing like squishing 8 people into 1 house for 15 days. Who am I kidding, they will probably think our house is a hotel.

And remember our major basement issue? The one that forced us to sleep RIGHT next to our parents with only one wall separating us. Yah, no fun! Well, our room in the basement is finally put back together. See my excitement:

I apologize for my sweatiness. I just finished my personal training at the gym. Yah for exercise!

Notice the wall colour change? Yah, I didn't think so!

And look at me, the MOST unorganized person making an itinerary for their stay. GO ME!! And remember how I was complaining about how boring my city is and a few of you commenter's suggested that I GO find things to do? Well I never thought I'd be able to entertain my Korean family for 15 days, but check this out:

Wed July 27 -- Arrive at 8:30 pm

Thur July 28 -- MY BIRTHDAY!!!! Go shopping for food, private teach, spend a day in my class (meet my students -- I've already told my Korean student that he's the translator, hehe). Go to a class at my gym. EAT KOREAN food at the local restaurant.

Fri July 29 -- learn how to make Korean food, BBQ party in my house to celebrate my birthday

Sat July 20 -- Dragon Boat Festival in the park, leave for camping, sleep in tent (haha)

Sun July 21 -- go to the beach at the camping site

Mon Aug 1 -- shopping! go the The North Face store.

Tues Aug 2 -- horse riding lessons, RCMP Sunset Ceremony

Wed Aug 3 -- Pancake breakfast fundraiser (to support my dad's Rotary club), BBQ in the park, canoe ride around the lake, Sung Hyun's soccer game at 6:00 pm

Thur Aug 4 -- Moose Jaw Spa/ Casino

Fri Aug 5 -- Exhibition (highlights: Chinese Acrobats, hypnotist)

Sat Aug 6 -- Leave for Banff at 3:00 am arrive at noon, shopping, tour of the ice fields, and Lake Louise. Remember this?

Sun Aug 7 -- Calgary, shopping, Calgary tower

Mon Aug 8 -- drive back to Regina

Tues Aug 9 -- rest & pack, good-bye dinner (nice restaurant!)

Wed Aug 10 -- leave in a.m. ;(

I'm totally ready for ASIAN INVASION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND a million and one kisses (and butt slaps!) -- I'm not gonna lie!

Sunday weigh-in #9

2011-07-24T10:32:00.004-06:00

Randomness (what I'm good at!):

A ramdom snack this week. Apple slices with cinnamon, dates with almond butter, and water with lime and mint. What a thirst quencher!

On Saturday morning I really wanted to top my multi grain bread with a mini nutella. But sugar was the second ingredient and I'm still going strong with my sugar-free July!

So instead I topped it off with natural peanut butter. The only ingredient is this baby is peanuts. As you can tell I'm not so happy. Little choices is what I keep telling myself!

Quinoa, with tofu and veggies smothered in mmm sauce.....

MANGO! A yummy summer treat

And sometimes life calls for a big ole' plate of nachos for dinner. This was Saturday night supper. Guilty as charged (check out that face)!!! But I also keep telling myself everything in moderation.

I also treated myself to pizza twice this week. YAH! I love how I'm choosing healthy food but still allowing myself to enjoy foods I absolutely LOVE. I also had an intense personal training session on Monday. And ran 5K twice. Once by myself and once with my husband. He's joining this movement too.

And here's what happened this week:

YAHHHHHHH! Last week here. First week here.

I'm thinking next week if I lose those .8 pounds it's time for some body shots. Exciting!